R&A Magazine - Summer 2022 - 14

Tracy & Ken's
1st floor renovation
the creation of a bright and open living space
by Andrew Baker
Remodeling Division Manager
Brubaker Inc.
I
've had the pleasure to work with Ken and Tracy 5 times over the years on various
renovations to their home. This most recent 1st floor/kitchen renovation was by far
the most challenging, yet fulfilling job that we have completed together. The main
goal of the project was to remove walls, expand the size of the kitchen, and create
an open gathering space centered around the island.
"
In order to create their new space, 2 load-bearing walls were removed, replaced with a
steel beam and a wood beam. The beams were boxed in so that space could be created to
re-route plumbing for 2 upstairs bathrooms. All HVAC ductwork to the upstairs bedrooms
above the work space was also re-routed so that the space could be entirely open. All
electrical, including lighting, was redone to accommodate the layout and design of the
new kitchen. All new drywall was installed, finished and painted, and the existing sloped/
textured ceiling in the living room was covered with shiplap. Windows were modified and
changed sizes and locations to fit the new design. Flooring that had already been installed
in the foyer/old dining room was extended
throughout the entirety of the 1st floor.
We enjoyed working with the Brubaker
team so much so that we continued to
contract with them for all our project needs
throughout the years. The quality of the materials
used and the workmanship from the
whole Brubaker team have been excellent!
Homeowners, Tracy & Ken
Once we knew that the entire space could
be opened up, the design of the kitchen was
now the next challenge to tackle. The kitchen
centers around a 14' x 7' u-shape island with
bench seating and table. The other main
area of the kitchen is the north wall of the
house, where we incorporated pantry storage, small appliance storage hidden by pocket
doors, 30 " professional wall oven and microwave, 36 " gas range top, 36 " telescoping
hood, refrigerator, and window seat. The range top being centered at the new and larger
window created a unique challenge: how do we provide ventilation with a window above
the cooking surface? Some options would have included an overhead range hood hanging
from the ceiling, or a downdraft cooktop. The homeowner wanted the cleanest look
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