Charlotte Architectural Styles and What They Mean for Your Home Remodel
Learn about Charlotte’s housing history which is rich with a diversity of architectural styles and themes that represent popular trends.
Category: Other Spaces
A Home Office Design that Works For You
How important is your home office design? At the time of publishing, we, as a nation, will have been in self-quarantine for over a month. There is not a person or business that has gone untouched by this pandemic in some way. Now more than ever, the importance of a well-designed home has become increasingly clear as we are working, schooling, eating, playing, and digitally socializing from home.
As families temporarily adjust to the new demands on – and divisions of – their spaces, we suspect there will be a permanent reevaluation of the perceived value of open floor plans just as there will be permanent shifts to the ways we work. Whether or not you enjoy working from home or have been doing so already in some capacity pre-pandemic, as companies realize their employees can be productive off-site, it’ll be interesting to see what happens in commercial real estate.
Regardless of how our society pivots in response over the coming months or even years, we can all agree that designating specific areas of our homes for certain tasks makes life run smoother, quarantine or not.
Open Floor Plans – Gone for Good?
For over a decade, open floor plans have seen a steady rise in popularity as our lifestyles and homes have become more casual. They are great for socializing, entertaining, and keeping an eye on the kiddos while you’re preparing meals. But when it comes to productivity, open floor plans leave much to be desired. After weeks of constant togetherness and noise, a few more walls may sound like absolute heaven, especially if you plan to continue working from home or homeschooling.
5 Ways to Imagine Your Work-From-Home Office Design
Creating a workspace for you and your family doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five ways our clients remodeled their homes to suit their work needs, regardless of their budget.
1. Create a Flexible Workspace Near the Kitchen
Before laptops, smartphones, and tablets changed our routines, it was common to find a small desk or workspace in the kitchen where families would plan meals, sort the mail, organize the calendar, etc. Once these tasks were converted to digital platforms those desk spaces became smaller and smaller in favor of more cabinetry storage and fewer walls. Since all of that could be done on a laptop or tablet from anywhere, there was less of a need for a centralized space.
Fast forward a few years, and now that nearly every member of an average household has one to three digital devices, the clutter of them is all coming back to the kitchen desk. Families are once again starting to prefer centralized workspaces for homework, charging stations, and organizing family paperwork.
2. Convert the Formal Living Room or Dining Room to a Study
Formal living and dining rooms are still common in Charlotte area homes, but they don’t see regular use. For homes with large breakfast areas and an eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room may serve you better as a study. Converting large cased openings to doorways with a pair of elegant French doors or pocket doors is a minimal investment as far as remodeling goes. Add some soft textures in the form of an area rug and floor-length drapes to absorb sound and you’ve got yourself a proper home office that still looks attractive from the foyer.
3. Close in Your Two-Story Foyer
Two-story foyers were all the rage in the late ’90s and early 2000s, but as priorities have shifted toward energy efficiency and functionally designed spaces, two-story foyers have lost much of their appeal. Depending on the configuration of the stairs and the roofline, it’s relatively simple to add a floor structure above a two-story foyer. These spaces are perfect for designing a home office or bonus room where the kids can do homework and crafts. Best of all, adding square footage to your home within the existing footprint increases resale value, without the expense and disruption of an addition. Say goodbye to that impossible-to-clean plant shelf over the front door and hello to your new home office.
4. Design a Home Office in a Spare Bedroom, Closet, or Other Small Space
Do you have a small sunroom or guest bedroom that’s seldom used? Have your kids left the nest? Converting a bedroom to a home office is another inexpensive way to maximize your space. Rearranging the furniture, repainting, and perhaps updating the flooring and window treatments may be all that’s required, saving time and money. Hiding a desk and built-in shelving in a guest room closet is another way to create a workspace while still maintaining a guest room. When guests spend the night, you can close the closet doors to hide your desk. We’ve also had clients convert nooks under the stairs to work or study spaces. This idea is especially useful if you’re short on space elsewhere.
We designed a home office as part of a larger kitchen remodel in this Lake Norman home. The space was once a laundry room off the garage that acted mainly as a mudroom and catch-all for clutter. By repurposing the space within the existing footprint, this couple gained valuable workspace while maintaining ample pantry storage.[/caption]5. Build an Addition
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to rethink your existing home, the space to design your dream home office or bonus room just isn’t available. In those cases, a home addition as part of a larger remodeling project may be the best option. Whether you are adding square footage to act as a home office specifically, or perhaps building out a master suite so you can convert your existing bedroom to a study, a home addition is a great way to get the space you need, where you need it.
Other Considerations to Optimize your Work-From-Home Space
We believe video conferences are sticking around even after the Stay-at-Home Orders are lifted. To make sure you still appear professional, keep clutter, and personal photographs out of the background. If you can, avoid having a bed behind you – that’s just awkward. Use rugs and drapery to muffle the noise and reduce echoes. Install shutters, shades, or blinds to direct light and prevent glare on your computer screen. Use color and décor that inspire you, so you actually enjoy being in your workspace. And lastly, as tempting as it is to position your desk so you’re facing a window or the wall because you can’t see who’s behind you, this position can actually increase stress in your body without you even realizing it. Position your desk so you can see the door (while looking out the window) and you’ll never be caught off guard. Your body and your productivity will thank you.
