By 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
Renovating? Upgrade home’s earthquake resistance
By 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.
Strive for year-round functionality in holiday remodels
By 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
Remodeling now could save homeowners a bundle
By 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
Move, build or remodel? Each has pluses, drawbacks
By 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
Family’s new garage finally functions like a garage
By 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
Architect can be valuable in bidding process
By 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
Be thorough when selecting a general contractor
By 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
Keep your toes toasty with radiant heating in floors
By 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
Details important when remodeling older, boxy homes
By 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
Green building’ tips for remodeling
By 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
Home should be checked for radon
By 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
Easy ways to lower your heating bill
By 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
Natural colors often best when choosing paint
By 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
Good design transforms home, lives
By 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.
A neighborhood-friendly remodeling project
If 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
Practical, aesthetic details make home shine
Practical, 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
Bungalow transformed into city-style loft
By 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
If design is right, outdoor areas can be living space, too
By 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
The construction phase is critical
By 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
Breaking remodeling job into phases helps budget
By 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
Renovation turns ordinary house into something inspiring
By 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.
Be remodel’s boss and save money
By 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
Modernist architecture can’t be ignored
By 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
Eclectic movement focuses on being true to earlier architectural styles
By 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.
Victorian homes are a charming challenge
By 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
Welcome spring with porch remodeling
By 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
You can renovate colonial home without losing charm
By 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
When renovating, capitalize on home’s particular style
By 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
Know home style before renovating
By 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
Well-landscaped yard boosts value
By 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
Duplex remodel maintains historical charm
By 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
Design guidelines have pluses and minuses
By 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
Governments offer various controls on remodeling
By 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
Remodeling Tips: Remodeling Contractor, Architect saves money on remodeling
By 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
Open design: Kitchen design reignites owner’s love of cooking
By 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
Living Room Design: Opening up living space helps entertain guests
By 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
Garage Renovations: Remodel garage and simply organize to best use space
By 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
Improving and enjoying outdoor living spaces
By 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
Welcome spring with porch remodeling
By 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