The neutral scheme of this luxury walk-in closet is enhanced by its rich textural details.
Walk-in closet - large contemporary gender-neutral light wood floor and beige floor walk-in closet idea in Orange County with open cabinets and white cabinets

Lowell Custom Homes,Scott Lowell, Lowell Management Services, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI., entry opens up to kitchen and family room
Inspiration for a modern foyer remodel in Milwaukee

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation 1 Home Renovation an Introduction A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle. A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate. The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense. Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment. The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result. 2 Documenting Existing Conditions Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions. 3 Evaluating Existing Conditions The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit: •required front, side & rear yard setbacks •maximum allowable lot coverage & height The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. 4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

Lowell Custom Homes,Scott Lowell, Lowell Management Services, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI., Kitchen banquette dining backing up to family room entertainment center, dark cabinets with square dining table.

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz
Trendy dining room photo in New York

Family Room
Family room - transitional enclosed carpeted family room idea in Raleigh with beige walls, no fireplace and a tv stand

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz
Patio - eclectic gravel patio idea in New York

Lowell Custom Homes,Scott Lowell, Lowell Management Services, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI., remodel and addition skylight centered above kitchen island
Minimalist kitchen photo in Milwaukee

Lowell Custom Homes,Scott Lowell, Lowell Management Services, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI., Kitchen remodel and addition with black kitchen cabinets by Wood-Mode Brookhaven, Matte Eclipse finish, Emtek long and medium pulls in satin nickel, tall double oven cabinet, tray dividers, Steam Oven, interior in white melamine, glass display cabinet doors

Kitchen remodel with Brookhaven by Wood-Mode cabinets. Colony recessed door style in Matte Eclipse finish, SubZero refrigerator, Wolf range, Wolf microwave, wolf Steam Oven and Warming Drawer, Glass door display wall cabinets

Mid-sized elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Andrea Calo
Example of a trendy u-shaped concrete floor and gray floor kitchen design in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Lowell Custom Homes,Scott Lowell, Lowell Management Services, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI., area remodel and addition with entertainment cabinet in black kitchen cabinets by Wood-Mode Brookhaven, Matte Eclipse finish, Emtek long and medium pulls in satin nickel, wood floor refinished in bleached finish with knotty pine ceiling

upholstered banquette with storage cabinetry
Example of a kitchen design in Milwaukee

Kitchen remodel with Brookhaven by Wood-Mode cabinets. Colony recessed door style in Matte Eclipse finish, SubZero refrigerator, Wolf range, Wolf microwave, wolf Steam Oven and Warming Drawer, Glass door display wall cabinets

Upgrade your property with our premium 8 ft tall traditional side-by-side fence, featuring elegant double trim, a stylish top cap, and a durable kickboard. This classic design is complemented by a vintage-style gate hinge, adding both beauty and function to your outdoor space.

Kitchen remodel with Brookhaven by Wood-Mode cabinets. Colony recessed door style in Matte Eclipse finish, SubZero refrigerator, Wolf range, Wolf microwave, wolf Steam Oven and Warming Drawer, Glass door display wall cabinets, Family room with additional storage backs up to kitchen casual dining banquette.

Bathroom - mid-sized transitional kids' ceramic tile and gray floor bathroom idea in Raleigh with white cabinets, gray walls, a drop-in sink and granite countertops