by Charles Hendricks | Jul 18, 2024 | architecture, Historic Renovation, Indoor Air Quality
This year we have seen a lot of home renovation and addition projects. These are exciting projects to design because we get to make our clients’ existing homes into their dream homes. We hear about what is not working and come up with ways to make them fit the lives our clients want to live in the places they already call home. The return on investment for these types of projects is critical. In this case, “return on investment” means that the space directly contributes to making the existing home into their dream home.
Kitchen Renovations
Beulah Kitchen Addition
Some of the best payback on investment can be seen with kitchen renovations. An updated, beautiful, and highly functional timeless kitchen is the heart of the home for most of our projects. Getting the cabinets and cabinet hardware to look great and have a high-quality finish is key to making the most of your investment. Figuring out how to make the space as functional as possible for the way you want to cook, entertain, and gather is the most important part of this design work.
Bathroom Remodels
Casa Cielo Bathroom
Similarly, the bathroom remodel has a high impact on an existing house. Upgrading the lighting, flooring, tiles, and shower can make all the difference when thinking about your dream home. Adding body sprayers and an adjustable shower head can make the bathroom future proof for you and spa like on the daily. Thinking through accessibility challenges that might happen is also an important part of this space.
Upgrades and Updates
Important, but not always on top of mind, are energy-efficiency, durability, and indoor-air-quality upgrades and updates. Often in existing homes you already know the products that were used that need a coat of paint every year. You know which room is always cold in the winter. When you are doing a renovation, be sure to fix those issues, then track your energy usage. You will be thrilled to save money monthly. More importantly, you will have comfortable spaces that have healthy indoor air quality, and you will not have to “honey-do” home improvements every weekend with these new durable products.
Curb Appeal
Historic Porch Renovation/Restoration
Another idea to make your home remodel the best investment possible is to make it look incredible from the street. Update the landscaping with native plants, scrape and repaint anything that is peeling (or replace old siding with something low maintenance), and make sure the water is going away from the foundation. Adding a deck, patio, or porch is also an easy way to expand your livable space and provide an aesthetic update to a home. These spaces will become favorites if they are placed in the right way around your house to take advantage of the breeze, provide shade, and offer additional gathering options. Don’t forget about adding an outdoor kitchen to bring the party to the outside of your home.
When you are thinking about a renovation or addition to your home, make the return on investment a part of the decision-making process. This does not mean just doing things that will increase the sale price of your home, it is the quality of life that can be provided through the renovation that provides the best return on investment. Do the things that make your home your dream home.
by Charles Hendricks | Jul 11, 2024 | Building Science, Indoor Air Quality
As we design new custom homes and renovate existing homes into dream homes, we have to think about indoor air quality issues. Studies have shown that we spend 90% of our time indoors. Scientists have reported that warming temperatures have a direct impact on seasonal allergies such as tree pollen. I know my seasonal allergies are impacting me daily! We have also seen a rise in airborne viruses. Add the pollen and viruses together with building code requirements for tighter and more energy efficiency and you get indoor air quality challenges in your home.
Filters
There are ways to design better systems that not only filter out pollen but clean the air in your home to a point where you will get sick less often. The first line of defense is a high-efficiency air filter for your heating and cooling system. This filter should have a MERV 13 or higher rating with pleats that catch allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Then you need to remember to replace the filter on a regular basis. I use a 5” pleated filter in my system at home which should be changed every 6 months. Many filters require a 1 – 3 month change if they are not as robust as a 5” pleated option.
In addition to a quality filter, you may think about installing an air purification system on your return duct, such as a UV germicidal lamp. These systems will kill viruses that land on the coils of your HVAC system.
Humidity
Humidity control inside your home is also a key feature to keeping mold from growing. This is not only done with your air conditioning system but could also include a dehumidifier. Other impacts to indoor humidity are insulation in your thermal envelope of the home, the water management system on the exterior of the walls and roof, and the source of fresh air. Keeping humidity below 50% reduces the chances of mold growth.
