FAQ

We are expecting in 6 months…

Maybe it’s the nesting instinct, but we often get calls from expectant parents wanting to start and finish renovations before the baby comes. Depending on the scope of the renovation, it may make sense to do some master planning and only bite off now what is realistically possible to finish. Interior only projects can be quickly permitted and if just “pull and replace”, constructed on tight deadlines. But remember that good contractors are often booked way ahead of time and permitting for the movement of walls or plumbing can take up to three months. Additions and basement digouts will take a minimum of 2 months just for permitting and sometimes four to five months.

I keep a list of contractors that I have vetted through work on a project or client recommendations. I will recommend contractors for you when it is time to bid out the project, trying to match a skill set to the job. For instance, some of my preferred contractors are really beautiful wood workers. I won’t be recommending them for a concrete basement renovation! In addition, the best contractors are booking way in advance and are often in high demand. So please also ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Finding the right contractor is very important and is often a balancing act between budget and timing. Try to interview and get quotes from 3 to 5 contractors. I will help as little or as much in the bidding process as you would like.

I am happy to help with finish selection. I can also give tile store recommendations, weigh in on color and cabinets, and provide other interior designs quick work. However, if more in depth and time consuming input is needed, I will recommend an interior designer to help out. Kitchen and bath stores also usually don’t charge for detailed designs.

There is the construction cost and there is the design cost when working with a Design-Bid-Build model. Sometimes those are rolled into one cost with Design-Build Firms. I am not a fan of Design-Build, primarily because my “boss” becomes the contractor rather than my client. It also is almost always a more expensive path for my clients. You have to pay for the convenience of having one stop shopping with dollars and reduced customization. Though there are a few contractors I do work with on a design build model, I prefer to let the creative juices flow through the design and act as your advocate during the build phase. The cost of design is almost always paid for through the competitive bidding process. After our initial meeting, I will give you an estimated fee with a “not to exceed” amount. I will only bill for the time I work.

The answer is it depends. Historic preservation review staff do not like to see an addition from the streetscape in historic designated areas like the Capital Hill Historic District. Sometimes, even alleys (especially named alleys) can be tricky. But, through line of sight drawings, I can design 3rd story additions and rear additions that are acceptable.

Sometimes yes, but usually not. The trick is to submit everything that is required on the drawings and supporting documents at the time of the permit application. Granted, the reviewing agencies (DOB, DOEE, DC Water, DDOT) can and have changed or reinterpreted the requirements unexpectedly, but because I do my own expediting (the name give to obtaining a permit), I usually can stay abreast of the latest requirements and adjust accordingly.

Zoning regulations are very detailed and can be very obtuse. Relief from the zoning regulations is granted through either a Special Exception or a Variance. The type of relief needed is determined by zoning relief required. In general, a Special Exception is a relatively easy type of relief to acquire. A Variance is whole other kettle of fish with a much higher bar to reach. Both require a whole slew of documents and hearings that I can walk you through in more detail. At the very start of a project, I will do a full zoning analysis to to determine if any zoning relief will be needed and if so, have an informed conversation to decide whether or not to take that path.