Search results for "Commence" in Home Design Ideas

At the outset, this project began with the transformation of a 2-car attached garage. The goal was to create a mudroom, an exercise room, and a breezeway to seamlessly connect the spacious detached garage with the main part of the house. Additionally, the project involved partial roof removal and the addition of a new front entry.
But then came an unexpected twist – scope creep.
We found ourselves veering away from the initial client-supplied architectural plans. After numerous consultations with the clients and several iterations of the design, we arrived at a significantly improved plan for the remodel and addition.
Our journey commenced with the demolition of almost the entire former 2-car garage, making space for a new, oversized 3-car garage measuring 40′ x 28′. This garage was strategically placed between the existing house and the large detached garage. We introduced a custom low-sloped flat roof, designed to address historical drainage issues.
To mitigate water pooling, we created a custom concrete step at the back corner of the garage, equipped with a sturdy metal grate that sits flush with the step. We also installed a PVC drainage system, commencing at the step and running beneath a newly designed patio, ultimately draining into the yard. These measures have significantly reduced water accumulation around the house.
The new garage boasts several features, including Longboard aluminum siding, custom full glass garage doors, interior drywall finished to a level 4, an abundance of can lights, an epoxy floor coating, vinyl base trim, a new forced air garage heater, and more.
The clients also requested a designated space for their three kids and their friends to enjoy, thus giving birth to the “Kid Zone.” We partitioned a section of the existing oversized garage, resulting in a space measuring approximately 22′ x 32′, brimming with entertainment possibilities. To enhance control over the temperature in the Kid Zone, we collaborated with our licensed HVAC partner to install a cold weather mini-split system.
One of the most significant challenges was the modernization and consolidation of the home’s main electrical systems. We reconfigured and combined 6-7 different electrical panels into just two. One panel serves the main house, while the second is dedicated to backup power from a generator. These panels, along with the boiler for the in-floor heating system, are housed in a newly constructed mechanical room within the Kid Zone.
Inside the main house, we completed various tasks, such as removing the ceiling in the hallway from the new garage to address prior water damage, improve insulation, and rework electrical and HVAC systems. We also replaced the ceiling from the front door to the base of the stairs, adding new can lighting and enhancing insulation. Skilled drywall specialists then installed and finished new drywall to a level 5 standard.
The exterior of the house underwent a complete overhaul. Before installing new roofing on the entire house and garage, we modified an existing flat roof by adding custom lumber and plywood to enhance the pitch, preventing future ice dams. A new rubber roof was expertly installed on the oversized 3-car garage, and the flat roof section we re-framed.
Our meticulous exterior team removed old white aluminum soffit, fascia, and gutters, replacing them with new framing to accommodate Longboard soffit material. This task was particularly challenging due to the age of the house and the non-standard wall and roof framing. Our skilled exterior subcontractors ensured a perfect fit.
Near the pool area, we discovered severe rot and decay from years of water intrusion. After informing the homeowners, we ordered and installed five new commercial-style block framed windows and a custom 8′ high Anderson patio door. This involved careful removal and replacement of window headers from the outside to avoid disturbing the finished part of the house. We reframed the large openings to fit the new windows, and our skilled trim carpenters installed new walnut casing, base, and window sills.
In total, we replaced around 900 lineal feet of soffit and installed approximately 32 squares of aluminum siding. The entire house was meticulously prepped, repaired, and painted according to the client’s chosen color.
Throughout the project, we incorporated numerous custom touches and unique design elements, some of which you can see in the pictures. Our team also addressed various unforeseen challenges, from soil issues to rot and decay repair, roof leaks, drainage problems, electrical and HVAC complexities, and much more.
At Xpand Inc., we take pride in making it all happen, turning your remodeling and renovation dreams into reality.

In this photo, you can see the preparation work that needs to be undertaken before painting commences. The siding is dirty, particularly at the top. Surfaces need a thorough cleaning before painting, otherwise, the new coat of paint won’t adhere properly, and the dirt will show through. You can see how the bottom of the door is also chipped and scuffed and needs carpentry work.

The redesign of the existing hall bathroom commenced with the strategic removal of a non-structural wall, aimed at optimizing space and enhancing accessibility. By eliminating this barrier, we seamlessly integrated the bathroom into a larger, more functional area, accommodating the evolving needs of the clients as they age in place. This expansion not only facilitates easier movement within the space but also sets the stage for the integration of essential accessibility features.
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Our clients sought classic Craftsman styling to accentuate the one-of-kind view their from their land.
At 2,200 sf, this single-family home marries traditional craftsman style with modern energy efficiency and design. A Built Green Level 5, the home features an extremely efficient Heat Return Ventilation system, amazing indoor air quality, thermal solar hot water, solar panels, hydronic radiant in-floor heat, warm wood interior detailing, timeless built-in cabinetry, and tastefully placed wood coffered ceilings.
Built on a steep slope, the top floor garage and entry work with the challenges of this site to welcome you into a wonderful Pacific Northwest Craftsman home.
Photo by: Poppi Photography

Grey Roman Shade Valance
Living room - mid-sized transitional living room idea in Seattle with black walls
Living room - mid-sized transitional living room idea in Seattle with black walls

This custom design and built home in Yolo County commenced with a bubble diagram of the spaces the client wished to incorporate into their forever home. The home includes architectural features such as aging in place design, 28 ft tall north facing solarium, an elevator shaft for future build out (if necessary), durable cement fiber board siding, standing seam cool metal roof, optimal window shading with overhangs, a front second level deck overlooking a park, a custom designed and built front cable railing system, polished concrete floors on the first level, and passive heating and cooling elements throughout for maximum comfort. Design, Build, and Enjoy!

Inspiration for an industrial u-shaped open concept kitchen remodel in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Kitchen/dining room combo - mid-sized eclectic kitchen/dining room combo idea in Seattle with blue walls

DESIGN BY Robert M. Gurney, FAIA.
This four-time award-winning St. Michael’s property is a contemporary gem on the water. The owners of the property originally intended to renovate an existing ’80s structure, but soon realized it was beyond repair. Our team commenced a full tear down and rebuild on the existing footprint to keep with county regulations for waterfront structures. The result is a modern take on the lake house, a light-filled sanctuary built with integrity to stand the tests of time and the elements. Excellence in Custom Building Winner in Annapolis Home Magazine 2017.

Example of a huge transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling open concept kitchen design in Nashville with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

DESIGN BY Robert M. Gurney, FAIA.
This four-time award-winning St. Michael’s property is a contemporary gem on the water. The owners of the property originally intended to renovate an existing ’80s structure, but soon realized it was beyond repair. Our team commenced a full tear down and rebuild on the existing footprint to keep with county regulations for waterfront structures. The result is a modern take on the lake house, a light-filled sanctuary built with integrity to stand the tests of time and the elements. Excellence in Custom Building Winner in Annapolis Home Magazine 2017.

Large trendy l-shaped open concept kitchen photo in Seattle with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The third part of the project is about the new addition to the family who has added a new sense of fun and liveliness. They adopted a puppy and decided to install what we are calling the doggy tunnel. Working closely with our carpenter we designed and built the doggy tunnel starting in the entry closet, with a small box to fit the dog, through the wall to another box on the outside of the condo with doggy doors on each end and in the middle. Training has commenced and I heard the puppy is now using it and loving it. This makes it easier for both the homeowner and the dog.
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