Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

From bedrooms and baths to a full-blown entertainment room, a comfortable and efficient basement must be well thought out and designed to accommodate the most common usage. Is it teens or toddlers or 20-somethings who will traipse around? Should it be comfortable for the sleepover crowd where video games and text messages will rule the evening, or will it be the weekend gathering place for sports fans who want to catch the Broncos game on a huge screen?

Interior designers, architects and contractors can help sort out the details.

If unfinished, the basement planning can get under way without a thought for the problems created by others. But Randy Shelton of GRC Builders in Denver points out the problems in older basements usually involved the sins of others who wanted a job done inexpensively. “Usually the previous owner has hired someone to do work who is not a licensed, skilled contractor,” Shelton said. Electrical systems that don’t meet code and walls placed on concrete that are not “floating,” are two of the common challenges in older homes.

The furnace, air conditioning unit, hot water heater, ductwork and other mechanical systems need to be tucked away so that the main floor space is open. Because it’s a basement, safety is a concern in case of fire. Again, older homes need to be brought up to code by replacing small windows with egress windows. Not only does it provide more light into the room, but the feel can change from cavernous to comfortable.

GRC Builders owner Randy Shelton grew up working in the home building industry, earned a business degree and, along with his wife, has operated a successful remodeling company for nearly 20 years. All companies approach the process differently. Some, such as GRC are design-build firms that will manage the process start to finish. Other times, homeowners will hire an architect prior to bringing in contractors. Interior designers are also called upon to provide guidance in a process that can be time consuming and unmanageable for some homeowners.

Shelton’s business has evolved with the times, he points out. GRC’s basement business originally centered on finishing new homes. But in the past few years, he has focused on homes built in the 1980s and before.

On average, the basements GRC finishes are about 1,000 square feet. Averaged out, most projects will cost $40,000-$50,000, he said.

And although some homeowners need only the basics downstairs, Shelton points out that over time he has completed a few extraordinary projects. In one case, he built an archery lane for the homeowners. Another customer wanted drawers built into each of the risers under the stairs, which has become more popular as people seek out additional places to store their … treasurers. Because the drawers are fairly prominent, a contractor with a true sense of aesthetics is imperative.

Entertainment rooms, wet bars, bathrooms and bedrooms are common pieces of the puzzle. But whatever level of detail that is needed, Shelton said it’s important to communicate with the homeowner. “Probably the best thing everyone can do is get mentally prepared for the process,” Shelton said, adding that the homeowner should feel comfortable talking to the builder. “Otherwise, that job isn’t going to be successful.”

“Everyone’s a little gun shy before the process,” Shelton said. “We spend a lot time going through what to expect from GRC Builders. – how to solve all of the nightmares. Then we focus on keeping them informed on what’s going to happen.”

SIDEBAR:

Getting started in the basement

When it’s time to talk with an architect or contractor about finishing a basement or at least remodeling, be prepared to discuss some aspects of home improvement that are unique to the basement. For example, Colorado’s normally dry climate allows us to avoid many of the mold issues that impact people in other parts of the country. However, in the basement, below-ground concrete, wood and walls need to be addressed.

Here are a few considerations suggested by BasementRemodeler.com.
• Is the basement dry – and will it stay that way?
• Is the basement warm? In addition to the standard heat source, many people like to make their downstairs rooms more comfortable with a fireplace, wood-burning stove or heated flooring.
• A good solution to eliminate moisture and resulting mold from the concrete slab is electric floor heating. The drying effects of floor heat will reduce the humidity coming from the slab, which is the largest source of moisture.
• Floating walls are normally the best basement bet.
• Because any water leaks inside or outside your home will eventually permeate the ground, it’s best to think about cleanup when planning basement flooring. “For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type,” says Basement Remodeler.
• If you install carpet, use the thickest carpet pad possible in order to cover irregularities in the concrete.
• When decorating and furnishing, think it terms of bright colors to brighten the darkest room in the house.
• Egress windows will likely be part of any modern design that is up to code.
• Although adding as much natural light as possible is most important, creativity with artificial light runs a close second. “Use indirect lighting that splashes large pools of light on the ceiling. Table and floor lamps can be pleasing.

Posted on 11 November 2008

While the modern home has all of the standard amenities, most have features that were only daydreams just a decade ago.

High-tech entertainment rooms and home offices have become the norm in many newer or recently remodeled homes. And why not?

With gas prices and time at a premium, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of utilizing the home?

The Office Space

When it comes to home offices, “Everybody needs one,” says Maureen McGuire, who is secretary of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

In fact, families are finding that they need two and many homes end up with his and hers.

