A New (re)Model

Normally I’m not a fan of editorial columns that are nothing but promotions for some new product offered up by the magazine.

But I’m writing one anyway. In this case, I legitimately think our project is cool, it answers a real need, and it factors directly into an ongoing, nationwide trend.

My neighborhood is changing. The old, Prairie-style houses with their gracious front porches are being torn down and replaced with massive, poorly built, cookie-cutter eyesores. As I write this, six new homes are being thrown up on my block with the speed and precision of a 17-year-old bulimic.

The one nearest the corner may be the worst. Ironically, unlike many of the other new homes on the street, the structure doesn’t suffer from shoddy materials or substandard building practices. Instead, the problem is stupendously bad design. The man behind it is actually a remodeler, a nice guy, and this spec home is his first foray into new construction.

Bill cares about his product, and the house is built to exacting standards. The problem is the floor plan. One quick example is shown in the photo above, which was taken while standing in the grand, plantation-style doorway. The space begs for a large foyer, but instead, visitors are greeted with this view of stairs jammed less than four feet from the threshold. The spot is wildly impractical, claustrophobic, and odd for a 5,000 square-foot home.

But Bill could have learned about designing and placing a statement stair by going to modelremodel2015.com. (Here’s the part about our cool new product!)

For the ModelReModel, we’re partnering with Hatfield Builders & Remodelers as they take a Dallas home down to the studs and completely recreate it with two additions and a fresh floor plan. We selected Hatfield because the company is known for excellent work, strong industry involvement, and forward-thinking business practices. I’m confident in holding up their project as a gold standard for the entire remodeling industry.

The ModelReModel is like reality TV for remodelers, with entertaining, informative blogs and videos that look at materials choices, design, best practices, and actionable tips to make a job go more smoothly. It’s smart and ambitious. It’s bold. It’s visually stunning.

The site is updated every week, and so far I’m really pleased with the reaction we’ve received.

So go to modelremodel2015.com and take a look around—and know that while I’m excited about this project, I’m also open to feedback. Let me know what you think!  PR

Contact me at [email protected] or 972.369.9212