Benfield Remodel Case Study

This semi-modern four-car ranch home offered several attractive features to the new owner... lovely Forest Heights location, double lot, and a 4500 sf ranch home originally designed for a second story addition.

Demolition started in June. The first challenge was to have the main roof torn off, second floor built, and roof on by the fall rains. A true design build project (no detailed drawings, specifications, or interior designer initially involved), the sheer size of each phase of the 9,350 sf project required creation of a detailed subcontractor schedule that allowed them to work concurrently in a sequential and logical process.

The owners made all material and detail choices on site. Mockups of these custom elements were created at crucial time intervals to ensure intent and to keep the project on schedule. The mock-ups included:

• Wainscot (the house has over 500 lf of it on both floors)
• Newel posts
• Masonry fireplace wall
• Entry structure arches
• Window wraps and sills
• Custom hand troweled sheetrock finish (we made 13 distinct samples)
• Custom ceiling crown
• Exterior masonry water table
• Exterior material color palettes
• Curved stair and rail
• Exterior Stucco window wraps

The project's other materials and systems created unusual challenges that were successfully addressed to complete the home in a timely manner.

• Slate roofing system
• Portland cement stucco exterior with rainscreen system
• Receive and install prebuilt two level wood spiral staircase
• Digging and pouring 9 to 10 large (3'x4'x20'') bearing piers in the crawl space
• Install new metal clad windows and doors throughout
• Color matching the custom stair treads (cumaru - teak) to the plank flooring
• Dig and install interior perimeter French drain in crawl space
• Landing trusses. The house footprint was so long and deep (from the road) that even the truss companies' largest boom crane truck could not reach.
• Custom copper chimney shrouds (3)

The completed project provides the owner and his family with a beautiful home that creates an oasis of warmth and comfort.