CASE STUDY

Here's how Elly Wells and Glen Locascio of North Asheville transformed their home, step by step.

Elly Wells and Glen Locascio purchased their 1960's North Asheville home in 2002 because they fell in love with its elevated 2+ acre setting. The house was "interesting" – it had potential but needed some work, and they optimistically envisioned what it could become. In 2007, they made the decision to create more functional indoor and outdoor living space on the side of the house that had the best view of the woods and the mountains beyond. What had been a screened porch was to become an office and the existing dated, flat-roofed addition, a great room that would encompass living and dining space. A new patio and adjoining covered porch would house an outdoor dining area and open space for entertaining. The goal was to create this new living space while maintaining a cohesive look to the home's exterior and interior.

Step 1: Existing structure

This exterior photo shows the flat-roofed addition completed by prior owners, which was to be demolished – with the exception of the beautiful stone flooring.

Step 2: Building plans

Sean Perry and Glen Locascio review the building plans.

Step 3: Budgeting process

Estimator, Scott Rusinko, along with Sean Perry, prepares the project budget.

Step 4: Preparing foundation

The crew builds the foundation for the new patio prior to demolition of the existing addition.

Step 5: Removing screened porch

Removing windows is the first step in demolition of the addition. Installing new insulated windows will create a more air tight envelope, reducing the energy needed for heating and cooling.

Step 6: Reviewing plans

Sean Read, a skilled hands-on craftsman who serves as the senior lead carpenter, responsible for overseeing all aspects of this project, and Griff Gamble, another skilled "Hand," review the plans.

Step 7: Roofing

The roof, which was extended to include an open-air dining space, is being completed and the office is enclosed.

Step 8: Installing insulation

The great room roof is insulated with Icynene insulation, an expanding foam rated for high energy efficiency. The team worked with the couple to make choices that reduced the environmental impact of the project.

Step 9: Creating seating area

The rounded bench is in the process of being completed by Dean Rice Masonry.

Step 10: Applying finishes

The crew applies finishes to the great room.

Step 11: Salvaging wood

Elly and son sit on a tree, downed in a wind storm, that was used to construct the wood cabinetry and bar in the great room and office.

Step 12: Custom woodwork

This angle shows the bar and built-in cases that were created from the tree.

Step 13: Office finishes

A view of the new office and custom desk and cabinetry.

Step 14: Bookcase

Detail of one of the built-in bookcases.

Step 15: Completed remodel

The completed exterior enhances the existing home (left) and roof lines and creates a lovely outdoor space for entertaining and family living.

Step 16: Patio seating

The completed bench seat, finished to match the serving counter in the covered outdoor dining area, adds an interesting visual element.