When it comes to renovating your home for re-sale there are a few major renovations that top the list.

1.  Major Kitchen Remodels. (ROI 75-85%)

The function of the kitchen has evolved over the years and now more than ever the kitchen must meet those needs.

• Buyers want to envision themselves in a gorgeous newly renovated kitchen where they can actually see themselves – preparing meals for their friends and family –where the kids nestle into a cozy banquette doing their homework, or their guests mingling around that gorgeous island.  Buyers want to see this in their minds eye and know that it’s attainable.
• A major kitchen remodel may need to include a new floor plan to improve on a poorly designed work triangle.
• If the kitchen is completely dated, isolated and compartmentalized with an inefficient floor plan and layout – don’t think that replacing the cabinets and appliances will camouflage the problem.  It won’t!
• If at all possible add an island into those plans. Everyone loves them!
• Replacing all cabinetry, appliances, lighting, flooring, finishes and fixtures and new French doors and windows will grab the buyers’ attention.
• Since kitchens and baths are the costliest rooms to renovate, the buyer will be thrilled that the work is already done for them.

2.  Family Room Additions. (75% ROI)

The family room is the second most popular space in the home after the kitchen.

• Adding 400 sq. ft. of bright and cheery living space (if your neighborhood will bare it), will definitely improve the value of the home.
• Increase the overall height of your space and introduce a vaulted ceiling.  Creating a sense of volume instantly makes a room feel more spacious.
• Consider the details and add beautiful French doors, floor to ceiling windows or even skylights to flood this new space with light and maximizes a view.  Take it one step further and add the deck.

3.  Deck Addition. (72-95% ROI)

Deck additions are quite possibly the best investments these days. They naturally transition the interior to the exterior – instantly expanding your living space.

And who doesn’t love that?

• It’s a vacation-at-home experience, as it expands your living space and extends the summer season – forcing you to live more outdoors before the winter season sets in.
• Its design can be as simple or elaborate as the home it’s attached to.
• Multi-leveled or single, built in seating or casual seating areas, hot tubs, and outdoor kitchens – all of which add to the vacation home atmosphere.
• Decks are more popular than pools and relatively easy to build.
• Design the deck to compliment the character of your home’s exterior architecture.  Give it some thought in planning – it should be proportionate to the size of your yard.
• Incorporate energy efficient solar or led lighting.

4.  Main Floor Master Bedroom Addition (73% ROI)

Adding a 400 sq.ft. master bedroom suite and spa-like bath provides a private retreat and appeals to many home buyers.

• Access to main floor is gaining in popularity.
• Empty nesters and others, who no longer want to tackle stairs, prefer to have the master bedroom and bath retreat on the main floor level of the home.
• Immediate access to a gorgeous deck or patio outdoors also adds to the return.

5.  Two-Story Addition (77% ROI)

• A two-story addition of 800 square feet could include a new main floor family room and an upper level master suite complete with a full bath.
• Or utilizing that extra space and designating it, as the home office, is very appealing to home- buyers.
• Homeowners are spending more time working from home and with the homepreneur trend growing, buyers are attracted to the extra space dedicated solely to operating their home based business.

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.

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.

If you want to spend your money wisely and make your renovation dollars work the best for you – having a home renovation strategy could potentially save you thousands.

When determining how much to spend on your home improvement projects, it requires some research on your part, as there are a few variables that come into play here.

Know Your Neighborhood

• Setting a realistic budget is very important when renovating your home whether you plan on living there for years or if you’re planning to sell.
• Research your area and learn what your neighborhood standard will tolerate.
• This will help you set a realistic budget for your projects and then you can make an informed decision as to where your renovation dollars will be best served.
• A good rule of thumb in determining how much you should spend on renovating your home is to base it on a percentage of your home’s value.

