Blog Strite Design + Remodeling News Why you should upgrade with a smart home remodel Home automation is one of the top remodeling trends for 2020, a trend that is driven by a variety of factors, including millennials’ desire for tech integration in their lives, a chance for seniors to age in place, and lower energy bills. But there is a huge variety... read more Our favorite 2020 kitchen remodeling trends If you’ve been dreaming of a kitchen refresh, a new decade is a great time to make your dreams come true! We’ve been working with homeowners in the Treasure Valley for over 40 years, and we have consistently been recognized as Remodeler of the Year by the National... read more 5 home projects to work on if you’re staying home If you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands, but tearing out a kitchen sounds too overwhelming, then a project that can be completed in an afternoon or over a weekend might sound just about right. Freshen up rooms, clear out some clutter, and fall in... read more 6 Tips for your bathroom remodel Remodeling your bathroom can completely change the look and feel of your home. Before undertaking your bathroom remodel project, there are a number of things you should think about. Pre-Planning Pre-planning your bathroom remodel... read more How to know if it’s time for a kitchen remodel Since your kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in your home, it should be useable, beautiful, and somewhere you'd want to spend hours of the day. There are many reasons you may want a new kitchen, but here are some tips to know if you're ready for a kitchen... read more 6 Reasons you should remodel instead of buying new If you are thinking of buying a new home, you should always consider if remodeling your current home is a better option. Buying a new home and remodeling both have their pros and cons, but here are six reasons you should opt for a home remodel vs. buying a new home.... read more How to find the perfect remodeling contractor in Boise Finding a remodeling contractor can be an overwhelming process at times. Whether you are looking for a bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, or whole home renovation, there are a few things you should consider when choosing your Boise remodeler. Referrals Nearly half of... read more Corrective vision for a uniquely “sighted” home Picture a Highlands ranch house (circa 1980) perched atop a foothills vista. You might think such a site would make for the quintessential Boise home — and you’d be quite right, except for the fact that it was poorly situated, both inside and out. Undaunted, our... read more The 3 percent: Guild Quality reviews It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has worked in or with the remodeling industry that we live and die based on case studies, testimonials…and, of course, reviews. All of which have served STRITE design + remodeling well over our 40-year history. Very well,... read more A Boise foothills home rediscovers itself However little we may credit our powers of visualization, there are spaces we encounter that whisper to us just what they were meant to be. Sometimes they shout. In the case of our clients Keith and Deborah, one home’s intention was loud enough to be heard during a... read more Into the great wide open: A Boise whole house remodel In residential design, many rooms are no guarantee of having room. At the heart of this seeming paradox is functional intent — and in the case of one Southeast Boise couple, the intent was to fill an empty nest with friends and family in an unobstructed space. What... read more New design for an oddly-shaped bath It was bad enough that this ‘80s style bathroom was weighed down in oak and somber finishes -- it was also strangely configured. We breathed new life into its design by opening it up and letting the light shine in! Vision Here was a master bathroom that enjoyed... read more Every picture tells a story Every picture tells a story...and the pictures associated with this remodel tell quite a few -- which should come as no surprise given the history of this home. Our job was to bring those disparate stories together into one seamless tale of beauty, comfort, and grace.... read more The ultimate compromise: A Boise kitchen remodel Is it really a compromise when everyone involved gets more than they bargained for? Based on their experience, our clients Paul and Becky would probably tell you that when you trust your remodel partner and keep your eyes on the prize, no one has to settle for less... read more A whole house rejuvenation: Updating a foothills home, room by room Well designed and constructed homes may age with grace…but they still age. As with humans, dealing with the “ravages of time” may require replacement, but it can also be achieved at a deeper cosmetic level — without the trauma of surgery. Think of it as optimizing the... read more Behold the power of finishes! A Boise bathroom remodel The most obvious way to dramatically affect the look of a room is to change its layout -- whether the goal is functional improvement or simply a makeover. That said, one should never underestimate the power of “finishes” to transform a living space. Vision The master... read more A dramatic kitchen remodel Most folks would be forgiven for thinking that the ultimate in customization is to build from scratch. Granted, from both a design and construction perspective, a remodel always poses some constraints -- for reasons of budget, if nothing else. The sign of a great... read more Rightsizing: Home remodels for retirement Empty nests tend not to stay empty for long. Children grow, they leave for school or jobs — or simply to chart their own course in life — and homeowners adjust their lifestyles accordingly. When we combine these changes with retirement, a new set of dynamics drives... read more A bathroom remodel that played well with others We love a good collaborative effort -- which is how we typically think of our relationships with our clients. But we also enjoy working with other industry professionals. One such professional is Gina Wegner, a talented designer with Seed Interiors. Our client had... read more Photos: 2018 Remodeled Home Tour kitchen read more A ’60s kitchen gets with the times Good design has a timeliness that remains long after other homes from a similar era become “dated.” Unfortunately, this isn’t generally the case with kitchens -- which are usually one of the first rooms in a home to get long in the tooth. This architect designed and... read more Confessions of a serial remodeler CJ and Melissa hadn’t intended to live in their North End home for more than a few years when they purchased it back in 2005. At the time, Melissa recalls, there just wasn’t much on the market — and when homes did come up for sale, they were often snapped up on the... read more Retire, reflect, remodel For an active Boise couple, retirement meant re-examining their lifestyle and priorities. It also meant rethinking their home’s suitability for the next chapter in their life story. Vision For our clients, retirement didn’t mean slowing down — it simply meant having... read more An amazing Boise home addition We approach every remodel project with the intent of having a dramatic impact on the lives of our clients. You might say that we are in the business of amazing. Vision Our client wanted a dining area that would fit her entertainment aspirations, but her current dining... read more A healing home remodel The most usual challenge with remodeling old homes is dealing with infrastructural wear and tear. Sometimes, however, an equal challenge can be found in dealing with previous remodel efforts. In the case of one North End home, we were faced with both! Vision This... read more A kitchen sees the light In reading our stories about kitchen remodels, you’d be forgiven for coming to the conclusion that we have a thing about drop ceilings. Suffice it to say that we’ve removed more than a few of them in our career. It’s not a bias per se, it’s just that they generally... read more From Tuscan to contemporary: A whole house remodel Our clients loved their Southeast Boise neighborhood, and while the Tuscan-inspired exterior of their house was attractive, the carry over of that theme into its interior created a number