From the moment Greg and Janice Raab purchased their Chastain Park home, renovations began. The changes didn’t happen all at one, though.
The Raabs selected a project, such as the master bedroom and bathroom, figured out the budget, made sure they had the cash and took their time remodeling the space. Formica countertops in the kitchen, cracked countertops in the master bathroom due to sun damage from the skylights, and black tile floors throughout the house had to go. They lived in the home throughout the renovations.
“The master bedroom and the master bath took us nearly a year to do. The kitchen the same thing,” Janice said. “We’re doing a lot of the work ourselves. Some people absolutely hate remodeling. This is what we like to do.”
Snapshot
Residents: Greg and Janice Raab, who have worked in the broadcasting industry for 25-plus years. (Most recently, Janice was a finance manager with Clear Channel in Atlanta.)
Location: Chastain Park
Size: More than 5,000 square feet, five bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths
Year built: 1990
Year bought: 2006
Architectural style: Contemporary. "We moved here from San Francisco. We love contemporary. Of course, Atlanta has very few contemporary homes, so our choices were limited," Janice said.
Favorite architectural elements: The emphasis on stone and rough-cut cedar. "The stone on the outside is also duplicated on the inside of the home," Janice said.
Renovations: Complete remodel of master bedroom/bath suite and kitchen, using custom cabinets by Cabico, plus a new roof, concrete driveway, retaining wall and river rock bed. The cedar ceilings and three fireplaces are original to the home. In the master bedroom and bathroom, the Raabs painted the ceiling to soften up the space. Working on the home became a full-time job for Greg, who even decided to take a part-time job at The Home Depot, relishing the opportunity to talk more about remodeling projects. "It is so exciting for him to do something with his hands, stand back and look at it. He gets to look and say, 'Wow, look at what I created,'" Janice said.
Cost of renovations: $250,000
Architect and designer: Reed Erickson of Atlanta-based Studio R Squared
Interior design style: Modern
Favorite interior design features: Lighting and furniture designed by George Kovacs, George Nelson and Marcel Breuer.
Favorite outdoor feature: 1,700-square-foot deck space overlooking the wooded lot.
Landscaper: Chris Livesay, Cumming-based American Outdoor Living
Favorite green features: 1,200 square feet of bamboo flooring, a tankless water heater, low flow toilets, induction cooktop and drought-resistant landscaping that requires no irrigation.
Tip: Interview designers to find one who is willing to listen, mindful of your budget and shares your vision, Janice said.
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