As might be expected, the predominant money-maker often has a larger, more developed space, says McGuire, who owns Maureen McGuire Interiors, LLC, in Highlands Ranch.

At a minimum, McGuire says homes have a command center or communication area in which calendars keep important dates. A phone and message board are part of the center, as is space for favorite photos or school papers in some cases.

Today’s larger home offices often have built-in cabinets and book shelves. The desk might be part of a larger, permanent unit that includes file storage.

McGuire worked on a Denver-area project that included a mini-bar, television and fireplace. The room was built adjacent to the family room so mom could keep one eye on the kids and one eye on the job. Balancing career and family is still an issue, but it’s made easier by working at home.

Client comfort also is important, McGuire notes, adding that the drive toward luxurious home offices has shifted into high gear in the past three years or so. “People really want efficiency, she points out. “They want the space to work hard for them and to make sure there is time savings.”

McGuire says wireless technology and the simplicity of email and Internet interaction have allowed people to work at home without missing a beat. The time saved by not commuting also can be used to be productive. And if the water-cooler chatter is missed, turn on the computer camera and go face-to-face with co-workers when necessary.

“The home office is something that people are putting a lot more money into,” she says.

Entertainment today
Home theater is as popular as ever, but McGuire says it is moving away from the isolated, darkened-room experience to the open-ended entertainment area that everyone can enjoy, even if they are not interested in a movie.

Theater, games, wet bar and dining tables provide expanded fun for all ages. The audio and visual experience remains, but there are more entertainment options.

McGuire says the closed-door theaters kept people from interacting, which wasn’t part of an enjoyable family experience. “People are looking for something that is centrally located with all of the bells and whistles,” she says. “It can be state of the art but it’s more open to other functions. It’s a multi-functional space.”

In the past few years, the Home Builders Association’s Parade of Homes has featured fewer separate home theaters. “You don’t want to isolate people, McGuire says.

New entertainment rooms include large TVs and all of the high-tech components, she says, but a pool table or card table might be adjacent, along with a wet bar where everyone can grab a drink.

After a long day at the home office, it’s great to gather with family to watch a movie or play a game, especially when the car hasn’t even left the garage.

Doug Walter Architects included a study in this award-winning Denver-area remodel
Photo provided by Doug Walter Architects

Posted on 29 September 2008

Give me one more chance and I’ll do it right. Who hasn’t uttered these words at some point in life?

Brian Rawlings of Classy Closets said many of his clients promise to do it right the second time around as it relates to their bedroom closets.

For those building new homes, it’s a no-brainer. Master closets with plenty of space are routinely installed and most have space for two people. It’s about size and accessories, he explained.

However, for those in older or smaller homes who hope to remodel with more closet space, Rawlings said it becomes a little trickier.

For empty nesters, it might be beneficial to rearrange walls so that space from an adjacent bedroom can be used for a closet in the master bedroom. Some people simply have no space left, but most are able to improve their space with the help of a professional.

When space is not an issue, the “working closet” is better than lemonade on a hot day. It’s a walk-in closet that provides plenty of space to store all of one’s clothes and to get dressed. With adequate legroom, an island might be included to sit on while dressing or putting on shoes. “We’ve taken the closet from a room that you normally don’t take anybody into, and now you want to show people,” he said.

Rawlings, who owns the Classy Closets franchises in Highlands Ranch and Colorado Springs, said working closets have become the norm in newer homes. They might include cherry wood or other dark shades, along with oil-brushed bronze or brushed-chrome handles or knobs. He said closets often follow in the footsteps of the kitchen, citing the soft-touch drawer as an example. It will close itself when it’s within an inch of being shut.

Lighting is another area that has come a long way. With LED lighting, it’s easy to illuminate the closet in any number of ways. And, the energy consumption is less than ever.

In older homes with less square footage overall, there are a few more challenges. To get started, Rawlings said he measures the space and determines the amount of clothes the client has. Then he can determine if the client’s expectations can be met.

When remodeling older closets for people who need more space, Rawlings said it’s not a deal-breaker if the closet is narrow. Those built with one rod and just one overhead shelf can easily be transformed into a two-rod set up with five shelves. The basic set up only costs about $350, Rawlings said, and the homeowner ends up with more space for shoes and shirts. At times, he is unable to help people who have already maxed out their space with multiple rods and shelves. “I lose some business,” he admitted, but said it’s better to be honest and move on to the next job, where he can make a difference.

Because tall ceilings have made a comeback in recent years, an additional rod can be installed above eye level that is easily accessed with a pull-down system that operates on a pneumatic cylinder.

