Plans and Permits

Decision Time

I’ve been dragging my feet, but we’re getting close to a decision about an architect. We’re waiting on a response to a question, and depending on the answer we’ll hopefully have it settled. The quotes were a lot more than we were expecting, but at this point it looks like we’ll be pursuing the Chicago […]

Plans and Permits

Greenwash Hogwash?

So, the biggest decision at the moment is whether or not we are going to go through the Chicago Green Home and/or LEED Home certification process.  Matt probably touched on this subject in previous posts, but it is turning out to be a much bigger deal than we had anticipated.  For one, the architect will […]

Plans and Permits

Bumping the Bump Out

One of the things we’ve been talking about for a while now is what to do about the second floor “bump out”. Despite our initial impressions, a survey of the attic shows this to be part of the original structure. Despite this, my inclination is to lop it off. Over the years it’s developed leaks […]

Plans and Permits

Double Wall, Spray Foam, or Both

We’ve met with several architects and we’re waiting for a couple of proposals. One of the common themes in talking with them is the suggestion that we should insulate with spray foam. We’ve been talking about building a double wall with rockwool insulation, and the architects are almost unanimous in saying that spray foam insulation […]

Plans and Permits

Chicago Green Home

I’ve been working on my 3D SketchUp model of the house for quite a while. This isn’t finished by any stretch, but it’s starting to look rather presentable, so I’m sharing it now. I have a laundry list of things to add to the design, like the spiral stair down from the second floor on […]

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