Miscellaneous
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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: 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: 4 useful traits in a residential architect
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 4 useful traits in a residential architectDuring a home remodel, if you are looking to add on, move walls, windows, or doors, or generally reconfigure or repurpose existing space and structure, then you should consider using an architect. Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design Group We want to help homeowners discover the value of good design and the benefits of using an architect…
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Renovation Solutions: Hot housing market impacts decision to buy or remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Hot housing market impacts decision to buy or remodelThere are always areas of a home that have room for improvement. Upgrading one of these areas will improve your use and enjoyment of your home and if done well can also positively impact the value. Trina Knudsen, Renovation Design Group The housing market is hot right now in Utah. There are more buyers…
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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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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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Design trends to watch for in 2016
Read More: Design trends to watch for in 2016We love the fresh start, potential and possibilities that a new year brings. There is an impulse for change and embracing something new. This phenomenon happens both individually and as a society. Pop culture, design and fashion trends renew every year. The home decor industry is already filling this clean slate with trend predictions for…
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Renovation Solutions: Home remodeling with pets in mind
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Home remodeling with pets in mindWhen we ask potential clients about the makeup of their family, it is always useful if they include their pets on the list. While goldfish and a parakeet don’t require much special design attention, dogs and cats do. Houzz.com recently published a report on a pet survey it has taken. Besides confirming that pets generally…
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How to stick to your remodeling budget
Read More: How to stick to your remodeling budgetOne of the most common fears of remodeling is a project snowballing out of control. It is true that when remodeling there will always be unforeseen items that will impact the budget. Most situations can be anticipated by working with architects and contractors experienced in the remodeling process, but surprises can be lurking behind Sheetrock…
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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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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: 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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Renovation Solutions: What reality TV doesn’t tell you about home remodeling
Read More: Renovation Solutions: What reality TV doesn’t tell you about home remodelingEveryone knows reality TV isn’t actually reality, right? We know an hour in real life is never that entertaining. There is a lot of editing, slicing and dicing behind the scenes to put those shows together. However, the pop culture of home-remodeling reality shows has a lot of people believing that the TV version of…
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Renovation Solutions: Guarding your house against floods
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Guarding your house against floodsIn past weeks, we have discussed our valley’s potential for earthquakes and landslides and options to remediate our homes in preparation for a disaster. This week we will consider another issue, namely flooding. Even though we live in a desert, there is still a flood potential in our area. Certain areas, known as flood plains,…
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Renovation Solutions: 5 signs it is time to remodel
Read More: Renovation Solutions: 5 signs it is time to remodelBEFORE: This is a good example of how an outdated kitchen can be transformed with an updated style with a remodel. (Dan Barton, Renovation Design Group) AFTER: This is a good example of how an outdated kitchen can be transformed with an updated style with a remodel. (Trina Knudsen) When is it a good…
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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: Ways to fund a remodel without equity
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Ways to fund a remodel without equityRemodeling is a big decision. The process will impact several areas of your life and be influenced by many factors, one of which is your project budget and how you will fund your project. In years past, the financial option of choice was a home equity line or loan. During the past several years —…
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The question: Remodel or move?