When remodeling, it’s particularly important to make sure the improvements match the rest of the house when the job is completed. For some people, matching the new closet doors to the bedroom or bathroom door is important. Rawlings said there are always ways to match up stains, woods and veneers to meet the need.

And then there are extreme makeovers, even in the world of closets. Rawlings mentioned a closet that a woman had installed in her Denver condominium that topped out at $30,000. Yes, that extreme is going to include all of the expensive woods and fancy accessories: “Nationally, the closet business is over a billion dollars,” Rawlings said.

More often, Rawlings said people will spend $4,000 to $10,000 on a closet that will provide enough space in some cases to eliminate the need for dressers in the bedroom. “They may have a table in the bedroom, but they want everything in their closet and they want their clothes and shoes neatly organized,” he said.

Photo provided by Classy Closets

Posted on 18 September 2008

Once upon a time, in order to feel luxurious in a bathroom one would simply light some candles and settle into the bath with a good book. Oh, how the times have changed. In today’s world, luxury is expected in contemporary bathrooms. From flat screen televisions set behind mirrors to warming drawers for towels, the pampering possibilities are endless. And as modern bathrooms continue to emulate luxurious spas, the growing trend is to go green.

Energy and water savings are paramount in today’s luxury bathrooms, as the world concerns itself with the environment much more so than in years past. Bathrooms are the biggest user of water in the entire house, so any reduction helps. Modern toilets use less water per flush, shower heads mix air bubbles into the water stream to reduce water flow, and tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly commonplace, saving both energy and water. For obvious reasons, the trend toward the green side is here to stay, and manufacturers of bathroom fixtures are producing more products that reflect this change in ideology.

While the trend is apparent to most, what exactly is spurring this evolution to spa-like bathrooms? Only a few decades ago, bathrooms were as small as closets and only served a functional purpose. Now, bathrooms are tripling and quadrupling in size in order to include the myriad luxurious amenities. According to Eric Balstad, a certified kitchen designer with Parrish Construction, a cultural shift in America is inspiring this movement toward extravagance in the bathroom. “Women are driving this, because they enjoy the spa-like experience more than men. Today there are more working women with more money than in years past. Guys just spend 20 minutes, do their business, and they’re out. Women want to be pampered and have more time to themselves.”

Though women may be the motivating force behind this trend, men certainly can’t complain because they are reaping the benefits as well. What guy wouldn’t enjoy watching the Rockies beat the D-Backs on a flat screen television hidden behind a mirror? Or, who wouldn’t appreciate LED lights hidden inside the floor tile? As one heads to the bathroom in the middle of the night, the soft lights come on to illuminate the path. And is there anybody who wouldn’t enjoy having a heated towel waiting as they step out of the shower onto their hydronically heated tile?

Perhaps the best thing about updating the bathroom to more closely resemble a spa is that in doing so, it is possible to help the environment, in addition to making the bathroom experience more hygienic as a whole. A Rinnai Tankless Water Heater will deliver hot water to fixtures twice as fast as old water tanks, saving time, energy and water.

The Hansgrohe company is introducing touchless technology into the home, allowing users to turn on water from a faucet simply by placing their hands under the spout, thus making the bathroom more hygienic by reducing potential contact with nasty germs. Not to mention, as Balstad states, “it just looks cool.”

Speaking of new showers, one of the coolest features available today are rain heads coupled with body sprays. Lefty Longa, general manager of Hutter Wholesale, terms this “the full-body car wash.”  This technology makes for a completely unique shower experience with streams of water coming from all directions using multiple jets and heads. A Kohler Digital Programmable Water Controller only enhances the experience by controlling the temperature and intensity of each individual showerhead with a master panel that is programmable to fit each user’s desired specifications. As Longa points out, why not turn the bathroom “into a spa experience?”

The popularity of greener and more luxurious bathrooms is chiefly inspired by Japanese design and technology, according to Balstad. While remote-controlled toilets that talk to their “masters” have yet to make a splash in the U.S., many other aspects of the Japanese bathroom are showing up in American bathrooms. One such example is Toto’s Aquia Dual Flush Toilet. When the user selects No. 1, the toilet will flush using only 0.9 gallons of water. When the No. 2 function is selected, the toilet flushes with 1.6 gallons of water.

As Balstad states, “personal hygiene is taken more seriously in Japan, and is now catching on the United States.”   Another Japanese feature that is destined to balloon in popularity in the U.S. is a new, powerful, touchless hand dryer that dries hands in seconds. Thomas Perito, manager of Dream Home Designs in Denver, said his is “the only showroom in the United States to feature the Japanese Toto hand dryer.” The showroom features other fixtures and innovative products that would freshen up any design.

