Year – 2009
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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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Renovating? Upgrade home’s earthquake resistance
Read More: Renovating? Upgrade home’s earthquake resistanceBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Architecture is an interesting combination of art and science. In this column we usually feature the more visual side of our profession, but physics also has a lot to do with a remodeling project. How a house is constructed and what makes it structurally sound is every bit as…
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Strive for year-round functionality in holiday remodels
Read More: Strive for year-round functionality in holiday remodelsBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The holiday season is often the busiest time of year for gatherings, so it is also the time when your home’s capacity and functionality are tested. This is when you learn (or remember) you really could use that extra bedroom for Grandma, your dining room isn’t quite big enough…
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Remodeling now could save homeowners a bundle
Read More: Remodeling now could save homeowners a bundleBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Notice we did not say a “fond” farewell. Frankly, we are glad to see it go. It seems everyone has struggled through, both professionally and personally. Here’s hoping for better things in 2010! We know many of your remodeling plans have been placed on the proverbial back burner this…
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Move, build or remodel? Each has pluses, drawbacks
Read More: Move, build or remodel? Each has pluses, drawbacksBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer There is no ignoring the fact: Your house is just not working for you anymore. Either your circumstances have changed (more people in the family, fewer people at home, more money coming in, less money coming in, etc.) or you have changed (frankly, you are no longer willing to…
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Family’s new garage finally functions like a garage
Read More: Family’s new garage finally functions like a garageBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The Ashworth family came to us needing two things from their garage: a place to park their cars and some much-needed additional storage space. Though the existing 1920s garage was large, the doors were so narrow that getting 21st century cars in was a chore. In addition, the leaky,…
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Architect can be valuable in bidding process
Read More: Architect can be valuable in bidding processBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Unfortunately, many homeowners think undertaking a remodeling project means picking up the phone and calling a contractor. If you have read any of our columns over the past several years, we hope you have picked up on the principle of involving a design professional before calling a contractor. By…
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Be thorough when selecting a general contractor
Read More: Be thorough when selecting a general contractorBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Choosing the right general contractor is a critical step in remodeling your home. No matter how well your architect designs the plans or how vividly you envision the project, the remodeling contractor can literally make or break the final outcome. Selecting a good general contractor is important because he…
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Keep your toes toasty with radiant heating in floors
Read More: Keep your toes toasty with radiant heating in floorsBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer There are few things worse in the winter than stepping on a cold tile floor. A heated floor is one of those luxuries that is becoming more common with the push for energy efficiency and better indoor air quality. Radiant heating is a more efficient option compared to electric…
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Details important when remodeling older, boxy homes
Read More: Details important when remodeling older, boxy homesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer We know the little boxy houses of yesterday do not meet the needs of the modern family — and they haven’t for decades. So, it wasn’t surprising to hear that Ty Robbins’ 1937 home had been remodeled four times over the years. When Ty Robbins remodeled his Murray home,…
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Green building’ tips for remodeling
Read More: Green building’ tips for remodelingBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer 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 thing: design and construction that are sensitive to the environment today and in the future.…
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Home should be checked for radon
Read More: Home should be checked for radonBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer All of us face a variety of risks to our health as we go about our daily lives. Driving in cars, flying in planes and being exposed to environmental pollutants all pose varying degrees of risk. Some risks are unavoidable; others we accept so as to not restrict our…
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Easy ways to lower your heating bill
Read More: Easy ways to lower your heating billBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The weather is starting to change, and winter chills and high energy bills are on their way. You are probably just turning the furnace on for the first time, but after the heating bills from last year you may be a little hesitant. If you saw high heating bills…
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Natural colors often best when choosing paint
Read More: Natural colors often best when choosing paintBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer A room with plain, white walls can be transformed by a simple coat of paint. You can create different feelings and moods in a room just by what wall colors you choose. Because color is powerful, you may feel indecisive and insecure about choosing color schemes. We’ve all experienced…
