Project Spotlight

Gaspar’s Project Spotlight is the place to see all the latest projects.

by Mark Hughes, Production Manager.

.

The Year of the Basement

Gaspar’s Construction has seen the affect of everyone tightening their budgets yet still wanting that space or update that will give them some new pleasure or comfort.  Our blog has been studying this and we are seeing a trend toward finishing or fixing up previously unused existing spaces.  Done right, this approach costs much less and provides instant equity.  Our in-house Architect, Isaac Spinell, started this study in his recent post titled “Finishing Your Basement; a top 10 list”.  He talked about the many uses that our designers are helping people carve out of existing spaces, and mostly in their basements.  From the Man Cave, Guest Bedroom, Home Theatre or Office, or even a creative new Play Space for your developing toddler, all is fair game for delving into under used square feet.

A great example of this can be found in this project that we are just finishing up in a great 100 year old home on Seattle’s Capitol Hill.  The owner’s have two imaginative children and a very busy schedule.  Space for allowing creativity and comfort for family enjoyment topped their list for this remodel.  In my On the Level posting, “FAQ’s about Finishing Out Your Basement”, we answered questions about everything from Permits, Dampness, Windows, and Cost.

This project is a prime example of all of the above.  It provides a child’s hideaway, a library for everyone to enjoy, a new fireplace and mini theatre, kitchenette, guest bedroom and bath, and a new laundry room.  That’s a lot out of one basement but designed right, they pulled it off beautifully and efficiently. 

One room is lined with bookshelves for their massive book collection, a fireplace and new TV.  It is wired for a future projector, screen and surround sound.  On the other side of the hidden sliding wall is the kitchenette and family gathering area.  Beyond double pocket doors, a guest bedroom with outside access awaits.  When the sliding wall and pocket doors are closed, they have three very individual spaces; open them up and the room flows together for that large gathering.  The bath has a Toto wall hung high efficiency toilet, new slate and Avonite shower.  The cabinets here and in the kitchenette are custom built vertical grain fir that are surprisingly affordable but designed for maximum efficiency.  The laundry room has a new Chroma Quartz countertop over the front load washer and dryer.  Behind the door is the new Buderus mechanical equipment for the solar panel collection hot water system, boiler and distribution manifold tucked neatly into the corner.  But the owner’s true creative vision came to life in the small space of the stairway.  A custom built shelf system that integrates with the new stair treads is backed by edge-lit one inch thick translucent material from 3Form.  It matches the contemporary and bright orange look mirrored in the Venetian Plaster surrounding the fireplace, in the Avonite backsplash accents of the kitchenette and in the Slate line shower and countertop in the bath.  The look is extremely cost effective while being dramatic, clever, interesting and very functional.  The owner’s whimsical character is passed on to their children in the door and little hide-away under the stairs.

This project started by shoring the existing basement walls, removing the basement slab that was extremely out of level, installing new drainage and a heated level floor, capturing about 10” of additional head room.  See the “On the Level” article for some pictures of that process.  Rich Gaspar and I pushed for creative methods that were devised by a cooperative team approach involving the Construction Team, our Architect, Structural Engineer, and Drainage Specialist.  The design saved the owners tens of thousands of dollars and provided a foundation, drain and basement floor that will now support this lovely home ensuring its place on the hill for the next hundred years.  Even with the unknowns of what was under the floor, the project was completed within the original budget and in less than 7 months…just in time for Christmas.

If you have any ideas on how to create a usable area from an underused or overlooked space in your home, contact us to help you make the space come to life in an affordable, creative and timely way.  If you have questions or comments about this project, leave a comment for us and we’ll continue this conversation with you.

.

.

.

.

Just In Time for that Summer Barbeque

Project Spotlight Redmond Residence 9.22.10

A new steel beam eliminated all deck posts.

When you know what you want it seems that you can really find a way to make it happen.  That was the case for this phase two project.  Last year we installed new windows and siding on the front two sides of their home, but their dream was to take their small, drab deck off the back and make it fit for the view they have and the entertainment they serve up.

The homeowner put a lot of his own sweat equity into this project by excavating, mixing a little concrete and wiring his own new speakers and lighting.  The rest was up to the capable Gaspar’s design and construction teams.

ALX waterproof deck cementious deck coating

The old deck had posts holding up the roof partially covering the deck.  Our designers got rid of those posts by changing them out with a new steel beam spanning the entire length.  With the space opened up, the possibilities were endless.  The deck was extended out and across the entire width of the home.  A new, larger stair was built down to the back yard giving the kids their escape to the play area and rec room below.  Ipe (Iron wood or Brazilian Walnut), cable handrails and a waterproof slate-looking deck surface, completes the perfect retreat to enjoy the view and compliments their passion for cooking great food.

Ipe steps, landing and cap on Cable handrails

One morning, just after installing the gas line, our project Superintendent arrived finding our helpful homeowner hooking up his newly delivered barbeque.  He politely reminded him that the deck surface was going to be applied at 9:00.  Then he and our strapping subcontractors helped him carry his new man-toy off to the shed while recommending that he might coordinate the rest of the deliveries with the completion of the project.

A few surprises popped up but the team tackled them in stride.  The existing cantilevered deck joists were rotting off, and some of the old windows were leaking causing more rot at the base of the wall sheathing.  The owners expected some of this and were eager to have them repaired, especially when they learned that our team would be able to keep their end of summer deck party date in tact.

The rest of the project included new Hardi lap siding, Atrium vinyl windows and a 50 year architectural composition roofing.  All of these finishes equal a pretty maintenance free exterior with virtually a lifetime warranty.  As a benefit, the products chosen not only are part of our Built Green methods but gave the homeowners a maximum energy tax credit.