If you’re interested in creating a better workspace in your home, schedule a virtual call to discuss your home office design ideas with us today!
Before & After: How to Makeover Your Master Suite
The importance of a well-functioning master suite cannot be understated. After the kitchen, the main suite is the second most important space in your home. And just like the kitchen, the master suite is critical to a homeowner’s overall health and well-being.
To be at our best in a world that demands more from us than ever before, it’s imperative that we have a private, quiet space to rest, to nourish our bodies, and to begin and end our days in a way that promotes optimal health.
The demolition plan illustrates the inefficient and segmented closets and tight traffic patterns.
A Unique Master Suite Update
This couple wanted to create a unique master suite that not only reflected the style of the rest of the home but incorporated an international flare. While the design elements of a home’s more public spaces should flow to create a sense of continuity, private spaces like master bedrooms and bathrooms are a great opportunity to try something a little unexpected – like the graphic white and gold wallpaper they selected for the bathroom.
The bedroom remodel features the combination of multiple small closets, providing necessary (but separate) storage space, separate vanities, a larger shower, and a freestanding tub as the focal point while maintaining a private water closet.
By redesigning the two spaces we were able to maximize storage and natural light within the existing footprint, expand the shower, and simplify the traffic flow. Plantation shutters were replaced with motorized roman blackout shades for optimal sleep. Two windows in the bedroom were replaced with bedroom French doors to provide access to the outdoors and allow more light into the bedroom during the day.
The solid bi-hinged bathroom doors were exchanged with frosted glass French doors to maintain privacy while allowing light from the large bathroom window to spill into the rest of the bedroom.
BEFORE – Solid French doors did not allow light to pass into the bedroom from the bathroom and the large HVAC return was unsightly. The dark walls made the bedroom feel heavy and dreary and the wall-to-wall carpeting felt dated.
AFTER – New 5-lite frosted French doors separating the bedroom and bathroom repeat the 5-lite design of the custom, matte black framed shower doors. We reused the original solid french bathroom doors for the new closet entrance to save money and cut down on unnecessary waste.
BEFORE – Heavy and dated fixtures made this bathroom underwhelming. The wall placement of the water closet and shower made the bathroom feel small and the unnecessary shutters and dark paint contributed to the cave-like atmosphere.
AFTER – The relocation of the water closet and removal of the shutters creates a spacious and bright experience. Soft textured, geometric wallpaper adds an unexpected and playful element to the white and black color palette. Wall-mounted faucets and oversized backsplashes offer a sleek solution to protect the wallpaper from water.
BEFORE – The existing floor plan contained a choppy layout, with many nooks and dark corners, including this sequestered shower. The heavily embellished vanities weren’t scaled for the room so they overwhelmed the space.
AFTER – By relocating the water closet beside the shower, our clients gained a larger shower, and a smoother traffic pattern where it’s less likely they’ll be in each other’s way. The shower features a custom sliding door system, fixed shower head, separate hand shower, and an oversized bench. The marble-inspired porcelain floor and shower tile lend a classic vibe without competing with the more modern geometric wallpaper.
AFTER – The bright wall color makes this master bedroom feel more spacious, while the black painted window sashes add a pop of contrast. The new gold wall sconces are much more stylish than their previous pair and give off a soft romantic light.
BEFORE – Multiple doorways separated the office from the bedroom, creating an awkward vestibule that was more of a pinch point than an asset. The light carpet in the bedroom made the two spaces feel even more disconnected and with two dogs, maintenance was a nightmare.
AFTER – A priority of this master bedroom makeover was creating better flow from the master bedroom to the office. The smaller closets were combined for more functional storage. Two new French doors provide direct access from the bedroom to the outdoor living room, while motorized roman blackout shades ensure darkness for optimal sleep. Continuing the walnut floors throughout the bedroom unifies the remodeled bedroom space with the office, and makes wiping muddy paw prints much easier.
By optimizing for storage and natural light, and incorporating a balanced design throughout the entire master suite, our clients now have a unique, award-winning space that offers a relaxing retreat to start and end each day.
When you’re ready to makeover your master bedroom, give us a call at 704-759-3920. Schedule a call with one of our project developers to discuss next steps.
Ready to Remodel Your Home? The Truth About The Remodel Construction Schedule
Whether you’re moving into a rental property while you remodel your home, or you’re setting up a temporary kitchen in the dining room while your kitchen is being redone, the remodel construction schedule can be disruptive. Our homes are the nucleus of our lives, so it’s only natural to want to know how long your remodeling project will take. While we can apply the law of averages to give you a realistic expectation based on past experience, how long it will take to remodel your home is dependent on a number of factors.
