An important factor in the home buying processes, especially when you have a family, is the school district where you would be living. The Daily Beast recently shared an article of the 25 Best High Schools in the Midwest, and Kirkwood High School was named number 13 on the list! They have a 100% graduation rate with 93% of students’ college bound. In lieu of moving, now is the perfect time to renovate your Kirkwood home!

We’ve been a proud part of Kirkwood since 1959 and this is a great honor for our community! We are excited to see our city receive this well deserved recognition.

Kirkwood is known for their historic buildings and houses, giving the community a beautiful, old school charm. As stunning as they historic homes may be, many of them are ready for some upgrades. Love your neighborhood and not looking to move? Renovating your home is a great option!

Kirkwood is a great location to raise a family with the close knit feel, great schooling and local community events. This year is the 54^th annual Greentree Festival, located at Kirkwood Park. The mission of the Greentree Festival is to provide an event for the Kirkwood residents that will enhance community spirits and showcase the volunteer involvement of the residents and non-profit organizations. Who wouldn’t want to live in such an entertaining and community involved city?

Looking to start a remodel project of your own? 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 24/7 at www.riggscompanystl.com.

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Recently, we began a room addition project for a home in Kirkwood, Missouri. The homeowner’s are getting ready to welcome a new addition to family, making the need for extra living space all the more important.

After surveying the property, we decided to build the room addition off the back of the home where a deck resided. Once the deck was completely dismantled, it was time to break ground on the future 640 sq. ft. living space.

Removing the existing deck to make way for new foundation.

Due to the 7 ft. space between the garage and the home, we had to bring the bobcat around the opposite side of the home. This actually worked to our advantage, allowing for easy access to the foundation of the new structure.

Digging the foundation for the new addition.

Because our crew works in both a timely and efficient manner, we were able to dig and pour the foundation in less than 5 days, keeping the project ahead of schedule.

New foundation is now complete.

Now that the foundation is complete, it is time to move on to phase 2: the subfloor. Before the subfloor can be constructed, we must first lay a bed of graded rock to help create a uniform surface.

As you can see below, we now have the foundation and subfloor in place. In our next blog entry, we will explore the process of building the walls and—our personal favorite—the cantilever. Stay tuned!

The RIGGS crew installing the subfloor.

If you are looking to expand your current living space, give RIGGS a call today! 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.

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I don’t like to gloat—okay maybe sometimes—but I am really great at my job. There is one thing though that I always forget when dealing with clients: people have lives. Trying to juggle family life, a job and a home remodel all at the same time is no easy task. Knowing this now will make me even better at my job going forward.

Day 6

It was workday and I decided to stop by to check in with my crew. The demolition and basement framing were coming along nicely.  After conversing with my crew for a bit, I decided to sneak up to the second floor to take a look at my closet painting job in the morning light.  Remember when I went to go get “cheaper” paint?  Well, it’s dry and it looks like it was painted by my 4 year-old.  I look at the other closet.  It actually looks better… like my 8 year old nephew painted it. So, after standing there inspecting my work I realize, it’s not me, it’s the paint. 

This is exactly why I tell my clients we only use the highest quality paints and primers.  So, what should have been a prime and maybe a two coat job, I’ll have to add a third coat. Oh, but the other thing I forgot to mention was that my brother stopped by yesterday and called asking why I painted my husband’s closet.  I promptly raised my voice and said, “Because you told me to start painting so we would stay on schedule!” He replied (calmly) with, “Yes, but not the closet we have to demo the back wall out to run the new basement bath vent stack through.”  I drew the plans for my own house.  I knew that wall was being torn out. Did I forget or overlook that because I was in the zone?

Or am I just human, have a full-time job, am a mother of two, living with my parents, packed all of my husband’s coats in storage so I hear about it every other day that it’s cold, trying to make all the final selections for three bathrooms and a kitchen, cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, light fixtures, appliances, bath accessories, paint colors, flooring and tile, do we have enough money to do this, do we have enough money to do that?  Wow… what a sentence!

Every time I remodel my home(s) it’s been a different experience.  My life has different variables. I’m single/I’m married.  No kids/kids.  Have to move out/life with parents. Live with parents with kids/live with them without.  I am my worst client.  My job is to coach my clients through these very decisions and scenarios.  And I’m really great at my job.  But I suck at it for myself.

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Hmm… what project could quickly upgrade your home all while affording you the opportunity to entertain friends and neighbors? We got it! Most homes in Kirkwood are already equipped with a quaint, yet formidable outdoor area; however, they lack the modern day amenities that are necessary when entertaining.  Let’s spruce up your outdoor living and entertainment space!

First, let’s start with every guy’s favorite spot: the grilling area. Outdoor grilling has been a part of the American way since the 1950s, and it still continues to increase in popularity today. In fact, it has been proven that adding a grilling area will do more than simply provide a space to entertain guests, but increase the overall value of your home.

Once the grilling area is complete, it is time to decide if you want a simple patio or a deck. If your space can adequately accommodate a deck, we suggest opting for the deck over the patio. Why, you ask? Well, for one, they will allow you to entertain large groups of people throughout the year. Also, a wooden deck is relatively low maintenance and will enhance the overall exterior look of your home.

If you would like to know more about remodeling your Kirkwood home, think RIGGS Company & Design! We offer superior design, planning and renovation solutions that are second to none. Drop us a line or visit us on line 24/7 at www.riggscompanystl.com

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