A remodel from start to finish is a daunting process to think about, especially if you’re going to live in the house during the process. “Project 211″ is a remodel job of a approximately ninety-five percent of an older home built in the 70′s.  There’s only one small guest bedroom that didn’t get a complete overhaul.  It’s also a test to see just how much of an inconvenience it really is to home owners who have to live through the mess all the way to the end.  What’s really cool about this project is the home owners are the owners of Dream Kitchens Dream Rooms and they wanted to improve the services to their clients and this is one way to it.  We’ll see what they learn about themselves and their business along the way.

The home is a town house style home built in the 70′s with a (now) partially open upper level that overlooks the living room with a vaulted ceiling.  The lower level was finished as well but that wasn’t saved and is being completely redone.  The living area has a fireplace in the center and heavily walled with on little window on the side of the house facing the neighbors house.  The idea when the house was purchased was to gut the inside and open it up and create a “Manhattan style” townhouse with a bit of Dream Kitchens flare and pizzazz.  I’m going to photograph the progress from start to finish so you can see what DKDR does and performs on job sites.  I’m not going to pull any punches because this expose’ isn’t for them, it’s for you!  You can follow along with hundreds of images on Dream Kitchens Facebook page.

First of all, what does a “Manhattan Style” townhouse look like?  I’ve heard of this before but I didn’t know exactly what it was so I did extensive research on this and this is what I discovered:  Clean lines – Nothingheavy – Open – Trending toward black & white – Stark contrasting features – Big windows – Maximum use of space.  I guess all of this makes sense because a townhouse or a loft in Manhattan isn’t big like the Trump Tower apartments but much smaller where an open clean feel makes the space look bigger.  I get it, and I love it.

Project 211 will fit this style of home perfectly but it’s going to need a redo to really make it look right.  In my opinion, the original builder of this house had no imagination.

Master designer Terri Schmidt rolled up her sleeves and started drawing up plans keeping Manhattan Style in her mind from images collected and a little research.  Remember, its her house.  Space planning expert Keven Schmidt figured out how it would all work once the style was agreed upon.  The project started in early October and it’s now December 22. Lee Torgerud is the project Manager.

Here’s the challenge:  There was a budget in place right from the beginning and as of right now the costs have gone over the initial budget. Really? How does that happen?  This is a great lesson learned for everyone as the process moves forward.  Every client goes through this as unexpected costs can quickly push past the budget.  For example; a measurement error in carpet or adding a larger service panel to support new appliances and a change in wiring for the Internet.  The most expensive words for any home owner planning a remodel are “while you’re at it.” They get you every time.

Here’s a secret that I heard.  Terri was struggling with a design element of the house – paint colors!  That’s a pretty big decision in my opinion.  She struggled for several days and couldn’t figure come to a decision on what colors to paint the walls.  I guess even Picasso has a mental block from time to time.  So, like a true professional, she went to her staff and asked for help.  Someone who wasn’t as close to the project and Terri was.  For me that’s like cheating because when you’re Picasso and you need help you ask an award winning co-worker who’s like a Renoir.  See what I mean.  That’s cheating, but nice!

Flooring Designs from Madison will install the walnut floor as well as the tilling in the bathrooms and laundry area. They’re doing the carpet install as well and I have to say these guys are good! I’ll show the results in the next post and you’ll see what I mean.  The dry wall installers were amazing and from what I saw of their work I have a new found appreciation for the job they do.  It’s mess but when its cleaned up at the end of the day you’re amazed at the skill these guys have.  I don’t know who made the black metal railing that winds around the house but they did an amazing job and that railing completely changed the look of the house.  The picture here shows the old wood railing and when you see the metal railing you’ll know why Keven and Terri decided to change it.  It certainly makes a statement.

The new windows that are going to be installed brighten up the entire living area.  The new Anderson Windows are incredible and are very energy efficient. Unless it was a budget issue I really don’t understand why the original builder installed so few windows.  Windows make all the difference in the world.

Stay tuned for the second installment of Project 211 as it moves along to a completion date.