The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 3

Wo-Built's Second Floor Addition Project

"My favorite feature, was however, the heat recovery unit for the waste water."
Photo © 2008 Wo-Built Inc.

A good building does not just have WOW design and impressive features, even though this is what makes a space look amazing, but it is also depends on the smaller elements. Our client was a driving force in asking us to provide energy efficient measures. Higher R-Values (refers to the amount of heat transfer through a structure – the higher the R-value the better the insulation) were a given. My favorite feature, was however, the heat recovery unit for the waste water. Warm water from the waste drain heats up the water supply to flow through the water heater, hence requires less energy to heat the water to the desired temperature.

Love it!

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built's Projects
Wo-Built's Second Floor Addition Project
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of an Addition Project: Part 1
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 2
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 3

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The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 2

Wo-Built's Second Floor Addition Project
"...allowing plenty of daylight to penetrate to the lower level as the staircase has a very open design."
Photo © 2008 Wo-Built Inc.

The open concept brought with it another challenge: how does one keep it from feeling dark during the day. The windows on the walls are large, but as everyone knows daylight diminishes in intensity quickly leaving the center of the space dark. Daylight can also have a rather gloomy quality.

With the addition of a second story it was not feasible to introduce skylights in the ceiling in the center of the room (this would have really diminished the quality of the rooms upstairs), but we could brighten the staircase with two large and spectacular side by side skylights. We achieved two effects: making the staircase a feature in the room and allowing plenty of daylight to penetrate to the lower level as the staircase has a very open design.

As a designer/contractor we have a need to balance design with practicalities, such as making sure that the heat loss through the windows is kept low and acceptable. Would one skylight have been enough to light the staircase? No doubt it would have brought some daylight down, but it would not have had the WOW effect that was achieved with the installation of 2 skylights. Comfort is not just providing energy efficient solutions, but also providing light, lightness and visual stimulation.

Hip-hip hurrah for a great solution!
Stay tuned for part 3 of our addition project.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

Wo-Built's Second Floor Addition Project
"...we could brighten the staircase with two large and spectacular side by side skylights."

Photo © 2008 Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built's ProjectsWo-Built's Second Floor Addition ProjectWo-Built Inc.: The Development of an Addition Project: Part 1Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 2Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 3

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The Development of an Addition Project: Part 1

Wo-Built's Second Floor Addition Project
Photo © 2008 Wo-Built Inc.

This year we were fortunate in being a part of an addition project and its many challenges. In this project we gutted the main floor to create a totally open concept space. In a space like this there are two main challenges: integrating a large visual element such as a kitchen and lighting the space that accentuates positively in a comfortable way.

The kitchen has to be an integral part that stands out and makes a statement, but does not dominate to the detriment of the remaining space. The kitchen needs to be designed in such a way that it looks included in the space - not just to stand out in one area with no relationship to the rest.

We (the client and our wo-built team) managed to integrate the kitchen by continuing the cabinets on the opposite side of the kitchen, hence tying the space together. The client’s furniture also added a correct scale to the place.

The lighting in a large room is always a challenge. It is absolutely vital to have an up-lighting component in one or more areas to ensure that the ceiling does not feel too low. A bright ceiling makes a room feel higher. Lighting of the perimeter is necessary to brighten the boundaries of the space for reference. Light walls make a room feel larger.

Our client wanted to match the kitchen cabinets with their existing furniture and opted for a rich dark finish which presented a challenge for the lighting. The pot lights were continued around the perimeter for definition, but because of the dark finish the area would have looked too dark due to the very little reflection coming off the cabinets. The area was brightened with pendent light fixtures that brought a diffused lighting quality to the space. Under counter lighting was also introduced to brighten the area.

All of the elements described above made the project a great success!

Stay tuned for a further progress report on our addition project.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built's Projects
Wo-Built's Second Floor Addition Project
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of an Addition Project: Part 1
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 2
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 3

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Wo-Built's New Design Column

Wo-Built's "Ask the Design Expert" Column

2008 @ wobuilt.com

Ask the Design Expert

As we have a great designer in Deborah McKenna, we are starting an "Ask the Design Expert" column. Please e-mail us (comments@wobuilt.com) with your design dilemmas and questions for the home and kitchen, and we will do our best to answer them. Your questions along with Deborah's response will be posted on our forum each week (no names of course).

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Trends

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Home Maintenance and Repair Projects

Image: MS Office

Keywords: construction, industry, occupations, tools, women

Home maintenance and repair projects are projects that are required to be completed to maintain the integrity of your home. They would include certain essential elements in your home such as roofing, exterior painting, window upgrades, furnace upgrade and electrical amperage capacity (at least 100 Amp). These home maintenance and repair projects should always be a priority on your list of to-do maintenance projects.
Below is a list of some of the more significant home maintenance and repair projects that need to be checked and to have completed before you try and sell your home.

• Roof and Flashing: Make sure the roof does not leak. If leakage is occurring have it fixed immediately. The most probable cause is a result of flashing failure. Check flashing around the chimney, walls, etc. Make sure broken shingles are replaced. Check to make sure tree branches and leaves are not touching the roof.
• Chimney: Make sure the bricks are not loose or missing mortar. If they are, have the bricks tuck pointed to prevent water leakage and structural failure. Check that the roof flashing around the chimney is in good shape and does not have any gaps or openings for water to penetrate.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Make sure these are clean and flowing well. If they are clogged, clean and flush the gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters are the source of many problems such as paint failure, leaks, wood rot and sagging gutters. Improper downspout outlets are also a problem that can cause water in the basement and cracked foundation walls. Make sure the downspout outlet drains AWAY from the house on soil that is sloping away from the house. If downspouts are allowed to drain into the house or into crocks that run to the basement or foundation, water problems can occur including ground settlement resulting in cracking of the basement wall.
• Brick Wall: Make sure that the brick wall is solid and in good repair. Replace damaged brick including cracked brick and tuck point any missing mortar joints.
  
