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2021 Home Show Complete Home Remodel

"What appeared to be a disconcerting Pandora’s Box, gradually metamorphosed into a radiant Cinderella’s Castle."

INTRO

This project was an atypical total home remodeling effort due to the overwhelming complexity of the primary remediation aspect. What was initially described as a remediation of a 3700 SF failed in-floor radiant heating system sensibly expanded into a ‘complete home remodel’ once the Client recognized the home’s interior would be essentially ‘stripped down’ to an empty shell for the failed radiant heat floor system to be removed and replaced.

Clearly, the success of any project is predicated on fluid communication. And for this incredibly challenging ‘Complete Home Remodel’ to be effectively restored (complex remediation of the radiant heat flooring system that impacted the outcome of the home’s remodel and restoration efforts) concise Contractor-Client collaboration was critical and essential in maintaining a shared expectation of each day’s sequenced ‘game plan’, adjustments, and, at times, Herculean demands in achieving project goals.

Goals

The central focus and initial thrust of this project was the removal and replacement of 3700 SF of failed infloor radiant heating system.
  • Preliminary photographic documentation of the home’s interior/exterior condition (for future reference to
    avoid potential issues regarding existing condition/damage vs. damage that may result from construction).
  • Maintain pre & post project layout of rooms and the exact locations of fixtures, cabinetry, appliances, etc.
  • To closely match the existing flagstone color, color patterns & specific layout in keeping with the original
    flooring; Versailles flagstone design (5-sizes throughout 3000 SF).
  • Reinstall existing doors/hinges (after removal) to their original locations without removing and resetting
    or replacing existing jambs (cost:benefit decision). All doors will be expected to function properly following the
    removal & re-installation to their original site subsequent to the new concrete slab, new custom cut flagstone and
    custom wood flooring. All concrete and finish flooring must, therefore, be installed precisely to correspond with
    existing elevations at each matched doorway.
  • Clean-up existing finishes throughout the home, eg. wood at windows, doors & jambs.
Expanded goals with Client collaboration:
  • To contemporize and revitalize the interior spaces with new furnishings, refurbishing, vigas, etc. and to
    refinish the existing interior plastered walls & ceilings with a “high grade”, mirror-like Diamond plaster finish to
    foster greater luminescence throughout the rooms.
  • Remodel existing kitchen and all three bathrooms to contemporize the ambiance, comfort level and the
    utility of each area with owner provided: raised vanities, cabinets, quartz counter tops, modern appliances, etc.

Floor Plans

Obstacles &
Solutions

The extensive remodeling project tackled significant challenges, including the removal and precise documentation of all detachable fixtures and extensive demolition of over 100 tons of materials from a 3700 square foot house. Critical tasks involved exacting replacements and customization, such as modeling templates for seven fireplaces and maintaining a specific flagstone pattern. Solutions included thorough photographic records, extensive property protection during demolition, and innovative debris management strategies. The project required meticulous attention to detail to preserve the home's structural integrity and aesthetic continuity throughout the transformation.

1

Removal of all detachable fixtures, doors, cabinets and appliances for salvage & re-use or Client’s gifting to others; to be replaced with new cabinets to original locations with extremely limited tolerances for error. (Our client repeated throughout the project “to 1/1000th of an inch!” A slight exaggeration but not much!)

Implement a rigorous plan involving advanced documentation and measurement with laser tools and 3D imaging for exact dimensions and positions. Enhance site protection with zone-based plans and vibration monitoring, store removed items in climate-controlled environments, and utilize precision installation tools such as laser levels and digital protractors during reinstallation. Conduct a detailed verification process post-installation and involve the client in a final walk-through to ensure satisfaction with the alignment and installation quality, addressing any discrepancies immediately.

Obstacle

2

Removal & disposal of 100 + tons of existing concrete, flagstone and wood flooring throughout the 3700 SF house and excavation & removal of approximately 20 cyds of soil as required for below slab insulation and utility trenching. A Sisyphean task!

Execute a strategic plan combining precise demolition with efficient waste management. Use wet saw-cutting for concrete to minimize structural damage, enforce strict safety protocols to control dust and debris, and set up a washout pond for compliance with environmental regulations. Organize a systematic approach for debris removal using a staging area for material management and pathways for safe transport. Maintain constant communication with the client, providing updates and detailed documentation of all stages to ensure project compliance and client satisfaction.

Obstacle

3

Removal & disposal of all tile features: wainscot, tub surrounds, back splashes, etc.

Implement protective measures using ramboard and plastic coverings to safeguard adjacent areas from dust and debris. Use tools like chisels and electric hammer drills for careful tile removal, minimizing damage to underlying surfaces. Organize a designated staging area for the orderly disposal of debris in compliance with local regulations. Conclude with a comprehensive site clean-up and a final inspection with the client to ensure satisfaction and safety.

Obstacle

4

Modeling custom templates for each of the 7 fireplaces replacement hearths & select mantles (new flagstone to be custom cut & chiseled and installed).

