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.

The post Whole House Remodeling appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

The thought of managing a long distance remodeling project can be daunting for many. After all, how would you know what’s happening on the jobsite each day, and how can you ensure that your wishes are being fully carried out in your absence? Last April, when homeowner Janet Nelson began seeking a remodeling firm to renovate her 1950’s Kirkwood, Missouri home, her connection with RIGGS put those fears to rest.

An Iowa resident, Janet had just purchased the property as a second home to be closer to her daughter here in St. Louis and to have a warmer climate for winter activities. Realizing that the home had very few updates since its original construction in the 1950s, Janet asked her realtor for referrals to design-build remodeling firms that were familiar with the area and style of home, and who could help bring her vision to fruition – a feat that was especially challenging since the home was purchased sight-unseen. Amie Riggs Swarts, co-owner of RIGGS Company and Design, was the first to respond to Janet’s request – and the two immediately clicked.

“I liked Amie’s energy, and the fact that RIGGS was a local, family owned business,” said Janet. “I also recognized that RIGGS had the right balance of experience and the understanding of what I needed and wanted to accomplish with my home.”

Pre-Construction

During the initial meeting with RIGGS, measurements were taken and a general plan was developed for the home. The design process quickly began for this two-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow. The new design included a complete gut-rehab of the main floor, updating systems and reconfiguring the space. Changes included:

• Creation of a Jack-and-Jill bathroom between the two bedrooms, featuring a spacious zero-entry shower.
• Enclosure of an existing breezeway, creating an opening for French doors that lead to the deck.
• Updating of plumbing, roof, gutters, paint and downspouts
• Addition of a gas fireplace

Once the design was approved, RIGGS brought in vendors and subcontractors to price out the various pieces of the project. This is a very important step, and what allows homeowners to know – on the front end – what the project cost will be. It also allows subcontractors to inspect the project so they can anticipate and address any stumbling blocks before work even begins.

Selections

A RIGGS’ Selections Specialist was there to assist Janet every step of the way when it came to choosing all of the fixtures, finishes and components for the whole-house remodeling project. “We spend a day-and-a-half shopping for everything we needed. She helped keep me in budget because she understood what every cost meant to the overall scope of the project, and also had the eye for color to make the right choices so that everything would visually tie together perfectly,” said Janet

Construction

The day had come for construction to begin. The design was set, the choices were made, and the hammers were now ready to swing. Throughout the three-month process, Janet reports that all went smoothly, even though she was managing from afar and she decided to add things along the way.

“I was a stickler about not looking like we’re a construction site,” said Janet. “I didn’t want trash or smoking, and it was very important to me to respect my new neighbors.”

RIGGS makes that possible for every homeowner they serve. The team takes pride in maintaining clean and orderly jobsites, and is conscious of the impact certain points in the project may have on the homeowners and neighbors.

The RIGGS process also ensures that all communication throughout the course of the project is clear, complete and transparent.

“Because my daughter is here in St. Louis, she attended our weekly construction meetings for us, and the RIGGS team welcomed her with open arms and made sure she was always informed. This, plus RIGGS’ communication with me, doing whatever it took to answer questions, was important to me because I was managing this project from out of town.”

The Result

“Our dream was to get out of the cold Iowa winters, come to St. Louis, where it’s a bit warmer, to get on the trails and ride our bikes,” said Janet. “We also love to entertain, so we plan to have more friends over to enjoy the home with us. We have plenty of space here to do this, and our goal was to create a warm and inviting home. We accomplished that very well.”

Coincidentally, Janet was managing a remodeling project on her home in Iowa at the same time that renovation on the Kirkwood house was taking place. “When I compare the two, RIGGS was just awesome,” said Janet. “My contractor in Iowa didn’t do the extras like helping me with selections, or making me feel like part of the family. RIGGS went above and beyond to simplify the process for me. We consider Amie and the team at RIGGS as good friends we look forward to seeing when we come in town.”

Janet has already begun her second remodeling project with RIGGS – finishing the home’s lower level to add two bedrooms and a bathroom. The project is expected to be completed in April, 2015.

