2 Planning Your Renovation Flashcards
1
Q
What is the primary focus when planning a renovation?
A
Creating a home that fits the owner’s identity and accommodates life’s changes.
2
Q
What shift has occurred in how people view their homes in the last decade?
A
Seeing homes less as appreciating assets and more as shelters that sustain us.
3
Q
What are the key considerations for a long-term renovation plan?
A
- Safety
- Comfort
- Health
- Functionality
- Cost-effectiveness
- Pleasurable living
4
Q
What is a common timeline for realizing the value of renovations?
A
Living in a house for at least 10 years.
5
Q
True or False: Timing the housing market is easy and predictable.
A
False.
6
Q
What should be included in a renovation notebook?
A
- House-related thoughts
- Ideas from magazines
- Photos
- Contributions from family members
7
Q
What are program requirements in renovation planning?
A
Items on the wish list that establish criteria for comparing proposed improvements.
8
Q
Fill in the blank: A good renovation plan should include both objective and _______ requirements.
A
[subjective]
9
Q
What factors should be considered when rating the functionality of a room?
A
- Comfort
- Privacy
- Noise level
- Sunlight
- Storage
10
Q
What should be evaluated about the kitchen during renovation planning?
A
- Counter space
- Appliance proximity
- Storage space
- Cooking workflow
11
Q
What social considerations should be taken into account for a home?
A
- Formal vs. informal entertaining
- Space for guests
- Ability to have privacy
12
Q
What is important for families with small children regarding home design?
A
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Childproof cabinets
- Safe outdoor play areas
13
Q
What is necessary for a home office space?
A
- Dedicated space
- Adequate lighting
- Sufficient electrical outlets
- Privacy
14
Q
What is the purpose of documenting existing home features before renovation?
A
To inform decisions and understand the current layout and systems.
15
Q
What measurements should be taken when creating a floor plan?
A
- Overall dimensions of each room
- Position of doors and windows
- Closet and fireplace locations
16
Q
True or False: Energy conservation and a healthy environment should not be priorities in renovations.
A
False.
17
Q
What types of maps should be created during the renovation planning process?
A
- Structural maps
- Plumbing maps
- HVAC system maps
18
Q
What should be noted during the documentation of each room?
A
- Water stains
- Outdated fixtures
- Sagging floors
- Other needed repairs
19
Q
What is the benefit of using graph paper for drawing floor plans?
A
It helps maintain scale and accuracy.
20
Q
What are the components of a plumbing map?
A
- Plumbing fixtures
- Soil stacks
- Drainage-waste-vent pipes
21
Q
Fill in the blank: Homes should be comfortable and _______ to maintain.
A
[cost-effective]
22
Q
What are plumbing fixtures typically grouped around?
A
3-in. or 4-in. soil stack
23
Q
What is the most problematic element to relocate in plumbing?
A
Soil stack and the main drain it feeds
24
Q
In a house, which elements run parallel to the long axis?
A
Roof ridge, exterior and interior bearing walls, and girders
25
What runs perpendicular to the long axis of a house?
Joists and rafters
26
Where are joists typically supported in a house?
Near the middle of the house by interior bearing walls and girders
27
What happens when structural elements are not properly sized and aligned?
They fail to transfer loads down to the foundation
28
Where should you start exploring a house’s structure?
In the basement or an unfinished attic
29
What can indicate whether a wall is load-bearing?
The orientation of the joists
30
What may happen if a nonbearing wall becomes a bearing wall?
Floors may slope toward them
31
What is required if you want to remove a load-bearing wall?
Structural engineers to ensure correct load transfer
32
What is the purpose of digitally photographing the area to be renovated?
To provide information for matching trim or buying fixtures
33
What do site plans help city planners understand?
The scope of your renovation
34
What helps to minimize the impact on nearby framing in plumbing?
Grouping fixtures near existing stacks
35
What slope is required for drains to carry off wastes?
At least 1/4 in. per 1 ft.
36
What is the issue with locating new bathrooms far from existing stacks?
Inadequate height for drainpipes
37
What type of pipes are easier to route compared to DWV pipes?
Rigid water-supply pipes
38
What is the typical pipe size for modern hydronic heating systems?
3/4-in. pipe
39
What should be noted when mapping an FHA system?
