Remodel Tips

Behind every home remodel or home addition is a family with a story. This one is particularly special to us, and we are thrilled to share it with you in the homeowner’s own words.

Tell us a bit about your home.

Our home is a 100-year-old farmhouse with a rich history in the rural oasis of Edgewood. We fell in love with the 6.5 acre property at first sight but understood we were taking on a daunting task in bringing the house, which had been remodeled multiple times over the years, up to its legacy. It was two separate, somewhat deteriorating buildings connected only by a breezeway. The original footprint still boasts the granite stone foundation from 1920. There were major additions and remodels over the years, some higher quality than others, but every surface and room of the house had issues.

What was your overall vision for your remodel?

Our vision was to create a dream oasis overlooking the 20-acre view of pastures and protected wetland we discovered behind the large old barn that completely blocked the house. We wanted to honor the history of the home and the property with enduring design and quality. We wanted to honor the barn we pulled down by integrating the beams and other barn wood throughout the home.

How would you define your personal style?

Our personal style is driven by our lifestyle of hanging with our friends and large family. We wanted our home to be beautiful but comfortable. It needed to be large enough to entertain the masses, unique enough to be worth the incredible amount of risk, time, and money we invested, and durable enough to withstand constant large gatherings, three sons, and our chocolate lab.

What is your favorite feature of your home?

Our favorite feature of our home is definitely the massive great room that Renewal built for us. The design team perfectly understood our vision of soaring ceilings with barn wood beams and a large stone fireplace to anchor the room. They seamlessly built out our existing kitchen island to create a much larger island to accommodate the new space, and perfectly designed a brand new kitchen with large windows positioned to keep an eye on our small goat pasture out front and welcome beautiful sunsets. On the other side of the room is a massive Nanawall that opens to the covered outdoor living, all blending together seamlessly, so it doesn’t distract from the breath-taking view of rolling pastures and wetland forest.

How has the remodel allowed your house to feel more like a home for your family?

We pinch ourselves every day we are blessed to wake up in this place. When we moved in, we were crowded and on top of one another and facing the largest project of our lives. Now that it is complete, we can all say it was well worth it. It is like living in a lodge resort.

What was your experience working with Renewal?

Our experience with Renewal was exactly what we hoped it would be and more. We entered the design phase prior to the Covid lockdowns. We can’t imagine going through this without the integrity and skill of the team at Renewal. With careful attention to detail, they seamlessly matched a 100-year-old foundation and multiple additions to a massive new addition… and made it all look like it’s been here forever. This was an incredible architectural challenge from time to time. On top of that, they had to deal with a local permitting and inspection process that was already notoriously difficult even before Covid brought everything to a slow crawl. They worked with us to quickly gather and store materials that were suddenly having supply chain issues, and their subcontractors became some of our favorite people. They were reliable, professional, and very good at their craft.

Any Advice for other homeowners considering a remodel?

I would advise anyone considering a remodel to do a bit of homework before jumping into it. A bid doesn’t really tell the story. We briefly considered being our own general contractors, and we are SO glad we didn’t make that mistake. We realized through this process we would have spent at least the same if not more money hiring subcontractors who had no reason to be loyal to us. It is very difficult to know (until it is too late) the quality of a subcontractor’s work or how reliable they are. We have heard many horror stories from our friends, and we’ve had negative experiences with contractors (not Renewal’s) we thought would be dependable and turned out not to be. Renewal’s business model of integrity results in loyalty and high-quality work. The best decision we made in this overwhelming process was to hire Renewal.

It was such a joy to work with this family on their beautiful home, and the results are something our team is very proud of.

Are you ready to start your home remodel or addition?

Click here for your free consultation!

More and more people are adding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to their homes. The reasons for adding an ADU may vary, but there is no denying that this type of living space has been on the rise in popularity over the last few years. And from the looks of things, they will only get more popular as time goes on.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit, also known as an ADU or in-law suite, can be attached to your home or its own separate unit. This allows you to either combine or separate the utilities from your main home. In order for a space to qualify as an ADU, it must be independently habitable, meaning there must be a functioning bathroom and kitchen or kitchenette.

As we mentioned before, there are a few different reasons a homeowner would choose to add an ADU to their home. Here are three reasons you might consider this kind of addition.

