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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Going Wacky with the Wallpaper

Searching for a home can be dreadful, but what’s more daunting is the idea of scraping wallpaper off the walls. Yes, wallpaper is removable but it doesn’t always scream move-in-ready. If you’re thinking of flourishing your walls with something new, fresh paint and neutral colors are good for staging your house while it’s on the market. When making your decision between paint or wallpaper, think about factors such as how long do you plan to stay in the house and if you’re considering selling it, would a buyer want to tear it all down? Some potential home owners might find scraping wallpaper off walls as their tipping point.

Removing ALL Bathtubs
We’ve noticed a trend in people removing bathtubs in their home. Maybe they don’t have children or don’t find themselves using tubs, so they remove them and put in elaborate showers. If you’re planning to someday resell your home, a lack of bathtubs WILL hurt the value of your house. You don’t know who might be looking at your home, maybe they have young kids who need a tub. Maybe it’s a family with dogs who need to be bathed. Maybe it’s someone who loves long, relaxing baths. Removing all tubs devalues your house because it makes it too “personal” to you, and it doesn’t make it desirable to the masses.

Installing “Kits”
You might see those bathroom kits or pre-fabricated sunrooms and think, “that’s a quick and easy way to update my home!” Yes, these might be quick, easy and less expensive than a remodel, but it will look exactly that way- quick and cheap. They don’t last long and break down quickly. As quickly as these break down, the money would be better spent in a custom bathroom remodel. When we have clients come to us with a recently purchased home, the first project they want completed is tearing out these bathroom surrounds and sunrooms. We can’t even tell you how many of these we have torn out.

Aging Appliances

Modern conveniences and styles in the kitchen is an easy way to add value to your home, but holding on to classic appliances that can’t be cleaned need to be replaced. The modern convenience route isn’t always necessary if you maintain a classic kitchen design. However, countertops and backsplashes that are stained or outdated detract value from the kitchen. It’s important that potential investors aren’t reminded of past circumstances that took place in the home. The goal is to erase any marks and enhance your kitchen with quality improvements. Remember, make proper and professional renovations – poorly done repairs and renovations will only burn your pockets.

Be encouraged to enhance your home to suit your standards of living. When doing this, make sure to consider the future of your home. All renovations aren’t the same, but demographically, you have to account all things that makes your home profitable to the housing market. Don’t just build with a beautiful space in mind, but build with value.

The post Are You Devaluing Your Home? Don’t Make These Mistakes. appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

Hidden Appliances

Who said a refrigerator had to look like refrigerator? Hidden appliances are items that are made to look like cabinets with the same design and hardware, in particular, kitchen items. All appliances, including microwaves and toasters, can be easily molded into the design scheme. If you’re one to reside in the kitchen regularly, you’ll have an attraction to disguised cabinetry. These pieces are cozy, clean and uncluttered overall. Do away with the stainless-steel appliances in the new year and appeal with a bit of ambiguity.

Wood Paneling

If you’re looking to win over your grandparents and grasp hold of some of the seasonal styles, wood paneling is the trend that will help you prevail. The basement wood is old news, and the new paneling is more multifaceted than before. The new panels are rich in color, texture and tones with a ton of creative use. In 2017, you can catch the wood panels on walls, ceilings, backsplashes and more. You can play in paint when you’re bored to breathe life into a room without utilizing a ton of money. Take your guest back to the good ole days with a brand new spin.

Graphic Tile

Tile of today is not your traditional Carrera marble, it’s pure magic. Modern technology of porcelain has stepped in to create patterns on the floors and walls that work well in both traditional and contemporary settings. The patterns, shapes and colors have the power to turn common kitchen and basic bathrooms into something desirable. The old patterns from the past has found a new purpose in the future.

