As the availability of empty lots in the Greater Cleveland Area continues to diminish, we are experiencing a growing number of clients looking to renovate or demolish existing homes to build their dream home. While renovation is always an option, there are certain aspects of old homes that cannot be changed in a cost-effective manner – low ceiling heights, structural issues and small kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms with limited room for expansion. After the Schill Architecture team surveys the site and has a discussion with the client about their wants and needs, there is a often a point in the design process where the cost of renovating the old structure has to be weighed against the cost of building new on a clean slate.
While there are plenty of individuals (especially neighbors!) that argue some of the homes we raze are perfectly suitable residences whose charm cannot be replicated, we beg to disagree! We give clients the modern layouts they desire – open concept plans, first floor master suites, attached garages and killer outdoor living spaces – while designing exteriors that are sensitive to the integrity of the neighborhood. Check out some of the homes that we’ve designed in place of existing structures. It’s hard to tell that these new builds are not original to the street!
