Lynn Underwood

Lynn Underwood's Posts

• Q&A

  Determining the Floor Level of the Garage

  by Lynn Underwood

  Is a step down from living space into an attached garage still a code requirement?

• Q&A

  Window Seats and Safety Glass

  by Lynn Underwood

  While trimming out a room during a remodeling job, the homeowner asked me to build a window seat. Does the window above the seat now have to be fitted with tempered safety glass?

• Q&A

  Are Windows Required in Basements?

  by Lynn Underwood

  Q: We’d like to start building basements with precast concrete panels, but we’ve been running into resistance from local code officials. Are basement windows required when a house is built with a full foundation?

• Q&A

  Burying Electrical Wiring In Attic Insulation

  by Lynn Underwood

  Q: I know that knob-and-tube wiring can't be covered with insulation, but what about BX cable and joist-mounted junction boxes? Are there any restrictions on blowing cellulose insulation into an attic and burying the cable and junction boxes?

• Q&A

  Finishes for Garages

  by Lynn Underwood

  Q. Are there any code-approved sheathing materials for a garage under a living space other than the typical 5/8-inch drywall? My clients complain that drywall doesn't hold up well in our environment, so I'm wondering if fire-retardant plywood would be a good substitute if the joints are properly prepared.