Projects Folder #2

Swampscott, Massachusetts, United States

Build & Repair with Engineering Flair

#26 Raising the roof

While replacing this garage door, it was obvious why the hinge side of the door had so much movement. Structural damage due to termites and contact with water over the years has eroded the bottom of the corner post. So, before replacing the door, the corner post of this two stale garage needed to be fixed for safety. As seen in the first photo, the corner support timber was eroded and floating off the ground about 8inches. To make a challange more involved, a repaired floating concrete garage floor did not allow the use a jack on the floor to transfer loads to the new support post. This alternate jacking method allowed the load to be added to the new support post as well as provide solid framing for the new door to be installed.

When you hire Prism Engineer, you hire an industry trained mechanical engineer that understands the forces, static loads, and a slue of other terms that are taken into consideration to repair and eliminate the problem at hand.

#25 Hangout Deck Idea

Sooner or later, many people have ideas for decks and their out door living spaces. This client from Wyoming had two frontdoor entryways and wanted to create one cohesive front entry point to their home. It only made sense to create a communal space to hangout considering this was the sunny side of the deck, which becomes very important come the cold winter months! With the clients wants, desires, and needs, Prism created this rendered drawing. Key features wanted were a minimally obstructive handrail, bench seating for a large wood table for the grandkids, access to the backyard, and wide stairs to welcome guests! While Prism won’t be able to perform the work due to cross state construction industry restrictions, any competent contractor can take this render and make my clients wishes come true. Prism colaborates with many contractors and is always available to answer questions that contractors or other services personal might have.

#24 double French doors

From a 10 Lite French door down to the period specific trim, Prism was able to mirror the homes 1930’s door style while creating a new enclosed office area. The unique twist about adding this French door was that the exsisting opening was 1 inch shorter then any pre-fabricated door that could be purchased. By strategically removing material off the bottom of the door, Prism was able to save the client thousands of dollars by not having to remove the exsisting header above the opening in this load bearing wall. Also, by installing the door to one side of the exsisting opening, this centered the doorway on the wall and reduced the amount of sheetrock work needed by only having to repair one side.

#22 - Custom Barn Door in basement drop ceiling

While there is nothing new about a barndoor, there is a rarity that comes with a barndoor in a basement with drop ceiling tiles. This was a fun challenge and turned out awesome. The client wanted to use the hallway for a desk, so a hinged door would not work. A standard barndoor with hardware above would not work because the ceiling clearance was much less then a standard door. The width was also wider then a standard “off the shelf” barndoor. Prism carved ahead by building and painting this sophisticated farmhouse style door. With the ultra low profile hardware, that still kept the essence of classic barndoor hardware, this fully functional door became a reality.

#21 Tile over tile

For posterity reason, Prism is respectful when it comes to avoiding a trip to the land fill. This shower floor was in great shape, other then some discoloration, the client also didn’t like the overall look and was not sure why. Prism agreed and was able to point out the reason. With the same color tile, floor to ceiling, the human eye does not feel grounded. The suggestion is to use a darker color on the floor which will give a sense of being grounded. It will also help the shower have a cohesive feel with the rest of the bathroom. Prism was also asked, if possible, to use the clients left over tiles from previous jobs to reduce costs. Choosing which tile would work and ensuring there was enough, while also adding a custom refined look of a design all had to be considered.

By using new style materials, it is absolutely possible to tile over an exsisting floor and wall tile. This also adds thermal mass to the home which allows the shower floor to keep a more even temprature and retain more heat. Prism can do an evaluation to confirm certain criteria are met before proceeding with a project like this.

#20 Back entry yard design with Minimal handrail and pavers

See before your build can apply to not just indoor atmospheres, but outdoor areas as well! Can you picture revamping your outdoor area? Let’s get it on paper so you can share your ideas! Maybe a terrace, a new hot tub with a lounge area? The client of this new homes addition wanted a simple entry with a place for their grandmother to sit in the sun and wait for visitors. She also wanted this make over done in stages. Prism custom built and welded two handrails. Before the snow flew, Prism was also able to install pavers and create a safe step transition for the upcoming winter.