Most of the time when a homeowner asks, “How long will it take to remodel my kitchen?” they’re referring only to the construction portion of the project – the messy, loud, inconvenient, and disruptive part television shows depict to be the absolute worst. We get it. That’s the time you’ll have to rearrange your house, your routine, and live in some state of mess. What’s important to note — the construction phase is only one part of the entire process and it comes at the very end. When speaking with our clients about timing, we find it gives them a better idea of the true time commitment when we talk about the process as a whole.
While most design-build remodeling firms are likely to have a similar process, we can only speak for ourselves. Here’s a brief outline of our process, and the steps that have to happen before the hammers ever start swinging:
- Sign the Design & Development Agreement to start the design phase
- Finalize and approve space planning, design, and all materials selections
- Sign fixed-price Contract and construction plans
- Order and stage all materials
What’s a Design & Development Agreements?
The Design & Development Agreements is exactly how it sounds – an agreement between you and ReVision to begin the design portion of your remodeling project, based on a specific scope of work. Once you’ve set up a call to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Project Developers, they’ll meet with you at your home to take a look at your existing space, and discuss your goals and design ideas. Afterward, they’ll present you with a high-level outline (Design & Development Agreements) of the scope of work that it will take to remodel your home, including typical budget ranges appropriate for your goals and presumed level of selection. The timeline for this initial step depends heavily on the availability of both parties — typically, it takes 2-4 weeks to schedule the consultation, meet, outline, and present the Design & Development Agreements.
Design Phase Timeline
The length of the design phase usually comes down to four things:
- The pace at which you make decisions. If you’d like to weigh every possible option and get the opinion of friends, family, and neighbors before making any home remodeling decisions, you may find the design phase to be overwhelming; it may march on for months. On the flip side, if you start the process with a sense of what you like, and trust that your designer won’t steer you in the wrong direction, you’ll save a lot of time and energy and you’ll be able to enjoy your new home even sooner.
- Your availability for meetings. At a minimum, the client and remodeling team will have two face-to-face meetings. One for design and selections at our South End design studio, and another for an onsite evaluation of your existing home with our trade partners. We find 4-5 meetings to be more common, especially for larger projects where it’s not practical or possible to get everything done in just one day. While it’s not critical that each spouse attends every meeting, we find it makes the experience more enjoyable for our clients when they are both able to participate.
- The level of your remodeling project. We refer to the three levels of remodeling as Cosmetic Update, Pull and Replace and Custom Redesign.
- Cosmetic Update: Replace easily removable features such as countertops and backsplash tile. These projects require little to no demolition.
- Pull and Replace: Replace everything without changing the locations of major electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
- Custom Redesign: Replace everything and expand or change the locations of major elements including walls or footprint.
The amount of time it takes to design and specify materials for a cosmetic update versus a custom redesign is significant. Most of our clients fall somewhere between the pull and replace and custom redesign levels, so we refer to those timelines most often.
- Our current pipeline. While we do recognize some seasonal fluctuations, the number of projects we’re currently working on at any given phase can vary. We always strive to set the right expectations, but if you have a firm deadline due to pregnancy or a special event, it’s best to share that information as early as possible so we can create a firm timeline that’ll help you stay on track.
Most of our clients average 9-12 weeks in the design phase. Smaller cosmetic projects may take considerably less time, just as remodeling your whole home may take longer.
Finalizing Design
The final design, including plans and all materials selections and images, will be part of your contract documents and approved prior to ordering. Keeping everything organized in one document means never having to remember all the details. Many of our clients like to use their selections images as a handy reference for choosing new furnishings or window treatments while there’s downtime prior to construction.
Ordering and Staging Materials
Before we can begin remodeling your home, all of the materials needed to complete your remodeling project will have been approved, ordered, and delivered. This may include cabinetry, plumbing, lighting, tile, hardware, doors, and windows, lumber, etc. We typically shy away from beginning the demo until all the parts and pieces are in and accounted for. This helps to prevent an opportunity for an unexpected delay and further disruption should something arrive late or damaged. While it doesn’t happen often, it is possible, and we’d hate for a project to come to a stop because a critical piece needed to be reordered.
Lead Times
All of the cabinetry we use is made to order and usually takes 6-8 weeks to be built and delivered. Most remodeling projects we do contain cabinetry, but for those that do not such as screen porches or living space additions, other materials with longer lead times may include custom or specialty windows and doors. Even without long lead times on materials, it still takes a couple of weeks to work out the logistics, so plan on anywhere from 3-8 weeks from contract signing to demo day, with 8 weeks being most common.
Remodel Construction Schedule
Just as the design phase timeline varies based on what type of remodel you’re pursuing, so does the construction timeline. A Cosmetic project could be done in as little as 2-4 weeks, while a Pull and Replace project will take 6-8 weeks. Depending on the scope and complexity, a Custom Redesign may take 8-10 weeks. This number can rise if a large addition is involved.
