By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Lisa spent a recent Christmas holiday up to her ears in paint. She had a few days off work, and she decided to use it for a little home improvement. Truly there is no
Be aware of restrictive covenants
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We may be in over our heads this week, but we want to introduce you to the concept of restrictive covenants. Restrictive covenants are deed restrictions that apply to a group of homes or
Work goes on — even in winter
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon As soon as the holidays are over, we will all pack up the tree and decorations, and thoughts will turn to the promises of a new year. Starting that first week in January, architects
New garage door can add zing
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We’ve talked about doors for a few weeks now, and we’ll conclude with a discussion of the largest door in your home: your garage door. Changing out that old garage door can do wonders
Patio doors connect home, yard
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Continuing with our theme of doors this month, today we will look at patio doors. These are doors that lead to the exterior and are the kind you would use when you want to
Construction of doors varies
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we began a discussion about doors. We looked at a variety of door types — from traditional hinged doors to nifty pocket doors. This week we look at the different ways doors
Door options open up possibilities
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon In the past few weeks we’ve given you tips on how to easily and quickly update your home without a huge renovation. We’ve mentioned carpet, hard flooring, and countertops as minimally invasive ways to
Frat house becoming luxury home
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Many homeowners express a desire to add skylights to their homes during a remodeling project. Perhaps it is the same psychological attraction as the sunroof in your latest car. We all know that light
Countertop options are almost endless
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we started a two-part column about countertop options. Countertops can be a relatively simple way to spruce up your decor if you plan to keep everything else (like cabinets and the layout)
New countertops can add pizazz
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Here’s a quick and easy way to upgrade your home: install new countertops. In the right situation, new countertops in a kitchen, bath or elsewhere can make a big splash without causing a big
Wood floors add warmth, beauty
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we started a flooring theme by focusing on the most commonly used flooring material — carpet. This week we continue the discussion with one of our favorite flooring options: wood. Wood is
Learn facts about carpet before purchasing
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon If you are ready for a new look but not ready for a major project, flooring is one of the easiest and least invasive ways to renovate any room. Flooring comes in all shapes
Drywall helps home take shape
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We’ve been following the progress of one of our projects for several months. It’s a house that started as a single-family residence and over time was morphed by several additions and remodels into a
Freestanding bathtubs are a relaxing retreat
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Now that you are an expert on bathroom sinks (see Deseret Morning News column of Sept. 15: Sink can greatly add to beauty of the bathroom), it is time to brush up on bathtubs.
Sink can greatly add to beauty of the bathroom
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we reported some encouraging news about adding a bathroom to your home. The National Association of Home Builders has estimated that adding a bath can increase your home’s value by up to
Adding bathroom adds value
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Studies show adding a bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to a home. The cost of a new bath varies depending on the size and the materials. (See This Master
Updated home may require updated insurance
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon There is a step in the remodeling process that homeowners often neglect: insurance. Yes, we know it’s a very boring detail and just one more thing that might cost you money at a time
Attention to details is important outside, too
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon If you checked in with us last week, you’ll have read about some of the many details to consider inside your home as you remodel. As you may have guessed, the details don’t stop
Practical or aesthetic, design details can be devilish
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Architect Mies van der Rohe said, “God is in the details.” Others have said, “The devil is in the details.” We suppose it’s all in the perspective. Certainly when it comes to a home
Cabinetry is key component of kitchen remodel
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Nothing impacts the look of your kitchen like the cabinetry, and nothing impacts the budget of your remodel like the cabinetry. Understanding your options will help you choose wisely, so you get cabinets you’ll
Blend inside, outside spaces
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We’ve run into an interesting design situation quite a lot recently. When a home has multiple stories, like a basement, main floor and second floor, they are typically stacked on top of each other
Former fraternity house gets new guts in remodel
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon The wiring of a new or remodeled home can look like spaghetti to the untrained eye, like the wires in this former fraternity house remodel – but it will be hidden later. Proper wiring
Options for Replacement. Replacing windows in your home
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Older homes have interesting architecture and quaint styles, but they can also have old, drafty, inefficient windows, above. Can you stand one more week on windows? If you’ve followed the past couple of columns,
Tips on window frames and glass
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we started a two-part look at windows. Windows are an important part of your remodel. You may be adding windows to capitalize on natural light or a particular view. You may be
Windows add natural light, style to home
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We get this one a lot: “We want more natural light in our home.” There is just something about natural light that brightens and cheers up a room. There are various ways to draw
Radiant heat: a way to warm the tootsies
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We’ve all had the experience. You wake up early and stumble to the shower. The carpeted bedroom and hallway are fine, but one step on the tile bathroom floor and you shock your tootsies
Home takes form with foundation, framing
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We’ve checked in on our former-fraternity-house project several times now. The permits are in place, demolition has happened, and the reconstruction is moving along nicely. Currently two major phases are under way: concrete and
Make your home fire-resistant
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon This is a beautiful time of year. The mountains and foothills are awash in green grasses and vegetation and for a brief moment it feels more like the lush Northwest than the arid Great
Plan remodeling around trees
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We’ve mentioned several times that your landscaping can take a beating during remodeling. At best you’ll lose a few flowers and at worst you’ll have to start from scratch. But there is one aspect
Remodeling: pain before gain
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon If you’ve followed our columns recently, you’ll know that we’ve been tracking an interesting project: the complete remodel of a former fraternity house. As you can imagine, it is quite an undertaking. Former fraternity
Built-in seating expands your kitchen
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon You know how it is these days. The kitchen has become command central. The kitchen is not only a place to store and prepare food, but it has become a place to gather, visit,
Split Level. Embrace your split-level’s personality
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Split-level homes have made a comeback in recent years. Drive around some of the new “starter home” neighborhoods around the Wasatch Front and you’ll find many variations on the split-level theme. A split-entry home
Sink some time into planning kitchen
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Designing your kitchen is most definitely the time to include the kitchen sink. In your “kitchen triangle” — the stove, refrigerator and sink — you will spend the most time at the sink. So
Get it in writing before work begins
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Before you fall asleep or turn the page, let us assure you that ignoring it will only make it worse. When it comes to remodeling, the fun parts are dreaming of the possibilities, getting
Consider ‘green’ building ideas
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon It is all the rage to talk about “green building” and “sustainable design,” but what do these buzz words really mean and what difference does it make to you? They essentially mean the same
Extend ‘remodel’ to the outside
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Happy National Landscape Architecture Month! You might not have known that April is the month we celebrate landscape architecture, but with a few warm days sneaking in between our April showers, it’s a great
Interior designer is worth money
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Remodeling is generally a big undertaking that requires a great deal of planning and a concerted effort by many people to bring the project to a successful conclusion. Under ideal circumstances, a strong team
Get right permit before demolition
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon About a month ago we introduced you to a project we’re working on. It is an old frat house that the new owners want to convert back into a single-family residence. It’s time for
Decks add value and fun to a home
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon With the weather we’ve had lately, you may doubt if spring will ever come. But it always does, and it’s never too early to start planning for a spring and summer of outdoor living.
Spruce up your deck for spring
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon You can’t have a 60-degree day in March and not become seriously ill with spring fever. The weather is warming and snow is turning to rain, giving us hope that we will survive another