Induction Tops

Something different in the new year is durability and it starts with induction tops. Yes, the induction top has been around for a while, but its finally starting to find its place in the industry. Always remaining cool to the touch, this top offers immediate control of temperature and maintains low heat levels for hours. This induction top is energy efficient and makes for an easy cleanup off of a smooth surface. Say your final goodbyes to your electric and gas cooktops, there’s a new cook in the kitchen.

A new year is the mark of new beginnings, so why not start off by spicing things up a bit? If you’re feeling a little frisky and willing to get your hands dirty, dash to the kitchen to do away with the pieces of the past and incorporate that killer kitchen you’ve been dreaming about.

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• Care for your Pets: Pet care is something many people don’t consider when it comes to a home remodel. Furry friends can be easily frightened by new people and loud noises and you don’t want to risk them getting scared and running away or sneaking out the door. We often hear people say, “oh, don’t worry, Fido is friendly!” We’re not worried about if they’re friendly or not, we don’t want them to get hurt. We’ve had dogs who are just curious and want to see what we’re doing, but we don’t want them to get hurt or injured by any of the equipment! Consider where you will keep them during the remodel to keep them safe and contained.
• Utilities: During a remodel, your utility bills WILL You will have higher electric and gas bills with the doors opening and closing, and if you are replacing windows or the roof, etc., you are letting out the cold, or hot, air. Therefore, your home is not energy efficient and the bills will add up. This is something to budget into your overall remodel costs and be prepared for.
• Time is money: We all know the saying, but it becomes especially true during a remodel.  You may need to find time to meet with the contractor, designer, landscaper, or anyone else you may have hired to help work on your home.  This could mean taking some time off work or cutting in to your personal time.  Be prepared to invest your time as well as your money during a remodel.  Also, if a contractor has a long construction timeline, this could cost you more money than you had originally anticipated. (Think more meals out, time away from the home, more time your home is exposed to the elements, etc.)
• Yard maintenance: Another potential cost to keep in mind during a remodel is landscaping. If you have any valuable items in your yard you want to protect, be sure to point them out to your contractor. For example, you might have a rose plant that a family member gave you and blooms year after year. This is an important keepsake that we would want to know about to ensure its safety and beauty. Also, ask your contractor what will be done to help protect your lawn. At RIGGS, we will lay down plywood and tell you where it will be so you are aware. After the remodel is completed, we’ll also recommend that you consider getting your yard aerated to bring the lawn back to its original state.
• Seasonal Considerations: During certain times of year, like rainy and snowy seasons, splashes from puddles might get on the house. Ask you contractor if they plan to take care of this for you (many do not). After RIGGS has completed your remodel, we will power wash and clean any spills to make sure the house is in tip-top condition.
• Dumpsters: Something that we do that many other contractors might not, is put down Tyvek under the dumpsters to protect the asphalt or concrete. Depending on the length of the project, the dumpster could rust the concrete or make the asphalt sink, which would cost you more money. We of course want to avoid this and look to save you money!
• The Unforeseens: Even if we have the original blueprints for your house, we cannot guarantee how it was built in the past, especially when it comes to older homes in the Kirkwood and Webster Groves area. Sometimes the contractors had to improvise on the jobsite due to material avaialability or other challenges they ran across while construction was taking place. We might think a pipe is in a certain place, but once take down the wall, we see that it’s not where it was marked on the blueprint! This can be a bit of a setback, but don’t be alarmed. This is just one reason why hiring a professional is so important. We know how to manage things like this when they arise on a jobsite, and will promptly communicate the best solutions.

Don’t let these unforeseen circumstances scare you.  Knowing these items and circumstances, you can be better prepared and know what to expect leading up to the remodel project. And if you ever have a question or concern, be sure to speak up! A professional contractor is happy to answer any and all of your questions to ensure that you feel comfortable and are well-informed. Now you can enjoy the home remodeling experience!

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Anyone who knows us here at RIGGS knows that this is a family business.  Currently in our third generation, RIGGS has been around for many decades.  This is why it was no surprise that our very own Amie Riggs was asked to serve on the Table of Experts of Residential Real Estate for the St. Louis Business Journal. 

