ADDITION THE LATEST - Seattle

THE
L AT E ST A D D I T I O N
VO LU M E 9 • I S S U E 1
Problem Solving:
POTTER
C ONSTRUCTION
EST. 1979
Inside This Issue
Articles relating
to the innovative
solutions in
designing and
constructing stairs.
Gary’s Green Corner
Customer and
Employee Features
Potter Takes Stairs to the Next Level
I
n Seattle, living on a hillside in a home with multiple
floors is often more common than not. Stairs are a
necessity. With an established remodeling business in West
Seattle for 30 years, Potter Construction knows the ups and
downs of building stairs.
We are the first to tell you that just because you need new
stairs for practical reasons, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t
also want new stairs for aesthetic reasons.
“Structural necessities don’t have to be boring or simply serve as functional, they can and should be striking too,” says owner Gary Potter.
Sure, you have to get from point A to point B, but why
not do this beautifully? We tend to think of stairs as
simply the method of traveling from one floor to another,
or from outside to inside. As problem solvers, Potter
knows it’s important to do the math—making consistent
measurements, creating good traffic flow, and using the
highest safety standards. But that’s only part of the project.
The look and feel is important too. After all, you will be
seeing these stairs every day. Finding creative solutions is as
much of an art as it is a science. The solution must fix the
problem, in a number of ways.
It goes without saying that stairs must fit the transition from
where they start to where they finish. For example, you can
get away with steep and narrow stairs if you are going down to a basement or garage. But stairs that lead up to
your newly remodeled master suite should really be more
grand, perhaps wider, and more attractive to make the
transition appropriate.
Potter’s goal is to get creative with necessities. Take landings
for example. Depending on the size, landings can create
mini-rooms incorporating everything from a reading bench
or art appreciation nook to an entry way or a laundry room.
Stairs are also a big consideration for anyone looking to add
to their home by going up a level. If you want to remodel
and gain a second floor, you have to add good access in order
to add value—all without compromising the existing living
space. New stairs need to go somewhere, and space needs to
be sacrificed. But, for example, if you lose half of a bedroom
on the main level in order to accommodate a new master
suite on the next level, you are not increasing the number of
bedrooms in your home and it may not add as much value as
you’d like. However, if you build new stairs up to the master
by stacking them atop a set of basement stairs without losing
a main floor bedroom, you would be adding significant value
by increasing the number of bedrooms in your home by one
as well as making this new bedroom a roomy master suite.
Homeowners who don’t want to lose any existing space may
even choose to build out a small addition in order to build
up and accommodate new stairs.
Sound complicated? It certainly can be. But one way to “see”
how your new stairs will look is by using Potter’s helpful 3D
CAD software to explore various design options well before
anyone ever thinks of swinging a hammer.
With Potter Construction, you will see how stairs can
transform a house both practically and aesthetically. It’s
about integrating creative problem solving with intelligent
design—it’s about taking stairs to the next level.
BUILDING PEACE OF MIND IN EVERY PROJECT
A Step Up: Three Generations,
Four Floors & Sixty-Seven Stairs
stairs were difficult and dangerous for
the grandparents to get up and down,
not to mention for the rest of the family
as well. Even simple daily chores proved
frustrating.
“Taking laundry up and down those spiral
stairs was a real hazard, and even bringing
groceries in from the garage was tough,”
recalls Leslie Menstell.
and down the stairs). The result did wonders for the
home’s curb appeal (see “after” photo).
The project created some new opportunities, like new,
under-the-stair storage closets and an oversized landing
to serve as a laundry room for both families located
conveniently at the grandparents front door. But it
also uncovered a few surprises.
The Menstells knew they needed a
reputable contractor team who really knew
what they were doing to come in and take
charge of the stair project.
Fortunately, the family had used Potter
Construction for two bathroom remodel
projects on their previous home and didn’t
have to look far for help.
“Potter and their
subs are very
trustworthy and
you know they will
not only get the
job done, but get it
done right.”
Terrence Menstell
T
he Menstell family had a history of extended
family living. So when the grandparents moved
from Ellensburg to West Seattle to downsize and be
closer to family and doctors, and the competitive
sellers’ market kept them from buying their own
home, it was no surprise that the families joined
forces and decided to buy a house together. With
three generations under one roof, the extended family
needed lots of space—something big enough to
accommodate large numbers, but also a house with
enough privacy for all parties.
Though it appears to be a two story from the street,
the home they found was more than meets the eye. The family bought a four and a half story “shell” with
the potential to do what they wanted—create dual
family living complete with a separate apartment for
the folks. They knew right away that two floors would
have to be gutted and remodeled to make it work,
but the house also had a four and a half story metal
spiral staircase that had to go. These rickety winding
“We knew it would be a very challenging
project, but we were confident from
our prior experience with Potter,” says
Terrence Menstell. “Potter and their subs
are very trustworthy and you know they will not only
get the job done, but get it done right.”