Read More: The question: Remodel or move?By Annie Schwemmer and Ann Robinson For the Deseret News If there is something about your location like a great view that would be hard to duplicate, then remodeling may be the right solution for you. Deciding to remodel does not happen overnight. The decision usually takes a lot of deliberation. We discussed last…
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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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Renovation Solutions: The problem of asbestos in home remodels
Read More: Renovation Solutions: The problem of asbestos in home remodelsWe recently had a reader ask us to highlight the problem of asbestos in private residences, so this is our topic of the week. Asbestos abatement workers contain the area and must where respirators to protect themselves from the harmful effects of working around disturbed asbestos. (DRL Enterprises, Inc., www.drlenterprisesinc.com) Even small areas need…
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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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Renovation Solutions: An architect’s tale of the Frankenhouses
Read More: Renovation Solutions: An architect’s tale of the FrankenhousesIn honor of this ghoulish holiday, we want to resurrect a favorite scary tale: “The Story of the Frankenhouses.” Spooky decorations may add some Halloween flare to this recently remodeled porch, but nothing is scarier than An Architect’s Tale of the Frankenhouses. Daniel Barton, Renovation Design Group Frankenhouses are “renovated” homes that feature things…
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Tips for designing a welcoming home
Read More: Tips for designing a welcoming homeIt is difficult to put into words what it feels like to come home. “Home” looks and feels different for everyone. However, there are similarities in the elements of architecture that create that welcoming feeling of “Ahh, we’re home.” Before: while tiling an entry area helps, it is still awkward to walk directly into a…
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Renovation Solutions: Remodeling lessons learned from office renovation
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Remodeling lessons learned from office renovationWe recently renovated a space and moved our office. This has been a good experience in the same way that a surgeon should occasionally have an operation. We are in the business of uprooting people’s lives, temporarily, and telling them that the pain and stress are all worth it. We assure them that they will…
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Bringing light inside the home with skylights
Read More: Bringing light inside the home with skylightsStudies show that when people live and work in a well-lit environment, they are happier, healthier and more productive. Natural lighting can also be another way to save on electricity, since it provides free light and warmth. This design technique is called daylighting. A solar tube skylight was added in a mudroom as part of…
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Renovation Solutions: Remember to address air-quality issues inside your home
Read More: Renovation Solutions: Remember to address air-quality issues inside your homeEnergyStar has become a household term. Everyone knows that EnergyStar translates as energy efficient products or homes. Well, the EPA has taken the EnergyStar labeling program for homes a step further into the green. The EPA has developed a sister program called Indoor AirPLUS. As our homes become more energy efficient there is less air…
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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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Consider a guy’s interests when designing a ‘man cave’
Read More: Consider a guy’s interests when designing a ‘man cave’By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Just over a week ago, we celebrated the fathers in our lives. Today, in honor of the manly men, we thought we would write about a remodeling anomaly known as the “man cave.” While some males would prefer to just call their man cave simply “the garage” or “the…
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Send in your renovation questions
Read More: Send in your renovation questionsBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer We started writing this renovation column back in April 2005. With our five-year anniversary, we wanted to turn our attention to our readers. First of all, thank you for reading. And to the Deseret News, thank you for giving us a place to write every week. This family had…
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Well-landscaped yard boosts value
Read More: Well-landscaped yard boosts valueBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Everyone can recognize a well-landscaped yard. It is beautiful, comfortable, functions well, and has a strong connection to the home it surrounds. A well-landscaped front yard adds curb appeal, which translates into increased real-estate values. A functional backyard can offer a place to relax, entertain friends, or plant a…
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Design guidelines have pluses and minuses
Read More: Design guidelines have pluses and minusesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Last week, we summarized the main governmental and private approaches to preserving and legislating our built environment. Covenants, conditions and restrictions; zoning codes; building departments; the National Historic Register; the Utah State Historical Society and historical districts regulate some of what we can and cannot do in our neighborhoods.…
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Governments offer various controls on remodeling
Read More: Governments offer various controls on remodelingBy Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer One of the most unsettling experiences you can encounter is looking out your front window to see a huge Dumpster being delivered in your neighbor’s driveway. This home in the Gilmer Park area of Salt Lake City was built in 1925 for LDS Church President Joseph Fielding Smith Jr.…
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Outdoor kitchens can enhance backyard barbecues
Read More: Outdoor kitchens can enhance backyard barbecuesBy Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon It’s March. The snow is beginning to melt and we are all anticipating spring. Before long we will soak in the sun, watch the flowers bloom and, of course, barbecue. It is hard to imagine spring and summer without a little outdoor cooking. The backyard culinary experience has moved…
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Remodeling offers practical, emotional benefits
Read More: Remodeling offers practical, emotional benefitsBy Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Whether we love our homes or hate them, there is always something we dream of changing about them. As residential architects, we naturally question what triggers someone to turn those remodeling dreams into reality. There are three areas that motivate people to get the ball rolling. The first is…
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Lofts are on the rise in downtown S.L.
Read More: Lofts are on the rise in downtown S.L.By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon The dynamics of downtown Salt Lake are really changing these days. Everyone seems to be moving to the heart of the city. Well really, we are just following the trend set decades ago by New Yorkers that recently has spread across the country. One urban living style, new to…
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Keep house dry to avoid mold
Read More: Keep house dry to avoid moldBy Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon If you didn’t have any sleepless nights after we talked about lead paint, let’s see if a discussion of mold will do the trick! We have all heard horror stories about mold taking over homes and wreaking havoc. But in our dry climate, we don’t typically fret too much…