“Renovating is an intense personal experience shared with large numbers of total strangers — not much different than surviving a plane crash.” — An anonymous homeowner. Contractors Jason Runolfson, left, and Jeremy Jackson of Jackson & LeRoy Remodeling spend
Renovation Solutions: What to do before remodeling a condo
Being 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
Renovation Solutions: Remodeling on the rise
With the housing market still technically in the doldrums, it is nice to hear some positive housing news. It has been recently reported by BuildFax.com that home remodeling hit its highest level since May 2004, the year the tracking service
Renovation Solutions: Tips on designing an outdoor kitchen
This patio project boosted the outdoor cooking space with a custom built-in barbecue. Spring is finally here, just in time for Father’s Day. We can almost hear the steaks sizzling! In honor of the sun and national grilling day (i.e.
Recycling centers, pantries among top kitchen upgrades
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Every quarter, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) surveys 500 architects across the country to discover the latest design trends in kitchen and bath remodels. According to the 2009 survey for the fourth quarter,
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
How to carve out a better kitchen
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Thanksgiving wins as the holiday with the most time spent in the kitchen. The celebration centers on a wonderful, home-cooked meal. How did your kitchen handle the four extra cooks, the turkey, rolls, mashed
Extra storage makes life easier
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon There is an old adage that says “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” But what if everything doesn’t have a place in your home? Then you need better storage or less
Remodel to add gathering space
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Pat and Kathie Debenham had a problem we see again and again in our business: not enough gathering space. And just like so many others, their gathering centered around the kitchen. So this week
Countertop options are almost endless
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we started a two-part column about countertop options. Countertops can be a relatively simple way to spruce up your decor if you plan to keep everything else (like cabinets and the layout)
New countertops can add pizazz
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Here’s a quick and easy way to upgrade your home: install new countertops. In the right situation, new countertops in a kitchen, bath or elsewhere can make a big splash without causing a big
Cabinetry is key component of kitchen remodel
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Nothing impacts the look of your kitchen like the cabinetry, and nothing impacts the budget of your remodel like the cabinetry. Understanding your options will help you choose wisely, so you get cabinets you’ll
Built-in seating expands your kitchen
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon You know how it is these days. The kitchen has become command central. The kitchen is not only a place to store and prepare food, but it has become a place to gather, visit,
Sink some time into planning kitchen
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Designing your kitchen is most definitely the time to include the kitchen sink. In your “kitchen triangle” — the stove, refrigerator and sink — you will spend the most time at the sink. So
Kitchen Design: Blending function & aesthetics to design kitchen remodeling project
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Well, how did it go? Was the meal fabulous, the company charming, and your home the perfect setting for a family gathering? Did your kitchen handle the four extra cooks as well as the