Thursday, February 7, 2013

Virtual Landscape Master Plan

There seems to be a growing demand for 3 dimensional design drawings in order to help homeowners seeking to remodel gain ideas and vision for their potential project. This client has what she refers to as a dated '70's backyard and desires many updates, which include a screened-in porch, relocating her hot tub, new stamped concrete pool surround and landscaping. These drawings were created all via remote communication. From Google Maps I was able to obtain aerial images, from the auditors website a building footprint and the client sent me dimensions and site pictures. In order to gain her design sense, she created an idea book on Houzz containing several images that appealed to her. With this information, the following design was created:
 

Friday, February 1, 2013

Will I recoup my remodeling cost?

That is a very frequent question I get when potential clients are contemplating remodeling there home. I typically recommend considering cost vs. value but also encourage people to think more personally about their remodel. Do you plan on staying in your home indefinitely  Have you been waiting a long time to do this remodel? Once it is complete, will this be the home you plan on spending the rest of your days in? 
If you answered yes to any or all of these, I would highly recommend weighing your personal desires equally or greater than cost vs resale value data. Only you can answer the personal questions, and here is a resource that can help guide with the statistical data as compiled in the Remodeling 2012–13 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com).