When it comes to the bathroom, there are limitless options that one can incorporate when remodeling. Doing so with an eye toward saving some of Colorado’s limited water resources and energy supplies is a great way to save some green while greening the bathroom.

Mitch Chrismer is a Denver-based freelance writer.

Photo provided by Kohler Co.

Posted on 18 September 2008

What happens when a homeowner with a sense of adventure meshes with a remodeling firm that regularly turns adventure into reality?

You get a flashy, fun and functional basement.

Finished Basement Company proved once again that it has the expertise to win over the hearts of homeowners as well as judges who choose award-winning projects in the Denver area. Finished Basement Company owner Patrick Condon said a Centennial homeowner’s somewhat unusual request for a safari-themed basement led everyone on a bit of an adventure. “It was a fun project,” Condon notes. “And the clients were wonderful. They were a lot of fun.”
Read the full story

Posted on 14 May 2008

Ultimately, a home serves one underlying purpose: to provide shelter. If that were all we wanted homes to do — protect us from the elements — we would all live underground or in concrete bunkers. However, our insistence on “luxuries” like sunlight, fresh air and easy access to the outdoors complicates home design, necessitating more creative barriers like windows and doors. Their function makes them the weak points in the battle to stay warm and dry.

These days, simply staying out of the wind and rain isn’t enough. We expect to do so without also getting soaked by the utility company. Combine rising oil prices with a growing awareness of the consequences of indiscriminate energy consumption, and all of a sudden the term “green building” appears in every contractor’s brochure. The goal of an energy efficient window is to minimize its inherent insulation weaknesses and in some cases transform them into strengths that can actually improve your home’s energy efficiency, which is why you should take exceptional care when choosing the next set.

Coloradans ask a lot of our windows. Let in light, but not the ultraviolet rays. Open easily, but keep the warm air inside and the wind at bay. Furthermore, do it all with materials that will last for decades despite exposure to a uniquely harsh environment. “Our state’s climate is challenging for windows,” says Brett Ortengren, General Manager for Renewal by Anderson’s Denver and Colorado Springs locations. “While other states might have 20 or 25 degree swings, here in Colorado we see surfaces that warm or cool as much as 50 degrees inside of 24 hours, usually accompanied by a huge amount of UV radiation.” Those warm spring mornings that melt away the evening snowfall are invigorating for people, but they are brutal on traditional building materials like metal, vinyl and wood.

This is why Renewal by Anderson uses a composite thermal plastic blended with wood fibers for its window frames and sashes. The Fibrex material resists the expansion and contraction of vinyl, doesn’t need a waterproof layer of paint like wood, and doesn’t conduct heat like aluminum. But green building should also mean working with renewable products, right? How does thermal plastic fit that requirement? It doesn’t, but the company has streamlined its manufacturing process to the point that it recycles nearly all of its scraps back into raw material. Less waste at the plant means lower costs for the company and ultimately, the homeowner as well.

Synthetic materials are improving more than just the frames. While you won’t find anything replacing old-fashioned glass anytime soon, companies have found ways of enhancing it. Accent Windows, a 26 year-old Westminster company, offers “Heat Mirror” technology in its windows. The company coats a clear film with a microscopic ceramic layer and places it between dual panes of glass. Dividing the air chamber improves the window’s insulating properties without the weight and cost of a third pane. Combine the Heat Mirror with argon gas that fills the spaces between the panes and the window’s R-value, a measure of its insulating capability, skyrockets.

Yet even the best-designed window won’t help keep your house warm if it isn’t installed properly. Professional installation ensures that edges seal tight, sashes move smoothly and, depending on the season, the warm air and the cold air stay wherever you would prefer. One technique does not fit all: the installation process will depend on your home’s wall material. Nearly all high-end window companies include installation in the purchase price.

Despite the overwhelming buzz, green building and green remodeling aren’t just the latest trends, they are an investment in your home and in your community. Styles may change, but a house that holds heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer is always in demand. The more gas and electricity costs increase, the faster you’ll recover whatever additional expense you incurred by going green in the first place. And even if you could afford to run the heat or air conditioner full blast, would you want to?

Posted on 02 May 2008

Frustration is buying a blank canvas to paint a lucid portrait that has lingered in your imagination for months. The image continually evokes feelings and ideas that other people should also be able to appreciate. There is only one problem – you don’t know how to paint.

Like a canvas, our homes typically act as a source of frustration when we know in our mind what should be done with a certain room, but we have no experience with interior design.

