Split-level Home Transformation

The words “tri-level floor plan” and “Arts & Crafts Bungalow” don’t logically belong in the same sentence.

Nonetheless, Mike and Deb Grisham wanted their typical 70’s split-level home in Westfield to be completely renovated to take on the feel of an Arts & Crafts “bungalow style” home.

This distinctive styling inspired nostalgia in the couple -- Mike was raised in an Arts & Crafts bungalow while growing up in the Broad Ripple area.

“This was a tall order considering the existing plan layout and the location on the lot,” said Phil Gettum, owner of Gettum Associates Inc, an award-winning design/build remodeling company. The home is situated on a small lake, practically surrounded by beautiful water views that weren’t being taken advantage of. “It was as if the home was turning a cold shoulder to its most obvious asset – the lake,” said Gettum.

So, a number of expansive new casement windows were positioned to open the home up to its glorious water views. The other highly visible feature in the renovation is the front elevation, where Gettum designed a stunning new entrance. “Since the garage sort of stuck out beyond the front of the house, we wanted to pull the entry wall forward,” said Grisham. “By adding the porch, stairs, sidewalk, and parking area, it makes it clear where to enter the house. Before, it wasn’t very welcoming since it was hard to figure out how to get in.”

The front entrance “was way up in the air from grade,” confirms Gettum. The solution was to bring the feel of the front door closer to the ground. This was accomplished by an ingenious combination of gentle cascading stairs and landings. Says Grisham, “I didn’t want eight steps marching straight up to the porch. So, we did a few steps, a small landing, and then a few more steps.” A large, overhanging front porch complete with gorgeous tapered wood columns is faithful to the Arts & Craft motif. The wood chosen for the front deck is a super-hard Brazilian hardwood called Ipe`. An inviting porch swing, a couple of rocking chairs, hanging ferns, and a craftsman-style mahogany entrance-door system beckon visitors as well as passersby. “We went online and found period-specific lighting that we used for both interior and exterior. The fixtures are copper,” says Grisham. The addition of gable and window trim completes the exterior allusion.

“We are delighted to be getting a lot more light in the rooms on the main level,” says Grisham. “Plus, with the open floor plan, the flow is much better for entertaining. The space is much more open and inviting.”

Moving indoors, the old interior was a typical “chopped up 70s-style foyer, kitchen, dining room, and living room,” as Gettum vividly recalls. Virtually everything was gutted on the main floor, the rooms reconfigured to share one visual space. Arts & Crafts-style plaster arches were added over doorways, and more of those distinctive tapered columns were used to separate dining room, living room, kitchen, and foyer. The new kitchen cabinetry was redone to feature flat recessed cherry cabinets with "Cambria" quartz countertops.

The result is a stunningly beautiful, livable home that bears almost no resemblance to its former self.

Who knew an Arts & Crafts design can actually live inside a 70’s tri-level? Well, MAME knew. They named the Gettum-designed home the winner of its annual BAGI-sponsored MAME award for excellence in renovation. “We’re a one-stop shop,” notes Gettum. “Since we include design in what we offer homeowners, as well as supporting all construction phases in our work, there’s no finger-pointing.”

As a result, Gettum continues, “We take responsibility for all aspects of the renovation project.” The bottom line is that the homeowner couldn’t have replicated this house on this lot as new construction for the money they’ve spent on renovation. “That’s why,” says Gettum, “remodeling makes the most sense financially.”

“I had thought of what I wanted for months before Phil came along,” says Grisham. “I knew I’d found the right company when after going through the design process, they listened to what we wanted, and created a design that was exactly what we were looking for.” Overall, “It was a great experience.”

To see more pictures from this project, please click HERE

For more information on how to turn your house into your dream home, contact Gettum Associates, Inc. at 317-888-5681 South/317-575-8445 North/866-234-7465 Toll Free or visit them on the web at www.Gettum.com



4984 W Smith Valley Rd.
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
(317) 888-5681 South
(317) 575-8445 North
(866) 234-7465 Toll Free

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Has your home kept up with you and your family?

You love your location. You love your neighborhood. You may even love your neighbors. But has your home kept up with you and your family?

