Benefits Of Having A Kitchen Island

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Back in February of this year I wrote an article entitled: The Top 10 “Must Have” Features In Today’s Homes. The results were based on a survey taken by Market Watch a consumer group at the Las Vegas Home Builder’s Show.  Number one on the “Must Have” list was Large Kitchens With Islands. No matter how many islands I have incorporated into my kitchen designs over the years– no two are ever alike.  It’s my job to ensure that each one takes on a personality of its own and compliments the kitchen and the overall architecture of the space.  Depending on the overall floor plan the island can be designed in a multitude of shapes, sizes, levels, and finishes making it truly unique to your home. A Kitchen island is a valuable asset in today’s homes.  It acts as the central meeting place within the kitchen itself, which we all recognize to be – the heart of the home.  This multi-functional piece of furniture wears several hats over the course of the day.  It can act as a food prep zone, family gathering spot, homework center and mobile office, just to name a few. Typically my clients expect these islands to meet a specific set of criteria. Here are the most common requests.
  • Uninterrupted surface area for food prep space.
  • An additional sink with disposal.
  • Extra storage drawers and doors.
  • Location for warming drawers.
  • Double sided storage accessible from both sides.
  • Comfortable seating/stools for 4.
Kitchen Islands can be successfully incorporated into many types of layouts – of course depending on your overall space.  Islands tend to work best in these 3 types of kitchen plans:
  • A Galley Kitchen. In a smaller galley-type kitchen, removing a wall and opening it up to a neighboring space will allow for a perfect island application.
  • An L-Shaped Kitchen. A very popular layout for the work triangle and is a perfect layout for adding an island to your kitchen plans (If you have the luxury of space).
  • A U-Shaped Kitchen. Again providing you have the space between counter tops and is open to another room, the U shape kitchen is a very efficient layout and an island would only enhance the overall function of your kitchen.
I want to leave you with a few last minute tips when re-designing your kitchen and incorporating an island into the plans.
  • Utilize different materials, surfaces and cabinetry on your island – creating a more unique piece of furniture and focal point within the space.  It keeps the eye interested.
  • Island sizes range from +36” wide x +72” long – depending on the space you have.
  • If possible allow for at least 42” between countertop and island counter top.  (36” is minimal – but work-able if you’re tight on space).
  • Also allow 42” clearance for aisles and traffic patterns.
  • Island heights can vary as well and be multi-leveled.  They can be designed at counter top height of 36” with a dropped eating area of 30” in height, or an elevated bar area of 44” high.  The choice is yours.
Renovating your kitchen and implementing an island into your space will undoubtedly increase your home’s value and could yield you a return on investment of 75% – 90%. I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Interior Design Tips – How To Decorate A Formal Dining Room

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Dining spaces can be formal, casual, or a combination of both. Many traditional homes have both a formal dining room and an informal eat-in kitchen. When planning for a remodel of this area, whether you’re converting an existing space or adding on, consider:
  • The size of your family
  • The number of guests you typically invite to dinner parties
  • The types of occasions when you’ll use the room.
These facts will help guide you in planning the size of your dining space, the layout, and the furniture you’ll ultimately choose. Also consider traffic flow and especially the proximity to the kitchen for serving meals. Your dining room is also a great space to store extra-large serving pieces that don’t typically fit in your kitchen. Whether you incorporate built-in cabinetry or individual storage pieces, make sure to provide enough clearance for cabinet doors to open fully. When planning lighting, consider all the uses: dramatic enough for elegant dinner parties and bright enough for your kids’ birthday parties. 10 Tips To Consider When Designing A More Formal Dining Room
  1. Add character in your dining room by adding simple wood panels, moldings, or beams on your ceiling.
  2. For a more traditional feel and layered look, install some paneled wainscoting and beefy crown molding around the perimeter of your room.
  3. Increase the size of your baseboard by adding another piece of molding to the existing material to make it look chunkier and more substantial.
  4. If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood flooring beneath that old green carpeting, then simply re-finish and stain it in a deep rich tone.
  5. When renovating your dining room, check the plans to make sure your existing furniture will fit back in to the new space.
  6. Rectangular dining tables are best suited for rectangular dining rooms. If you need to seat 8 to 10 people, the recommended room size is a minimum of 10’6” x 15’.
  7. Square dining spaces look fantastic with either square or round tables. Rounds are my personal favorite as they provide for a much more intimate dining experience. For 8 to 10 people, the recommended room size for an 8 ft. diameter table typically is an 18’6” square space.
  8. Provide a focal point in the dining room either by enhancing an existing fireplace or creating a new vignette by introducing a beautiful hutch for storage, and flank your favorite piece of art above with a pair of colorful lamps.
  9. Use a combination of light sources. In addition to a central fixture or chandelier, it’s tremendously effective to add some recessed halogen light fixtures to highlight artwork, or any other key pieces—and your crystal and silverware will sparkle like diamonds.
  10. Hang your chandelier anywhere from 36” to 42” from the tabletop (from the top of the table to the underside of the fixture). Keep the diameter of the fixture 9”- 12” smaller than the width of your table.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