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Good design transforms home, lives
Read More: Good design transforms home, livesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer In architecture, the basic building blocks of good design include space, light and order. Good design doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be subtle and still have a huge impact on a house. For Tom and Maria Maloney, all it took was bumping out the house 2 feet,…
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A neighborhood-friendly remodeling project
Read More: A neighborhood-friendly remodeling projectIf you want to live in an established Salt Lake City neighborhood, the houses often are either too small or expensive fixer-uppers. The nature of a typical city neighborhood breeds remodeling. In Holly Morham’s neighborhood, she says she sees remodeling projects on almost every block. “But I see that as a good thing,” she says.…
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Practical, aesthetic details make home shine
Read More: Practical, aesthetic details make home shinePractical, aesthetic details make home shine By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer 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 renovation, you can feel very inspired or very tormented…
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Bungalow transformed into city-style loft
Read More: Bungalow transformed into city-style loftBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The little bungalow in Salt Lake City, Utah looks like any other home in the neighborhood from the street. “It is very deceptive,” says Barbara, owner of the newly remodeled home. “On the outside it looks just like a Sugar House bungalow, but when you walk in, it looks…
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If design is right, outdoor areas can be living space, too
Read More: If design is right, outdoor areas can be living space, tooBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer People tend to look at homes from wall to wall, considering only the inside space as liveable area. Many often neglect to consider the outdoor spaces, never stepping foot in them let alone using them every day. A remodeled deck and added pergola gives homeowners an outdoor space that…
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The construction phase is critical
Read More: The construction phase is criticalBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Last week we discussed Lucynthia Knudsen’s remodeling experience, but there’s another aspect of her project that we would like to discuss. Knudsen’s story is intriguing, but it was actually a record project for us in the area of construction observation — we logged more than 200 hours on site…
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Breaking remodeling job into phases helps budget
Read More: Breaking remodeling job into phases helps budgetBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Last week, we discussed saving money on your renovation by being your own general contractor. Well, not everyone has the skill set, time or patience to do that. So this week, we have a few tips for saving money on your remodel that anyone can follow. Tip 1: Smart…
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Renovation turns ordinary house into something inspiring
Read More: Renovation turns ordinary house into something inspiringBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The old family house on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley turned 83 this year. When Lucynthia Robbins Lines Knudsen received the deed to the house, she couldn’t bear to sell it. This home was renovated with modern flair. It now has a metallic, see-through fireplace; clean,…
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Be remodel’s boss and save money
Read More: Be remodel’s boss and save moneyBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Right now it seems frugality is back in fashion. Everyone is giving tips on how to save money and make your dollar stretch further. Even when it comes to remodeling there are ways to save and stretch your dollar. While we don’t necessarily recommend it to everyone, several of…
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Modernist architecture can’t be ignored
Read More: Modernist architecture can’t be ignoredBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer We need to spend one more week on house styles because we cannot ignore the modernist movement. The very concept of “modern” houses gives some people indigestion. Some feel that this design approach results in cold, impersonal boxes, and they certainly don’t want them in their neighborhood. The clean…
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Eclectic movement focuses on being true to earlier architectural styles
Read More: Eclectic movement focuses on being true to earlier architectural stylesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer In our continuing discussion of residential architectural styles, today we will look at the Eclectic movement. Spanning from the late 19th century through about 1940, this was the phase that followed the Victorian period. While the Victorians took inspiration from former classical architectural styles, they did so with great…
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Victorian homes are a charming challenge
Read More: Victorian homes are a charming challengeBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Queen Victoria reigned over England from 1837 to 1901, influencing more than just politics. Her reign also influenced literature, clothing, furniture and, yes, architecture. Even today, more than 100 years later, you still see homes new and old that are most definitely Victorian. This small Victorian-style home rediscovered its…
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Welcome spring with porch remodeling
Read More: Welcome spring with porch remodelingBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer It’s spring and our thoughts turn to outdoor living. We long for the days soon to come when we can sit on our back porch and relax outside, and our mouths are already watering for the first barbecue of the season. With the spring weather come opportunities to focus…