Locations of registers and the furnace
40
When is it necessary to hire a professional for renovation tasks?
When you lack technical skills or are rushed for time
41
What is a common reason to hire an architect?
To maximize natural light and usable space
42
What are permits generally required for?
New construction and most renovations involving structural changes
43
What type of renovations usually do not require a permit?
Cosmetic repairs or replacements without structural changes
44
What is a key factor when assembling a renovation team?
Team members should work well together
45
What is the role of a general contractor?
To manage the sequence of subs, materials, and inspections
46
What can poorly organized projects lead to?
Idle workers and increased costs
47
What is an important consideration when sketching floor plans?
Include space for furniture movement
48
What should be done if the first submittal set is not accurate?
Expect greater scrutiny in subsequent efforts
49
What do building codes dictate regarding renovations?
They determine what work requires permits
50
What is a general contractor (GC)?
A professional who manages construction projects and coordinates subcontractors.
51
Why might someone need to hire a general contractor?
If the renovation is complicated or if the homeowner is not organized, patient, and persistent.
52
What are design-build services?
Services offered by contractors with architectural training that combine design and construction under one roof.
53
What is a good first step in finding a general contractor?
Ask for recommendations from friends who have remodeled recently.
54
What should you ask a contractor during the first meeting?
For an hour of their time to discuss ideas and get an idea of potential costs.
55
What is the role of planners in the planning department?
They oversee zoning regulations and how a building's design affects the community.
56
What does the building department focus on?
The construction and functioning of the house, emphasizing health and safety issues.
57
What is the first step in the process of getting a building permit?
Submit plans to the planning department.
58
What is a bubble diagram?
A simple visual tool to indicate how space will be allocated and how traffic will flow.
59
Fill in the blank: A good architect will help clients understand how a renovated space will look and _______.
[function]
60
What do design development drawings need to include?
Accurate overall dimensions, elevations, and correctly sized and located windows and doors.
61
What are working drawings?
Detailed documents from which the contractor builds, requiring approval from the building department.
62
What is the purpose of submittal sets for the planning department?
To provide the necessary documents for a formal application for a building permit.
63
What might be included in the working drawings review process?
Feedback from structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC engineers.
64
What is a key consideration for homeowners managing their renovation?
Understanding their level of experience and time commitment.
65
True or False: All renovation projects require extensive detailed drawings.
False. The complexity of drawings depends on the project's complexity.
66
What are some examples of underused spaces in a home?
* Areas under stairs
* Sloping roofs
* Small nooks
67
What should homeowners do to visualize their renovation ideas?
Draw their concepts and prioritize items on their renovation wish list.
68
What is the significance of a design-build firm?
They provide a smoother transition from design to construction under one entity.
69
What is a common challenge when working with contractors?
Ensuring that the renovation stays within budget while meeting design needs.
70
What is the goal of the building department's review?
To ensure that renovation projects comply with safety codes and regulations.
71
Fill in the blank: The building department issues a _______ once plans are approved.
[building permit]
72
What is the percentage of new homes that are architect-designed?
2% to 3%
73
What are some ways architects can work with homeowners on a budget?
Act as consultants, reduce fees by limiting drawings
74
What is the typical fee range for full-service architects?
10% to 15% of the total budget
75
What can homeowners do to reduce architects' fees?
Manage more of the project themselves
76
How can digital communication benefit renovation projects?
Allows for quick feedback and avoids costly delays
77
What software can be used to gather project information digitally?
Dropbox and Evernote
78
What is a crucial step homeowners should take before engaging an architect?
Educate yourself about design and construction
79
Why is it important to know your budget before starting a renovation?
Essential for defining the scope of a renovation
80
What should homeowners do to facilitate decision-making during a project?
Be specific about priorities and spatial requirements
81
Why is it beneficial to involve your builder early in the project?
They can spot problematic details and help manage budget expectations
82
What type of contract can be more flexible and less stressful for builders?
Cost-plus contracts
83
What might low bids sometimes indicate about a contractor's pricing strategy?
They may hope to recover profit on change orders
84
What is one way homeowners might be able to save money during renovations?
Doing some of the work themselves
85
What is the advantage of fixed-bid contracts?
They provide cost certainty but may include contingencies
86
What are some common features of the three case histories presented?