Learn The Value of Your Own Home

• You could hire a realtor or appraiser to assess your property and provide you with a current appraisal and how your home relates to the comps in your neighborhood.
• There is also a great online source www.zillow.com where you enter your address and compare your home with others in your neighborhood on an interactive map.
• It shows you the range of the property values in your community.  Once you have an idea of your home’s current value you could then start budgeting and planning for your remodeling projects.
• If you’re renovating your home and plan to stay for 10 years then typically a range of 20%-30% of your home’s value is an acceptable amount to invest.
• If you’re remodeling it to sell – then a more conservative number to invest might be15% – 20% of your home’s value.  Again, it depends on what your neighborhood can bare – and whether you live in a more modest, middle class or affluent community.

For example – If your home is valued at 350, 000 and your plans are to gut your kitchen space (without any structural changes) by replacing all cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, flooring, countertops and supplementing electrical – and your plans are to move in a couple of years then I’d suggest keeping the cost of the project within 20%. (So spending 70K would be a reasonable investment) And typically a kitchen remodel will have a return on investment of anywhere from 75%-100%.

The Cost vs. Value Report

To really take a peak into the renovation market I highly recommend checking out:

• Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report is a fabulous resource where homeowners can compare national and regional averages for about 33 home remodeling and renovation projects in about 80 cities.
• It provides you with a description of the average projects in your area of the country – which allows you to gage where your project falls within your area – and what kind of ROI you could expect. www.costvsvalue.com.   Click on 2009/10 cost vs. value report and zero in on your corner of the country.  It will list the renovation trends of both mid-range and upscale projects.

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.

Brown Residence, Week 15

Whether you’re planning to renovate your two-story home, adding on a second floor or just revamping your main floor entrance/foyer, your staircase becomes the focal point and a main architectural feature of the space it occupies.

While planning the Brown’s renovation and addition, it becomes clear that the run, shape, style and details of the staircase, is incredibly important to the overall style of their home.  While access to the second floor’s master suite is not accessible from the main entry – but off the children’s lounge – it  will act as a focal point, invite us up to the master suite and highlight the space it occupies. The main objective here is to incorporate Liz’s storage needs beneath the stairs, and customize the design to reflect the true style of their home.

Before you begin styling your stairs you first need to determine the run or stair type that best fits into your floor plan.  And ask yourself – how much space you have to work with?

Typically there are 5 Stair Types to consider when planning or renovating your home.

Which type fits your home best?

1.  Straight Run Stair:

Straight run stairs are typically used in new home construction where space is at a premium and budget a consideration.  There are no turns or landings on this stair type as the name implies.

2.  L-Shaped Stair:

The L-shaped stair has a 90-degree turn at the landing.  Depending on the space you’re working with, this shape could use long or short legs, and occupies about the same amount of space as a curved staircase.  A variation of this type is the L-Shape with winders which when short on space takes the typical landing area and adds angled treads to ascend in a shorter run.  (Make sure these winders comply with local building codes).

3.   U-Shaped Stair:

Either a wide or narrow U-Shape can be designed for your space.  As the stairs ascend, they switch back from the landing headed in the direction of the run below.  This stair design is quite useful in tighter floor plans and can be stacked for multi-level structures.

4.  Spiral Stair:

Everyone loves a spiral staircase – and at its best – it occupies a minimal amount of space.  The treads radiate out from a center pole, with a curving center support and are often used as a secondary stair in a family home. If you’re space is limited, position the spiral in the corner of your room and reserve it for low-traffic areas.  Since each tread is tapered, it makes climbing a bit tricky.

5.  Curved stair:

The curved stair or winder can be contoured in multiple shapes, and ascends in a broader curve from level to level.  It typically has a more open center diameter than the spiral stair. Therefore the treads are more generously dimensioned and proportioned qualifying it to serve as your home’s main staircase.  This type of design is spectacular free standing on its own – or nestled in to a curved wall.

These are just a few of basics.  Keep in mind that each and every one of these 5 stair types can be customized and modified to fit right into your home’s personality.