Start by creating precise templates for each fireplace to ensure design alignment. Select high-quality flagstone, tailored to each fireplace’s dimensions and aesthetic, and prepare it through custom cutting and chiseling. Install the flagstone meticulously, ensuring surface preparation and using appropriate adhesives. After installation, apply sealant for durability and conduct a quality check to meet aesthetic and functional standards. Conclude with a client review to confirm satisfaction with the seamless integration into their home’s design.

Obstacle

5

Extensive temporary exterior protection required to preserve: existing flagstone walkways, stucco, gates, and landscaping as well as interior protection of: doors, windows, fireplaces, subgrade thickened slabs & foundations present that faced potential damage during the process of extensive saw-cutting, jack hammering and debris/concrete disposal.

Combine meticulous documentation with robust protective measures. Capture detailed pre-construction photographs for reference, employ physical barriers like plywood, ramboard, and plastic fencing to protect surfaces and gardens, and remove delicate features such as custom doors for temporary safekeeping. Use vibration isolation techniques during demolition to limit structural impact, systematically manage debris disposal, and continuously monitor and adjust protective measures to ensure comprehensive preservation of all sensitive property areas throughout the construction process.

Obstacle

6

Throughout the Herculean project challenges, maintaining resolve, morale and a sustained team spirit believing (among company employees) that remediation completion with a quality outcome were achievable.

Implement regular updates and transparent communication to keep the team informed and engaged. Recognize and reward contributions and milestones to boost morale. Provide necessary training and resources, organize team-building activities, and hold collaborative problem-solving sessions to ensure team members feel valued and supported. Additionally, focus on the team’s health and well-being with resources for managing stress and flexible work arrangements, fostering a motivated and unified workforce committed to achieving a quality outcome.

Obstacle

7

Limiting the extreme dust contamination to existing wood windows, door jambs, T & G wood ceilings, vigas and plaster walls created during the saw cutting & demolition process.

Install plastic sheeting to seal off and protect these areas, reinforced with adhesive tape for a secure hold. Utilize dust containment systems such as negative air machines with HEPA filters and employ wet saw-cutting techniques to minimize airborne particles. Conduct regular cleanups with HEPA-filtered vacuums during and after demolition to prevent dust buildup, and maintain barrier integrity through frequent inspections, ensuring comprehensive protection throughout the project.

Obstacle

8

Removal of existing hot & cold water lines and installing new hot & cold water lines throughout the home; replacing existing gas lines with larger diameter lines to accommodate requirements for the new high efficiency boiler and select kitchen appliances; all to be done with existing exterior walls and interior partition walls, footings and foundations in place as well as thickened footings running through select doorways where pipes and service feeds had to pass through for termination at the exact locations of original fixtures and appliances set in stone.

Start with precise documentation and mapping of current utilities to ensure alignment with original connection points. Employ precision cutting techniques for minimal structural disruption and install new lines carefully along established routes. Conduct thorough testing for leaks and compliance with safety standards, followed by meticulous restoration of disturbed structural elements. Conclude with a client walkthrough to ensure the installations meet both functional and aesthetic expectations, maintaining the integrity of the existing structure.

Obstacle

9

Critical to our client was maintaining the original flagstone “puzzle-like” layout of the (5-sized stone) Versailles pattern with the new custom fabricated flagstone.

Meticulously document the existing flagstone arrangement using high-resolution photography and detailed measurements as outlined in solutions 1b) and 1d). Ensure precise cutting and chiseling of the new flagstone to match the five-sized stone configuration. During installation, refer continuously to the documented layout to accurately recreate the intricate pattern, ensuring each piece fits perfectly as per the original design, and conclude with a thorough review to ensure fidelity to the client’s specifications.

Obstacle

10

“In a nutshell” this project entailed tearing the interior (core of the house) apart; removing everything except the walls and roof, with the exception of select areas requested by the Owner as part of the extended remodel.

For the extensive project of gutting the core of the house while preserving select areas as requested by the owner, systematically document all areas before demolition using detailed photographs and measurements (solutions 1b and 1f) to record existing conditions and designated preservation zones. Implement protective measures, including physical barriers and careful demolition practices (solution 2c), to shield preserved areas from construction debris and damage. Efficiently remove all non-essential interior elements, manage debris with organized staging areas (solution 2g), and carefully integrate new installations, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the sections that were preserved, as per the client's specific requests.

Obstacle

Conclusion

We believe this “one in a million” Complete Home Remodel best exemplifies “Excellence in Remodeling”. The Company’s experience, flexibility and enterprising attention to fine details and scrupulous management, in close communication with seasoned Clients, resulted in an incomparable, revitalized and awe-inspiring production. Early in the remediation process, what appeared to be a disconcerting Pandora’s Box, gradually metamorphosed into a radiant Cinderella’s Castle. To the delight of our Clients, this Complete Home Remodel exceeded their project goals and expectations for perfection to “1/1000th of an inch”!

Testimonial

    Fabu-WALL-ous was selected after careful consideration of the best of the best remodeling contractors in Santa Fe. As complex as the project was, there was never a moment in which I became concerned about the professionalism and capabilities of the Contractor. What a relief!

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