Re-purpose, Re-create, Re-design, Re-new, Re-store, Re-think!
Do you know the average age of today’s home buyer is 38? These buyers
want houses that are ready to be lived in, with updated kitchens and
baths. I understand today’s buyers and I know how to get your house
ready for them. When you hire me you get twenty-five years of home
remodeling experience, complete staging services, marketing expertise,
and a list of home projects which will attract the best buyers,and get the
best price in the shortest time. ALL THE DETAILS.

Architecture, and homes in particular, are a passion of mine. Beginning
with my first home in 1982, I have renovated several older properties.
This experience allows me to say, “I know houses.” Here are some of
the homes I have restored:

Hilldale Lane, Tennessee
Built in 1931
2 bedroom home, improvements done were sensible.
Return on investment 54%.
Extensive landscaping: more than 200 trees and shrubs, thousands of
perennials and bulbs were planted across 1 acre.
Swimming Pool: to take advantage of the view of the Great Smoky
Mountains we designed a swimming pool for the front of home.
Kitchen: new cabinets to match the period cabinets, new appliances, tile
backsplash.
Interior: refinished hardwood floors, faux painting (stones above fireplace,
around arches, stone blocks in the entry and stair hall)

Lowry Hill
Built in 1897 as a Victorian, but renovated and expanded in 1911 into
an Arts and Crafts styled house.
Interior: the painted trim was in horrible condition and every wall and
ceiling surface was wallpapered. Every surface of every room was
striped of the horrible wallpaper and painted. The plaster in two of the
bedrooms was cracked and had to be re-sheet rocked and the upstairs
trim was freshly painted as well. Refinished hardwood floors throughout
the house.
New kitchen: complete renovation and updating. 1920’s cabinets
with1970’s tiled countertops were replaced. There were no backs on the
cabinets, and the lower ones exposed the outside wall of the house.
Space in the back of the house was reconfigured and a new kitchen
installed.
Landscaping: the backyard was mostly mud, and the driveway was
completely broken apart by the roots of a giant cottonwood tree. I
designed the new back patio, fountain, garden and driveway/parking
area. I personally laid the patio, moved all of the dirt and planted all of
the trees, shrubs and perennials.

West Franklin Avenue
Built in 1914
Total house renovation, restoration and remodel.
Our house had original plumbing, heating, kitchen, baths with little
updating over almost 90 years. All woodwork had been painted, wall-to-wall carpeting installed, windows covered behind paneling and shelving,
other windows filled in with glass block.
All new mechanics: plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling.
New baths: 2 full, one half.
New kitchen: created from 5 small spaces.
New master suite.
New windows.
Hardwood floors refinished.
Wood trim restored to the original finish.

Tips:
Don’t be afraid to be your own general contractor and designer, but know
when to call in the professionals! Depending on the project, be prepared
for a 50% increase in project costs from the pre-construction estimate.
The do-it-yourself projects are easy to keep on budget, but the bigger the
project, the bigger the unknowns and surprises along the way.

Tour homes for ideas: Open houses (call me), Parade of Homes,
Designer Showcase Homes.

I only use Benjamin Moore paints—any finish any kind—they are the
best.You can purchase a fanbook at Hirshfields.

These magazines provide great inspiration: Elle Décor, Metropolitan
Home, Traditional Home, House and Garden, Southern Accents.

Home Improvements:
It is an old story: location, location, location! Home improvements should
always be done with an eye on the potential value of the property.
Renovations in the Twin Cities metro are among the highest in the nation
in terms of gain on return on investment. Here are some statistics from
Realtor Magazine:

Bathroom Addition: 127%
Deck: 107%
Attic Bedroom: 99.9%
Family Room Addition: 86%
Master Suite: 80%
Kitchen Remodel: 104%

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