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Re-Designing the Space

As we talked with the client, we quickly identified their desire to bring more light and openness to the home’s main living areas, something that’s not typical in a 1920’s Tudor-Style home. Our original remodel of the home came at a time when their children were young and living at home. Today, as empty nesters, the client wanted to use the space differently. They openly shared their goals of having more space, improving the flow, and incorporating the outdoors into their home. Having worked with RIGGS on multiple projects in the past, they knew they could trust our proposed solutions and welcomed our ideas.

The first idea was a big one. As we examined the layout, we recognized that the kitchen was simply not in an ideal location for how the clients wanted to live and entertain. When the children lived at home, it served them well, but today’s needs called for a different solution. Our suggestion was to move it to the other side of the house where it would find itself in the heart of the action for entertaining. Once that was agreed upon, we suggested a series of modifications to the main floor layout, including the removal of walls to brighten the space and improve flow, as well as building a new bathroom and entry area to serve the backyard pool.

The Kitchen Remodel

A larger, light and airy new kitchen was created for the home, featuring a wall of windows to allow the client a full view of their property, as well as a simplification of the space for a more open feel. No wall cabinets were included in the design, which initially was difficult for the clients to understand. We alleviated their concerns by adding a butler’s pantry to maximize storage and house their double oven, a beloved appliance they wanted to keep, but for which there was little wall space in the main kitchen area. They were pleased that the design gave them everything they were asking for.

Existing cabinetry was used, while unique and beautiful tile was installed on the walls. A custom cabinet was designed for the end of the island to house dishes and glassware traditionally stored in wall cabinets, providing further confidence to the client that the removal of wall cabinets was realistic. The installation of additional windows maximized the light coming in to the space. All of these details worked together to create the modern and open feel that the clients dreamed of.

The Home “Remix”

In addition to the relocation and remodeling of the kitchen, this project also included the removal of many walls to open the flow of the home and create more usable, connected space. Areas that were part of this phase of the remodel included the home office, dining room and a loft area that the clients lovingly refer to as “the tree house.” Opening up the tree house created a family room, allowing the client to relocate the television from the formal living room and into this more casual space. A new office space was also created, while the former home office space was transformed into a new dining room by enlarging the opening, now designed to match the beautiful arched openings throughout the home.

These spaces, among others in the home which often were ignored, are now functional, connected and used by the client on a daily basis.

The Bathroom Remodel

The property features a large pool in the backyard, so the clients wanted to create an entry area and bathroom that would be accessible to visitors of the pool. We designed a simple yet striking fully tiled bathroom that would stand up to the wet feet and swimsuits that the room was sure to welcome. The entry area serves as an indoor “pool house” right in their own basement, serving as the perfect changing room, providing guests a great place to hang towels, kick off their flip flops, and store other pool toys and accessories. The creation of this space allowed the homeowners the functionality of a full pool house, eliminating the need to build a standalone, outdoor structure to serve this purpose.

The Basement Remodel

As is the case with many older homes, the basement had low ceilings and space that wasn’t ideal for use by the client, most notably, the man of the house who sought a space that would function well for his daily activities of watching sports, caring for the family dog, and outdoor grilling.

To address his needs, we opened up the space, raising the original ceiling as much as possible. We went on to remodel the bar area to create a mini-kitchenette, and designed the space with an open, more modern feel to replace to existing 1950’s style that had previously been in place.

The client also expressed his desire for the lower level space to flow seamlessly into the outdoors. We achieved this through the installation of an 8-foot sliding patio door which opens onto a large outside living area featuring an outdoor kitchen and television.

The Results

The client couldn’t be more pleased with the work we performed on their whole house remodel. All rooms in the home welcome more light, and rooms that previously went unused are now seeing daily activity and purpose. The flow of the home is now perfect for entertaining, something the clients love to do. The client can serve outdoor guests directly through her kitchen windows. The opening of the interior space created improved sight lines throughout the home, bringing the outdoors and the pool area in view and making the outdoor spaces feel closer.

Visitors to the home, including their grown children, are enjoying the home in new ways and making new memories along the way.

