A Homestead Saga: Crafting Comfort and Style

Designed by Meredith Frolio.

The latest ADU project by Renovation Innovations is more than just an accessory dwelling unit; it’s a testament to thoughtful design, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of family needs. This project, a collaborative effort led by the expert team at Renovation Innovations, architectural designer Meredith Frolio, and the loving input of Sandy, Cyndi, and Nancy Sadowitz, has transformed not just a space but the very concept of multi-generational living.

The Vision and Execution

The ADU was envisioned as a safe, comfortable, and stylish haven for Nancy Sadowitz, as she embraces the golden years of her life. Sandy and her partner Cyndi, alongside Meredith’s architectural prowess, brought this vision to life. The design delicately balances modern amenities with the charm of the original 1900s craftsman house, featuring a vaulted living room with exposed beams, a zero-barrier shower for easy accessibility, and a cozy decorative gas stove.

Remodel Highlights

  • Zero Barrier Shower for mobility and accessibility
  • Oversized Shower for mobility and accessibility
  • Heated Bathroom Tile Floor
  • Vaulted Tongue and Groove Living Room Ceiling with Faux Beams 
  • Solar powered skylights and shades
  • Mortised Handsets
  • Hardwood floors
  • Custom Painted cabinetry
  • Craftsman Post and Beam Front Porch

Client Experience

Reflecting on the journey, Sandy shared her initial apprehensions and the overwhelming joy upon seeing the completed project. “Walking in the door the first time was awe-inspiring,” she recalls. The space, though compact, feels expansive thanks to the vaulted ceilings and skylights. The focus was on creating a wheelchair-friendly environment, ensuring comfort and ease as needs evolve over time.

Nancy’s joy in her new home is evident. The heated bathroom floors and the open-concept living area bring a daily touch of comfort and convenience. Nancy shares, “It’s practical, welcoming, and still has that cozy, homely feel,” capturing the essence of her new living space.

This revision aims to maintain the warmth and personal touch of the original while addressing your concerns for flow and language.

The Building Process

The journey wasn’t without its challenges, including unexpected ones like a main sewer line issue and ensuring the safety of the family dogs during construction. However, the expertise of Renovation Innovations, especially Bert’s effective communication and scheduling skills, ensured a smooth process. Meredith notes, “Bert and his team’s ability to respect design choices and problem-solve on the fly was crucial in bringing this vision to life.”

The Impact

This ADU is more than just a structure; it’s a new chapter in the Sadowitz family’s life, embodying the beauty of multi-generational living. It stands as a beacon of what modern, thoughtful design can achieve – comfort, style, and family harmony, all under one roof.

Closing Thoughts

The success of this project is a testament to Renovation Innovations’ commitment to quality, communication, and customer satisfaction. As Sandy puts it, “If you’re considering a similar project, go for it. It’s more than an investment; it’s a commitment to family and comfort.”

For more stories of transformation and expert craftsmanship, visit Renovation Innovations.

3D Tour

Notes for Architects:

  • The plumber and excavator did an incredible job connecting the sewer to the existing clay pipe.  A specialty tight access excavator completed the excavation due to limited space between the house and the neighbors’ fence.
  • HVAC – The house is heated using a ducted heat pump system in the attic.  This allows for the super high heating and cooling efficiency of a heat pump while still providing air circulation and filtration.  It also allows heat produced by the decorative gas stove to be circulated into the bedroom and bathroom.
  • The clear fir Post and Beam construction of the front porch was built using Simpson Hidden Fasteners and then sealed with clear finish to show the beautiful wood.
  • The framing under the zero barrier shower was reengineered to allow for a 2” recess to accommodate the custom mud-set shower pan.

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