of issues for the couple from the day they bought it. Although our initial focus... read more What are the advantages of working with Strite design + remodel? It’s important to keep in mind that retrofitting a space is more complex than building something from the ground up. This is true even when adding onto your home, as it will still require blending the new structure into an existing one and connecting all the necessary... read more The emotional rollercoaster of your remodel We understand the difficulty making decisions, allowing newly-met people into your home, seeing your house under demolition and construction, and above all trusting a remodel contractor with your investment. Understanding what you're going through helps us cater to... read more A few feet from functional to fantastic A little extra square footage can make a huge difference in the functionality of a space -- as can the addition of high-end amenities and finishes. In the case of this remodel, the combination of the two transformed a kitchen from barely adequate into an exceptional... read more Remodel or move? When folks are considering remodeling, the question that often arises is should we stay and remodel, or should we find what we want and move. Let's assume your home is a 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,100 square foot home. You would like to add another bedroom and bathroom because... read more Not just another pretty face: Remodeler of the year We are pleased to announce that STRITE design + remodel has once again been recognized by NARI of Idaho as “Remodeler of the Year” in the category of completed projects totaling $1 million or more over the past 12 months. We’re certainly no strangers to this... read more Worth the wait for this home remodel Like so many homebuyers, Janet and Russ had to carefully weigh the allure of their ideal home against its affordability — and like so many homebuyers, their decision was to stretch their budget to accommodate a house they knew they could live in and love for many... read more A question of balance The paradox of remodeling is finding limitless opportunity in constraint. It’s kind of a zen thing — and if you’ve been doing it for four decades, it definitely colors the way you look at so called obstacles. Just ask STRITE president and “field marshal” Bob Mundy — a... read more A “treehouse” gets new bathrooms Even after 30 years, our clients loved their home in the foothills above Warm Springs Avenue in Boise. The floor plan gave it an intimacy that one of them described as like “living in a treehouse.” Eventually, however, one aspect of any home that can become not only... read more Good design = solving problems: A Northend Boise kitchen remodel It’s tempting to believe that award winning design is all about epic transformation. The true “design aficionado,” however, appreciates that great remodel design is first and foremost about solving problems in an esthetically satisfying way. Think of it as the perfect... read more A remodel of historic proportion Remodeling old homes is rewarding, but it definitely has its challenges. The wear and tear of years can present structural issues along with the basic deterioration of pipes, wiring, and building materials. In the case of a home that is on a historic register, these... read more What are the types of projects for which Strite is ideally suited? Professional remodeling companies come in different shapes and sizes, from one guy in a truck to the full-service, design-remodel business like STRITE that has a staff of designers, project managers, and others who ensure that every detail of your project is completed... read more We’ll remodel your bathroom…and throw in a laundry room! We like to think of our business as more than just a craft. It’s the art of the possible. The very best remodeling jobs are the ones that deftly combine solid design and quality craftsmanship to address a need...and then go beyond the utilitarian to the imaginative.... read more A kitchen loses the blues…and gets a new life As important a center of family life as our kitchens have become, there are some that make you wonder if they weren’t designed as an afterthought. This kitchen remodel not only dramatically improved its utility and appearance, but took advantage of views of the... read more A structural kitchen remodel Many remodels can be thought of as “cosmetic surgery” -- but there are some visions that can only be realized through a more structural approach. At times like this, homeowners truly appreciate having a remodel partner with a solid portfolio of construction... read more Add a little, gain a lot in this Boise kitchen remodel It’s amazing what adding just a little space can do when it comes to redesigning a room. There are times, however, when creating that additional space uncovers unanticipated structural challenges. Of course, turning a challenge into an opportunity is the hallmark... read more Who says economical can’t be exciting? Construction and remodel tips Remodeling can be a bit like a potato chip...it’s hard to stop at just one. This lower level guest bathroom was part of a larger remodel project, and with so many other rooms getting a makeover, it was hard to resist this long overdue update. Vision While our primary... read more A kitchen rejoins the family Somewhere in the evolution of home design, kitchens were relegated to a “separate but equal” status in the hierarchy of home life. This is especially apparent in the example of this North End home, in which we reunited an isolated and lonely kitchen with a larger... read more Going from good to great — increasing storage in this home remodel When Don and Patty moved from California to Boise, it wasn’t with the goal of either upsizing or downsizing their household; they moved to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They rented a home in southwest Boise with idea of eventually finding a more... read more Funky works in music — in bathrooms, not so much If every time you walk into a room only to find that it irks you, it’s probably time to consider a remodel. This doesn’t mean that you have to start tearing walls down, however. It might be enough to simply move a window to completely transform the layout of a... read more Thinking outside the framework: a second-story addition remodel Ever tried to make an omelet without breaking an egg? If you were searching for an analogous challenge in residential remodeling, it would no doubt be adding a second story addition without pulling off an existing roof. STRITE’s president, Bob Mundy, is hardly one to... read more A creative use of garage space When you think of an office addition over a garage, you would most likely think of a fairly mundane space, with an accent on utility rather than style. Which is precisely why we present this case study. We love to confound expectations...as well as exceed them. Vision... read more A kitchen boldly comes out Why is it that kitchens are so often hidden away from the rest of the life of the family? When you think of how central they are to nurturing us, it seems perversely ironic that they should be banished the way they so often are. This kitchen just wasn’t going to take... read more Client relations and the cost of doing business Any credible company will blithely profess that taking care of customers is just “good business.” Ingraining good customer service into an organizational culture, however, involves an investment of time (which equals money) that not all businesses are willing to make.... read more From ho-hum to holy cow! Boise, Idaho living room remodel Some before and after photos leave you wondering if you’re really looking at the same space, or a parallel universe version. One of the most gratifying aspects about what we do is making that effect much easier than it seems. Vision This family room makeover was part... read more How long is it going to take? A client once showed us an ad from a bathroom remodeling company that she had clipped from the daily paper. In it, the remodeler claimed that they could complete a bathroom makeover in one day. “Why is it taking you three weeks?” she asked. The fact of the matter is... read more Shade trellis: A study in functional beauty Our client was an avid gardener, but was not able to spend extended