Local Home Goes from Boxy 80's  Style to Wow!

Dining Area Before:

From the beginning, Scott and Donna Roberts loved the convenient location of their ‘80s-built home, and especially the gorgeous lake view from their family room. Over time, however, they realized they wanted fewer walls and more spaciousness, but they didn’t want to move from the home, neighborhood and lake they treasured. Read on to learn how the Roberts achieved the flow and feel they desired by choosing to work with a company dedicated to turning their existing ‘80s style home into their present day dream home!

Designed by:

David Mackowski of Quality Design & Construction, with input from homeowners Scott and Donna Roberts.

 

Built by:

The professional craftsmen and craftswomen on staff at Quality Design & Construction, under the guidance of company President and Vice President David and Peggy Mackowski. A life-long learner David has completed the coursework requirements offered through the Remodelors™ Council of the National Home Builders Association to earn the designations of Certified Graduate Remodelor™ and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist. The skills and philosophies of these highly praised programs are utilized in each job undertaken by Quality Design & Construction as a result of David’s leadership and attention to detail.

The rooms:

The foyer, the conversion of the former living and family rooms into a great room, and the kitchen.

The project:

Scott and Donna came to Quality Design & Construction with distinct ideas of what they wanted in their renovation. First and foremost, they wanted fewer barriers and an open, non-confining feel to their home’s first floor. They wanted to maximize the picturesque lake scene from their family room via increased visibility. And they wanted to brighten their home with updated colors and finishes. These ideas, in combination with suggestions offered by David, came together beautifully in the make-over of the Roberts home.

The process:

Perhaps the most technical aspect of the renovation was the determination of the best way to support the second floor of the home while “load-bearing” walls (walls supporting upper levels) were removed and new load-bearing points were incorporated. A structural beam in the ceiling also required support during the process, and plumbing in walls removed required relocation. Fortunately, the Quality Design & Construction team had tremendous experience in these challenges, with the knowledge and expertise to make these transformations flawlessly.

To lighten their first floor, Scott and Donna selected the rich red and yellow hues of heartpine flooring. David suggested that they vary the planks in 3”, 4” and 5” widths to add interest; the Roberts were very pleased with the result.

To complement the flooring, the Roberts chose cherry kitchen cabinetry to replace the originally-installed dark pine. The artisans at Quality Design & Construction custom-designed an exhaust hood over the cooktop to coordinate beautifully with this cabinetry.  An entertainment center in the family room continued the cherry theme, as did the fireplace mantle. Over the mantle, Scott and Donna asked for a unique design in the sheetrock wall treatment, creating decorative fireplace depth.

Iron spindles, cherry handrails and heartpine treads replaced dark oak in the foyer staircase, and dramatic columns replaced walls as a means of defining foyer-to-great room space and the provision of furniture anchor points. As requested, the lake view became visible from the home’s foyer and entire great room.

Back in the kitchen, the installation of granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, numerous specialized cabinetry niches, an eye-catching custom-tiled backsplash above the cook top and adjacent counter area (which became 31” deep vs. the standard 25” depth, allowing more workspace), and enhanced lighting all combined to transform this room from a utilitarian space into a spectacular space for

entertaining.

The overall outcome of the renovation? Stunning!

The cost:

Based on the desired results of their clients, David and Peggy find that their projects typically fall in a broad range of $30,000 to $300,000. A project of this particular magnitude could range from $145,000 to $185,000. The goal of Quality Design & Construction is to complete jobs to the total satisfaction of their clients - within the budget and timeframe estimated.

Comments from the homeowners: “Our relationship with David and his company from concept to completion was exceptional,” says Scott. “They faced challenges with creative solutions, and we have been very happy with the results.” “Before our renovation, we went on a Remodeler’s Home Tour and interviewed 7 – 8

contractors throughout that process,” Scott continues. “We liked what we saw and heard from Quality Design. We’ve never regretted our decision to work with them to remodel our home.”

Rebecca R. Newsome is a Freelance Writer

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An entertainment center in the family room continued the cherry theme, as did the fireplace mantle. Over the

mantle, Scott and Donna asked for a unique design in the sheetrock wall treatment, creating decorative fireplace depth.