Santa Clara Project Demolition and Plan Changes

Current Project: 600 Square Foot Addition:

Background:

The homeowners recently purchased a 1950’s ranch home with 3 beds 2 baths 1,284 sq ft. in Santa Clara. They wanted to add a Master Suite so they can have 2 master suites available as an additional master suite when their in-laws visit.

• Add a Master Suite
• Remodel three bathrooms
• Remodel Kitchen
• Add Laundry Room
• Remove old Roof and replace
• Paint the entire interior and exterior
• Match existing Stucco to the new
• Add exterior ledger stone to the exterior wall
• Change out existing hardwood floor
• Add two gas insert fireplaces plus new chimney
• Change all new doors

Current Design Background:

By the time, I was brought on to the project, the floor plan set already. The owners didn’t want to make any further changes because they had been waiting close to a year to start the project.

Hiring Issue:

The architect who was referral from several coworkers did not provide a full set of plans which delayed the start of the project.  Before the general contractor could move on, the architect failed to complete energy calculations (Title 24) and pull the permits from the city. He claimed that it was not his responsibility but the general contractors.  This delayed the project about three weeks. In my experience working with architects, it is responsibility for all the plans as well as pulling the permits from the city.

Comment from an Interior Designer I work with:

“We are now seeing cheaper architects are not completing the drawings such as plumbing and HVAC and the Title 24 Home Energy Calculations.”

Old Floor Plan:

Existing House:

As you can see, the existing floor plan lacks an open kitchen which makes the living area feel small. The property curb appeal is not welcoming compared to the revised planes. Here are some pictures of the existing home.

Elevation View of House

Below is the elevation view of the remodeled home. The house looks more balanced and the garage is not the main feature of the home anymore.

Comment: Exterior has nice curb appeal to the property.

Recommended Change:

Reduce the exterior wainscoting height so it does not jam up to the bottom of the window. Remove the stack stone which goes up and around the archway.  This will make the front entrance be focal point while giving the entry more height.

Comment: I like everything except the entry living room because it is mostly unusable space. There is no space for a sofa or couch. The best thing you can do is to put 2 lounge chairs there or desk in the corner on the left of the fireplace. This can be used as a small reading nook.

Design Changes Recommendation:

Add skylights and sun tunnels to bring more light into dark areas. This is shown on the marked up floor plan below.

The addition creates two living areas, opens up the kitchen and adds a large master suite. Adding skylights adn sun tunnels will brighten the hallways, the living room and the kitchen which would be very dark. A sun tunnels was also added to the hallway and the interior bathroom because the heat air ducting was preventing us from openning a skylight. Sun tunnels are also a more cost effective option.

Kitchen Floor Plan.

Recommended Changes:

• Floors will be all one material in the living area and the kitchen.
• Garage Entry Door: Move it from the center of the room to the right wall. This will allow for a larger pantry area.
• Electrical: Shift the recessed lights and move the paddle fan.
• Kitchen Island: Reduce the size to make space for the dining room table.

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