Has your life style changed? Perhaps there has been the addition of the “pitter-patter” of little feet. Maybe some of the little feet have grown into bigger, teenage feet needing more space for more supervised activities at home. It’s also possible that now that the kids are all gone, and the constant trips to the soccer field, baseball diamonds, basketball courts or hockey rinks are over you’ve had a chance to catch your breath and look around. Unfortunately what you found was a dated and somewhat tired old house.

So what are your choices? Certainly you can build a brand new home or buy another used home. This will require getting your existing home ready to sell. The worn carpet, smudged walls, leaking gutters and other maintenance items will need immediate attention before you show it. There will be scheduled and unscheduled showings, offers and counteroffers, home inspections and requested repairs. Then there will be packing, moving, unpacking and all the other hidden expenses. Is all this worth it in exchange for turning your freshly maintained home plus all it’s fond memories over to a new owner?

A third choice, like those ever popular “before and after” remodeling shows on TV , you could just stay put and remodel. No moving, no showings, no finding out your new neighbor’s son is the drummer in a rock band. Instead, you get to keep your spacious lot, your trees, your flower garden and all those fond memories. Perhaps this makes more sense.

Well it made sense for Kevin Kelly of Greenwood, and in a big way.

In 1978, Kelly’s three bedroom ranch was all the rage. However, by the time the millennium rolled around Kelly’s home was antiquated in both style and space.

Initial thoughts centered on finding a new spacious house with a basement for his extensive model train collection. “I looked at newer bigger houses, but didn’t care for the construction or the locations,” says Kelly. “I couldn’t duplicate the conveniences of the grocery, the drug store, and restaurants which were currently outside my front door.” It then occurred to Kelly to “build up and out” instead of looking for a basement.

Kelly contacted Gettum Associates, a full service, design/build remodeling company he had used previously on some minor remodeling. This time Kelly inquired about the possibility of doing a much larger whole house overhaul and expansion.

“I had a list of what I liked and didn’t like about my existing house. Then Gettum’s design staff helped me set out a “wish list” of my goals. By the time we were done, there were only two minor items that couldn’t make it into the final design.”

During the five-month project, Kelly’s home underwent major modifications. On the first floor a master bedroom/bathroom suite was added. Most of the interior walls were reconfigured allowing for a beautiful new kitchen, open floor plan and oak stairway to the entirely new second floor. The new second floor contains a loft which look down on the great room, a third guest room, Mr. Kelly’s private office, and a dedicated model train room complete with cloud like paintings on the ceiling.

“It was a fun experience and never frustrating”, said Kelly. “Having been in the engineering business for almost 30 years, I had a general idea of what to expect. But I really have to praise Gettum for the job they did. We had daily communication when necessary, I lived in the house throughout the project, and there was never a day when something didn’t happen. They finished on schedule and on budget.”

Gary Mullikin, vice-president and general manager of Gettum Associates, known for its award winning home makeovers, says Kevin Kelly is a prime example of the true value in remodeling. Mr. Kelly could not have duplicated all the amenities he now enjoys in his newly remodeled home in a new home for less total investment. Kevin has more house, more space, and more custom designed features for less money than he could ever find in the new home market.”

To top it off, Mr. Kelley got his dream home without ever having to move away from his prized backyard water feature, greenhouse gardens, and twenty-five years of fond memories. Kelly’s aging dog “paddy”, was happy too. He didn’t have to learn “the spots” in a new back yard.

If you would like to learn more about how remodeling can add value to your home, contact Gettum Associates, Inc. Design and Remodel Contractors at 317-888-5681 South/317-575-8445 North/866-234-7465 Toll Free, or submit our online Appointment Request Form HERE (http://www.gettum.com/appointment.htm)

-JG

Gettum Associates, Inc.
4984 W Smith Valley Rd
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
http://www.gettum.com
Remodel@Gettum.com

Home Show special offer

Are you considering replacing your kitchen cabinets as part of a kitchen remodel or perhaps you have a bathroom you would like to remodel? We can help.