periods of time in the sun due to health problems. We wanted to ameliorate this situation with a trellis structure that would add beauty to the home’s facade, as well as needed shade. Vision Trellis... read more Reimagining the kitchen Do you remember the first time you imagined the ideal kitchen? If this seems a trivial, if not odd, question to pose, bear with me a moment — and think about the role that kitchens have played in your life. I’ve lived in a lot of homes over the years, and while many... read more What are the major stages in a remodel project? For nearly 40 years, the STRITE remodel process has been refined by hundreds of experts: our clients. While good communication is always critical to delivering what you’re looking for, there are steps to getting there that are as critical to the STRITE experience as... read more A Boise Foothills remodel takes a ‘70s home “Back to the Future” Our clients came to their home for the view, and stayed for the architecture. But before they reached that point, there was a lot to get done -- as you’ll learn in this whole-house remodel case study that was featured in this year's NARI (National Association of the... read more The ultimate man cave: Building a garage addition Our client’s passion for working on cars was more than a serious avocation...it was also a source of income. We gave him a garage addition that satisfied both of these manly impulses. Vision Our client had an existing free standing garage, but it could only... read more An Eagle remodel looks at the “big picture” There’s not a bit of hyperbole in saying that David and Pat’s home truly reflects all the best of what we associate with the southwest Idaho lifestyle. Nestled into five acres of the Eagle foothills, it’s an ideal setting for horses, dogs (David trains hunting... read more Remodeling as a metaphor for life “I appreciate that everyone wants to manage a budget, but I’ve learned that the last 20 percent you don’t want to put into it is the 20 percent that really distinguishes it in the end." "You can decide not to go there and end up with something ‘ho hum,’ or invest it... read more What qualifications should you look for when choosing a remodeler? Next to building or buying a home, a remodel may be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make -- and choosing the right remodeling partner is the single most critical component to whether or not that investment maintains its value. The best place to start in... read more From empty nest to guests: A simple bathroom remodel Not every remodel project has to be a full-scale makeover. Sometimes the goal is simply to change the esthetics of a space to reflect a different set of circumstances in one’s life -- like the departure of children for college and the big world beyond. Vision When our... read more A West Boise home ages gracefully — along with its owners “Outgrowing” a home is a common motivation for remodeling it — especially as households expand with the addition of children or extended family members. When it comes to aging, however, the concept of outgrowing a home takes on an entirely new meaning — a reality that... read more When does it make sense to remodel? While people often think of home remodeling as synonymous with building an “addition,” there are a number of reasons it makes sense to remodel besides adding needed living space. Some of the most common reasons that we have seen in our 40 years of residential design... read more A kitchen remodel expands its horizons No other room in our homes combines functionality and esthetics in quite the same way as the kitchen. When both these elements need improving, it’s high time for a remodel. No one wants to fix pipes once a new kitchen is installed. Vision Our clients loved the setting... read more Don’t call them “subs”! We’re going to let you in on a little secret regarding our ability to meet our scheduling deadlines. Sure, you probably think it has everything to do with experience and organizational skills -- tempered with a healthy dose of realism -- and those factors do come into... read more Simple changes = dramatic effects This master bathroom suffered from some bad feng shui. Fortunately, we’ve learned from years of experience that small changes can yield big results...if you know how to make them count. It’s a zen thing. Vision It was bad enough that this bathroom was cramped and... read more 10-year remodeling trends In some hopeful news for both homeowners and construction companies alike, Remodeling Magazine recently published its annual report on the cost versus value ratio for replacement and remodeling projects across the U.S. In a positive sign for the remodeling industry,... read more Frequently asked questions Remodeling your home, whether we're talking about updating the look of a guest bathroom or a second story addition, is a big decision...and quite possibly one of the biggest lifestyle investments you'll make outside of the original purchase of your home. We naturally... read more Knowing our numbers: Years of experience leads to accurate remodeling budgets Every now and then we confront the perception in our market that “STRITE is expensive.” Our usual reply is that we’re simply realistic. “Knowing our numbers” is more than just a point of professional pride at STRITE -- it is part of the value we bring to our clients... read more What does “value” mean? Whenever we consider a remodel project with a client, the discussion inevitably turns to the topic of “value.” Sure, the concept can seem a bit trite, if not hackneyed, but the first thing we try to do is to disassociate its definition from that of “cost.” The lowest... read more Defining integrity in the remodeling business Recently, a client looked over our final invoice at the completion of a project and compared it to our original “description of work” (DOW). “I know you guys did a lot of additional stuff during this remodel. You should include those things in the invoice and show... read more An addition serves as guest room and library It would be wonderful if every room in our home could be devoted to one single purpose, but most of us need to take a more practical approach to efficient use of our living space. In the case of this addition remodel, our client chose to combine the part time function... read more Simple changes yield big improvements in this bathroom remodel At Strite design + remodel, we believe that a hallmark of good design is finding simple solutions that yield big enhancements -- both in the functionality of a living space as well as its esthetics. This bathroom remodel is a prime example of that philosophy. Vision... read more Making the cut: Qualified Remodeler & Remodeling top 500 When you consider the number of businesses that participate, in some form or fashion, in the remodeling industry (well over half a million nationwide), it might come as some surprise that a company headquartered in Boise, Idaho could be among the top 500. Once again,... read more Boise garage addition: A design study “Begin as you mean to continue” is a great philosophy for living in general. In remodeling, however, intentionality in execution begins with intentionality in design. In the case of some remodel projects, the number of options that face a designer require the... read more Managing chaos: Before & after a home remodel In thinking about the process of a home remodel, I'm reminded of an old blues song: "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die." The inescapable fact of any significant home makeover is that in between the "before" and "after" is the rather messy... read more Better living by design While residential design trends may not be as subject to the vagaries of fashion as hemlines, they do change. Consequently, what is esthetically pleasing today will probably appear “dated” in a couple of decades. As a remodeling company, the best we can do at chasing... read more Would someone please define value Have you ever wondered just how many ad campaigns and marketing slogans would be rendered mute if you struck the word “value” from the English lexicon? It’s a tantalizing concept, since it would require companies to be a bit more specific about just what their... read more 2013 NARI Remodeled Homes video tour For those of you who were unable to attend this year's Remodeled Homes Tour, we wanted to share the story behind the two projects we featured. