Articles
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How HGTV, Pinterest are changing home design
Read More: How HGTV, Pinterest are changing home designBetween 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 smartphones while waiting in the dentist’s office, nary a moment need go by without being…
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Renovation Solutions: Budgeting, repurposing can create savings on remodeling
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Budgeting, repurposing can create savings on remodelingLast 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 plan, the more you can save. Your contractor needs detailed design plans in order to…
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Renovation Solutions: The value of a remodeling budget, part 2
Read More: Renovation Solutions: The value of a remodeling budget, part 2In 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 meeting and continue throughout the process of both design and construction. Budget constraints are not…
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Renovation Solutions: 3 necessary budget questions to consider before embarking on a home remodeling project
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 3 necessary budget questions to consider before embarking on a home remodeling projectUnless money is no object, having a budget is a critical component to every remodeling project. The time to talk about a project’s budget begins with the first design meeting and should continue in some form throughout the design and construction process. It is fair to say that almost every client comes in with a…
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Renovation Solutions: Don’t be your own worst enemy when remodeling
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Don’t be your own worst enemy when remodelingMany 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 Group So, you have finally had it with your house. It is too small,…
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Home remodels that impact resale value
Read More: Home remodels that impact resale valueThe 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 we are getting ready to move. It is unfortunate that so many people wait to…
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Renovation Solutions: Five basics of home remodeling
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Five basics of home remodelingThere 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 Design Group Part of the work for this remodel was to update the exterior of…
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Renovation Solutions: Couple turns 1880s era Avenues home into a beauty
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Couple turns 1880s era Avenues home into a beautyThe empty property in the Avenues was dripping with potential and history. Adam Collings and his wife first saw the distressed 1880s home in 2011. The outside of the house resembled the Addam’s Family house before it was remodeled. Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design Group “We were actually at a friend’s barbecue when he pointed it…
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Renovation Solutions: 4 useful traits in a residential architect
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 4 useful traits in a residential architectDuring 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 help homeowners discover the value of good design and the benefits of using an architect…
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Renovation Solutions: Beyond DIY: Tips from ‘This Old House’ to save on a home remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Beyond DIY: Tips from ‘This Old House’ to save on a home remodelCustom 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 crazy technological world, one of our favorite sources is “This Old House” the television show,…
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Renovation Solutions: Tips for choosing an exterior paint color for your house
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Tips for choosing an exterior paint color for your houseChoosing 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 the curb appeal of your house is concerned. Paint has one advantage over other exterior…
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Renovation Solutions: Hot housing market impacts decision to buy or remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Hot housing market impacts decision to buy or remodelThere 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 Design Group The housing market is hot right now in Utah. There are more buyers…
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Weekend projects that can boost home value
Read More: Weekend projects that can boost home valueSprucing 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 a home and how to do it, a big part of that decision rests with…
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When to get a building permit and what happens if work is done without a permit
Read More: When to get a building permit and what happens if work is done without a permitEven 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 get the proper permits for a home remodel. That is not a good idea. But…
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What a building permit is and why it’s needed
Read More: What a building permit is and why it’s neededHome 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 is obtaining a permit. Working with government offices in general can be a little intimidating.…
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Renovation Solutions: What a remodeling contractor says about architects
Read More: 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 either think the job is too small, or they aren’t educated on the value of…
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Things to consider before removing a structural wall
Read More: Things to consider before removing a structural wallEditor’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 houses areas for the kitchen, dining and living areas. Such a request generally involves removing…
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When, why to involve an interior designer
Read More: When, why to involve an interior designerRenovation 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 stacked randomly in your new space. It was time to start setting up the new…
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Education makes the difference with an architect
Read More: Education makes the difference with an architectPeople 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 to our friend who is sick and ask them for medical advice; when we are…
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Renovation Solutions: Contractor explains why it’s worth it to hire an architect
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Contractor explains why it’s worth it to hire an architectJeremy 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. This is the end result of one of the many projects Renovation Design Group…
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Design trends to watch for in 2016
Read More: Design trends to watch for in 2016We 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 year. The home decor industry is already filling this clean slate with trend predictions for…
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3 more home design areas to address for holiday entertaining
Read More: 3 more home design areas to address for holiday entertainingLike 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 make the quality of life for the holidays just a little bit brighter. While your…
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Renovation Solutions: House design elements to consider for holiday entertaining
Read More: Renovation Solutions: House design elements to consider for holiday entertainingA 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 so much of the holiday experience is centered on food. Meaning, we typically don’t need…
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Navigating the great move vs. remodel debate
Read More: Navigating the great move vs. remodel debateWhen 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 it function well for your family. Consulting with an architect at this point will help…
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Creating a plan leads to saving money on remodeling
Read More: Creating a plan leads to saving money on remodelingAt 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 the meantime, the space is being used as storage (Trina Knudsen, photo credit) Before …
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Renovation Solutions: Home remodeling horror stories
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Home remodeling horror storiesEditor’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 project house. The good news is these remodeling nightmares can be avoided with careful planning…
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Renovation Solutions: Home remodeling with pets in mind
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Home remodeling with pets in mindWhen 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 published a report on a pet survey it has taken. Besides confirming that pets generally…
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Renovation Solutions: Tricks to front porch additions
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Tricks to front porch additionsWhen 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, the front porch also serves to add to a home’s functionality for residents and guests…
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Renovation Solutions: What to consider when adding a pantry
Read More: Renovation Solutions: What to consider when adding a pantryLack 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 a common kitchen shortcoming. A well-designed pantry is a design item that can positively impact…
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Empty nesters find family togetherness in new remodel
Read More: Empty nesters find family togetherness in new remodelAs 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 to sleep. That obviously changes as we get older. Once a person decides to put…
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How to stick to your remodeling budget
Read More: How to stick to your remodeling budgetOne 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 architects and contractors experienced in the remodeling process, but surprises can be lurking behind Sheetrock…
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Renovation Solutions: Key to a successful DIY home remodel is a master plan
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Key to a successful DIY home remodel is a master planBy 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 do-it-yourself remodels. We have seen some beautiful homes remodeled by homeowners acting as the contractor…
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Renovation Solutions: When remodeling, don’t forget interior views
Read More: Renovation Solutions: When remodeling, don’t forget interior viewsIt 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 the exterior, but there are many opportunities to impact the lives of those who live…
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How to design a comfortable home for guests, residents
Read More: How to design a comfortable home for guests, residentsThis 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 more casual, open floor plans, it is important to consider issues related to privacy when…
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Renovation Solutions: Converting garages to living space
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Converting garages to living spaceEditor’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 attic conversions. This week, let’s talk about converting a garage into living space. The original…