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Insulation will lower heating bills
Read More: Insulation will lower heating billsBy Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon The weather is getting colder, but saving on the heating bill this winter shouldn’t mean you have to cuddle under four blankets to stay warm. If your heating bill is through the roof, then that may be exactly where your heat is escaping — through your roof and walls.…
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Renovation Solutions: Frankenhouses: horrifying home remodels
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Frankenhouses: horrifying home remodelsHappy Halloween! Multiple additions can create a disjointed feeling and negatively impact curb appeal. Picasa, Annie V. Schwemmer In honor of this ghoulish holiday, we want to tell a scary story: “The Story of the Frankenhouses.” Frankenhouses are homes that have been “renovated” and yet feature things such as pipes running through living rooms, rooms…
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Renovation Solutions: Time for fall cleaning, home maintenance
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Time for fall cleaning, home maintenanceThe term “Spring Cleaning” has become somewhat of a deep cleaning cliché. And it is rightfully named since most deep cleaning is tackled in the spring. However, there is an important Fall counterpart to cleaning that is often overlooked. Fall cleaning involves more than just tidying up around the house. There are important home maintenance…
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Renovation Solutions: Tips for saving money when remodeling
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Tips for saving money when remodelingAh, a budget. Most of us are all too familiar with living on a budget, especially these days. While this client did not have the budget for a large master suite addition, an architect was able to help them gain access to an updated bathroom from a reconfigured master bedroom. (David T. Price) Successfully living…
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Renovation Solutions: Remember to address air-quality issues inside your home
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Remember to address air-quality issues inside your homeEnergyStar has become a household term. Everyone knows that EnergyStar translates as energy efficient products or homes. Well, the EPA has taken the EnergyStar labeling program for homes a step further into the green. The EPA has developed a sister program called Indoor AirPLUS. As our homes become more energy efficient there is less air…
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Renovation Solutions: Remodeling? Here are some survival tips
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Remodeling? Here are some survival tips“Renovating is an intense personal experience shared with large numbers of total strangers — not much different than surviving a plane crash.” — An anonymous homeowner. Contractors Jason Runolfson, left, and Jeremy Jackson of Jackson & LeRoy Remodeling spend hours planning and working with clients on home remodeling projects. -Annie V. Schwemmer Even with…
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Renovation Solutions: What to do before remodeling a condo
Read More: Renovation Solutions: What to do before remodeling a condoBeing a condo owner often feels like living in real estate purgatory. On one hand, you’re an owner. The property is in your name, you are responsible for it, pay taxes on it, and have a say on what goes on there. On the other hand, your property is within the confines of a condo…
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Renovation Solutions: Adding an interior design pro to your team has its benefits
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Adding an interior design pro to your team has its benefitsA home is a very complex concept, both psychologically and physically. Psychologically, “home” represents such ideas as shelter, gathering and safety. Physically, the whole is the sum of many diverse elements constituting both the interior and exterior of the structure. When you want to remodel your home, you don’t have to become an expert in…
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Renovation Solutions: Creating appealing interior views essential to home design
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Creating appealing interior views essential to home designThis client used art and furniture placement to create a pleasant interior view at the end of a hallway. -Annie Schwemmer Last week we discussed the importance of what views you see looking out from the inside of your house. We discussed how to capitalize on, avoid or even create better views from your windows.…
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Renovation Solutions: Capitalize on views by updating windows
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Capitalize on views by updating windowsEveryone knows that curb appeal, or what you experience as you look at a house from the outside, is an important aspect of a home’s architecture. (See the past few columns for ideas about enhancing exterior curb appeal.) These windows were added to this room to create a focal point. The remodel also added a…
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Renovation Solutions: Adding curb appeal with exterior upgrades
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Adding curb appeal with exterior upgradesOne of the common requests we get these days is for exterior updates. Sometimes the interior space is working but the exterior lacks curb appeal. Ultimately, we have found clients who want an exterior update are just trying to love the homes they are in a little more. The economy has locked more people into…
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Renovation Solutions: Remodeling on the rise
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Remodeling on the riseWith the housing market still technically in the doldrums, it is nice to hear some positive housing news. It has been recently reported by BuildFax.com that home remodeling hit its highest level since May 2004, the year the tracking service started monitoring this portion of the construction market. Specifically, home remodeling was up 22 percent…
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Renovation Solutions: Bungalow turned loft: Homeowner wouldn’t change a thing
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Bungalow turned loft: Homeowner wouldn’t change a thingFor this week’s column, we wanted to revisit one of our most unique remodeling projects: the bungalow/loft. While we know that such a contemporary style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this project shows how bold and creative you can be with a home remodel and still have your home blend into the neighborhood.…