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, we thought we'd save a whole lot of pages by simply putting together this five... read more From danger to delight: A trellis deck addition A beautiful deck can add a lot to ones quality of life...until it ages to the point of becoming a hazard. Remodeling to the rescue! Vision When a deck begins to wobble, it has become more than just an eyesore. It’s just plain dangerous. Our client wanted us to not... read more And baby makes five! Home remodel for a growing family When a family increases by one child more than the number of bedrooms, it’s time to consider a larger home -- but that doesn’t mean buying a new one. Think of this situation as an opportunity to customize, as well as add on. Vision Our client’s family had... read more Beam us up, Scotty! Installing a beam to replace a load-bearing wall We traditionally think of kitchens in very functional terms. After all, this is the space from which we feed our families. But it is also a space in which we interact with them, as well as with guests. It's not surprising, therefore, that when our clients ask us to... read more The Strite experience: Treasure Valley design and remodel Over the years, an essential attribute of the “Strite brand” has become “experience” -- not so much as defined by the amount of time and knowledge we’ve invested in our craft (as considerable as that may be), but more from the standpoint of how our customers... read more A three-quarter bathroom turns into a powder room A three-quarter bathroom makes plenty of sense when it is the only bathroom in the house besides the master bath. After all, you want your overnight guests to have a place to bathe that doesn’t involve them traipsing through your bedroom. But when a three-quarter... read more A challenging hillside home addition If you are at all familiar with the Strite culture, it should come as no surprise to learn that our most rewarding remodel projects are often our most challenging -- and among our most challenging are those associated with hillside lots. Vision Our clients’ home was... read more Boise Barbacoa remodel: The Phoenix still rises Looking at Barbacoa today, it’s hard to believe that just a little over three years ago the predawn skies of Southeast Boise were illuminated by a devastating fire that reduced the dream of Robert and Martine Castoro to ashes. While the restaurant structure may have... read more A Tuscan facade reveals a contemporary European heart In considering the scope of their remodel project, Laura and Steve soon came to the realization that when the issue of “spaciousness” has little to do with the actual amount of space, the only viable option is to “reconfigure.” Steve and Laura moved into their... read more Something Zen in this Warm Springs Avenue remodel Lynn and Greg loved their home in the foothills above Warm Springs. "Everything about this house is just us...it's very eclectic," says Greg. But there were aspects of their home that didn't quite sustain the magic -- most notably, the bathrooms. Lynn and Greg came to... read more Plan for next home remodel project NARI of Idaho offers Tips for a Homeowner to Stay on Top of a Home-Improvement Project. The first step to take is pre-planning, which can be started by making two lists about the room that you want to remodel: Things that you like and things that you dislike. Then,... read more Creating a powder room with visual appeal There are some things that can be readily changed, and some that can’t. Take, for example, a powder room located directly off the living room of a home. The easiest solution to making something so private a bit less public would typically be to create a new... read more A multi-dimensional kitchen remodel There are many compelling reasons for remodeling. Sometimes it’s about updating a look to better reflect the tastes and sensibilities of the homeowners. Sometimes it’s to upgrade a room’s intended function, or improve the flow of activities that take place there.... read more Deck the hills: Boise Foothills deck remodel A deck can be a double-edged sword when it comes to a home’s value. Given a killer view and the right orientation, a spacious deck can be ground zero for a gracious, outdoor lifestyle -- that is, until it ages to the point of being not only an eyesore but potentially... read more An unobtrusive addition was the goal of this Boise home remodel When undertaking this Boise, Idaho home remodel, we worked with our clients to add space to their home by adding a home addition. Vision There was already a second story to this home, but our clients wanted to add additional bedrooms over their garage -- as... read more A fallout shelter makes for an interesting basement remodel During the Cold War era, America was constantly reminded of the effects of nuclear fallout. Television, radio, newspapers, and even our schools conveyed the frightful details. As a result, the masses sought protection by building shelters able to withstand the... read more What to ask a remodeler before your next home remodel Who will you choose to wield the hammer on your particular job? That isn't an easy question. Your choice of a contractor will ultimately determine the success and enjoyment of the job. According to NARI of Idaho, there are 14 questions to ask a home remodeler before... read more Warning signs when interviewing a remodeler According to NARI of Idaho, these are some warning signs to watch out for while interviewing your remodeler. Avoid remodelers at all costs when: You can't verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler. The salesperson tries to... read more A checklist for choosing your Boise, Idaho home remodeler Be sure to look for and be satisfied with these items before signing a contract with a contractor. Contractor Checklist From NARI: Was the Contractor/Salesperson on time? Was their appearance neat and professional? Was their vehicle presentable? Did they listen to... read more Boise, Idaho ’50s show home Our home was built in 1956, we bought it from the original owners in 1997. As this was our first home, we mentioned to the son that if you ever find any old pictures, we would be interested in making copies. About four years after we purchased our home, a package... read more Boise kitchen remodel: This kitchen shows its social side The fate of too many kitchens is like that of Cinderella before the arrival her fairy godmother: toiling away in relative obscurity. Once we worked our magic on this kitchen, however, it became the belle of the ball -- long past the stroke of midnight! Vision Our... read more Boise home addition: Taking a balanced approach By its nature, an addition remodel is about creating something that wasn’t there before. This in turn means incorporating something new into something that already existed. A well executed addition should do this in a way that not only respects the integrity of a... read more Form follows function in a laundry room makeover It’s amazing what you can do with a little bit of underutilized space -- especially when you apply it to as utilitarian but important a purpose as a laundry and mud room! Vision This interior remodel was the result of a larger project, during which we reclaimed space... read more A bathroom matures with its owners No home, however well designed, can continually meet our needs -- much less our desires -- because these both continually change. In the case of one couple that we had worked for in the past, ambulatory challenges required a master bathroom remodel that combined... read more Boise bathroom remodel: It’s the little things…and sometimes the big ones! When you’ve done as many remodels as we have, you can determine when a home was built with a fair degree of accuracy based on certain telltale bathroom fixtures. Bathtubs designed for Roman bacchanals are one of them! Vision Unless your home was custom built, there... read more A patio remodel offers La Vida Fresca For those who enjoy patio living, Boise can present some seasonal challenges -- especially for those used to more temperate climes. Thanks to a patio roof addition, however, a Treasure Valley couple was able to enjoy life in the great outdoors. Vision Our clients had... read more