5 Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Kitchen

Posted on Categories Remodeling
I met with a wonderful couple last week to discuss their home renovation plans.  Their home, which is nestled in the hills of a lush canyon, has a view that is nothing short of spectacular.  The house itself – is quite the opposite – as they inherited all kinds of issues from the previous owners.   This project will require a tremendous amount of re-planning, renovation work and TLC to create the indoor/outdoor living environment the homeowners want to achieve.  One of the areas in dire need of help is their kitchen.  I first had to convince them that existing space needed much more than simply a new countertop and backsplash. So when is the best time to upgrade your kitchen?
  1. Poor Kitchen Layout.
    2. Analyze the overall space and identify your daily struggles and challenges – then devise a plan that accommodates your lifestyle. Are you constantly running back and forth while preparing meals?  Are you single, a couple, a family of five, or are you the next Iron Chef?  If you’re that gourmet chef then you’ll need to ensure that you have plenty of surface area, storage and power in your appliances.  If your kitchen needs to be multi-functional for your busy family and overall layout is no longer working for you – then it is time to upgrade your kitchen!
  2. Antiquated Appliances.
    3. If your oven needs twice as much time to cook that brisket than the recipe recommends, your old leaky dishwasher with the rusted base is cooking the food onto your dishes rather than cleaning them, or the ultra deep refrigerator is leaking Freon and very outdated in color and style, then it’s time to replace them! The best solution is to update all of your appliances at the same time to give it a cohesive look.  Consider incorporating stainless steel into your updated kitchen, as that is now the new standard in kitchen appliances.
  3. Cabinetry That’s Falling Apart.
    4. Do the doors on your cabinets refuse to stay closed and are they completely wonky and uneven when they are?  Is the paint chipping or the finish rubbing off?  Or maybe the drawers are sticking and unable to open or close anymore.  If you’re constantly frustrated with the condition of your cabinetry and your constant frustration then do yourself a favor and commit to a new cabinet design and style.  Do your research and find the cabinet style that speaks to you.
  4. Cracked Countertops And Flooring.
    5. Take a good look around your kitchen.  If you have any type of chipped countertop tiles, cracks in your porcelain sink, worn finishes, and burns on your countertop surfaces, then it is time to re-think the overall design and finishes of your kitchen.  Don’t forget your flooring as well.  Is it hardwood that can be re-finished or another material that is definitely showing its years of wear and tear? Are there gashes in the flooring or any broken tiles or splitting seams?  These are signs of materials needing to be replaced and updated.
  5. Increasing The Value Of Your Home.
    6. In the US we spend $15 billion on kitchen renovations alone.  This space tends to be the one room in the house that speaks to buyers on an emotional level.   You could typically recoup 80%-90% of your investment when you go to sell your home with a remodeled kitchen.  But beware: If you have done some minor kitchen updating and the space still has an inefficient floor plan and layout, simple quick fixes will not camouflage the problem.  Always update before selling.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