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You can renovate colonial home without losing charm
Read More: You can renovate colonial home without losing charmBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer For the Past two weeks we have spotlighted several home types: the craftsman bungalow, the Tudor, the Cape Cod and the California ranch. Of course there are more than just four house styles, so we thought we would spend some time featuring a few more, beginning with the colonial…
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When renovating, capitalize on home’s particular style
Read More: When renovating, capitalize on home’s particular styleBy Ann Robinson and 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 of your home, not to mention those…
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Know home style before renovating
Read More: Know home style before renovatingBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Several predominant home styles have evolved over the past century in the United States. 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 ranch. This bungalow is a great example of several…
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Well-landscaped yard boosts value
Read More: Well-landscaped yard boosts valueBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Everyone can recognize a well-landscaped yard. It is beautiful, comfortable, functions well, and has a strong connection to the home it surrounds. A well-landscaped front yard adds curb appeal, which translates into increased real-estate values. A functional backyard can offer a place to relax, entertain friends, or plant a…
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Duplex remodel maintains historical charm
Read More: Duplex remodel maintains historical charmBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The beautiful, brick Georgian house is in Salt Lake City Avenues historical district, and it was important to Jane Beatty to maintain her home’s historic luster. “The bones of the house itself are still strong,” she says. “Instead of tearing things down, I wanted to incorporate some of the…
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Design guidelines have pluses and minuses
Read More: Design guidelines have pluses and minusesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Last week, we summarized the main governmental and private approaches to preserving and legislating our built environment. Covenants, conditions and restrictions; zoning codes; building departments; the National Historic Register; the Utah State Historical Society and historical districts regulate some of what we can and cannot do in our neighborhoods.…
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Governments offer various controls on remodeling
Read More: Governments offer various controls on remodelingBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer One of the most unsettling experiences you can encounter is looking out your front window to see a huge Dumpster being delivered in your neighbor’s driveway. This home in the Gilmer Park area of Salt Lake City was built in 1925 for LDS Church President Joseph Fielding Smith Jr.…
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Remodeling Tips: Remodeling Contractor, Architect saves money on remodeling
Read More: Remodeling Tips: Remodeling Contractor, Architect saves money on remodelingBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer For many of our clients, when they finally sit down with us, it isn’t their first remodeling endeavor. Often times, their first go-round was years ago when they tried to tackle the project by themselves — without an architect and sometimes without a contractor. More often than not, these…
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Open design: Kitchen design reignites owner’s love of cooking
Read More: Open design: Kitchen design reignites owner’s love of cookingBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Any man can understand how difficult and frustrating it is to try to complete a project without the right tools or the proper work space. The same principle applies to the kitchen. Martine Smith was sick of cooking in her small, dark kitchen. “Our old kitchen had one outlet…
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Living Room Design: Opening up living space helps entertain guests
Read More: Living Room Design: Opening up living space helps entertain guestsBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer After 30 years of marriage, Perry and Linda Cunningham had finally made it to their dream neighborhood. The problem was the 1920s craftsman-style house they bought was not meeting their needs. With just the two of them, they no longer needed multiple small bedrooms, and they needed a gathering…
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Garage Renovations: Remodel garage and simply organize to best use space
Read More: Garage Renovations: Remodel garage and simply organize to best use spaceBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer When you live in the Rocky Mountains, a good garage can significantly improve your life. If you have ever faced early mornings scraping the snow and ice off your car, you know the advantages of being able to park it in a sheltered space. Prepainted steel doors with a…
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Improving and enjoying outdoor living spaces
Read More: Improving and enjoying outdoor living spacesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer With the advent of spring, we enjoy reconnecting with the outdoors through hiking, biking, golf or puttering around in the garden. Have you ever considered how well your home connects with your outdoor living spaces? An expanded patio, a built-in barbecue grill and a bench were added to the…
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Welcome spring with porch remodeling
Read More: Welcome spring with porch remodelingBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer It’s spring and our thoughts turn to outdoor living. We long for the days soon to come when we can sit on our back porch and relax outside, and our mouths are already watering for the first barbecue of the season. With the spring weather come opportunities to focus…