In our last column, we discussed the necessity of creating a realistic budget for a remodeling project and that the design and the budget must be properly aligned. We noted that the budget conversation must begin in the first design
Renovation Solutions: Don’t be your own worst enemy when remodeling
Many homeowners have a Houzz or Pinterest account full of beautiful spaces, but finding qualified local professionals who can help them determine what is realistic for their space and budget is an essential step to success. Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design
Renovation Solutions: Do we stay or do we go?
Many homeowners clearly understand if their current house is not working for them and/or their families. The home may be too small, too large, in need of major updates or repairs, or unworkable in countless other ways. What is not
Home remodels that impact resale value
The motivation for a home improvement project can come from a variety of sources. It often occurs at two ends of the home-owning spectrum: We are spurred on to action either when we decide we are staying forever or when
Renovation Solutions: Five basics of home remodeling
There are so many moving parts and issues to consider when remodeling a home that today we want to summarize five of the most important items to consider when tackling a home remodel. A home’s style Scot Zimmerman, Renovation
Renovation Solutions: 4 useful traits in a residential architect
During a home remodel, if you are looking to add on, move walls, windows, or doors, or generally reconfigure or repurpose existing space and structure, then you should consider using an architect. Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design Group We want to
Renovation Solutions: Beyond DIY: Tips from ‘This Old House’ to save on a home remodel
Custom details take a surprising amount of coordination between lots of trades, so designing them in advance is the best way to ensure they out just the way you want them. Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design Group In this
Renovation Solutions: Tips for choosing an exterior paint color for your house
Choosing an exterior paint color is an intimidating exercise. Looking at those minuscule swatches and picturing what any one color will look like spread over your entire house is tough. It really feels like a make-or-break decision as far as
Renovation Solutions: Hot housing market impacts decision to buy or remodel
There are always areas of a home that have room for improvement. Upgrading one of these areas will improve your use and enjoyment of your home and if done well can also positively impact the value. Trina Knudsen, Renovation
Renovation Solutions: What to consider for kitchen remodels
BEFORE: In this kitchen remodel, Renovation Design Group opened up the U-shaped kitchen, creating a functional work and gathering space. AFTER: In this kitchen remodel, Renovation Design Group opened up the U-shaped kitchen, creating a functional work and gathering
Renovation Solutions: Determining the best architectural options in home remodeling
Home design and remodeling takes planning. Part of that process is determining what works and what doesn’t with the house. Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design Group Architecture is much more than how the building looks from the outside. While that
Weekend projects that can boost home value
Sprucing up the front door can do wonders for curb appeal. Annie Schwemmer, Renovation Design Group Ultimately, a home’s true value is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it. When deciding whether to remodel
Renovation Solutions: The difference between design, decorating
Our company motto is “Making the world a better place, one home at a time.” We enjoy having a positive impact on our community and in our clients’ lives. We get an occasional “hot mess” to fix up, but more
When to get a building permit and what happens if work is done without a permit
Even bathroom remodels need building permits. (Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design Group) We introduced the topic of building permits last week. Because of the cost involved and apprehension of working with the government, some homeowners are tempted to not
What a building permit is and why it’s needed
Home remodeling is a big endeavor even on a smaller project. Almost every project will need a building permit to ensure it is done right. (Trina Knudsen) One of the most daunting and dreaded parts of a home remodel
Renovation Solutions: What a remodeling contractor says about architects
(before) This beautiful deck and pergola remodel was the result of a great collaborative effort between the architect, general contractor, and steel fabricator. (Kevin Bunnell, Renovation Design Group) Most people who don’t use an architect for a home remodeling project
Things to consider before removing a structural wall
Editor’s note: Portions of this column were previously published on deseretnews.com and on their website at renovationdesigngroup.com. One of the most common requests we hear these days is to design an open floor plan to create a great room that
When, why to involve an interior designer
Renovation Design Group worked with Lamar Lisman, Lisman Studio Interior Design, on this master suite remodel. (Scot Zimmerman) Think about the last time you moved. Your former house has been emptied and cleaned, and all of your possessions are
Education makes the difference with an architect
People are interesting: Sometimes they respect expertise and professional education, and sometimes they don’t. We recently had a conversation on this topic with our associate Shawn Guthrie of USI All-Purpose Windows and Doors in Salt Lake City. “We don’t go
Renovation Solutions: Contractor explains why it’s worth it to hire an architect
Jeremy Jackson knows his way around a home design project. As a partner at the construction company Jackson & Leroy, Jackson has extensive experience with all types of residential projects ranging from estate management to remodeling to new home construction.