Why you should upgrade with a smart home remodel Home automation is one of the top remodeling trends for 2020, a trend that is driven by a variety of factors, including millennials’ desire for tech integration in their lives, a chance for seniors to age in place, and lower energy bills. But there is a huge variety... read more
Our favorite 2020 kitchen remodeling trends If you’ve been dreaming of a kitchen refresh, a new decade is a great time to make your dreams come true! We’ve been working with homeowners in the Treasure Valley for over 40 years, and we have consistently been recognized as Remodeler of the Year by the National... read more
5 home projects to work on if you’re staying home If you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands, but tearing out a kitchen sounds too overwhelming, then a project that can be completed in an afternoon or over a weekend might sound just about right. Freshen up rooms, clear out some clutter, and fall in... read more
6 Tips for your bathroom remodel Remodeling your bathroom can completely change the look and feel of your home. Before undertaking your bathroom remodel project, there are a number of things you should think about. Pre-Planning Pre-planning your bathroom remodel... read more
How to know if it’s time for a kitchen remodel Since your kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in your home, it should be useable, beautiful, and somewhere you'd want to spend hours of the day. There are many reasons you may want a new kitchen, but here are some tips to know if you're ready for a kitchen... read more
6 Reasons you should remodel instead of buying new If you are thinking of buying a new home, you should always consider if remodeling your current home is a better option. Buying a new home and remodeling both have their pros and cons, but here are six reasons you should opt for a home remodel vs. buying a new home.... read more
How to find the perfect remodeling contractor in Boise Finding a remodeling contractor can be an overwhelming process at times. Whether you are looking for a bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, or whole home renovation, there are a few things you should consider when choosing your Boise remodeler. Referrals Nearly half of... read more
Corrective vision for a uniquely “sighted” home Picture a Highlands ranch house (circa 1980) perched atop a foothills vista. You might think such a site would make for the quintessential Boise home — and you’d be quite right, except for the fact that it was poorly situated, both inside and out. Undaunted, our... read more
The 3 percent: Guild Quality reviews It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has worked in or with the remodeling industry that we live and die based on case studies, testimonials…and, of course, reviews. All of which have served STRITE design + remodeling well over our 40-year history. Very well,... read more
A Boise foothills home rediscovers itself However little we may credit our powers of visualization, there are spaces we encounter that whisper to us just what they were meant to be. Sometimes they shout. In the case of our clients Keith and Deborah, one home’s intention was loud enough to be heard during a... read more
Into the great wide open: A Boise whole house remodel In residential design, many rooms are no guarantee of having room. At the heart of this seeming paradox is functional intent — and in the case of one Southeast Boise couple, the intent was to fill an empty nest with friends and family in an unobstructed space. What... read more
New design for an oddly-shaped bath It was bad enough that this ‘80s style bathroom was weighed down in oak and somber finishes -- it was also strangely configured. We breathed new life into its design by opening it up and letting the light shine in! Vision Here was a master bathroom that enjoyed... read more
Every picture tells a story Every picture tells a story...and the pictures associated with this remodel tell quite a few -- which should come as no surprise given the history of this home. Our job was to bring those disparate stories together into one seamless tale of beauty, comfort, and grace.... read more
The ultimate compromise: A Boise kitchen remodel Is it really a compromise when everyone involved gets more than they bargained for? Based on their experience, our clients Paul and Becky would probably tell you that when you trust your remodel partner and keep your eyes on the prize, no one has to settle for less... read more
A whole house rejuvenation: Updating a foothills home, room by room Well designed and constructed homes may age with grace…but they still age. As with humans, dealing with the “ravages of time” may require replacement, but it can also be achieved at a deeper cosmetic level — without the trauma of surgery. Think of it as optimizing the... read more
Behold the power of finishes! A Boise bathroom remodel The most obvious way to dramatically affect the look of a room is to change its layout -- whether the goal is functional improvement or simply a makeover. That said, one should never underestimate the power of “finishes” to transform a living space. Vision The master... read more
A dramatic kitchen remodel Most folks would be forgiven for thinking that the ultimate in customization is to build from scratch. Granted, from both a design and construction perspective, a remodel always poses some constraints -- for reasons of budget, if nothing else. The sign of a great... read more
Rightsizing: Home remodels for retirement Empty nests tend not to stay empty for long. Children grow, they leave for school or jobs — or simply to chart their own course in life — and homeowners adjust their lifestyles accordingly. When we combine these changes with retirement, a new set of dynamics drives... read more
A bathroom remodel that played well with others We love a good collaborative effort -- which is how we typically think of our relationships with our clients. But we also enjoy working with other industry professionals. One such professional is Gina Wegner, a talented designer with Seed Interiors. Our client had... read more
A ’60s kitchen gets with the times Good design has a timeliness that remains long after other homes from a similar era become “dated.” Unfortunately, this isn’t generally the case with kitchens -- which are usually one of the first rooms in a home to get long in the tooth. This architect designed and... read more
Confessions of a serial remodeler CJ and Melissa hadn’t intended to live in their North End home for more than a few years when they purchased it back in 2005. At the time, Melissa recalls, there just wasn’t much on the market — and when homes did come up for sale, they were often snapped up on the... read more
Retire, reflect, remodel For an active Boise couple, retirement meant re-examining their lifestyle and priorities. It also meant rethinking their home’s suitability for the next chapter in their life story. Vision For our clients, retirement didn’t mean slowing down — it simply meant having... read more
An amazing Boise home addition We approach every remodel project with the intent of having a dramatic impact on the lives of our clients. You might say that we are in the business of amazing. Vision Our client wanted a dining area that would fit her entertainment aspirations, but her current dining... read more
A healing home remodel The most usual challenge with remodeling old homes is dealing with infrastructural wear and tear. Sometimes, however, an equal challenge can be found in dealing with previous remodel efforts. In the case of one North End home, we were faced with both! Vision This... read more
A kitchen sees the light In reading our stories about kitchen remodels, you’d be forgiven for coming to the conclusion that we have a thing about drop ceilings. Suffice it to say that we’ve removed more than a few of them in our career. It’s not a bias per se, it’s just that they generally... read more
From Tuscan to contemporary: A whole house remodel Our clients loved their Southeast Boise neighborhood, and while the Tuscan-inspired exterior of their house was attractive, the carry over of that theme into its interior created a number of issues for the couple from the day they bought it. Although our initial focus... read more