Also on the Table of Experts with Amie were Mike Arri from McBride & Son, Chris Smith from Neighbors Credit Union, Kimberly McKinney from Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis, Beth Schultz from Circa Properties Inc., and Trisha McConkey from Associated Bank.

Amie was able to share her knowledge and expertise on a number of different topics, including the current housing market, what characteristics buyers are looking for in new homes, the relationship between the client/lender/contractor, and advice on home remodels.

Amie even shares the advice she would give someone who doesn’t know whether to remodel their home or move.  “We at RIGGS are always open and honest with homeowners as they’re assessing what they want to do, helping them explore what the best options might be.”

Check out Amie in the full article here: http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/feature/table-of-experts/table-of-experts-residential-real-estate.html

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Here are a few of the top remodels we are asked to do after the holiday season.

Kitchen
Between the large family dinners, dozens of cookies and baked goods, you spent a lot of time in your kitchen this holiday season. We hear from many people that after the holidays they realized they needed more counter space, a large kitchen island or more storage. These are all things we are happy to help with! The kitchen is the heart of your home, so remodeling it to fit your needs is very important.

Family Room
Maybe after hosting a dinner party or a family gathering, you realized you would like to create a more open floor plan, perhaps connecting the kitchen and family room. An open floor plan is great for entertaining and makes having a conversation in the kitchen to someone in the family room MUCH easier. If you’re planning to continue hosting parties and entertaining guests, it might be time to make some updates to the family room.

Bathrooms
Having to wait in line for a turn using the bathroom is never fun. Adding a half bath or renovating one of your bathrooms might be just what you need. It’s even the perfect time to update the master suite bathroom to create a spa like retreat, a perfect escape for “me time” after hours spent with the family. Trust us, you deserve it.

Ready to update your space? Give us a call, we look forward to helping you shine in a newly remodeled home for the next holiday season!

The post Are The Holidays Making You Rethink Your Home? appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

Step One: Put together a budget
I know this doesn’t seem glamorous, fun or exciting, but  before you start pulling together a Pinterest board of unrealistic, outrageous remodel projects, pin point what you can afford. This will help give you an idea of what you can manage and will make the overall process much easier. You don’t want to fall in love with something that you can’t afford, that can be heartbreaking!

Step Two: NOW you can create that Pinterest board
Your budget is set, and you know what you can afford. Now you can begin planning your perfect project! Pull together inspirational floor plans, pictures, colors or furniture that gets you excited and inspired. Having these inspirational boards helps you feel motivated, and not like you’re starting with a blank slate.

Step Three: Compile your Dream Team
You don’t have to tackle this remodel on your own. Take the time to interview and hire a remodeling professional who is willing to stay within your budget, help you mold and imagine your dream home and execute in a timely and professional manner.

Step Four: Set a timeline
It’s almost impossible to exactly pinpoint how long a project will take. There will always be something that pops up or a product that doesn’t come in on time, but having an overall plan and suggested timeline will keep everyone on task, organized and prepared. This is another step that might not seem thrilling, but you will thank us in the end. If you don’t have a plan, or if you stray too far from it, then you might end up paying for it.

Step Five: Stay positive and look towards the light at the end of the tunnel
That sounds cheesy, but remodeling can be stressful and sometimes it might seem like the project will never come to an end. But picture yourself in your beautiful, perfectly designed home, happily hosting a party or making dinner in your state of the art kitchen with your family, and you’ll know that it was all worth it. And if you’re still stressed out, be sure to check out our blog on preventing stress during your remodel.

You’re not alone in this remodel process. Our design-build remodeling experts would love to sit down with you and help you create the home you’ve always wanted, and help ease some of the remodeling fear. Contact us today, we look forward to hearing from you!