Modest renovations, multifunctional areas, green-building principles
87
What was one of the main issues with the original kitchen in the Craftsman house?
It was cramped, dingy, and badly out of date
88
What solution was proposed for the cramped kitchen space?
Open it up by removing walls and creating a large island
89
What feature was added to the bathroom for improved functionality?
A glassed-in shower stall
90
What is a California cooler?
A natural cooling method for produce
91
Who collaborated on the design of the Craftsman renovation?
Architect Fran Halperin and interior designer Sharon Low
92
What aspect of the renovation did Sandra find most rewarding?
The transformation of the space exceeded her expectations
93
What was a significant challenge of the in-law suite renovation?
The space was dark, damp, and structurally complex
94
What is a key characteristic of successful project communication?
Preparedness and decisiveness from homeowners
95
Fill in the blank: The typical fee range for a full-service architect is _____.
10% to 15% of the total budget
96
True or False: A contractor prefers indecisive homeowners.
False
97
What was the initial purpose of the in-law suite?
To house an au pair, with the potential for a parent to move in later.
98
What were the program requirements for the in-law suite?
Create a self-contained living space within the footprint of the garage, matching the main house's aesthetics.
99
What is the size of the in-law suite project?
490 sq. ft.
100
Which design firm was chosen for the renovation project?
buildingLab, led by Stephen Shoup.
101
What is one of the main green design principles mentioned?
Increase natural light.
102
True or False: Small footprints require more resources than larger spaces.
False.
103
What is a multifunctional design in terms of space?
Designing rooms that can serve multiple purposes.
104
Fill in the blank: Space-conserving appliances often conserve _______ and energy too.
water
105
What structural change was necessary to create open space for the suite?
Replacing a wood girder with a 600-lb. steel I-beam.
106
What was one of the trade-offs in the design layout of the suite?
The location of the Murphy bed versus the bathroom.
107
What materials were used to enhance the green aspect of the in-law suite?
* FSC-certified lumber
* Low-flow bath fixtures
* Recycled cotton insulation
* Locally sourced materials
108
What was the main goal of the renovation project of the 1928 farmhouse?
Increase living space without losing the cozy look and feel of the house.
109
What is one structural solution implemented in the farmhouse renovation?
Installing new 2x10 joists to support the loads of the new second floor.
110
What should you consider when implementing job-site recycling?
* Buy-in from the contractor
* Storage space for recycled materials
* Separation of recyclables from trash
111
Fill in the blank: The attic framing was seriously undersize, with ____ rafters spaced 24 in. on center.
2x6
112
What is the benefit of using a design-build approach according to the homeowners?
It is more customer-centric, as the firm is involved throughout the project.
113
What was the family's living arrangement during the renovation of the farmhouse?
They lived in a converted school bus/RV on the property.
114
True or False: The farmhouse renovation involved adding a second bathroom upstairs.
True.
115
What are two green touches added to the farmhouse renovation?
* Recycle old lumber
* Upgrade to a ground-source heat pump
116
What was the main concern regarding the attic framing during the renovation?
It was undersized for live loads.
117
What was Mike Derzon's role in the recycling process?
Mike Derzon was a determined and successful recycler.
118
What did Mike Derzon do in the evenings?
Pulled nails and stacked lumber.
119
What was the size of the property where the house sits?
An acre-plus.
120
Why did Mike choose to recycle instead of dumping debris?
The recycling facility was closer than the dump and recycling fees were less.
121
What is the approximate size of the cantilevered bump-out?
31⁄2 ft. by 12 ft.
122
What feature does the bump-out create in the house?
A dining room that comfortably seats more than a dozen guests.
123
Where was the fir flooring of the bump-out sourced from?
Rescued from the attic demo.
124
What transformation occurred in the attic with the addition of full shed dormers?
It became a light-filled, spacious suite with handsome recycled materials.
125
What was the project size of the second-floor addition?
700 sq. ft.
126
Who was the architect for the project?
Russell Hamlet.
127
Which construction company was involved in the project?
Carley Construction.
128
When was the renovation completed?
2010.
129
What change was made to the main entrance of the house?
The kitchen became the main entrance.
130
How did the roof profiles change from the gable end to the shed dormer?
They gradually step up.
131
What was salvaged from an old home near Seattle for the new stairs?
Posts, rails, balusters, and foot trim.