ADUs make the perfect space to house aging or extended family members. As parents and grandparents age, having them nearby brings peace of mind to the whole family while still allowing them their own private space. An ADU is also a great transitional space for a child who is ready for independence but not prepared to leave the nest completely.
Do you often have guests from out of town? An ADU is a wonderful guest house, allowing your guests comfort, privacy, and independence, while still having them nearby.
And lastly, many people are using ADUs as a secondary source of income as either a short or long-term rental unit. Don’t want to be a landlord or deal with managing a rental? No problem, there are many agencies for hire that manage both long and short-term rental spaces, allowing you to see profit without taking up more of your time than you’re willing to invest.

It is important to note that some cities have regulations on ADUs and what they can be used for, but there is no doubt that ADUs have become a popular addition to homes all over our area. If you’re interested in adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your home, we would love to talk to you about the process in more detail. Click the link below to get started!

Are you ready to start on your home remodel or addition? We’re ready to help!

Interior design is an art. And as with any art, trends change over time. Here are a few of our favorite design trends for 2021.

3D Tiles

Tile is a staple in design, useful for floors, walls, backsplashes, and showers. Most tiles are flat, but there has been a recent rise in the popularity of 3D tiles. These tiles lend texture and depth to the surfaces they cover, adding style and flair to a room.

Color pops in cabinets

Adding a pop of color to a kitchen is becoming increasingly popular. One way to accomplish this is by choosing one color for the cabinets above the counter and another below. We also see homeowners choosing to stick with one color for cabinets and another for their island. Both of these options add dimension, style, and color.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a big comeback in the world of interior design. There are many styles, from subtle and reserved, to bold and bright. Most people choose wallpaper as a statement piece in a large room or to add life and fun to a small space such as a powder room or bathroom.

Warm tones

Greys and other cool colors have been dominant in the past few years, but warm colors are becoming more and more popular. Warm colors are great for bringing that cozy “Hygge” feel to a room that many homeowners are seeking as they spend more time at home.

Black & Gold Accents

Many homeowners are choosing hardware and fixtures that make a bold statement. Black and gold have become popular colors for lighting, plumbing fixtures, and cabinet hardware. This is a simple and practical way to add style and dimension to a room.

Whatever design elements you choose, it’s always important to be true to your style and your family’s needs. Our team of experienced designers is always ready to help, ensuring that you are informed and empowered to make the best choice for your home.

Ready to update your home with a remodel or addition?

Click here today to get started!

“Should I go with hardwood or laminate flooring?” This is a common question homeowners ask us when planning their home remodel. Maybe you’ve found yourself asking this question. If so, just know that there is no one correct answer. The choice that is right for you depends entirely on your family and your priorities for your home.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the properties of laminate and hardwood flooring. Laminate is comprised of several layers of synthetic materials. It has a stabilizing layer on the bottom that helps to resist moisture, a layer of fiberboard to add strength, and a unique photographic layer on top to give the look of wood or even other materials such as stone. It’s most valued for its cost, durability, and easy DIY installation. Hardwood is just as it sounds — natural wood harvested from various types of trees or even bamboo. Hardwood is a favorite of many builders and homeowners because of its classic look, longevity, and environmental friendliness.

We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to think about, along with a few questions for you to ask yourself when facing this major design decision.

Hardwood:

Hardwood Pros

Can last a lifetime when properly cared for
Can be sanded and refinished
Adds resale value to you home
Easy to clean
Classic wood appearance
Environmentally friendly

Hardwood Cons

More expensive
Often requires professional install
Not recommended for wet or damp areas
Hard underfoot
Louder
Sensitive to UV light

Laminate:

Laminate Pros

Easy DIY install
Affordable
Best for kids, pets, and radiant heating
Water, stain, and UV resistant
Easy to clean
Softer and quieter underfoot

Laminate Cons

Can not be refinished
Typically lasts around 10 years
Less authentic look
Does not add resale value to you home
Less environmentally friendly
Can stain or warp if spills are left too long.

Questions to ask yourself:

Do I have pets or kids?

Laminate is often recommended for families with pets or young children. This is mainly due to the fact that it is more scratch and stain resistant than hardwood.

Am I planning on reselling anytime soon?

If you are planning on reselling your home soon after replacing the floors, you should consider hardwood as it typically increases the value of the home.

What is my budget?

Your budget is a big factor to consider when choosing a type of flooring. Hardwood can be expensive, and many people opt for laminate simply because it’s less costly.

Is the room dry or prone to dampness?

If your room is prone to dampness, such as a kitchen or bathroom, you should consider laminate’s water resistance as an important factor. If it is a dry room such as a living room or bedroom, hardwood will give you a warmer and more authentic feel.

The best part about this debate is that there is really no wrong answer. Whatever you choose is best for your home, and your family will provide you with many benefits for years to come!

Are you ready to turn your current home into your dream home? We are ready to help!