Avoid a Remodel Disaster

About half my business is in designing remodel projects.  The goal is always a happy ending to the project!

Remodeling projects can run the gamet from adding on storage space behind a garage to tearing out interior walls and creating new uses for existing spaces.  No matter how 'small' the project may seem, it pays to consult a professional building designer.  We can plan the space and offer suggestions to enhance your needs and ideas.  This can ultimately save you time and money! 

A simple addition to the back of a garage might negatively impact the view from inside the house.  Or it could be an eyesore from the backyard.  The addition of a small gable could bring life and style to the garage addition without breaking the budget.  The idea is to not allow an addition to negatively impact other living areas!

And my ultimate goal for the exterior of any addition is to have the look of 'always being there.' Nothing spoils the look of a house like an addition which is obviously an add-on!

For more information, please see my website at:   www.ellensullivan.net

Styles and Trends When Planning a House

It’s important to let your building designer or architect know about special decorating features you want in your house.  Don’t assume anything should just wait for your decorator! 

For instance, in the 1920’s it was very popular to install stained glass windows in houses.  A homeowner might spend a fortune on a custom window, and then leave it exposed to the elements on the outside surface.   These windows were very poor insulators and often developed cracks due to expansion and contraction of the lead used to construct the design.  After some years that expensive window became a big problem!

The trend is back, but with an updated twist. A stained glass window should be installed from inside the house with a small space between it and a fixed glass, exterior window.  Of course, it’s best if the stained glass window is designed after the fixed window is installed.  But some people don’t want to wait!  So, it important to tell your building designer or architect of your intentions.  We can then be sure to call for a fixed glass window in a certain size.  It would be a shame to have the divider bar of an operable window cast a shadow behind the stained glass. It would also detract from the exterior view of the house.

When you are planning a home or remodel project it is important to tell your building designer about all the special features you want.  Your building designer can guide you to many ways of planning which will pay off in the future!

Take a look at my website and contact me for more good design ideas:  

http://www.ellensullivan.net/

What Would the 4th Little Pig Build?

We all know the three little pigs set out to build their dream houses.  They differed in style, concept and construction; straw, sticks, and brick.  And we all know what happened!  The first two little pigs lost their homes to the big bad wolf, and the third one was safe inside his solid brick house!

However… I believe there was a fourth little pig!  He knew that houses now aren’t really made of solid brick.  The brick we see is just a veneer, and the winds of a North Texas tornado can toss those bricks in a hurry!   

The Fourth Little Pig did his research.  He discovered an amazing product called HardiePlank Siding.  This cast-concrete product is attached directly to the studs, which are attached securely to the foundation and to the roof system.  When the big bad wolf came knocking on this door, his cheeks nearly popped trying to blow the house down! 

And this little pig could choose to design his house to reflect many architectural styles, not just the boxy, late twentieth century look of an ‘all-brick’ house.  And another bonus for this smart little pig:  HardiePlank siding holds paint for years and years!  If he chose a top of the line Sherwin Williams or Kelly Moore paint, he wouldn’t have to repaint for 20 years!

It is my job as a building designer to introduce you to products that might enhance the look and value of your home.  I don’t get paid by the HardiPlank people; I just love their products.  My own home is 100% HardiPlank (with a few brick columns).  See a couple of pictures of my house below.

Recently I have designed projects in the Dallas, Ft. Worth, Denton, Collin county areas, as well as the mid-cities and outlying areas! If you’re needing a plan for your new home or remodel project; please contact me at either 940-368-4060 or at   

http://www.ellensullivan.net/

My Favorite Client!

 

 

I have enjoyed working with so many people over the years that at any given moment the one I’m working with would be my favorite!

However, the following are some general statements about people who have a project that is ultimately successful, making it a joy for all of us:

1.       The client  knows generally what he wants (NOT:  we don’t know if we want a guest room or another master suite! I actually heard this from the client.  Only he can figure out how he wants to live in that house!)

2.       Don’t expect me to read their minds! (NOT:  "I want a bump-out thing on the roof, but not too big."  There are at least 3 styles of dormers; at least I guess that’s what she might want!)

3.       Cut pictures from magazines and bring them to the planning meeting (NOT:  relying on sketches made on the back of paper towels)

4.       Keep an open mind and be flexible in regard to suggestions  (NOT:  This small, 30 year-old home has to look like a Mediterranean mansion.  We can go for the style, but we have to deal with realistic proportions)

5.       Don’t assume a certain feature or ‘look’ can be forced into the project without regard for structure (NOT:  "But I have to have the staircase in this position" with no means of support!  We don’t want to alter the structure and have sagging ceilings later!)

The best part of any project is when I get a call a few months later and my client tells me the project is finished!  I love to go ‘Ooo’ and ‘Ahhh’ with them.  It’s almost like going to see a new baby!

If you are in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Lewisville, Denton, Texas area and are ready to start plans for your new construction or remodel project, give me a call!  You’ll be my new favorite client! My website:

http://www.ellensullivan.net/

What is a 'Building Designer,' anyway??

I'm glad you asked!  Many people refer to me as their 'Architect' and I proudly correct them.  I am a Building Designer.  More precisely, I am a Certified Professional Building Designer.  Most of us came to the profession some way other than through a degree in architecture.  For instance, I have a degree in art education (taught art in schools for 12 years) and became interested in construction after we built our first house in 1982.  I took a lot of college courses in construction and design, then spent several years drawing and working under another certified designer.

Just because someone owns a drafting table, or took a course in AutoCAD doesn't make them a true building designer.  To earn the right to put the National Council of Building Designers certification seal on my plans I had to prove my abilities. This proof came from references, examples of my work, and (most importantly) from the results of a grueling, two-day test!  In fact, I had to prove my abilities before I could even take the test!  My seal is recognized in all 50 states, even though I hope to never have to use that formula to figure snow-loads for a roof in Wisconson!

Now, something most people don't know is this: more than 90% of residential construction, and many commercial projects are designed by building designers! Architects would love to put us out of business.  But our clients won't let that happen.  You see, building designers tend to leave their egos out of the process.  We don't dictate to our clients; we guide them.  And, our fees tend to be much more reasonable.

For more information check out this website:   www.ncbdc.com 

I'd love to talk with you more about what I do if you're searching for a designer for your new construction or remodel project in the Dallas, Fort Worth, or Denton Texas areas! Take a look at my website: 

http://www.ellensullivan.net/