5 Modern Bathroom Design Ideas

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Would you say your overall design style sleek and chic?  Do you enjoy the true architecture of a space with its linear simplicity rather that an overly adorned and accessorized space?  If you’d like to translate your modern vision into your Master Bath here are a few design ideas to help get you started. 1.  Cabinetry
  • When it comes time to selecting the design of your cabinetry lean toward clean, crisp and streamlined furniture.
  • To create a lighter and sleek bathroom environment consider cantilevered cabinetry secured to the wall creating a minimal look to the vanity piece.  Create some drama with strip lighting added to the bottom side of the cabinet – which will cast a warm glow to the floor below.
  • Provide additional built in wall-to-wall storage elsewhere in the bathroom to compensate for the reduced storage in the vanity area.
  • Deep dark rich woods evoke a sense of warmth to the clean lines of contemporary design.
2.  Fixtures
  • Crisp clean and sleek white fixtures speak to the contemporary/modern design.
  • If space allows introduce one of the hottest trends – a free- standing bathtub.  They are available in all shapes and sizes and nothing creates a more dramatic focal point in the bathroom than an exquisite free-standing tub. Simply position it in front of a spectacular picture window with a breathtaking view as the backdrop.
3.  Surfaces and Materials
  • Utilize solid surfaces for countertops, whether quartz, limestone, granite, concrete or glass to give it a clean contemporary look.  Keep the edges simple and square for easy maintenance and sophisticated style.
  • Always introduce an interesting backsplash material in contrast to the counter top color and material.  Whatever the surface I like to apply it on all walls from floor to ceiling.  It creates instant architecture and adds great detail and drama to the space.
  • Glass tile, mosaic, stone or ceramic details are just a few of the highly decorative backsplash products out on the market today that create a sense of modern style.
  • Keep geometry in mind when selecting the material for your contemporary backsplash.  Consider tile shapes that are rectangular, oversized, or small mosaics to create detail in the pattern of the application.  If the tile is oversized and rectilinear install it in a brick pattern. If it’s shape is longer and thinner then stacking the tile creates a very interesting modern vibe.  Stay away from the common square tile in any size.
4.  Luxurious Shower
  • Create a steam shower with multiple rain heads, and body sprays.  If your budget allows, add chromatherapy and aromatherapy to your master bath wish list as well.  These fittings represent the epitome of modern luxury design.  Don’t forget a built in bench and access panel to hide the steam system.
  • Design a full seamless glass enclosure from floor to ceiling and finish the interior with complimentary mosaics or stone tile to set it apart from the rest of the space.  This glass enclosure creates a more visually open space within the overall space.
5.  Accessories
  • Remember to keep clutter and display to a minimum.
  • Accessorize with towels in a bright color for punch or stainless steel and woods. Keep everything to a minimum and clutter free.
  • Select chrome, nickel or silver toned drawer/door pulls, towel bars, towel hooks and paper holders for sparkle.
  • Frame vanity mirrors in woods or silver tones – in similar finishes to the other accessories adorning your modern bath.
Draw the bath and enjoy the modern luxuries of your new space. I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

