Gated Entry with access control by PROJECT: automate greatly enhances security. Create individual codes for each person you want to grant access from the keypad which can be substituted for biometric fingerprint reader, RFID tag, Bluetooth, or Color touchscreen keypad with Bluetooth. Available in many finishes to suit a theme.

With code risers and additional center balusters, this outdoor spiral staircase meets code and provides a safe means of access for you and your guests.

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

This project, in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, added a backyard office / guest room above an existing garage and workshop. The owners wanted their new cottage to match the style of the existing house. There were several challenges. The garage was nonconforming on the rear and side, i.e. the existing structure was too close to the property lines. The new second story had to conform to the setback requirements, so on both the side and back it had to be offset from the garage walls below. The design balances this asymmetry by means of a “false front” on the north side of the garage, through which the stairs to the new upstairs DADU are accessed. The existing garage had some structural issues, and had to be reinforced to support its new upper story. The site was small, and the buildable area limited – for this reason the backyard cottage had to be very compact. And because it was limited by code to 800 s.f., including the existing garage and new exterior stairs, there wasn’t much space to work with. In the end the design met the owners’ goals, and is functioning well as a home office (and occasional guest bedroom). Incidentally the limited size also helped keep the project within a tight budget. The total square footage is 658 s.f. (378 s.f. garage, 280 s.f. upper unit). By the way “Carriage House” originally meant a small outbuilding to house horse-drawn carriages. Today it generally means an accessory structure which contains a garage below, and a living unit above. The City of Seattle is considering changes to the Land Use Code to facilitate the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family zones: http://www.seattle.gov/council/adu-eis

Updating historic John Hudson Thomas-designed Berkeley bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

Updating historic John Hudson Thomas-designed Berkeley bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

A Mid Century modern home built by a student of Eichler. This Eichler inspired home was completely renovated and restored to meet current structural, electrical, and energy efficiency codes as it was in serious disrepair when purchased as well as numerous and various design elements being inconsistent with the original architectural from subsequent renovations. The Pool and backyard was redesigned to accommodate for wheelchair accessibility.

Updating historic John Hudson Thomas-designed Berkeley bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

Updating historic John Hudson Thomas-designed Berkeley bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

Door entry with smart lock and video doorbell all accessed through one app. Imagine a person rings the doorbell and you can unlock the door with just a touch of your finger. No more giving codes out and wondering who they shared the code with.

Updating historic John Hudson Thomas-designed Berkeley bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

Updating historic John Hudson Thomas-designed Berkeley bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

Insulate walls and ceiling to code. Install vapor barrier to code. Blue board and plaster with smooth finish all new walls and ceiling area in finished office space. Storage area to remain unfinished behind access areas. Install new windows in attic. Install all baseboard, door and window trim as chosen by customer. Prime and paint all new wall, trim and ceiling areas in attic and office space with new stairway.

This customer needed secure gates to control access to their back patio with a keypad lock to control access and allow family with the code freely get in and out with out a key. The design of the slats was modern horizontal to match the modern fencing they did. It also allowed privacy so traffic from the street could not see into their backyard.

Exterior spiral staircase kit from Salter Spiral Stairs. The space was designated a commercial zone due to location the stairs needed to be rated for commercial codes, thus the two railings. Portland Stair Company

The owners of this Hopkins two-story home were looking to transform a 3-season porch into a new great room, while adding a finished basement bedroom below and amazing deck above; and make it look like it was always there - part of the original house. The basement was designed and constructed for Minnesota winters. After the site was excavated, new walls were constructed beginning with R-10 Exterior Insulation and waterproofing on a newly poured concrete foundation. Then framing up walls and finally installing the drywall. Drain tile and a sump pump were installed around the perimeter to keep moisture out and the bedroom dry. A second HVAC system was also added to provide separate zoned heating in the basement and first floor. The new basement’s 480 sq. ft. space includes bedroom with large walk-in closet and additional storage accessible from the adjacent existing family room. Two side-by-side egress windows were installed to make this a legal bedroom. The bonus: The windows brighten the bedroom with lots of natural light from a southern exposure. In the exterior photo you can see a unique window well treatment, using larger rocks and boulders to create a natural look while meeting building codes. The first floor Great Room is just that: almost 500 sq. feet of open, bright space off the existing kitchen. Makes home entertaining easy. A sliding glass door and short flight of stairs invites guests into the back yard patio for a bonfire, barbeque, or some putting. The patio features a unique design using stone slabs of varying shapes to create a one-of-a-kind look. On the second floor we replaced a window and added a sliding glass door for easy access to the new deck. It’s made with the same materials and design used on the ground level patio. To keep water, snow, and ice outside the roof is made with a special membrane surrounded by an integral gutter with downspouts. The post-to-post tempered glass railings make this deck feel wide open to a surprisingly secluded back yard. Finally, we used grey cement board for the siding, matching the white trim around doors and windows. This project added almost 1,000 sq. ft. of interior living space and another 500 sq. ft. of second floor deck, constructed in a way to last a lifetime. And the addition really doesn’t look like an addition. It feels wide open to a surprisingly secluded back yard.

Updating historic John Hudson Thomas-designed Berkeley bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

This project, in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, added a backyard office / guest room above an existing garage and workshop. The owners wanted their new cottage to match the style of the existing house. There were several challenges. The garage was nonconforming on the rear and side, i.e. the existing structure was too close to the property lines. The new second story had to conform to the setback requirements, so on both the side and back it had to be offset from the garage walls below. The design balances this asymmetry by means of a “false front” on the north side of the garage, through which the stairs to the new upstairs DADU are accessed. The existing garage had some structural issues, and had to be reinforced to support its new upper story. The site was small, and the buildable area limited – for this reason the backyard cottage had to be very compact. And because it was limited by code to 800 s.f., including the existing garage and new exterior stairs, there wasn’t much space to work with. In the end the design met the owners’ goals, and is functioning well as a home office (and occasional guest bedroom). Incidentally the limited size also helped keep the project within a tight budget. The total square footage is 658 s.f. (378 s.f. garage, 280 s.f. upper unit). By the way “Carriage House” originally meant a small outbuilding to house horse-drawn carriages. Today it generally means an accessory structure which contains a garage below, and a living unit above. The City of Seattle is considering changes to the Land Use Code to facilitate the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family zones: http://www.seattle.gov/council/adu-eis