You can save big NOW by taking advantage of our Home Show special. Now through the end of February. To get your coupon, go to http://www.remodelindianapolis.com or follow the link at http://www.gettum.com

Any questions about your next home improvement project? Give us a call at 317.888.5681 South or 317.575.8445 North to discuss your project

Tips to survive a remodeling project

Tips to Survive a Remodeling Project

Let’s face it. Remodeling is a bit like “child birth”. Initially there’s some fear, some anxiety and yes… a little discomfort during the process. But just as these memories vanish when a mother looks into the eyes of her newborn, homeowners forget the normal trials and tribulations of remodeling once their newly “reborn” home emerges.

You can actually enjoy the remodeling process if you just follow two simple principals: #1- Be prepared and #2-have the right attitude.

Being prepared includes recognizing that a professional job with professional results requires a professional. Be sure you select a full service design/build remodeling contractor who handles, and is responsible for, the whole project-start to finish. You should be sure that they have a full time staff and are present on site throughout the process. It’s their job to manage the project, not yours; that’s what you pay them for.

Make sure you have a clear, detailed and guaranteed cost contract, a complete scope of work and full specifications before ANYTHING starts. Most horror stories involve misunderstandings involving these basic things.

Another thing that will ensure a project will run smoothly is to have a “pre-construction” conference with your contractor prior to work beginning. Great communication makes for great projects. At this meeting, go through your contract and specs once again and be sure everyone is on the same page. Even little things like work hours, bathroom availability, and talks about “who chases fluffy if she gets out” are important discussions to have. Your contractor should also warn you to remove personal items from the work area and even to take down things hanging on the other side of the walls in the work area, just to be sure. An initial schedule and basic understanding of what to expect and when will go miles toward helping you prepare for those times that sinks, ovens and dishwashers won’t be available to you. Hint: unless you have the luxury of a second kitchen or plans were included for a temporary kitchen in the basement, start to stock pile coupons for pizza delivery and Chinese right now.

But the most important part of surviving any home remodel is simply having the right attitude. Have realistic expectations. If you expect to say “Driver, MOVE THAT BUS” in seven days, you are going to be disappointed. That is not reality. Reality is, if you did your homework in selecting a professional design/build remodeling contractor, the “birthing pains” involved in your “re-born home” will all be worth it.
You can learn more about Gettum Associates by visiting their website at www.Gettum.com, or calling them at 317-888-5681.

Have big plans for your next project? Get it in writing!

So, you've decided you really need the extra "room" a new addition could add to your home. The excitement and anticipation of having a space the whole family can enjoy has you anxious at the start, and eventual completion of the project. You did your homework and all the necessary research and planning that a major renovation would entail. You carefully selected your contractor by getting references, researching their qualifications and validating their businesses. You did that right? Oops, you might have overlooked a few steps?
No, problem. Check out this guide "6 costly mistakes to avoid when selecting a contractor" and you will be back on track. As soon as you get your contractor squared away, your ready to start the job, right? Not so fast.

Did you carefully review your project specifications? Did you review the draw (payment) schedule as to when to expect payment(s) due? You do have those, don't you? Of course you do, because you have done your homework. You know that having a written set of specifications as to the scope of the project, the materials involved, etc. is paramount in protecting you as the homeowner. Most of all, the articles you have read have told you that the "remodeling contract" is a legally binding agreement meant to protect both the business (your remodeler) and the consumer (that's you).

Unfortunately, not enough homeowner's think to ask about the details. In many cases, assumptions are made by both parties. It's important to nail down the details. If you are adding an addition, is it specified that all trim is to match existing? Should the texture of your new ceiling match that of the existing? These are all important questions to ask as they will determine the final outcome of your project, and ultimately your happiness. Insist that the project scope of your next project be clear as to what is happening. Make sure expectations are set that you can live with. Make sure you have a clear contract. Insist that your remodeling contract spell out the price of the project, the draws (payments) to be made and when as well as any allowances. Also, there should be a detailed course of action if there should be a dispute.

