I love how we always get pigeon-holed into the Mega-Mansion
world. Yes we do our fair share of Mega-Mansions and we love them! However,
most people find it surprising that probably a good 40% of our work are
remodels, renovations, and additions….and we love them!
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| Candelaria Design Formal Mediterranean Estate in Paradise Valley ~ Desert Star Construction ~ Crestwood Homes |
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| Before - Clearwater Estates |
Most architects once they break into the Mega-Mansion
marketplace turn their noses to the remodel and addition market. Not us – I
have been doing remodels and additions for over thirty years. I have many reasons for this. First, I love
the challenge of a remodel or an addition. They are like a big puzzle waiting
to be solved. How do you take something that might be well done and add or
modify it, or how do you take something that is horrible and make it all better?
People expect perfection when you design and build from scratch but with a
remodel it usually is more of a feeling or need for help or for any level of
improvement.
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| After - Clearwater Estates |
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| Concept Sketch |
The market is huge and with the plethora of bad homes that
were hastily designed and constructed during the last boom cycle, the inventory
of potential remodels is enormous. Land is getting harder and harder to find
and lots with great views even tougher. I am always amazed at how many
absolutely horrible homes are parked on amazing lots.
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| Before - Clearwater Estates |
I know that one of the best ways to evaluate a remodel or
potential remodel is before you purchase it! This can’t always be done, but if
you are in that position it is best to have an architect and builder on board
as part of your team to assess the property in terms of your needs and wishes.
Set up an adequate due diligence period with the seller and get to work. If you
already own the property and have been living there for awhile then that can be an advantage too in
that you know the property and what its downfalls are but you may not see all
the advantages – the "can't see the trees in the forest" phenomenon. Get your
builder and architect out there and do the same thing – some brainstorming!
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| After - Clearwater Estates |
I then like to quickly sketch some thoughts on an as-built
set of plans. First a little bit about as-builts. I don’t care what set of
plans you may or may not have, they will be wrong and not accurate. We always
take some time to go through and verify the as-builts as best we can. These are
our XRays and if they are not right it is difficult to diagnose the patient
correctly. We like to do our own
as-builts of both the plans and exterior elevations so that we actually see
every corner of the house inside and out. It gets the house in our heads. Many times, depending on what we are doing we
like to get a survey showing all property lines, setbacks, and easements. I
cannot tell you how many existing homes are over setbacks or even over property
lines! We always want a copy of the CC&R’s to make sure we understand the
deed restrictions of the properties. Most properties don’t allow chickens or
small farm animals, amongst other things that you will likely find most
interesting and many times politically incorrect! We always get down to the
local jurisdiction and/or HOA and see what they have up their sleeves. Many projects require design review of some
sort so you want to have a good face to face with them as they can make your
life miserable if you ignore their wishes.
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| Kitchen - Before |
Ok with that done, our process then starts with sitting down
with the homeowner and having a brainstorming “what if” session. This is fun and creative. Instead of me
sitting down with their wish list and coming up with something I think is
unique and special, I like to do this process with the homeowner. I like to
extract their ideas and make them creative and beautiful. They know their house
and they know what they like! Once we have some ideas on paper we clean them up
and break them down into almost a shopping list of areas or phases that the
builder can then prepare an initial budget range for each item or area. From
there we can dial in the scope a bit more and then further develop the design
knowing where the budget it. So many architects and designers lose this aspect
and carry the client to far down the design path without getting a handle on
the budget. It is difficult to budget remodels and additions because they are
usually so piecemeal. Having a great team with a lot of past historical data on
hand really makes a difference. The last
thing you want to do is go all the way down the design path and then put the
project out to bid!!! That is the absolute worst way to do a project of this
nature. It all becomes about price and opens the client up to a plethora of
unexpected surprises and stress.
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| Kitchen - After |
As the design develops the budget and pricing follows along.
We love the team approach! It has proven over and over to be the most
successful way to execute a remodel and addition.
No project is too big or too small. We are
doing everything form whole house remodel/makeovers to just picking new paint
colors and tweaking a few materials and the landscaping on the exterior. I am
always amazed at how sometimes just a few modifications, well done and well
thought out can make an enormous difference to the aesthetic
feel and value of a property and how using
someone unskilled can completely ruin the value of a property.
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| Concept Sketch and Project Under Construction with Schultz Development |
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| Before - AZ Biltmore Patio Home |
The other big question that pops up during major remodels
and renovations is should we just take the whole thing down. I personally hate
to see and generate unnecessary waste so I am always inclined to try and save
and work with what’s there but there is
a point where it just does not make sense and scraping is the right answer.
Again, having the architect and builder on board right out of the gate can
really help a homeowner make the proper assessment as early as possible so that
fees and costs are kept to a minimum.
The problem many times with homeowners is they start the project with a
limited scope and vision but then during the process, especially during
construction, get carried away and start the “while we are at it” drill and
next thing you know they are remodeling or modifying the whole house. That gets
expensive and that’s usually when I hear “we should have taken the whole thing
down!” Take your time folks! Don’t rush the design and budgeting process. Think
through the design – live with the ideas for a while before you rush into
demolishing! Also – work with your team
during the design phase to get all of your selections, materials, and goodies
selected. These will make up 50% of your budget and if done ahead of starting
construction it will save you time, money and aggrevation!
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| After - AZ Biltmore Patio home ~ Schultz Development |
Ok – I will leave it there for now. Definitely more to come
on this subject. I will be posting several Before and Afters in the months
ahead and relay some of the lessons and cool ideas learned in each project! The
important thing is to put a great team together, set your budget and
expectations early and clearly and work WITH your team to create beauty and
value! And remember to have FUN!
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| Team Photo - House under construction in Desert Mountain ~ Signature Homes ~ Earth & Images Interiors |
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