Here are a few of our stories of how we simplify transformations on a budget

Cinnamon Kitchen
The cinnamon tones of the kitchen made it feel dark, dingy, closed-in and dated.   Homeowner assumed full rip-out and new installation of floor, cabinets, tile and counter at a cost expected to be north of $70,000; not to mentioned over a month without the kitchen and a complete mess.  

Our advice was that a brighter and more modern kitchen could be achieved over the course of a couple days with little mess and at a fraction of the cost.  We advised to change wall paint color, use cooler color LED bulbs, install new white quartz counters with waterfall edges, paint the island cabinets white, install a modern and sleek backsplash, and add a small white table and white stools.  We selected the LEDs, table, countertop, stools and paint colors. 

This would accomplish two primary goals of the homeowner:  (1) brighten and modernize the space; (2) add more to value of the home than spend on the renovation.  Total cost below $6,000.  

General Design
Homeowner had a fireplace wall of stone.  They had received different perspectives from contractors, some saying the stone had to come down, others that could build on the stone, others claiming a entire new firebox and doors would be needed.  They also wanted to mount their television but lacked electrical outlets.  Quotes ranged from $4,000 to well over $11,000.   

Our advice was to frame and sheetrock over the stone.  We guided them to keep the firebox as it was in great condition and the only design and functional item to solve for was that framing the stone extended it past the doors.  We were able to suggest using marble thresholds for the mantle in such a way to create alignment between the firebox and the drywall.  This made the job simpler, and also greatly reduced material costs. 

This would accomplish four primary goals of the homeowner: (1) create a luxurious finish; (2) don't break the bank; (3) Mount large television; and (4) maintain safe operation of the wood burning fireplace.  Total cost below $2,000.  

Overwhelming Primary Bath 
Prospective homeowners were looking at a home at the top of their price range.  It was dated and for their comfort would require work if they wanted to purchase it.  Main concern was the primary bath.  They were advised to demo it, but had budget and affordability concerns being told to expect $60,000 or more.   They also were not sure they could live in the home's primary bedroom while that extensive work was to be done.   

Our advice was that the bathroom did not require a full demolition and renovation.  The plumbing was all in the right places, the dated and grimy features could be replaced.   We suggested they replace the double vanity with a more modern one, and viewed multiple options, along with coordinating modern mirrors.  The 80s jetted tub was removed and new tile only in that area below a modern sleek 81" soaking tub and TV adjacent.  The shower ceiling was raised with new fixtures including an 18" rain-head and modern LED lights.   Selected all materials (tub, vanity, tile, faucets, lighting).

This accomplished four primary goals of the homeowner: (1) Determine if they could afford to put an offer in on the home; (2) Create a luxurious and sleek Primary Bath; (3) minimize amount of work to enable moving into the home; and (4) add more to value of the home than spend on the renovation.  Total cost below $13,000.  

Floorplanning
Homeowner wanted to updated their small, dated and dark kitchen.  They ran into two challenges:  (1) they struggled to create the chef's kitchen they wanted due to size of footprint; and (2) the bay windows created a large unusable space in the floorplan.  It was too small for a table and chairs, adjacent to a great room and dining room, and nothing really 'fit' or made sense.   They had spoken to a few designers and general contractors, all of which started talking addition and moving existing walls, either at significant cost, time and inconvenience. 

We presented two options, depending on how they envisioned their new kitchen.  Option 1 was to extend the kitchen by about 18 inches and install sliders to the deck in place of the bay windows.  This would give them access from the kitchen and the large bay windows already had the header so it would be relatively simple job.  Option 2 was to extend the kitchen into the space, create a true chef's kitchen and install a second island with sink and wine refrigerator.  In this 2nd option we advised they can better incorporate the existing rear door for better access to the deck.  The homeowner selected Option 2 and created an tremendous chef's kitchen with amazing flow to their adjacent dining and great rooms.    

This would accomplish two primary goals of the homeowner: (1) create a chefs kitchen; (2) enable practical flow for daily living and entertaining.  Total cost below $4,000.  

Usable Yard
Family had purchased a home they loved but it did not have any usable yard.  At time of purchase yard was not a priority, however, as the family grew they wanted to have outdoor space to entertain and have room to run around and enjoy nice days out of the house.  

Landscapers and excavators came out for proposals.  Some said it could not be done and others provided quotes in excess of $50,000.  The homeowners began looking at new homes in order to find a yard.  They loved the house, the location, and were prepared to spend a lot of money and time to move, however, there was another option they had not been considering. 

The yard required three different professional skills:  (i) Tree removal, (ii) excavation, and (iii) final fill and grade.  Our advice was to contact three professionals to address each phase of the work in stages.     

This would accomplish two primary goals of the homeowner: (1) provide multiple usable spaces in the yard for various outdoor activities; and (2) add more to value of the home than spend on the renovation. Total cost below $11,000
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General Design
Dining Room in newly purchased home did not get much natural light, leaving it feel dark.  It was also very plain.  Homeowner wanted to have a dining room that looked luxurious and stunning.  It was a room visitors would pass approaching the front door, and when walking into the home.  

The homeowner wanted to incorporated high-end trim to the room, and had photos of what they wanted to accomplish.  They also wanted similar trim work in many other areas of the home.  Quotes they received from contractors where over $4,500 per room to trim them out and paint.  

Our advice was if they already knew the look they wanted, that they do it it themselves.  While time-consuming, this type of work is not difficult and requires few tools.  We helped them select the trim that would match their vision, the tools they would need to perform the work, and helped get them started, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to successfully create the vision they had.


This would accomplish three primary goals of the homeowner: (1) create a luxurious finish; (2) don't break the bank; and (3) learn how to do this so can DIY other spaces in their home. Total cost below $400.