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Presenting: Stretching the 3D model

January 17th, 2012

It isn’t often that we are asked to stretch the design envelope for a remodeling project. This project was different. In a recent article about about chic design, we included a picture of a very cool stair system which needed to be rendered.

This article shares what came of the 3D model. I am proud of how it turned out.
…continue reading Presenting: Stretching the 3D model »

Outside the Box: Spa cover lift

February 18th, 2011

A client has recently asked us to design an outdoor hot tub for their patio, but with a unique request.  They want it to automatically open and close.  We suggested the possibility of a cover that lifts over the in-ground tub, and they were curious about that concept.

Hence, we reviewed the needs and created a 3D model of the concept of how it could work.  Then, I created this video.  There may be other concepts coming.  We’ll see how it turns out!  Watch the video and let me know what do you think of this concept?

How to remodel with ease, pt 1

September 14th, 2010

This post is first in a series, where the goal is to show how you can remodel or upgrade your home with ease.   A remodeling project isn’t always easy but it can be done with much fewer headaches.  We all know that in order to reduce headaches, one must start with the end goal in mind.  The end goal in any remodeling, or upgrading project is a trouble-free, functional, and visually pleasing space.

Start with existing conditions

To create this series, I will share this example of a real life, and real-time, remodeling project. In other words, I will be writing this as the project unfolds.
…continue reading How to remodel with ease, pt 1 »

Improve Home Energy Efficiency

August 24th, 2010

I was conversing with a friend yesterday who was talking about the Government energy rebates.  There are many resources available for Home Energy & efficiency products.  The Department of Energy has a whole section of their website devoted to Consumer Energy Tax Incentives.

I was also doing some searching to see what products and guides are available to help reduce home energy usage.  There are, in fact, instructions on how you can CREATE your own energy!  Or, use this blueprint to increase home energy efficiency.
…continue reading Improve Home Energy Efficiency »

Want your thoughts

August 13th, 2010

What do you think is the smallest project that can benefit from Design/Build?

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When interviewing a remodeler

August 12th, 2010

The bathroom needs updatingYou’ve got a great idea for your kitchen, or the bathroom needs remodeling, right?  Many people look to hire a remodeler.  You don’t want a remodeler that creates headaches for you.

When interviewing a remodeler remember this:
…continue reading When interviewing a remodeler »

5 Tips to Reduce Remodeling Headaches

August 10th, 2010

Remodeling headaches come in many forms: over-budget, taking too long, loss of control, and generally frustration and confusion.  headache wrapWhile a cold headwrap may help the pain, personal experience tells me that it won’t help the remodeling project.  So, we look at some ways to help  those headaches.

The FamilyEducation.com website, gives an excerpt on How to Spot an “Underground” Contractor, from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Common Household Disasters © 2005 by Paul Hayman and Sonia Weiss.   Their article gives us the first point in how to reduce headaches.
…continue reading 5 Tips to Reduce Remodeling Headaches »

Remodeling ideas – where to turn

July 23rd, 2010

From the phone calls that have been coming, people are emerging from their cocoons looking to do some renovations to their house.  People have called about green building, kitchen remodeling, attic remodeling, deck additions, bath remodeling – you name it!  These aren’t the largest remodeling projects that have ever taken place, and that is ok. Our goal at Design Build Solutions is to provide our highest level of service to any of those projects – and there is no project too small for us.  Check out our photo gallery for some ideas of small remodeling projects

Those that are calling are looking for remodeling ideas, but they don’t want to get taken; and they definitely want to save money.  Where does one turn when looking for ideas on your home?

May I suggest that if this is you, you can turn to the American Fantasy Makeover
…continue reading Remodeling ideas – where to turn »

Selecting a professional, part 2

May 19th, 2010

We know that there were two major wars in history, World War I and World War II.  There was the First Battle of Bull Run, and the Second Battle of Bull Run in the American Civil War.  However, when the first war ended, people didn’t call it World War I since they didn’t know that there would be a second war.  Yesterday, I posted the article Remodeling:How to find a professional not realizing that there would be a “part 2″ to come.

Today, I found a list of items that someone else posted to try and help people find a professional.  I’d like to address this list and hopefully give some perspective.
…continue reading Selecting a professional, part 2 »

Remodeling:How to find a professional

May 18th, 2010

In a recent article on Customer Service in the remodeling world, it was found that customer service seems to be a lost art.  We can all bemoan those problems, or we can do something about it.

A search on Facebook or Twitter can yield conflicting reports.  Many companies are creating their “Facebook fan club” or tweeting about the latest product or project.  Yet recently, some friends on Facebook replied to a question about their first thoughts on “remodeling”.   The responses ranged from “expensive” to “dirty” and “tiring”.

So, if you want to update your home, and you aren’t planning to do it yourself (or maybe you will hire part of it to be done), how does one select a contractor?  Selecting based on price will almost always lead you in the wrong direction!  But how else can we base our decision?
…continue reading Remodeling:How to find a professional »

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