Blog
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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 point of access…but as this blog relates, we had…
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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. Sometimes it’s simply to create added space. In the case of this kitchen remodel,…
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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 hazardous. A timely and…
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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 unobtrusively as possible. Challenge The biggest challenge with almost…
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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 radiation and often stocked them with supplies like food and water. The December 1961 Popular…
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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 hiring them. You can increase your chances of…
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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 pressure you into signing a contract. The company or salesperson says your home will be…
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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 your ideas, and ask questions? Did they suggest options / alternatives / ideas? Do…
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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 arrived at our door…
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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 clients loved to entertain, but their kitchen’s isolation…
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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 home’s design, but enhances it as well. It’s all about balance.…
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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 from a former master shower and tub…
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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 convenience, accessibility, and more efficient use of space with a fresh…
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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 will always be those features that made you fall…
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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 kept a second home in Mexico, but eventually decided to…