Burleth, DC - Kitchen Remodel
Brief Explanation of the Scope of Work
This client contacted us after his unlicensed, uninsured
contractor disappeared with the homeowner’s
generous deposit. The contractor had completed most
of the demolition but left the work areas a real
mess. There were not even any drawings or other construction
documents when we took over For this entry our scope
was the eat-in kitchen area. However, we did a good
deal of work in the rest of the house as well.
Unusual Challenges/Constraints & Creative Solutions
The essential needs of
the client included opening up the space to combine
the kitchen, dining room and
living room areas. The high bar area was designed to
conceal the kitchen clutter.. The finished side and
end panels have a furniture quality, making the kitchen
blend in artfully. Also important was that he needed
to stay within the budget he had set. We were conscientious
of the customer’s budget through the entire design/build
process.
The previous contractor left us with structural challenges.
He had installed a steel beam in order to remove an
existing bearing wall between the living room and kitchen.
However, he left it precariously
supported on a couple of temporary columns. An adjacent
girder had also been
compromised when it was notched with a reciprocating
saw. We found it supported by a single bowed 2”x4”.
After much discussion, we determined that we needed
to install a mid span column to ensure the structural
integrity of the house.
We laid out the kitchen
in a galley format to maximize the living space.
Given the open nature of the kitchen
design, cabinet space was maximized by using three
full height pantries. There are four distinct counter
areas including a desk. Bulkheads above the cabinets
and one column conceal plumbing, ductwork and structural
steel. We softened the look of the bulkheads by using
crown molding on all ceilings. New oak wood floors
were feathered into existing ones and the entire area
refinished.
Overall Results
Needless to say, the homeowner is very happy to have finished his project at last!
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