June 2009 Newsletter: At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design: Thoughts of Home Design & Remodeling"

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At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design

Thoughts on Home Design & Remodeling

Issue: June 2009

In This Issue
-	Project of the Month
-	Cost-Saving Tip of the Month
-	Let's Talk Remodeling
-	It's All About The Details

Let's Talk Remodeling

Issue:

All too frequently I get calls from homeowners who want to do major remodeling projects with budgets that are far too small for the goals.

Response:

Remodeling is expensive -- probably your largest lifetime expense after the purchase of your home and (perhaps) sending your kids to college. But if you understand the cost drivers, you can achieve significant and stunning results in a cost-effective manner. There are 3 main factors that drive costs:

- Size - Measured in sq ft.

- Complexity - A rectangular box is easiest to build - curves and angles add complexity and cost

- Finish Level - Measured in both the cost of the materials and the labor costs to install (complex costs more)

Learn what it will cost to remodel & how to limit costs...

Braitman Design/Build

Jackie Braitman

Architectural Designer &
General Contractor

Licensed & Insured

MHIC License #125978

301-891-3800

This is the "I can't believe it will cost that much!" issue. With the exception of the retreat to the backyard, all the articles are about the cost of remodeling and how to reduce those costs without sacrificing style.

Project of the Month:

Idyllic Backyard Retreat

For a modest home in Silver Spring, we created an outdoor retreat with strong indoor-outdoor con-nections. The outdoor dining room has lush walls of foliage and cedar, a ceiling of cedar and canvas and a floor that extends into the landscape ....

I hope you've been enjoying this newsletter.
-	Increase your enjoyment by telling me about your specific design challenges so I can address them in an email to you and in future articles. LINK
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And, as always, thanks for all your support - Jackie

Not Quite Ready for the Full Remodel?

Design & Remodeling Consulting
Small Design & Improvement Projects

A Better Home Is Only a Phone Call Away!
Braitman Design/Build
301.891.3800

Recent Small Assignments:
	Design: We developed whole-house remodeling alternatives for clients who wanted to spread improvements over 5-7 years. They were planning on making a few improvements now and wanted to make sure that investments today wouldn't foreclose options later.
	Project Management: We performed a pre-submittal permit review, task scheduling, and contract review for a client who planned to build an addition himself.
	Product Sourcing: We sourced specialty fixtures and tile to supplement an IKEA Kitchen.
	Contractor Referrals & Vetting: We reviewed existing plumbing bids and referred drywall and electrician tradesmen for a client doing the carpentry and finish work on a new bath.
	Furniture Arrangements: We suggested a workable arrangement for a client who had been struggling for 2 years with an awkward floor plan.
	Problem Diagnosis & Resolution: We brought in the right specialists to diagnose & remove an odor after a client had spent hundreds of dollars unsuccessfully on plumbers who couldn't rid the master bath of a bad smell.