A brick masonry skirt about to receive a soldier course with rowlock and then a mortar wash before being flashed under the building wrap. These are the behind-the-scenes details a client will never see but will appreciate nonetheless through their peace of mind.

The brick masonry skirt with soldier and rowlock ready to receive cedar shake siding. Details within details. Notice the copper window pans under the windows - nicely wrapped in bituthene wrap over the 30# felt building wrap. The details you don't see in the end are the ones that really matter.

Board and batten in progress

Board and batten in progress

These days steel has become ubiquitous. With open floor plans and more stringent building codes, integrating steel can become a challenge for many framers. Here, it is gracefully merged with wood framing to provide open views of the water while providing strength and stability for the structure.

Roof framing

Roof framing with intermediate knee wall...notice the 30# felt installed before the rafter against the wall. The wall on the right is shear wall that required sheathing before we framed the lower roof. The upper gable was built on the ground and flown into place for safety reasons.

Integration of steel and wood framing

Careful framing with LVLs over a bank of windows to maximize views of the water...notice the bead board ceiling already installed along with HVAC and electrical rough-ins while scaffold was still up...do it while you're there!

Where it all started...that's me on the column form fresh out of Clemson engineering...anyone recognize that stadium? Yep. The Gamecocks needed a Clemson engineer to get it built right!

Roof framing has begun. Notice all the lumber is covered and protected from weather until installed. The bottom layer of sheathing is treated to provide longevity and decay resistance.

T1-11 siding was installed face down to simulate a plank ceiling as a value engineering measure on this porch. We installed another layer of roof sheathing over this layer to avoid roofing nails sticking through and being visible.

Close-up view of the T1-11 porch ceiling detail

Copper window pan never to be seen again, but a critical detail for keeping the water outside the house.

Judges panel ceiling meets board & batten interior walls. The top detail of the wall was added to emulate a detail our client saw in a house on Lady's Island and to provide a type of "crown molding" in the room. No drywall in this house!

Another view of this judge's panel ceiling with board & batten walls

Beaded ceiling in this room with tongue & groove wall paneling - no drywall in this house!

Another lesson in sequencing and maximizing opportunities...this beaded ceiling was installed prior to the brick being installed on the fireplace for a better fit and finish..sequencing is critical to quality by allowing craftsmen to do their best work at the best time.

A broader view of this soffit vent detail before being covered with the 2x4 fascia. The exposed rafter was cut to receive bead board in the same plane as the vent. This allowed us to vent the roof while allowing the bead detail and keeping the creepy crawlies out.

You have to love framers! This gentleman, Mike, has to be one of the best framers with whom I've had the pleasure to work. He earned his stripes building at Cape Cod.

Roof framing with exposed rafter tails.

So many times it's what you don't see that matters...in this case it's the cast iron pipe used for waste drops that keeps the noise away. These bathrooms were located above a family living space.

Copper window pans peaking out under these windows.

Almost there on this porch fireplace...

Like I said, I love windows in showers!

Notice the careful alignment of the V-groove paneling on both sides of the treads...maybe I'm a little OCD, but it's a very thoughtful and visually pleasing detail. My client appreciated it.

an Ipee deck in the works on this ocean front home

Almost done and working our way to the beach...

More cast iron waste piping to minimize noise from bathrooms above this living space

Yes, we build concrete houses. This was the beginning of a two story build on the intracoastal waterway just south of Charleston. 12" thick foundation walls served as the base of the two story ICF structure. When complete, the house was nearly sound-proof with an overall building envelope R-value...

Every window and door on this house was hand made wit cypress. Notice the butted glass corner.

Even the mechanical screening had details...

Custom cabinets in progress with a thickened edge granite top

Every little detail matters

Brazilian cherry inlay in this heart pine floor

These were a beast to form and pour, but the client loved them so it was worth every broken back and callused hand..

The family room is coming along...the recesses are for built-in speakers

Yes, we have built metal-framed houses...this one was insulated with spray foam

The first layer of ICF forms is attached to 12" CMU to keep the foam a minimum of 12" above ground level. We've built many concrete/ICF homes. It's not for everybody, but those who have them love them.

Crawlspace level ready for inspection!

Pouring 1st floor walls on this ICF house on Bohicket Creek

Roof framing over ICF structure

Yes, we've built log homes. This one was for the father of the local BK Cypress guys.

A long way from home! The view from the end of the dock on this Stono Ferry home.

Merging the old with the new...ICF meets timberframe.

Contemporary build at Folly Beach. The style and color selection were chosen to reflect the frivolity and playful nature of the locale

Finishing up the details on this flaired staircase...Brazilian Cherry treads, American Cherry rail cap, wrought iron pickets, and paneled wainscoting.

Almost there...