Meet Jess, Dia & Gus
“The whole team is composed of literal angels. They will always be part of our family. We can not thank them enough!”
Where: Oakland, CA
What: Lift the Home to Create a New Lower Floor + Main Floor Renovation
Budget: by Request
After having seen one of our renovationed properties for sale nearby, Jess and Dia reached out to The Home Co. in a state of uncertainty; they weren’t sure whether to sell their home or to enlarge it to meet their family’s needs.
Like so many of us, Jess and Dia were trying to balance the needs of an aging parent with the needs of a growing teenager, and their own needs as a couple. Should they sell their home as-is? Should they perform some upgrades to sell for the best price? Or should they perform a major renovation and stay? Decisions, decisions.
We had many conversations over many months as the couple weighed their options. In the end, they decided they loved their home and neighborhood too much to leave! That choice began the long process of their major renovation.
The Home Co. was tasked with creating a new internal stairway that would lead downstairs to a new lower level. That lower level would serve many functions and contain the new family room (aka teen crash pad), the couple’s new primary suite, new laundry and powder room, a home office niche, and storage. In addition, the main level would receive a total overhaul as well. The main level had a full kitchen and dining renovation plus bathroom makeover. And let’s not forget the exterior work! It was a massive undertaking to say the least.
Keep reading to learn about their adventure in their own words…
Please describe your project:
We did a full house remodel. Our house is a two story 1911 Craftsman in Oakland's Santa Fe District. We lived in our house for six years before deciding to remodel. At that time we were looking at houses that Home Co had done in our neighborhood. We were very impressed with their aesthetic and wanted to bring more light and warmth into our space. We needed new everything from the roof to the foundation. We added bathrooms and tore down walls. This project took a couple years and changed everything about our lives.
What was your favorite part of the renovation process?
Renovations are crazy. A project of our scale required us to move out for one year. So we lived in a very small apartment with a giant dog. It was cramped, and it gave us such appreciation everytime we came back into the house. We were fortunate to have constant communication with the Home Co team, they met with us at the site and walked us through the process regularly. My favorite moment was walking into the house after demo, it was amazing to see the history in the walls and to imagine all the possibilities. With everything open, it looked so big. Each step of the way Home Co interpreted our vision for the best results. When I saw the finished product it was so much more than I imagined.
What is your favorite part of the final design?
Each of our family members has a favorite. Jess loves the master bath shower. Gus loves that we have a second living space for video games and family movies. I am excited that I can see out of the back windows to our garden the moment I walk into the house.
What was the biggest challenge with the project?
CITY PERMITS. I think that is always the biggest headache. Man they take a long time. But they are also there to make sure you are safe and that there is consistency in work. So even though they were a thorn in our side, I appreciate them.
What piece of advice would you offer to would-be renovators?
Add 15% to your budget, timeline, and well of emotional resilience.
Anything else you’d like to say about working with The Home Co.?
The whole team is composed of literal angels. They will always be part of our family. We can not thank them enough!
Have your own questions about design and renovation, increasing the value of your home, or buying a fixer-upper? Share in the comments section.
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Want to see more of this project? Check out the before & afters here!
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The Home Co.
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