Photographing Interior Walls During Construction

Having photographed interior walls is worth its weight in Gold

Recently it was 5:00pm, sun was going down and I'm flying over neighborhood speed bumps single focused trying to get to my destination before it's too late.  Emergency?, you bet.  I needed to get to this house prior to losing too much daylight to photograph the interior walls before insulation the next day.  The homeowner was there, wanted to chat and I had to put the mission first and not talk very much.  Luckily he was very understanding.

I place such a high value on this task because it can really help you out of a jamb later on during the construction process.  It's also great for record keeping in case you ever need to get behind walls.  This is an actual photograph of one wall section in a home I recently photographed.  I usually average about 30-50 pictures and I upload them to our clients project portal so they always have access as well.  When you build a wall, there are things like electrical, plumbing, HVAC lines, low volt and in this case a pest control system as well.  When you insulate and cover the walls with sheetrock, unless you have the best memory in the world there is a good chance you will be flying blind and cause unnecessary aggravation and expense digging and search for things.  I used to really take my time almost like a professional photographer, but over the years I've gotten it down to where this task takes about 10 minutes.

If you are in the middle of a construction project or have any walls exposed in your future, I highly recommend this simple step.  You'll be surprised how much you refer back to it.

Now let's go build something.

Cool Floor You May Not Have Seen Before

Epoxy Overlays Not Just for Garages

Here's something completely different for you but cool for your next flooring project; epoxy..............inside the house.  This picture was taken of a floor we did with a product called Liquid Dazzle.  It's an epoxy overlay that goes on super thick with a hand trowel and covers imperfections with essentially a brand new surface.  The interesting thing is there is a depth that to me in unrivaled by other surfaces that can best be described as granite looking.  There are different colors and it's tough as nails due to it's roots in commercial applications.  One downside is it may have a tendency to show scratches.  All floors have ups and downs but overall this surface is sure to impress.  The cost is approximately $8-10/sf to put down, so it lies somewhere between tile and wood but I don't think I've ever seen this product applied in any of the houses I've been in before or since. So that means it's unique and sometimes being a little different can be a good thing.

How to Create Old World Style

A Picture Like this Can Offer Many Tips

On a recent anniversary trip with my wife to Quebec City, Canada I took this photo of one of the many busy streets in lower Quebec.  I'm not sure why exactly that I took it but I remember being drawn to the architecture here.  With it's British and French roots, Quebec City is rich in old world style and architecture.  Just looking down this street you see an interesting array and use of stone, plaster, brick, wood and in the far distance-you can see a copper roof that has patine d over the course of about 30 years according to the locals.  What's amazing is that even though these buildings were built hundred's of years ago, they still represent great style and architecture.  I have definitely drawn on some of the concepts and ideas and plan on incorporating them into some of my next homes.  My challenge to you is to do the same.  Start by taking a picture or collecting one of a vintage home or setting that best represents how you would want your next home to look.  Even though technology has advanced considerably, if you look hard enough you will be able to find ways to achieve certain elements by pointing out the things you like to the professional who can accomplish it for you.  A different stucco technique, an old school way to lay stone, a different roof pitch- these are all ways to create something truly timeless that will be the envy of the neighborhood.  Start with the picture, let it become a part of your vision and find the most creative way to make it happen that suits your budget.