HVAC System
A quality HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system will include ducts and vents that have 10% or less air leakage before they get to the room they are intended to heat and cool. This is not the normal standard air leakage I see in ductwork for many existing homes. You may also consider adding ventilation to your HVAC system if the house is tight enough to need it. This can also be done in the return duct using an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator).
Keeping your HVAC system running efficiently can also contribute to better indoor air quality. This regular maintenance will verify that all systems are functioning properly. The company doing this work will also look at preventative measures to keep your system functioning properly.
Materials
Thinking through the materials inside your home is another important indoor air quality design strategy. You will want to make sure that you don’t add anything that has toxic off-gassing once installed. There are many glues, paints, and stains that no longer have VOC’s. Using hypoallergenic furnishings and carpets is also recommended. Paying attention to your ductwork install is also important. Masking off ducts during construction keeps them clean prior to startup.
If you are like me – itchy eyes, running nose, and a seasonal cough – you will want to do everything you can to improve your indoor air quality. It will pay off in less sick days, more energy, and a clearer head.
by Charles Hendricks | Apr 8, 2024 | architecture, Indoor Air Quality, resources
When doing a renovation, it is important to take a holistic view of what is possible. Most of the renovation and addition projects we receive start with a challenge such as – we want to add a primary bedroom on the first floor to make our home a lifetime home. This is a great place to start and we love taking on that challenge.
As a full-service design firm, we can evaluate the existing home for structural systems, aesthetics, function,
aging-in-place, and efficiency. We look at how the existing home is built and how to most efficiently add the desired space. We offer aesthetic solutions coupled with building science and efficiency expertise. We think through aging-in-place standards to make the home as adaptable as possible over time.
For many additions or renovations, there is an opportunity to add the right
insulation in the right places and upgrade the
mechanical systems, while making the space functional and beautiful. We don’t stop at picking out just the right tile and cabinets, we make sure the renovation addresses monthly utility bills and the durability of the structure. This holistic approach provides the highest value to our clients for their investment.
If you are thinking about doing a renovation or addition, consider adding durability, indoor air quality, and
comfort to your list of priorities. This brings your investment into a long-lasting value-added proposition.
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 23, 2024 | architecture, Indoor Air Quality
We have had the opportunity to design beautiful luxury homes for a variety of clients with a variety of goals. The design of a luxury home always goes beyond aesthetics – we focus on creating a unique, functional, comfortable home that facilitates the life our clients want to live in this new place. Some of the considerations we make include the following:
- Individual Style
- Luxury homes are a reflection of our client’s individual styles, tastes, personality, and experiences. This new home will be an expression of our clients through unique features, details, finishes, and spaces.
- Enhanced comfort and livability
- Low maintenance
- Using the right materials in the right place that have been time-tested provides durability for years in a luxury home. You don’t want to have to worry about fixing your home, you deserve to enjoy your home.
- Seamless indoor-outdoor connections
- The integration of indoor to outdoor spaces through large windows and doors is a key to the luxurious feeling we want for each of our custom homes. We have also seen a surge of outdoor living spaces from decks to patios to pools.
- Smart Home Technology
- There are luxury home enhancements that allow for control of lighting, climate, security, and entertainment through smart technology that we often integrate seamlessly into each design. You can manage your home easily and even predict issues before they become issues.
- Personalization
- Detail
- While the overall design and spaces are very important, so is the attention to detail. From cabinetry to trim we set the standards and team up with the experts that can deliver the quality that is deserved in each design.
- Exclusivity
- A luxury home is designed in a way that creates an ambiance of exclusivity, style, and function. This is not to exclude anyone, rather it is to invite in the life you want to live in this new place.
- Investment Value
- We work hard to understand the real estate market so that our clients can maximize their investment in their luxury home. While there are some things that you will want to do regardless of resale value – there are others we can guide you through so that you maximize your home’s value, should you take it to market. We don’t fall for the fads, we incorporate timeless high-quality design options in every project.
- Innovation
- Our luxury homes are unique in their shape, forms, mechanical systems, and structural elements – but not just for the sake of being different. We work hard to understand the construction materials and systems available and to know how to build a luxury home to match your dreams most economically.