Whether you have a specific end date in mind for remodeling your home or not, we’ll work with you to create a timeline that suits your schedule. Some of our clients plan well in advance so they can coordinate their vacations around the messiest stages of construction (mainly demo and floor refinishing). Others don’t have a specific construction schedule in mind, and just want to take their time. If you want to figure out the ideal time to remodel your home, it’s best to start with the end in mind and work backward from there.
Curious to know what a remodel would look like in your home? Give ReVision a call or schedule a conversation to speak with one of our Project Developers about your goals.
What You Should Know Before Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit
As Charlotte continues to see an influx of newcomers, the demand for housing options continues to increase. Homeowners are using online platforms such as VRBO or Airbnb to offer short term rental of parts of their property to profit from this high demand. Many homeowners also want to renovate spaces they already have to provide separate living quarters to serve as an in-law suite, a guest space for visiting friends, or living space for au pairs, or nannies. A great solution for all of these is the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
There are many variations on the location of an ADU within a residential home or property. Basements, converted garages, bonus rooms and rooms above or next to a detached structure (such as a garage) are the most common areas that provide the square footage needed. The specific definition of what is considered an ADU may vary by each city’s zoning ordinance. In Charlotte, NC the ADU Ordinance defines an ADU as “a second dwelling unit located within the principal detached dwelling or within a separate accessory structure.” To be considered a dwelling, the unit must include both kitchen and bathroom facilities and be intended for use as a year-round residence. The definition of an ADU may vary from city to city, so check with your local city officials.
Is an ADU Allowed on My Property?
A thorough review of municipal ordinances should be one of the first things you research when considering the construction or renovation of a space to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit. For example, most detached ADUs will only be allowed if it is within certain proximity to property lines and the existing primary residence. Other restrictions may include the total square footage allowed and how it shall be accessed. In addition to municipal ordinances, you also need to research deed restrictions, township restrictions, home owner’s association rules, or any other governing bodies that may have some say in what is or is not allowed on your property. The last thing you want to do is to spend time and money on plans and estimates only to find out you aren’t allowed to remodel or build the ADU you’re dreaming about.
Can I Rent Out My ADU?
The need for affordable housing in urban cores is a challenge that faces just about every major city in our country, including Charlotte, NC. To help provide relief for this need, many cities have relaxed rules around property owners being allowed to legally rent out ADUs. If you do intend to rent out your space, make sure you have the proper business licenses and check with your accountant when it comes to be most advantageous tax treatment of the construction cost and rental income.
Where Can I Add an ADU?
In many cases, you may already have a space within your existing home that could be remodeled to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Below are the most common spaces an ADU could be added, and considerations for feasibility:
Basements – Basements offer a great opportunity for conversion to an ADU. The first thing to determine if an ADU is feasible is how the sewer system will be connected. Sometimes the basement will have a pump or gravity fed sewer lines already in place that was installed when the house was originally built. If it does not, a thorough evaluation by a plumber will be required once you have the floor plans for your ADU completed. With a basement ADU, you also want to think about access. To be considered an ADU it must have its own separate access from outside, so if your house is on a sloping lot for example, a sidewalk or stairs on the outside that leads down to the rear side may also need to be constructed.
Bonus Rooms – Bonus rooms are typically defined as the large room located over a two or three-car attached garage. They make great spaces to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit as long as it has a dedicated set of stairs to access it. In most cases the plumbing and electrical connections that are required can be tied directly into the existing systems already in place for the main house.
Converted Garages – A two or three-car garage can also be converted into an ADU with proper planning. Depending on how the house and garage were placed on the lot, the height of the garage floor in relation the house floor can vary. For example, some garages may have just a couple of steps into the house. For fewer steps, it may be best to use the garage floor as the subfloor rather than building it up with wood framing. This means that concrete would need to be cut and removed to provide channels for the electrical or plumbing. If a wood frame floor is built over the garage slab, the underside provides easy access for running plumbing, mechanical, and electrical lines, as well as insulation. Converted garages make the best in-law suites because they are typically level with the main living areas of the home, eliminating the need for stairs that may hinder accessibility.
How Much Would it Cost to Build a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit?
If you have a lot large enough to accommodate a detached ADU, then constructing one from scratch may be more desirable than making modifications to the primary residence. There are many factors to consider that are specific to each site, and many options for how the ADU will be built, so it’s hard to give a specific cost without some considerable planning and decision making. The first step is to make sure you have an accurate physical survey done by a professional land surveyor. You’ll then want to find a reputable designer or design/build firm to provide renderings and construction drawings. From there you’ll be able to make more specific decisions about the types of cladding materials used, how much site work will need to be done such as tree removal and grading, and the level of finishes you choose to have installed on the interior. All of these decisions will impact your final cost of construction.
Summary
Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your existing home or as a detached structure on your property is a great option to consider for creating more space for your friends and family, or as a source of rental income. While not all properties are conducive to adding an ADU, a professional would be able to determine whether this or another project is right for your home.
