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Renovation Solutions: 3 necessary budget questions to consider before embarking on a home remodeling project
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 3 necessary budget questions to consider before embarking on a home remodeling projectUnless money is no object, having a budget is a critical component to every remodeling project. The time to talk about a project’s budget begins with the first design meeting and should continue in some form throughout the design and construction process. It is fair to say that almost every client comes in with a…
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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: Tips for choosing an exterior paint color for your house
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Tips for choosing an exterior paint color for your houseChoosing an exterior paint color is an intimidating exercise. Looking at those minuscule swatches and picturing what any one color will look like spread over your entire house is tough. It really feels like a make-or-break decision as far as the curb appeal of your house is concerned. Paint has one advantage over other exterior…
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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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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 -
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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Tudors or craftsman home styles offer a lot
Read More: Tudors or craftsman home styles offer a lotAbout once a year, we discuss the importance of understanding the history, style and architecture of your home. This knowledge is crucial when designing an addition or renovation. The popularity of several predominant home styles has endured over the past few centuries in the United States. They include the fairy-tale Tudor revival, classic craftsman bungalow…
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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: Tips for a wooden deck addition
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Tips for a wooden deck additionA wood deck addition is the second project with the highest return on investment in Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for 2013-14. The wooden deck is a common remodeling project, especially at this time of year. As the weather improves, our thoughts turn to barbecues, outdoor parties and soaking up the sun. With our…
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Renovation Solutions: 2014 expected to be a good year for remodeling
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 2014 expected to be a good year for remodelingWith housing prices remaining steady, interest rates low and contractors back in full swing, this is a prime time for home remodeling. The remodeling market is confident, and the economy is holding. The experts in the market analysis world say 2014 is a good year for the remodeling industry. The fireplace becomes a nice focal…
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Renovation Solutions: One family’s experience with remodeling a split-level home
Read More: Renovation Solutions: One family’s experience with remodeling a split-level homeLast week we discussed the common issues of remodeling a split-level or split-entry house. The Smiths found that common thread of a love/hate feeling toward their house and their situation. They loved the neighborhood, the lot and the view. Their split-level had appeal, and with a little tweaking of the floor plan, they knew they…
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Renovation Solutions: 3 common problems and tips to remodeling the split-level home
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 3 common problems and tips to remodeling the split-level homeOwners of split-level homes often have a love/hate relationship with their house. They love the amount of living space provided and the privacy the house design offers. They appreciate that teens can be alone in their bedrooms on the top level of the house or in their lower-level family room, while Mom and Dad can…
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Renovation Solutions: Remodeling the split-level house
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Remodeling the split-level houseSplit-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. You’ll also find split-level homes in many older, established neighborhoods. They first appeared in the 1930s but really came into their own during the building…
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Renovation Solutions: How to solve common remodeling problems
Read More: Renovation Solutions: How to solve common remodeling problemsBy Ann Robinson & Annie V. Schwemmer Adding more curb appeal to a house is one of the top client requests when they are considering a remodel. While some issues of deferred maintenance need to be addressed on a practical level, changing the look of their home is often more of a psychological need…
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Remodeling the California Ranch
Read More: Remodeling the California RanchFor the past few weeks we have been discussing home styles in our column. Last we talked about the challenges and solutions in remodeling the Cape Cod-style house. This week we are focusing on another favorite house style from the opposite coast: the California Ranch. The California Ranch home style often referred to as a…
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Ways to enhance your Cape Cod-style home
Read More: Ways to enhance your Cape Cod-style homeUnderstanding 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 of your neighbors. Over the past…
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Renovation Solutions: Dealing with the challenges of remodeling Tudor style homes
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Dealing with the challenges of remodeling Tudor style homesSeveral predominant home styles have evolved over the past century in the United States. You’ve seen them as you drive the streets of Salt Lake City’s classic neighborhoods: the fairy-tale Tudor revival, the classic craftsman bungalow, the charming Cape Cod and the California ranch. With each style comes unique renovation challenges and opportunities. We hope…
