Bathroom Renovation in Chevy Chase
Project Overview
A longtime customer in Chevy Chase DC turned to us when it came time to put a new master suite in his bungalow and finish the first floor renovations. Being a bungalow, the master bedroom was on the first floor, with one small bath to service both the occupants of the bedroom and guests alike. Before the current owner purchased the home, the master bedroom and bath had been renovated, though very poorly.
Design + Layout
The challenge was to fit a bigger master bath, closet space, a welcoming entry, and a powder bath into the existing footprint. An architect friend of the client had begun the floor plans when we came to the project, and we consulted for construction feasibility, construction drawings, and finishes. Creating a corridor of closets leading to the bathroom, moving the entrance to the bedroom, adding windows to bring in light, and moving the main entry door made space for all the necessary elements.
Style + Finishes
Bright colors, craftsman trim and door profiles, and warm wood floors keep the living areas consistent with the style of the house. The tile (subway and slate), fixtures, and soapstone in the simple but elegant bathroom bring the spaces together, while giving the bath a clean, refreshing feel.
Construction + Final Product
The house was framed terribly — much worse than we expected. We ended up installing a system of engineered posts and beams crisscrossing the first floor framing, as well as a flitch beam and shear wall to support the second floor and provide wind bracing. There were tenants in the basement, as well as an occupied first and second floor, forcing us to think creatively about access and phasing of the project. As well as the structural work, we took the opportunity to upgrade the insulation, windows, and doors for energy efficiency. The renovation was successful by any measure, creating both a pleasant master suite and inviting entrance and neat powder room.
What The Customer Said
“When the time came for our major remodel, Four Brothers was the first and only company I called. They worked well with the architect I’d hired, and there was a smooth transition from the high-level design phase to the detailed design and build. To a man, they were an absolute pleasure to work with. They were very responsible, punctual, and polite. Their design staff helped us with the fixtures, tiles, and other details, and they kept on top of their subcontractors. Four Brothers also kept to the budget we had agreed to, with the understandable exception of some additional structural work that wasn’t apparent until the demolition was finished, and that was probably about 2% of the total project budget. They were very meticulous about accurately billing us, and gave us correct credits when the fixtures we eventually bought were less expensive than the original allowances.”