All Forum Posts by: Kathryn Bowden

@Matt Clark, I believe code is 7.75" maximum step down?  If so, we are unfortunately a little bigger step down than that at probably 9 or 10".  I suppose we could leave it and then address it if it got called in an inspection?  We are definitely not looking for more projects, but want it to be right.

Hello.  I am attaching a photo, and as you can see the cement slab there falls short of the front door.  How best do you think to add something here from both a design and general code perspective.  Thanks.

@Gilbert Dominguez, how did you work the kitchen and bath in these?

Excellent suggestion, @Brent Coombs!

Well that settles it then!  That's what I thought it was, but then got myself all confused.  :-)  Thanks for the explanations.

I am trying to figure out if I can afford a deal.  I have put these numbers through a few different calculators available on-line, but want to be sure I am figuring this correctly.  I have a private investor (my friend, not experienced) who would like to give me a loan for an eventual flip (we are holding it for one year first which has nothing to do with the flip itself, but a family matter), and we agreed that I would pay her interest only on her principal for that year.  After that year, we're going to convert it to a different kind of profit sharing deal for the flip.  But in that year, how would the interest only standardly be calculated.  I amortized it over 30 years with the interest rate we agreed upon, then chose one year as interest-only.  Does this make sense?  Does it work like a normally amortized loan, as in would I be paying more interest up front in that first year?  I can barely justify the payment the way I'm figuring it, and am hoping perhaps that isn't the way the math should be done.  I used a different calculator and it gave me a lower figure, but have no idea why.  If it helps, the principal balance will be $80,000 with an interest only rate of 6% for one year (or less, depending on the family matter).  I hope I am being clear in my question above.  Thanks for your help!

@Jim Adrian, really good idea, and I agree that would look great.  I also ready your Glass 101 article, which is very informative.  What kind of front door would you put here?  We are thinking a craftsman type with square window on top.  Do you think that would jive with this house, or do you have a better suggestion?  Remember, this is not a high dollar home, and we don't feel it will warrant a lot of money here - but we are willing to spend a little more on the door as we think it will have a big impact on curb appeal with this little place.

Hello @Jennifer Z.!  You are our neighbor here in Brookings!  We live about six miles up the North Bank Chetco.  We might have complimentary interests, so I will add you as a colleague.  Thanks too for the windows opinion.  That was exactly my initial thoughts, so nice to have that confirmed.  :-)

@Thomas S., thank you - I cannot be reminded enough about the job creep!  I was just talking with my husband about that this morning.  We are trying to stay disciplined ....

Brilliant minds think alike, @Julia Blythe, because that's exactly what I wanted to do with those front windows - they seem to be calling out for planter boxes there.  :-)