Within just a few months Potter helped the Menstell
family transform their home from a situation that
was spiraling out of control into a 67-stair step in the
right direction.
The project kicked off with the design phase where
Potter and the family worked together to come up
with a staircase solution. Potter used their 3D CAD
program to help visualize the possibilities. The two
had weekly meetings to discuss the progress and next
steps. The lead carpenter had to do several rounds
of calculations along the way as each floor of the
home was built at a different height. And due to the
existing structure of the house, redoing the stairs
involved an addition because the entire front wall was
bumped out to create more space in its place (note
the original glass turret on the “before” photo—the
family referred to this as the “fish bowl” because
the entire neighborhood could watch them go up
Customer Feature
Leslie Menstell’s latest
project with Potter
Construction was
her family’s multiple
floor stair remodel, as
mentioned previously.
But the Menstells have
also done two other
bathroom projects with Potter and plan to do more.
Electri-City is proud to be
part of Potter Construction’s team
of professional subcontractors
for the last 20 years.
A full service electrical
contractor Since 1989
Residential & Commercial
Remodel / New Construction / Service
When quality counts, we
get the job done right the first time.
Seattle 425-672-6797
Eastside 425-450-9469
Before
Leslie has had such a good experience working
with Potter that she volunteers to attend the
Seattle Home Show and talk to potential
customers at the Potter booth. Being a real
customer, as well as a three-time returning
customer, she speaks to those considering remodels
from the home owner’s side. She understands
where they are coming from and the daunting task
of wondering where to begin. And the fact that she
takes time out of her own day to spread the word
about Potter really says a lot.
“Potter does such an incredible job and I know
we’ll definitely be using them again. In fact, I
think we already know what our next project will
be…” hints Leslie. “They work within a realistic
timeline, use quality subcontractors, are careful
and concerned about safety, and they are just really
pleasant to work with. Potter cleans up every night
before they go home and works hard to keep us as
comfortable as can be.”
Thank you, Leslie!
“In the remodel process we
found out that part of our
home’s foundation had been
dug up and was missing
key structural supports,”
explains Leslie. “So
Potter fixed our structural
problems too. We have
concrete posts running
down 30 feet into the
ground.”
The family lived in the
basement during part
of the remodel and the
grandparents were still able
to access their apartment
through the garage.
“We knew it was going to be
a challenge, but Potter Before
made it very livable for us,”
says Leslie. “They built us a temporary draw bridge so
we could access the main floor without having to go
outside and around the backyard to take a shower.”
Four months, four and half floors, and 67 stairs later,
the Menstell family had a fully functioning stair
system that was finally safe and structurally sound, not
to mention beautiful.
The project was a big step up in terms of hazardfree accessibility for every family member, but it
was also a step up aesthetically speaking. Now, the
Menstell home is no longer considered the castle house
with a glass turret (which is also appreciated by the
neighbors), but instead it’s referred to rather lovingly
by the family as the “stair master.”
Gary’s Green Corner
Turning a Green Leaf
Potter Construction is turning a green leaf
with remodeling. Between homeowners’
decisions to use eco-friendly building
materials, efficient appliances and energy
saving designs, we have a world of options to
choose from, and the variety of choices is only
increasing over time. But perhaps one of the
most green practices we are proud of at Potter
is our effort to take an existing home and
remodel it. It’s the best form of recycling we
know. So consider remodeling your home with
Potter, a concept that is green by nature, and
now, with more green options for materials
and design available than ever before.
Painting and Indoor Air Quality
F
resh paint. There’s nothing quite like it to
enhance the beauty of your home’s interior. To
some, “it smells so fresh and clean.” Some wait until
summer, when all the windows can remain open.
Still others consider it a nuisance to be undertaken
by others while they are out of town. But, whatever
their preferences, we all are increasingly appreciative
of a clean environment and wary of the impacts of
air quality on their health.
EPA studies have found levels of air pollutants inside
I NTRODUCING
H A N D Y M A N S E RV I C E S
homes ranging between 2 to 5 times greater than
the air outdoors regardless of whether the homes
tested were in rural or highly industrialized urban
locations! What is the consumer to do? Generally
speaking, consumers can significantly reduce their
risks of exposure by using water-based paints. There
are several very good ones on the market, but some
paint manufacturers have sacrificed quality to
meet regulatory standards. A professional painting
contractor like Queen Anne Painting has the
knowledge to guide you to the right paint products,
and the application experience to produce a highquality job using them so you can, well, relax and
enjoy the fresh smell of your new paint job.
Need help with your to-do list?
The author, Doug Wold, is
president of Queen Anne Painting.
queenannepainting.com
Potter Construction can help! Call us
with your list of unfinished projects.
