Ongoing Home Remodel Tour
Today, we’re looking at an ongoing home remodel in Ramona, California. Our walkthrough covers the kitchen, bathroom, and more, revealing the details of this stunning transformation.
Kitchen Remodel
The project began with a complete gutting of the kitchen. We removed a huge island that cramped the space, replacing it with a resized version. Adjusting the plumbing beneath the island was part of this process. The kitchen now features full-height backsplashes, brand-new cabinets, and all-new appliances, offering a fresh, modern look.
Attention to detail is evident throughout this kitchen remodel. One striking feature is the full-height backsplash along the left wall. Floating shelves with strip lighting beneath them, although not lit in the current view, promise to add a stylish yet functional element. The tile extends to the ceiling, wrapping into the window jamb for a seamless look.
The window sill detail showcases a pencil liner framing the area, complemented by a bull-nosed edge tying together the different materials. This design not only enhances the aesthetic but also prevents cracking due to material flexion.
Rethinking Space and Longevity
A key to longevity in design, especially in areas prone to water exposure, is the integration of materials. For instance, if the window sill is level with the countertop, we continue the countertop material into the sill. This approach varies based on window height and helps prevent water damage, maintaining both function and style.
Initially, the kitchen had a soffit around the ceiling, concealing plumbing and wiring. Removing it was more than an aesthetic choice; it also involved reworking the ducting hidden in this space. This adjustment allowed us to incorporate a box inside the cabinet to reroute mechanical elements, highlighting the importance of functional design in remodeling.
Moving on, the kitchen will feature a full-height backsplash and a stunning custom hood, potentially in copper, adding an elegant touch above the Wolf range. This range is set to be converted from natural gas to propane, a vital task yet to be completed.
As we continue, you’ll notice the double oven is ready for installation. The gas connection for the range, crucial for functionality, will be located here.
Our attention then shifts to the island. With a base shoe trim matching the newly laid, glued-down engineered hardwood floor, this island isn’t just aesthetically pleasing and practical. This flooring, adhered directly to the concrete slab beneath, offers solidity and durability.
Adjustments for Plumbing and Storage
An interesting challenge was the island’s shift, requiring significant plumbing rework. We carefully planned each cabinet drawer and door to ensure they were of the correct depth, adapting to accommodate the relocated plumbing fixtures. The result is a spacious, functional island topped with a large countertop.
Bathroom Remodel
Turning to the bathroom, the vanity installation is pending. The walls, covered with decorative wallpaper, needed an extremely smooth drywall finish. The tiling process was mainly focused on color mixing, ensuring an even, visually appealing spread across the space.
In this bathroom remodeling project, the shelf was created using two HardieBacker sheets, meticulously sandwiched and mitered, ensuring waterproofing and tiling within the area. The bathroom’s footprint was extended into what was previously garage space. It required a concrete pour to level the floor, allowing for a slightly larger bathroom area.
Meanwhile, two shower heads were installed – one fixed and one handheld – with careful attention to the curb design. Though initially planned as a recessed shower, a curb was chosen for better waterproofing and to prevent leakage onto the outer walls. Using a pencil liner instead of a sharper Schluter metal edge was a thoughtful choice, particularly considering the bathroom was remodeled for the owner’s elderly parents, reducing the risk of injuries.
Linear Drain Installation
A key feature in the shower area is the linear drain. Setting it up involved precise depth measurement and ensuring proper water flow towards the drain. The drain is cleverly designed with a tile inlay matching the shower floor, which slopes gently towards it. A built-in seat adds functionality, edged neatly with the same pencil liner.
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Plumbing Challenges
Before any work began, it was essential to confirm the feasibility of the bathroom expansion, particularly the ability to connect effectively to the sewer line. This process involved locating and camera-inspecting the sewer line. (We even used a flushable septic tank inspector for this!) The floor was then jackhammered, plumbing reconfigured, and concrete repoured, setting the stage for the new tiling.
The shower setup includes an adjustable shower head and a fixed one controlled by a diverter. This versatility accommodates different user needs, from those seated to those standing. The shower fixtures, finished in “Champagne bronze,” add a modern, stylish touch, a popular choice reflected across various fixtures in the bathroom, including the Delta unit.
Fireplace Remodel
We replaced an old fireplace with a high-efficiency Fireplace Xtraordinaire. This new unit, running on propane, can comfortably heat the entire house. You’ll notice the convenient shut-off valve here.
Both the tile facade of the fireplace and the hearth were replaced to complement this upgrade. This hearth, now freshly tiled, seamlessly meets the engineered hardwood flooring, enhancing the room’s cohesive look.
Interior Carpentry and Adjustments
Regarding the fireplace, we removed the original interior and utilized the same space to install the new unit, ensuring an updated yet fitting addition. A notable addition is the mantel above – a beautifully stained, grain-rich alder wood, adding warmth and character to the room.
To the right of the fireplace, we’ve transformed what was initially a straight wall into an arched design, creating a more dynamic and visually appealing space. This area now houses a new cabinet destined to be the TV’s new home. This alteration in-depth, previously around 30 inches or so, was achieved by furrowing out. That results in a less intrusive profile in the living space.
Baseboard Replacement
In tandem with these changes, we undertook the task of replacing all the baseboards in the house. After the installation of the hardwood flooring, we stripped the old baseboards. We replaced them throughout, ensuring every detail in the place aligns with the new aesthetic and functional upgrades.
Staircase Remodel
Let’s move to the staircase now. Initially, these stairs were clad in wood. A significant hurdle in this renovation was the previous reddish stain on the wood. We opted for a darker color, requiring us to strip the wood completely.
What complicated matters more was the discovery that each baluster had been secured with what appeared to be hot glue, both at the top and bottom. The potential risk of damaging the wood while removing the balusters was deemed too high.
Consequently, we chose to mask each one during the staining process meticulously. This was an exceptionally laborious task, ensuring the new dark stain didn’t accidentally mar the walls or other areas.
Dust Containment During the Project
During the demolition phase, to manage dust and debris, we constructed a temporary barrier extending from the ceiling down to the floor around the work area.
We rerouted the house access through the garage to avoid this sealed-off section. This partitioning, extending behind the stairs, effectively shielded the entryway and upper floors from dust infiltration. With the bulk of the work now complete, these barriers have been removed, opening up the space for the final phases of our project.
Got a Home Remodeling Project?
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into our remodeling work. If you want more information on remodeling your home or building a custom one, request a project consultation with us.
Also, don’t miss our home remodeling cost guide – it’s packed with valuable insights into the costs involved in various remodeling projects. Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for our next video!
