Tag Archives: remodeling

Lighting – Mr. Builder, how hard is it to give them some decent lighting?

28 Thursday Jul 2016

Posted by in The Bad

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Once again I was called in to help a homeowner with their lighting problems. I can’t tell you how many single family homes and condos I have been to that have basically no architectural (built-in) lighting to speak of.

This particular condo (located in a very good part of town) was fairly new (10 years old or so) and seemed to be well-built in other respects. The exterior architecture was interesting enough, and the community was laid out nicely and was landscaped well.

As you can see from the photo, the ceilings in this open floor plan space were high (approximately 13 ft high) and vaulted. The builder’s idea of appropriate lighting for the dining room was a 2 head track light placed way too close to the wall that simply illuminated the wall space and provided no real light for the dining experience. The kitchen was given an amazingly ugly fluorescent light that certainly wouldn’t inspire anyone to want to get creative in the kitchen.

We will be replacing these fixtures with flexible track lighting in both spaces – giving it a modern feeling and offering plenty of illumination.

Original lighting

Advertisements

Bathroom Lighting – When will the Builders get it right?

31 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by in The Bad

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

I am still amazed at how many “Premier” builders utilize poor lighting design in their models (and, of course, in the homes they build for their customers). One of the basic rules (and I do mean BASIC) of lighting design is: In order to avoid creating shadows, place light fixtures to the side or above the mirror. Never put the light in the ceiling above the vanity. It’s a simple concept.

Here are 2 photos of a luxury model home I visited recently. This “custom builder” went all-out to design these guest bath rooms – quality cabinetry, nicely decorated. Terrible lighting design! How hard would it have been to put an interesting fixture above the mirror instead of the cheap recessed light they used? Don’t settle for this from your builder. Demand good design.

Poor Bathroom Lighting Design #2 Poor lighting design at model home

Mr. Builder, We Want REAL CHOICES!

18 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by in The Bad

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Building a new home or remodeling your existing one should be an exciting time. You will probably spend lots of time putting together great inspiration photos of ideas you would like to incorporate into your new space: how the exterior looks (the elevation), how the house is laid out (the floor plan), how the kitchen looks (nice cabinets, cool back splash, funky hardware)…all that fun stuff! You’ve got it all figured out. And you have the money to pay for it (or at least you have a bank that is willing to loan it to you).
blueprint
But, low and behold, you start working with the “Custom” home builder or contractor and they show you “your choices” of elevations, floor plans, flooring, cabinets, hardware, lighting, etc. These are their “standard selections” that THEY have decided will look “just fine” in your home. They’ve already figured out where to purchase these items, how much to charge you for them and how much money they can make on them. They don’t want to be bothered pricing out and acquiring all the great elements you want to use.

And watch out for what tract (oops, I meant Custom) builders call “options”. These are over-priced items that should be “standard”, but they call them “options” so they can charge you entirely too much for them. You know, like recessed lighting, floor outlets, a granite selection that not everyone in the neighborhood already has.

So, what do you wind up with? A house that looks remarkably similar to your neighbor’s house. Is that what you had in mind? Is that why you are taking out a 30 year mortgage? I doubt it.

Too bad home buyers have to be in the truly custom market (which is usually at the $1 Million++ price point) to actually get what they want in their new homes.

Remodeling contractors often do the same thing to their clients. They seem to only have accounts with certain vendors (flooring stores, granite yards, cabinet companies, etc.), and they insist you pick your new finishes from these places. There’s 20 tile stores in this city, but you have to make your selection from ACME TILE because the contractor doesn’t want to be bothered with accommodating YOUR vision.

Hey Builders! Step up your game! Stop only offering cookie-cutter homes! It’s our money, give us REAL CHOICES!

If you aren’t letting your clients have what they REALLY want in their new homes, YOU AREN’T A CUSTOM BUILDER.

Remodeling…It’s The New Black

09 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by in The Good

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Okay, that headline makes no sense. But, you know what I mean, right? In this time of economic uncertainty, not everyone is in a position to buy or build a new home. Remodeling has taken on new importance for the workers in our construction-driven community and for homeowners looking to change their “digs”.

Remodeling is really a great alternative to a new home. So, what are you thinking? A new kitchen, a new bath, add a second floor above the garage and give the kids a game room? The possibilities are endless.

Here's the "After" photo of a simple bath remodel. Made a big difference

Here’s the “After” photo of a simple bath remodel. Made a big difference

But from a design perspective, here’s a word of caution: Don’t rely on your own good design instincts or those of your well qualified building contractor to design your new space. For a few well spent dollars, an interior designer (and an architect, if your project involves structural changes) will provide a wealth of knowledge, experience and design savvy that will pay off in big dividends.

Before the remodel, this vanity screams "Help!".

Before the remodel, this vanity screams “Help!”.


Choosing a qualified, reliable contractor is an important decision in your remodeling project, but don’t confuse the job of the contractor with that of an architect or designer. Contractors know their stuff – building codes, zoning issues, sound construction practices. They are experts at finding qualified subs and running a tight job that is on budget and on time. (Well, that’s another issue.)

Anyway, the point is that contractors know their job, but hiring a design professional will undoubtedly give you a better overall result – spaces that function better, look better and feel better.