Design trends to watch for in 2016
We love the fresh start, potential and possibilities that a new year brings. There is an impulse for change and embracing something new. This phenomenon happens both individually and as a society. Pop culture, design and fashion trends renew every
How HGTV, Pinterest are changing home design
Between all the design shows on HGTV and the hundreds of thousands of images on Houzz.com and Pinterest.com, we are fortunate to have design tools at our fingertips. Whether we are watching on a 70-inch TV or squinting at our
Renovation Solutions: Solving common house problems with remodeling
As we are architects who specialize in residential remodeling, every client we see has a problem with his or her house. Some of these houses just need a cosmetic upgrade (replacing outdated finishes, appliances, plumbing fixtures, etc., in their current
3 more home design areas to address for holiday entertaining
Like we said last week, you never should design a remodel for a once-a-year event such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. However, having the ultimate entertaining house that functions just as well on special occasions as it does every day will
Renovation Solutions: House design elements to consider for holiday entertaining
A line we use with most clients is, “We aren’t going to design for Thanksgiving!” (Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design Group) When designing with the holidays in mind, it is hard not to consider the kitchen and food preparation when
Navigating the great move vs. remodel debate
When your house isn’t working for you anymore, the great debate begins: Do you move or remodel? There are many factors to consider. First, take a look at your existing house and determine what needs to be done to make
Renovation Solutions: Budgeting, repurposing can create savings on remodeling
Last week, we started the discussion on home remodeling budgets and saving money on the remodel. Like we said last week and many other times, the key to saving money on your remodeling project is planning ahead. The more you
Creating a plan leads to saving money on remodeling
At the homeowners request, this toilet room in the master bedroom, shown after renovation was designed to accommodate a future walk in tub. The required plumbing was installed behind the walls and floors to make future installation easy, while in
Renovation Solutions: Home remodeling horror stories
Editor’s note: Portions of this column were previously published on deseretnews.com. Happy Halloween! In honor of the scary holiday, we want to discuss some of the most common remodeling nightmares: total budget annihilation, the great disappearing contractor, and the never-ending
Renovation Solutions: Home remodeling with pets in mind
When we ask potential clients about the makeup of their family, it is always useful if they include their pets on the list. While goldfish and a parakeet don’t require much special design attention, dogs and cats do. Houzz.com recently
Renovation Solutions: Tricks to front porch additions
When clients come to us looking to enhance curb appeal, we often recommend a front porch addition or upgrade. A front porch can do wonders for the look and feel of a house. In addition to helping define the style,
Renovation Solutions: What to consider when adding a pantry
Lack of sufficient storage is a common kitchen shortcoming. A well-designed pantry is a design item that can positively impact your life on a daily basis. The pantry is a coveted function in any home. Lack of sufficient storage is
Empty nesters find family togetherness in new remodel
As we move through life, we need different things from our houses. Different ages and stages bring different expectations, needs and wants. College campuses have dorm rooms because all a young college student needs is a place to study and
How to stick to your remodeling budget
One of the most common fears of remodeling is a project snowballing out of control. It is true that when remodeling there will always be unforeseen items that will impact the budget. Most situations can be anticipated by working with
Renovation Solutions: Key to a successful DIY home remodel is a master plan
By Ann Robinson and Annie V Schwemmer Published: Sept. 4, 2015 Editor’s note: Portions of this column were previously published on the authors’ blog. We would like to preface this column by saying that we are not automatically opposed to
Renovation Solutions: When remodeling, don’t forget interior views
It is preferable to see something beautiful at the end of a hallway, like a strategically placed piece of art, as opposed to something like an open bathroom door. Architecture is often associated with how the home is viewed from
How to design a comfortable home for guests, residents
This renovation included adding doors to the office off the entry, so that business related guests didn’t have to traipse through the house to get to the husband’s office (Kenin Bunnel Renovation Design group courtesy) With the social movement toward
Small, smart additions to your home can replace expensive big ones
Small, well-designed additions — just adding a few square feet here or there — can create sufficient space to change the way your home functions without having to construct a “big box” addition. Annie Schwemmer and Ann Robinson, Deseret News
Renovation Solutions: Converting garages to living space
Editor’s note: Portions of this column were previously published on deseretnews.com. Finding existing space in your home to repurpose, convert into living space or reconfigure may take some creativity. Last week, we discussed how to creatively remodel existing space with
Finding more space without an addition
Most people who want to remodel crave more space from their house. They want more storage space, more living space, more garage space, more office space, or more gathering space. In general, people want more space. While most people initially