Backyard Cleanup

The back yard was a disaster at the start of the project. There was actually so much trash and debris piled up that I didn't realize there was already a graded concrete slab. This was a welcome discovery, and will solve my drainage troubles in the short term.

The back stairs leading to the basement unit

The concrete slab and planting bed discovered under the debris

A sad block wall

The existing concrete porch could use some slate and new rails

Meter Box

We've had some delays related to the installation of the double meter box. It's a pretty sight to see it finally installed. Initially, there was a manufacturing and delivery delay of the unit. Once the box arrived, however, it was defective, and had to be returned to the factory for repair. Given the trouble and added cost, I'd recommend finding an alternative solution for a basement unit--perhaps a sub meter or a splitting system that's separate from the meter.

Electrical Work Begins

It's great the see the electrical work begin. This is the last step before insulation and drywall, so things will really start to move quickly. I also decided to network each bedroom and the living room with RG6, Cat5e and fiber lines. This should have me covered for a while, supporting an extremely fast network that's hardwired to each room. I found a product that combines all three in one sleeve to make the process a lot easier.

Wiring above the kitchen counter

More kitchen wiring

Recessed lighting

Basement Scope Change (cont.)

The back area of the basement has been completely excavated, and the new slab is in place. We had to add a window to the room for egress requirements. Also, the main drainer lines had to be relocated to free up the ceiling area.

New basement window

New basement window

Excavated rowhouse basement

Basement Scope Change

Now that the apartment living room, bath and bedroom are framed, I'm growing concerned that the space is too small. Fortunately, we've discovered that the existing foundation can support an excavation of the kitchen crawl space. This will add about 150 sqft of living space, bringing the basement apartment up to a comfortable 700 sqft or so.

New entry door for the basement apartment

Framing and entry door for the basement apartment

Bathroom framing and entry area of basement apartment

Basement bathroom

Crawl space to be excavated 

Crawl space to be excavated 

Partially excavated crawl space

Partially excavated crawl space

Basement Apartment Taking Shape

The basement apartment framing is mostly complete. The unit will have a separate entrance in the front and rear of the property, and be metered separately for utilities. The process of adding a basement unit added a lot of complexity to the planning and permit process. Also, DC is strict on fire separation and sound proofing when converting an existing structure to apartments, so that will add a bit of cost.

It's difficult to see where these photos are taken--the unit has a main living area with kitchen and dining nook, full bath and bedroom. See plans below...

Left -- Basement apartment layout; Right -- Looking up from the new bathroom through what's left of the old staircase.

Standing in the basement kitchen looking towards the bedroom

Basement living room and doorway to bedroom

Basement bathroom

Kitchen Framing and Windows

The original exterior walls in the house are simply brick with plaster on the interior face. I'm sure this simple construction was cost-effective in the early 20th century, but it doesn't offer much room for insulation. This isn't a problem for those walls that border a neighboring rowhouse, but the kitchen is mostly surrounded by exterior walls. The new kitchen framing will provide a cavity for insulation and space for new plumbing and electrical behind the cabinets. The original wood-frame windows were mostly rotten, and have been replaced.

New kitchen window

Plumbing for the washer/dryer

Framing and window on back kitchen wall