Diary of a remodel phase three: in the final chapter of Sunset's three-part series, we give a photo tour of our makeover - Sunset Special Section

Sunset, Oct, 2002 by Ann Bertelsen

Countdown for your remodel

Schedule installations so that your project can proceed like clockwork. If deliveries and installations fall behind, the domino effect will cause your entire project to be delayed.

Visit the job site daily to check progress, especially if you are acting as your own project manager. If a subcontractor puts a light fixture in the wrong place, it could result in costly repairs and delays.

Develop a checklist and use it to verify that grouting, lighting, painting, and floor finishes have been done properly. Make sure you inspect work before installers or contractors leave; once they've moved on to a new job site it will be hard to get them back.

Review all permits and ensure that final inspections have been completed so that you don't find something is not up to code further down the line.

Sign off on your final checklist and get a description of any work outstanding in writing, even if it's as simple as paint touch-ups.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR of all the rooms and spaces in the California Remodel at www.sunset.com. A detailed room-by-room resource guide is available within the virtual tour.

TO ORDER California Remodel Home Plans, call (888) 277-5588 and ask for plan number SSIH-2002.

RELATED ARTICLE: GREAT IDEA

Stepping into the spotlight

The staircase is one of the stars of the parlor, thanks to the elegant wrought-iron railing and the eye-catching risers faced in mosaic stone and metallic accent tiles, This adds a contemporary touch that acts as a counterpoint to the tiled fireplace front.

Tile: Walker Zanger.

GREAT IDEA

Office/guest room and bath

This home office, near the entry, can become a temporary guest bedroom, thanks to a wall bed tucked into the cabinet behind the desk.

* Wall system: Techline Studio.

BELOW: Subtly patterned tilework, a freestanding vanity, and a sandblasted glass shower door with clear glass peepholes--visible in the mirror--lend artistic elements to the guest bathroom, which also serves as the powder room.

GREAT IDEA

Picture perfect

The coordinated palette of materials, color, and textures in earthy hues establishes a feeling of warmth and casual sophistication. The overall effect is natural, contemporary, and welcoming all at the same time.

GREAT IDEA

Drawing panels

The wainscoting includes magnetic white-board insets for artwork, messages, and family photos.

GREAT IDEA

Jigsaw garden

With its rectangular outline and interlocking interior curves, the plan for the remodeled rear garden is similar to a jigsaw puzzle. Landscape designer Irving Tamura divided the 50- by 60-foot space into a series of garden destinations.

One of the largest areas--a stained-concrete and slate entertaining patio containing a built-in barbecue and a pizza oven--is closest to the house. The spaces become freer in form, with more pronounced level changes toward the rear of the yard.

BEFORE: This typical three-bedroom, one-bath starter home from the 1940s was dark and cramped and included a narrow hall, a tiny galley kitchen, and an awkward connection to the rear yard through an enclosed porch. We wanted to open it up and update it for the way readers live today.