Guide to Home Remodels
Introduction
Remodel projects hold a special place in our hearts, as they present unique challenges and opportunities for transformation. With careful planning and consideration, these endeavors can breathe new life into existing spaces. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of remodels, exploring the interplay between scope and vision, and the distinctive challenges that arise throughout the design and construction phases, and how we address them at FAME.
#1
Defining the Scope and Vision
One of the first steps you should take with a remodel project is to define the approximate project scope. This scope should align with your project vision. At FAME, we believe our role as architects is to assist you in creating a comprehensive scope that captures your goals and aspirations and this is where our design process starts.
Scope vs Vision
Scope for remodels typically includes various tangible factors, such as desired features, square footage increases, the number of rooms, and maximizing windows to enhance views. However, equally important is gaining a deep understanding of your goals and aspirations for the project. We want to know the "why" behind your decision to undertake the remodel and the outcomes you hope to achieve. By comprehending your motivations, we can ensure that the scope encompasses not only the physical requirements but also the intangible aspects that contribute to the success of the final result.
The Evolving Nature of Scope During Design
It's also important to recognize that the scope is not set in stone in the early design phases. In nearly all cases, the initial scope clients have in mind often does not encompass all the necessary elements, which is why we collaborate with you to enhance and tailor it to your needs. Only by understanding your larger goals, and what you want the project to give you functionally and emotionally, can we determine how to get there and what the scope should be. Like creating a new recipe, there should be a vision for the end result before selecting or ruling out ingredients.
“There should be a vision for the end result before selecting or ruling out ingredients”
#2
Home and Living Analysis: Unveiling Hidden Potentials
Designing remodels is very different from designing new construction projects. Because we are working with an existing structure, before we put pen to paper, we like to gain a thorough understanding of how you and your home are in alignment (and not) to see where improvements can be made.
To achieve this, we conduct an initial site visit, do a 3D scan of the home, and observe the property's layout, architectural features, and how you currently live within it. We believe in truly immersing ourselves in the property to gain a deeper understanding of its essence, so we often return again for an extended period to absorb the space. Spending a few hours onsite allows us to read the atmosphere, understand the play of light, and engage with the home's unique character. This ‘Design Analysis’ phase provides us with valuable insights for great solutions and an efficient process.
#3
3 Types of Remodels
Broadly, there are three different approaches to designing remodels:
Honoring Strong Identity:
In some remodel projects, the existing structure possesses a strong identity that we must honor and celebrate. Take, for example, our Venice Beach renovation project. This home possessed distinct architectural elements and a style that contributed to its character and charm. When working with such structures, our approach is to respect the existing qualities while enhancing and refining them to meet your needs. This approach ensures that the remodeled space maintains its authenticity while embracing modern functionality and aesthetics.
Decoding Weak Identity:
In other cases, the existing structure may have a weak identity, leaving us with the task of deciphering its intended expression. These homes may lack a clear architectural style or cohesive design language. Our role as architects is to listen to what the home is trying to say and help it find its voice. Through careful analysis and thoughtful design interventions, we transform these spaces into cohesive, harmonious environments that also align with your lifestyle.
Breathing Life into Generic Homes:
Lastly, we encounter remodels where the existing structure has no identity at all. These are often generic homes that have been refreshed or renovated for resale purposes. In such cases, our challenge is to infuse the space with totally new personality and character. Starting with the big vision, we create a design narrative that transforms the generic structure into a unique and personalized home, reflecting your style and aspirations.
#4
Design & Construction Challenges & Strategies
There are several nuances with remodels that don’t exist with new homes. Most of these stem from the fact that everyone—you, the contractor, and we—never fully know the state of the existing structure until we start construction. All homes have odd conditions that reveal themselves only after the design and construction drawings are done and after demolition starts. Here are some of the remodel challenges and how we solve them.
Options for Scopes
We believe every home starts with a compelling and comprehensive vision and we love to show different options to clients. In the case of remodels, we always show initial concept design options that convey the vision through different scopes of work (small, medium, large). This gives you the chance to see how your goals can be met with amounts of construction work. After the correct scope for you, we then develop the design.
“We always show design options that convey the vision through different scopes of work”
Designing with Contingencies
We know that during construction there will be unexpected existing conditions that we will need to adapt to. To account for these potential challenges and uncertainties, we incorporate contingencies into our designs. This doesn’t mean developing multiple fully-fledged different schemes. Instead, we keep in mind areas that may have a greater chance of deviating from the ideal vision. By either designing those areas to be flexible or not relying on them as key features, we create a design that can adapt to unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the overall integrity of the space.
A Surgical Approach to Design
In remodels, making impactful changes requires a careful and thoughtful approach, much like performing surgery. In some cases, significant demolition may be required, but when we can, we prefer to act with precision, ensuring that each move contributes to the overall transformation. Being efficient with resources is one of our priorities regardless of the project size and budget. This means making conscious decisions to avoid waste in terms of materials and finances and maximizing the value of your investment.
One way we achieve this is to work with the existing structural elements (the elements that support the home, like beams and posts) instead of demolishing or changing them, which adds cost. Identifying which elements are structural can sometimes be determined through the layout and size of the home, or by having experience with a particular type of house. However, certainty is not always guaranteed. To assess structural elements accurately, contractors may need to conduct additional probing and analysis.
“Being efficient with resources is one of our priorities regardless of the project size and budget.”
Constraints as Catalysts:
Remodels place many constraints on the design and construction process. While constraints may initially seem restrictive, we believe they often spark the most interesting and innovative ideas. They prompt us to think critically, exploring unconventional design choices that ultimately elevate the project to different places.
In some cases, traditional construction and design solutions may not adequately address a particular challenge. When faced with such situations, we always look for alternative approaches that yield equally remarkable outcomes. For example, a large blank wall may not require extensive construction work; instead, a creative wall art installation can be used to transform the space. Similarly, a kitchen lacking storage can be revitalized with a wall of shallow pantry storage, maximizing space efficiency and allowing for easy visibility of stored items. With the project goal in mind, we like to explore unconventional ideas and possibilities which often leads to cool and resourceful solutions.
Adaptability
Remodel projects present a unique challenge where the problems we seek to solve continuously evolve throughout construction. As new conditions and factors come to light, our approach is to remain adaptable and responsive, adjusting our design strategies to accommodate emerging needs. Fortunately, we enjoy the dynamic nature of these projects. Remodel construction at times feels more like a jazz improvisation session—the existing home is singing one tune and our job is to mesh with it, built upon it, and enhance it. And in the end, create a duet that sounds like it was composed by one person. This also means that collaborating and having good communication between all the team members is crucial. We believe in fostering open lines of communication and keeping clients informed, but not overwhelmed.
“While constraints may initially seem restrictive, we believe they often spark the most interesting and innovative ideas.”
#5
Final Thoughts
We are often approached by clients who have a more traditional-style or some other style home but want it to be modernized. The biggest issue with most existing homes is their circulation and flow of space. One of the remarkable advantages of modern and contemporary designs is their inherent flexibility, enabling the transformation of existing homes into something new. By focusing on creating a harmonious flow and integrating cohesive design elements, we can transform homes into spaces that exceed expectations.
For us, one of the reasons why we love remodels is that clients find immense satisfaction in witnessing the transformative journey of their homes. Remodel projects almost always feel like brand-new homes when the work is complete.