What are the advantages of working with Strite design + remodel? It’s important to keep in mind that retrofitting a space is more complex than building something from the ground up. This is true even when adding onto your home, as it will still require blending the new structure into an existing one and connecting all the necessary... read more
The emotional rollercoaster of your remodel We understand the difficulty making decisions, allowing newly-met people into your home, seeing your house under demolition and construction, and above all trusting a remodel contractor with your investment. Understanding what you're going through helps us cater to... read more
A few feet from functional to fantastic A little extra square footage can make a huge difference in the functionality of a space -- as can the addition of high-end amenities and finishes. In the case of this remodel, the combination of the two transformed a kitchen from barely adequate into an exceptional... read more
Remodel or move? When folks are considering remodeling, the question that often arises is should we stay and remodel, or should we find what we want and move. Let's assume your home is a 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,100 square foot home. You would like to add another bedroom and bathroom because... read more
Not just another pretty face: Remodeler of the year We are pleased to announce that STRITE design + remodel has once again been recognized by NARI of Idaho as “Remodeler of the Year” in the category of completed projects totaling $1 million or more over the past 12 months. We’re certainly no strangers to this... read more
Worth the wait for this home remodel Like so many homebuyers, Janet and Russ had to carefully weigh the allure of their ideal home against its affordability — and like so many homebuyers, their decision was to stretch their budget to accommodate a house they knew they could live in and love for many... read more
A question of balance The paradox of remodeling is finding limitless opportunity in constraint. It’s kind of a zen thing — and if you’ve been doing it for four decades, it definitely colors the way you look at so called obstacles. Just ask STRITE president and “field marshal” Bob Mundy — a... read more
A “treehouse” gets new bathrooms Even after 30 years, our clients loved their home in the foothills above Warm Springs Avenue in Boise. The floor plan gave it an intimacy that one of them described as like “living in a treehouse.” Eventually, however, one aspect of any home that can become not only... read more
Good design = solving problems: A Northend Boise kitchen remodel It’s tempting to believe that award winning design is all about epic transformation. The true “design aficionado,” however, appreciates that great remodel design is first and foremost about solving problems in an esthetically satisfying way. Think of it as the perfect... read more
A remodel of historic proportion Remodeling old homes is rewarding, but it definitely has its challenges. The wear and tear of years can present structural issues along with the basic deterioration of pipes, wiring, and building materials. In the case of a home that is on a historic register, these... read more
What are the types of projects for which Strite is ideally suited? Professional remodeling companies come in different shapes and sizes, from one guy in a truck to the full-service, design-remodel business like STRITE that has a staff of designers, project managers, and others who ensure that every detail of your project is completed... read more
We’ll remodel your bathroom…and throw in a laundry room! We like to think of our business as more than just a craft. It’s the art of the possible. The very best remodeling jobs are the ones that deftly combine solid design and quality craftsmanship to address a need...and then go beyond the utilitarian to the imaginative.... read more
A kitchen loses the blues…and gets a new life As important a center of family life as our kitchens have become, there are some that make you wonder if they weren’t designed as an afterthought. This kitchen remodel not only dramatically improved its utility and appearance, but took advantage of views of the... read more
A structural kitchen remodel Many remodels can be thought of as “cosmetic surgery” -- but there are some visions that can only be realized through a more structural approach. At times like this, homeowners truly appreciate having a remodel partner with a solid portfolio of construction... read more
Add a little, gain a lot in this Boise kitchen remodel It’s amazing what adding just a little space can do when it comes to redesigning a room. There are times, however, when creating that additional space uncovers unanticipated structural challenges. Of course, turning a challenge into an opportunity is the hallmark... read more
Who says economical can’t be exciting? Construction and remodel tips Remodeling can be a bit like a potato chip...it’s hard to stop at just one. This lower level guest bathroom was part of a larger remodel project, and with so many other rooms getting a makeover, it was hard to resist this long overdue update. Vision While our primary... read more
A kitchen rejoins the family Somewhere in the evolution of home design, kitchens were relegated to a “separate but equal” status in the hierarchy of home life. This is especially apparent in the example of this North End home, in which we reunited an isolated and lonely kitchen with a larger... read more
Going from good to great — increasing storage in this home remodel When Don and Patty moved from California to Boise, it wasn’t with the goal of either upsizing or downsizing their household; they moved to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They rented a home in southwest Boise with idea of eventually finding a more... read more
Funky works in music — in bathrooms, not so much If every time you walk into a room only to find that it irks you, it’s probably time to consider a remodel. This doesn’t mean that you have to start tearing walls down, however. It might be enough to simply move a window to completely transform the layout of a... read more
Thinking outside the framework: a second-story addition remodel Ever tried to make an omelet without breaking an egg? If you were searching for an analogous challenge in residential remodeling, it would no doubt be adding a second story addition without pulling off an existing roof. STRITE’s president, Bob Mundy, is hardly one to... read more
A creative use of garage space When you think of an office addition over a garage, you would most likely think of a fairly mundane space, with an accent on utility rather than style. Which is precisely why we present this case study. We love to confound expectations...as well as exceed them. Vision... read more
A kitchen boldly comes out Why is it that kitchens are so often hidden away from the rest of the life of the family? When you think of how central they are to nurturing us, it seems perversely ironic that they should be banished the way they so often are. This kitchen just wasn’t going to take... read more
Client relations and the cost of doing business Any credible company will blithely profess that taking care of customers is just “good business.” Ingraining good customer service into an organizational culture, however, involves an investment of time (which equals money) that not all businesses are willing to make.... read more
From ho-hum to holy cow! Boise, Idaho living room remodel Some before and after photos leave you wondering if you’re really looking at the same space, or a parallel universe version. One of the most gratifying aspects about what we do is making that effect much easier than it seems. Vision This family room makeover was part... read more
How long is it going to take? A client once showed us an ad from a bathroom remodeling company that she had clipped from the daily paper. In it, the remodeler claimed that they could complete a bathroom makeover in one day. “Why is it taking you three weeks?” she asked. The fact of the matter is... read more
