Total Home Renovation in Chester, NJ With Kitchen Expansion

Project Info

These Chester, New Jersey homeowners completed a whole-home renovation to improve layout, functionality, natural light, and long-term usability. The most significant upgrade in this project was the expansion and reconstruction of the kitchen.

Key goals of the renovation included:
– Increase kitchen size
– Improve room-to-room flow
– Add natural light
– Modernize mechanical systems
– Improve structural performance
– Upgrade finishes and materials

Read to see how Monk’s achieved the homeowner’s goals and transformed their home to their specifications.

Kitchen Expansion Summary

The kitchen expansion required substantial structural and mechanical work. The project created a larger kitchen footprint and improved circulation through the first floor.

Structural Work for the Kitchen
– Firstly, we expanded the kitchen by bumping out the back wall.
– After installing a temporary wall, a W10x60 steel girder was placed to support the second floor.
– We enlarged openings into the kitchen to improve flow.
– A new sliding patio door was added to increase natural light and backyard access.

Electrical and Mechanical Work for the Kitchen
– The electrician put in new 220v circuits for the induction range and steam oven.
– New dedicated circuits were added for refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and small appliances.
– Under-cabinet LED lighting and recessed ceiling lighting were installed.
– The HVAC ducting was reconfigured.
– Lastly, an 8-inch downdraft exhaust duct system was routed through the basement to the exterior.

Plumbing Updates for the Kitchen
The plumber installed new lines for the relocated sink, dishwasher, refrigerator water supply, and steam oven. To support the new layout, drain lines and venting were extended and reconfigured.

In addition to the structural and mechanical changes, Monk’s carpenters also installed the typical kitchen finishes. These included laying pre-finished hardwood flooring throughout the expanded kitchen. We also installed the kitchen cabinetry and hardware. Monk’s tile installers laid the kitchen backsplash including full tile work around the sink window.

First floor layout changes

Monk’s designed the kitchen expansion to enhance the entire first-floor flow.

In the dining room, we constructed a cantilevered box bay window. Additionally, the dining room received a wider opening to the kitchen to improve movement between the rooms.

We made the same passageway opening changes between the kitchen and family room. We also added a new double sliding patio door to increase natural light. The addition of this door also provided easy access to the new back deck out backyard.

Lastly, we fully remodeled the first-floor bathroom and laundry room which we constructed behind the kitchen.

Structural Additions and Foundations
The project included multiple structural additions:
– Firstly, a new crawlspace foundation with waterproofing and drainage systems.
– A slab-on-grade extension for the attached storage shed.
– New foundation support for load-bearing steel and LVL beams.

To protect the new foundation, we added waterproofing mechanisms such as exterior footing drains, interior drainage, and a sump pump system.

EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

Monk’s carpenters made many substantial exterior improvements to the home.

Exterior upgrades included:
– A new rear deck with composite materials, new framing, and integrated lighting.
– A redesigned front portico with an arched ceiling and new masonry.
– Updated roofing for areas affected by new construction.
– New Hardie Plank siding, new trim, and new gutters.
– Lastly, installation of customer-supplied windows and exterior doors.

NEW BATHROOMS, FLOORS & PAINT

Interior work extended beyond the kitchen and included full gut renovations of multiple bathrooms. We laid new pre-finished hardwood flooring throughout the second floor. We also installed new doors, trim, made drywall repairs and painted.

summary

The kitchen expansion serves as the central improvement. It creates a more open and functional first-floor layout. The renovation improves daily use, increases home value, and prepares the home for long-term durability. While this full home renovation centers on a kitchen expansion, we made many additional improvements. This project shows how structural changes, mechanical upgrades, and finish improvements can work together. The result is a more usable, efficient, and updated home environment.