ReVision Design/Remodeling has extensive experience working with clients in the Charlotte area to figure out what works best for their space. Let’s have a conversation about your accessory dwelling unit, addition or whole house remodel. Fill out the contact form to get in touch with one of our remodeling experts.
6 Bright Ideas for Using Bold Colors at Home
No matter how confident you are, if you’ve ever considered remodeling or redesigning your home it’s inevitable that you’ve considered a bold color palette asked yourself, will I still like what I choose today, ten years from now? The truth is, trends will continue to change as product lines and designers continue to innovate. Sure, the classics will continue to repeat themselves as they are reinvented in some shape or form indefinitely (think white kitchens and black and white bathrooms), but overall, styles evolve, and yours likely will too.
Bold Color Palette: Paradox of Choice
We live in a society of instant gratification and constant comparison. The paradox of choice is a very real phenomenon – we sometimes see it with our clients as they’re going through the design phase after months of Pinterest addiction. Quite simply there are too many options, and the fear of finding something better paralyzes them into indecision. But here’s the thing – there will ALWAYS be something better. When we make a suggestion for a material or product it’s because we know it will get you the result you’re looking for, even if you can’t see how it relates to the big picture. If you’re one of those people that’s drawn to a bold color palette or designs — as designers, we can totally relate —choose one thing and truly make it your own. Everything else will fall into place.
Consider Your Long-Term Plans
If you’re still worried about committing to a bold design, it’s important to consider which phase of life you’re in and how much longer your family intends to stay in your current home. If you know you’ll be moving in the next 3-5 years, erring on the more conservative side would be wise. You don’t want to deter a potential buyer by choosing something highly trendy that’s difficult or incredibly costly to replace. Nothing is truly permanent, but purple kitchen cabinets are going to be much more difficult to change than kitchen faucets or decorative lighting.
Sticking around for ten years or more? Do what makes you happy. Ten years is a long time to live with something you don’t absolutely love. You can tone it down when it’s time to put your house on the market after years of enjoyment.
Bring On All the Colors
As a design-build remodeling company, our design team loves any opportunity to flex our creative muscles to create something you’ll love. At the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), colors were huge for 2019. We’ve been seeing a resurgence of bold color slowly creeping back into the market for a couple of years now. As consumers get exposed to new trends, and let go of the fear of avocado green trauma from the 1970’s, we’ll be seeing more and more color introduced into the home.
Whether you’re a classicist, or a trend-setter, we thought you’d like to see some of our favorite new products from KBIS and how you could work them into your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Your Kitchen Faucet
You know we love mixing metals, so it may come as no surprise that we are absolutely smitten with the new ombré finish on Kohler’s Sensate Touchless kitchen faucet. Your kitchen faucet is the most used fixture in your house, so choosing one that’s made of high-quality materials is always worth the cost. In addition to the innovative two-tone finish that transitions from rose gold to polished nickel (or titanium to rose gold) we also love the touchless technology. The last thing you want to do when you have raw chicken juice all over your hands is touch anything. Touchless technologies ensure you can wash your hands without spreading grease or bacteria, saving you clean-up time and creating peace of mind for you and your family.
Add Some Personality to Your Kids’ Bath
It’s not uncommon to want to choose more cost-effective materials for your kids’ bathroom in order to splurge on your master suite. But cost-effective doesn’t have to be boring. Why not introduce a colorful stripe pattern in the shower using the new Color Wheel Collection from Daltile?
Classic stripes are synonymous with laughter-filled summer afternoons by the pool – who doesn’t want that feeling year-round? If navy is the new black, then emerald is the new navy. We’d love to see an emerald and white stripe paired with a black painted vanity, white quartz counter for easy maintenance, and brushed brass plumbing fixtures. Anyone ready to remodel their kids’ bathroom?
Add Some Flair to Your Front Entry
Not ready to commit to bringing a bold color palette indoors? How about setting your house apart from the neighbors with some colorful exterior door hardware. While we are huge proponents of a colorful front door, this is an either-or situation. Turquoise hardware on a red door is probably not going to give you the look you were after, but turquoise hardware on a black, mid-century, modern style door may be just the thing to make you say, Welcome home, at the end of a long day. While we don’t expect anyone to rush right out and buy this hardware, we thought it was a clever way to introduce a bold color in an unexpected place. This could easily be repeated around the front door by adding matching, colorful planters.
Whether you’re on board with the bold color trend or you think that neutral is always the way to go, don’t be afraid to stretch your limits — especially if you’re planning on staying in your home for a long time. Unsure of where to start? Our design team would love to help guide you through the home remodel of your dreams. Give us a call today to start a conversation.
So You’ve Found a Remodeling Company. What’s Next?
If you’re like most of our clients you’ve spent months, maybe even years dreaming about how remodeling your home will improve your life and bring your family and friends closer together. You’ve gathered up the courage and the funds to finally get started, and your Pinterest board and Houzz Ideabooks are full of inspiration that you can’t wait to share with your designer. You’ve talked to numerous friends and family about their remodeling experiences to get advice, and you’ve met with several remodeling companies that provide the all-in-one service you’re looking for, and narrowed it down the team you trust the most. The days of living in your old space are coming to an end, and you’re finally ready! Your whole family is excited! Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s get started now!!
