This Project Led to a CotY Win!

Great things not only happen when we work alone, but also when we work together. That was the case when we partnered with Anne Rogers, Anne Rogers Interiors, to help design a remodel of this historic farmhouse. We were asked to help with some issues with the first floor and create an addition of a second story owner’s suite. 

While we weren’t initially involved in this project, when Anne called, we were intrigued. We’ve worked with Anne on many projects over the years and have a quality working relationship.

What you may not know is that this farmhouse remodel recently was awarded the 2022 NARI of Central Ohio (CotY) Residential Historic Renovation/Restoration! We were thrilled to receive this award along with Anne Rogers Interiors. Great things happen when we work together.

The historic home is over 150 years old and has been in the same family for 7 generations. A huge 2-story addition was added in the early 1900s and it was changed to the American Four Square style it is today with wraparound porch at that time. There were structural issues in the 1900 addition that we addressed. The removal of an existing attached shed allowed us to reconfigure the first floor and create a second story owner’s suite. The new first floor now offers a half bath and has a large new kitchen and dining area with built-in banquet.

The homeowners wanted to retain as much of the charm and character of the home, while updating it and creating better function for this busy family.

Take a moment to view these photos and appreciate the history of the home.

Are you searching for a design team to help you and your clients reconfigure space and create better flow and function for their home? Our team would be honored to work with you on your client’s next project. Contact us here or call.

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Photography by KMiller Photography

A Winning Team—Anne Rogers, Anne Rogers Interiors and Jim Wright, RDS

Collaboration is the key to success for many people. This was the case with a Historic Farmhouse project that Anne Rogers, of Anne Rogers Interiors, had spent several years meeting with the client and planning the remodel. But when there were some issues, Anne called Jim for his guidance and help with the plans.

The result, a gorgeous remodel that pays homage to the 200-year-old farmhouse and a NARI of Central Ohio CotY Contractor of the Year Award: Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration win!

We asked Anne to share a bit about the project and why she collaborates with Residential Designed Solutions.

How did you come to be working with RDS for this project?

I’ve known Jim for a long time. For this farmhouse renovation, I met with the client (who is a 7th generation owner of the home) over a period of several years to discuss this renovation. There were some issues with the house, and I decided I needed to bring in an architect to help with the plan. I asked Jim, owner of RDS, to work with me on the project. We both met with the client, and everyone hit it off well. Jim took my vision and was able to create the perfect additions and changes to the home. We added a bump out addition in the dining room with a big bank of windows and other changes to the first floor. While his original design didn’t include the 2nd floor on the top of the new addition for the main bathroom and closet, I had him design that as well. It was the perfect change to the original plan.

Jim is very easy to work with! Over the past thirty years we have worked together on many projects.  

What was your favorite part of this project?

This project was so interesting because of the history of the home. I got to restore history by taking something the client loved and making it more functional and more beautiful.

Every time we open the guts of a home, we never know what we will find. The owners wanted to keep the home as true to its history as possible. When we demoed, we salvaged the original oak 2x4s for various projects including countertops and a 10-foot kitchen table. We took reclaimed wood and built a new mantel for the fireplace. When we did the addition on the house, we tore off the porch but kept the old siding to make the barn door for the main closet. We also used old fencing as shiplap in the back hallway. We matched the original casings and created a second newel post to match the original newel post. New windows were made to replicate the existing (still in use) original windows.

 We exposed the original exterior brick (with the homeowner’s help), now part of the interior of the house on the staircase, the living room, guest room, and the main bedroom.

Back in the day, they threw bottles, tools, and crockery over the hillside and around the foundation. The homeowners had found of these items over the years as we were digging. I asked if we could use items from their collection. We even found some when we were digging around the foundation for the new addition. We cleaned them up and used whatever we could to keep the history alive in the home. Some bottles went on the table, crockery has flowers in them, and the original farm sign is hanging in the kitchen. They have dishes and glassware from her aunt, who previously owned the farmhouse, so if we were able to find a place for them, we have them displayed or in use.

 We were grateful to have the owners take part as well. The homeowner did a lot of the work by helping with demo, prepping areas, landscaping and other outdoor work, and was there every day.  

We took away the ugly, added many beautiful elements, and stayed true to the farmhouse’s history and the fact it is still a farm.

How was your overall experience when working with RDS?

