Sun Homes subscribes to the design-build philosophy of Sara Susanka in her books "Not So Big Remodeling" and "Not So Big House, A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live". Read through this list of suggestions for ideas for your own project. We'd be glad to talk you through the details of similar projects we've completed for other homeowners and business owners.

• The entry door makes a big impression. Consider installing a wider than usual front door, 3 ft. 4 inches, instead of the usual 3 ft door.
• The back door is most often used, so make it as welcoming as the front door. Add comforts, i.e. a place to remove snowy boots and coats and hang them.
• Eliminate too many interior doors.
• Incorporate the kitchen area into the whole home plan vs. isolating it from other rooms in the house.
• Install a raised countertop-preferably 4 - 6 inches higher than other counter surfaces-between the kitchen and adjacent rooms to hide dirty dishes and to give a visual break while opening up the overall space.
• Instead of a formal dining room used only once or twice a year, create a place for dining for everyday use as well as living work area.
• Include an Away Room, one that is not filled with televisions, appliances, computers and stereo equipment or noise.
• Install a front-loading washer and dryer adding a countertop above for folding space plus cabinetry and shelving above that.
• Use columns for support where walls are removed to open up the floor plan. Depending on where the column falls, you may want to add a second one or a series of columns to define the activity areas.
• Replace the living room mantel with a lower mantel that makes the room look taller.
• Use natural light in hallways to make them seem wider and more inviting.
• Add light to walk toward on the way down the basement stairs.
• Add windows with lower sill heights in the basement.
• Remove any obstacles possible from the basement ceiling, i.e. ductwork, pipes, beams
• Use finishes similar to those on the main and upper levels.
• Create a walk-out basement by excavating along the rear wall of the home.
• To make the bathroom seem larger, add a beltline, either at the sink or counter height or a foot or two above to bring the attention down to the lower part of the room.
• Remember to consider acoustical privacy when locating your main floor powder room, especially.
• When going green, add weather stripping and replace old appliances with new Energy Star ones.
• Seal ductwork.
• Paint the bottom board of exterior siding a different color than the rest of the siding and it will appear to be trim.