Having that sense of urgency is understandable. When we finally gather the courage to take on a huge change, it’s natural to want it to happen quickly – especially when we know it’ll be disruptive and uncomfortable for a little while. The same is true for home remodeling, but unfortunately even the best remodeling companies can’t turn around a renovation in a week. Planning, staging and executing any remodeling project is an involved process with a series of necessary steps before the first hammer ever swings.
Here’s an overview of the design-build remodeling process:
Conceptual and Construction Plans
It all starts with scaled conceptual 3D renderings to establish a general direction towards a final design. After meeting with you in your home to take detailed as-built measurements and listen to your goals for the project, your designer will work with you to present the best layout to meet your specific needs. After a few tweaks, conceptual plans then get converted to detailed construction-ready documents.
Existing Site Evaluations
Remodeling means transforming an existing space, so before estimates can be finalized, a team of trade professionals needs to comb the existing structure to see what will be required to transform it from its current state into your dream home. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists, and structural engineers are just a few of the trades we team up with during this process.
Fixture and Finish Selection
While it is not uncommon for some remodeling companies to present a contract full of allowances for fixtures and finishes, we always prefer to minimize the unknowns by making those decisions well before contract signing. It helps us control the budget and the timeline since we are able to order and stage all materials well in advance, and who doesn’t want to save time and money? Don’t worry, our designers will guide you through the selections process and present materials and finishes that meet your functional and aesthetic needs. We utilize a series of spreadsheets to keep track of everything from cabinetry details to plumbing fixtures, light switch style to countertop edge profiles, because we know firsthand that the details can make or break a project, so we make sure to keep a close eye on them.
Pre-Construction Staging
With a detailed contract and construction plans in place, permits can be applied for, custom materials can be ordered, and crews can be scheduled. One final walk-through with the construction and design team ensures we’re all are on the same page before work begins. This is also the time we discuss detailed information about construction logistics and disruptions (parking, dust control, work hours, debris, etc.), especially if you plan to remain in the home while the project is underway, as most of our clients do.
From the time you choose ReVision Design/Remodeling to the moment the construction begins, we’ll be here to help. Following the necessary steps will take time, but the end result will be well worth the wait!
When you’re ready to schedule a conversation with one of our Project Developers to discuss your project, we’d love to hear from you!
5 Questions to Ask Before You Remodel
The first question any homeowner should ask him/herself is: Should I remodel? Figuring out the answer can be more difficult than you might expect. You might be dying to update your house, but that doesn’t mean it makes sense in terms of your family’s lifestyle or budget. And many other considerations come into play. Below are five questions to ask yourself to help you figure out if you need to embark on a remodeling project.
1. Does Your Home Meet Your Needs?
If you’re frustrated with your house, it’s important to consider why. Maybe you want to entertain, but the house doesn’t have good spaces for people to gather. Or maybe you really need a home office. Or perhaps adding a bathroom will add harmony to your family life. Maybe it’s a combination of outdated features: a too small kitchen, a too pink bathroom, and inadequate storage options. Perhaps you simply might need to bring an older house in line with the needs of a contemporary family. If there are many different ways in which the house doesn’t meet your needs, then a remodeling project might be the way to address the problems.
2. What are Your Remodeling Objectives?
Make a list of everything you would like to change, from the size of the kitchen to the color of the walls and the style of the light fixtures. Then prioritize the list. Which things are must-haves and which things can you do without? Before you embark on any planning, you need to have clear goals in mind. Whether you need a more up-to-date kitchen, bigger closets, or a more attractive entryway, you should have specific ideas of what you want to accomplish. If you’re not sure what you want, you’re more likely to end up with a result that’s less than satisfactory.
3. Have You Experienced Any Life Changes?
The answer to this question influences your remodeling decisions in a couple different ways. You might have a new addition to the family—a baby, adult child, or elderly relative. Or you might be anticipating such an addition and need to plan with that contingency in mind. Multi-generational homes are more and more common, making homes more crowded, but remodeling can give everyone more breathing room. Similarly, if you’re retired or planning to retire in this home, you should consider remodeling with the principles of universal design in mind. Universal design can make your home safer and more accessible if you ever experience limited mobility.
4. What’s the Return on Investment?
This is a particularly important question if you’re planning to sell the house in the next five years. You don’t want to invest a lot of money on remodeling projects that don’t increase the value of your house. Do some research to understand the average return for the kind of remodeling project you’re considering. Some projects recoup 75-100% of their costs, depending on the area, while others have a lower return on investment. But don’t get fooled by the size of the project; sometimes small projects can pay off handsomely. Cost vs. value considerations can also impact the choices you make as you plan your remodeling project. You might love the idea of making your home theater hot pink or adding cherry red counters to the kitchen but consider whether those choices might make the house harder to sell.