Shade trellis: A study in functional beauty Our client was an avid gardener, but was not able to spend extended periods of time in the sun due to health problems. We wanted to ameliorate this situation with a trellis structure that would add beauty to the home’s facade, as well as needed shade. Vision Trellis... read more
Reimagining the kitchen Do you remember the first time you imagined the ideal kitchen? If this seems a trivial, if not odd, question to pose, bear with me a moment — and think about the role that kitchens have played in your life. I’ve lived in a lot of homes over the years, and while many... read more
What are the major stages in a remodel project? For nearly 40 years, the STRITE remodel process has been refined by hundreds of experts: our clients. While good communication is always critical to delivering what you’re looking for, there are steps to getting there that are as critical to the STRITE experience as... read more
A Boise Foothills remodel takes a ‘70s home “Back to the Future” Our clients came to their home for the view, and stayed for the architecture. But before they reached that point, there was a lot to get done -- as you’ll learn in this whole-house remodel case study that was featured in this year's NARI (National Association of the... read more
The ultimate man cave: Building a garage addition Our client’s passion for working on cars was more than a serious avocation...it was also a source of income. We gave him a garage addition that satisfied both of these manly impulses. Vision Our client had an existing free standing garage, but it could only... read more
An Eagle remodel looks at the “big picture” There’s not a bit of hyperbole in saying that David and Pat’s home truly reflects all the best of what we associate with the southwest Idaho lifestyle. Nestled into five acres of the Eagle foothills, it’s an ideal setting for horses, dogs (David trains hunting... read more
Remodeling as a metaphor for life “I appreciate that everyone wants to manage a budget, but I’ve learned that the last 20 percent you don’t want to put into it is the 20 percent that really distinguishes it in the end." "You can decide not to go there and end up with something ‘ho hum,’ or invest it... read more
What qualifications should you look for when choosing a remodeler? Next to building or buying a home, a remodel may be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make -- and choosing the right remodeling partner is the single most critical component to whether or not that investment maintains its value. The best place to start in... read more
From empty nest to guests: A simple bathroom remodel Not every remodel project has to be a full-scale makeover. Sometimes the goal is simply to change the esthetics of a space to reflect a different set of circumstances in one’s life -- like the departure of children for college and the big world beyond. Vision When our... read more
A West Boise home ages gracefully — along with its owners “Outgrowing” a home is a common motivation for remodeling it — especially as households expand with the addition of children or extended family members. When it comes to aging, however, the concept of outgrowing a home takes on an entirely new meaning — a reality that... read more
When does it make sense to remodel? While people often think of home remodeling as synonymous with building an “addition,” there are a number of reasons it makes sense to remodel besides adding needed living space. Some of the most common reasons that we have seen in our 40 years of residential design... read more
A kitchen remodel expands its horizons No other room in our homes combines functionality and esthetics in quite the same way as the kitchen. When both these elements need improving, it’s high time for a remodel. No one wants to fix pipes once a new kitchen is installed. Vision Our clients loved the setting... read more
Don’t call them “subs”! We’re going to let you in on a little secret regarding our ability to meet our scheduling deadlines. Sure, you probably think it has everything to do with experience and organizational skills -- tempered with a healthy dose of realism -- and those factors do come into... read more
Simple changes = dramatic effects This master bathroom suffered from some bad feng shui. Fortunately, we’ve learned from years of experience that small changes can yield big results...if you know how to make them count. It’s a zen thing. Vision It was bad enough that this bathroom was cramped and... read more
10-year remodeling trends In some hopeful news for both homeowners and construction companies alike, Remodeling Magazine recently published its annual report on the cost versus value ratio for replacement and remodeling projects across the U.S. In a positive sign for the remodeling industry,... read more
Frequently asked questions Remodeling your home, whether we're talking about updating the look of a guest bathroom or a second story addition, is a big decision...and quite possibly one of the biggest lifestyle investments you'll make outside of the original purchase of your home. We naturally... read more
Knowing our numbers: Years of experience leads to accurate remodeling budgets Every now and then we confront the perception in our market that “STRITE is expensive.” Our usual reply is that we’re simply realistic. “Knowing our numbers” is more than just a point of professional pride at STRITE -- it is part of the value we bring to our clients... read more
What does “value” mean? Whenever we consider a remodel project with a client, the discussion inevitably turns to the topic of “value.” Sure, the concept can seem a bit trite, if not hackneyed, but the first thing we try to do is to disassociate its definition from that of “cost.” The lowest... read more
Defining integrity in the remodeling business Recently, a client looked over our final invoice at the completion of a project and compared it to our original “description of work” (DOW). “I know you guys did a lot of additional stuff during this remodel. You should include those things in the invoice and show... read more
An addition serves as guest room and library It would be wonderful if every room in our home could be devoted to one single purpose, but most of us need to take a more practical approach to efficient use of our living space. In the case of this addition remodel, our client chose to combine the part time function... read more
Simple changes yield big improvements in this bathroom remodel At Strite design + remodel, we believe that a hallmark of good design is finding simple solutions that yield big enhancements -- both in the functionality of a living space as well as its esthetics. This bathroom remodel is a prime example of that philosophy. Vision... read more
Making the cut: Qualified Remodeler & Remodeling top 500 When you consider the number of businesses that participate, in some form or fashion, in the remodeling industry (well over half a million nationwide), it might come as some surprise that a company headquartered in Boise, Idaho could be among the top 500. Once again,... read more
Boise garage addition: A design study “Begin as you mean to continue” is a great philosophy for living in general. In remodeling, however, intentionality in execution begins with intentionality in design. In the case of some remodel projects, the number of options that face a designer require the... read more
Managing chaos: Before & after a home remodel In thinking about the process of a home remodel, I'm reminded of an old blues song: "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die." The inescapable fact of any significant home makeover is that in between the "before" and "after" is the rather messy... read more
Better living by design While residential design trends may not be as subject to the vagaries of fashion as hemlines, they do change. Consequently, what is esthetically pleasing today will probably appear “dated” in a couple of decades. As a remodeling company, the best we can do at chasing... read more
Would someone please define value Have you ever wondered just how many ad campaigns and marketing slogans would be rendered mute if you struck the word “value” from the English lexicon? It’s a tantalizing concept, since it would require companies to be a bit more specific about just what their... read more
