Live/Work

Check out what can happen when you’re committed to good design on a realistic budget ($51 per square foot!):

As part of my never-ending quest to find affordable housing options, I stumbled across this interesting article in the New York Times. Here’s a brief excerpt:

Mr. Flueckiger chose to build with industrial materials in homage to the region’s history but also to prove that it was possible to create an affordable, durable house that was beautiful and interesting to live in. He began envisioning his design as an alternative to modernist prefabs, many of which sell for about $250 a square foot.

What I find most compelling about this case study is that it’s the first example of seemingly good design on a reasonable budget. While I’ve often admired the modern prefab movement, it’s refreshing to see what can happen when talented individuals apply building cost as part of the equation. The main problem with the modern prefab movement is that it’s still a largely bourgeoisie endeavor. It’s insulting to even think that $250 a square foot falls into the category of “affordable housing.” Hats off to Mr. Flueckiger!

* Please Note: Live/Work has moved! We’re now located at Portland Built. Please click here to see what it’s all about!*

Here’s a great guide to designing a rainscreen system. Kudos to the guys at Build Blog for assembling the info!

In previous posts I’ve hinted at my dismay with the appraisal process. Well, I thought I’d take a moment and spell out a few details, hopefully so others will go into the process with their eyes wide open.

First, I’ll preface this post with my belief that there are plenty of ethical, professionals in the field of appraising. Nevertheless, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are some serious flaws with the process, many of which are being highlighted by the mortgage meltdown.

Here’s the problem: appraisers are in the business of making an appraisal “work” for the bank or mortgage office who has hired them. While one would hope they’d maintain a degree of objectivity, let’s be clear: appraisers make their living, in large part, from the business that banks/brokers deliver to them. If deals fall through due to an appraisal, it’s highly likely the bank/broker will look for another appraiser. So, in a nutshell, the incentive is for the appraiser to value the property at the amount specified by the lender or broker.

Let’s get specific as to how I managed to lose $600. Read the rest of this entry »

We’re in a bit of a holding pattern right now – waiting on financing. I’ve been working with two different mortgage brokers. One broker is what I would call a traditional broker. He’s looking to finance our project much in the same way you would if you were creating an addition to your home.

The other broker is taking more of a commercial approach. He’s pitching the project to banks, with the idea that the ADU is actually more of an “investment property” capable of generating separate rental income.

Basically, I’m hedging my bets here. My hope is that one or both methods will work, and we’ll be able to obtain financing.

Commence finger crossing. Read the rest of this entry »

I was listening to a bit of a round table discussion on creating new “green” jobs as part of an overall economic revitalization. A great idea, no doubt. In fact, if the government were to really put its energy behind developing alternative energy sources, we could deliver a real one-two punch: freedom from foreign oil and high-paying eco-jobs (everything from blue-collar manufacturing to white collar research and engineering).

So what’s the problem? Well, first, let’s address my point about the government. While you hear a lot of “discussion” about alternatives, the truth is current policies are modest at best and do little more than shift dollars: from oil/coal to hydrogen/corn fuels. While it’s GREAT to think about moving away from fossil fuels, these “alternative” technologies carry enormous downsides like higher food costs and CO2 emissions (for a great discussion of this issue, see “Who Killed the Electric Car“).

But before I go too far down the “what’s wrong with the government” road, let’s get back to that round table. In the discussion, one audience member posed the question:

Let’s assume we do create all these great green jobs. What’s to ensure that folks across a wide economic and racial spectrum will have access to these jobs? In other words, will these new jobs help us all, or will they benefit a select few?

Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve always been a fan of Marmoleum. Not only is it a “green” material, but it’s incredibly durable and forgiving. We’ve got two dogs, and with our wet Portland winters, it makes a great buffer between our living space and the outdoors. Here’s a couple of neat options I just found on the web…can’t recall which blog it was one, but you can find out more from the corporate website.

* Please Note: Live/Work has moved! We’re now located at Portland Built. Please click here to see what it’s all about!*

I’ve been working with a new builder to develop a more accurate budget for the ADU project. One element of the design that accounts for a HUGE percentage of the overall cost is the kitchen. And, in the kitchen, one of the of the most expensive elements is the countertops.

We’re not building an elaborate kitchen by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a modest space, about 100 square feet, with a standard set of cabinets and appliances. No Wolf stoves or crazy slide-out dishwashers.

Here’s a simple layout:

Read the rest of this entry »

* Please Note: Live/Work has moved! We’re now located at Portland Built. Please click here to see what it’s all about!*

A while back I wrote about an exciting product called “Ice Stone.” Back then, I didn’t pay a lot of attention to the price of materials, but I have the sense that it’s not cheap. Still, if you’ve got the cash and can afford to be “green,” it’s a great alternative to granite, quartz, or other luxury stones.

One problem with Ice Stone is that it’s manufactured in New York. I recently learned about a new product from a company called “Fuez” here in Portland Oregon. Like Ice Stone, Fuez is made of conrete and recyled glass. Very nice material and it comes in a variety of colors and textures. Here’s a photo from their website:

Pricing is around $90-$100 per sq. ft, installed. I’ll do a follow-up post on the price of countertops, aswell as what options are available.

If you had told me a year ago that I will spend over $10,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, I might not have even started this crazy endeavor. Early in the process it seemed as though financing would come much sooner, and that things like design fees, permits, etc. could be wrapped into the mortgage. Talk about a miscalculation! Much of this goes to:

1. My lack of experience
2. Overly rosey pictures painted by contractors, mortgage brokers, and others in the industry
3. A decidedly different lending landscape

Read the rest of this entry »

Some great ideas from the UK