• Foundation: Repair any cracks in the foundation wall. If you see cracks check that the downspouts are not draining into the house foundation and footings. Downspouts and the yard should drain away from the house. If the basement wall cracks are severe, you may need structural repairs including foundation underpinning. This is serious and you need to consult an expert foundation repair contractor.
• Plumbing Fixtures: Check that the plumbing fixtures are in good working order. Identify the type of faucets you have and replace any leaking washers or cartridges if the faucet leaks. Check the drainage of toilets and sinks and unclog as necessary.
• Electrical System: If you have only 60 Amp service this will need to upgrade your electrical service panel to 100 Amps. Make sure all switches work and all outlets are properly grounded (if your home has 3-prong outlets) and that GFCI outlets are installed as per code in the Kitchen and Bathrooms. If you have 2-prong ungrounded outlets in your Kitchen or Bathrooms, upgrade to GFCI outlets in these areas.
• Furnace: Make sure the furnace has clean air filters and is in good working order by performing a seasonal furnace checkup.

These are just some of the key home repair and maintenance areas. There are many more, but you get the idea. Take a good look at your home from a critical buyer’s perspective and you will see what basic home repairs are needed before venturing onto cosmetic home improvement.

Deborah McKenna
Senior Construction Project Management / Interior Designer
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built: New Maintenance Service: home care maintenance programs for every budget!
Wo-Built: Home Maintenance Costs: A Breakdown of the Facts

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Wo-Built’s New Maintenance Service

Poster: Wobuilt's New Maintenance Service
2008 @ wobuilt.ca

New Maintenance Service
Wo-Built has yearly home care maintenance programs for every budget!

It's like having your own handy person for your home. You can choose from any of our packages or Wo-Built will customize a plan just for you!

Wo-Built Inc. is launching a new service – A Maintenance and Home Care Service. For a monthly fee you will be able to choose a service package that will provide basic home maintenance care on a regular basis. Regularly scheduled visits will get your home in tip top shape for the changing seasons and we’ll help keep it that way. So don’t keep putting off those home maintenance projects! Sign up now and let competent professionals do the work for you so that you don’t have to!
Call us for a FREE quote!
(416) 402-2679
www.wobuilt.com
info@wobuilt.com

links:
Wo-Built: Home Maintenance Costs: A Breakdown of the Facts

Free Kitchen Renovation Consultations until December 21, 2008

Poster: Wo-Built's Free Kitchen Renovation Consultations

Until December 21st, 2008

Your Fall Event

Get your FREE Kitchen Renovation Consultation!
Until December 21st 2008

Need Kitchen Ideas?

Wo-Built supplies the very best of kitchens that are suitable and can fulfill all your wishes and dreams.
Whether it is custom-built or pre-fabricated, Wo-Built fully designs with your needs in mind!

Until December 21st 2008, we are offering FREE Kitchen Renovation Consultations!!!

www.wobuilt.com
info@wobuilt.com
(416) 402-2679

links:
Wo-Built Inc. Limited Offer: Get Your Free Kitchen Renovation Consultation
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips

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Home Maintenance Costs: A Breakdown of the Facts

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Keywords: construction, industry, occupations, tools, women

Did you know that routine home maintenance will cost you an average of 1% - 3% of your home’s actual sale price annually? No matter how conscientious you are many things in your house won’t last forever. Eventually things in your home will need to be repaired or failing that, they will need to be replaced. The more diligent you are in keeping up with home care, the less surprised you will be when major expenses crop up down the road.

The cost of fixing or replacing some of these items will keep going up an average of 10% - 20% a year. Below is a list of the estimated life expectancy of items in your home.

Average Life Expectancy List:

• a) Dishwasher- Five to Twelve years
• b) Garbage Disposal - Five to Twelve years
• c) Washer - Five to Fifteen years
• d) Dryer – Ten to Twenty-five years
• e) Water Heater- Five to Fifteen years
• f) Electric Water Heater - Ten to Fifteen Years
• g) Refrigerators - Fifteen to Twenty years
• h) Gas Stoves - Fifteen to Twenty years
• i) Oven and Range – Fifteen to Twenty years
• j) Warm Air Furnace – Ten to Twenty-five years
• k) Oil Tank - Twenty years
• l) Central Air - Ten to Fifteen years
• m) Heat Pumps - Ten to Fifteen years
• n) Gas Chillers- Eight to Fifteen years
• o) Water/Steam Boiler Welded Steel- Fifteen to Thirty years
• p) Water/steam Boiler Cast Iron- Thirty- Fifty years
• q) Water Pipes- Twenty to Twenty-five years
• r) Septic/Sewer Pump - Five to Ten years
• s) Roofs, Gutters and Downspouts - Twelve to Fifteen years
• t) Wood Shingles - Ten to Twenty years
• u) Fiberglass – Fifteen to Twenty years

Deborah McKenna
Senior Construction Project Management / Interior Designer
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
bankofamerica.com: Homebuying, Loans, and Lines of CreditLife Expectancy of Home Components
National Association of Home Builders: Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components [pdf]
Lifestyle: Knowing life expectancy of home's components helps determine when to replace them
By James And Morris Carey, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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