An Architect's Remodeling Regrets

This episode goes out to all the homeowners waiting to plan, or dream about home improvement projects until you’ve saved up the home remodel budget.  I hope you’ll take this the right way when I tell you … you’re doing it wrong.I know … you’re being responsible.  You’re waiting to plan util you’ve got the budget in the bank.  But … ACTUALLY it’s more responsible for you to plan your remodel now, before you have the budget for it than to save for years and then start planning. Let’s talk about why.Starting to plan when you feel ready to start remodeling is too late for a satisfyingly speedy process. And Saving without a plan is actually pretty unrealistic.  So if your question was: Della, how can I plan before I have my home remodel budget saved up? I’ll ask you this, how could realistically budget when you don't yet know what you want to do?Grab the episode show notes at www.midmod-midwest.com/1904OR just enroll in Ready to Remodel, right here, right now, and get started planning for an accurate and motivating home remodel budget!

Do you have a new-to-you mid-century home (…congratulations!) and don’t know where to start? I get it—taking on a new home, especially one with some history, can feel overwhelming. You might be tempted to dive into big projects right away, but I’m here to help you start smart and avoid remodel regrets. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you need quality time with your new house before you remodel. How to get started even before your get the keys. Where to think big and start small. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1903

This week, I share some of my biggest remodeling regrets and lessons learned from my own mid-century home. Biggest take away? Make small, low-risk updates first and then be sure to create a Masterplan for a remodel you’ll love without the regret.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Where your biggest quick "remodeling wins" might be hiding. Why waiting isn’t always the best choice.How to get moving on a stalled project. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1902

Finish a remodel strong with thoughtful final choices, course corrects when you need them, and mindset resets to help you bring your cats home…or whatever personal remodel milestone will help YOU stay positive and avoid remodel regret later on.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:How to finish your remodel and bring your cats home. Why late stage choices and changes can be a good thing for your remodel.Where to find the inner resources you need to get through the final stages of your remodel. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1901

When is the right time to engage design help for your remodel? The right mix of experts at the right points in the process can transform your mid-century remodeling experience. Elin Walters from Exactly Design is back to share her thoughts on who to call and when to make sure your remodel is a stunner. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you should start with design…even for small projects. How a slow start can set you up for success. Which experts will help most at different points in your remodel process. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1813. 

MCM expert Atom Stevens is back! Tune in for our parade of homes conversation and ideas for how to future proof mid-century homes.   In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why the Parade of Homes really took off in 1955. How builders advertised in the "housewife" era.What new energy standards might mean for mid-century homes.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1812

I know it can be tempting to dive right into remodeling your mid-century house the minute you get the keys, but I’m here to offer a bit of unconventional advice: wait. And I’m not the only one who thinks this! In my latest chat with preservation expert Susan Halla, we explored why it’s crucial to live in your home for a little while before making major decisions about renovations. We also get into our list of "Not to Do's" as a mid-century homeowner. In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you should live in your house before you remodel (if you can!) How to spot features that are true to the style your mid-century home.When doing less is likely to add value to your home. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1811. 

Did you catch the curb appeal clinic last Friday? If not, I've got you covered. This free workshop had everything I believe about making smart, stylish, long, lasting update choices for your mid century home on the outside in bite sized, easy steps with a few key design principles and some common upgrade inspiration for mid century homes, you can transform your house without taking on a big remodel. You can do it one weekend, upgrade at a time, or one little handyman hire at a time. I had such fun being hosted by Brandi McLean of Modern House members to put this workshop together. I didn't want podcast listeners to miss out.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1810

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Elin Walters from Exactly Design to get her perspective on mid-century interiors. While I spend my days thinking architect-y thoughts, Elin obsesses over mid-century homes as an interior designer and I was curious how our takes might differ. We covered everything from essential elements to keep (if you are lucky enough to have them) to the pitfalls you should avoid if you want to stay true to a mid-century aesthetic.In Today's Episode You'll Hear:How to mix materials like a mid mod master. What we’re begging you not to touch. Where modern touches are just what the mid mods would have wanted. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1809

Brandy McLain from Modern House Numbers is back again with her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for great modern and mcm design!In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you might want to light your house numbers.How to choose colors and materials for maximum house number visibility and style. Where to get playful with your house numbers and other exterior details. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1808