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There are few places that can surpass the charm of living in this area, but as much as you love your home and neighborhood, you may reach a point when your home no longer suits your family’s needs. For many, the first thought may be to buy a larger or more updated home. Yet when you consider the prospect of moving and leaving your beloved neighborhood behind, venturing into the unknown isn’t something you welcome.

That’s why remodeling has become a top choice for many homeowners just like you. Today, we’ll explain why a call to your lender is a wise first move as you consider your home remodeling options.

Your Lender Can Help Maximize Your Home Remodeling Budget

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that doing a major remodeling project is not financially viable. Yet there are many neighborhoods in the Central St. Louis corridor that not only buck the average-rate-of-return statistics that many consider when remodeling, but that also have a history of experiencing substantial increases in property value after the remodel is complete. In one case, an addition resulted in the home doubling its value, even after the cost of the addition and interior remodeling was factored in. This is important because the value of your home post-remodel can be a key factor in determining the financing options that are available to you.

How can you know what to expect for your home? Your lender can help provide insight.

Trisha McConkey

• Talk with your lender sooner rather than later. Trisha notes that the earlier a homeowner involves the lender in the process, the less stressful it will be for all parties involved. The initial call can take as little as 30 minutes, and allows everyone to understand the ultimate goal and assemble a plan for the best funding options available for you and your home. During your initial call, you’ll learn that you may not be limited to the current equity in your home when it comes to financing a home remodeling project. There are construction loan options that allow you to expand your budget beyond current equity based on the anticipated, increased value of the home after remodeling is complete.
• Get pre-approved. Just as with buying a new home, Trisha suggests getting pre-approval for your remodeling project. This will help guide the way in terms of the budget, the amount of funding you have available, and what your monthly payment will be once the loan is secured. Your lender will help you through the pre-approval process so that you can begin to identify how your project will take shape.
• Call RIGGS. Once you’ve been pre-approved, Trisha recommends that you contact RIGGS to begin preparing the scope of the project based on the available budget. Because RIGGS is a design-build remodeling firm, we have the ability to design the project and make all selections according to the budget. This process differs from traditional construction methods in which an architect draws plans and then goes out to bid for the construction – which can lead to budget and timeline overages. The RIGGS way keeps projects within budget and on time.
• Complete the project in one step. Many homeowners are tempted to piece together a major renovation project, but according to Trisha, this isn’t the wisest route to go. First of all, it ends up being more expensive because trades are coming out multiple times to do the work. Doing it as one large project creates less disruption for your family, and allows your lender and contractor to maximize the budget. A design-build remodeling company like RIGGS manages all aspects of your project from start to finish, creating the value and livability of your dream home.

Our goal at RIGGS is to ensure that you have the information and resources available to make wise decisions for your home. Working closely with lenders like Trisha helps you avoid getting into a project you cannot afford, or limit yourself in your scope of work only to realize later that you had access to more financing than you originally thought. Getting a lender involved as soon as you start to dream about your renovation can make all the difference in creating the home of your dreams, and increasing the value of your home.

Thank you, Trisha, for sharing this great advice with us. If you have any questions about remodeling your home and what options may be available for you, please contact RIGGS at 314-821-7646.

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There are so many great things both Kirkwood, Webster Groves and our surrounding communities have to offer. We’ll be showcasing some of these in our next few blog posts. This week, we’re focusing on the Downtown Kirkwood Farmers’ Market. Many Kirkwood residents know and love the Farmers’ Market, and the Riggs Family is no different! We like to routinely stroll through to get our favorite fresh picks for family dinners, snacks and even the flowers are beautiful. Today, we’re taking you along on our most recent family outing to the Downtown Kirkwood Farmers’ Market.

A Community Tradition

Since 1976, the Farmers’ Market has been a hub for fresh and local product. The City of Kirkwood started it as a bicentennial project and still owns the market today. Opening day this year was April 14th, and you’ll be able to enjoy up until September 29th. The hours are as follows: M-F 9am-6pm, Saturdays 8am-5pm, and Sundays Summit Produce is open 10am-5pm.

