Follow the Improvement of Mike and Leann Rowe of Lutz, Florida, as they Reestablish a 1970s-era ranch Home in St. Pete Beach, Florida. We have demonstrated the way they found the ideal house, constructed their project group, gathered inspiration, established a budget, drew the programs, started construction and started to purify the inside. The author is the project architect.
In the last installment of the Florida ranch house renovation journal, the inside construction was well under way. We were relocating walls, installing new electrical apparatus, transferring plumbing lines for your new fixture places and much more. In a sense we were getting the skeletal and muscle systems roughed in and ready for the new finishes.
When the walls were up and also the systems roughed in, we installed all-new gutters throughout. When the drywall was up and primed, we started on all those very pleasant finishes that we’ve spent the past several months selecting. Here’s what the project looks like today.
Before Photo
Bud Dietrich
With up the drywall and primed, we get to see exactly what the spaces are actually like. When many people can envision the dimensions and character of each chamber while the programs are being drawn, this is the first chance for some to actually get a good feel for each area. In any remodel the architect and client are on precisely the exact same page about the outcome, because it’s actually expensive and time consuming to start shifting walls round at this time.
The angled orange planks on the floor are the template for the kitchen island. This template was constructed early on so that Mike and Leann could verify the specific place they desired for the island.
Bud Dietrich
We have begun installing the new wood floor now that the ceilings and walls all primed. The floor is a dark stained bamboo that will provide a nice foundation to the insides.
Flooring like this must be left to acclimatize before installation. For several days beforehand, we controlled the humidity from the house to be certain that the flooring won’t enlarge, contract or otherwise change its dimensions too following installation. We have also used a urethane floor sealer that can hold down any moisture from the concrete slab.
Before Photo
Bud Dietrich, AIA
Even though a team operates on installing the hardwood flooring, two teams are still installing the tile finishes. The tile setters have laid out a part of the master bath shower wall to be certain they know how everything is going to fit together and where, if needed, tile cuts will happen.
Mocks like these are particularly useful when performing a remodel. Nothing beats verifying things from the area …
Bud Dietrich, AIA
… even when a drawing is done that shows the detailed tile design. The old adage “measure twice and cut once” is the best way to save money and time for all concerned.
Before Photo
Bud Dietrich, AIA
The guest bathroom tiling is just about all done. So far we’re really pleased with our usage of little blue-green and grey stripes for the shower floor and one wall. These tiles can help add to that beach house personality that Mike and Leann very much desire.
Before Photo
Bud Dietrich
We have worked with the tile setters, Artisan Tile of all St. Petersburg, to pick the grout colour for the bathrooms and the kitchen backsplash. While the grout colour can be chosen earlier, doing this just about when the tile is getting started is always nice, as you get to see the tile set up and with the kind of lighting it will exist in.
Before Photo
Bud Dietrich
One of the last remaining bits of work at the exterior would be your entrance door. We didn’t wish to put in this too early, as we didn’t wish to risk damage. Now that we’re close to finishing, we’ve gotten the door (by Therma-Tru) set up and ready to be painted.
The prior front door was solid wood, but we chose a door with a lot of glass and sidelights, with a rain-glass pattern for privacy. A good deal of light comes through, but nobody will be able to peer in uninvited.
For front door shade, we are going to be selecting something from the orange family. This came about when Leann saw the ideabook When to Paint Your Door Orange.We’re looking forward to testing a few sample oranges on the door next week.
Next: The Last outcome | Follow this remodel from the beginning