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.

PLAN AHEAD

• Avoid the guesswork down the road.
• Use your time wisely, don’t panic or race against the clock.
• Educate yourself- be methodical, truthful.
• Assess your needs and evaluate the overall scope of your project – what do you need, what do you want?
• Zero in on your wish list and need list.
• Figuring it out as you go = costly mistakes later.
• Determine your goal and nail down the scope of your project.
• Ask yourself a litany of questions.
• Gather your ideas – Educate yourself on materials, finishes and appliances available – source styles and

KEEP WITHIN YOUR EXITING FOOTPRINT

• Reconfigure or repurpose existing space unless you’re just busting at the seams, then by all means add on.
• Borrow space from neighboring rooms, closets, hallways.
• Try to work around load bearing walls-don’t remove them
• Consider a bump out or cantilevered window bench in the kitchen, thereby avoiding the need of a full foundation
• In kitchens and baths if your original footprint continues to meet your family’s needs, then keep all plumbing and electrical in the same location.
• Supplement electrical rather than move it by adding outlets along the backsplash and sides of the island.
• If your kitchen’s work triangle functions well then keep the original locations of the appliances, fixtures and utilities. Moving plumbing can double the cost.

STICK WITH THE STANDARDS

• When shopping and specifying doors and windows, stick with standard sizes. Stay away from custom. There are an endless selection of standardized products that could you could save double.
• Select standard cabinet door styles and finishes without getting too fancy. Don’t include any bells and whistles in the interiors of cabinets if you don’t need to. (FYI drawers are costlier than doors so if it works, use fewer drawer fronts).
• Kitchen appliances: There are more cost effective stainless steel appliances available now, competing with the higher end competitors – or you can always consider some sleek black and white appliances.
• Bathroom fixtures: Choose white or almond. They’re typically less costly and look fresh and cleaner longer.
• Faucets and fittings: The most reasonably priced faucets are shiny chrome. A high- end chrome faucet costs much less than a satin nickel version.

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

Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer home renovation project. Take the next several months to analyze, research and evaluate your current home to find out what you really want and need. This will eliminate costly mistakes and wasted time down the road. Whether it’s that gourmet kitchen you’ve been dreaming about, the outdated master bathroom you’ve been putting off, or the new bedroom addition you desperately need, winter is for planning and spring is for building.

Following this five-step approach will take the stress and anxiety out of the home renovation process, at the same time saving you valuable time and money.

1. Dream It! Assess Your Situation: Taking a realistic look at your current situation will make all the difference between a good home renovation project and a great one! What problems need to be solved? Walk through your home room by room and take great notes along the way. Inspiration File: Educate yourself on the materials, finishes and appliances that are available to you. Check out the design magazines and the plethora of home design shows to gather ideas that inspire you in some way. You’ll see a pattern beginning to emerge. Wish List: Creating your wish list will influence the overall concept and design that you ultimately want your home to reflect. Gathering all of this information will help you determine the overall scope of your project.
2. Plan It! Budget and Financing: If you plan on staying in your home for ten years or more, then budget what you can to create the home of your dreams. Be realistic, as your lenders will let you know exactly how much you’re qualified to borrow. Professionals: Hiring the right design professionals will definitely save you valuable time and money, and eliminate any planning mistakes down the road. Pre-planning is undoubtedly the biggest money saver! The Contract: Once you’ve committed to a licensed contractor review the bid and contract line by line and make sure that the scope of your project is documented throughout. If you’re unclear on a item, ask for clarification.
3. Design It! Floor Plan: Designing the floor plan is where you begin to see your dream take shape. Try to visualize this space three dimensionally. Details: Whatever your style, focusing on the details will set your space apart from the rest and will provide you with a true reflection of your personality. Shopping: Selecting the perfect materials, finishes, appliances and fixtures is what will infuse the detail and character into your project. Take your plans, samples and photos with you on every single shopping trip. You never know what you’ll find.
4. Do It! Demolition: This is chaos at its best. If you want to release some deep seeded aggression now’s the time to grab a hammer and crow bar and help the demo crew. I highly recommend it! Construction: The most exciting phase of the renovation process. This is where you begin to see all the pieces of the puzzle come together. Attending weekly site meetings and following an agenda will keep your project running smoothly. Coping with Construction: Be realistic and plan for delays. It will reduce the level of stress and anxiety you could potentially feel. Be flexible.
5. Live It!