It is always a great process. The designers at RDS are incredibly talented. The documents I receive are always very accurate. They first sketch the design, and once we decide on the sketch plan, then it moves onto a blueprint—this can make it a lengthy process, but it works. The preliminary sketches don’t ever take us down the wrong path and corrections can easily be made before the work moves to the blueprints.

What type of projects does Jim complete for you and your clients?

We recently finished a new build in Evans Farm. Jim was the [residential] designer on it, and I was hired as the designer by the client to take them though the build out process. I hired RDS to help me with a “detached” office project that needed to connect to a breezeway, working with them to figure that out. Ultimately, we didn’t do that project because of the price to do it, but the collaboration was spot on. I’ve worked with Jim many times over the years with new builds where he is the architect/designer and then I come in as the interior designer. Now I bring him in on my renovation projects as needed.

What services do you appreciate that RDS provides?

The reason I continually choose them is that they are all very creative. They work well with us as a team, they listen to me, and when I bring specs with what I need in a design, the documentation is always excellent. They are great communicators, which I feel is really important. I like their style and the way they do things.

Would you use RDS again?

Yes absolutely. They are one of my first go-to groups!

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If you are a designer, contractor, builder, or remodeler, we would be excited to collaborate with you on your next project. Reach out to us here or give us a call at 614.430.0027.

Residential Designed Solutions Honored with National Design Award

Columbus, Ohio, November 3, 2021 – Residential Designed Solutions has won an award for an Entire Home Remodel, $250,001 - $750,000 in the 2021 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Award levels, including platinum, gold and silver, as well as Best in Region and Of the Year recipients, will be announced at the virtual award ceremony held during the 2022 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla.

Exterior Before

Exterior After

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Master Bath Before

Master Bath After

Sunroom Before

Sunroom turned Dining Room

New Laundry/Mud Room

The remodel was designed by Columbus, Ohio firm of Residential Designed Solutions (RDS) and completed by Timbercrest Custom Homes in Powell.

The homeowners initially approached RDS with dreams for a kitchen and sunroom update. The existing sunroom had been added over a deck and was unsafe and unstable. But the small update turned into a whole house remodel as the conversation became a series of “what if” questions. As construction started, major structural problems were discovered, and all the exterior walls were stripped down to the studs to make things right. Electrical and mechanical systems were totally replaced at the same time. And the homeowners decided if they were doing all of this, they might as well update the exterior of the home to a style that they had always wanted. With one last request, RDS was able to incorporate their desire for a covered porch on the north-facing front exterior. And their cold 1970s contemporary became a warm and welcoming craftsman home.

Now in its 38th year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, multifamily, affordable, remodeling, community and interiors. BALA is built on the principle that all great homes start with great design, no matter cost or size.

Buying a home is often the most significant purchase people will make in their lifetime, and BALA winners spotlight what building industry professionals need to know to set their project apart and hit the right mark with today’s highly educated and discerning home buyers.

Additional Information about the BALA program can be found at bestinamericanliving.com. The 2021 Winners Portfolio, featuring design trends and project photographs, will be available online immediately following the ceremony.

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About Residential Designed Solutions

We are a team of residential design professionals dedicated to helping you visualize your dreams. We focus on creating thoughtful and highly functional new homes, additions and renovations devoted to your lifestyle with sensitivity to neighborhood and site. Our passion for homes, our eagerness to listen and our attention to detail are evident in our designs as well as our client interactions.

Our offices in Worthington, Ohio are in a repurposed residence that dates to 1857 with a small red barn on the property that is thought to have once been a blacksmith shop. These historical references provide a residential scale and feel for our clients and visitors to enjoy.

Builders - What to Anticipate in Home Construction in the Second Half of 2021

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

They say the only constant is change. And over the last year and a half, in the building industry, we’ve known this to be true. Some builders locked in prices for their clients, so that even as prices rise and fall, the price quoted to the client remains the same. Others have absorbed some costs, passed some costs on, or are somewhere in the middle. It’s important to remember we are all in this together–no matter how we are dealing with these unprecedented times.

A few months ago, we wrote a blog, Construction Lumber - Demand, Pricing and Reducing Use. While costs for most products are still high, we are starting to see some changes. However, lumber demand and prices aren’t the only issues affecting builders here in central Ohio.

So, what are we to expect in the building industry for the rest of 2021?

