Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

The purpose of many remodeling jobs is simply to improve an area of the home. But for other projects, the meaning is much deeper.

Such was the case with a Boulder home that Parrish Construction remodeled. A Japanese family needed an addition to accommodate the owner’s mom who had moved from Japan to live with them. Cultural considerations needed to play an integral part in the plans.

Three generations had needs: An aging grandmother, the owners and their daughter. “The three-generation household needed more privacy and more space, plus accommodation for their hectic professional lives and for their aging grandmother,” said Loraine Masterton, customer relations specialist with Parrish Construction.

The grandmother’s bedroom was small and crowded and “she could not enjoy her personal cultural belongings,” Masterton said. “The husband wished his aging mother to feel as comfortable in his home as possible and wanted to add Japanese amenities and cultural touches to the addition.”

With decades of experience behind them, Parrish set out to meet the family’s needs with the help of Terra Verde Architects, also of Boulder.

When it was all over, the family had a home that was functional and culturally comforting.

For Parrish and Terra Verde, a job well done also turned into bragging rights when the National Association of the Remodeling Industry honored them with a regional award.

Of course awards mean nothing unless the client is satisfied. That goal involved an extensive game plan to meet some very specific needs. Among them: a 628-square-foot addition and remodel of the entryway, a master bedroom and master bath built to the Certified Aging in Place Standards; and a walk-in cedar closet. The remodeling of the existing entrance included an additional guest bathroom and the re-positioning of five doors, Masterton said.

The grandmother’s bathroom included a programmable bidet that was set for her specific needs. A feature that is becoming common in Japan, a control panel is programmed to know who is using the bidet based on weight and its controls make it easier for people to wash up, especially as they grow older. The design included a bench and movable water fixtures in the walk-in shower, as well as a heated floor. With the use of the aging-in-place standards, there is room for a walker or wheelchair if it becomes necessary.

Additional consideration was given to the wife, who has a music studio in the basement. She instructs students who are constantly visiting the house, making privacy an issue for the rest of the family. “There is now a powder room in the home’s entrance, which the students can use without disturbing the family,” Masterton said.

The home now has a discreet entryway, part of the Japanese culture, which separates the rest of the world from the privacy of the home, “all designed in a distinctly modern and Japanese style,” Masterton added. “Our cabinet shop made custom entranceway furniture reminiscent of the centuries-old style of a traditional Japanese home. The elegance and usefulness of the new entranceway provides harmony and grace where once there was chaos.”

Overall, “the family has a new level of ease with each other, as everyone’s privacy is assured,” Masterton said.

All photos provided by Parrish Construction.

Posted on 26 November 2008

From bedrooms and baths to a full-blown entertainment room, a comfortable and efficient basement must be well thought out and designed to accommodate the most common usage. Is it teens or toddlers or 20-somethings who will traipse around? Should it be comfortable for the sleepover crowd where video games and text messages will rule the evening, or will it be the weekend gathering place for sports fans who want to catch the Broncos game on a huge screen?

Interior designers, architects and contractors can help sort out the details.

If unfinished, the basement planning can get under way without a thought for the problems created by others. But Randy Shelton of GRC Builders in Denver points out the problems in older basements usually involved the sins of others who wanted a job done inexpensively. “Usually the previous owner has hired someone to do work who is not a licensed, skilled contractor,” Shelton said. Electrical systems that don’t meet code and walls placed on concrete that are not “floating,” are two of the common challenges in older homes.

The furnace, air conditioning unit, hot water heater, ductwork and other mechanical systems need to be tucked away so that the main floor space is open. Because it’s a basement, safety is a concern in case of fire. Again, older homes need to be brought up to code by replacing small windows with egress windows. Not only does it provide more light into the room, but the feel can change from cavernous to comfortable.

GRC Builders owner Randy Shelton grew up working in the home building industry, earned a business degree and, along with his wife, has operated a successful remodeling company for nearly 20 years. All companies approach the process differently. Some, such as GRC are design-build firms that will manage the process start to finish. Other times, homeowners will hire an architect prior to bringing in contractors. Interior designers are also called upon to provide guidance in a process that can be time consuming and unmanageable for some homeowners.

