2012 February - Crawlspace Addition & Political Effect on Housing

Dear Michael,

Thanks to St. Valentine, February 14th marks the second largest card-sending day of the year (according to the Greeting Card Association).  In the interest of saving money with Hallmark and  USPS, I'll get the season started with an electronic message to my wife: 

Traci,

Happy Valentine's Day!  I've never had more fun in my life than the adventures we have shared together. You are my fondest love, my best friend and an excellent mother. What you bring to the workplace cannot be duplicated by another individual. You bring so much more to my life than I'll ever be able to put into words.

Love,                                               

Michael Tenhulzen, CGR, CAPS

President

February is (among other monthly awarenesses): 

American Heart Month & National Care About Your Indoor Air Month.  

Political Effect on Housing Costs

Washington State's 60-day special session is not expected to get much accomplished in terms of reducing the $1.5 billion budgetary shortfall this biennium.  Lawmakers seemingly agree that another special session is likely this spring.  The BIAW has published a 2011 housing recap that reports ongoing legislative challenges that continue to make the residential construction industry increasingly costly.

The 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up hosted by the Eastside Chambers of Commerce was a panel discussion of State Representatives about business taxation, regional transportation and education [more]. Their 2012 Legislative Agenda is an overview of the issues that most affect small business. 

The draft 2012 King County Comprehensive Plan is a mammoth document.  Pages 72-77 of the Housing Appendix report graphs of relative housing costs.  In addition to higher home prices, the cost of living in King County is higher than the national average, and expected to increase due to inflation forecasts.

Bottom line: If hard costs are expected to rise, and your money is not expected to go as far, perhaps now is the best time to invest in your home. 

TR-minology        Residential construction term of the month.

Schluter (Sh-loo-ter) n.

Metallic finishing the edge of exposed tile.  Schluter Systems is a product manufacturer for tile edge liners and waterproofing systems. 

Anatomy of an Addition (Under the House)

Perhaps the most stressful home renovation is the kitchen. Second to that, however is knowing that your entire home is held up by temporary supports for several days.

Q: Is it possible to make  functional living areas out of a crawlspace?

A: Depending on the structure, yes.

Not all homes are right for a crawlspace conversion, but when the property is restricted by building height and lot coverage, it may be the only way to add living space.  This case study is an overview of how a 2-story home on a steep slope was able to be converted into a 3-story home, while occupied by a family of four.