Most reputable contractors, especially those belonging to your local builder's association, will provide you with these vital documents. After all, this is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make. Protect your investment and do business with a reputable contractor. Be sure they have the credentials and the reputation to complete your project succesfully. Be sure they have insurance, be sure they will be around to service what they sell. As a respected local Indianapolis area contractor, please feel free to contact Gettum Associates with any questions that you may have in selecting your next contractor. We can be reached at 317.888.5681 or via email at Remodel@Gettum.com

-JG

Gettum Associates, Inc
4984 W Smith Valley Rd.
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
317.888.5681 South
317.575.8445 North
866.234.7465 Toll Free
http://www.gettum.com/

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When choosing a contractor, be sure to compare apples to apples

If you are like most consumer's, price DOES mean something when considering a purchase. Especially in today's economic environment. Even the wealthiest of individuals keep price in mind when making a selection. No matter who you are, or what you do, everyone has a budget.

Sometimes using price to determine your final decision works well. For two identical items, one would expect, in most cases, to choose the less expensive of the two. Its when two items appear to be the same that one might run into trouble. Remember, not all things are created equal.

The old cliche', be sure to "compare apples to apples" (click link for a non-remodeling example) and NOT "apples to oranges" is none more true than when dealing with a remodeling project. When researching contractors to do your next remodeling project, its important to do your homework. Not all contractors are created equal. The easiest way to compare prices is by looking at the potential contractors quote, bid, specifications or however they refer to it.

So, what important information can be gleaned from a written quote? The quote should be specific as to WHAT work will be done and even better, what work WILL NOT be done. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Contractors are sometimes guilty of writing specifications in languages they use everyday and understand and not always in a way that most people could understand. So, if you don't understand an item, ask to get clarification. If your contractor is reluctant to explain, time to find another one.

The amount of detail in a quote or set of specifications in relation to the final price is also important. For example, if you want to remodel your kitchen and you call in three contractors to provide you bids you should be able to learn a lot by the comparison between the three. For example, which of the three bids contains the least detail? Which contains the most? Nine times out of ten, the quote with the least detail will be the least expensive. At the very least, you need to ask the contractor to put his scope of work in writing. If he is unwilling, time to part ways.

Now, with the two most detailed bids in hand, you can begin to make some educated comparisons. Go line by line through the specifications and compare items. Keep detailed notes of items included in one bid, but not the other along with any questions you may have. Then, have an upfront conversation with each of the two candidates to try to answer your questions and find out why or why not certain items are included.

So, what happens if two contractors have near identical specifications and pricing? GREAT! This is a strong indication you have narrowed your choices down to two reputable contractors and are NOW comparing "Apples to Apples" and NOT "Oranges to Oranges". So, what now? If specs and prices are both equal, how do you choose one over the other? Now is the time to compare referrals, credentials and experience, or how long they have been business.

Referrals are a great place to start. Get a list of past clients and the type of projects they completed. Be sure to ask not only made them happy but also what things maybe the contractor could have improved upon. Yes, it is important to know how a contractor made a client happy: little things like letting the family pet in and out, paying particular attention to clean-up at day's end or any other task to go the extra mile. However, the reality is not everything goes right all the time, no matter how much planning and foresight is involved. Let's face it, remodeling is not all smooth sailing and sometimes, there are un-forseen surprises. The best contractor's find timely solutions to these issues, minimizing as much expense and inconvience to the homeowner as possible.

Besides referrals, you might consider comparing credentials. Does the contractor belong to your local Builder's Association. In the Indianapolis area, the Builder's Association of Greater Indianapolis, or BAGI, is our local builder's association. Why does this matter? It matters in that we (association members) are bound to a code of standards in which to judge quality and performance. It can act on the behalf of both contractor and consumer if a dispute should arise. Along with membership in your local builders association, you may compare other credentials such as educational designations such as CGR, CGP or CAPS, which are specialized designations backed by the NAHB.

Finally, look into a companies longevity. How long have they been in business; What is the company history? Have they received awards or have they been recognized in magazine publications? How long have the key employees been around? Look for a sense of strong company culture; one with experience and pride.

There are many factors in choosing the best contractor for your next remodeling project. The most important thing to remember is be sure to compare Apples to Apples. Only then can you truly begin to compare one contractor to another. Compare project specs, credentials and experience to get the best sense of who you should choose.
Good luck.

-JG

P.S. If you have any questions regarding choosing your next contractor, please contact Gettum Associates at 317.888.5681 or email at remodel@Gettum.com

Gettum Associates, Inc
4984 W Smith Valley Rd.
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
317.888.5681 South
317.575.8445 North
866.234.7465 Toll Free
Remodel@Gettum.com

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The holidays are coming...is YOUR home ready?