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Renovation Solutions: Make sure a remodel adds value to your home
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Make sure a remodel adds value to your homeMany homeowners wonder if a home remodeling project could possibly have a negative effect on the resale value of their home or if they will recoup their investment when it comes time to sell. This family’s kitchen was opened to the dining room and an adjacent bedroom (now a family room) to create a great…
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Renovation Solutions: Deciding to remodel or move
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Deciding to remodel or moveIt happens suddenly, over a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper, or perhaps as you make your way across the obstacle course of clutter that was once your living room. Your house doesn’t fit your needs, and you can’t deny it anymore. It’s time to make a hard decision, one that will undoubtedly involve…
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Renovation Solutions: Tips on designing an outdoor kitchen
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Tips on designing an outdoor kitchenThis patio project boosted the outdoor cooking space with a custom built-in barbecue. Spring is finally here, just in time for Father’s Day. We can almost hear the steaks sizzling! In honor of the sun and national grilling day (i.e. Father’s Day), we thought we would focus our column today on one of Dad’s favorite…
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Architects bring added value to project
Read More: Architects bring added value to projectMost people have never worked with an architect before. They see them on TV carrying around a set of plans or sitting at a drafting table, but they don’t really know what architects do or what added value they can bring to a project. This client loves to read and wanted a way to organize…
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Renovation Solutions: Avoid the remodeling project snowball
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Avoid the remodeling project snowballOne of the most common fears of remodeling is a project snowballing out of control. Although this home underwent a major remodel, this particular room only received new paint, hardwood floors, baseboards, can lights and a fireplace insert. Thanks to a thorough planning process, all of these items were included in the original bid. It…
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Renovation Solutions: New deck adds value
Read More: Renovation Solutions: New deck adds valueWith the weather we’ve had lately, you may doubt if spring will ever come. But even if we skip spring altogether this year, summer will eventually appear. So, rain or not, it is time to start planning for a great season of outdoor living. Building a deck is a project that can be started now…
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Renovation Solutions: Renovation Solutions: Remodel project moves into construction phase
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Renovation Solutions: Remodel project moves into construction phaseOne of the most exciting and traumatic times of a remodeling project is when construction finally begins, especially if you are tearing off a roof. In March, we introduced you to the design phase of the Caldwell project. Under construction for about a month now, here is an update on the progress. “We set a…
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Renovation Solutions: The Cape Cod and the California Ranch
Read More: Renovation Solutions: The Cape Cod and the California RanchThe Cape Cod is typically seen as a cozy cottage-style home. -Annie Schwemmer Understanding the history, style and architecture of your home — and the other homes in your neighborhood — is crucial in designing an addition or renovation. Ignore this principle, and you’ll end up spending a lot of money to decrease the value…
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Renovation Solutions: Challenges of remodeling Tudors and craftsman bungalows
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Challenges of remodeling Tudors and craftsman bungalowsSeveral predominant home styles have evolved over the past century in the U.S. In their purest form, Tudors feel like miniature castles with towers, dormers and steeply pitched roofs. You’ve seen them as you’ve driven the streets of Salt Lake City’s classic neighborhoods: the fairy-tale Tudor revival, classic craftsman bungalow, charming Cape Cod and California…
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Renovation Solutions: Planning ahead will save money on your remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Planning ahead will save money on your remodelIn a recent market analysis, MetroMonitor ranked Salt Lake City and Ogden among the 20 strongest markets in the U.S. primed for an economic recovery. (MetroMonitor tracks the economic recession and recovery in America’s 100 largest Metropolitan Areas.) There is purpose in improving your home say professionals whose advice will make your money count for…
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Renovation Solutions: Want to remodel? Here’s what to do before you get started
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Want to remodel? Here’s what to do before you get startedIf you are considering a home remodel, the planning phase is critical. We have put together a list of some of the basic points to consider as you begin your remodeling project. If you are considering a home remodel, the planning phase is critical. We have put together a list of some of the basic…
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Renovation Solutions: Add home improvements to your spring cleaning
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Add home improvements to your spring cleaningWhen spring cleaning isn’t enough, there is always spring remodeling. Sprucing up and refinishing your deck is a great way to welcome spring’s warmer weather. David T. Price The harsh winter weather can be hard on the exterior of your house. When the weather starts to warm up, it is time to assess the…
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Renovation Solutions: Welcome change in seasons with some spring cleaning
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Welcome change in seasons with some spring cleaningSunday marked the official first day of spring, so it is now officially time to talk about a home improvement project everyone can do: spring cleaning. Start your spring cleaning by getting rid of clutter. Throw out anything that is broken or can’t be donated. As for donations, be generous. No matter how well-designed a…
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Renovation Solutions: Trim work adds beauty and sense of purpose to a room