2013 NARI Remodeled Homes video tour For those of you who were unable to attend this year's Remodeled Homes Tour, we wanted to share the story behind the two projects we featured. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, we thought we'd save a whole lot of pages by simply putting together this five... read more
From danger to delight: A trellis deck addition A beautiful deck can add a lot to ones quality of life...until it ages to the point of becoming a hazard. Remodeling to the rescue! Vision When a deck begins to wobble, it has become more than just an eyesore. It’s just plain dangerous. Our client wanted us to not... read more
And baby makes five! Home remodel for a growing family When a family increases by one child more than the number of bedrooms, it’s time to consider a larger home -- but that doesn’t mean buying a new one. Think of this situation as an opportunity to customize, as well as add on. Vision Our client’s family had... read more
Beam us up, Scotty! Installing a beam to replace a load-bearing wall We traditionally think of kitchens in very functional terms. After all, this is the space from which we feed our families. But it is also a space in which we interact with them, as well as with guests. It's not surprising, therefore, that when our clients ask us to... read more
The Strite experience: Treasure Valley design and remodel Over the years, an essential attribute of the “Strite brand” has become “experience” -- not so much as defined by the amount of time and knowledge we’ve invested in our craft (as considerable as that may be), but more from the standpoint of how our customers... read more
A three-quarter bathroom turns into a powder room A three-quarter bathroom makes plenty of sense when it is the only bathroom in the house besides the master bath. After all, you want your overnight guests to have a place to bathe that doesn’t involve them traipsing through your bedroom. But when a three-quarter... read more
A challenging hillside home addition If you are at all familiar with the Strite culture, it should come as no surprise to learn that our most rewarding remodel projects are often our most challenging -- and among our most challenging are those associated with hillside lots. Vision Our clients’ home was... read more
Boise Barbacoa remodel: The Phoenix still rises Looking at Barbacoa today, it’s hard to believe that just a little over three years ago the predawn skies of Southeast Boise were illuminated by a devastating fire that reduced the dream of Robert and Martine Castoro to ashes. While the restaurant structure may have... read more
A Tuscan facade reveals a contemporary European heart In considering the scope of their remodel project, Laura and Steve soon came to the realization that when the issue of “spaciousness” has little to do with the actual amount of space, the only viable option is to “reconfigure.” Steve and Laura moved into their... read more
Something Zen in this Warm Springs Avenue remodel Lynn and Greg loved their home in the foothills above Warm Springs. "Everything about this house is just us...it's very eclectic," says Greg. But there were aspects of their home that didn't quite sustain the magic -- most notably, the bathrooms. Lynn and Greg came to... read more
Plan for next home remodel project NARI of Idaho offers Tips for a Homeowner to Stay on Top of a Home-Improvement Project. The first step to take is pre-planning, which can be started by making two lists about the room that you want to remodel: Things that you like and things that you dislike. Then,... read more
Creating a powder room with visual appeal There are some things that can be readily changed, and some that can’t. Take, for example, a powder room located directly off the living room of a home. The easiest solution to making something so private a bit less public would typically be to create a new... read more
A multi-dimensional kitchen remodel There are many compelling reasons for remodeling. Sometimes it’s about updating a look to better reflect the tastes and sensibilities of the homeowners. Sometimes it’s to upgrade a room’s intended function, or improve the flow of activities that take place there.... read more
Deck the hills: Boise Foothills deck remodel A deck can be a double-edged sword when it comes to a home’s value. Given a killer view and the right orientation, a spacious deck can be ground zero for a gracious, outdoor lifestyle -- that is, until it ages to the point of being not only an eyesore but potentially... read more
An unobtrusive addition was the goal of this Boise home remodel When undertaking this Boise, Idaho home remodel, we worked with our clients to add space to their home by adding a home addition. Vision There was already a second story to this home, but our clients wanted to add additional bedrooms over their garage -- as... read more
A fallout shelter makes for an interesting basement remodel During the Cold War era, America was constantly reminded of the effects of nuclear fallout. Television, radio, newspapers, and even our schools conveyed the frightful details. As a result, the masses sought protection by building shelters able to withstand the... read more
What to ask a remodeler before your next home remodel Who will you choose to wield the hammer on your particular job? That isn't an easy question. Your choice of a contractor will ultimately determine the success and enjoyment of the job. According to NARI of Idaho, there are 14 questions to ask a home remodeler before... read more
Warning signs when interviewing a remodeler According to NARI of Idaho, these are some warning signs to watch out for while interviewing your remodeler. Avoid remodelers at all costs when: You can't verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler. The salesperson tries to... read more
A checklist for choosing your Boise, Idaho home remodeler Be sure to look for and be satisfied with these items before signing a contract with a contractor. Contractor Checklist From NARI: Was the Contractor/Salesperson on time? Was their appearance neat and professional? Was their vehicle presentable? Did they listen to... read more
Boise, Idaho ’50s show home Our home was built in 1956, we bought it from the original owners in 1997. As this was our first home, we mentioned to the son that if you ever find any old pictures, we would be interested in making copies. About four years after we purchased our home, a package... read more
Boise kitchen remodel: This kitchen shows its social side The fate of too many kitchens is like that of Cinderella before the arrival her fairy godmother: toiling away in relative obscurity. Once we worked our magic on this kitchen, however, it became the belle of the ball -- long past the stroke of midnight! Vision Our... read more
Boise home addition: Taking a balanced approach By its nature, an addition remodel is about creating something that wasn’t there before. This in turn means incorporating something new into something that already existed. A well executed addition should do this in a way that not only respects the integrity of a... read more
Form follows function in a laundry room makeover It’s amazing what you can do with a little bit of underutilized space -- especially when you apply it to as utilitarian but important a purpose as a laundry and mud room! Vision This interior remodel was the result of a larger project, during which we reclaimed space... read more
A bathroom matures with its owners No home, however well designed, can continually meet our needs -- much less our desires -- because these both continually change. In the case of one couple that we had worked for in the past, ambulatory challenges required a master bathroom remodel that combined... read more
Boise bathroom remodel: It’s the little things…and sometimes the big ones! When you’ve done as many remodels as we have, you can determine when a home was built with a fair degree of accuracy based on certain telltale bathroom fixtures. Bathtubs designed for Roman bacchanals are one of them! Vision Unless your home was custom built, there... read more
A patio remodel offers La Vida Fresca For those who enjoy patio living, Boise can present some seasonal challenges -- especially for those used to more temperate climes. Thanks to a patio roof addition, however, a Treasure Valley couple was able to enjoy life in the great outdoors. Vision Our clients had... read more