If your like me, chances are you are already wishing the warm weather was still here. This time of the year, many of us struggle with the reality that winter is right around the corner. We rush to get our yards and homes in order before the cold weather. With the changing of the seasons, comes two of America's biggest holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both events traditionally involve family gatherings centered around eating! In my opinion, it doesn't get any better than a good holiday meal!

While we cherish the moments of gathering with friends and family there are also situations in which these times can be a source of frustration. We all want things to be perfect for these special occasions, but questions such as "where will we put everyone" and "how will we get all the food prepared in this cramped kitchen" add unnecessary stress and can ultimately degrade the experience. If this is similar to your holiday experiences, take a minute to think about how many years in a row you have had these feelings. Is this something that has been going on for what seems like forever? Do the walls feel like they are closing in at a faster rate than before? If so, its time to take charge and explore the possibility of easing your holiday pain. Chances are, your family is only getting larger and that can be the cause of increasing feelings of being cramped! So, what do you do?

First of all, don't panic! Easier said than done, but solving your space issues may be easier than you think. Yes, it WILL cost some money and sure it's going to take some time. But, in the end, you, your family and your holiday memories will benefit! Consider projects such as family room expansion/extensions, enlarging your kitchen and dining area or rearrangement of any of these spaces. Many times, removing walls and reorganizing these spaces can achieve more usable space without the need to add on. And other times, it may make sense to build an addition. A reputable local Design/Build remodel contractor, such as Gettum Associates, Inc. (http://www.gettum.com/) will have the experience to evaluate your family's wants and needs to develop a well-thought design and carry those visions through the completion of construction.

-JG

How to finance your next home improvement project

Have you considered a home improvement project, but not followed through out of fear that you may not be able to get financed?

There has been a lot of talk about the trouble of obtaining financing for home improvement projects. Like so many other things, this has been greatly exaggerated. While it's true that most lenders have made it harder for the masses to obtain money, all the money has NOT dried up and it's not near as bad as you may have heard.

The same basic requirements of the past still hold true: if you have stable income and good credit, most likely you can get a loan. One caveat though. Don't expect most normal banks to be eager to lend you money for home improvements.

The key to funding your next project is to find a lender that specializes and has experience in construction lending. An agent specializing in construction lending will look at the value of your completed project versus just looking at the value of your current home. They know how to work with appraisals to give you accurate advice on your loan options. In some cases, a home equity line of credit may be the most appropriate to your situation. In other cases, it may be best to roll your current mortgage in with a construction loan to an entirely new mortgage all together. A specialized construction lender can analyze your personal situation to help you make an informed decision.

Gettum Associates has worked closely with a select few construction lenders for many years. If you need some advice and have any questions regarding your next project, please visit our website at www.Gettum.com for contact options.

-JG

ToxAway Day Coming Soon!

Get rid of your household hazardous materials!
From batteries, household cleaners and motor oil, to paint and fluorescent light tubes, residents may dispose of these items free of charge!

For more information, go to: http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPW/Pages/ToxDrop%20Home%20Page.aspx

Upcoming ToxAway Day events:

Saturday August 15, 9am to 2pm
Meridian Street United Methodist Church/5500 N. Meridian St.

Saturday, September 26, 9am to 2pm
Glendale Mall Overflow Parking Lot/6101 N. Rural St.


For more information about Gettum Associates Indianapolis area remodeling contractors, please visit our website at http://www.gettum.com

-JG

Have old appliances to get rid of? DONT throw them away!

Perhaps some of you have heard of Green Piece Indy.
They put out a nice blog and send e-mails regarding ways we can all become more eco-friendly.
In the latest e-mail, they mention a service I feel many of us can or will be able to take advantage of at some point.

There is a company called DAO (Disposable Alternatives Organization) that will pick-up your household appliances for FREE! More information can be found on their website at http://www.applianceremovers.com/. If repairing your broken appliances is not an option, please give these folks a call and do your part in keeping harmful pollutants out of our landfills, our soils and our water!

-JG