5. What is Your Budget?
This is a delicate subject. Nobody likes to talk about money but figuring out a budget is an essential part of the process. You need to know what you can realistically afford and what can be achieved on that budget. Research your options—from hardware to appliances to flooring—so you know what you can expect to spend on each item and which things you can afford to splurge on. Remember that a lot of remodeling projects run over budget, so don’t stretch it the max when signing the contract; you’ll probably need a contingency fund. And, when devising a budget, don’t forget the costs of dislocating your family. If you will need to move out of the house, take rent into consideration. If you will lose access to your kitchen for a month or more, remember that it will have an impact on your food budget.
Considering a remodeling project? Schedule a call with one of our Project Developers.
Why Curb Appeal is a Big Deal
Curb appeal is all about creating that first impression of your home. It tells visitors what kind of people you are and creates a welcoming environment. If you’re trying to sell your house, curb appeal is essential to creating a positive impression.
What Is Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal refers to the visual attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street or sidewalk. It is the first impression that a passerby or potential buyer will have of a home, and is an important factor in the overall value and marketability of a property.
Curb appeal can encompass a wide range of factors, including the appearance and condition of the exterior of the home, the landscaping and hardscaping features, the condition of the driveway and walkways, and the overall cleanliness and upkeep of the property.
Where Did the Term “Curb Appeal” Originate?
The term “curb appeal” is believed to have originated in the United States during the early 1970s, a time when suburban housing developments were becoming increasingly popular. The phrase is derived from the concept of the “curb,” which refers to the edge of the street or sidewalk where a property is located.
The idea of curb appeal was introduced as a way to promote and enhance the visual appeal of homes and encourage people to invest in their properties. The concept quickly caught on and has since become a common term in the real estate industry, with many homeowners and sellers striving to improve the curb appeal of their properties to attract potential buyers and increase their value.
Reasons Curb Appeal Matters
Curb appeal can greatly impact the property’s overall value, attractiveness, and desirability. Here are some key reasons why curb appeal is a big deal:
Increases Property Value
Good curb appeal can significantly increase a property’s value. It’s a smart investment to spend time and money on improving the exterior because it can pay off in the long run. When a property’s exterior is visually appealing and well-maintained, it creates a positive first impression that can greatly influence the perceived value of the property. Homes with good curb appeal often sell for a higher price than similar properties with a less attractive exterior.
Additionally, potential buyers are more likely to make an offer on a property with good curb appeal, which can create a bidding war and drive the price up. A well-landscaped and maintained exterior can also indicate that the property has been well-cared-for, which can give buyers the confidence to invest in the property.
Improves Safety and Security
A property with good curb appeal can also be safer and more secure. A well-maintained exterior, including trimmed shrubs, proper lighting, and visible address numbers, can deter potential burglars and intruders. The presence of outdoor lighting, in particular, can make a property less vulnerable to break-ins by providing visibility at night.
Additionally, the presence of well-maintained landscaping and hardscaping can help prevent accidents and injuries. For example, a clear walkway and a well-maintained driveway can reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.
Moreover, visible address numbers can help emergency responders find a property quickly in the event of an emergency.
Lowers Energy Costs
Landscaping and exterior upgrades can be strategically planned to provide shade during the hot summer months, reducing the need for air conditioning. For example, the addition of a tree or large shrub on the west side of a house can block direct sunlight and reduce the interior temperature by several degrees.
Similarly, a well-insulated and sealed exterior can prevent heat from escaping during the colder months, reducing the need for heating. Properly placed landscaping can also serve as a windbreak, protecting the property from cold winter winds.
Consequences of Bad Curb Appeal
There are several consequences of bad curb appeal for a property.
Firstly, it can negatively impact the overall value of the property, making it less attractive to potential buyers and reducing the amount that sellers can command for it.
Secondly, it can discourage people from even considering the property, as a poor first impression can be difficult to overcome. In some cases, bad curb appeal may even deter potential tenants or renters from leasing the property.
Additionally, if a property is not well-maintained on the outside, it can signal to others that the property may not be well-maintained on the inside as well, potentially leading to further issues down the line.
Finally, poor curb appeal can also reflect poorly on the surrounding neighborhood or community, contributing to a negative perception of the area and further decreasing property values.
Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
1. Enhance the Front Door
The front door is the focal point of the front of your house. Make sure it’s appealing. It might just need a coat of paint, but it also might need to be replaced. If it looks dated, you might want to replace it with something more up-to-date or something that fits your home’s architecture. Replacing the front door has one of the highest returns on investment for any home improvement project since it’s easy and relatively inexpensive, but it has a big impact. Don’t forget to address the elements around the front door as well. The right trim can make a front door pop.
2. Focus on the Walkway
Your front walkway is the visitor’s path into your home and can make it feel warmer and more inviting. If parts are cracked or broken — or weeds are growing through — you should repair or replace it. Consider alternatives to straight concrete paths. A brick or stone path with some curves adds visual interest, or you can edge an existing walkway with brick or stone.