How To De-Clutter And De-Stress Your Home – With Storage Savvy Solutions

Posted on Categories Remodeling
I think it’s safe to say that life can be quite stressful these days.  Between work, children, finances, carpools and all your other daily activities, it only makes sense that your home should be a place of refuge and provide you with a great sense of calm the moment you walk through the door. We yearn for order and serenity at the end of each day – a place that neutralizes the daily chaos of life and allows you to unplug from the external stresses of the day.
  • Does your home provide you with that haven?
  • Is it peaceful and relaxing?
  • Is it systematized and well organized?
  • Is your home well appointed and aesthetically pleasing?  Or do you still feel some stress– even when you’re trying to relax?
Living in a cluttered and disorganized environment tends to create stress, anxiety and drains your energy without even realizing it.  That is why providing well-designed storage is fundamental.  Analyze, prioritize and maximize your home by eliminating the clutter – and provide some special places to conceal, organize and display the items you really want and need. Here are 10 simple storage solutions to help eliminate the clutter and get you to a peaceful place.
  1. Utilize the void space beneath your stairs and design a storage closet, built in shelving unit or even add a sleek powder room.
  2. Maximize every inch of your kitchen with organized cabinet interiors.  From pull out spice racks to built in pantries. Everything should have its place.
  3. Provide a pantry system complete with shelving, door racks and pullout drawers all concealed behind the integrated kitchen cabinetry.
  4. Design a beautiful and highly functional banquette with large spacious drawers.  It’s perfect for cozy meals and storing all kinds of supplies.
  5. Add recessed shelving anywhere there is ample wall space to do so.  Always keep your home’s architecture in mind when designing those living room niches, bathroom shelving or floor to ceiling bookshelves in the family room.
  6. Built-in storage is perfect for every room of your home and allows you to display all your favorite collections, and conceal the everyday mess.
  7. Bedroom or living room window seats with storage drawers below will provide you with ample space and create a cozy and inviting reading corner.
  8. In your home office/library wrap the entire room (even around the windows and doors) with custom cabinetry to store books, binders and your favorite objects d’art.  Remember you only need 12” deep shelving.
  9. In the master bedroom build in a wall-to-wall headboard complete with lighting, shelving and night tables for that integral look.
  10. Schedule a closet company to inventory of all your clothes, shoes, belts and handbags and to layout each and every bedroom closet throughout your home.  It will be the most liberating exercise of your life and you’ll maximize every inch of space at the same time.
Implement some of these de-cluttering principles and you’ll be coming to home to a peaceful refuge. I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

How To Create A Summer Escape At Home

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
Whether you call it a beach house, summer cottage or weekend pied-a-terre – who says you can’t create your own coastal look at home.
  • Beach house style living gives you the luxury of living more casually but with great sophistication and style.
  • White tends to be the most used color in interior design. Is white a true color or rather the lack of it?  Regardless, it’s extremely malleable, easily transitional and highly reflective creating a bright and cheery atmosphere even on the gloomiest days.
  • Using white walls, ceilings, floors, moldings as the dominant color in a home might seem a like a recipe for disaster to some, but the reality is it enlarges small spaces at the same time acting as the ideal backdrop for making every day practical items pop like works of art.  The space feels lighter and airier.
  • Treat your ceiling to some volume if at all possible with exposed beams and truss work, and add some 8” tongue and grooved paneling to your ceilings and/or
  • Everyone loves the dark deep rich tones of wood floors over the past few years, but to achieve that lighter and brighter “beachy” environment consider going blonde.   Sand your floorboards and refinish them in a myriad of ways by using natural linseed oils, white wax oils, lyes or white soaps to get the latest look.  A lighter looking floor allows the wood’s character to show through, which tends to create a more rustic feel.  Top it off with a natural area rug for added texture and comfort.
  • Incorporating a host of organic materials such as bamboos, rattans and natural woods creates a sense of both casual and natural living – perfect for achieving that summer-like cottage environment.
  • Maximize your outdoor views whether it’s your pool, patio, deck or lake, with bi-fold or sliding doors – that tuck neatly away – to extend the interior out to the exterior.
  • Grab inspiration from your home’s natural environment – so when it comes time to select your color palette – let your outdoor property help guide your color inspiration.
  • Use slipcovers on seating – and provide yourself with multiple sets in alternating fabrics and colors for the changing seasons.  Do the same with your accessories – shifting from spring/summer and fall/winter without ever having to leave your vacation home.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

How To Choose A Color Scheme That Speaks To Your Buyer?

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
EXTERIOR This speaks to knowing your neighborhood, the style of your home and its architecture and what colors will enhance your piece of property. Take a look around your neighborhood and see which color palettes appeal to you and what the trends are.  Are the exterior colors gravitating to more neutral colors?
  • Don’t scrimp on the quality of paint or the job itself! (Interior or Exterior)
  • A professional quality paint job will instantly boost the resale value of a home.
  • You want your house to be similar but NOT identical to others around you.
  • Choose a color scheme that enhances your curb appeal and accentuates your homes character and charm!
  • For a Spanish Style Home:  You’ll want to introduce a palette of more neutral desert inspired colors such as tans/sandy whites/clay/browns.
  • On a Victorian Home: Use rich subtle shades of historic colors, with  4 –5 different coordinating colors.
  • Variations of greens/golds,  blues/grays, or greens/tans/peach.
  • Full of handsome color combinations.
Every paint company will have sample palettes that are interchangeable for your exterior and interior, which works for walls, trims, doors etc. INTERIOR When it’s time to re-paint your interior for re-sale it’s probably best to use softer, less stressful colors.  Introduce a neutral palette for the interior – keep it on the safe side leaning to the lighter tones.
  • Prospective buyers have an easier time envisioning their furniture, accessories and personality in a more neutral color palette.
  • Don’t be afraid to use a few different calm and soothing colors that coordinate and compliment each other from room to room, for an easy transition.
  • Offset those soft neutral wall colors with painting out all the trims, baseboards and moldings in a nice crisp white semi-gloss. It will make those mellow colors pop and create some elegance and sophistication throughout the entire home.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

