Architect Update

Big news for all the rowhouserevival heads out there - we have design concepts from our architects!  We met with Eric from Hill & Hurtt on Saturday and walked through a number of different concepts for each floor of the house as well as the backyard.  As you can see from the picture above, lot's of choices left to be made but we could not be more excited to decide on a plan! Right now we are thinking through all the options that H&H have shown us and then will go back to them with our thoughts. They will then put together another version of the design based on our input - the end result will likely be a composite of the designs you see above.

In terms of design, we are facing two big questions. First, we are considering extending the house about 10 feet, which all of our neighbors have done. This would mean a longer permitting process and require a bigger construction budget.

Second, the bigger question we're still facing is whether to remove the stairs to the basement and make the basement a stand alone unit.  On the one hand, it would likely allow us to squeeze in a powder room on the first floor and create a wholly separate rental unit downstairs.  On the other hand, it would involve some additional work and expense (you have to separate out all utilities, include fire separation, and maybe install sprinklers), expose us even more to the whims of the permitting process, and keep that space out of reach if we wanted to reclaim it in the future.  We have been going around and around on what's best - do we think we want a playroom in the future, or do we think it's best put to use to help pay our mortgage? Input welcome!

- J & K