Shelton’s business has evolved with the times, he points out. GRC’s basement business originally centered on finishing new homes. But in the past few years, he has focused on homes built in the 1980s and before.

On average, the basements GRC finishes are about 1,000 square feet. Averaged out, most projects will cost $40,000-$50,000, he said.

And although some homeowners need only the basics downstairs, Shelton points out that over time he has completed a few extraordinary projects. In one case, he built an archery lane for the homeowners. Another customer wanted drawers built into each of the risers under the stairs, which has become more popular as people seek out additional places to store their … treasurers. Because the drawers are fairly prominent, a contractor with a true sense of aesthetics is imperative.

Entertainment rooms, wet bars, bathrooms and bedrooms are common pieces of the puzzle. But whatever level of detail that is needed, Shelton said it’s important to communicate with the homeowner. “Probably the best thing everyone can do is get mentally prepared for the process,” Shelton said, adding that the homeowner should feel comfortable talking to the builder. “Otherwise, that job isn’t going to be successful.”

“Everyone’s a little gun shy before the process,” Shelton said. “We spend a lot time going through what to expect from GRC Builders. – how to solve all of the nightmares. Then we focus on keeping them informed on what’s going to happen.”

SIDEBAR:

Getting started in the basement

When it’s time to talk with an architect or contractor about finishing a basement or at least remodeling, be prepared to discuss some aspects of home improvement that are unique to the basement. For example, Colorado’s normally dry climate allows us to avoid many of the mold issues that impact people in other parts of the country. However, in the basement, below-ground concrete, wood and walls need to be addressed.

Here are a few considerations suggested by BasementRemodeler.com.
• Is the basement dry – and will it stay that way?
• Is the basement warm? In addition to the standard heat source, many people like to make their downstairs rooms more comfortable with a fireplace, wood-burning stove or heated flooring.
• A good solution to eliminate moisture and resulting mold from the concrete slab is electric floor heating. The drying effects of floor heat will reduce the humidity coming from the slab, which is the largest source of moisture.
• Floating walls are normally the best basement bet.
• Because any water leaks inside or outside your home will eventually permeate the ground, it’s best to think about cleanup when planning basement flooring. “For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type,” says Basement Remodeler.
• If you install carpet, use the thickest carpet pad possible in order to cover irregularities in the concrete.
• When decorating and furnishing, think it terms of bright colors to brighten the darkest room in the house.
• Egress windows will likely be part of any modern design that is up to code.
• Although adding as much natural light as possible is most important, creativity with artificial light runs a close second. “Use indirect lighting that splashes large pools of light on the ceiling. Table and floor lamps can be pleasing.

Posted on 11 November 2008

A basement remodel is one of the most costly and rewarding projects that is undertaken in the home.

From bedrooms and baths to a full-blown entertainment room, a comfortable and efficient basement must be well thought out and designed to accommodate the most common usage. Is it teens or toddlers or 20-somethings who will traipse around? Should it be comfortable for the sleepover crowd where video games and text messages will rule the evening, or will it be the weekend gathering place for sports fans who want to catch the Broncos game on a huge screen?

Interior designers, architects and contractors can help sort out the details.

If unfinished, the basement planning can get under way without a thought for the problems created by others. But Randy Shelton of GRC Builders in Denver points out the problems in older basements usually involved the sins of others who wanted a job done inexpensively. “Usually the previous owner has hired someone to do work who is not a licensed, skilled contractor,” Shelton said. Electrical systems that don’t meet code and walls placed on concrete that are not “floating,” are two of the common challenges in older homes.

The furnace, air conditioning unit, hot water heater, ductwork and other mechanical systems need to be tucked away so that the main floor space is open. Because it’s a basement, safety is a concern in case of fire. Again, older homes need to be brought up to code by replacing small windows with egress windows. Not only does it provide more light into the room, but the feel can change from cavernous to comfortable.

