Search

Tag: remodeling faqs

FAQ: 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!

FAQ: 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