This year the more popular home renovations tend to be smaller in scale – where function trumps flash.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010 cost vs. value report, the smaller tweaks and midrange interior and exterior projects are yielding the biggest bang for the buck. In other words the more moderate home improvement projects prove to be the most cost effective.

So if you’re thinking of selling your home now or in the near future, consider these top 5 home remodeling projects to help turn your current house into someone else’s home.

1.  CURB APPEAL
First impressions are everything and you don’t have to be a real estate agent to know that. If your house is unappealing from the outside those potential buyers may never make it through the front door.  A great first impression could add a good 10% to the value of your home.

• Define a clear pathway.
• Upgrade your front door.
• Update old windows with energy efficient products.
• Replace your siding, as it tends to be the least costly upgrade.
• Add a porch or deck. (any extension to the outdoors)
• Add Architectural Details such as trims, shutters and moldings.
• Add a new fence, trellis or gate.
• Landscaping.
• Roofing – replace or repair shingles if damaged.
• Exterior Lighting.
• Fresh Paint.

2.  MINOR or MAJOR KITCHEN REMODEL
Just to give you an idea how important kitchens are to a home’s value – Here in the US we spend almost $200 billion a year on home renovation projects and $15 billion of that are spent on kitchen renovations. If your kitchen’s layout works perfectly well, just making some simple updates will appeal to the perfect buyer.

Either way when you go to sell your house – keep in mind that you’re essentially selling your kitchen and the emotions attached!

• Upgrade the appliances to stainless, as it has become the new standard finish in kitchen appliances.
• Countertops and Sinks.  Consider Quartz surfaces, which are available in a multitude of colors, and finishes for its wonderful properties.  They are highly durable, non porous and easily maintained.
• Kitchen sinks are available in all shapes and sizes to compliment and fit within your kitchen – from under mount, top mount and integral seamless sinks.
• Cabinets and Hardware: repaint, re-stain or reface all door and drawer fronts if the layout still works – otherwise plan for new and improved cabinetry.
• Replace and update old flooring with vinyl, ceramic, hardwood, concrete or stone.

3.  MINOR BATH REMODEL
Just simple upgrading of sinks faucets and fixtures will add value, style and sophistication.

• If your master bath has one sink only and you have a 6’long space, add two new under mount sinks.
• New countertops and cabinetry really set the stage for the space and are critical elements in creating a beautiful spa like environment. Consider certain marbles, soapstone, bluestone or limestone to create a sense of luxury.
• Furniture-like cabinetry in deep warm woods evokes richness.
• Flooring such as ceramic, stone, concrete and woods.
• Frameless glass shower enclosures undoubtedly add to a spa-like atmosphere.

4.  CONVERTING UNFINISHED ATTICS INTO BEDROOMS

• Increasing the amount of livable space is still very important to homeowners and potential buyers – and repurposing existing space is the most cost effective way to achieve that.  It’s much more cost effective than adding on, as well as being the green thing to do.
• If you have the attic space you could develop a 15’ x15’ bedroom c/w a 5×7 bath and shower.   Or utilize that finished attic space as a home office/guest suite.  Allocate this new square footage to appeal to you as well as the buyer.

5. DEVELOPING BASEMENTS INTO AN ADDED LIVING SPACE.

• Developing the basement into a finished and livable entertainment space.
• Create an added bedroom and bath, office, laundry or game room.
• Provide ample built-in storage, playroom and finished bedroom.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Whether you’re painting the interior of your home yourself or hiring a professional to help, estimating how much paint to buy in advance will save you valuable time and money.  It’s an easy process involving 3^rd grade math skills – which I’m sure many of you have brushed up on over the years while helping your kids with their homework.

To find out how much paint you’ll need for your specific room, you first need to determine the overall square footage of the area you intend to paint – which can include everything from walls – ceilings – windows – doors and trims.

Paint Tips To Consider

• Typically a gallon of paint will cover a surface area of 350 – 400 square feet. (Check the manufacturer’s recommendation on the label)
• A standard size door occupies 20 square feet of space.
• A single average sized window typically occupies approx.15 square feet and an average of 7.5 square feet of paint to cover the trims and sashes.
• New drywall and unfinished materials will require a primer and at least one finished coat– as un-prepared surfaces are porous and will absorb most of the first coat.
• To ensure a quality job always specify a primer plus two coats.
• When painting over a dark color factor in two coats of paint.
• Buy more paint than you think you’ll need.  It will help with dye lot consistency and leave you with extra material for those invariable touch ups.

How To Measure

• Measure the length of all walls you intend to paint (from end to end) and multiply them by their overall height (from floor to ceiling) to determine the wall’s square footage.
• Subtract the square footage of any doors and windows in the space from the room total.
• Now that you’ve determined the paint-able wall surfaces, divide that wall area by 400 (the square foot coverage from each gallon) to determine the number of gallons you’ll need to paint your walls.
• Remember to double the amount for two coats.
• Do the same exercise for the ceiling (tip: your floor area is the same measurement as your ceiling area).
• Measure the length of all trims, baseboards, coves and moldings in linear feet – and multiply it by .5 for a safe (6”) measurement of coverage. (Paint goes a long way here).

Now you just need to decide what finish, brand and color to buy.

Paint Finishes

Flat Finish.

