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Author: Cedar

Trend to try: Wallpaper

Add personality and style to your home with this easy update

For those of us whose only childhood exposure to wallpaper came from Grandma’s pink bathroom, the word was hardly synonymous with high style. For years even vintage-lovers were afraid to dabble with wallpaper due to nightmarish stories of misaligned patterns, messy glue and hours spent scraping walls. Luckily, modern wallpaper has made installation simpler, cleaner and easier to remove when you’re ready for a new look.

Today’s wide-range of modern and vintage-inspired wallpaper can have a major impact on your home’s character and aesthetic. Wallpaper can provide a subtle texture or pattern to create depth and character in an otherwise simple room, or it can become the focal point with a vibrant, eye-catching pattern that completely transforms the space.

Here’s our advice for homeowners considering this update:

Your first decision: wallpapering an accent wall or a whole room?

An accent wall can provide a high-impact feature in the space that you want to draw attention to. With wallpaper coming in at around $200 per roll it’s also a less expensive option and a great way to get a pop of personality without a huge commitment. If you’re all in, papering an entire room can create a specific vibe, anchor the visual tone and make a major impression.

Finding your perfect wallpaper pattern

Whether you’re up for sourcing your own dream wallpaper or are working with a designer like our in-house design team, it’s best to take some time to nail down your aesthetic. What colors do you like? Do you want a more delicate pattern or something big and bold? It can be helpful to browse home magazines, online design sites and wallpaper websites to either find the pattern you want or narrow down your design style. Some clients come to us with a selection prepared already. Other times, our design team will show them a few options based on their initial thoughts and help them narrow it down to their favorite.

DIY vs. using a professional

Choosing to work with a pro or tackling wallpaper installation yourself comes down to your level of patience, attention to detail and willingness to learn on the job. Peel and stick wallpaper is more forgiving and the flexibility it provides for installation and removal makes it great for renters or people who like to change their decor more frequently.

For the more traditional “paste the wall” method, we typically have our professional wallpaper installer work their magic. This method involves applying adhesive to the wall, then aligning and pasting the wallpaper onto the wall. For a savvy “DIY-er” this can certainly be done, but it definitely takes some practice and patience. A more complicated pattern can be trickier along the seams, which is why we leave it up to the experts!

Need help picking and putting up wallpaper in your home? Axiom Home Services provides both design expertise and professional installation. Start here.

Want new wallpaper as part of a whole room or whole house remodel? Axiom Design Build is ready to help with our team of in-house designers and remodelers. Let’s talk.

 

Should I remodel my house or rebuild it?

Deciding when to update your Seattle home and when to start over

If you’ve ever stared at the growing list of things you want to change in your home and thought, “Maybe we should just start from scratch?” you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether to remodel or rebuild. There are many factors that go into this decision—some technical, some financial and some emotional.

To remodel or rebuild? That is the question. Here are some things to consider:

Is your home structurally sound?

One of the first things to consider when you’re deciding whether to update or start over is the condition of your home. If it has no issues with its foundation, roof or load-bearing walls, it might be a good candidate for a remodel. However, if there are structural issues on top of the layout and aesthetic changes you’d like to make, you may need to do a more thorough cost/benefit analysis.

What’s your budget?

Rebuilds are generally more expensive than remodels. That being said, the more things you want or need to change in your house, the more expensive the remodel. If you’re looking at a whole house remodel in the Seattle area, you’ll still likely save some money over a new build, but permits, structural engineering and unforeseen issues in older homes can add up. In terms of resale value, new homes usually command higher prices, unless the character and architectural style of your old home is highly sought-after.

What’s your tolerance for disruption?

Rebuilds typically take longer than remodels—but that isn’t always the case. Smaller remodels can be done in a matter of months (once the permits are approved) and typically allow you to stay in your home. But if you’re looking at a whole-house remodel, your timeline might be closer to a rebuild and you’ll need to move out for either option.

How sentimental are you?

If you have a strong emotional attachment to your home, really consider whether you’re ready to see the home you love get demolished. Remodeling can bring up all sorts of emotions, but a demo on the place where your kids grew up can be unexpectedly traumatic for some people. If any sort of alteration seems daunting, consider buying a new house with the express intent of remodeling or rebuilding. If you love your home but some elements have always been begging for an upgrade, a remodel of your existing house is probably your best bet. And if you always knew your house wasn’t the right fit for your family, your house is likely a good candidate for a demo and rebuild.

Consult a professional

Every family’s needs are different and every home and the land it stands on is different. With a decision as complicated as choosing whether to remodel or rebuild, it’s best to work with an experienced, local contracting firm like Axiom Design Build.

If you’re considering updating your home, we’d love to talk! Axiom’s experienced team of in-house designers, architects and builders are ready to provide expert guidance on your Seattle remodel or rebuild. Get started

 

6 ways to make your Seattle home more energy-efficient

It’s hot. Let’s help you save some money

As we live through the warmest months, we’re often asked how Seattle homeowners can make their house more energy-efficient to reduce cooling and heating costs? Here are some great ideas for how to get started:

Optimize your HVAC

For the biggest savings, start with your heating and cooling systems. Install a programmable or smart thermostat, consider a heat pump, insulate your ducts and stay up to date on maintenance and changing your air filters.

Stay out of (super) hot water

Standard water heaters are huge energy-suckers. Set their temp to 120 degrees and consider a heat pump or instant-on hot water heater. Also, wash your clothes with cold water, if possible. While you’re at it, dry your clothes on a rack or outside in sunny weather.

Better windows, bigger savings

It can be a big investment, but replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified double-pane windows can save you a bundle. Consider swapping out your old drafty doors as well.

Mind the gaps

Little air leaks can add up to big energy bills. Seal your ducts, caulk or use foam insulation around windows and doors, close or seal off your fireplace flue and ensure your attic door is properly sealed.

Insulate, insulate, insulate

Keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by insulating the attic, floors and walls, especially if you’re already planning a remodel.

New appliances, lower bills

That old fridge in your garage could be costing you a bundle. Look for high-rated ENERGY STAR models if you’re shopping for appliances.

Need help getting your Seattle-area house ready for the season? Axiom Home Services offers handyman services from our home experts. Get started

 

What remodeling projects will give me the biggest return on my investment?

Maximize your Seattle home value with ROI-driven remodeling choices

Unless you’re about to sell your home, it generally isn’t a good idea to solely plan your remodel on resale value. Trends and needs come and go and Seattle-area buyers may suddenly be looking for things that weren’t top priorities in the past, like office space, central air or smart home features. That being said, here are some of the biggest return-on-investment (ROI) projects in home remodeling these days.

Consider curb appeal and exterior living spaces

In terms of dollars spent vs. return, exteriors are a great place to start. Upgrades like garage and front door replacements; fresh exterior paint, new durable siding or stone veneer; new energy-efficient windows; and low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscaping are big draws to homebuyers right now.

Whether in the front or the back of the house, outdoor living spaces are also increasingly popular and important to buyers for those precious Seattle summers. Decks can return as much as 80% of your investment, but patios, outdoor kitchens and fire pits also provide great ROI.

Mid-range home upgrades are key to ROI

There are kitchen remodels and then there are major kitchen remodels. The latter is absolutely worth it if you’ll be in your home for awhile and have home chef aspirations. But in terms of ROI, less extensive kitchen remodels will mostly pay for themselves. Updating cabinets, appliances, lighting, paint and countertops can make your kitchen feel brand new, without the additional expense of going down to the studs and reconfiguring the layout, plumbing and electricity.

Like kitchens, bathroom updates vs. full bathroom remodels deliver the best ROI. Fresh paint, new fixtures, updated cabinets and new tiling look great and typically won’t break the bank.

Get more room for less money

Sometimes it’s worth it to add a floor or bump out your existing floorplan, but if you’re looking for more space for less money, a garage or basement remodel is the way to go—just make sure there’s adequate ceiling height or your project can be a turn-off rather than a feature. If you have the right size lot and a bigger budget, a detached accessory dwelling unit, or DADU can also provide a good ROI, both to Seattle homebuyers down the road and as potential rental space right now.

Be realistic, but put your needs first

Before embarking on any remodeling project, try to see your home through a buyer’s eyes. A small house will still be a small house, no matter how beautiful you make it. Replacing both bathtubs with walk-in showers will make your place more appealing to some buyers and less appealing to others. And location will almost always play a huge factor in resale value.

It’s important to keep these resale limitations in mind and not remodel far beyond the value of comparable properties in your neighborhood. But at the end of the day, if your dream project or higher-end materials will improve your life now and you’re not looking to sell anytime soon, it’s probably worth it.

Need more guidance on your Seattle remodel? As a full-service Design Build firm, Axiom has designers ready to help you hone your vision. Let’s talk

Have a smaller project? Need home maintenance or repairs? Axiom Home Services is here to help. Get started here

How can I update my older Seattle home while preserving its character?

How to modernize a vintage house without losing its original charm

There’s just something about older Seattle homes. From classic craftsmans and charming Victorians to midcentury moderns and Hollywood bungalows, the wealth of architectural styles in the Seattle area is a vintage-lover’s dream.

While we love older homes, we recognize that sometimes they need updating. Gorgeous, 100-year-old leaded glass windows can buckle and fail. Plumbing and wiring from the 1950s isn’t always safe or functional. Some pre-war homes had “unfortunate” things done to them in the 1970s and 80s and need restoration to their original style.

Whatever the issue, the key to a successful historic home remodel is to focus on preservation, reuse and restoration.

Budget more for reuse in your vintage home remodel

If reuse is a priority and you have the budget for the extra labor involved, you can ask your contractor to try to save special woodwork, built-ins or cast-iron bathtubs. You can also find period-appropriate replacement pieces from reuse stores like Ballard Reuse, Earthwise Architectural Salvage and Second Use Building Materials.

Vintage-inspired fixtures for period homes

When reuse is impossible, unsafe or just not cost-effective, look for new, vintage-inspired pieces from retailers like Schoolhouse or Rejuvenation. Whether you’re working with an in-house design team at a firm like Axiom or DIY-ing it, aim for a blend of old and new when you’re picking your fixtures and design elements.

Some general tips for maintaining your home’s character:

  • Try to find period-appropriate fixtures for kitchens and baths, including sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Even big box retailers often have vintage-inspired fixtures that will look at home in your older house.
  • Reproduction and vintage-inspired appliances do exist, and if you have the budget for them, they can add color and style to your kitchen update.
  • Incorporate vintage-inspired design elements, like subway tile, classic cabinetry, chandeliers and sconce lighting.
  • Choose period-appropriate paint colors or opt for wallpaper. For the commitment-phobic, there are countless peel-and-stick wallpaper options these days.
  • If you’re planning on altering the layout and creating more open spaces, consider adding French doors or large pocket doors to maintain the aesthetic and possibility of divided rooms while getting the open feeling you’re after.
  • Use wireless smart home technology to avoid having to go into original plaster walls.
  • Visit second-hand stores and antique shops to find unique vintage décor, furnishings and design elements.

Finally, work with designers and contractors who understand older homes and preservation techniques. Explore their portfolio of past projects or ask to see examples of what they’ve done with older homes.

To explore some of Axiom’s vintage home remodels, go here

If you’d like to start planning your own Seattle remodel, reach out!

How do I begin my remodeling project?

Tips on starting your Seattle remodel from Axiom Design Build

It might have started when you saw your neighbors’ gorgeous new kitchen. Maybe you binge-watched some home improvement shows. Or maybe you’ve wanted a change for years and are finally ready to take the plunge. Whatever the cause, you’ve got remodeling on the brain. But where should the remodeling-curious Seattleite begin?