Punch List: Do a walk through with your contractor and list all the outstanding minor repairs and completions that still need to be done before your project is one hundred percent complete.
Clean Up: Even if your stipulated a cleanup clause in your contract, hire your own cleaning crew to come in just before you move back in. Just remember though – it will take weeks for the dust to settle.
Moving Back In: It’s all behind you and you’ve made it through the renovation process relatively unscathed. Now roll up your sleeves and put your personal signature on everything. Invite some family and friends over for that dinner party you’ve wanted to host – and start living the dream!

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 7
The other day when I was on the phone with my client Liz, scheduling our first preliminary plan review meeting she asked,  “Does Mark need to be there for this one?”  With so many meetings on the agenda, we really need to hand select which meetings are best for him to attend.  But first we need to assess what type of client he is.

More to the point, the answer to this question really depends on your husband’s level of interest in renovation process, his personality type and his schedule of availability – and that in turn will provide you with your answer.

In all my years of designing homes for singles – couples and families, I’ve learned that when it comes to men – there are typically three categories they fall under.

The Enforcer.
He is the boss, chief, or micromanager who insists on controlling every aspect of the home renovation project from beginning to end.  He is “Master of his Domain” and has an insatiable need to control with excessive attention to minor detail.  By nature, he tends to distrust the very professionals he’s hired to do the job.

The Endorser.
Has a minimal interest in the design process, supports his wife’s decisions and trusts her implicitly to work hand in hand with their design professionals – knowing without hesitation that they will deliver the best product.

The Contributor.
Provides his thoughts and opinions when necessary, but speaks out loudly when it comes to specific details that are important to him.  He sees his home as a sanctuary and wants it to reflect his personality as well as his wife’s.  He has a certain design criteria and really enjoys participating in the decision making process – particularly when it involves media rooms, master baths and outdoor kitchens.

Ok.  Now be honest.  Which type are you?

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.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc

Brown Residence, Week 5

The Brown’s home renovation and addition project is a massive one.  We’re proposing to enlarge the main floor plan by an additional 1,000 square feet – by substantially increasing the existing kitchen, adding on a new bedroom, garage/laundry/mudroom, raising the roof and ceiling – not to mention building an entirely new second floor of an additional 1.000 square feet as well.

In order for us to ensure that these augmentations to the home are built on a solid foundation we have to first be aware of the land conditions – and more importantly understand the conditions of the soil we’re currently dealing with. Without this information, we run the risk of a sub standard foundation with a potential disaster just waiting to happen. These foundations must be able to support the weight of the new and improved structure – and the soil below must be able to manage that load.

Because this home is nestled on a canyon floor surrounded by hillside, the city building and safety department requires a geological/soils report, which will thoroughly analyze and document the property’s current soil conditions.  This is invaluable information when adding on to an existing structure, particularly with these existing site conditions.

We also need to determine whether the Brown’s property is situated on an earthquake fault zone, prone to flooding or in any way is likely to suffer from any slope stability issues.

Tasks Ahead:

1. Time to call in a reputable Geologist and request a bid for conducting a geological assessment of the property – which will provide us with valuable information on the soil conditions.
2. After a detailed phone conversation and doing some preliminary zoning research of the property, the Geologist determined that Liz and Mark’s property was situated on liquefaction soil.  That required a “Geological Engineering Liquefaction and Foundation Investigation Report.”

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.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc