Marilyn Cole
In January 2024, my husband and I decided to sell our home of 44 years and move from a small town north of Seattle WA to Dubuque. It was “that time of life” when being closer to adult children and downsizing was the right thing to do. We only knew three people in Dubuque at that time – my daughter and son-in-law and our realtor. They agreed to be our on-site help as we looked at houses long distance. An exciting and scary endeavor! We poured over Zillow, looking at new builds in new neighborhoods as well as charming properties brimming with history. But I kept going back to a listing for a 1970’s ranch style house with great bones in a terr... In January 2024, my husband and I decided to sell our home of 44 years and move from a small town north of Seattle WA to Dubuque. It was “that time of life” when being closer to adult children and downsizing was the right thing to do. We only knew three people in Dubuque at that time – my daughter and son-in-law and our realtor. They agreed to be our on-site help as we looked at houses long distance. An exciting and scary endeavor! We poured over Zillow, looking at new builds in new neighborhoods as well as charming properties brimming with history. But I kept going back to a listing for a 1970’s ranch style house with great bones in a terrific location on a lovely piece of land. The drawback was the 1970’s design. How could we take on a major remodel in a new community where we did not know contractors? Where to begin? Our realtor, Pam Helmer of Ruhl and Ruhl, recommended David Tranell and Interiors by Design as the local team that could handle all aspects of a down-to-the-studs makeover of our 2500 SF house. Simply put, choosing Interiors by Design has been one of the best decisions we ever made. The firm absolutely delivered first class service. We are settled in our home now and every detail has exceeded our expectations. And quite honestly, I love the reactions from friends and family who are blown away when they walk through the front door. At each step of the months-long remodel, I felt heard by Dave and his team. They listened to my ideas and often made suggestions that were better than what I thought I wanted, which is exactly what I hoped for. They came up with ideas for using space more efficiently (moving the laundry area from the basement to the master bedroom, for example.) Their creativity along with their practical, cost-conscious approach to materials and labor ensured that every finish in our house is what we want at this stage of our life – comfortable, welcoming, easy care. I first met Dave when I flew to Dubuque for a whirlwind two-day trip in early February 2024. I was so impressed with the way he organized meetings with suppliers and with Lynn Ford, the crackerjack kitchen designer. In two days, I was able to make decisions on everything from door styles to bathroom fixtures to countertops and cabinets, as well as the new kitchen layout. It was an incredibly productive use of my time that allowed the reconstruction planning to move forward before we had actually moved from Seattle. Working with Interiors by Design, I did not worry about finding reputable plumbers, electricians, painters, etc. All the scheduling and oversight of trades people was handled flawlessly. Dave knows where to go to get things done and helped us find companies to assist with exterior issues including fencing and concrete work. These referrals were invaluable. As with any major home improvement project, design changes occur, and new wish list items are added. Dave and Lynn along with the construction team always were flexible and accommodating with our “just one more thing” calls. The transformation of a 50-year-old house with a tiny galley kitchen, autumn yellow bathrooms, and closed-in layout to an open concept floor plan with a slat wall, a gorgeous kitchen with counter space and cabinets galore, and four new bathrooms has been an amazing experience. Interiors by Design did an excellent job for us, and I wholeheartedly recommend Dave and his team.