Additions and Remodeling

Remodeling has become the primary element of change in established neighborhoods. As real estate prices soar and available land is further from jobs, the advantages of remodeling improve. Many of our clients like their neighborhood, but many of the houses are either too small or worn-out. In some cases the owners buy a beat-up house with the specific goal of remodeling, while moving into a desirable neighborhood.

Most of our remodeling projects are complex and require sensitivity to blend new and old. Two story additions require significant structural upgrades for earthquake safety along with plumbing, heating and electrical replacement. In some cases the majority of the existing home is removed and rebuilt. Some of our additions and remodeling projects are shown below:
Ambric Knolls Road
Saratoga, CA
Entry, Garage, Basement & Master Suite Remodel 		 
The original 1930s house was probably built as a hunting cabin. Subsequent additions were not well integrated with the original floor plan. We added a new front porch, entry and stairs to a completely remodeled basement. The master bedroom was enlarged with a new dedicated bathroom and another bath allowing the new garage and studio direct access to the house. Existing walls were removed opening up the plan and allowing for a new gourmet kitchen.
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Bruce Avenue
Monte Sereno, CA
  
The existing house was extremely mundane and the owner wanted to improve the facade. Setbacks did not allow for a porch to break-up the front elevation but the owner wanted a Craftsman look. Textural changes and some ornamental elements were added in this make-over.
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Chateau Drive
Saratoga, CA
Entry, Garage Addition & Whole House Remodel		  
A neglected George Day built 1960’s house in the Golden Triangle which had an awkward floor plan, and a side entry garage. The project was built in two phases so the owner could move in to half the house while the remaining work was completed. The entire floor plan was rearranged and all of the structure was stripped to the studs. A new front facade provided a more appropriate entry in a neighborhood that is updating one by one.
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Chester Avenue
Saratoga, CA
Whole House Remodel & Family Room Addition		  
Located on one of the great streets in Saratoga the original house was custom built in the late 1960’s. The appliances and fixtures were frozen in time. Virtually every room was altered in some way. The old kitchen was expanded 100% and attached to a new family room. The addition was relatively small but the updates created an entirely new environment.
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Via Mallorca
Carmel Valley CA
CONDO Remodel 		 
Physically one of the smallest spaces we have worked on. The challenge was to provide more with less. Removing walls allowed the 500 sf. studio to provide sleeping, living and dining in one compact zone while allowing for a spacious bathroom. The 1966 vintage pink fixtures have been replaced with more Craftsman elements for a more timeless style.
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Harleigh Avenue
Saratoga,CA
Master Bedroom Addition & House Makeover 		 
Constructed in 1950’s Ranch style and remodeled in 1972 this house provided a rare opportunity to try something different. Our client lived in Tokyo for several years and wanted to create a home that incorporated the essence of Japanese living that he enjoyed. I think you will agree this home is a departure from the original Ranch style while retaining the “bones” and controlling costs.
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Hilltop Way
Saratoga, CA
Exterior Deck & Pool House 		 
Our experience with this house dates back over two owners, one decade and four additions. This most recent project included a face-lift, entry stairs and 2,200 sf. upper level deck. A pool house was added part way through construction. This house has what is known as a reverse plan with the main living area located on the upper floor. The owner wanted an additional garage bay and an entry stair that didn’t look rustic. The narrow profile of the property required offsetting the stair so vehicles could reach the garage. The new deck provides ample outdoor living space at the same level as previously remodeled kitchen, dining and living areas.
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Komina Avenue
Saratoga, CA
Partial Teardown & Addition 		 
The original house was a 1,700 sf. ranch style with some Cape Cod touches. The original house was taken down to the floor and a new 3,000 sf. Mission Revival house with detached garage and guest house replaces it. The “new” house feels as though it has been there since neighboring Oak Street School was built.
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Montalvo Heights
Saratoga, CA
Entry & Master Suite Remodel 		 
No new floor area was added to this grand home built in the late 1980’s. The home was originally built on spec and the owners wanted to add a higher level of finish and detail. Artisans were brought in to apply gold leaf on the ceilings and to rebuild stair railings. The owners had very specific goals in mind and I believe they were quite pleased with the results.
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Montclaire Way
Los Altos, CA
Outdoor Kitchen and Gazebo 		 
This home was at the maximum allowable floor area but the owners wanted to be able to take advantage of the back yard for outdoor entertaining. While the four sides are open this outdoor living room provides a comfortable space sheltered from the elements. The outdoor kitchen allows the cook to stay where the action is.
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Ronnie Way
Saratoga CA
Whole House Remodel & Master Suite Expansion 		 
This 1960’s George Day ranch house needed more space to accommodate a growing family. The house was expanded in three directions and stripped to the bones. The new living and entertaining areas are much more open and dramatic than the original spaces.
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Rose Avenue
Los Altos CA
Second Story Master Bedroom Addition 		 
Two things were critical to this project. The second story addition had to appear integral to the original one story design. The owners needed to be able to live in the house throughout construction with their young children. Both goals were met and the construction was completed on time with a tight budget.
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Via Palo Alto
Aptos CA
Family Room & Master Suite Addition 		 
This bluff-top home was remodeled in two phases several years apart. The first phase added a family room built-out over a steep slope and surrounded by deck providing unobstructed ocean views. The second phase opened up the master bedroom while adding a master bath suitable to the spectacular whitewater views below.
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Zinfandel Drive
Saratoga, CA
Facade Update, Family Room & Living Room Remodel		  
This house was remodeled in two separate projects over a three year period. The first phase included a complete facelift to the front elevation. The living room, entry, family room and powder room received fresh materials and ceiling configurations. The second phase included a makeover for the master bath, closets and dressing area.
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Aloha Avenue
Saratoga, CA
Second Story Addition		  
Originally this was a small stucco house approximately 60 years old. The client wanted to retain the small presence of the house while adding a second story master suite to meet his needs. The neighborhood is comprised of homes from 40 to 100 years old, so we chose traditional materials to add texture and diminish mass. Roof geometry helps to reduce large unbroken planes and window sizing was matched to the existing house.
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Crescent Lane
Los Gatos, CA
Remodel & Addition