206-522-5152
206-935-9696
Going Down in Style:
A Staircase on Par with Commissioned Art
Maple was used for the stairs and hardwood floors
throughout (though carpet was chosen to cover the
stairs leading down to the bedroom level for a quieter,
cozier feel).
In addition to building the new staircase, the entry
level was bumped out to make room for a larger entry
way and landing. With this addition, the Buchans were
finally able to open the front door and invite guests
inside without backing down the stairs to do so.
“Now, when you open the door, it’s much more
welcoming than before,” explains the relieved
homeowner. “Before, one person had to open the door
while the other stood waiting downstairs.”
Besides the safety and social benefits, the addition
incorporated large windows to bring in more light. The
remodel also created more storage space and the Buchans
got a new closet out of the deal. Debbie was pleased that
the team was thorough and that Potter seemed to think
of everything—down to the last detail. Electric outlets
were even intentionally placed close to the stair railings
on each side for the sole purpose of wrapping the posts
with Christmas lights for the holidays.
“It’s the little things that make a difference. People
begin to learn a lot once they get to know you, and
Harry Howell, our project manager, knew that’s what I
wanted to do.
I
n the summer of 2006 Debbie and Gordon
Buchan moved to Seattle’s beautiful Three Tree
Point from Fairwood in Renton. Going from a
relatively flat home site to a steep, hillside location,
the Buchans, like many Seattleites, were looking
forward to experiencing gorgeous Sound views, but
they were well aware that multiple floor staircases
usually go with them.
Even before closing, the Buchans had plans to
remodel—the entry, the main floor, the kitchen,
and the spiral staircase that led down three levels
from the front entry all the way to the bedrooms
on the lower floor. And they knew they’d have to
find an experienced remodeling team to take on
this multifaceted task. Debbie began researching
contractors, calling her past contacts from her
old neighborhood to get advice. In her many
conversations, one name kept coming up: Potter
Construction. She dug a bit deeper, looking for
information on Potter’s history through the Master
Builders Association, and found that Potter had been in business since 1979.
“With the Potter’s recommendations by other
contractors and the long company history in the
area, these were really good signs, so I picked up the
phone,” recalls Debbie.
She began talking to Potter’s Senior Designer Roshele
Allison about ideas, costs, etc. And Roshele came out
to the house to take pictures. Upon meeting Potter’s
crew in person, Debbie was impressed.
“They didn’t just talk and tell me what I should do,
instead they really listened to my ideas and what I
was trying to accomplish.”
Roshele came up with several design ideas and put
them on a CD for the Buchans to ponder. It was at
this point that Debbie realized the stairs would be
an integral part of the design and remodeling process
as she wanted to redo the floors at the same time to
integrate hardwoods throughout.
Before
In designing the new stairs,
the Buchans wanted a cable
railing for its openness and
modern feel. Looking back
in her file, Debbie pulled
out Roshele’s original design
and it was literally identical
to the finished product.
“Roshele designed just what we were looking for
and a sub-contractor named Loren Dugan came in
to build the stairs. He was very talented and did an
amazing job,” beams Debbie. “It was like working
with an artist on a commissioned piece.”
Stainless steel rods were meticulously brushed by
hand and strategically as well as artistically aligned
vertically from top to bottom for all three floors.
In fact, Harry’s involvement was a big part of the
project’s success.
“Overall, it was a really good experience. The design was
great, the stair contractor was very creative, the painters
were pro, and then there was Harry—our project
manager and on-site carpenter—I can’t say enough good
things about him.”
Debbie fondly recollected how Harry set up shop in the
garage for the length of the project.
“It was like having a built-in helper. He was here
promptly at 7:30 a.m. each day. In the morning I’d
leave for work and tell him what I wanted and when I
came home it would be done.”
“When the project was finished and Harry left, I went
through withdrawals,” she half-jokingly recalls.
It was important for the Buchans, and for anyone
undergoing a home remodel, to be able to trust the
contractors at Potter, to know they are professionals,
and to feel comfortable around them day in and day
out—after all, they are practically living in your house
for months at a time.
“I trusted Harry’s opinion and he always talked to me
straight,” reflects Debbie. “He became a part of the
family and the entire effort really felt like a
true partnership.”
THE
L AT E ST A D D I T I O N
PRSRT.STD.
