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Olivia Hartwel

Olivia Hartwel

Home Design, Layout & Renovation Planning Specialist

Olivia Hartwel is a home renovation writer with 9 years (since 2016) of experience focusing on interior layout planning, remodeling design, and functional home upgrades. She helps homeowners plan renovations that improve both aesthetics and usability.

Her work focuses on space planning and renovation design, including bathroom remodels, kitchen layouts, basement finishing, closet remodels, and home additions. Olivia explains how design decisions affect cost, timeline, and long-term value.

She frequently writes about before-and-after transformations, layout optimization, and practical design choices, helping homeowners create spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. Her approach emphasizes smart planning and maximizing usable space.

Education: BA Interior Design, Savannah College of Art and Design, 2015 · NCIDQ Certification, 2021

Home design · Space planning · Bathroom remodels · Kitchen layouts · Home additions

Displaying 1-10 results out of 15 for Olivia Hartwel

More Space, Same Address
Home Additions Guide
May 13, 2026
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13 MIN
Planning a home expansion? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about home additions—from bump outs to second stories. Learn about costs, timelines, permits, and how to choose the right addition type for your property and budget.

Renovating Safely With Kids at Home
02:09
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How Long Does It Take to Remodel a House with Kids?
May 13, 2026
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14 MIN
Renovating with kids at home requires careful planning around realistic timelines and age-specific safety measures. Learn how long different remodeling projects actually take, how to create safe zones during construction, and whether you should relocate during major renovations.

Choose the Right Contractor With Confidence
01:19
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How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor?
May 13, 2026
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13 MIN
Choosing the right remodeling contractor can make or break your renovation. But picking the contractor is just the beginning—you'll face hundreds of decisions after that. Learn how to find a qualified contractor, manage choice overload, and structure your decision-making process to complete your project on time and on budget.

Choose Paint Colors That Last
01:16
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How Often Should You Paint Your House?
May 13, 2026
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11 MIN
Discover the real timelines for repainting your home's interior and exterior surfaces. This guide covers how material type, climate, and paint quality affect frequency, plus how timeless versus trendy color choices impact your long-term costs and repainting schedule.

What Does a Home Addition Really Cost?
Cost of Home Addition Guide
May 13, 2026
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12 MIN
Planning a home addition involves more than building walls. Most homeowners underestimate costs by 20-30%. This guide covers real pricing for room additions, sunrooms, second stories, and bump-outs, plus detailed cost breakdowns and money-saving strategies for your project.

Planning Renovation Costs Wisely
01:20
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How Much Do Home Renovations Cost?
May 13, 2026
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12 MIN
Home renovations rarely cost what you expect. Understanding renovation costs means knowing what projects typically run and how change orders reshape those numbers. Most homeowners focus on base costs, but change orders are where budgets actually break.

Bathroom Remodel Permit Guide
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Do I Need a Permit to Remodel My Bathroom?
May 13, 2026
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15 MIN
Bathroom remodels trigger permit requirements and tax implications that vary by location and scope. Understand when permits are mandatory, which improvements qualify for tax deductions or credits, how renovations affect property taxes, and what documentation protects your investment for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Bathroom?
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Bathroom?
May 13, 2026
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12 MIN
Adding a bathroom to your home costs between $5,000 for a basic half bath and over $100,000 for a luxury master suite. Learn what drives these costs, get detailed breakdowns by bathroom type, understand hidden expenses, and discover how to plan your project for the best return on investment.

How Much Does a Deck Cost?
How Much Does a Deck Cost?
May 13, 2026
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11 MIN
Building a deck transforms your backyard into a functional outdoor living space. Most homeowners spend between $4,000 and $12,000 for a standard deck, though luxury projects can exceed $25,000. Learn how size, materials, and features affect your total cost.

Renovated 1970s ranch house with modern siding, windows, and stone accents
1970s Ranch House Exterior Remodel Guide
May 13, 2026
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14 MIN
Transforming a 1970s ranch house doesn't require bulldozers or six-figure budgets. Most of these homes share the same tired features: dark wood siding, tiny windows, and color schemes that scream avocado-and-harvest-gold. See how homeowners are turning these dated ranches into modern showstoppers.

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disclaimer

The content on this website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to explain concepts related to home remodeling, renovation planning, materials, contractor selection, and budgeting.

All information on this website, including articles, guides, and examples, is presented for general educational purposes. Project outcomes and costs may vary depending on location, contractor, materials, and homeowner decisions.

This website does not provide professional construction, design, or financial advice, and the information presented should not be used as a substitute for consultation with qualified contractors, designers, or financial advisors.

The website and its authors are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any outcomes resulting from decisions made based on the information provided on this website.