3 Design Strategies That Will Set Your Home Apart From The Rest When It’s Time To Sell

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
In today’s super competitive real estate market its more important than ever to impress potential buyers within the first 5 minutes and do whatever you can to make that first impression unforgettable. 1. Create A Welcoming Entrance/Foyer
  • Impress buyers by leading them in from the street through a fabulous grand entrance and beautiful new front door. Introduce glass either in the door itself or transoms above. Natural light will flood in and brighten up the foyer.
  • Line the pathway with garden lights and install wall sconces flanking your new front door. This will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for buyers and lead them right into your home.
  • Inside, dress this foyer for success and glam it up to entice the buyer.
  • A console table or chest and chair with a beautiful piece of art positioned above will evoke a welcoming and positive feeling every time a prospective buyer walks through the door.
  • Hang a large beautifully framed mirror on the sidewall of the entry to reflect another view of what lies beyond (expanding the space) and don’t forget to add some beautiful fresh flowers.
2. Maximize the Lighting Inside And Out
  • Lighting of all kinds is incredibly important in both the interior and exterior of the home.
  • Everyone loves a bright cheerful space, so address each room individually.
  • If your home is dark, dingy and compartmentalized (small rooms that block natural light coming in) then you really might need to consider removing some walls to open up the floor plan in order to flood more natural daylight into the house.
  • Sometimes that means integrating the kitchen/dining and family rooms together for an open floor plan
  • Add skylights to maximize natural lighting as well.
  • If you need to upgrade your lighting throughout:  Add general lighting in the form of recessed pot lights on dimmers. Task lighting in the form of tri-lite lamps, and accent lighting in shelving, plants and highlighting art
  • Tip: Before you show your home, replace EVERY bulb throughout your house for a brighter, cleaner and crisp light so they all burn at the same intensity.
3.  Make It A Turnkey Home
  • Buyers love a home that’s in Move-In –Condition!  A home that doesn’t require a litany of projects to get it up to speed.  Wouldn’t that be music to your ears?
  • In booming markets people are more willing to invest in customizing.
  • In leaner markets if a house isn’t well maintained it will likely take more time to sell or be passed by entirely.
  • Instant gratification doesn’t happen fast enough these days, so do what you can to make it EASY to move in.
  • Buyers want to instantly know that this home FEELS right.
  • Do everything in your power to show the potential buyers that your home has been well maintained, nurtured and very much loved.  They’ll be able to envision themselves there.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