3. Add Landscaping
Homes without landscaping can look bare and forbidding. The right landscaping can soften the straight edges of your house and make it more inviting. Don’t limit yourself to landscaping near the house either; you can add a bed of flowers or plantings anywhere in the yard. Be sure to take a critical look at your existing landscaping as well. Maybe you need to replace some overgrown bushes or do some basic weeding and pruning. You might want to sharpen up the borders of your planting beds or add concrete borders. You can also consider adding some decorative elements such as a sculpture, birdbath, or fountain.
4. Install a Portico
If your doorway is flush with the front of the house, it may give a bland, one-dimensional appearance from the street. Similarly, if you have a recessed doorway, the entrance can feel hidden in shadows. Adding a portico will give depth and character to the front of your home but be sure to choose a portico style that harmonizes with your home’s architecture. An added benefit of a portico is that it can keep you—and your visitors—dry as you enter the house.
5. Give Your House a Facelift
This can be as simple as a new coat of paint, or it could include new trim, different finishes on the home’s exterior, new siding, fresh shingles, and adding shutters. While you’re at it, think about whether you want to replace your exterior light fixtures. Maybe it’s time that your lamppost and entrance lights look more up-to-date. Consider adding a splash of color with a bold new shade for your front door, a bed of colorful new flowers, or some eye-catching porch furniture.
6. Do Your Maintenance
You don’t want visitors’ first impressions to be that you neglect your house. Putting off maintenance can reduce your home’s value. Here are some things to look for:
- Peeling paint
- Cracks in the driveway
- Sagging, detached gutters
- Cracked windows
- Unkempt landscaping
- Crooked or broken shutters
- Bare or brown patches in the lawn
7. Don’t Forget These Details:
- Lighting: For the sake of security and to beautify the house at night make sure you have lighting in the right places.
- Stone choice: The stone in your walkways, planters, etc. should harmonize with any stone on the façade on your house.
- House numbers: Make sure your house numbers are visible from the street and that the style harmonizes with your home’s design.
- Mailbox: You can elevate your home’s look at a relatively low cost with a fancy die-cast or painted mailbox.
- Clean the House: Washing the windows, siding, porch, garage doors, and walkway can make your house look newer and more appealing.
Trying to add some curb appeal to your home? Schedule a complimentary consultation with us today! Our designers can go over ideas, big and small, to transform the look of your home’s exterior.
Home Additions: Matching Goals with Design
Each house addition is different—just as each family building a house addition is different from all other families. House additions can be a small project that only takes a couple of weeks or an enormous production that is nearly as big as the main house. It all depends on the needs of your family and your home’s situation. How do you know what kind of addition is right for you? Here are a few house addition ideas about which additions best suit particular needs:
Bump-Outs: When you need more living space on the main floor.
A bump-out hangs new space off of the existing house, usually in the back. Because you don’t need to dig a foundation, bump-outs can be more economical than many other types of additions, although they’re more costly on a per-square-foot basis. You’re limited as to how much space you can add; bump outs can usually only be three feet wide and 10-12 feet long.
What can you do with that space? This kind of addition is ideally suited to adding a tub or shower to a master bathroom, installing a walk-in closet, creating an eat-in area in a kitchen, adding space for a kitchen island, converting a spare bedroom into a family room—or expanding just about any room in the house that could use some more square footage.
Garage Conversions: Flexibility for more storage or hobby spaces.
Converting your garage into living space can be cost effective. The structure already exists, so you just need to add HVAC, sheetrock, and flooring. But garages are often located in out of the way corners of houses—not conveniently close to living space or bedrooms. So, what can you do with a garage conversion? A two-car garage can make a nice studio apartment with its own entrance. Garages are also well-suited to becoming a children’s playroom, home theater, or home office.
Sunrooms: Comfortably enjoy the beauty of nature.
Providing a lot of light and offering plenty of versatility, sunrooms can be added to various parts of your house and can be used for different purposes. Many people see sunrooms as a way to enclose a patio, so they can comfortably enjoy the beauty of nature and the feeling of being outside all year long. Sunrooms also make great playrooms or game rooms for children, home offices, or studios for artists or crafters (who like a lot of light). Alternatively, homeowners can fill them with plants to create a conservatory or install a hot tub for a home spa. You can also use them to extend the living area to create family rooms or spaces for entertaining guests.
House Additions: A blank slate for your unique needs.
A home addition can be just about any addition that doesn’t fit into one of the previous categories. You can enlarge a room, add one or more rooms, or even build a two-story addition. Thus, you can use them for almost any purpose, helping you keep up with your family’s changing needs in your own home— without needing to move. Home additions are frequently used to add a bathroom, master bedroom suite, family room, or home office. Many homeowners add two rooms at a time: for example, a master bedroom and bathroom or a family room and bathroom. Ultimately, the uses of a home addition are limited only by your imagination.
Ready to start a conversation about your house addition? Schedule a no-obligation consultation with us today.