BEFORE - the home and deck were typical '70 NW Contemporary

A great customer experience is what our team strives for and these home owners had this to say in a letter they wrote about us: “I’m amazed at the careful, artistic work they do!  The folks at Gaspar’s were never pushy, never tried to sell us something we didn’t need or want and are extremely responsive. We are completely happy with the outcome.”

Decks and exteriors are just one of our specialties.  Gaspar’s Construction and Gaspar’s Handyman Services can design and build any project from that half a day “honey do” list to complete home remodeling. 

Solid Home on Queen Anne Comes to Life

Project Spotlight Queen Anne Residence 7.13.10

After: no walls, no hanging beams, massive light and beautiful cabinets.

Our Design Team was lucky to start with such a well built home, level floors and plumb walls, a rarity in most of the homes we work on.  From there they transformed the small enclosed kitchen into the open family kitchen.  While no square feet was added, the new light and openness of the design made it feel much larger.  The amount of cabinet and counter space nearly doubled.

The owner’s first goal was to open the Kitchen to the Living and Dining rooms.  To do this, the insulation had to be vacuumed out of the attic so that new beams could be installed to carry the old stick framing.  Then the entire ceiling was cut out and ceiling joists were installed with new rafters to frame a the expansive skylight giving that precious southern light to the entire Kitchen space.  Upon further demolition, hidden wasted space was discovered creating an opportunity to capture a larger desk area and nice crown detail on the Refrigerator wall.

Before: very vintage and well built, but enclosed and dark. Time for an update!

Bath: Tiny but efficient.

Other features include an island vent for the cooktop, a pull out pantry, broom closet, bench seat with wine storage and all new appliances.  Finishes were solid Alder shaker style Pacific Crest cabinets with self closing drawers and doors, Chroma countertops in sage green, subway tile backsplashes and specialty glass in the upper cabinets.

Gaspar’s also remodeled their sole main floor bathroom as part of this project converting the original super compact space into a more luxurious while still compact bathroom.  This was accomplished by getting rid of the traditional tub and replacing it with a large walk-in shower, new cabinets and pedestal sink.

Congratulation to our Design Team, Construction Crew and great subcontractors lead by Heather, one of Gaspar’s best!

 

Century Old Seattle Craftsman Goes Green

Project Spotlight Montlake Residence 9.17.09

What’s the first think you think of when you hear “Built Green” or Green building?  Efficient appliances, lots of insulation, recycling products, and alternative energy sources may be a few things that come to mind.  In this project, we used all of these plus a host of others.

First and foremost for the owners was the preservation of the character of their Seattle Craftsman home in the beautiful Montlake neighborhood.  Very little of the interior was removed and all the original fir millwork and doors were carefully preserved.  The original windows were restored by re-stringing the weights and installing new sash stops.  They now all operate as smoothly as they did a century ago.  Fir flooring was removed in a small bedroom (which was converted to the new luxury Master Bath) and reused in the traditional family Kitchen.  Even the original kitchen sink and drain board were used in the new pantry buffet.

While the historic glory of the home was preserved, some pretty high tech and low tech systems were installed to improve efficiency and comfort.  Blown insulation filled the walls and attic spaces.  Where radiators were removed, loops of new piping were installed to heat the floors in newly tiled areas.  On the lower tech side of things, all the rain water is being collected from the roof and directed to a 1700 gallon cistern buried in the back yard.  The “grey water” is being used for flushing toilets, washing clothes, and watering the landscape.  It is amazing how fast that fills up from one or two of Seattle’s rainy days!  Two solar array panels mounted on the south facing roof heat all the water the couple can use without tapping their back up gas boiler driven water tank.

This home will be open to all during the Seattle Remodeled Homes Tour on the weekend of October 17^th.  Watch our Website for details so you can get a tour of this gem in Montlake.

.

Loyalty Goes Both Ways

Project Spotlight Freyd 7.29.09

When it comes to loyal customers, this homeowner is moving close to the top of the list.  We just finished our third project for her in less than two years.  First was the exterior window replacement, then on to her new beautiful kitchen and then her Guest/Hall Bathroom.  Gaspar’s team lead by Reed put the project together in record time.  He finished a full two weeks ahead of schedule.  This was due to the great design work and specifications by our Design Team, the planning time allowed by the Homeowner and their complete responsiveness and cooperation, and the great Subcontractors that we have.

The new bath includes fixtures by Grohe, Hansgrohe and Toto.  Finishes are by Canyon Creek Cabinets, Mannington flooring, HanStone quartz counters, and tile from Pental.  The tub had two niches centered in a beautiful crème tile with blue dots cut in the corners by our amazing tile Subcontractor. 

Talk is already brewing about her next project we’ll be there for her and her family to give her the best value and design available…oh and Reed will be around to put it all together for them too!  Great job by the entire construction team.

.

Kitchens can be Affordable and Glamorous

Project Spotlight Lukas 6.22.09

With the reigns being pulled in on all of our budgets, our customers are finding that a new kitchen is still within reach.  Case in point, check out this project we just finished for a super customer who helped create a great team approach to getting the project she’s dreamed of.

Our design team put together new Marmoleum click floors, solid Alder cabinets by Pacific Crest, completed with Laminate, yes we said it, laminate counters.  The new laminate finishes and textures made this kitchen look new, clean and current.  A splash of stone to the right of the range, gave the client that area for baking and setting hot pans without draining the budget.

What’s affordable?  You’ll be impressed at what our efficient Construction Team can do!  Give us a call or leave a comment and we’ll tell you more.