GRC Builders owner Randy Shelton grew up working in the home building industry, earned a business degree and, along with his wife, has operated a successful remodeling company for nearly 20 years. All companies approach the process differently. Some, such as GRC are design-build firms that will manage the process start to finish. Other times, homeowners will hire an architect prior to bringing in contractors. Interior designers are also called upon to provide guidance in a process that can be time consuming and unmanageable for some homeowners.

Shelton’s business has evolved with the times, he points out. GRC’s basement business originally centered on finishing new homes. But in the past few years, he has focused on homes built in the 1980s and before.

On average, the basements GRC finishes are about 1,000 square feet. Averaged out, most projects will cost $40,000-$50,000, he said.

And although some homeowners need only the basics downstairs, Shelton points out that over time he has completed a few extraordinary projects. In one case, he built an archery lane for the homeowners. Another customer wanted drawers built into each of the risers under the stairs, which has become more popular as people seek out additional places to store their … treasurers. Because the drawers are fairly prominent, a contractor with a true sense of aesthetics is imperative.

Entertainment rooms, wet bars, bathrooms and bedrooms are common pieces of the puzzle. But whatever level of detail that is needed, Shelton said it’s important to communicate with the homeowner. “Probably the best thing everyone can do is get mentally prepared for the process,” Shelton said, adding that the homeowner should feel comfortable talking to the builder. “Otherwise, that job isn’t going to be successful.”

“Everyone’s a little gun shy before the process,” Shelton said. “We spend a lot time going through what to expect from GRC Builders. – how to solve all of the nightmares. Then we focus on keeping them informed on what’s going to happen.”

SIDEBAR:

Getting started in the basement

When it’s time to talk with an architect or contractor about finishing a basement or at least remodeling, be prepared to discuss some aspects of home improvement that are unique to the basement. For example, Colorado’s normally dry climate allows us to avoid many of the mold issues that impact people in other parts of the country. However, in the basement, below-ground concrete, wood and walls need to be addressed.

Here are a few considerations suggested by BasementRemodeler.com.
• Is the basement dry – and will it stay that way?
• Is the basement warm? In addition to the standard heat source, many people like to make their downstairs rooms more comfortable with a fireplace, wood-burning stove or heated flooring.
• A good solution to eliminate moisture and resulting mold from the concrete slab is electric floor heating. The drying effects of floor heat will reduce the humidity coming from the slab, which is the largest source of moisture.
• Floating walls are normally the best basement bet.
• Because any water leaks inside or outside your home will eventually permeate the ground, it’s best to think about cleanup when planning basement flooring. “For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type,” says Basement Remodeler.
• If you install carpet, use the thickest carpet pad possible in order to cover irregularities in the concrete.
• When decorating and furnishing, think it terms of bright colors to brighten the darkest room in the house.
• Egress windows will likely be part of any modern design that is up to code.
• Although adding as much natural light as possible is most important, creativity with artificial light runs a close second. “Use indirect lighting that splashes large pools of light on the ceiling. Table and floor lamps can be pleasing.

Posted on 01 November 2008

While the modern home has all of the standard amenities, most have features that were only daydreams just a decade ago.

High-tech entertainment rooms and home offices have become the norm in many newer or recently remodeled homes. And why not?

With gas prices and time at a premium, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of utilizing the home?

The Office Space

When it comes to home offices, “Everybody needs one,” says Maureen McGuire, who is secretary of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

In fact, families are finding that they need two and many homes end up with his and hers.

As might be expected, the predominant money-maker often has a larger, more developed space, says McGuire, who owns Maureen McGuire Interiors, LLC, in Highlands Ranch.

At a minimum, McGuire says homes have a command center or communication area in which calendars keep important dates. A phone and message board are part of the center, as is space for favorite photos or school papers in some cases.

Today’s larger home offices often have built-in cabinets and book shelves. The desk might be part of a larger, permanent unit that includes file storage.

McGuire worked on a Denver-area project that included a mini-bar, television and fireplace. The room was built adjacent to the family room so mom could keep one eye on the kids and one eye on the job. Balancing career and family is still an issue, but it’s made easier by working at home.

Client comfort also is important, McGuire notes, adding that the drive toward luxurious home offices has shifted into high gear in the past three years or so. “People really want efficiency, she points out. “They want the space to work hard for them and to make sure there is time savings.”

