Jim Haefner
Example of a transitional four-car garage design

The existing turn of the century farmhouse, converted to the garage with studio above, influenced the lines of a new 1,800 SF single family home. The house orientation provides privacy within the small town street grid. Energy efficient features include the heated polished concrete floors and small building footprint.

Built in 1893, this cottage home in Snohomish, WA has survived many changes including the addition of a 1400 sq. ft. basement that was hand dug. While the former owners did a fantastic job with concrete and structural supports, the framing, electrical and plumbing are….well, questionable. Phase 1 of this basement renovation includes the complete modernization of the existing bathroom. Future plans include a kitchenette and laundry room and demolition of existing walls to create an open dining room concept to allow more natural light to flow into the otherwise dark space. The new Ejector Pump Up Systems has a macerator to handle grey water and sewage including the addition of a new kitchenette and laundry room. When we opened the walls we discovered numerous electrical and plumbing issues including leaks behind the walls that where not yet detectable. At the same time, the existing gas heating system is being removed and replaced with a high efficient heat pump with Variable Refrigerant Temperature (VRT) technology. The underground plumbing is complete, the electrical has been cleaned up and its time to start putting this back together. Up next is a Wedi waterproof shower surround and heated tile floors, a new water closet and custom vanity. It’s a big job in a small space but the finished product will be clean, warm and inviting.

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

A sculptural statement in its own right, this concrete-and-glass “Gallery House” was designed to showcase the owners’ art collection as well as the natural landscape. The architecture is truly one with its site: To the east, a sheltering wall echoes the curve of a crowded cul-de-sac, while to the west, the design follows the sweeping contours of the cliff—ensuring privacy while maximizing views. The architectural details demanded flawless construction: Windows and doors stretch floor-to-ceiling, and minimalist reveals define the walls, which “float” between perfect shadow lines in the long T-shape foyer. Ideal for entertaining, the layout fosters seamless indoor-outdoor living. Amenities include four pocketing glass walls, a lanai with heated floor, and a partially cantilevered multi-level terrace. The front courtyard sequesters a frameless glass entry. From here, sight lines stretch through the house to an infinity pool that hovers between sky and sea.

Contemporary bathroom with standalone tub and glass shower features smart home automation to enhance the ambiance. In-ceiling speakers broadcast the music of your choice using a whole-home audio solution, powered by Control4. The recessed smart lighting lighting is designed to create the perfect personalized ambiance, whether relaxing after a hard day or getting energized for a night out. Other automation options may include automatically lowering the shades for privacy, ambient heating in the floor, turning on the heated towel rack, and placing a TV behind the mirror. And everything can be controlled from virtually anywhere using your Control4 app with a smart phone or tablet device.

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Craftsman/Prairie style is one of the few truly American architectural styles. It was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects and continues to be among the most comfortable of all American-designed architecture more than a century later, one of the main reasons it continues to attract architects and homeowners today. Oxbridge builds on that solid reputation, drawing from Craftsman/Prairie and classic Farmhouse styles. Its handsome Shingle-clad exterior includes interesting pitched rooflines, alternating rows of cedar shake siding, stone accents in the foundation and chimney and distinctive decorative brackets. Repeating triple windows add interest to the exterior while keeping interior spaces open and bright. Inside, the floor plan is equally impressive. Columns on the porch and a custom entry door with sidelights and decorative glass leads into a spacious 2,900-square-foot main floor, including a 19 by 24-foot living room with a period-inspired built-ins and a natural fireplace. While inspired by the past, the home lives for the present, with open rooms and plenty of storage throughout. Also included is a 27-foot-wide family-style kitchen with a large island and eat-in dining and a nearby dining room with a beadboard ceiling that leads out onto a relaxing 240-square-foot screen porch that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors and a private 16 by 20-foot master suite with a sloped ceiling and relaxing personal sitting area. The first floor also includes a large walk-in closet, a home management area and pantry to help you stay organized and a first-floor laundry area. Upstairs, another 1,500 square feet awaits, with a built-ins and a window seat at the top of the stairs that nod to the home’s historic inspiration. Opt for three family bedrooms or use one of the three as a yoga room; the upper level also includes attic access, which offers another 500 square feet, perfect for crafts or a playroom. More space awaits in the lower level, where another 1,500 square feet (and an additional 1,000) include a recreation/family room with nine-foot ceilings, a wine cellar and home office. Photographer: Jeff Garland

A little leaf cordia adds beauty to a courtyard area.
Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

A great transitional master bathroom upgrade with a few modern twists like the light fixture over the tub and the faucets. Includes custom cabinetry that features a slotted vent for the heat register. Buras Photography

The 3rd floor master bath was expanded and reconfigured to include a new freestanding soaker tub, a double vanity, new glass shower, heated floors, skylights, and custom mill work.

The ecoLite™ Window Series from ProVia® has been independently tested and certified. An Intercept™ Blackline glazing system improves thermal performance for less heat loss, warmer glass temperatures and reduced interior condensation. ProVia’s ecoLite vinyl windows come with our Lifetime Limited Warranty on materials and workmanship, which includes a 20-year warranty on glass seal failure.

The grand master bathroom includes a spacious shower with frameless glass doors and a bench, a Victoria and Albert freestanding tub, His and Hers sinks, and heated floors. The pocket door leads to the commode room.

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

This was a 300 year old barn on a farm in Bavaria Germany. We remodeled it into a high quality recording studio. It included and featured a guest quarters, restored wood beams, a custom spiral staircase, heated floors and wall radiators with warm water and power by burning wood chips.

Screens up Existing 2nd story deck project scope - build roof and enclose with motorized screens, new railing, new fireplace and all new electrical including heating fixtures, lighting & ceiling fan.

Finished Wall of existing house including HVAC Mini Split Heat Pump.
Family room - scandinavian family room idea in DC Metro

A Handicap accessible home addition we built for our friends in Como Lake Coquitlam. This project included formed ramp ways, polished concrete floors with radiant heating, and accessible shower and toilet.

The Montebello DLXCD Direct-Vent Fireplace offers the versatility and performance necessary to make it a stunning centerpiece for any home. With a sleek contemporary burner and multiple colors of glass media available, the Montebello DLXCD can complement any style. The focal point of the Montebello DLXCD is its exceptionally tall, dancing flame seen through an expansive ceramic-glass opening for unmatched clarity and radiance. A vast array of glass media colors gives further ability to customize the look to add warmth and ambiance and value to your home. Aesthetics Smooth-faced design features ceramic glass for optimum heat transfer. Powerful burner system produces tall, dancing flames. Clean-face design provides a seamless, built-in look. Tall opening provides an exceptional view of the fire and interior panels. Contemporary glossy black porcelain panels amplify the look of the flame. Alternate glass media colors gives further ability to customize the look. Comfort Clean-face design features ceramic glass for optimum heat transfer and safety. Adjustable flame height gives you full control of heat output. Intermittent pilot ignition includes battery backup to provide continued operation in the event of a power outage. Ease of Operation Full-function remote offers an array of controls, including modulating flame height. Gas controls are conveniently located to the side of the fireplace opening for easy installation and operation. Design Versatility Contemporary design includes your choice of glass media options to suit your taste and complement any home decor. Decorative free standing screen kits available. This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

A new layout maximised the small space but still provided the much needed storage while still retaining all the necessities of a large bathroom including heated floors, heated towel rails, robe hooks, concealed hand held shower as well as a rain head, storage niche for shampoo and conditioner, recessed floating vanity, recessed vanity mirror with storage