U.S. Postage
5606 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136
PAID
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
SEATTLE, WA
Permit No. 4081
POTTER
C ONSTRUCTION
REMODELING AND DESIGN SINCE 1979
Winter: The Perfect Time to Plan Your Remodel
How did the holidays treat you? Wish you had
more room to entertain in your kitchen or an extra
bedroom for when the in-laws come to visit? If you
are thinking about a house project for this year,
winter is a great time to research and plan. When the
rain is falling, take the time to visit showrooms, home
Stair Safety Tips
For Daily Use:
When Remodeling, Potter Must Consider:
• Make sure there are lights to illuminate the way (a light switch at the top and bottom of each
stairwell is helpful)
• The rise and run of each stair must be consistent
(think back to math class)
• Be sure your stairs are all in good repair, no uneven
or raised surfaces exist
• The railing balusters must be placed a certain
distance apart (not so wide that children can slip
through)
• Don’t carry too big or heavy of loads
• Keep clutter away from stairs (this is a tripping
hazard)
• Safety gates should be installed at the tops and
bottoms to keep children from crawling or falling
down the stairs
• Take your time to go up and down the stairs
(rushing increases risk of falling)
• Stay away from spirals (especially carrying laundry,
groceries, children, etc.)
• The railing height and size must be up to code
shows, remodeling expos, and spend time flipping
through magazines, tearing out ideas. Most remodeling
projects, depending on the scope of work, can take
two to three months of design time before work can
begin. So it’s not too early to start the planning process
now. Let Potter know how we can help get you started.
Thank you for spreading the word
about your remodel.
Potter Construction would like to thank YOU, our wonderful
customers, for sharing your remodeling experience with
friends and family and giving Potter great referrals
Thank you to:
• Michael & Christina Antonio
• The railing finish cannot be too slippery
• Steve & Judi Finney
• Carpet should be tightly stretched around stairs
(if you choose carpet), as not to
cause a trip hazard
• Lorraine Toly
• Doors must swing toward the
opening not toward the stairs to avoid falling down or having
to back up when coming
toward door
• Ann Clark
Pay attention to exteriors early saves on worries later
• Martin & Janet Regge
• Scott & Diane McGee
• Ted & Marcie Passic
• Ammon McWashington & Carol Coram
• Chuck & Trudy Tessaro
• John & Liz Lancaster
• Mark & Jill Simmons
• Steve & Jerry Harper
• Kirby Lindsay
• Ken & Rhondda James
“We wish we could adopt him”
Harry Howell is a project manager
for Potter Construction. What does
that mean? Harry is the man in
charge out in the field. He touches
everything to do with a job from
permits and scheduling subs to
supervising crews and performing
the majority of carpentry work.
Harry has been with Potter for 5
years, and loves his job.
“I’ve told Gary on several occasions that it’s the best job I’ve ever
had, I love working with all the people at Potter. I have been a
carpenter for 32 years, and I’ll tell you, it never gets old turning
a pile of wood into something beautiful that people enjoy—it’s
very satisfying,” he explains.
W
e all make decisions based on a cost-benefit
analysis when choosing materials for a new
home or remodel project. The majority of these
decisions tend to be on finish materials, siding,
trim, paints and stains. This is logical as those are
things that will be highly visible, and depending on
the choice, can bring varying degrees of pleasure to
the end user. There are also many components in
a construction project that are not visible. Quality
lumber can certainly minimize future challenges
for the drywall crew or the person installing
cabinets and trim, but with some extra time
and money, poor quality lumber can usually be
dealt with.
When it comes to wrapping the exterior and
flashing window and door openings, the right
product and proper methods are critical. There are
many different products in the marketplace, and
they all have different properties. Some hold water
out, some don’t. Some allow the wall cavity to
dry out after moisture has found its way in, others
tend to “trap” the moisture and create additional
challenges. There can also be compatibility issues
between housewraps, adhesive-backed flashings and
caulking products. It pays to do your homework
and find a family of products that has been
formulated to work together as a system. The
wrong product choices and the right installation
methods still add up to a potential challenge for the
property owner in the future. As we all know, these
can be very expensive to remedy after the fact.
When you are looking for a remodeling contractor,
it is important to choose one that has enough
experience to build these best practices into their
business model. That is why Potter Construction
is a smart choice for those looking to complete a
remodeling project in West Seattle.
206-634-4649 dunnlum.com
www.potterconstruction.com 2 0 6 . 9 3 5 . 9 6 9 6
One of his favorite things to do is to drive down the street and
point out all the houses he has worked on to his wife. “I am
proud of the work we do.”
Harry also enjoys working with a myriad of Potter customers.
“Knock on wood, I’ve always had great customers working
with Potter,” he smiles. “They are down to earth and always
appreciative of our work.”
With so much bad press about contractors, and all the horror
stories you hear, a big part of Harry’s job is to go out and prove
this stereotype wrong.
“The first week or two of a job I really try to build my
customers’ confidence and win their trust. I know we are always
capable of the task at hand, but I have to convince the customer
of that. And it takes time.”
From the get go, Harry and his crew make it a point to be very
conscientious, to listen well, and to clean up at the end of each
day to make home owners feel comfortable with themselves and
with the process.
And by the end of a job, it has been said more than once, that
customers have gone from being skeptical at the start to later
wanting to adopt Harry by the end of a project. But Potter is not
willing to give him up.