Joe's Blog
Joe has been blogging about the remodeling process and experience since 2011.Solving Water Problems, A Case Study
We were contracted to work on a 32 unit apartment complex here in Boise Idaho to resolve all sorts of problems related to moisture issues. The evidence was obvious, resulting in bacterial growth or MOLD, AKA the "M" word. Living on the edge of a desert, these things...
Cost Plus Vs. Flat Bid for Remodeling
In 2005, when I was just starting Levco, remodeling here in Boise, Idaho, a potential client asked to do a cost plus contract (Cost Plus means you present the actual bill and mark each one up a specified percent) on a whole house remodeling project. I was excited...
First Project Operation “Bathroom Upgrade”
The Wrecking Crew Here is the first real project May 2012. We completed our part for a grateful elderly man who has lived a long and colorful life, He has lots of kids and grand-kids who love him dearly, and was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. We did the...
Flying Under the Radar
As a professional residential remodeler, I feel that it is my job to ensure that all of the other remodelers are playing by the same set of rules. So when I see a project that requires proper permits to accomplish, naturally I get nosy. It is not that I am the only...
How Can I Stay in My Home?
There is a time in most of our lives where a decision needs to be made about elder care. My (state the relationship) wants to stay in their home and avoid the retirement home, convalescent facility, or old folks home you know, the raisin ranch. This is a common...
Front Porch Addition
The Challenge: This is a home across from the Boise Co-op, deep in the historic North End District. The challenge was to create a separate entrance from the triplex, and provide an entry/mudroom to buffer the noise and headlights from the market that were shining into...
Where Have All The Painters Gone?
A wise painter, Wayne Mayo once told me, " My job, as a painter, is to make YOUR work look great!" This "Mayo Credo" is so true that I can't emphasize it enough. Any painter that thinks otherwise is in the wrong business. I refuse to let a homeowner give me anything...
Hindsight is 20-20
Through my association with Boise Schools' Adult Education program called Community Education, I have had the honor of speaking with a group I call the "Veterans of Remodeling Projects" The VRP, much like the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), gather regularly to reflect...
What Does Sustainability Mean to Levco
Earth Day 2012 has me reflecting upon our green habits. It all boils down to "Sustainability." I believe it is the root of the green movement. This is what it means to us. It is environmental for sure, from a conserving natural resources perspective, such as leaving...
Double Deep Egress
The Challenge: This was a 1960 home that was built well with foundations that were formed on both sides. The owner wanted to have his kids live in the basement but was worried about not having a way out in the event of an emergency. He also wanted the advantage of...
