REMODELING asked three architects to design a remodel for a house plan from 1985 not only to suit the needs of a specific family, but to also incorporate features based on the wants and needs of today's customers.

As part of the design brief, the architects were asked to limit the cost of the remodel to less than 50% of the house value. They estimated the house value based on the value of a home the same size in their local market.

Their “client” is a professional couple, both aged 36, and their two children, ages 4 and 2. The family wants a cozy retreat with space for family and friends. The features they would like in the remodel include:

  • A well-planned house providing all that the family needs. Bigger is not necessarily better.
  • A house that is livable, comfortable, and practical for a family with two young children.
  • Lots of natural light throughout.
  • A strong connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
  • A space to greet guests and remove shoes and coats, rather than a formal entry.
  • A casual living room.
  • A real working kitchen with an adjacent space for entertaining. They are willing to trade the breakfast room for an eat-in area.
  • A generous sized dining room, but not necessarily a formal one. It should be near or closely related to the kitchen.
  • A playroom for the children near the main family area. As the children grow, the family will need space for media equipment.
  • A desk or nook for the computer. A full office is not necessary.
  • A minimum of a half-bath on the main floor.
  • A laundry area near the kitchen or main living space is a necessity.
  • Before

    Before

    Photo Credit: Hanley Wood, LLC and Home Planners, LLC

John Mills Davies, director of design;
Skip Reichenberg, project design manager;
Scott Hall, designer; Robert S. Merchel, design consultant/draftsman;
David Hall, draftsman
Marrokal Construction Co.
San Diego, Calif.
Estimated house value: $800,000 to $1 million
Estimated remodel budget: $500,000

  • The Marrokal designers moved the kitchen from the center to the corner of the house and expanded it into the original dining room. This provides extra space for a pantry and powder room. They added a circular countertop for casual dining at the end of the long run of cabinets, and maintained the breakfast nook, but added built-in shelves. New French doors provide much-needed access to the rear patio.
  • Since the family did not want a formal living room, the design team transformed the living room into a dining room. They added a butler's pantry from the kitchen for easy entertaining.
  • Built-in storage units provide a bench and coat closet on the foyer side and china cabinets on the side facing the dining room.
  • To create a more welcoming entry, the designers moved the door toward the street and chose full glass doors to flood the foyer with light.
  • The original "clutter" room is now a play area. Pocket doors allow the family to open or close off the playroom. A new universal design bath is adjacent to the playroom so it can also be used as a bedroom.
  • The expanded laundry/mudroom has seating and cabinets for shoes and coats.
  • The design team added a tower with a ridge skylight above the foyer to bring light into the center of the house and to create a sense of entry. On the upper floor, the tower houses an open loft off the master bedroom.
  • To add curb appeal to the bland 1985 exterior, the designers chose Craftsman elements, including tapered columns, stone-covered chimneys, and simple light fixtures.

Susan C. Pierce, AIA
Commonwealth Home Remodelers
Vienna, Va.
Estimated house value: $700,000 to $750,000
Estimated remodel budget: $350,000 to $375,000

  • The new kitchen expands into the original dining room. There is space for a long island with a curved seating counter. Most of Pierce's clients are willing to give up upper cabinets for an open feel.
  • Pierce changed the original living room into a dining room. The back wall of the dining room is open to the kitchen and has a shared countertop.
  • The family wanted convenient access to the laundry, so Pierce placed it in a central location near the base of the stairs that leads from the bedrooms. Pierce also added a large closet on the other side of the entry.
  • The new family room expands into the rear yard and includes a vaulted ceiling. The original family room can be used as a playroom or media room.

Greg Enger
Enger Architecture
Parker, Colo.
Estimated house value: $350,000
Estimated remodel budget: $175,000

  • The designer moved the kitchen to the corner of the house so it is not in view of the foyer. The L-shape is a good solution to keep traffic out of the kitchen while maintaining flow. A laundry, pantry, and desk are conveniently placed between the kitchen and family room.
  • Cozy hearth rooms near the kitchen are in demand in Colorado, so Enger turned the original living room into a hearth/dining area. It works well for the casual entertaining this family prefers.
  • The original bedroom/clutter room has a large new bathroom so it can be used as a guest room or study. The spacious mudroom has a bench 2'6", and a deep closet suitable for large coats.