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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One of the first questions people ask going into a remodel meeting is “how much will this cost me?” There is no simple formula to how much a remodel will cost, and every situation has its own set of variables and circumstances that affect the final price of a project.

As a home owner going into a remodel, here are some variables you might not have considered:

• The location of the remodel in your home- is it on the first floor or second floor, and how will the materials be transported? Is it easily accessible?
• Once a demolition project is started, sometimes setbacks occur such as discovering asbestos, mold, or other unexpected things. This would take additional time, money, and crew that would not be originally calculated into a price.
• Will there be a dedicate site supervisor who will be the go-to person for questions, or will that job be run from an office off site? You also have to consider if all the workers on the crew are insured and qualified.
• Will upgrades be necessary to add on during the process? This includes water, gas or electric.
• The quality of the finished product is a major factor into the cost. What materials have you chosen, high end or bargain? Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each, choosing a cheaper quality product might save you money in the short term, but might not last as long and cost you more to replace.

There are too many variables in a remodel project to truly judge how much the final project will cost. The best way to think about it is cost vs. value. There are many ways to cut corners and save cost, but the higher the quality of the products and service, the longer your remodel will hold its value.

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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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.

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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 less than one week, the RIGGS crew was able to dig/pour the foundation and complete the subfloor on a two-story 640 sq. ft. living space.

Upon completion of the foundation and subfloor, our crew began to frame out the addition.

When we frame out a space, we follow the following steps:

• Mark Your Walls: Using a chalk line, we mark the wall lines on the subfloor.

• Cut & Layout Wall Studs: This is the point in the process where the design really starts to come to life.

• Build Walls: Once the wall frames are complete, we lift the walls up and connect them to the neighboring wall.

Do you notice how there is a slight overhang on the left side of the structure? This will help us join both the new addition and the garage, creating an attached garage. The cantilever carries the support and allows for us to forego the use of external bracing for the new roof structure.

Looking pretty good, wouldn’t you say? And to think we were able to dismantle the deck, dig/pour the foundation, install the subfloor, put up the frame, roof and siding in only one month! We couldn’t be more thrilled with the progress we have made in such a short period of time.

In chapter three of Adding a New Space to a Kirkwood Home, we will begin to highlight our favorite part of the remodeling process: the design phase!

Thinking about adding a new addition to your home? RIGGS Company & Design can 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.

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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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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!

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Recently, we finished a mudroom and porch for a Kirkwood homeowner. Because the driveway is on the side of the house, visitors would always have to enter through the garage. This would require the family to leave their garage door open when they were home.

To rectify this issue, we created a side entrance to the home. The new entry comes equipped with a front porch and a mudroom with built-in beach seats and coat hooks.

As you can see below, the new entry blends perfectly with the aesthetics of the home. This will not only result in a more welcoming experience for visitors, but it should also help make the home more energy efficient.

Additionally, this marks our 6th completed project for this homeowner. Over the last 54 years, RIGGS has developed a very loyal client base, completing multiple projects for several families, further establishing RIGGS as St. Louis’ most trusted home remodeler.

To view some of the other projects we have completed for this homeowner, please head on over to our photo gallery.

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.

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Subway tile, a once standard feature in both kitchens and bathrooms, is making a major comeback in 2013. Known for its classic elegance, subway title can integrate seamlessly into virtually any kitchen or bathroom, making it a perfect choice for your next remodeling project. While the “look” is admired by many, its upkeep isn’t revered by everyone.

One of our great vendors, Swanstone, has developed a faux subway tile, which is available in 36″ x 96″ panels. This low maintenance alternative is a great option for homeowners who dislike the flat look of standard panels, but don’t want to deal with grouting and cleaning tile.

When we say “low maintenance”—we aren’t kidding! Aside from ZERO grouting, sealing and caulking, it is also resistant to stains, preserving the new look of your space for years to come.

The tile can be used in a variety of ways too. While it is most commonly utilized in showers and bath tubs it also makes for a great backsplash.

If you are interested in adding subway tile to your kitchen or bathroom, RIGGS can 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.

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#1 Landing Station – When the kiddos come home from a busy day at school, their first instinct is to dump all of their belongings at the door. We suggest creating a “landing station” at the door where kids can hang coats, book bags, or whatever they come in with. This can be as simple as color coded bins, or a built-in center with custom cabinetry and shelving. RIGGS can help you design something that will work for your family!

#2 Homework Station – Creating a designated area for school work to take place will help your child learn and grow. A homework station will give your child a comfortable place to study, work on the computer and organize their school work. Consider transforming an unused room in your home to accommodate built-in desks, cabinetry, and cubby holes, or dedicate a spot in a kitchen or family room.

#3 Playtime – Don’t forget—kids have to play too! Design your family room to accommodate gaming systems and home entertainment components. Plan the space, furniture layout, and choose storage pieces to house TV’s, movies and games.

And remember: kids will be kids! That means things get broken, holes get poked in walls—there’s always a repair to be done. Don’t worry though! We handle repairs and maintenance too!

Not sure how to make this all work? We can walk you through the process, or even remodel the space if you’re ready for a new look. 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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