Instead of approaching a home renovation alone, research the role of interior designers and determine if it makes sense to hire a professional. If it’s the first time hiring an interior designer, it might be best to understand what kind of accreditation, training and experience these home artists have to offer. The American Society of Interior Designers website, www.asid.org, serves as a great resource to educate consumers on what interior design encompasses, and the website also offers referrals to the top professionals in the area. Read the full story

Posted on 02 May 2008

The word garden gets it’s meaning from the person who enjoys it. It is more than just a plot of land sectioned off from the back yard with the purpose of producing fruits, flowers or vegetables. The garden is a piece of mind at the end of a 60-hour workweek. It is a living art exhibit. It is a playground. It is an outdoor dining room with the moon as its chandelier.

Spring is upon us. It is that ephemeral time of year when we need to start brainstorming our own definition of garden. What will you see when you look out over the back porch this summer? Will it be a red stone walkway or a new waterfall with a koi pond beneath it? Will it be tomato plants and strawberries or picnic benches and Tiki Torches? Decide now so that we can enjoy the garden as long as possible this year.

The path toward the perfect garden starts with being honest with one’s self. Whether we want to admit it or not, time has become the most precious of commodities in this fast paced world. How much time can someone with two kids and a career dedicate to gardening? Even if you are a recreational gardener, don’t be afraid to admit that the clock has you penned down.

“Many homeowners can do some landscaping on their own and it gives them great pleasure,” says Brian Holt, the owner of Trinity Landscaping in Aurora. “But I have found that most people today don’t have all the time that it takes to do a great landscape.”

Lack of experience may also be a limiting factor when facing any backyard project. Colorado’s environment has characteristics that take special consideration when creating a garden. In 2007, Holt was hired to build a garden at a home in Castle Pines where erosion and drainage had become a serious problem. The project would later earn him the Excellence in Landscape award from the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado.

“Heavy rain would wash down this native hillside and run across the street, flooding the neighbor’s yard,” explains Holt. “Further complicating the project, the back yard had nowhere to properly drain and it would flood this area.” Erosion control is a typical obstacle in many back yards. There is a certain art behind finding a solution that is practical, yet complimenting of the landscape.

“I suggested that we would make this area into a beautiful landscape mixed with trees, shrubs, perennials, roses and annuals … with a waterfall feature down the center, using big boulders to hold the hill, stopping erosion and flooding,” said Holt. “I also installed two large drainage pipes under the waterfall that connected to the street drains.” His plan worked, where others had failed, in stopping the water from flooding through the backyard.

After creating the waterfall, Holt refocused his attention to choosing plants for the Castle Pines home. For the recreational gardener, finding the right plants can seem like an arduous task. Walking into a greenhouse without an idea of what to buy can be overwhelming simply because of the wide selection. When Holt is picking vegetation for a back yard, he takes into account what plants do best in wet areas, dry areas, sun or shade, and what blends with the natural Colorado landscape.

Holt also likes to use plants that will bloom in rotation year around. He does this by planting spring bulbs, summer annuals, fall flowering shrubs and winter evergreens.

“One of the best plants for your money is the hardy tansy, which comes in an array of colors and mixes,” says Holt. “And when planted in the fall they give you great color that will bloom even throughout the coldest winters and explode again (with color) in the spring.” With constant flowering in a garden, any landscape will standout – even during the doldrums of summer and winter. Caution must be taken, however, because the tansy is viewed as a weed by some, which can race out of control.

To prepare for the plants, soil preparation might also be necessary to nurture hearty growth. Soils differ greatly along the Front Range. Adding fertilizers, coupled with the proper amount of soil churning, can create a garden that has longevity. Holt took his time in Castle Pines to get the perfect ground composition for the plants that he picked.

“I gave special attention to proper soil prep, adding great quantities of compost, planter’s mix, fertilizers and trace elements,” said Holt. “All of it was hand spaded or rototilled.”

When choosing a professional landscaper to create a garden, you should interview the person who will oversee the project. It’s imperative to see eye to eye with anyone that you are entrusting the back yard with.

“A true Colorado professional landscaper will know what grows best here in our Colorado climate,” says Holt.

Most landscapers will also be willing to work in increments if the budget is limited. It is better to spend money on your garden in phases instead of trying to stretch it out. The results will speak for themselves with a little patience.

Over a career that has spanned decades, Holt has been able to gauge success, not through profit, but through the enjoyment that clients get out of their gardens. Holt says, “After a job has been completed by a professional, even an amateur gardener will be happy because the hard work has been done for them and they can just play – they love it!”

Casey Cisneros is a Loveland-based freelance writer.

Posted on 02 May 2008