In summary, an architect is required to achieve a true luxury home that is personalized to your style and functional needs. An architect takes your home beyond the superficial aesthetics and delivers something specific to your dreams. The attention to detail starts in the mechanical system and extends to the cabinetry and trim. I have heard years after someone has enjoyed their luxury home how our design has made their dream life more possible.
“I don’t know how you knew we would need that in our home, but it works, and we love it.”
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 21, 2024 | architecture, Building Science, Green Building, green term defined, Indoor Air Quality
Do you have a cold house? This cold snap has been a great reminder of all the things you can do to your home to stay warm and comfortable. From air leaks to missing insulation to old windows, there are many things that can be improved in most homes.
Even if you are not ready to call in the contractors, there are simple things that you can fix on your own to make your home more resilient.
Stop the air leaks around every electrical outlet and light switch.
That’s right, air leaks exist around every electrical outlet and light switch in your home! Yes, your windows are also a source of air leakage, but first you need to stop these points. You probably have a lot more linear leak potential around outlets than you have window problems.
Seal around light fixtures and window trim.
Sealing around your light fixtures and window trim is also an easy way to help your home, and you can do this yourself. Caulk those joints where two materials come together. Here is more on how to pick the right caulk.
Think through other air leak areas.
Basically, you’re doing it right now because you’re reading this blog. Think about where the air leaks could occur – think about all the places drywall was cut to install a vent, outlet, access panel, window, or light.
Good insulation is key!
- Adding the right insulation in the right place is critical. Start in the attic, that “extra blanket you put over the house to keep the warm air inside“.
- Add insulating curtains and open them when the sun is warm and close them when you want to trap the warm air in your home.Utilizing natural light is a great way to save you money.
- Once the attic insulation is right, you should have someone conduct an energy audit to determine where else you need insulation corrections.
What is an energy audit?
Indoor Air Quality
Thinking about your indoor air quality will help you stay well during these cold months when you’re spending more time indoors.
More Winter Considerations
Other winter considerations to cut your electric bill while staying warm are your fireplace, outside mechanical systems, windows, and duct leakage. All of these things impact your comfort and energy usage. If you have single pane windows you can add plexi inside of them or cover them in plastic for now – replacement is a longer term solution. If you have air leaks and missing weatherstripping, replace it. If you have insulation falling down in your crawl space put it back into place until you can encapsulate your crawl. If you have pipes coming through walls with air space around them, seal it up.
On cold days like this, I am very happy that we choose to focus on building science solutions that are proven and tested for our client’s custom homes. I know that they are comfortable in their dream homes.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 16, 2023 | architecture, Indoor Air Quality
These cold mornings have me thinking about how much I appreciate the work done to make my old house more comfortable. The best investment we made when purchasing an existing home was to get a home inspection. That way we had a solid list of how the home was working. After all, a home is the most complicated machine you will ever own.
There are many items in an existing home that I wanted evaluated by my home inspector, including the roof shingles, heating and cooling system, and electrical service. While home inspectors are not experts in all products, picking one that has the right experience and depth of knowledge will produce a comprehensive report and how-to manual for your new home.
From that report, I was able to learn more about and prioritize where to invest my maintenance budget to keep my new home as efficient as possible and keep me as comfortable as possible on these cold winter nights. We immediately replaced our heating and cooling system (below) which was 15 years old – which is the average lifespan of a heat pump. We also decided to add a ducted mini-split to maximize efficiency.
Along with efficiency, we focused on indoor air quality by picking a charcoal filter and UV light (right) to kill viruses in the air. This was before the pandemic, so I have been very thankful for this investment over the last few years.
Old attic insulation (above) and new insulation (below).
Old HVAC (above) and new HVAC (right).
When we moved into the house, I also utilized thermal imaging (right) to determine where we needed to add or change our insulation to keep comfortable. Our attic insulation was well below the minimum required by today’s standards, which would lead to high energy bills if we wanted to keep comfortable in cold weather. We insulated our attic (above) and added insulation in the basement to reduce air infiltration and plug up holes used by mice to get into our warm space.