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Trim work adds beauty and sense of purpose to a roomAt Renovation Design Group, we adopt the same theory promoted by Architect Sarah Susanka: “Build better, not bigger.” Susanka’s “Not So Big” concept doesn’t necessarily mean living in small houses, just in houses with the space that you need and comfortably use every day. There are too many houses with wasted space that homeowners rarely…
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Renovation Solutions: East Millcreek remodel aims for rustic, Southwestern look
Read More: Renovation Solutions: East Millcreek remodel aims for rustic, Southwestern lookMeet Bruce and Nicole Caldwell. The Caldwells are in the middle of a remodeling project to transform their 1950s East Millcreek ranch from its traditional style to a rustic, Southwestern style all their own. Usually, we feature clients in this column with finished projects, but for a change we have decided to follow the Caldwells…
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Renovation Solutions: You, too, can now live the ‘Jetsons’ lifestyle
Read More: Renovation Solutions: You, too, can now live the ‘Jetsons’ lifestyleIf you have trouble getting a DVD to play or can only use the power, volume, and channel controls on your remote control, you may be amazed and/or terrified at the level of sophistication technology has reached relative to the home you live in. The command center for an automated system. In fact, anything in…
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Renovation Solutions: Analyze your house and your needs before you remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Analyze your house and your needs before you remodelAs with any decision, many factors affect the decision to remodel. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. You will likely be spending a significant amount of money, as well as investing time and emotional effort into the process. Most families don’t have the luxury of limitless budgets. So, it is important to…
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Renovation Solutions: Building a remodeling team alleviates horror stories
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Building a remodeling team alleviates horror storiesMost of our clients come into our office with a little remodeling anxiety. It usually stems from the horror stories they have heard from friends and neighbors who remodeled their homes on their own, without an architect, and maybe even without a contractor. Hiring an architect is the first step to eliminating the horror story…
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Updating exterior doors saves money and energy
Read More: Updating exterior doors saves money and energyBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Energy efficient updates are a good idea any time of the year. However, as the season changes there is a more measurable and meaningful reason to go green. You can ease the pain of the winter heating bill by making a few simple changes to your outside doors. These…
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Avoid pitfalls of overbuilding for your neighborhood
Read More: Avoid pitfalls of overbuilding for your neighborhoodBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Overbuilding is one of the major mistakes people can make when remodeling their homes. So much so that real estate agents refer to it as the most commonly broken real estate commandment: “Thou shalt not overbuild.” Overbuilding occurs when homeowners sink too much money into a house when either…
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In child’s room, focus on lighting, shelving and the bed
Read More: In child’s room, focus on lighting, shelving and the bedBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Summer is winding down, and it is almost time to send those little darlings back to school. With just days remaining before the first day of school, you might be able to sneak in a mini-remodel on a child’s bedroom. A bedroom can be a fun project that does…
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Swamp cooler is an inexpensive way to beat the heat
Read More: Swamp cooler is an inexpensive way to beat the heatBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Last week we discussed the basics of cooling system upgrades in regard to central air conditioning. However, in this dry, desert climate, central air isn’t the last word on effective cooling systems. Another natural and energy efficient option is an evaporative cooling system. An evaporative cooler produces effective cooling…
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Time for cooling-system upgrade? Here are the basics
Read More: Time for cooling-system upgrade? Here are the basicsBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Well, summer finally came, and more hot days are in the forecast. While most Utahns have some sort of cooling system in their homes, some yearn for a system upgrade. Here is a basic primer on air conditioning systems: A challenge of adding central air to a home is…
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Be prepared with your kitchen appliance choices
Read More: Be prepared with your kitchen appliance choicesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer One of the most exciting and challenging parts of the remodeling process is choosing the finishes, fixtures and appliances. While selecting asphalt shingles, furnaces and the type of insulation that will go into your project is very important, it is nice to get to the part where you can…
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Well-landscaped yard adds beauty and value to home
Read More: Well-landscaped yard adds beauty and value to homeBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer When you think of remodeling to increase the resale value of your home, you might think of updating the kitchen or adding a master suite. But according to a new study from Michigan State University, remodeling your yard could actually increase the value of your home from 5 percent…
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Working with experts makes window shopping easier
Read More: Working with experts makes window shopping easierBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Remodeling can be an overwhelming process. There are just so many options. Take windows for example: There are hundreds of shapes, sizes, styles, colors and features to choose from. These doors and windows open the pool to the patio, creating a great entertaining space. Windows can vary so dramatically…
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Consider a guy’s interests when designing a ‘man cave’
Read More: Consider a guy’s interests when designing a ‘man cave’By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Just over a week ago, we celebrated the fathers in our lives. Today, in honor of the manly men, we thought we would write about a remodeling anomaly known as the “man cave.” While some males would prefer to just call their man cave simply “the garage” or “the…