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10 years later, architects reflect on their story
Read More: 10 years later, architects reflect on their storyAnnie V. Schwemmer, Jared Bulloch, and Ann Robinson reflect back on the beginning of Renovation Design Group as they celebrate its 10-year anniversary this year. Daniel Barton, Renovation Design Group The year 2013 marks the 10-year anniversary of Renovation Design Group. It is a milestone year for us, and we’d like to share our…
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Built-in seating gets you more out of your kitchen
Read More: Built-in seating gets you more out of your kitchenLast week, we started our kitchen remodeling series in honor of Thanksgiving — the holiday with the most time spent in the kitchen. Beyond Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings, modern families are actually spending more time in general in the kitchen. The kitchen has become command central. It is not only a place to store…
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Designing the perfect ‘away room’
Read More: Designing the perfect ‘away room’Because our homes are filled with electronics, televisions, computers, appliances and people, our homes are filled with noise. When a majority of the public space in a home is open, it is helpful to maintain a small space that can be closed off to contain or seal out noise. (Brent Murray, Renovation Design Group) Noise…
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Renovation Solutions: Split-level home updated for a more gathering space
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Split-level home updated for a more gathering spaceWhen the Smith’s bought their home in 1995, they had three children and one on the way. They loved the neighborhood and liked the house. It was in fairly good condition, though it had not been updated since it was built in 1973. The home before the remodel. (Daniel Barton) They fell in love with…
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Renovation Solutions: Frankenhouses: horrifying home remodels
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Frankenhouses: horrifying home remodelsHappy Halloween! Multiple additions can create a disjointed feeling and negatively impact curb appeal. Picasa, Annie V. Schwemmer In honor of this ghoulish holiday, we want to tell a scary story: “The Story of the Frankenhouses.” Frankenhouses are homes that have been “renovated” and yet feature things such as pipes running through living rooms, rooms…
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Renovation Solutions: What to do before remodeling a condo
Read More: Renovation Solutions: What to do before remodeling a condoBeing a condo owner often feels like living in real estate purgatory. On one hand, you’re an owner. The property is in your name, you are responsible for it, pay taxes on it, and have a say on what goes on there. On the other hand, your property is within the confines of a condo…
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Renovation Solutions: Bungalow turned loft: Homeowner wouldn’t change a thing
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Bungalow turned loft: Homeowner wouldn’t change a thingFor this week’s column, we wanted to revisit one of our most unique remodeling projects: the bungalow/loft. While we know that such a contemporary style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this project shows how bold and creative you can be with a home remodel and still have your home blend into the neighborhood.…
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Renovation Solutions: The Cape Cod and the California Ranch
Read More: Renovation Solutions: The Cape Cod and the California RanchThe Cape Cod is typically seen as a cozy cottage-style home. -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…
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Renovation Solutions: Challenges of remodeling Tudors and craftsman bungalows
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Challenges of remodeling Tudors and craftsman bungalowsSeveral predominant home styles have evolved over the past century in the U.S. In their purest form, Tudors feel like miniature castles with towers, dormers and steeply pitched roofs. 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…
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Renovation Solutions: You, too, can now live the ‘Jetsons’ lifestyle
Read More: Renovation Solutions: You, too, can now live the ‘Jetsons’ lifestyleIf you have trouble getting a DVD to play or can only use the power, volume, and channel controls on your remote control, you may be amazed and/or terrified at the level of sophistication technology has reached relative to the home you live in. The command center for an automated system. In fact, anything in…
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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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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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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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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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Modernism brought radical new look
Read More: Modernism brought radical new lookBy Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon 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. While homes…
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Spain, Italy influence Eclectic homes
Read More: Spain, Italy influence Eclectic homesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We are continuing our discussion of the Eclectic movement in residential design. The influence of European design is readily seen in many American homes. Today we will see how architecture from Spain and Italy has shaped the homes in our neighborhoods or even the one in which you live.…
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Eclectic style came after Victorian
Read More: Eclectic style came after VictorianBy Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon 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…