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Shortage of workers
As home construction companies, we understand this all too well. We are all searching for skilled construction trade workers. Some of us are well staffed, but many of us are searching for qualified employees. And with that, the pool of available workers lowers and we all compete for the same people. The direct result of fewer employees–it takes us longer to get homes built, which affects our timelines and our ability to take on new projects.

Projects Are Moving Forward
This article from Cleveland Building & Construction shares the significant number of projects underway around Ohio. Columbus is leading the way with many massive projects occurring now. And the housing market continues to show no signs of slowing down. While we are still in a housing shortage, more homes were built last year than any year since 2006, says this article from The Columbus Dispatch.

According to this article from Columbus Underground,  we do have the fastest selling housing market! With homes selling quickly, many people are planning on building new homes. How has this affected your build timelines?  

Image by sawaeng wonglakorn from Pixabay

Lumber and Other Supplies
Lumber prices and supply has had a significant impact on builders here in Columbus. We are seeing positive changes as lumber prices are beginning to come down-slowly. Sawmills are beginning to increase production and people are returning to work (therefore not doing as many home renos and DIY projects). NAHB has been instrumental in working with the government to boost domestic lumber production, try to bring prices down and the get Canadian lumber supply lines back open, but it’s been an uphill battle so far. But as this article from NPR points out, it could take weeks or months for price reductions to take effect and prices probably won’t fall to pre-pandemic levels. But there is hope!  

Iron, copper and steel tariffs are still expensive, and we know builders are trying to find ways to utilize less of it and find other ways to build homes using other products. This article from Construction Dive explains the ripple effect of these price increases. Steel for home construction (which includes studs, ductwork, beams, and some light fixtures), copper, vinyl siding, concrete, and gypsum, all continue to suffer from supply chain issues. This has continued to drive up the price, as well as the time to get supplies to the job site. Builders are looking at the use of insulating concrete forms, instead of wood framing. Structural insulated panels and steel frame construction are other framing methods utilized by some builders, hoping to keep costs down. But as we know, there are times when only iron and steel will do. 

Supply changes are impacted worldwide, so many items are in short supply for home construction. You might get a home almost completed and then not be able to outfit it with kitchen appliances, windows, or other materials.

This article, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce paints a rather dire picture (while giving us some hope), but we recognize we are luckier than most in Columbus. But if you have clients that do not understand what is happening, this might be worth having them read.  

The challenge? Creating viable timelines, costs (what you pass on and what you absorb), waiting for prices to go down, finding skilled workers, and keeping your clients happy! What is working for you? What can we all learn from one another?

In Other News:

2019 BIA Parade of Homes, SIerra Custom Homes

BIA Parade of Homes
In case you haven’t heard, it is back! Are you participating or just going to see what others have been up to this year? There is still time for your home to be featured as an on-line Virtual entry. Click here!

At RDS, our designers are here and ready to help you create the home construction design your clients are asking for. Give us a call and let’s work together!

Welcome Our New Administrative Manager, Tammy Howard

Beginning May 17th, 2021, we turned a new chapter here at RDS with a new Administrative Manager. Tammy has started this job with a bang and has quickly become part of the team. As she is the first person you will see when you walk through our doors, we thought you would like the opportunity to get to know her a bit, in her own words. We know you’re going to really like her, just like we do!

How would you describe your job and what you do?
As the Administrative Manager, I am in charge of accounts payable and receivable, ordering, invoicing, answering phones, greeting clients, preparing reports for meetings, payroll, HR functions for the office, as well as filing and other general office duties.

Where else have you worked?
I have had a storied career. I’ve worked at Allied Universal Security Services, Capital City Awning, University of Cincinnati in the Department of Plastic Surgery, and Nuance Transcription Services. When dinosaurs roamed the Earth, I worked at various doctor’s offices.

What colleges did you attend and what training have you received?
I attended Baker Junior College after high school. Most of my training has been on-the-job training.

How would your friends describe your personality or character?
I laugh hard and love harder! I am open, friendly, and funny. As I love to say, “I don’t know how to act my age. I’ve never been this age before!”

What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.” ~ Elbert Hubbard 

What are a few interesting facts we should know about you?
In my early 20s, I saved a man using the CPR training I learned in 7th grade. I love taking rides with my boyfriend, Pete, and finding little out-of-the-way restaurants. I’m also a singer and have always wanted to compete on America’s Got Talent. I am writing my first novel, as well. My most noteworthy achievement to date? The day I became a mother!

