FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Reader Project

Total Seattle Gut-Second Story Addition

By jarchitect, member
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Front Elevation - Turner House

Bought by my wife and myself as an investment, this is the ‘house next door’…literally. When our neighbor of 20 years passed on, we decided to buy and renovate the property. We designed it to keep true to the original 1920’s bungalow style by adding a new, contextural second story in the scale of our neighborhood. In a city of tear-downs, we saved a great old house and were able to turn it over in a down market. Good design helps! This home was featured in the FH Houses edition: Summer 2009 #203.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. riverdale | Jan 12, 2009 08:53pm | #1

    Fantastic, what a beautiful job. I particularly like the windows, especially the 4 over 1 in the kitchen. Which windows did you use?

  2. jarchitect | Jan 13, 2009 09:46am | #2

    Riverdale,

    Thanks for the kudos. The windows were Vetter aluminum clad sash replacements on the lower floor and Vetter aluminum clad casements (made to look like double hungs) on the upper floor. I used the sash replacements on the lower floor because I was working with existing openings. They worked very well. -Jim

  3. 1Sensei | Feb 02, 2009 07:30pm | #3

    Nice update jarchitect. Do you have a before picture so that we can really appreciate the changes?

  4. sliverfinger | Feb 02, 2009 08:23pm | #4

    Hello:

    I am interested in the sash replacements- any photos of those as installed? I'm considering using them on a concrete-framed stucco house where I REALLY do not want to remove the existing frames. They're in good shape and the sashes are the only problem. Your job above looks great, so I can assume you debated the aesthetic points of sash replacements as well. Much appreciated.

  5. jarchitect | Feb 02, 2009 10:26pm | #5

    1Sensei:

    Check out my webpage: http://www.jarchitect.net

    I have a before photo on it. -Jim

  6. jarchitect | Feb 02, 2009 10:30pm | #6

    To those interested in sash replacement:

    I used Vetter sash replacements. I knew early on I did not want to use vinyl. They are aluminum clad exterior and paint grade interior. You can get them with better interior finishes and also fiber clad exterior, I believe. They were a bit less costly than Anderson/Marvin. They have a website.

    I chose to use sash replacements because the existing frame was ok and I didn't want to booger up the exterior trim. I could have used a full replacement window,but I was also concerned about sash/jamb thickness and too 'heavy' an appearance. The sash rides in a vinyl channel that is screwed onto each jamb. This reduces the opening by about 1/2" on each jamb...which is acceptable and less than noticeable than it would be with a whole window replacement.

    I found them to be pretty easy to install once I got my rhythm down. I replaced roughly a dozen window, so I was able to capitalize on my learning curve. They say it takes something like 30 minutes to do...which is pretty optimistic. I figure it took about an hour per window once I was rolling. Scaping paint and filling holes also slows you down. I used only basic tools.

    Some observations:

    * I like the way they swing out for cleaning.
    * The vinyl channel at each jamb cannot be painted and is white...so it will show if you choose dark interior paint.
    * Take care to measure the angle of your sill...this is very important for good weather sealing.
    * When you measure your openings, be careful and measure several times. You don't want to mis-measure. The width is easy 'cause the existing window is the the same as the replacement.
    * The stops had tiny staple holes that needed to be filled prior to painting. I thought this sucked a bit. Again, check Anderson or Marvin here. They might have better quality control.
    * Mine did not come with screens. I'm not sure if they are part of the stock package. I didn't worry about it because Seattle is not very buggy. (cause the summer's are so bleeding cold at night)
    * I suggest calling around your area reps to see if there are some installation you can check out. Most home owners don't mind.

    Some who are purists and have vintage houses don't like sash replacements because of the vinyl runners. I didn't have those issues in my cases. Good luck!

  7. sjdehner | Apr 14, 2009 07:06pm | #7

    My wife and I are from Seattle and are familiar with the bungalow neighborhoods that add so much to its character.

    We are specifically from the Greenwood area, which has a wide range of comfortable little bungalow streets.

    So much of Seattle is comprised of this style of architecture - from the U-District, Wallingford & Greenlake to Capitol Hill, Queen Anne Hill & Ballard (and beyond).

    To imagine such distinct Seattle character being replaced by more generic apartment complexes (and they are popping up all over the city) is a real disappointment.

    You've done excellent work and have added to the longevity of Seattle's character.

    Thanks for that...and congratulations.

    Shawn & Jamie - all the way from Maine!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details

These defensive details give homes a better chances of surviving wildfires.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • From Victorian to Mid-Century Modern: How Unico Fits Any Older Home
  • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
  • Vintage Sash Windows Get an Energy-Efficient Upgrade
  • Design and Build a Pergola

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Vintage Sash Windows Get an Energy-Efficient Upgrade
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?
  • A New Approach to Foundations
  • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data