By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer One of the most exciting and challenging parts of the remodeling process is choosing the finishes, fixtures and appliances. While selecting asphalt shingles, furnaces and the type of insulation that will go into your
Working with experts makes window shopping easier
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Remodeling can be an overwhelming process. There are just so many options. Take windows for example: There are hundreds of shapes, sizes, styles, colors and features to choose from. These doors and windows open
Tankless water heater nice for Earth and you
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Having hot water available at our fingertips has to be one of the great inventions of the past few centuries. Credit goes to Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian mechanical engineer, as the inventor of the
Remodel fireplace to enhance its charm and safety
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer A fireplace is one of the most satisfying, romantic and rewarding aspects of a home, especially this time of year. It should be the focal point of a room and reflect the style of
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
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
Snowmelt systems can make home safer
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Snowmelt systems are designed to take the sting out of Utah winters. Last week we discussed permanent systems to keep snow and ice off your driveway. These systems, which can be expensive, feature electric
Heating a driveway melts winter shoveling
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Heating your driveway is one of the most popular outdoor heating applications with obvious advantages, especially in the midst of a Utah winter. There are two basic choices for driveway heating — electric cable
Give fireplace a cost-effective face-lift
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The fireplace: We hang stockings from it, roast chestnuts in it and cuddle in front of it. (OK, maybe we don”t do the chestnut part.) Anyway, with so many reasons to gather around the
Skylights add light, warmth, dimension
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Many homeowners express a desire to add skylights to their homes during a remodeling project. Perhaps it is the same psychological attraction as the sunroof in your latest car. We all know that light
Right roofing material is key to blending home addition
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Everyone has seen a bad remodel. You’ve seen the house where the new addition looks like a big shed bumped up against the house, or the second story that looks as if it could
Tiles almost limitless in their variety and uses in home
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Flooring is one of the most inexpensive and least invasive renovation options. For the past two weeks, we have devoted columns to carpet and hardwood floors. This week we are focusing on another popular
Hardwood flooring is great way to dress up any space
By Ann Robinson and Annie V. Schwemmer Last week we started a flooring theme by focusing on the most commonly used flooring material — carpet. This week we continue the discussion with one of our favorite flooring options: wood. Wood
New carpet one of the easiest ways to renovate rooms
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon If you are ready for a new look but not ready for a major project, flooring is one of the easiest and least invasive ways to renovate any room. Flooring comes in all shapes
Affordable snowmelt solutions
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Snowmelt systems are designed to take the sting out of Utah winters. Last week we discussed a permanent system to keep snow and ice off your driveway. The system, which can be expensive, features
Driveway Heaters: Tired of shoveling driveway?
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Did you ever hear your dad say, “Shut that door! Are you trying to heat the whole outdoors?” Well, today a whole industry has sprung up with just that goal in mind. Several factors
Green Design & Building: Remodeling offers plenty of ways to go green
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Global warming, green building, energy efficient. These buzzwords have people thinking green. And the green-building movement, which has picked up speed over the past 10 years, is at your doorstep in the form of
More space lurking in basement
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Many clients who come to us for help with renovations are craving more space. The good news is that most Utah homes already have potentially livable space lurking in the basement. Finishing your basement
New materials liven up a home
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon If you’re working on or thinking about a remodel, you’ll find there is no end to the choices of materials you can use to finish off your project. Here are some new options for
Rain gutters whisk water away
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we may have made you nervous with a discussion about mold. Of course, one of the biggest causes of mold — and many other woes — is too much water around your
Tubular skylights are bright idea
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon A skylight is pretty simply defined: a hole in the roof that lets in light. The “light” part is great; the “hole in the roof” part is not so great. You might have heard
Types of smoke detectors, fire alarms: Pros and Cons
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and four out of five people who die in a fire die in a home. Fortunately, we have access to devices
Learn facts about carpet before purchasing
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon If you are ready for a new look but not ready for a major project, flooring is one of the easiest and least invasive ways to renovate any room. Flooring comes in all shapes
Radiant heat: a way to warm the tootsies
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon We’ve all had the experience. You wake up early and stumble to the shower. The carpeted bedroom and hallway are fine, but one step on the tile bathroom floor and you shock your tootsies
Consider ‘green’ building ideas
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon 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