What makes you amazing at your job?
I am a people person who loves to make people feel good about themselves. I excel at paying great attention to detail, a major benefit for my job!

We are so excited to have Tammy join us here at Residential Designed Solutions. Stop in and say hi to her!

Happy Retirement, Barb Marquis!

An ad in the local newspaper 18 years ago led to one of our greatest joys – hiring Barb Marquis as our administrative manager here at RDS. We are so very happy that Barb has been a part of our family at RDS for so long. While we are sad to see her go, we are thrilled she is able to retire and start the next chapter of her life.

Barb made everyone feel welcome from the first moment they stepped foot into our office. Her friendly smile, cheery attitude, hugs, sense of humor, laughter, and upbeat attitude has been a major part of our office, for us and our clients.

Barb’s years of experience in finance and administration, as well as her ability to keep us on track and answer any questions she received from clients, or us, made her a key member of our staff. She handled everything required of her with poise, adeptness and a positive attitude.

Barb plans to travel with her husband, Larry, visit friends and her 5 children and many grandchildren, and take care of her mom. We know she will be busy visiting with everyone, but we hope she takes some time for herself, as well.  

We wish Barb the very best and thank her for being such an integral part of RDS. Barb, you will be missed!

A Big Welcome to Erik English, Project Development

Erik English joined our RDS team on April 7, 2021. With 20 years of experience in the field, we were thrilled when he answered the call for a job! He is a true team player and has acclimated quickly into our team. Erik is doing amazing work. As he is someone you might work with, we thought you would like the opportunity to get to know him a bit, in his own words. We know you’re going to really like him, just like we do!

How would you describe your job and what you do?
I transform initial conceptual designs and basic project information into Design Development Documents and/or detailed Construction Documents of a project.

What is one of your noteworthy achievements?
I have a Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Design in Architecture, from Miami University.  

How would your friends describe your personality or character?
My friends would describe me as responsible and easygoing with a good sense of humor.

What are two interesting facts about you?
I have a substantial vinyl record collection. Every day is made better by music! I love to hike and spend time outdoors.  

What is your favorite slogan?
Keep on keeping on!

What makes you amazing at your job?
I enjoy incorporating creative thinking and problem solving into my design process. I find it easy to work alongside a professional team to produce quality projects.

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We are so excited to have Erik join us here at Residential Designed Solutions. We know you’ll be impressed with his work!

A Contemporary Farmhouse

From conceptual design sketches to a finished home — It’s always fun to see progress on projects we’ve had the pleasure of working on. This project with a Contemporary English Country feel is located outside of Lebanon, Ohio and is being built by Jimenez-Haid Custom Homes. We’ve had the opportunity to visit the site multiple times and see all the progress that’s been made. Scroll down for the inside scoop on this project!

Foyer

Study
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

First Floor Conceptual Sketch

It might not look like, but this home is a ranch! A one story home with a full finished basement.

Stair Detail

The open concept great room, kitchen, and dining areas were thought out very carefully. The space is warm and welcoming, and while it’s a large space, it doesn’t feel expansive.

First Floor Bath with Exterior Access from Pool

Family Foyer

The family foyer offers ample storage for just about anything you can think of. There is also a full bath off of the family foyer that includes exterior access - no more dripping through the house to shower off after spending some time in the pool!

The Owner’s closet and bath are great! The closet maximizes every inch of available storage space, with pull handles to access out of season clothing or just clothes you wear less often. The bath has options for everyone - a large soaking tub and a large walk-in shower! And daylight pours in from the large window in the closet and the small windows above the mirrors and vanity really bringing the space to life.

Inside, looking out to the Porch
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Covered Porch
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

The home sits on a beautiful piece of property with views for miles. We have a feeling this porch will be a very popular place to relax in the coming months.

Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Do you have a project we could help with? We would love to talk with you about becoming a part of your team. Reach out today to start the conversation.

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Designed by: Residential Designed Solutions

Builder: Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders

Meet Steven - Production Detail

We are proud of our team members at Residential Designed Solutions! Steven is one of our newest hires and we’re thrilled to watch his professional growth and have him as part of the team.

Welcome to RDS, Steven!

Name: Steven Winters

How would you describe your job and what you do?
I assist project managers in creating construction documents by using SoftPlan and AutoCAD.

