Design
During this phase we make every effort to create a design that will have a positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood and maintain the homes original charm and character upon completion, all while meeting the needs of the modern family. This includes maintaining the same roof lines as neighboring houses, installing period correct finishes (i.e. plumbing fixtures, flooring, etc.) and creating front porch living areas to revive community involvement.
Deconstruction
As a Seattle area deconstruction contractor, we use techniques to remove portions of the project necessary for the new addition or expansion. Deconstruction means we take the house apart piece by piece saving all reusable material. When possible we use the salvaged material in the new portion of the project. The rest of the material is taken to the various reuse stores in the Seattle area. This includes all electrical, plumbing, lumber, fixtures, etc. All material that is not salvageable is recycled when possible.
Framing
In the framing process we strive to use either salvaged or Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) lumber. FSC means that the land from where the wood originated has undergone FSC certification proving that their working forests are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. When possible we construct walls with studs at 24” on center as opposed to 16” on center. This technique reduces the amount of material necessary to frame a wall.
Materials and Fixtures
Within the additions and expansions we strive to use the following environmentally friendly and/or healthy building techniques:
- Local materials
- Salvaged materials
- Sustainable materials (i.e. dovetail joinery for cabinets and furniture)
- Rapidly renewable materials (i.e. bamboo)
- High recycled content materials (i.e. paper stone countertop)
- Recyclable materials (i.e. plastic lumber systems)
- Low VOC emitting paints, stains, glues and sealers
- Energy efficient fixtures and appliances (i.e. Energy Star light fixtures)
- Water efficient fixtures and appliances