Designing Principals
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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: 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: 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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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…
Bathrooms, Laundry & Mudrooms, Designing Principals, Dining Rooms, Exterior Updating, Family, Living, & Great Rooms, Features Posts, Front Porches, Home Styles, Interior Design, Interior Remodeling, Kitchens, Master Suites & Bedrooms, Materials, Finishes, Appliances & Fixtures, Remodeling Tips & Advice, Staircases, Teardowns, Year – 2016 -
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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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…
Additions, Basements & Attics, Bathrooms, Laundry & Mudrooms, Designing Principals, Dining Rooms, Energy Efficiency & Green Design, Exterior Updating, Family, Living, & Great Rooms, Front Porches, Garages, Home Styles, Interior Remodeling, Kitchens, Master Suites & Bedrooms, Materials, Finishes, Appliances & Fixtures, New Homes, Remodeling Tips & Advice, Year – 2016 -
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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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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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: 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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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…
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Finding more space without an addition
Read More: Finding more space without an additionMost people who want to remodel crave more space from their house. They want more storage space, more living space, more garage space, more office space, or more gathering space. In general, people want more space. While most people initially think of an addition to accomplish the goal of adding more space to their house,…
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Renovation Solutions: Couple makes investment in family with remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Couple makes investment in family with remodelWe love to use this column to share clients’ experiences with our readers. Our mission is to bring light and understanding to the field of residential architecture. Being architects ourselves and talking about this next client’s experience feels like we are coming from a strange position. However, we know a lot of people can relate…
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Renovation Solutions: Retirement living with Cape Cod style, flair
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Retirement living with Cape Cod style, flairJill and Bob moved to Salt Lake City from Connecticut to reconnect with family and to find a house suitable for their impending retirement. They wanted a house with a comfortable gathering space where they could age in place. Stylistically, they wanted a home that had the New Englander flare they were used to. Annie…
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Renovation Solutions: Whether home is a Cape Cod or California ranch, remodel to capitalize on home’s style
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Whether home is a Cape Cod or California ranch, remodel to capitalize on home’s styleEditor’s note: Portions of this article have been previously published on the authors’ blog and on deseretnews.com. 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…
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Renovation Solutions: 5 tips to avoiding costly remodeling mistakes
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 5 tips to avoiding costly remodeling mistakesEditor’s note: This is the second in a series about avoiding common remodeling mistakes. The first is “Avoiding common home remodeling mistakes” and is on deseretnews.com in the Family section. Also, portions of this column were previously published deseretnews.com. Last week, we started a discussion on common remodeling mistakes. This week we will continue by…
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Avoiding common home remodeling mistakes
Read More: Avoiding common home remodeling mistakesPart of our job is to help our clients avoid common home remodeling mistakes. Most people who undertake a significant home remodel will do so only once in their lifetime. On the other hand, we have been involved in almost a thousand projects, and that gives us a leg up in the experience department. Therefore,…
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Renovation Solutions: How to make remodeling a smart investment
Read More: Renovation Solutions: How to make remodeling a smart investmentMany people think that the main job of an architect is to make a house look good. While that is certainly one goal of a residential remodeling project, there are others of equal or even greater importance. The way a house flows and circulates is critical to how it feels and functions. How a house…
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Renovation Solutions: 5 signs it is time to remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 5 signs it is time to remodelThere are many factors that might motivate a person to take on the challenge of remodeling a home. Some homeowners may have a specific event that finally pushes them over the edge to remodel (such as the last child leaving for college), while others may just feel it is finally time to execute the dream.…
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Renovation Solutions: Three renovation projects to make a home more energy-efficient
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Three renovation projects to make a home more energy-efficientBefore: To make their home more energy efficient and yet preserve some original charm, these clients sandwiched their original leaded-glass windows panes into new Pella Wiindows frames. A home remodeling project may have several goals. We want our finished project to be beautiful and functional, stylish and timeless, solve problems and fulfill dreams. One common…
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Renovation Solutions: A pellet ice machine might start a big remodel project
Read More: Renovation Solutions: A pellet ice machine might start a big remodel projectWe’ve recently worked with a family who knew that someday they would like to remodel their home; they just weren’t sure when. When the wife wanted to install a pellet ice machine in the kitchen, it sparked the major remodel to the main and upper floors of the house. That simple pellet ice machine would…
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Renovation Solutions: How to get the most out of your kitchen
Read More: Renovation Solutions: How to get the most out of your kitchenA great kitchen is an asset to a house and to the people who use it. That is why remodeling a kitchen is one of the most common home-improvement projects and a top selling point in real estate. The spatial design, equipment and the finishes all impact both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of…
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Renovation Solutions: How to survive a home remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: How to survive a home remodelBy Ann Robinson and Annie V Schwemmer Published: March 27, 2015 Unless you are into flipping houses, you will most likely only experience a major home remodel once or twice in your life. Like the path to many good things in life, you may encounter some hardships and difficulties during the home remodeling process. While…
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Renovation Solutions: When to hire an architect and how much it will cost
Read More: Renovation Solutions: When to hire an architect and how much it will costAn old high school teacher used to say if one student has a question, others probably have the same question. A few weeks ago, we had an inquiry on our Facebook page about how our process works. We decided it may be useful to answer that question here for others who may wonder the same…