  
The original house was built in the early 1950’s “Modern” style. Later additions were not executed properly resulting in water damage and an unworkable floor plan. We remodeled the master suite, kitchen, and family room. The new master bath is truly a private hideaway suited for long baths and good wine.
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Golf Links Drive
Los Gatos, CA
Two Story Addition

  
We added a new two-story wing behind the existing one story residence. Every inch of the interior was touched in some way as the house was stripped to its studs. Finishing landscaping touches are under way to round out the complete make over. Everything from the gourmet kitchen to luxurious shower dress-up this 60’ ranch house.
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Island Drive
Palo Alto, CA
Total House Renovation

  
A 1930’s Mission Revival originally designed for weekend use needed extensive updating. The building’s original details had to be retained, but all of the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems were hopelessly outdated. This home should now provide another 70 years of service.
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Los Gatos-Almaden Road
Los Gatos, CA
Master Suite Addition & Kitchen Remodel		  
In an area previously used as a volleyball court, the new master suite, two bedrooms and laundry were added behind the original kitchen. The kitchen was then expanded and totally replaced. Landscape is starting soon.
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Ranch Road
Woodside, CA
Complete Remodel and Entry Addition

  
This house was a straight forward early 70’s contemporary. Our task was to enlarge the house slightly while changing its entire presence. Natural materials were woven together to nestle this home into its forest surroundings. The original entry was cramped and dark offering little protection from the weather. The new entry, deck railings and material changes greatly enhance the appearance of this Woodside hideaway.
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Shalen Court
San Jose, CA
Second Story Addition

  
This house has been completely updated as part of the second story addition. The basic bones of this tract house were good, so some finishing details were added and the materials refined for a more elegant feeling. As is common the infrastructure was replaced and updated to provide data and entertainment in almost every room. All soft surface flooring was removed reducing allergies allowing the house to stay cleaner.
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