Remodel & Dormer Addition

KITCHEN

The existing kitchen was completely gutted. A newly enclosed mudroom area was created next to the rear door.  The old banquette area became a stool-height counter for mail, paperwork and hanging-out.  The owner also used:

• Paperstone.  A green product made from high-content recycled paper, plus non-toxic resin.
• Salvaged exterior light from original house. Reconditioned.
• Salvaged and stripped heat registers and door hardware, throughout house.
• Low energy use and low water use dishwasher, European style.

DINING ROOM / LIVING ROOM

The client preserved the leaded glass built-ins on the common wall with the kitchen.  They kept the original windows with decorative mullions, and will put up storm windows every winter. South facing windows were upgraded to new double-pane low-e coated windows with matching decorative mullions.

MAIN FLOOR BATHROOM

• The existing bathroom was very cramped with the sink cabinet blocking a second doorway, and was gutted.
• We put in a dual-flush toilet, pedestal sink and a new shower where the tub was.  The contractor used 2×10 studs to form a wall at the end of the shower, and then put shelving in between the studs, as a space-saver.

Stairs were very steep and intruded into the center portion of the adjoining room ceiling. The new design created safe L-shaped stairs that shift to the side of the adjoining room.  They also have a “Harry Potter” half-closet underneath.

UPSTAIRS

The upstairs was just two oddly shaped bedrooms with no bathrooms. We reconfigured the existing space and added a dormer, creating two bedrooms and a bathroom laundry. Welcome to living under the rafters.

UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

This hallway features a skylight for daytime illumination, lessening the need for electric lighting.  A whole house exhaust fan goes on briefly every 24 hours to help with proper indoor air quality.  And a hallway shelf helps us remember items that are going downstairs or have come upstairs.

MASTER BEDROOM / WALK-IN CLOSET

The master bedroom is in the new dormer.  We designed large casement windows facing north, and two small awning windows at opposite ends of the room for good cross ventilation.  The closet is tucked in under one of the roof beams coming down. There is enough room in the closet for a double-stacked hanging poles and a wall of cubbies.

UPSTAIRS BATHROOM/LAUNDRY

We added a new common bathroom with two sinks, a dual-flush toilet, jetted bath, and glass-surround shower.  Two windows at the bathtub look out onto I-5 and the Cascades, if you stand on tiptoe: our peek-a-boo view!

A doorway in the bathroom leads to a nook just large enough for a stacked, front-loading washer and dryer. The client reused the old kitchen sink-cabinet unit (all-metal) as a laundry sink and extra storage.

SOLAR PANELS

• Added 16 solar electric panels to the south facing roof.
• Eliminates the electric bill during summer months.
• Owner also receives yearly check for selling excess electricity.
• Owner received 30% federal tax credit.
• No sales tax on purchase of panels (until 2020).

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING

• New 94% efficiency furnace with variable speed fan for highest effectiveness in heating.
• Hospital-level furnace filter, and pre-filter, for highest quality air quality.
• New ductwork for maximum efficiency.
• New on-demand tankless Hot Water Heater.  No need to heat 40 gallons of water while you sleep or are at work.
• Ceiling of unheated basement completely insulated.