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.

The post Long Distance Home Remodel in Kirkwood a Hit appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

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.

To help make the selection process a little less overwhelming, we have compiled a list of some of the hottest remodeling trends for 2013:

·        Cabinetry – The two main trends we are seeing right now in the cabinetry realm are white, which is always in style, and a dark espresso finish. The best thing about both styles is that they, well, don’t really every go out of style.

·        Countertops – While marble countertops tend to always be in style, many homeowners are opting to go with a more maintenance friendly alternative such as quartz. They look just like marble, but don’t require the same level of maintenance.

·        Showerhead – Be honest: who doesn’t sing in the shower? Well, our good friends at KOHLER are taking the shower singing experience to a whole new level with their latest creation: the Moxie. This showerhead comes with a built-in wireless speaker and Bluetooth technology, allowing you to play all of your favorite tunes from your Smartphone device.

Want to know more? Amie Riggs Swarts, Vice President of RIGGS Company & Design, was recently on Great Day St. Louis where she explored not only these items, but much more!

Looking to spruce up your current abode?  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 online 24/7 at www.riggscompanystl.com

The post 2013 St. Louis Home Remodeling Trends appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

Take the kitchen for example. There are a whole slew of things you can do, without major renovation, which can dramatically impact the look of your kitchen.

#1 Let there be light:  Quite often, a smaller kitchen will have very little—if any—natural light. If there isn’t a window in your kitchen, we suggest installing hanging light fixtures in an effort to create some genuine atmosphere throughout the space.

#2 Sharp colors: We are NOT suggesting that you go around and paint every corner of the space white. While white has been known to make areas feel larger, it doesn’t always work for every space.  It truly does come down to the size of your kitchen.  Your ultimate goal should be finding colors that match the mood. There really isn’t a right or wrong answer. Simply start with a sharp color palette and go from there.

#3 Appliance size: Instead of buying a Keurig (yes, we realize how cool they are) maybe invest in a compact coffee maker. Remember: the more clutter in your kitchen, the smaller the space is going to feel. By purchasing more compact appliances, it will reduce clutter and increase your countertop space.

#4 Do you: At the end of the day, it is really all about how the space makes you feel. If a certain darker color gives off a spacious feel in your eyes don’t be afraid to pull the roller. When it comes to the rules of design… there are no rules! What one considers beautiful might be hideous to another. All that matters is that you are happy with the finished product.

Looking to update your kitchen? 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 Kitchen Design Ideas for Small Spaces appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

Over the last two and a half years that has all changed.  Our clients still want to improve the quality of their home life because they spend more time there than ever.  But in today’s market, many have scaled back their dreams to match their tightening budget.  Not only is money harder to borrow, their investment in their home is worth less now than before the depression of 2008.  Overall, this “correction” is a good thing.  People are beginning to realize they have to live within their means and debt and overspending has once again become a bad thing, not a status symbol.

So, to survive and prosper in this market, remodeling companies have had to change their business model and so do the people that work for these companies. We were geared for much larger projects than a single bath or kitchen “remove & replace” and our carpenters and laborers were categorized into skill sets that rarely crossed paths.  We had our common laborers that cleaned and hauled and dug; our demolition experts, heavy framing carpenters, a few specialized carpenters that were very efficient on smaller jobs and our highly skilled trim crew who did all the finely detailed finish work.  We also had trade contractors that were set up to go to a job and stay for a few days, not go in and wire a bath fan or hook up one sink.  With that type of a crew, small baths and kitchens alone meant too much traveling and moving men and trade contractors to be competitive.

With the change in our business model to a much more streamlined and self sustaining staff and crew came a change in employees at RIGGS Company & Design.  We lost some very fine union craftsmen who couldn’t or didn’t want to change what they did.  But we also retained and hired both staff and crew who understood that the “old ways” were a thing of the past and adaptation was the key to surviving.  Now our very finest trim carpenters will go into a bath or kitchen and are willing (and happy) to disconnect the plumbing, kill the electric, demolish the finishes down to bare studs and do the framing needed to install the new finishes.  We still bring in licensed electricians and plumbers to do their work, but our crew will hang the drywall, set the tile and a number of other tasks that we used to sub out.  When the kitchen or bath is all ready for the fine trim work, that same carpenter will be there to do that work as well.  What sets us apart from other remodeling companies is that we didn’t form a crew of people that were a jack of all trades, master of none, but rather took our masters of our signature fine finish work and they adapted and learned the skills to do the other types of work.

This has been especially good for our clients because one person is on the job from start to finish.  There is very little transition from one “expert” to another and the comfort level for our clients is extremely high.

In 2010 our Kirkwood, MO based firm will complete roughly twenty five stand alone kitchen and bath projects whereas four years ago we completed six.  What was once considered too small and burdensome for our methodology has now become the mainstay of our business.  We still use our crew system on the larger projects that we do now but those projects aren’t as frequent as they once were.  One day, our clients will decide that the value of a large project is worth the investment and we still have the systems in place to handle that work.  You hear everyone saying that those companies that survive this depression will be stronger and better than before and that’s true.  RIGGS Company is because we now have systems in place to do projects that range from a bathroom “dress up” or a minor repair to a million dollar whole house renovation.

The post Kitchens and Bathrooms are the Mainstay of the Remodeling World appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

A number of our clients in the St. Louis area are doing kitchens and baths due to cost verses value, for resale.  It’s not that our clients are planning to sell their houses any time in the near future, but everyone is looking at short term investments due to the instability of today’s economic atmosphere.  What if, like so many others they know, they lose their job or are laid off until times are “better”?  What if they have to sell their house?  What is the best investment they can make in their house that will recoup the largest return if they would have to sell?  The answer – kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchen and bath remodeling are at the top of that list for a few reasons.  First,  most people would prefer to spend their money where they spend the most time – and that’s in their kitchen.  Second, kitchens and bathrooms tend to become old and outdated rather quickly (in a bathroom, think of the moist environment and harsh chemicals such as hair spray and cleansers that are frequently in use).  Also, technology tends to change and become more accessible to greater numbers of people, making the desire for things like modern appliances, durable countertops, green products, and custom cabinetry more common and attainable.  Finally, when it comes to resale, the best bang for your buck tends to be in kitchens and baths.  If you’ve got an old, outdated space,  buyers take notice – and not in a good way.

RIGGS Company & Design has been fortunate that many of our past clients – and a large number of new clients – have decided to go ahead with their kitchen and bath projects as a big part of their quest to remake their existing house into the home of their dreams.  We have done a higher percentage of kitchen and bath projects in the last two years than any time in our 50 year history.  As we move out of this recession and the economy stabilizes, I’m sure we will see a resurgence of additions, master suites and pop-ups because families grow and need more space.  But for now, kitchens and baths are king.  So for those considering remodeling one or the other; or both, it’s a wise investment.

The post Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Still Hot in St. Louis appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.