Patrick Hansford Associates

To keep somewhat of a regular schedule of journal entries, I am going to discuss a project that is currently under construction. Our services are complete. The project went through our normal design process that I will be documenting on the Ranch I discussed last entry.

The existing house is situated on five acres of land. It is in a rural setting located on a very quiet road. The family has four members. Mom, Dad, a preteen daughter and a young son.

According to our client, the house was designed and built by the original owner, who was not a professional builder. It was built in 1964. It is a split-level house with a basement. To say that the property itself is the asset and not the house would be an understatement. However, we are seeing a lot of people currently wanting to stay in their present location and upgrade the house to meet their needs.

This house is a prime example. The property is secluded and development will not come here. A quarry is located across the street and its operations are long since closed at this end of the road. It is nicely landscaped and closed to the public. The rear of this property opens out onto pastures. 

Here is the existing plan of the house. (Blue indicates existing elements in our drawings, while black indicates new work)

This client has looked at a lot of new homes being built in the area. For much more money, they could get a house the same size as they presently own without the land. It is not hard to see why they chose to stay and remodel. They have lived in their current home for some time and have built up equity. For about half the cost of a new home, they are nearly doubling the size of their living space.

A quick note - There are three bedrooms on the top level of the house. The bedrooms will get minor upgrades in finishes and new windows, but not much else. The former living room/kitchen level is being converted into a Master Suite with connections to the outside. When this house is complete, it will be a four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath house.

The focus of the new project was to make this house function better as a family home. A new larger kitchen that opened into the living spaces as a requirement. The living spaces actually being connected to the exterior was a requirement.

The entry has been relocated to be the focus of the new design - instead of the garage door. The entry is emphasized. The former entry will be closed and a new trellised porch will provide Mom and Dad a quiet place to begin or end their day.

The former garage has been converted into a new entry and support spaces. A small music room (or as Sarah Susanka would call it- an away room) and computer alcove will allow Mom to enjoy a book, but have auditory control of the Great Room.

The Master Bedroom will be a real Master Suite with a sitting area, the trellised porch, a large private bath and a walk-in closet. The basement below is unfinished and made this a natural and inexpensive location for new plumbing. (informed decisions)

The rest of the photos are befores and current state of construction, which should give you an idea of the new forms and features of the house.