Opening day rowing at the cut

(download)

Great to see all the boats today. U dub won every race they entered by far. This is all the boats returning home after the race ended.

What are your thoughts on just adding a skylight versus a dormer with a window versus changing the roof line?

Ms. K, 

The skylight would add some light but wouldn't fix your seemingly low or odd sloping ceiling issue.  The dormer could be a good option and would get more space into the stairwell, but at an added cost, more sticks and glue.  Also, which way would the dormer window face?  If it has to face a certain direction it may or may not get all the light in you want?  A skylight would lay flat on your roof and be able to catch more uni-directional light.  So its a toss up, the dormer would cost more but may increase the space in the stairs and add visual interest to the house.  It is an architectural feature that may really help solve multiple issues, operable it can help natural ventilation, (google "stack effect).  The skylight is a seemingly easy install if you have a flat framed roof, if you are going through trusses you will have to frame a light well as well, still cheaper then the dormer but something to thing about.  Skylights can leak, a dormer can to but the window should be covered by an eave.  

Now is the best time to think of these things, before you get your roof redone.  

If you need give me a call and we can work out a time for me to come by and give it quick look.  Hope this helps or at least starts a further conversation.  

-John

We have a 1928 brick tudor home with a narrow/steep/dark stairway that goes from the first floor to the second.  There is a landing mid-way up with a steeply sloping ceiling.  We would like to somehow open it up and add some light via a window or a skylight.  We need to have our roof replaced this summer, so are thinking it would be a good time to do this.

What are your thoughts on just adding a skylight versus a dormer with a window versus changing the roof line?

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How can you help me redesign my hallway online?

1. We seem to have a ""flow"" issue in the first floor of our house. Too many doors with oddly positioned stairways. I'm really not sure what the previous owner had in mind!
2. On the second floor of our cape I have a tiny bathroom between 2 bedrooms that I'd like to maximize the space with. 

How can I send you sketches or photos?
Many, many thanks!"

First question where are you located?  Seattle? If you are local I can come by and check it out. If you are not local where abouts are you?  

It is kind of difficult to help online as you can imagine but im sure we can work something out.  I can look at your house with google maps and then we can work out a way to kick some things back and forth, email etc.  You can also send me photos sketches etc.  How computer savvy are you?  Rough thought send me a floor plan and ill sketch over the phone and kick it back, if your tech savvy and out of town Skype or FaceTime can work.   We can work something out, feel free to give me a call at the number below.

Last ditch effort I can help you find someone local.  I'm here to help in any way.

Thanks

-John
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