Change Of Choice New Category In People’s Choice Awards Shows Trend Of Remodels And Additions

Residential architects are best known for designing custom homes from the basement up.

But some clients would rather fix what they have than start over.

North Idaho architects report a growing number of homeowners seeking help with remodels and additions, which is why the local American Institute of Architects chapter added that category to its second annual People’s Choice Awards exhibition.

The show runs next Wednesday through Sunday at Silver Lake Mall, on U.S. Highway 95 north of Coeur d’Alene.

The public is invited to vote on 17 commercial and residential entries. Architects will be on hand weekday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday to answer questions.

Projects range from Lake City High School and several banks to a 350-square-foot beachfront guest cottage designed by Cory Trapp of G.D. Longwell Architects.

“It was kind of my idea to add the remodel section” to this year’s awards, Trapp explains. “Most of the homes last year were in the $300,000-to-$400,000 range. Looking at those, potential middle-class clients might not think they can afford an architect. But a lot of times we can help.”

North Idaho real estate appraiser Sandy Emerson says money spent on remodeling or adding to an existing house can be a good investment.

Kitchens and baths are the most expensive rooms to remodel, as they involve cabinetry, plumbing, light fixtures, appliances and multiple subcontractors. “But generally speaking,” says Emerson, “you get your money back, and even make money if the job is done right.

“And you can usually tell if it was the work of an architect, a decorator or a do-it-yourselfer,” he says.

Emerson warns that some high-end features - exotic counter tops, elaborate tiles and metal trims - can be overdone, “and they may not appeal to everyone.”

Also questionable from an investment standpoint are elegant master bedroom suites and three-car garages incorporated into otherwise modest homes.

Swimming pools and sports courts add little to the value of any residence, Emerson says, “but a hot tub might be the sort of feature that puts your house above others” of similar size and quality.

Architect Monte Miller says remodels and additions are gaining popularity in North Idaho because a shrinking number of building sites justify the cost of custom construction.

“Both our projects (entered in the People’s Choice remodel category) are in locations that are pretty special,” says Miller. “One is on Hayden Lake’s Gold Coast, where there are no vacant lots, so our clients chose to acquire an existing home and remodel it.

“The other project was for a homeowner who didn’t want to move and build something new. He liked where he lived.”

Appraiser Emerson says the real estate frenzy of recent years has “stabilized in North Idaho, but remodeling is a good way to get more enjoyment out of your home today while adding value for tomorrow.

“Almost anything people do that’s energy efficient and looks good is appreciated by the market,” he advises.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 3 Color Photos

MEMO: The People’s Choice architecture exhibition at Silver Lake Mall runs next Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.