North-South Building, Inc.

08/22/2025

Master planning
Why would a homeowner need a set of plans of their existing home? A full set of plans, sections and elevations, are the traditional drawings that represent a home on paper. They present the home, not just as it is, but help us see the potential for how it could be.

Thoughtful, architectural additions, or alterations aren’t just for expensive kitchen remodels- they help accommodate needs for accessibility, for long term energy savings, and the inclusion of income -generating potential for your home.

A well conceived reconfiguration of a simple bathroom can allow an elderly family member to remain comfortable at home for years.

A thoughtful addition of an apartment can help a young person get established in a neighborhood they might not otherwise be able to afford for years. And an informed analysis of an existing home might allow for an extended family to live together peacefully, in ways the original design never considered.

A master plan the improves the overall building envelope- decreasing the amount of energy required to keep it comfortable in all weather- is critical to have solidly detailed and thought through.

Normal insurance claims to roofing, siding and windows over the years are typically replaced by individual trades, but with a master plan, each repair affords an opportunity to leverage whole building system improvements.

Share these thoughts with friends and neighbors- and let them know that
North-South Building is here to share our experience with them: in making their homes the best they can be.

Experienced and Reliable Design & Budgeting Service

08/12/2025

What questions do people have about their houses? From how to trace a leak, to how to maximize the energy efficiency, to master planning for additions or future remodels, I can help you work through practical solutions.

I’ll check in on FB at least weekly to reply ;-)

10/21/2024

Consider this:

Often our houses are just an expense we hope to pay off one day- and then hope our maintenance bills don’t overwhelm us.

Consider adding a rental unit to your property. People have rented out rooms for generations, but remodeling to add an extra bathroom or kitchenette makes it a much more attractive place to stay.

When remodeling isn’t feasible, adding a guest house to your property might be.
Recently allowable in many of our single-family neighborhoods, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can be designed as part of a new garage, or a wheelchair accessible tiny house that matches the character of your existing home.

I have designed and built a number of these structures and would be glad to help with any and all aspects of this kind of project.
Message me if you’re interested.

09/21/2024

We’ve been building a new house in our old neighborhood. Tore down the little old house last fall - its wood foundation from maybe 1920, was rotting away into the ground- it was time to go. Our new, super insulated SFH has a nice ADU at the back as well.

09/19/2023

The next new project: tearing down a hard-used old rental in our neighborhood, preparing to build a whole new house for some great clients :-)

09/18/2023

Most places don’t have an accessible entrance. Sometimes, all you can do is tack one on… But sometimes you get to do a nice ramp :-)

09/17/2023

When you tear off the kitchen vinyl floor and discover the original porch floor… Great to have client that appreciate the history of their homes and decide to highlight it, rather than just cover it up…
1930’s oak house floor, 1930’s fir porch floor, 2022 maple filler strip at the old wall location- with black walnut plugs…

09/16/2023

A tired, old kitchen, badly in need of updates. Re-designed to get a hidden laundry in a new kitchen closet (instead of down in the basement). Kept the original cabinet boxes and made up new, custom cabinet doors. Totally new dining island replaced some random furniture in the space…

02/27/2023

North-South Building has built another property that is energy efficient and super insulated! It has been beautifully appointed and is centrally located. If you would like to stay in this energy efficient home and see what this type of structure feels like, we welcome you to come visit.

Entire loft in Billings, United States. Centrally located just off the Historic District in Billings, this brand new, modern, energy efficient home will beg you to relax in this calm, sty...