A Whole Home Remodel in Corvallis, Oregon
Summary
As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional service, Thayer Design Build purchased this property in need of love with the intention of it becoming a fully furnished rental for clients to stay in while their home is being remodeled.
During this extensive interior and exterior remodel, we addressed code and legal issues surrounding its subdivision by transforming the two-story single-family home into a private upper and lower residences.
The result is a stunning top & bottom duplex perfect for short term rentals, featuring modern amenities and breathtaking park views.
Project Needs
Years of serving as a rental property had taken its toll, leaving the building in dire need of a whole home renovation.
From the lingering consequences of an unsuccessful attempt at subdivision—resulting in an unpermitted kitchen and fire hazards—to the myriad of major and minor internal and external deteriorations, the house presented a complex puzzle.
Key issues included standing water in the basement, outdated plumbing and asbestos flooring, lack of insulation, deteriorated single-pane windows, failing exterior paint, and leaking gutters among many others.
The task at hand was not only to rejuvenate the property but to do so with a mindfulness of regulations and the reality of this being a rental property with a budget.
Below we will look at each section of this remodel: The subdivision, the interior, and the exterior.
Legal Subdivision
To legally subdivide the home into two units that accommodated two full kitchens we transformed the two-story single-family residence into a home with a lower floor ADU.
One crucial step in permitting was fire safety. This involved removing the forced air system, framing in the stairwell, installing a fire-rated door, and framing in a ceiling downstairs.
Another key was implementing separate heating and cooling zones for each unit. By removing the whole home forced air system, we installed separate mini-splits in each unit.
We provided an additional electrical panel for the upper floor and ensured that all electricity for the upstairs unit was controlled separately.
Exterior Renovation
The Patio
To create access to the lower unit we constructed a path from the driveway to the street, added stairs to the lower patio, and re-laid the pavers. Excess dirt from these projects was repurposed for landscaping, including boulder placement and bark mulch for added visual appeal.
The Building
Next, we upgraded the outdated single-pane windows to more energy-efficient double pane vinyl windows.
We also installed new gutters and repainted the siding of the home a stylish, deep green and brown.
Interior Renovation
Internally just about everything needed replacing.
We directionally bored a new main water supply line and replaced the old CPVC plumbing with PEX. We also updated the majority of the basement drains.
To tackle moisture in the basement, we installed an internal gutter system and a sump pump.
All lighting, plumbing, and wall fixtures were replaced, and new appliances were installed including stackable washer dryers in each unit.
Window Finishing
For the window finishing, we chose a drywall wrap with painted wooden sills and cellular shades for a balance of cost-effectiveness and aesthetics.
Energy Efficiency
The lack of insulation was corrected by drilling into the home’s interior walls and adding blown-in insulation, improving energy efficiency and comfort.
Egress Window
One of the bedrooms downstairs did not have egress (or a header for that matter) so we reframed the opening to accommodate egress windows.
The Bathroom
Downstairs we installed a new vanity with a stone countertop and a cultured marble shower.
The Living Room
We refinished the hardwood flooring, transformed the fireplace into a bookshelf, gave it a new coat of paint, and added all new furnishing to make the space feel like home again.
The Kitchens
On both levels, we installed new kitchens with semi-custom cabinetry, stone countertops, and tiled backsplashes. Upstairs, the flooring was updated with refinished the hardwood upstairs and installing a LVP in the kitchen and dining. The downstairs flooring is a seamless vinyl surface.
Results
Completing the transformation, Jared and Cheliss Thayer personally decorated and furnished the home with the goal of turning this remodel into a home away from home while folks are renovating their home or visiting Corvallis.
The Thayer property’s transformation has greatly enhanced the lives of its clients, offering a cozy retreat that blends modern amenities with home-like warmth. This thoughtful renovation has successfully turned a once-neglected space into a home that clients will love.
Guesthouse Booking
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