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Close your eyes and picture your home in the middle of a remodel project. How does it look to you? Are you picturing a messy, unorganized disaster zone and you as a bundle of stress and anxiety? That does not have to be the case! Here are a few of our tips to prevent stress during a remodel.

Organize before the remodel
Depending on what type of remodel you’re having done, you might not be able to access certain parts of your home. It’s smart to organize and move items you will need prior to the start of the remodel. If you’re renovating your kitchen, move any items you’ll need daily out of your cabinets and have them easily accessible. When you’re hungry and ready to eat, you don’t want to spend time trying to find your forks! Keep all your items in one central location and you won’t drive yourself crazy searching.

Storage Unit
Depending on the size of your remodel, you might want to consider a small storage unit. Whenever an area of the house is being remodeled, items that previously lived there end up migrating and overflowing into other parts of the home. This can be frustrating and get in the way of your everyday life. Your family will feel more comfortable and less cramped if these items found a temporary new home in a storage unit. This way, the remainder of the house stays the same and the construction area is the only place that is changed.

Length of project
A major home remodeling project can be lengthy. Be realistic with yourself and your family and decide if you can handle the added stress of a remodel. If you feel like it may be too much you might choose to stay with family or a hotel. Even a few days here or there throughout the remodel might be enough to give you a mental break.

Timing of project
Many people prefer to plan their home remodel projects when the weather is nicer outside. This way you can spend more time outdoors with your friends and family rather than being confined in the house during a remodel. It’s also the perfect time for grilling if your kitchen is being renovated. Many people will schedule their family vacations during the project.

Remodeling projects are exciting, don’t let the process frustrate you! Being prepared and knowing what to expect will make the project go smoothly. Reducing your stress by being prepared and organized and keeping a positive attitude will go a long way.

photo credit: smiley face stress ball via photopin (license)

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You’ve decided to take that step and remodel your home. Congratulations! It can be a scary and overwhelming process, but that’s where your remodeling contractor comes in to help. Our goal is to help you create the home of your dreams with a pain free and enjoyable  experience. Knowing what to expect before you start the process will help ease your concerns. Here is our list of questions you should ask your remodeling contractor before starting your remodel.

What is the projected schedule?
Naturally you want to know the start and end date, but it’s much more than that. You’ll want to know the larger schedule that outlines the timing of different tasks and deadlines. This will help give you an idea of when different projects within the home will be completed and will help you determine if they are staying on schedule. You’ll also want to know the daily work schedule so you have an idea of when they will be in your home.

Do you have references we can contact?
Ask if you can contact them about their experience. And don’t forget to ask about the company’s BBB rating and safety record. These things will give you a deeper look into the company, as well as third party information about their work, practices, and customer satisfaction.

Who will be at my house?
It can be scary trusting people to take care of your home. Ask your contractor who will be at your house everyday and who will be responsible for opening and locking up as well as supervising the trade contractors. You’ll feel better about people being in your home if you know who they are and when they will be there.

How will you protect my belongings?
We understand you have valuables in your home. It’s normal to wonder how we plan to keep everything safe and clean. Ask your contractor their plans and what, if anything, you might need to do before the remodel begins.

Who will be my point of contact?
If you have any questions during the remodel, you’ll want to know that there is one person you can call who has all the answers. Your remodeling contractor should also know how you like to be contacted. For example, do you prefer an email if you’re at work or a text, or is it best to call your cell? Determining the best form of communication will help avoid frustration down the road.

What is the payment schedule?
This is a good thing to know up front. Each contractor is different, but you should never pay the entire amount up front.

Depending on the scope of your remodel, you might have additional questions that are more specific to your project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you’ll feel a sense of relief and trust that will make the process easier for everyone. And don’t worry, your contractor wants you to ask questions! Trust us, we love when our clients come to us with a list of questions, it means they are invested and involved in the project, which is what we want. If you were ready to remodel your home, what questions would you ask your contractor? We want to hear from you!

We STRESS communication.  Communicate, communicate, communicate!

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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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