These homeowners enjoy having their own pool. But sitting outside enjoying the view in the summer used to involve fighting mosquitoes. Wood Wise took care of that problem by designing and building this beautiful screened porch which includes a stone floor and a beautiful stone fireplace for the cooler months. A dog door is discreetly placed to allow easy outside access for the pets. The owners have their choice of entering from the living area or master bedroom
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These North Ridge homeowners came to Wood Wise for help with their kitchen. The busy parents of two preschoolers, they needed an easy to use as well as attractive kitchen layout. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker came up with several options for them to consider. The arched opening replaces a small pass-through and provides great design appeal to both the family room and the kitchen. KraftMaid cabinets and White Delicatus granite are beautiful and easy to keep. The Wolf cooktop and the honed marble backsplash add an upscale look to this great-looking space.
By Hank Wall
Every house has some version of a master bathroom although some are dinky and some are grand. According to a recent homeowner study by Houzz, less than 50% of master bathroom renovations include a bathtub. Choosing to omit the tub sounds like a wild and crazy idea but it is neither – people want a larger shower or expanded storage and countertop space instead of a 5-times-a-year bathtub.
If you are a “tub person,” you are in the minority if you did not know. Most people shower. Few people take regular baths. Remodeling your bathroom for a tub-person may involve a redesign which:
ditches the jetted tub,
gives up the monster corner tub
Includes an elegant freestanding bathtub.
Even in upscale neighborhoods, homeowners are spending money saved from no tub on nice fixtures and frameless glass shower enclosures. Shower enclosures with metal track are usually semi-frameless, with ¼” thick tempered glass. Frameless enclosures use ⅜” thick or ½” thick glass so no metal track is required and the door can swing in or out. Pivot hinges on frameless doors rest the door in the proper position.
Definitely take a drive to Carolina Glass & Mirror (in Wake County) or any nearby showroom before you decide. A typical semi-frameless shower enclosure costs $1,200 – $2,000. The cost jumps up to $2,600+ for the same shower with thicker glass and the frameless look.
A larger shower (once the tub is gone) may not need any glass such that you just walk in. No door. Taller tiled walls are necessary (60” – 72”) to keep shower spray from escaping. Wood Wise often uses half-walls with glass above for new showers with shampoo & conditioner niches hidden from view at the upper section of the 42” wall. Matching tile or even granite may be placed on the top surface of the half-wall with either frameless or semi-frameless glass sitting on it.
Curbless showers allow wheelchair access. Newly developed shower pan systems like Schluter, make the curbless shower easier than ever. Typical curbs are 4” – 5” tall with a sloped shower floor down to a center drain. Curbless showers have a very slight slope up from a center drain.
If you are not ready for the complete bathroom renovation, new countertops ( bargain priced remnant granite) with undermount sinks and nicer faucets may be the “lite” fix – with a large framed mirror and a new vanity light fixture. Add to this some new towels and you can get a fresh look without the multi-week renovation project.
Master bathrooms are the first place we go each morning so improvements here are particularly beneficial to a positive mindset as you head into your day. Wood Wise has completed over 200 bathrooms in 25 years so please call us when you decide your next project involves a bathroom remodel.
Opening up is one of the most dramatic remodeling changes that can be made to a home. This Raleigh home suffered from small closed spaces that kept the cook isolated and discouraged entertaining. During the kitchen renovation, Wood Wise took out the wall between the kitchen and dining room along with opening a partial wall to the living room. The result is a light-filled area for easy living and entertaining. For more photos of this space, go to: https://woodwisedesign.com/kitchens-portfolio-2/
Most Wood Wise homeowners want some seating at their new kitchen islands. We have designed islands to seat as many as eight people. This recently remodeled Raleigh kitchen features a large island with seating for one. It provides a convenient place to work on an iPad, enjoy a cup of coffee, or do homework. It’s also the perfect place for mommy’s little helper to participate in food preparation.
This familiar quote sums up what we try to convey to every homeowner we interact with. It’s tempting to go with the lowest price. But there are more important things to consider in hiring a contractor than just price. Finding the remodeling company you can trust ranks higher, as does their reliability, experience, and responsiveness. At our first visit with homeowners, we bring a reference list of over 30 past clients with contact information. We encourage you to check us out by talking with these references who can provide you with their own remodeling experiences with Wood Wise. The Wood Wise team is confident that when you choose Wood Wise to renovate your home that you have made the right decision.
Outdoor living areas are very popular with homeowners who come to Wood Wise for remodeling. Often they have an existing deck or old patio that is underused and isn’t inviting. A beautiful porch can add enjoyment daily and make entertaining easy. Here is an outdoor living space that offers three options for enjoying the outdoors: an open deck, covered porch, and screened porch:
The 2016 Remodelers Home Tour was a huge success! Our tour home this year featured a gorgeous Wood Wise remodeled kitchen designed by Kathy Walker that elicited lots of “oohs” and “ahhs.” Over 250 tour attendees also saw other projects Wood Wise has completed for these great homeowners such as the covered porch with stone floor and fireplace designed by WW owner Hank Wall. Many thanks to our wonderful homeowners, George & Susan Miller, for graciously opening up their beautiful home. It was inspiring for our many visitors to see just how wonderful a Wood Wise remodeled home can be.
Banquettes are a popular option with Wood Wise homeowners for providing comfortable seating in a smaller space. Special detailing, windows with a great view, and removable cushions make this banquette both kid-friendly and guest-worthy. The newly remodeled kitchen features white KraftMaid cabinets and granite countertops that are elegant against the soft gray walls. It’s the perfect place to relax with family and friends.
Mark your calendar now: April 23-24th is the date of the 2016 Remodelers Home Tour! Make plans to see Wood Wise’s entry, located in North Ridge, which shows the Cinderella difference of a kitchen going from dark to light. Better lighting, incorporating space from the utility area, and lighter cabinets make the space feel open and inviting. You can also see the other remodeling projects Wood Wise has completed for this homeowner, including the national award-winning porch overlooking the golf course. Come by and we will personally show you around. Hope to see you there!
For more information on the tour: http://wakeremodelers.com/remodelershometour/homesontour