• Absorbs light and is very forgiving in hiding small wall imperfections.
• Suitable for low traffic interior spaces.
• Poor choice in kitchens, baths playrooms and children’s bedrooms as it doesn’t wipe down well.

Eggshell Finish.

• Similar to matt with a slight sheen as it dries.
• Great choice for interiors and washes down much better than flat.
• Can show slight imperfections in the walls.
• A better option for kids rooms.

Satin Finish.

• Has a smooth shine and is very bright and reflective.
• Wonderful in contemporary homes with perfect wall construction.
• Shows every imperfection.
• Works well for trims, baseboards and moldings.

Semi-Gloss Finish.

• Quite glossy and are used mostly in kitchens, baths since they cleans very easily.
• The higher the sheen the more wipe-able and durable the material.
• Typically used on all trims, doors, baseboards and moldings.

Glossy Finish.

• Used in high contemporary interiors and on modern cabinetry and furniture.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Brown Residence, Week 17
With everyone’s hectic lifestyle, the bathroom is the one place to escape from it all to retreat and relax. Whether you’re renovating a main floor  powder room, the kids’ Jack and Jill , or your master en-suite, you want to make sure it looks great and functions well.

When space planning – locate at least one guest bath or powder room that’s easily accessible from the kitchen and family room area of your home.  The master bath should be large enough to fit an oversized tub, generously sized shower and double vanity sinks.

If you’re adding a new bathroom, it’s more cost effective to locate it near existing plumbing lines from neighboring spaces or by sharing a common stacked plumbing wall from above or below

Research magazines, search online, and visit bathroom supply showrooms for inspiration.  Make a list of some of your fantasy bath items and combine your dreams with practicality.

Baths are among the costliest rooms in your home to renovate. That’s why it’s important to realize it’s less about trends and more about style. Select your fixtures, materials, fittings and colors carefully – and make sure each material you select evokes a sense of peace and calm from within.

Basic Bathroom Measurements

Minimum size: 5’ X 7’ (35 s.f.)+
Recommended: 6’ X 9’ (54 s.f.) + with two sinks
Powder room with toilet and sink: 3’ X 6’ (18 s.f.) or 4’ X 5’ (20 s.f.)+
Small bathroom with corner shower, toilet, and sink: 6’ X 6’ (36 s.f.)+
Full bathroom with tub & shower combo, toilet, and sink: 5’ X 8’+(40 s.f.)+

Master bathroom: 10’ X 14’ (140 s.f)+
Standard size bath tub:  30” X 60”
Shower stall: 36” X 36” (bare minimum)+
Space in front of a toilet or bidet: 24”
Length of double sinks vanity counter: 72”+
Height of vanity: 34.5” – 36”
Space to separate a light switch from any water source: 60”
Standard height for toilet paper holders: 26” off the floor
Standard elongated toilet bowl: 14” X 18.5”

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Brown Residence, Week 17
If you want to start your renovation off on the right foot and set the tone for the next several months or more, then consider a few of these sure-fire ways to win over your design team – and make your renovation experience a great one.

1.   Be Prepared

• Do your homework.
• Know the scope of your renovation project, large or small.
• Show up prepared for meetings so you don’t waste valuable time; we all know that time = money.
• Have an agenda to follow for each design meeting, site meeting, or shopping day, and check off each item as you accomplish it.

2.  Be Focused

• Keep yourself focused during meetings and stay on the issues at hand.
• Move the meeting along at a steady pace without revisiting the same issue more than twice.
• Go through the agenda and check off each item.
• Turn your cell phone to vibrate during meetings, and if at all possible, don’t answer it!

3.  Be Decisive

• Do your best to put the appropriate amount of time into the decision-making process. The more research you do in advance, the more confident you’ll feel about the choices you make.
• Don’t second-guess yourself. Confidence is the key. If you’ve taken the time to assess your needs at the start, stick with them.
• Trust the guidance that your architect or designer provides you with. After all, you hired them for their expertise.

4.  Be Diligent

• Take the best notes possible at each meeting and document the final decision made, or it will get lost in translation.
• When you get home from a meeting, email everyone who attended that particular meeting and summarize what was discussed avoiding any confusion later.

5.  Be Resilient

• When unanticipated situations arise and unexpected site conditions dictate a slight deviation from the original plan, detail, or concept, just go with it!
• When it comes to renovations and construction, unforeseen problems will arise. Be flexible!
• Make certain you let the design professionals, contractors, and sub trades do their jobs. Don’t micro-manage!

6.   Be Punctual

• If for any reason you’re running late or need to reschedule a meeting, give everyone ample notice when possible.
• Keep in mind that your job isn’t the only project your design professional or contractor is working on. Extend them the same courtesy.

7.   Be Courteous

• Make sure you inform your design team of all change orders along the way.
• If you and your contractor make any changes without your designer or architect present, email them to keep them informed.
• Keeping everyone on the same page will save on future frustration without insulting anyone.

8.   Be Complimentary

• If at any time you’re over the moon thrilled with something, don’t be shy—let the people know!
• Share your feelings be generous with compliments. Your designer or architect and contractor will feel fantastic knowing that they’re pleasing you, and they ultimately will work that much harder to keep you happy.

9.   Be a Host

• Show your appreciation to your design dream team with a little housewarming get together for them. Invite a few close friends to introduce them to your team and show off your home and their work.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.