Lots of TLC Necessary
What to do with a fifties home inherited from a father and mother who traveled all over the
world, hung onto everything they ever owned and never put any energy into maintaining
the home? This was the problem presented to Bob and Marina when they decided that it
was imperative that they solicit the help of an architect with not only vision but also a sense
of humor.
The architect's first clue that the house needed lots of TLC
was on her first site visit when she found it difficult to locate
the front door! It was deep inside the carport and opened into
a red, white and black room with a black upholstered corner
bar - not much of a sense of entry! The home was grossly out
of date with grass cloth wallpaper, hanging swag lamps, a black
and white checked vinyl tile floor, old appliances and cabinets,
a radiant heating system in the slab that had failed - and on
and on. At the base of the home's exterior, mortar between bricks
oozed out; the siding was in such poor condition it was not
salvageable. The site was completely overgrown by a jungle requiring
laborers with machetes many days to hack through. The pool had
an old wood lanai which was falling down with dry rot.
Most people would wonder where on earth to start with such a project. Bob and Marina simply rolled up their sleeves and started filling
up debris box after debris box of mom and dad's "collectibles". The entire home received a face lift. The siding old rotted painted siding
was torn off and replaced with new clear stained cedar siding. The windows were replaced with new double glazed Marvin windows
for energy efficiency and improved appearance. The radiant heat system was abandoned and a new forced air system installed. The
kitchen and bathrooms were completely remodeled with new windows embracing the beautiful views, skylights and new lighting
improved the former dark and dreary spaces. New concrete tile flooring was installed throughout, unifying the home. A new entry and
living room were added and the carport enclosed providing a wonderful sense of arrival.
The contractor did a superior job, with each subcontractor taking special care with layout and an eye to the quality of their work. The
contract was awarded for $246,000.00.
Most importantly at a project completion dinner, Marina sat at her table with tears streaming down her cheeks as she thanked all
involved - her dreams had come true and she cried with joy. |
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