Herlong Architects » residential http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog Herlong and Associates is a full service architecture and interior design firm, specializing in the design of custom homes and residential renovations. Our office is made up of a talented team of design professionals that strive to provide services beyond our Clients' expectations. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:18:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Space constraints? Might be time to renovate http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/2009/02/space-constraints-might-be-time-to-renovate/ http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/2009/02/space-constraints-might-be-time-to-renovate/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:35:57 +0000 admin http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/?p=96 The word “renovation” can make even the strongest homeowner shudder. It most likely means living amidst some construction chaos for a bit. But if you love your charmed-filled home or its picturesque location, giving it a facelift to meet your lifestyle needs may very well be worth some headaches.

 

We often see people wanting to renovate for two main reasons:

  1. They have a historic home and it’s important to take care of the house, preserving its character and history.
  2. They need more space. Maybe they love their current home’s location, but the closets are overflowing and the guest room is more “storage” less “guest.”  

One option is building an addition to your home. Take a look at your property and figure out if it’s large enough to accommodate another room or two added to the back or side. If you don’t have a great deal of property, the only way to build is up. Building codes, particularly in terms of high wind regulations, can sometimes thwart plans for a second or third floor.

 

Fortunately, that’s where we architects come in handy. We can translate the building codes and construction jargon to reach a workable solution.

 

Another consideration is whether your home’s basic systems can handle the added square footage. We advise clients to evaluate their electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems early in the process. You may need to build in money for repairs or system upgrades.

 

Just as in building a new home, completing a renovation project requires plenty of decision-making. Be sure to check back as we explore additional considerations for your renovation project. And, if you’re looking for inspiration, view before and after photos of some of our renovation projects. 

 

Have a renovation story to tell? Post a comment and share your experiences.

]]> http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/2009/02/space-constraints-might-be-time-to-renovate/feed/ 0 What happens in Vegas… http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/2009/02/what-happens-in-vegas/ http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/2009/02/what-happens-in-vegas/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:30:23 +0000 Jim Henshaw http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/?p=68               
Cottage Renovation by Coastal Architects, Herlong & Associates
Coastal Cottage Renovation on Sullivan’s Island, SC

Steve Herlong, Jim Henshaw and Layne Nelson of Herlong & Associates were selected, along with approximately 20 other residential architects and designers from across the country, to provide design assistance at the International Builders Show held last week in Las Vegas.  Over the course of three days, the American Institute of Architects Plan Review Workshop gave builders and homeowners from all over the United States a chance to have their plans reviewed free of charge in 30 minute sessions, in an effort to increase the livability, style, or resale of the home.  Here is a sampling of how some of the conversations started:

 

• “I would like to renovate my home to reflect more of the way we live now, and plan to live in the future” (from a homeowner in Colorado)
• “Can you help me with the design of this spec home to make it more attractive to potential buyers?” (from a spec builder in Florida)
• “I’d like to modify the exterior of my home to make it more of a ‘cottage’ style” (homeowner and her builder from Cape Cod)
• “I’d like to make my master suite nicer. A different layout, maybe some ceiling details.” (homeowner from California)
• “How can I have some outdoor living space that takes advantage of the features of the property (such as light, breezes and view) and relate to the interior layout of the home?” (spec builder from Alabama)
• “I hate my kitchen.  Please help!” (homeowner from Coastal Georgia)
Coastal Renovations
We were able to help each client by providing ideas in the form of sketches and notes, which will start the process of transforming otherwise dull spaces and homes into places that live well and reflect the lifestyles of each client.  We create like this every day, and it was a pleasure to help others visualize the possibilities for their projects in such an interesting workshop format.
Charleston Architects
Herlong & Associates will be offering a plan review workshop in our office on the Isle of Palms for the next three months. Homeowners and builders are welcome to bring in plans of their existing or speculative home and receive a free consultation with one of our designers.  The sessions will be 45 minutes each, and we will be available to study both interior and exterior design issues.   The interest in this workshop is already high, so it is recommended that you contact us to indicate your interest.  If you have a specific area of the house that you would like to study, indicate that as well so that we can arrange your session with someone who may specialize in that area.  
                                Kiawah Architects
Email Laura Anne Moore at laura_anne@herlongarchitects.com to set up an appointment, call (843) 886-9199 or simply comment on this blog to let us know if you would like to take part in this workshop.  We hope to see you here!
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