However, the fun does not stop on September 29th. Be sure to check out the Farmers’ Market’s transition to a Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Market in October. This is operated by Summit Produce, and is open daily from 9am-8pm. More information on these activities and events can be found at: http://www.downtownkirkwood.com/farmers-market/farmers-market-events/

We are always running into our friends, neighbors and clients here. It’s that sense of community that makes it so special. It’s not only a place to get fresh produce, it’s a place to see familiar faces and experience one of the gems that we’re so proud to support, right in the heart of Kirkwood.

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Bring on the Blue

A huge trend for kitchen color schemes and design right now is navy blue cabinets and white marble-esque countertops. For those who are looking for something different, daring and bold, this look is such an impressive addition to a home. Once bland kitchens receive a transformation that stops the show and presents a unique look.

Expanding Family, Expanding Home

Another need that we are seeing with our clients, is the need to expand on a home because families are growing! Perhaps a family is blending two households, creating the need for additional space. Or maybe, parents are becoming grandparents, and suddenly the empty nest starts to shift back to a full nest. Holidays, events, birthday parties and more start to become cramped over time as the family grows, and bigger spaces are necessary to accommodate for these additional members. We love that we have the opportunity to facilitate families being together in their own homes, creating a comfortable space for them to make memories many years into the future.

Focus on Wants, Not Needs

Many of our clients in Kirkwood and Webster Groves are embarking on renovation projects because they are now at a place in their lives where this is possible. They’re asking for what they want, not what they need. This means that they’re shifting away from remodeling their bathroom, for example, because things are broken. They are remodeling because they have a vision for the bathroom they want and are focused on making that happen. They have the opportunity to create the home of their dreams with RIGGS, and they are acting on it.

Have any of these exciting trends popped up on your Pinterest boards? What ideas have you seen that spark your attention that you’d like to see us feature? We look forward to sharing ideas and getting inspired together.

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That puts Kirkwood and Webster Groves in a unique position when it comes to our homes and real estate. There are few other places that offer the opportunities to significantly increase the value of a home with incredible renovations. Let’s explore a couple scenarios:

The Fixer Upper

It used to be that buyers were fixated on finding a “move-in ready” home. But in Kirkwood and Webster, there’s a trend towards buyers gravitating to properties that were once overlooked. Perhaps the home is terribly outdated or needs repairs. There are many things that we at RIGGS find that previous homeowners overlook. These can include foundation cracks, improper wiring, or even simple things like clogged drains and no sump pump in the basement. In our nearly 60 years of remodeling homes in Kirkwood and Webster, we’ve seen a lot of neglect – not necessarily because people were lazy, but because they just didn’t know what they were supposed to do. We find ourselves teaching many homeowners about proper care and maintenance. But this doesn’t mean these homes should scare people away! In many cases, repairs and updating can take place that will bring the home into the current century. The buyer can invest in the purchase price of the home, plus fund the repairs for less than it would cost to buy that move-in-ready abode down the street.

The Bungalow

Many parts of Kirkwood and Webster are full of cute little bungalows built back in the 50s and 60s. They are typically limited in space, most of them 2 bedrooms and a bathroom, and they worked for families back then. Not so much today. Families want more space. They want room to function and feel comfortable. Guess what? There are many ways to add to those little bungalows, so don’t walk away from them! At RIGGS, we’ve added second stories to many of these homes, in effect, doubling the space. There are also homes that we’ve doubled in size by expanding the footprint of the home! Moral of the story is not to limit yourself. Explore the bungalows and expand them into what you want and need them to be. You’ll be getting the neighborhood you want, for a price that may be more within reach than you thought.

Your Existing Home

You love your neighborhood, but the house just isn’t quite working for you anymore. Sound familiar? You’re probably at a different stage of your life than when you bought the house. And let’s face it, trends, styles and technologies have changed, and you’re ready for them. Remodeling your home in Kirkwood and Webster Groves not only allows you the opportunity to stay where you love, it’s also a wise investment. We’ve found the comfort and emotional payback to be priceless, but the monetary return is there too. You can get the home you want, right where you are, with your neighbors and all the things you love.

The real estate market in Kirkwood and Webster Groves is unique. With the right guidance, remodeling return on investment can be quite high, increasing your property values substantially and delivering a dream home.

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