Shull Architecture

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08/14/2026

The Bathroom Venting Rule That Prevents Mold đźšż

Your bathroom fan might be doing its job… but if it’s venting to the wrong place, you could be creating a moisture problem.

Building code requires bathroom exhaust to be vented to the exterior — not into your attic.

Why does that matter?

Every shower puts warm, humid air into your bathroom. If that moisture is dumped into the attic, it can condense on cold surfaces and contribute to mold, rot, and other long-term problems.

And this is especially important in older homes, where you may find bathroom fans that were never properly vented outside.

It’s a simple detail, but it can make a huge difference in how your home performs.

Check where your bathroom fan actually vents. You might be surprised.

Save this before your next renovation.

👉 ShullArchitecture.com
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07/30/2026

This addition doubled the home's square footage while creating spaces that make the most of its spectacular Narragansett Bay setting.

The project includes a finished walkout basement with a stone terrace, a spacious new living room that opens to a screened porch and deck, and a private primary suite with its own deck overlooking the bay.

The goal wasn't simply to make the house bigger—it was to create a home that feels like it was always meant to be here, with every new space seamlessly integrated into the original architecture.

07/30/2026

The Hidden Wall That Protects Your Entire Home 🔥

One of the most important safety features in your home is one you'll probably never notice.

It's the wall between your garage and your house.

Building code requires this wall to be built as a fire separation because the garage is one of the highest fire-risk areas in a home. Between vehicles, gasoline, power tools, batteries, and stored materials, there's simply a greater chance of a fire starting there.

That's why this wall is typically constructed with fire-rated materials and paired with a properly rated door to help slow the spread of fire into your home.

The problem is that renovations can unintentionally compromise this protection. Cutting holes for wiring or plumbing, replacing the door with the wrong type, or leaving openings unsealed can reduce the effectiveness of the fire barrier.

Good design isn't just about creating beautiful spaces—it's also about protecting the people who live in them.

Take a look at the door between your garage and your home. It might be doing a lot more than you realize.

Save this post for your next renovation.

👉 ShullArchitecture.com
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06/19/2026

The Deck Railing Rule That Could Prevent a Serious Fall ⚠️
That deck railing isn't just there to look good.
It's there to keep people safe.

Building code requires a guardrail when a deck is more than 30 inches above the ground. And it's not just about having a railing—it has to meet specific requirements.

Typically that means:
• A minimum height of 36 inches
• Baluster spacing of less than 4 inches
• A railing strong enough to resist significant force

The problem? Many older decks and DIY projects don't meet today's standards.

What seems like a small detail can become a serious safety issue.

Architects pay close attention to these requirements because good design isn't just about appearance—it's about protecting the people who use the space every day.

Save this before your next deck project.

👉 https://www.ShullArchitecture.com
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05/21/2026

The Smoke Detector Rule That Could Save Your Life 🚨
If one smoke detector goes off in your house…
all of them should.

That’s not just a feature — it’s required by building code in new homes.

Smoke detectors are designed to be interconnected, so when one senses smoke, every alarm activates throughout the house.
Because in an emergency, seconds matter.

Code also requires detectors:
• Inside bedrooms
• Outside sleeping areas
• And on every level of the home

A lot of older homes still don’t have this setup — even if they have detectors installed.

This is one of those details you hope you never need…
but absolutely matters if you do.

Save this and test your detectors today.
👉 https://www.ShullArchitecture.com

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05/05/2026

The Countertop Material That Costs More in the Long Run ⚠️
It looks incredible on day one…
but doesn’t always hold up over time.

Marble is one of the most misunderstood materials in kitchens.
It’s soft, porous, and reacts to everyday use —
which means etching, staining, and wear show up fast.

The problem isn’t the look.
It’s how it performs over the next 10–20 years.

Architects don’t just choose materials for day one —
we choose them for how they age.

If you want the same look with better durability,
materials like dolomite, quartzite, or high-quality quartz hold up much better in real life.

Save this before you finalize your kitchen finishes.
👉 https://www.ShullArchitecture.com

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04/19/2026

The Invisible Detail Required by Code 🏠

There’s a building detail you’ll never see —
but you feel it every day.

It’s called air sealing, and it’s now required by code in new homes.

Older homes?
They leak air through windows, outlets, framing joints — everywhere.

That’s why they feel drafty, uneven, and hard to heat or cool.

Insulation slows heat…
but air movement carries it right out of your house.

That’s why air sealing makes such a big difference in comfort, efficiency, and performance.

Save this before your next renovation.
👉 https://www.ShullArchitecture.com

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04/04/2026

The Basement Bedroom Mistake That Fails Code Instantly 🚨
That “extra bedroom” in your basement might not actually be a bedroom.

To be legal, it needs:
• Proper egress (a window you can escape through)
• Minimum ceiling height
• Natural light and ventilation

Miss one of those, and it may not count — for safety or resale.

A lot of basement rooms look right… but fail where it actually matters.
Architects design these spaces carefully because this isn’t just about code — it’s about protecting people and property value.

Save this before finishing your basement.
👉 https://www.ShullArchitecture.com

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