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Eighteen years ago, Sheldon and Leslie Weinstein purchased their home in Clayton, Missouri. They loved the neighborhood and feel of the area, but the home did not feel like their own. They reached out to us to help customize the home, and make it truly one of a kind. We developed a long-term renovation plan, and over the years have completed nineteen projects on this spectacular Clayton home.

First we tackled the kitchen, completely gutting the room and starting fresh with new counter tops, cabinets, and tearing down a brick wall that separated the kitchen from the family room. The kitchen was small and dark, but by tearing down the wall and updating the features, the kitchen became bright, light and airy. “I love that sink,” said Leslie Weinstein. “I would take it to my grave if I could!” Now that amount of love is what we like to hear!

The original layout of the first floor was far from ideal, but together we came up with a plan to turn the spare first floor bedroom into a library with floor to ceiling custom built bookcases. The room has a grand feel, while still remaining comfortable and inviting.

The basement was a cold, empty, framed out cellar when the Weinstein family first moved in, but we transformed it into a complete basement living area. A media room, bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, and storage room were all added into the basement, helping to create a relaxing area to escape to.

As the Weinstein family grew into their home and aged, they decided to move their master bedroom to the first floor. We opened up the spare bedroom and library and created a stunning master bedroom and bathroom suite. This project took a lot of thought and imagination to create a master suite without disrupting the flow of the house. We are extremely proud of how it turned out!

After years of remodeling the inside of the home, the Weinstein family decided they wanted the outside of their plain, ordinary looking bungalow to match the custom, beautiful look of the inside of their home. During the remodel process, they had neighbors stopping them to remark on how their house looked like a brand new home!

“RIGGS gave me great faith in remodeling,” said Sheldon Weinstein. “They were able to get to the heart of your project very quickly. Anything they did was quality.”

The Weinstein family is living proof that you do not have to move to build the house of your dreams; you just need a good home remodeler who can help make your dreams a reality! We are so blessed to have customers such as the Weinstein’s who have welcomed us into their homes and allowed us to a part of their remodel process.

Looking to spruce up your home? RIGGS is here to help! We offer superior design, planning and remodeling solutions that are truly second to none. Drop us a line or visit us online 24/7 at www.riggscompanystl.com.

The post The Transformation of a Traditional Clayton, Missouri Home appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

As you know, functionality has always been a vital piece of our approach to remodeling. By eliminating the large whirlpool bathtub and building a more open shower, you create a space that can serve a variety of needs. For one, it gives you the ability to include a shower seat and a hand shower on a slide bar. This will elevate the overall comfort level, making showering an enjoyable experience well into your golden years.

 
As you can see, the openness of the shower would even allow for addition of a shower chair, giving you the ability to age in the friendly confines of your own home.

To see some examples of the bathrooms that we have designed, please feel free to peruse our photo gallery at riggscompanystl.com.

 
If you are looking to update your home—RIGGS is here to help! Drop us a line today at 314.821.7646.

The post The Tub-Less Bathroom appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

After acknowledging our oversight to the family, we began to put a plan into place that would resolve the issue in an efficient and timely manner. Our crew continued to work at the home while the tub was being evaluated by the manufacturer, maximizing our time to the fullest. This forward-thinking approach allowed for us to remain inside of the project budget and timeframe.

While home remodeling and design might be what we do, it doesn’t define us as a company or as individuals. Over the last 54 years, terms such as quality, transparency and honesty have become synonymous with the RIGGS brand.

As you can see, when you choose RIGGS you get more than a beautiful remodel. You get an advisor, a confidant and—most importantly—a friend.

If you are looking to update your home—RIGGS is here to help! Drop us a line today at 314.821.7646.

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In the past, tile was seen as an essential component of the bathroom. While its elegance made it popular with designers and homeowners, it was actually its ease of cleaning that made it the recommended choice.

Today, tile still has that great functional aspect to it, but it is also being used as a focal point in the design of the bathroom.

Here are a few examples:

• Glass Tiles: Glass tiles in aqua and sand tones can be leveraged to create a spa-like atmosphere.
• Graphic Tiles: These types of tiles in glass or stone can create a very modern and contemporary feel.
• Subway Tile: White subway tiles can be used to make the space feel clean and bright with a retro feel. Additionally, Swanstone has developed a faux tile that doesn’t involve grouting and is easy to maintain.

