What do you do when you’re ready to move into your dream or “forever” home, but it’s a seller’s market and the choices available to you in the area in which you want to live are limited?
For Katy and Brody Gustafson of Edmond, the choice was to purchase an existing house with their desired approximate square footage and acreage, then to identify a professional company to work with them to make it the home of their dreams.
Read on about the Gustafson family’s experiences working with Randolph Design + Build (RandolpHDB.com) in the major remodel of their home in Woodruff’s Tall Oaks addition in Edmond. Responses are those of Katy Gustafson.
Can you tell us about your decision to purchase an existing house that could be transformed into the home that would meet your family’s needs and desires as opposed to spending more time looking for an existing home build that would have at least some of the features you were looking for?
We knew we wanted to be in this particular area since it is close to family and friends. Our main criteria was finding a lot big enough for a pickleball court, which is a sport our whole family enjoys together. When we bought the house, we were in a seller's market, so we knew it would be difficult to find a home that would fit our family's needs and wants exactly, so we opened our minds to the idea of a remodel.
What was it like working with this firm? Did they listen carefully to you when you talked about what you envisioned? Did they follow through on that?
From the first meeting with Gary, Ashley and Trish at Randolph Design + Build in April 2022, we knew we had made the right decision. They walked us through the house design and made a list of everything we wanted for the home. We had no vision for how they would be able to accomplish it within the footprint of the existing house, but they really made us believe anything was possible! Friends will ask if there's anything we would do differently, and I struggle to find an answer. The Randolphs really made sure we accomplished what we intended to. [Editor’s Note: Katy is referring to Gary Randolph, master builder; Ashley Randolph-McAllister, master builder apprentice; and Trish Randolph, creative designer. Demolition on the existing house started in July 2022. The family moved in and all work was completed in January 2023.]
Did you come to the table with a pretty detailed plan, or more of a general idea, for your dream home?
We didn't come to the table with much more than a long list of wants with no idea how to make it happen. We were blown away when Gary and Ashley showed us the plans and had incorporated every detail we'd discussed. Their experience on every aspect of the process, from costing, construction, design and project management, made the whole process smooth from start to finish.
Did they keep you informed as the project progressed? Were they able to stick to the budget for the most part?
They guided us through every step of the way—from wish lists to inspiration boards to design selections and finishing touches. They gave us access to their construction software, so we could see the full schedule, check in on budget and make final selections all within the app. It was so efficient and organized! We really felt like we were in control of our budget, and the Randolphs were able to give us options to stay within budget when we needed to.
Are you overall pleased with it all? Anything that brings you and the family particular joy?
We are thrilled with the finished product and think back very fondly on the entire process. Walking around the neighborhood and watching our boys ride their bikes over to play with friends brings us so much joy! We thought we'd have to choose between living close to friends and family and having the home we wanted, but the Randolph team made it a reality! I am so proud of the design selections we made and still in awe of how the team implemented our vision.
Sounds like you've become close?
When Trish and Ashley took us to make our selections, it felt like we were with family. Not only were they helpful and encouraging, they were also honest and realistic, which gave us a lot of peace. They even brought snacks for the long days! We still call Gary for advice nearly a year later, and he's always been so generous with us. They are truly an honorable firm, and their impact on our family won't soon be forgotten!
Would you recommend them to other people considering a small, medium or large remodel?
We would, and we have! I have lost count of how many friends and family we've referred to the Randolphs.
Anything not covered above you'd like to share?
Ashley always asked, "Is it perfect?" before finalizing an element of the build. It really made us feel like they cared more about our satisfaction than simply checking a box. Renovating a house comes with many decisions but hiring the Randolph team was the best decision we made by far!
From the Design Perspective
Ashley Randolph-McAllister, master builder apprentice, also shared her thoughts about this major home-remodeling project, which came about as a result of a referral from a previous client.
“The Gustafson Family had fantastic vision, and truly knew what their goals were with the home,” she said. “We were able to help facilitate those goals and truly make the home what they needed for their family.”
“We added on the stairs and upstairs bonus room, opened up the core of the home to make a functional open floor plan between entry, living, kitchen and dining spaces. We added onto the home a complete primary bedroom with en suite bathroom, closet and walk-throughs to the laundry room.”
Ashley said she especially enjoyed collaborating with Katy Gustafson on her vision for the kitchen hood vent.
“Katy knew exactly what she wanted this to be, and we were able to help facilitate this for them. It’s a custom-built wood hood vent by our craftsman cabinet builder. Once installed, one of our craftsmen created the perfected plaster finish. It’s stunning! I also love the powder vanity and wallpaper and the primary tile and, really, the whole house!”
As the project progressed, the family let them know that they definitely wanted to add a pickle ball court. Happily, they were able install a regulation-size court that they will be able to enjoy with friends, family and neighbors for years to come.
Calling the entire a project “a dream,” Ashley described the Gustafson family as the “kind of clients you hope for.”
“We prayerfully seek out the right projects for our family,” she said. “We are a family business, and we work hard to not curate a ‘house’; rather, we want to create a true lifestyle and home for our clients. The Gustafson family was able to help us do exactly what we love to do. They had wonderful design ideas, and we were able to work together closely to make those ideas a reality for their home.”
"They are truly an honorable firm, and their impact on our family won't soon be forgotten!"