5 Major Home Renovation Projects That Offer The Best Return On Investment

Posted on Categories Architectural Planning, Renovations
When it comes to renovating your home for re-sale there are a few major renovations that top the list. 1.  Major Kitchen Remodels. (ROI 75-85%) The function of the kitchen has evolved over the years and now more than ever the kitchen must meet those needs.
  • Buyers want to envision themselves in a gorgeous newly renovated kitchen where they can actually see themselves – preparing meals for their friends and family –where the kids nestle into a cozy banquette doing their homework, or their guests mingling around that gorgeous island.  Buyers want to see this in their minds eye and know that it’s attainable.
  • A major kitchen remodel may need to include a new floor plan to improve on a poorly designed work triangle.
  • If the kitchen is completely dated, isolated and compartmentalized with an inefficient floor plan and layout – don’t think that replacing the cabinets and appliances will camouflage the problem.  It won’t!
  • If at all possible add an island into those plans. Everyone loves them!
  • Replacing all cabinetry, appliances, lighting, flooring, finishes and fixtures and new French doors and windows will grab the buyers’ attention.
  • Since kitchens and baths are the costliest rooms to renovate, the buyer will be thrilled that the work is already done for them.
2.  Family Room Additions. (75% ROI) The family room is the second most popular space in the home after the kitchen.
  • Adding 400 sq. ft. of bright and cheery living space (if your neighborhood will bare it), will definitely improve the value of the home.
  • Increase the overall height of your space and introduce a vaulted ceiling.  Creating a sense of volume instantly makes a room feel more spacious.
  • Consider the details and add beautiful French doors, floor to ceiling windows or even skylights to flood this new space with light and maximizes a view.  Take it one step further and add the deck.
3.  Deck Addition. (72-95% ROI) Deck additions are quite possibly the best investments these days. They naturally transition the interior to the exterior – instantly expanding your living space. And who doesn’t love that?
  • It’s a vacation-at-home experience, as it expands your living space and extends the summer season – forcing you to live more outdoors before the winter season sets in.
  • Its design can be as simple or elaborate as the home it’s attached to.
  • Multi-leveled or single, built in seating or casual seating areas, hot tubs, and outdoor kitchens – all of which add to the vacation home atmosphere.
  • Decks are more popular than pools and relatively easy to build.
  • Design the deck to compliment the character of your home’s exterior architecture.  Give it some thought in planning – it should be proportionate to the size of your yard.
  • Incorporate energy efficient solar or led lighting.
4.  Main Floor Master Bedroom Addition (73% ROI) Adding a 400 sq.ft. master bedroom suite and spa-like bath provides a private retreat and appeals to many home buyers.
  • Access to main floor is gaining in popularity.
  • Empty nesters and others, who no longer want to tackle stairs, prefer to have the master bedroom and bath retreat on the main floor level of the home.
  • Immediate access to a gorgeous deck or patio outdoors also adds to the return.
5.  Two-Story Addition (77% ROI)
  • A two-story addition of 800 square feet could include a new main floor family room and an upper level master suite complete with a full bath.
  • Or utilizing that extra space and designating it, as the home office, is very appealing to home- buyers.
  • Homeowners are spending more time working from home and with the homepreneur trend growing, buyers are attracted to the extra space dedicated solely to operating their home based business.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

The 3 Worst Mistakes That Homeowners Make When Renovating Their Home

Posted on Categories Renovations
1.  BEGIN A PROJECT WITHOUT PREPLANNING
  • More people begin their home renovation projects without much pre-planning and believe they’ll just work out the details and figure it out as they move along.
  • For a successful home renovation project you need to follow a plan! Literally and figuratively.
  • For larger projects, you’ll need to invest in a set of detailed construction drawings with plans, elevations and details.
  • If you’re simply updating a bathroom and introducing new materials have a list that covers the scope of what your project entails. Without planning – rest assured, you will experience one delay after another and throw good money after bad.
  • Don’t demolish anything unless you have a documented plan.
  • Planning ahead will save you valuable time and money..
2.  OVER-UPGRADING OR SCRIMPING ON THE RENOVATION
  • When the scope of the project and the final result is incongruent or disproportionate with the home’s market value and the standards of the neighborhood, then there’s a problem.
  • Whether you live in a more modest community, middle class or very affluent neighborhood renovate and update your home according to what your neighborhood will tolerate.
  • It should be congruent with what your neighborhood will allow.
  • Don’t scrimp in the high-end market and don’t overspend on the lower end market.
  • You definitely won’t recoup your money when you go to sell.
3.  DIY PROJECTS GONE AWRY The reality is that DIY projects typically take three to four times longer than it would take for a skilled contractor to do it. Do you have the luxury of time on your side?
  • Many DIY projects become even more complicated than expected. Approximately 20% of ambitious home remodelers eventually have to call in a professional to not only complete the work, but fix that damage that the homeowner caused. And truthfully, it can be difficult at times to find someone to come to the rescue to repair the botched job.
  • Stick to painting, cabinet staining, re-facing and clean up.
  • A poor substandard job will show like a flashing beacon and no one will be willing to pay top dollar for that.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.