Exterior Updating

By Ann Robinson & Annie V. Schwemmer   Last week we discussed planning a patio remodel. Now that the basics of function, location and size are out of the way, it’s time to talk about details. The more attention you give to the details of your outdoor living space, the more you will use it.…

With 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…

When 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…

By 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…

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 them every day. A remodeled deck and added pergola gives homeowners an outdoor space that…

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 for the first barbecue of the season. With the spring weather come opportunities to focus…

By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon If you haven’t noticed from our columns over the past couple of weeks, we are ready for summer. We have discussed outdoor kitchens, patios in all their shapes and sizes, and porches. This week we will focus on another outdoor-living favorite: the classic wooden deck. After a winter of…

By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon 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 replacing old, inefficient windows to save energy costs. Or you may be looking to change the style or functionality of your windows. Whatever your…

By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we discussed the impact window size and placement has on the views and natural light in your home. Window style also has a big impact on your home and should complement its overall style. A window is often the design focal point of a room. You’ll add…

By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Who doesn’t love the look of a charming New England cape home, replete with natural wood clapboard or shingle siding and plenty of well-detailed wood trim? You can just imagine a cozy family nestled inside, as charming and quaint as their home. These New England transplant homes can be…

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, we did a two-part series about window styles and material choices. But we decided to…

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 is a two-story house with a twist. You enter and a half-flight of stairs takes…

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 winter. Spring and summer means outdoor living for many of us, so it is time…