Our Experts
Wilma Bowers Bowers Design Build | Fritz Eisenbrandt Eisenbrandt Companies | Carolyn Elleman Case Architects & Remodelers | TJ Monahan, AIA BOWA | Sean Mullin, AIA Anthony Wilder Design/Build
What upgrades deliver the most bang for your buck?
“For resale, the best bet is curb appeal—that transformation from ordinary to amazing.” — Sean Mullin
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“Starting a project is expensive, so the more you do, the better the value. Don’t focus on dollars at the expense of time and emotion.” — TJ Monahan
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“Many people rarely use their formal dining and living rooms, yet feel cramped in the kitchen and family room; recreating these spaces allows for a customized approach to each homeowner.” — Wilma Bowers
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“Kitchen and bath updates. Heated floors, double vanities and recessed cabinets are always popular in the bath.” — Fritz Eisenbrandt
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“A tankless water heater saves money and space. And it has no limitations since it heats the water as it goes through.” — Carolyn Elleman
Share an ingenious storage solution you’ve come up with.
“Window seats with storage, hidden panels in walls or behind closets for valuables. We once built a secret office behind a wall.” — Wilma Bowers
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“We like making something look like it’s not what it is. In a recent project, the door to the pantry looked like a cabinet.” — Sean Mullin
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“We added a spice pullout by the kitchen sink and stashed the sink clutter there. The Top rack is for sponges, the bottom holds cleansers.” — TJ Monahan
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“Under-stair storage. We recently stored the cat litter box there, along with a cubby for the dog.” — Carolyn Elleman
What items do you recommend salvaging prior to renovation?
“Rely on the expertise of your remodeler when it comes to what’s worth saving. Appliances may not be meant to be reinstalled. And some building materials may not match your new ones.” — TJ Monahan
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“Salvage door knobs and handles; they might be crystal or brass—hard to find and expensive. There are companies that will bring them back to life.” — Carolyn Elleman
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“We recommend keeping solid wood-paneled doors and quality wood flooring that can be refurbished.” — Wilma Bowers
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“From a supply-chain standpoint: Hold onto your appliances so you can use them while waiting for new ones to come in.” — Sean Mullin
