As people age, some choose to downsize or move to a retirement community, but plenty of others want to stay in their homes. This is where they’ve made so many wonderful memories, and they want to continue to enjoy their familiar neighborhoods and neighbors.
Unfortunately, many older homes, especially those in Brentwood, often have primary bedrooms and baths on the second floor. Even those who can still manage stairs may not want to do so on a daily basis, or they worry that one day they won’t be able to climb them.
Due to the popularity of “aging in place,” there is a high demand for contractors who can transform a home and create a primary suite on the first floor. In fact, it’s become such a common request in the last few years that RSU Contractors now consider it one of their specialties.
In business for 44 years, RSU has a team that can fulfill every homeowner’s wish, and they are requested repeatedly by clients. One couple has had them back multiple times in the last 12 to 15 years. Their home, in the Indian Point subdivision of Brentwood, was built in 1984 and has needed many updates over the years.
“I don't think there's an area that we have not worked on in their house,” says owner Mark Williams. “We completed a garage addition with bedrooms above, front entry remodel, second floor attic renovation, and existing main floor spaces.”
Two years ago, to create the primary suite the couple envisioned, RSU added an entire addition to the side of their home. This new space includes a spacious primary bedroom with an adjacent sunroom, a luxurious primary bathroom, and a large walk-in closet with its own laundry area.
“The sunroom is sort of a transition room,” he says. “It allows them to flow from the existing house into this nice view of their backyard and then right into the master suite. They also like the fact that they can sit in an air-conditioned environment and enjoy the back view, which was one of their goals.”
The primary bathroom, with his and her separate vanities, free-standing tub, and large shower, is everything the couple wanted and more.
“For these folks, this is their forever home,” says Mark. “They made that decision, and every bit of their plan was well thought out. The space is right off the kitchen area, so it has access to everything they need.”
Just recently, RSU returned to refinish all the floors in the main part of the house to match the floors in the addition. The company is all about creating seamless finishes – building something new that blends in with what was originally there.
“When you add an addition, you want to make sure it looks like it belongs there or has always been there,” he says. “It shouldn’t look just stuck onto the original home.”
Some of their clients already have detailed plans on hand, and RSU is happy to work with those. Others may be starting from scratch, and in this case, the team goes through the entire design-build process with them.
While many of their clients undergo renovations in order to stay in their homes, there is also a great side benefit for those who decide to sell one day.
“Remodeling projects like these add immediate value, so you really are investing in your house,” says Mark. “It's going to hold its value since many people are looking for houses in Brentwood with the primary suite on the main floor.”
He and his team also understand how renovations can be somewhat disruptive, and so they do everything they can to make the project as easy as possible. “It’s an interruption in their lives, and so we plan for that. We make sure we isolate the construction zone from the living zone. Most of our clients have pets and have lives to lead, and we have to make sure we allow that to take place while we're doing construction.”
Mark likes to tell clients to think of it as if they’re going on a great journey. “Sometimes you might get delayed in an airport, or you might have your bag lost for a day, but in the end, you're going to get to the great journey.”
Just like the trip, when the process comes to an end, it will have all been worth it. “It's really nice to hear clients tell us how much they really enjoy the space that we've created,” he says. “One of the best compliments is when a homeowner says, ‘This is my favorite room in the house’.” It’s so much more than just a building; it's people's vision and their castles.”
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“Remodeling projects like these add immediate value..."