McGuire says wireless technology and the simplicity of email and Internet interaction have allowed people to work at home without missing a beat. The time saved by not commuting also can be used to be productive. And if the water-cooler chatter is missed, turn on the computer camera and go face-to-face with co-workers when necessary.

“The home office is something that people are putting a lot more money into,” she says.

Entertainment today
Home theater is as popular as ever, but McGuire says it is moving away from the isolated, darkened-room experience to the open-ended entertainment area that everyone can enjoy, even if they are not interested in a movie.

Theater, games, wet bar and dining tables provide expanded fun for all ages. The audio and visual experience remains, but there are more entertainment options.

McGuire says the closed-door theaters kept people from interacting, which wasn’t part of an enjoyable family experience. “People are looking for something that is centrally located with all of the bells and whistles,” she says. “It can be state of the art but it’s more open to other functions. It’s a multi-functional space.”

In the past few years, the Home Builders Association’s Parade of Homes has featured fewer separate home theaters. “You don’t want to isolate people, McGuire says.

New entertainment rooms include large TVs and all of the high-tech components, she says, but a pool table or card table might be adjacent, along with a wet bar where everyone can grab a drink.

After a long day at the home office, it’s great to gather with family to watch a movie or play a game, especially when the car hasn’t even left the garage.

Doug Walter Architects included a study in this award-winning Denver-area remodel
Photo provided by Doug Walter Architects

Posted on 29 September 2008

While the modern home has all of the standard amenities, most have features that were only daydreams just a decade ago.

High-tech entertainment rooms and home offices have become the norm in many newer or recently remodeled homes. And why not?

With gas prices and time at a premium, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of utilizing the home?

The office space

When it comes to home offices, “Everybody needs one,” says Maureen McGuire, who is secretary of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

In fact, families are finding that they need two and many homes end up with his and hers.

As might be expected, the predominant money-maker often has a larger, more developed space, says McGuire, who owns Maureen McGuire Interiors, LLC, in Highlands Ranch.

At a minimum, McGuire says homes have a command center or communication area in which calendars keep important dates. A phone and message board are part of the center, as is space for favorite photos or school papers in some cases.

Today’s larger home offices often have built-in cabinets and book shelves. The desk might be part of a larger, permanent unit that includes file storage.

McGuire worked on a Denver-area project that included a mini-bar, television and fireplace. The room was built adjacent to the family room so mom could keep one eye on the kids and one eye on the job. Balancing career and family is still an issue, but it’s made easier by working at home.

Client comfort also is important, McGuire notes, adding that the drive toward luxurious home offices has shifted into high gear in the past three years or so. “People really want efficiency, she points out. “They want the space to work hard for them and to make sure there is time savings.”

McGuire says wireless technology and the simplicity of email and Internet interaction have allowed people to work at home without missing a beat. The time saved by not commuting also can be used to be productive. And if the water-cooler chatter is missed, turn on the computer camera and go face-to-face with co-workers when necessary.

“The home office is something that people are putting a lot more money into,” she says.

Entertainment today

Home theater is as popular as ever, but McGuire says it is moving away from the isolated, darkened-room experience to the open-ended entertainment area that everyone can enjoy, even if they are not interested in a movie.

Theater, games, wet bar and dining tables provide expanded fun for all ages. The audio and visual experience remains, but there are more entertainment options.

McGuire says the closed-door theaters kept people from interacting, which wasn’t part of an enjoyable family experience. “People are looking for something that is centrally located with all of the bells and whistles,” she says. “It can be state of the art but it’s more open to other functions. It’s a multi-functional space.”

In the past few years, the Home Builders Association’s Parade of Homes has featured fewer separate home theaters. “You don’t want to isolate people, McGuire says.

New entertainment rooms include large TVs and all of the high-tech components, she says, but a pool table or card table might be adjacent, along with a wet bar where everyone can grab a drink.

After a long day at the home office, it’s great to gather with family to watch a movie or play a game, especially when the car hasn’t even left the garage.

Posted on 05 September 2008