Want to know more about what’s involved with building your project? Learn about a wide variety of custom home and remodeling construction topics on Knock Knock blog.

Do I Need A Building Permit for That?

Posted on 11/27/2017
in Construction, Knock Knock
5 Comments

Every contractor and every Architect has heard the question many times – “Do I need a building permit for my project?”

Or to put it more accurately, “Do I need to pay for an expensive building permit, and go through the hassle and delays of inspections for my simple little project?”

In other words, “If I’m supposed to get a permit but don’t, what’s the harm?”

Most municipalities have a list of projects that require permits, so the first question’s often easy to answer.  The other questions are a little more complicated.

But first let’s take a look at what permits are for in the first place.

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prairie ranch remodel

The Vertical Option – Adding Space in Mid-Century Moderns and Ranches

Posted on 11/19/2017
in Construction, Knock Knock, Renovation Design
2 Comments

Single-story homes were at the height of their popularity in the middle of the 20th century. Those designed with traditional styling have always been called “ranches”; less traditional ones are now often called “mid-century Modern”. Mid-century modern and ranch additions have become a big part of our Architectural practice.

Remodeling these middle-aged homes is becoming extremely popular to a wide range of homeowners – younger families like that they’re often in well-established suburbs with good school systems; older buyers like the one-floor living.

Some of the ranches I’ve been asked to help remodel didn’t need much more than a tasteful “facelift” and some new finishes. But frequently my clients also need to add some space, or want to do something about the low ceilings that are common in these homes.

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What Is Quality Construction?

Posted on 08/02/2017
in Construction, Details and Materials, Knock Knock
0 Comments

A friend of mine put me on the spot when she asked me over to take a look at the new home she was looking to purchase.  “I’m not sure what I should be looking for” she asked. “What is quality construction?”

For the price, sure, it was decent quality; it wasn’t in danger of collapse, the doorknobs weren’t falling off, and water wasn’t dripping through a leaky roof – but it wasn’t a showcase of construction skill either.

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When Is It Too Cold To Build A House?

Posted on 09/16/2016
in Construction, Knock Knock
6 Comments

Years ago, before I’d thought of Architecture as a career, I worked summers as a construction laborer and framing carpenter. Some days, working outside was great fun for an 18-year old (read:summertime). I learned a lot about construction those two years, including the fact that construction doesn’t only happen on sunny, warm, summer days. And I wondered, when is it too cold to build a house?

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contemporary home office

Energy Efficient Home Design

Posted on 06/25/2016
in Construction, Custom Home Design, Knock Knock
0 Comments

If you’re not yet giving much thought to how much energy your new house is going to use, and how much it’s going to waste, then it’s time you started thinking about energy efficient home design.

It should be one of your top priorities – if for no other reason than your own pocketbook.

Energy used for heating and cooling homes is going to continue to get more expensive and as we’ve seen recently, world politics can quickly and dramatically affect your access to cheap energy.

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Choosing a Home Builder is an Important Decision – Here’s How to Get it Right

Posted on 03/27/2013
in Blog To Do, Construction, Knock Knock
1 Comment

It’s the question every client asks at some point during the design process: “What builders do you recommend?”

Many people who are considering building a new home worry more about choosing a builder even before they think about the Architect, the house design, decorating, a property to build on, or anything else.

Why? Because ultimately, the builder is the one responsible for getting it done right; the guy you’ll be writing the really big checks to.

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How to Soundproof Your House

Posted on 03/17/2012
in Blog To Do, Construction, Details and Materials, Knock Knock
1 Comment

It’s a common complaint among city-dwellers that the walls and floors separating one apartment from another allow sounds from one side to pass too easily through to the other.

It’s one of the reasons people move away from the city.

But acoustical privacy is becoming a problem in some suburban areas too – as land prices increase, lots are getting smaller and houses are getting closer together. Houses are also getting closer to the street and its associated noise pollution.

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Basement or Crawl Space?

Posted on 10/24/2011
in Blog To Do, Construction, Details and Materials, Knock Knock
0 Comments

In some parts of the USA this question’s irrelevant – there are few basements or crawl spaces in the desert southwest, the Alaskan tundra, or anywhere else that it’s not practical to excavate a foundation.

But here in Midwestern America it’s a frequent concern.

Most homes I design or add to have at least a partial basement; the real questions are whether to excavate an entire basement, or just part, and how deep.

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