When did you begin working at Residential Designed Solutions?
I started in February of 2021.

How would your friends describe your personality or character?
They would probably say that I’m helpful, nice, easy to get along with, and genuinely a good friend.

What are two interesting facts about you?
I’ve enjoyed modern residential architecture since I was a kid. And I enjoy woodworking and playing video games in my spare time.

What is your favorite quote?
”Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins. - Mies van der Rohe
”No design is possible until the materials with which you design are completely understood.” - Mies van der Rohe

What colleges did you attend and what training have you received?
I have a Bachelors of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture.

What makes you amazing at your job?
Understanding how the physical building is assembled can aid in the translation from a digital model to completely built structure.

Outdoor Living for 2021: Create Your Oasis

We certainly view our homes differently than we did over a year ago, don’t we? And one emerging trend involves our outdoor spaces. What used to be, for some of us, just a place to barbecue, a small patio and space for the kids to play, doesn’t work anymore. We are searching for sustainable lifestyles for now and the future. We’ve spent more time at home and are ready to elevate our outdoors to become an oasis for our family and friends. A place to relax, unwind, entertain, and enjoy.

NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) released their annual Design Trends survey. Members completed a survey and within that survey is a 65% increased interest in outdoor living projects. Our RDS designers agree with this, as we are creating designs for all kinds of structures and changes to homes to include optimized space for outdoor living.

According to Houzz, 4 out of 5 homeowners are making changes to help them enjoy their homes more, with outdoor projects at the top of the list.

STRUCTURES TO BUILD

Structures for year-round living, as well as increased time to spend outdoor in the summer are an important piece of the outdoor living puzzle. This trend isn’t going away anytime soon. What structure would work for you? What are your needs?

Pergolas

• Provide shade as well as filtered light

• Affordable

• Built quickly

• Space for dining and lounging

Patios/decks

• Indoor/outdoor living with doors opening from the family room to the patio or deck

• Extends living from the home

• Enhances time outdoors

• Creates an outdoor “room”

• Creates a micro space for working, Zoom calls and school work

• Provides shade and escapes weather elements if covered

According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs Value 2020 Report:

In central Ohio a composite deck addition with a cost of $18,839-$20,000 will provide an ROI of 64% - 67% and a wood deck addition with a cost of $13,222-$14,647 will provide an ROI of 66%-76%. That’s a solid return on your investment!

Sunrooms (three or four season rooms)

Always popular, sunrooms can provide year round living, depending on the windows chosen, insulation, and heat. Connect it to a patio or deck with sliding doors or accordion-type fold-and-stack doors and you have indoor/outdoor access.

• Create rooms within rooms – cozy nooks, kids’ play area, dining, and entertaining areas

• Extends the footprint of your home

• Adds function, square footage and value

Outdoor Kitchens

Eating at home is still the norm, so why not take it outside? From creating a built-in grill area to a kitchen with all of the bells and whistles, you can cook outdoors every night.

• Cook and entertain without going in the home

• Include a refrigerator, sink, counter space, kegerator, wine storage, pizza oven and grill

• Choose weather-resistant counters, cabinets and appliances to enjoy year-round cooking

• Al fresco dining – what could be better?

Accessory Dwelling Units

We are seeing them pop up wherever local codes will allow. Serving many functions, creating one that can serve you through the years might be a smart plan.

Their uses are many:

• Extra living for elderly parents

• Temporary home for older kids

• Office/Study area

• Extra income through rental

• Gym

• Meditation room

There are many items to consider as part of your outdoor living experience and several items are the most requested when we are designing outdoor living areas.

• Fireplaces, firepits and fire tables

• Shade fixtures (shade sails and umbrellas), if there is not a permanent structure

• Privacy

• Water features to create white noise as well as create a Zen feeling

• Space for heat lamps, lighting, tables and furniture groupings

• Increased landscaping

• Outdoor connectivity with outlets and WIFI

• Outdoor furniture that feels as good as it looks

• Activity areas for the family–pools, trampolines, gardens, and space for games

This graphic from a survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association and American Home Furnishings Alliance demonstrates how we are prioritizing our outdoor living needs and wants. 

Before summer comes and goes, what are your needs for your backyard? Give us a call today. Our designers at Residential Designed Solutions can help you create your outdoor sanctuary!