Get your dream home

Your first order of business is to spend some time thinking about your dreams for your house. What would it look like? What would it feel like? Would it have more space? Another bathroom? A chef’s kitchen?

Ask yourself what you love about your house and what you’d like to change. Are the changes you’d like to make simply design upgrades? Or do you have functional needs and concerns you’d like to address? Make a list of everything you need and everything you want in your Seattle remodel.

Find inspiration for your remodel

The best way to nail down your vision is to explore other projects. Browse through home magazines, check out home improvement shows, attend open houses and look through websites like Pinterest and Architectural Digest or inspiration. Take note of everything you’re drawn to, from layouts and flow to design finishes, fixtures and cabinets. It’s also important to identify what you don’t want, as that will help any designer you work with steer clear of those elements.

This phase of your exploration is a great time to make sure you’re on the same page with other members of your household. It’s best to get any surprises into the open before you start working with your Seattle remodeling firm.

Set a budget for your remodel

Now that you’ve got your dream, it’s time to bring in an element of reality. Sit down with your finances and determine the absolute maximum you’re willing to spend for your remodeling project. It’s important to have 15-20% set aside to cover any unexpected expenses, so remove 20% from your maximum spend to determine your project budget.

It can be helpful to research rough cost estimates for your project type in your area. If your budget lines up with the scope of your project, you’re in luck! If there’s a huge discrepancy, consider scaling back on the size of the project. When in doubt, reach out to Axiom Design Build, or a trusted remodeler in your area to answer your questions and help you determine what’s possible with your budget. A professional building firm should know the ins and outs of local regulations, the permitting process, environmental considerations and the latest costs for materials and labor.

Are you considering updating your home and need a top Seattle remodeling contractor or Design Build firm? Let’s talk

How long will my remodel take?

Demystifying the building and remodeling process

One of the top questions we get from our clients is, “How long will my remodeling or building project take?” While every home is different and a lot depends on the size, site, scope and nature of the project, here’s a rough idea of what you can expect from a design build project in the Seattle area:

Client Engagement: 3-4 Weeks

Initial call. Site visit. Office visit.

After you contact us, we’ll give you a call to find out more about your project and schedule a visit to your project site. During the site visit we’ll chat more about your vision and take measurements and photos of your property. Then we’ll invite you to the Axiom office in Ballard so you can meet your team, review the proposal and discuss the process.

Design: 3-9 Months

Signing the proposal. Pre-design + client inspiration. Design meetings 1-3. Permit intake. Fourth design meeting.

When you’ve signed the design proposal, we’ll begin the pre-design process, at which time we’ll ask you to send your wish list and inspiration photos. We’ll set up a first design meeting to review initial conceptual design, site plans, floor plans, exterior massing and budget estimates.

During the second design meeting we’ll review any design changes as well as budget and schedule development. For the third design meeting, we’ll review the plan, budget, electrical, interior design, materials and cabinetry, if applicable. Axiom will then submit your permits for review. In the fourth design meeting, you’ll review the plan and the budget; and select your fixtures, finishes, windows and doors. Permit corrections will be addressed as needed in the coming weeks.

Buyout: 8-12 Weeks

Sign off on drawings and specs. Review buyout budget. Contract documents. Permit approval.

When you sign off on the drawings and specs for your project, we’ll put together the buyout budget, which includes contracts and agreements with our suppliers and any subcontractors. After you sign off on the buyout, you’ll enter into a construction agreement, when you’ll review the construction contract and submit your deposit. We’ll sit tight while we wait for your permit to be approved by the building department. As soon as we receive the green light, we’ll be ready to begin construction.

Construction: 4-12 Months

Pre-construction meeting. Bi-weekly site meetings. Final walk-through.

With the contracts signed and permits in hand, we’ll meet with you to establish site-specific expectations before we mobilize our team. Once we begin construction, we’ll meet with you every other week at your project site to review active work and project milestones. When the project wraps up, we’ll do a final walk through with you, get feedback on your experience, and toast to a successful project!

Maintenance & Service Warranty: 1 Year

Ready to get started? Let’s talk