Here’s a note from Donna Kirsopp, CKBR, Design Consultant

This past year as the holiday approached I wanted to give something from the heart to my family and friends. My father had become the master of birdhouses and built houses that replicated everything from a Georgia Mansion to a Log Cabin.

In this before picture, you can see a really dated jetted tub. This tub was never used because the first time it was turned on the water turned black from the residual that was in the jets—YUCK! The white tile tub deck and backsplash, as well as the polished brass hardware (that has oxidized), makes this tub replacement a must.

Our own Vice President and Certified Remodeler, Debby Allmon, recently contributed to the Q & A feature in Kansas City Homes & Gardens. Read on to see the advice she gave regarding kitchen design and remodeling!

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Q: When it comes to kitchen design, what are some creative ideas you use to distinguish your clients’ projects?
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A: I love to make the hood a unique feature in the kitchen.

I am interested in removing the soffit in my kitchen. My first step was to drill a hole to look inside w/a flashlight, but when I tried to do this, I realized that the entire soffit is encased in solid wood w/drywall over it. Do you have any suggestions for removing it or design suggestions where I could use the existing soffit and turn it into storage.

The table's cut-off end has not been presented to Sally for final stain selection. Tony, the painter, should have the counter stained and finished mid next week.

We think it is important to understand the choice you are making when selecting the finish that you will use should you decide on a wood or butcher block counter top

Finishing practices for wood furniture and cabinetry, although very durable, are not considered food safe.

Jake,

I have an antebellum home and am renovating a bedroom that once had a fireplace which was torn out long ago. I'd like to install a vent-free gas log set in this room, but I do not want to put it in a cheap pre-fab vent-free firebox, but hope I can build a real- looking firebox from real firebrick inside a chase that looks like a real interior chimney.

I have a twelve foot span. The floor joist are damaged. How far do I have to sister the joist to make them structurally sound?

Robert,

I can't answer this without seeing your situation.  There is no code written to deal with this type of problem.  Each case is different.

This homeowner’s friend in Chicago wanted to remodel her young kitchen. She decided to give the cabinetry and counter tops to her friend in town.

We were able to reconfigure the existing cabinetry and add some new cabinetry to make this remarkable transformation for our client.

It will be the greatest "before & after" story ever told.

Schloegel's designers have selected their "trash" from Habitat Restore - on Saturday, April 2, stop by to see the "treasure" they've created.

TRASH TO TREASURE DIY CLASS

Saturday April 2nd - 11: 00 a.m.

Waldo Habitat Restore

303 W. 79th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64114

Here are the "before" pictures of the "trash".