The exterior of this extensive remodel on Lake Byllesby is steadily being buttoned up this summer. As the photo shows, housewrap and soffits were nearing completion by the 4th of July.
Stay tuned for future updates!
The first floor platform is installed and framing continues on Lake Byllesby. The form of this major whole-house remodeling is visible now when compared with the design images prepared by VIVUS. The angled wall an the left of the construction photo aligns with the angled wall on the design image. It will actually be enclosed by the 1-story porch when it is framed. Another point of reference is the triple window at the lower level’s right side.
We are available to help you make choices about buying a home.
Recently, we provided just such a service for a client moving to Mankato, Minnesota.
They were seeking a universally accessible home, including adding an elevator, among other requirements. Through a local realtor, the field was limited to two homes. Mary and I met our clients on site at both homes and listened to their thoughts while walking through each home. Afterward, we discussed our professional opinions of each house, its possibilities, and its potential liabilities relative to the stated budget.
One house sat on a tight lot and would require substantial interior remodeling along with an elevator addition. Hallways were too narrow and the bathroom would require a complete makeover. Also, the owner wished to remodel the kitchen, occupy an unfinished basement, and consider exterior appearance upgrades. The other house seemed to be a better fit. It required very little interior remodeling and had ample space for an addition. The basement was already finished, so both the project budget and timeline could likely be met. However, this site faced annexation costs in a few years and an immediate septic system upgrade.
Upon our recommendation, our client opted to pursue the second house and to look into the details of annexation and septic upgrades.
Unfortunately, the costs of the septic system upgrades were too high to be feasible.
The realtor was able to find another house that met the basic criteria, so we studied that home, too. Upon review with the owner, we determined that an interior elevator shaft addition would be the best value. We provided some preliminary review of the options for the elevator location, discussion of ease and cost of desired remodeling features, and agreed that, in the end, this is probably the right house for our client. Adding a three-stop elevator would allow complete accessibility to the garage and both levels. While more expensive, this possibility will greatly enhance the year-round accessibility of this home.
Currently, they are working on an offer to purchase the home. They commented on their comfort level making the offer, knowing that their needs can be met; confident that the modifications and purchase will be less costly than starting from scratch; and informed of several possibilities to make the house a home over the next few years.
This was all done without drawing a line. When the offer is accepted, we will begin drawings to fit the elevator into the existing home.
We would be honored to assist you with your housing decisions, whether adding, buying or building.
The first phase of this master plan is complete.
Above is the Butler’s Pantry, which replaced the existing bathroom and serves as a connection to the four-season porch. An existing bedroom was renovated for a new bathroom, as seen below.
The exterior was resided, reroofed and third-floor windows were replaced. A unique part of this project was adding an exterior hot tub to the third level. Creative structural design allowed us to safely accomplish the feat: the full tub weighs as much as a Volkswagen Beetle! The four-season porch finishes were undisturbed during this work, and the hot tub has been used frequently through the winter. It’s lofty perch affords privacy to the bathers and a wonderful view of the stars at night.
The finished product looks good and the owners are pleased with the outcome.
The master plan was developed to convert the attic space into a new Master Suite, but that is being reconsidered. The unfinished attic now seems to be a better entertaining space, so a reconfiguration may be forth-coming.
A little exterior painting is all that remains on this addition.
The addition tackled a tough site problem and a challenging blend of historically unique structural additions. The L-shaped lot wrapped around the neighboring parcel. The home’s previous additions were done with poor or absent foundations.
Now the addition affords space for a sorely needed back entry and mud room, a Master Bedroom, larger bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The kitchen will be remodeled in a subsequent phase; It will be a much more functional kitchen due to the space opened up by the expansion.
For more before photos and the design sketch, see previous posts on this home.
As the trees begin to bud, an already humble addition recedes behind its craftsman host.
Our design intention for this project was to create an addition that appeared minimal from the street, allowing the colorfully painted bungalow to retain its visual identity. The modern form ducks cleanly under the existing eave, forcing no modification to the roof lines. It’s angled walls preserve a comfortable relationship with the existing garage and stretch views to the back yard, where the Owner has grand garden plans. They also nicely reflect the artistic and edgy tastes of the occupants.
The garden roof will be installed this spring, incorporating storm-water runoff reductions and minimizing potential seepage into the existing basement. Landscaping around the base of the addition will follow. The interior of the addition is more modern, with stainless steel countertops and handmade tile as seen here. (The tile was created by Clay Squared to Infinity.)
Here is a shot of a completed historic home remodeling on Union Street in Northfield.
The project consisted of a complete exterior make-over and a small, two-story addition (single-gable portion on the right) that provided significant value to both the interior flow and exterior look of the home. For a sense of what existed before our work, see the before photo. I hope you’ll agree that we’ve added some richness, similar to other historic homes in Northfield.
Careful listening, collaborative design, and sensitive detailing allowed us to make a marked improvement to this home while respecting both the budget and the homeowners’ desire to do the work themselves.
