caddcreations

I'm no economist but as I step back and look at the big picture I see a generation of consuimers (Me included) that are simply spent out. Over the past twenty years or so we've all built our big houses, filled them with new furniture and appliances, landscaped the yard, bought a car or two, made a few improvements, took a few vacations...

Now it's time to step back, take it all in... and figure out to pay for college!

Ed Slusarski
ed@caddcreations.net
www.caddcreations.net

Extended family living seems to be trending. I'm currently working with several clients adding spaces for elderly parents. My own mother lives in our basement... It's a walk out and of course it's finished! She has her own entrance and is quite content. I don't often see the addition of a completely seperate residence mainly due to zoning regulations that prohoibit it in many localities. I did read an article recently that some municipalities are considering easing such regulations due to the current economic climate and the exorbadent cost of extended care facilities for the elderly.

Given the current recession and the conventional wisdom that it is going to be a while before we see a strong turn-around, I'm wondering if we're not going to see an increase in the number of newlyweds that will be residing in their parents' homes while they "get on their feet" and a trend in the building and remodeling industries to accomodate it.

Ed Slusarski
Cadd Creations
ed@caddcreations.net
www.caddcreations.net

Good news. Hope it keeps up and spreads!
Ed Slusarski
Cadd Creations
ed@caddcreations.net
www.caddcreations.net

Excellent article. A lot of conflicts can be avoided during construction projects with a clearly defined scope of work as part of the contract. Too often contractors and clients are in too big of a hurry to get started and end up "flying by the seat of their pants" ultimately causing delays, strained (or worse) relationships and an unhappy customer.

Ed Slusarski
ed@caddcreations.net
www.caddcreations.net

Another area that troubles me is inadequate ventilation at the eaves. Common construction practices currently do not provide enough. This lends itself to ice dams and leaks season after season. (Up north, that is) I'm exploring alternative techniques to eleviate this problem in my designs.
www.caddcreations.net
ed@caddcreations.net

Excellent advise! Although I might still be partial to an O.S.B sheathing under the rigid foam insulation boards.
Another cost to consider when using 2x6 wall framing is the need for extension jambs on the doors and potentially the windows as well.