Category: Uncategorized

Building a good addition to an existing house is challenging. The goal is to give the appearance that the addition has always been there. Just some of the many considerations for building an addition are tying into the existing roofline, window type and placement, addressing proper drainage, matching siding/finishes, setbacks, and meeting impervious surface regulations.

Wood Wise has been designing and building additions for many years. We have the professional experience, design eye, and craftsmen to design and construct an addition that will be a beautiful part of your home. Here is an example of a master suite/family room addition that Wood Wise designed and built on a home inside the beltline. The original addition was poorly constructed and was removed to make room for the new larger addition. Large windows and the new metal roof contribute to the seamless look.

Crafts are the passion of this homeowner. However, the room being used for this hobby (the former dining room) was not set up to handle all the supplies, books, and projects. As part of a larger renovation, Wood Wise made big improvements to the craft room by closing off a rarely-used door and building floor-to-ceiling custom wood shelves. With new hardwood floors, better lighting, and fresh paint on both trim and walls, this refreshed room is the perfect place for this homeowner to be creative.

The old kitchen had served this family well but it was definitely time for a makeover. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker worked with the homeowners to improve the kitchen arrangement for better efficiency. She accompanied them to area showrooms to give experienced advice through the selection process. Project manager Ben Toney brought it to life through top-notch coordination of the area’s best sub-contractors and handling all details to get it done right. The result is a beautiful well-organized kitchen the homeowners will enjoy for a long time.

Spending relaxing time outdoors was limited for these homeowners. Although the yard was beautiful, their existing deck was not inviting and too hot in the summer. Wood Wise was called in to design and build an outdoor living space that would enable them to enjoy their outside time more. With a sloping lot, the challenge was to design coordinated spaces that would gently lead down to the yard. The winning design includes a screened porch, an open porch, and a deck. Rain or sun, these homeowners can now enjoy their yard and entertain well.

Master bathrooms are the last place we visit before bed and the first room we see in the morning. Creating a space that lifts our spirits is important for our well-being. These homeowners understood that principle and asked Wood Wise to help create a place of beauty. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker presented options for furniture-styled KraftMaid cabinets, a make-up vanity, and granite countertops with an ogee profile. Improved lighting brightens the windowless space. The new shower has a tile feature, half glass, and a small tile floor for sure footing. This elegant transformation nourishes the sense of beauty for these homeowners every day.

The goal of this North Raleigh kitchen remodel was to create more space with a better arrangement. A big island was a must for homework, meals, and entertaining. WW designer Kathy Walker offered a design option that expands the kitchen by removing the wall to the dining room. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets offer both increased and more convenient storage. The long island has plenty of room for food prep and homework. Granite countertops and a glass cooktop give this island an expansive look.

Sheltering-in-place brought out this unsolicited email from a past client:

“Since the work that you did on our kitchen 5 years ago, we have been pleased, we’ve enjoyed it – how it works and how it looks. Now that we are having 21 meals a week at home, I am even more impressed with just how good it is! It is so easy to work in there, store all we need in the cabinets, and of course, that makes cleaning up a lot easier. And of course, it is still very beautiful! So- Thanks to you and your team- I am glad we invested in the project, we are very happy.”

We love hearing from our homeowners. Here’s the beautiful kitchen they are enjoying:

1980’s two-story homes abound in Raleigh. This popular design generally features 4 main rooms on the first floor (living room, dining room, family room, and kitchen) and 4 bedrooms upstairs. However, the individual first floor rooms are often closed off and have narrow doorways that create traffic jams. Today’s families are looking for more relaxed living with the kitchen and living areas open to accommodate an active lifestyle and casual entertaining.

These North Ridge homeowners of a “four over four” two-story came to Wood Wise desiring to open up their downstairs. WW designer Kathy Walker created several options for them to consider. The winning design includes taking out the wall between the dining room and kitchen making room for the large island. The breakfast room features a serving bar with unobstructed views of their beautiful backyard. Floor-to-ceiling KraftMaid cabinets give more storage than the existing closet-style pantry. The expert renovation has this home ready to serve the family well for years to come.

How does Wood Wise’s design phase work? WW designer Kathy Walker has refined this essential part a good remodeling project and taken it to a new level of ease for the homeowner. Regardless of whether the clients are wanting a new kitchen, master suite, or outdoor living area, the same steps are taken to develop the winning design.

After the free first meeting, homeowners move to the next step which is the design phase. A careful measure of the home along with photos are taken back to the office to create an “as built” plan. From the “as built,” three design options are developed. At this point, the basic layout or floor plan is the focus. While working on these options, Kathy, who is also a licensed general contractor, keeps in mind the clients’ goals and budget. She has a working knowledge of optimal spacing for an efficient kitchen, doorways, lighting, building code requirements, and  aging-in-place requirements (if needed),

A meeting is then set up for the homeowners to view the options. Kathy explains her approach to the different designs, showing photos of past projects as examples. Ballpark prices are given with each option. Homeowners take the plans home to think and respond. During the design development stage, homeowners give feedback to Kathy who makes changes to the plans to better suit their lifestyle and desires. Through this back and forth communication with expert guidance from Kathy, homeowners are able to land on a final plan to improve their home. Kathy makes the process easy and enjoyable.

Here is a sample kitchen design project that includes the “as built,” three options, and the final floor plan.

What are you missing most during this time of sheltering in place? Going to a restaurant? Leisurely shopping? Even things that seemed challenging like the morning rush out the door sound appealing right now.

When the busy times return of getting lunches ready, breakfast for children, gathering books and belongings, and jumping in the car, an organized “drop zone” will make everyone’s schedule go smoother and easier. Don’t have one? Wood Wise will be happy to carve out that place in your home while updating your kitchen or other living areas. Check out these great mudroom entries that have organized places for backpacks and sports gear that make coming and going for a busy family a breeze.