How do you know if an older home as the
potential to be something greater? We asked Rudy Dvorak of Los Angeles
design/build firm Reinhabit what he looks for to determine if a home is ripe
for a remodel
One wall to tear out
“Open
floor plans are in high demand, so we look for homes with kitchen and eating
spaces or kitchen and living spaces divided by a wall we can tear out,” Dvorak
says. It’s a relatively easy demolition that changes the entire floor plan.
ID a view
“Everyone
loves a good view, so we try to find undiscovered opportunities to embrace
one,” he says. The potential for a view from a future rooftop deck and terraced
outdoor spaces are examples of what he considers.
Raise the ceiling
Space
is always at a premium, but when you can’t get it, Dvorak looks for the chance
to lift or vault the ceiling to add airiness. Bonus points for high ceilings in
public rooms like the living room or kitchen.
Easy outdoor updates
“Curb
appeal is always important,” Dvorak says. “Restoring vintage windows, adding
new vintage redwood, and painting a house historically correct colors delivers
big bang for the buck.”
Natural opportunities for convenience
Natural opportunities for convenience
“Convenience
adds value,” Dvorak says. “We look for chances to add modern conveniences, like
a laundry shoot from upstairs to downstairs.”
Reinhabit is a Los Angeles real estate development
firm that focuses on updating old homes (some at risk of being demolished) for
modern living. The firm focuses on rehabbing
homes using salvage materials
and green building standards.
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