Prologue

When we purchased our house in October 2004, we knew that we would have to do some work on it. We did not know that it would take so long to be able to get started. Because the lower level had been converted from a garage to living space illegally over the past 40 years, the Town of Fairfax, California, was requiring us, as conditions of the sale, to apply for a planning use permit for the perfectly habitable lower level. It took us a while but when our case was finally heard by the Fairfax Planning Commission, it was approved with no objections.
Having two architecture degrees, but never having practiced architecture, I was able to create a set of drawing to submit to the Town of Fairfax for a building permit.
In just over a day, (I am amazed) we just got a building permit for the first phase of constructions to replace the dangerous spiral staircase and add a garage.
I have given copies of the drawing set to a few contrators to get some bids on the work. Once we select one, work starts!
The design process has been challenging: To add enough storage to the garage, we will have to remove a Japanese Maple from in front of the house. Liz loves that maple.