The history of most homes likely includes a remodeling project or two. Some homeowners tackle projects as a need arises, while others have a vision and plan for all the changes they want to make. No matter the approach, the right team members make a difference and consistency is key. Working with the same architect and contractor from project to project over months and years offers numerous benefits and supports the successful evolution of a home.
For Seth and Leslie, the remodeling journey began with the purchase of a one-of-a-kind, mid-century modern house. The setting, view, and architectural bones were all appealing and they knew they could evolve the home to suit their lifestyle.
“We appreciated that it was an architect-designed home with a distinct mid-century modern style and great views,” describes Seth. “Some of the original details were pristine, untouched and well-built, so as the third owners we wanted to take great care as we contemplated updates and renovations to suit our lifestyle and the longevity of the house.”
Seth and Leslie enlisted the services of Kraft Custom Construction to begin the evolution of their home with a kitchen remodeling project, and this effort developed into a trusted partnership spanning 16 years and a long list of projects of varying sizes. From kitchen and bathroom remodels to turning a typical backyard into an outdoor oasis, the team transformed the unique house into a cherished home.
Whether documenting a detailed master plan or simply taking the time to have meaningful conversations about long-term goals, thoughtful planning helps homeowners prioritize remodeling projects with cash flow, savings, proper project coordination, and time management in mind.
“We typically promote master planning with a client,” says Roger Stuckart, production manager at Kraft Custom Construction. “It allows us to discuss their vision and long-term goals for the home and review existing conditions.”
Kraft helps clients prioritize projects based on immediate cash flow versus the overall investment. Pre-planning presents homeowners with all the considerations and associated costs, so they have the information they need to make the right decisions for their families. “We do our best to educate homeowners,” says Stuckart. “We give them the pros and cons, make our recommendations, and let them make final decisions. Then, we implement their wishes.”
Not only does master planning help homeowners think through the fiscal impact of projects, but it also allows them to plan for daily disruptions. When considering a long list of remodeling efforts, it is important to manage expectations. Understanding how phased improvements impact family members, pets and other lifestyle considerations supports decision-making. This information may guide the prioritization of their project list.
By investing in the kitchen remodel before moving into the home, Seth and Leslie avoided any inconveniences to their daily routine. When they reconfigured a portion of the first floor, they temporarily relocated to the lower level of the home. During these and other projects over the years, Seth commends Kraft’s team and process. “They were very good about staying on schedule and communicating required disruptions.”
While master planning plays a key role in successfully completing multiple remodeling projects, having a consistent team is equally important. When the same architect, contractor, and other associates and craftspeople work repeatedly on a home, clients benefit from the shared knowledge and continuity.
“A consistent team working on projects over numerous years saves time, energy, and money,” says Stuckart. “There is a collective understanding of the structure, the client’s personality, and the design style. It minimizes the learning curve at the start of each project, and the team knows how to communicate and work together through details and challenges.”
The benefit of a consistent team means the initial selection process is critical for the long-term success of the home. While homeowners are often told to get three bids, Stuckart recommends interviewing multiple contractors to see which firm they connect with best. “Homeowners should look at more than price alone. They need to see if the contractor is the right match for them. It is about finding a reliable partner, a team you trust in your home for extended periods of time. The remodeling process should be enjoyable and yield good results. Not all contractors are the same, so take the time to interview them and talk to their references.”
“The benefit of working with the same contractor, in our case Kraft, meant they really understood our aesthetic as well as the idiosyncrasies of this unique house,” says Seth. “That knowledge and consistency offer great value. It also allowed us to brainstorm ideas for other areas of the home. It is helpful to have a trusted partner who can be honest with you and tell you when something needs to be addressed right away or if the fix can wait and give you a sense of all of your options.”
Working on the home over the last 16 years provides the Kraft team with a long list of memorable projects. The collaboration between Kraft, Anderson-Shirley Architects, and the homeowners has preserved the essence of the one-of-a-kind, mid-century modern house while making it perfectly suited to their lifestyle.
The design standard for the home was established with the initial kitchen remodeling project. Seth and Leslie wanted to retain the architectural integrity of the home while integrating special touches to make it their own.
The team eliminated a soffit and overhead cabinet to open up the kitchen space. To maintain the existing character of the home, the Kraft team disassembled and relocated about 85% of the cabinets and reworked the peninsula to create a consistent counter height. A plastic laminate countertop and Marmoleum flooring retain the original feel of the home while a glass tile backsplash, new appliances, and open stainless steel shelving add contemporary touches.
“This project set the precedent for our work in the home,” says Stuckart. “It struck the right balance of retaining the substance of the house and adding the owners’ design tastes and personality.”
After completing the kitchen remodel, the team ultimately worked their way through the entire house project by project. To improve the overall floor plan, the team redesigned a Jack and Jill bathroom and laundry configuration into a separate laundry room and both a guest and primary suite. A highlight of the primary suite was direct access to a deck with an integrated hot tub. This outdoor retreat includes privacy screens that emulate the backyard fencing and highly detailed storage cabinets for towels and supplies. From the seamless mix of wood decking and precast concrete pavers to the Mexican pebble details and outdoor lighting, function, and aesthetics were carefully considered with every design decision.
The outdoor transformation continued upon the completion of the interior remodel. The team, including Laura Canfield Landscape Architecture, revived the remainder of the backyard to provide Seth and Leslie with the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Indoor areas open to a series of “outdoor rooms” spread throughout the yard at varying tiers and elevations. Enticing spaces flow seamlessly from one to another accommodating separate seating, eating, and gardening areas. Special features include a fire pit, a built-in pizza oven, a wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen, and a soaking tub on the lower deck. A concrete dining table doubles as a ping pong table. A boom truck was needed to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary for year-round enjoyment.
“We knew we were going to be in this home for a long time, so more than resale value, many of the updates were about ways for us to enjoy the house. And we wanted to make sure each
project maintained the integrity of the home,” says Seth. “Kraft guided us in the decision-making and provided the high level of craftsmanship necessary to stay true to that vision.”
Thinking about all of the work on the home, Seth reflects on a few of his favorite details. He appreciates the recommendation of Marmoleum flooring for the kitchen and bathroom, a product the homeowners were unaware of previously. He loves the look and that it is a durable, affordable, and sustainable product. Seth also notes the advice to provide heated flooring in the bathroom. What the homeowners originally perceived as a decadent detail they are now incredibly thankful for it. And they love the concrete ping pong table. Seth and Leslie experienced one in Germany, and they applaud the team for helping them make this vision a reality.
Making a unique house a customized dream home is a long-term investment of both time and money. The right partners and careful planning will guide you on your remodeling journey and support the successful evolution of your home.
Kraft Custom Construction welcomes the opportunity to learn more about you, your home, and the projects on your mind. Call us to begin this exciting process.