Remodeling Ideas     

Remodeling magazine's 2011 Grand Design award for Historically Sensitive Renovation  is an example of what can be done with an older structure to bring it up to today's requirements for family living.

Priorities

• Completely renovate the existing interior
• Create an addition sensitive to the original design
• Expand the basement area to include family-friendly amenities

Solutions

A family's 1920s-era two-story Colonial home was starting to feel cramped, and while an addition seemed like the ideal solution, the homeowners decided to modernize the existing structure as well.

The original house was comprised of various small-to-midsize rooms accessed from a central hallway. The 3,200-square-foot addition saw the entire home evolve as the design's open plan transformed the home's first floor. The flow of the spaces is now much more organic: The kitchen opens into the breakfast room and the family room, which flows into the dining room and into the front foyer. Gone are the segmented spaces and hallway.

The basement was transformed from a simple storage area into play spaces for both children and adults. In addition to two playrooms and a rec room for the kids, there is also an exercise room and a wine room for the parents. A kitchenette, two bathrooms, and ample storage complete the basement's transformation.

The Judges said: "This remodel stands out as sensitive to the original very traditional house while empowering it. The plan, the spaces, and the details resonate much the same; the design is appropriate to the original while creating something better than its parts." -Mark A. Newman, senior editor, REMODELING.

 8 tips to help you maintain your home this winter

Don't let your home fall apart like this one. Make sure your doing seasonal maintenance.

• Rack and Compost leaves, mulch perennials that need winter protection.
• Remove hose connections and store hose to avoid freezing.
• Have your heating and cooling system serviced 
• Inspect all doors and windows for proper operation and a tight fit.  If necessary, replace hardware. Tighten and lubricate door hinges.
• Clean all window tracks, clean and adjust the door thresholds, and check the weather stripping on windows and doors.
• Check the attic insulation to be sure the entire ceiling area is covered. Check the eaves to be sure the insulation has not blocked the vents.  
• Clean out any debris in downspouts and gutters.
• Keep driveways, walks, and steps free of ice and snow to avoid damage to them and to prevent hazardous walking and driving conditions.  

"In Your Words"