Like everything, there is a wide range of materials and pricing in the world of tile. At RIGGS, we help homeowners create the design they like, and our Selections Manager, Kristyn Brennan, helps them choose tiles that will make that look come to life all while staying in budget. Let us show you how tile can transform your bathroom!

The post That’s Hot: Bathroom Tile appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

Aside from its innovative technology, what exactly makes this showerhead so special? Let us explain…

 
#1 Simplicity – In this particular case, innovative does not mean complex. The Moxie can be easily installed in virtually any shower or tub. Just unscrew your current showerhead and pop on the Moxie. It’s truly that easy!

 
#2 Pick Your Color – The Moxie really embraces individuality. Not only can each one of your family members select their own shower playlist, but they can also choose the color of their speaker. Speaker colors include: Navy Blue, Chartreuse, Retro Blue, Cherry Red, and Original White.

 
#3 Performance – Oh, did we mention the superior spraying performance? The showerhead features 60 angled nozzles, delivering a high-performance shower experience every time. In addition, the 2.0 gpm or 2.5 gpm spray allows you to save water while still receiving a full spray.

 
To see the Moxie in action, check out the video below:

Be honest: have you ever seen a showerhead that was this cool?

 
If you would like to include the Moxie in your next bathroom remodel, give RIGGS a call today! As St. Louis bathroom remodelers, we offer superior design, planning and remodeling solutions that are second to none. Drop us a line or visit us online 24/7 at www.riggscompanystl.com

The post That’s Hot: The Moxie by KOHLER appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

Recently, we completed a bathroom remodel in which we not only brought up to snuff, but helped the family gain additional space for better serviceability. In this specific home, we moved a wall to expand the bathroom and provide a more comfortable and usable area. While the short term goal was to simply create a more comfortable area, this new bathroom will serve this family well into their golden years.

As we age, it is important that the rooms in our home have enough ample space to accommodate our ever changing needs. The new bathroom will now be able to service medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and bath lift systems.

Aside from the bathroom being spacious, its décor is now up to par, too.  Beautiful tile work was incorporated into the design, as well as a freestanding, furniture-style vanity, and all new flooring, lighting and fixtures. Visit the photo gallery to see more before and after photos of this great bathroom remodel!

Looking to remodel your bathroom? We can help!  We offer superior design, planning and remodeling solutions that are second to none. Drop us a line or visit us online 24/7 at www.riggscompanystl.com

The post Get more out of your bathroom appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

We suggest starting with the space that is most important to you and then moving on to less pressing modifications down the road. Also, instead of performing a complete gut-job on a specific area it might be wise to consider only a facelift. For example, let’s explore some of the cost-efficient options available should you decide to spruce up your bathroom.

• Survey your space – Pay close attention to the areas of your bathroom that are in the greatest need of being replaced. Any major issues such as rotting drywall, cracked tile, or leaky piping should take a higher precedence over outdated fixtures. Remember: the goal is to improve your space for the short term with the idea of circling back to the project down the road.
• Cosmetic issues – Try to take on the simplest tasks such as a fresh coat of paint, new medicine cabinet and toilet seat before committing to a complete overhaul. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference these changes can make… and it will cost you very little out of pocket!
• Think ahead – While you might not be able to afford everything you want right now, it could be very beneficial to plan for the future. For example, if your goal is to have his and her sinks down the road, it probably wouldn’t be wise to invest in a new, single vanity now. The more you can plan for now the better off your space and pocketbook will be in the future.

Give RIGGS a call today! We offer superior design, planning and remodeling solutions that are second to none. Drop us a line or visit us on line 24/7 at www.riggscompanystl.com

The post Remodeling a bathroom on a budget appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

One of the interesting phenomenons is the fact that these clients aren’t looking at the market value of their home based on the number of bedrooms and baths.  Their evaluation is based on comfort, convenience and the enjoyment of being at home.  In essence, the entire house will become their master retreat but it starts in the bathroom; where they can have their individual space and enjoy the luxuries that were only found in the finest hotels when they were younger and probably couldn’t afford to stay there.

Oh my, I think I’m on to something!  What they used to experience (if they could afford it) or dream about, only when on a luxury vacation they can now have every day.  So, for them, every day is a vacation!

What a way to live…

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