Blog
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Musical Notes
Creativity runs deep in Wood Wise president and founder Hank Wall. In addition to designing award-winning remodeling projects and improving homes across the area, Hank enjoys playing music on the guitar and keyboard. Here’s a chance to see the builder and designer at play:
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Happy New Year!
We can’t think of a better way to start off the New Year than with a 5 star review from one of our clients! These homeowners are one of our growing list of 2nd generation clients (children of original clients). We are delighted to be the trusted remodeling contractor passed on from one generation to the next. “This is a really great company to work with. They make the process as easy as it could be. Their communication was great, and Kathy’s amazing design eye takes a lot of the stress out of decision making.” -Katherine Patterson/5 star 1/5/21 Google…
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Big Style in a Small Space
A small kitchen is often thought of as not having much potential. But this kitchen makeover proves that small can become big in many ways. The “before” kitchen was short on storage, inspiration, and style. Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker came up with several layouts to “enlarge” the feel and use of the room. The winning design features Waypoint cabinets, more counter space, hardwood floors, better lighting, and great storage. Small has, indeed, become large in style and impact.
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Open and Inviting
This home had an open floor plan with a few sticking points. The long-sight line from the foyer was interrupted by a lonely column that looked and felt awkward. Also, the existing kitchen was mostly hidden behind a partial wall. The homeowners contacted Wood Wise to help improve this “open” floorplan into one that would feel more inviting. Addressing the single column came first. Solution: the need for it was eliminated by putting a LVL support beam to span the width of the opening. Now an uninterrupted view from the front door greets family and guests alike. The new floorplan…
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Outdoor Living Now
Having a good outside living option has become especially desirable during these COVID times. Our homeowners who have built porches have used them extensively to social distance with others safely. Fireplaces or free-standing heaters extend their use into cold weather.
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Fine Dining
Eliminating the formal dining room in this home renovation called for creative ideas. The homeowners wanted the family to have a dining option in addition to the new island. Building a banquette in a rarely used cabinet area was the answer. With windows to a beautiful view and updated lighting, this banquette works for everyday or guests.
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Measuring for Excellence
The second step of our 4 step design/build process (the first being our free first home visit) is the measure. Our team comes to your home to accurately measure the areas we will be improving. The tools are a trusted traditional tape measure, a Bosch professional laser measure, graph paper, and pencil. Pretty simple but they work great. Once a sketch of the existing layout is done, the measuring begins. Hank and Kathy carefully measure every inch, noting where every window, door, and opening occurs. Photos are taken from every angle to better enable us to recall every detail. Once…
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Marked Improvement
Removing a wall and opening up the interior always results in a dramatic change for a home. This North Hills 1960-era split-level, once suffering from a closed-off kitchen, dining room, and living room, received a 2020 full kitchen renovation which included opening up to the living room and expanding into the dining room. The “before” and “after” photos were taken from the same angle. What a difference! Hard to believe it is the same house! (It is.) The expanded kitchen now includes a large island and a banquette which comfortably seats this family of six and is ready for entertaining…
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Fresh and Clean
As part of a larger Wood Wise renovation, these homeowners asked Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker to update their laundry room. Kathy’s design solutions include new Waypoint cabinets with the lower ones being raised so the granite countertop continues over the washer-dryer, creating the perfect place to fold laundry. Brushed gold hardware and faucet dress up the room and contrast nicely with the “Painted Linen” finish of the cabinets and the white subway backsplash tile. The crowning touch is the colorful floral wallpaper that creates a whimsical feel to this inviting new space.











