St. Charles Old House New House Home Show Returns to Pheasant Run Resort This Weekend.

A Welcome from Our Event Founder

I’m a handy gal… I always have been; I truly enjoy working around my home.  Over the years I have tackled many do-it-yourself projects in my 1920’s English Tudor, such as refinishing furniture, wallpapering, landscaping my yard and restoring woodwork trim.  I have a few toolboxes with excellent gear, from pliers to small and large crowbars.  My favorite is a fishing tackle box filled with helpful implements and fasteners.  I’m also the proud owner of a new toolbox, a red Craftsman on wheels with drawers.

There are many projects I’m comfortable diving into, however, some are just beyond reach.  My favorite thing about The Old House New House Home Show is that it picks right up where my skills end.  With so many talented contractors, savvy designers, cutting-edge manufacturers, repair specialists and skilled craftsmen participating, I always know who to call when that next big project comes up.

People often ask me about the name of the show, Old House New House.  My husband and I felt that it celebrated the spirit of transformation that comes with remodeling, renovation and home improvement.  This idea took hold in 1983 when we completed a three-story addition on the back of our home.  We were able to retain the charm and mystique of an older home, and at the same time embrace the modern conveniences and comforts available with new spaces. 

Whether building a new home, enhancing an older home, modernizing existing rooms, making-over tired spaces or maintaining your current surroundings, I hope you catch the spark of creativity you are looking for to tackle projects with ease.  Happy home improvements!

Joanne Kennedy is the Founder and President of Kennedy Productions, Inc.  Since 1984, she has been happily hosting, managing and producing The Old House New House Home Show with her daughters and her outstanding staff.

Big Visions for Small Projects

– By David M. Dolby

The last decade has presented one distinctive and significant architectural trend: the transition from new construction to home improvement.  After the early decade’s high volume of new home construction lowered, homeowners instead began evaluating their existing homes to find alternative solutions. For the past few years, my architectural firm has concentrated on designing remodels and additions to already-existing homes.  After searching for lots to build on or bargain homes to purchase, homeowners have decided that improving current homes is the best solution to satisfy their needs. 

Anyone considering a remodeling or construction project should first consult an experienced and trustworthy architect.  Of course you should contact an architect for large projects, but don’t hesitate to contact an architect for the small projects.  Many architects excel with small projects and by way of smart design are able to save their clients money.  Whatever the scale of the project, often times the money saved in construction costs as a result of smart design exceeds the cost of the architect.

An architect can bring to life a bigger vision than a client thought possible.  In many cases, a simple rear addition can create an open family room and new kitchen layout, which provides the heart of the home with more livable space.  A second floor addition can give a house a master suite with all the luxurious amenities homeowners are currently seeking.  Sometimes, a home simply cries for an exterior face lift to make a tired front more attractive. These solutions can be small, simple and affordable but have a tremendous impact on the overall comfort and allure of a home.

David M. Dolby, is a Licensed Architect and President of ALA Architects & Planners, Inc.  Dolby has been in business for 22 years and currently has a total of 4 licensed architects and 5 designers on staff.  Visit Booth #610 or www.ALAArchitects.com for more information.