Transforming a traditional rancher into a raised ranch can dramatically enhance its curb appeal and functionality. This guide explores a compelling raised ranch remodel before and after journey, highlighting key aspects and transformations that turned a once ordinary home into an extraordinary living space.
Raising the ranch involves elevating the main living area, creating a split-level design with additional-storage or living spaces beneath. This not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits like improved energy efficiency and increased resale value.
Planning the Remodel: Before and Design Phases
Before lifting the ranch, careful planning is crucial. The team must assess the home's structure, design, and budget. In this phase, the homeowners likely reviewed blueprints, consulted with architects, and envisioned a future with seamless transitions between the indoors and outdoors.
Key considerations included enhancing the rental's curb appeal, incorporation of modern materials, and optimizing the layout for better flow and functionality.
Designing the New Lower Level
During the design phase, architects likely proposed creating a larger, open-concept living area upstairs and an additional bedroom and family room downstairs. By utilizing the space beneath the existing home, the owners effectively doubled their square footage.
Adding large, energy-efficient windows to the new lower level brought in plenty of natural light, further accentuating the expansive, open feel.
Preparation for Lift: Demolition and Foundation Work
Before the lift, demo crews removed the existing roof, siding, and interior finishes. This exposed the home's inner structure and allowed contractors to reinforce and repair any compromised areas.
Foundation work ensued, including pouring new footings and grade beams. Temporary supports were also installed to transfer the home's weight and ensure stability during the lift.
The Transformative Lift: Raising the Ranch
Once everything was set, the thrilling phase began. Hydraulic jacks lifted the home gently,Millimeters at a time, while crew members expertly monitored the process. The house was eventually lifted about eight feet, creating the desired split-level effect.
Concurrently, work progressed on the now-exposed underside of the house. Contractors added framing, insulation, and drywall, transforming the empty shell into a fully functional lower level.
Refurbishing the Upper Level
Upon the ranch's safe landing, the focus shifted back to the upper level. A new roof, along with modern, eco-friendly siding and windows were installed, helping secure the home's exterior in line with the homeowner's vision.
The open-concept living space was then reimagined with vaulted ceilings, new flooring, and updated fixtures. A spacious kitchen, family room, and dining area with expansive views of the great outdoors were ushered in, with the entire area seamlessly flowing onto a new deck.
Finishing Touches: Exterior Landscaping
Sprucing up the home's exterior landscaping, a softscape was designed to complement the architectural upgrades. Numerous trees, bushes, and flowers were planted, softening the home's silhouette and enhancing its curb appeal.
A stone walkway from the driveway to the new front entrance not only added visual appeal but also provided functional access to the home's entrance.
Standing before the completed project, it's clear that a raised ranch remodel before and after transformation can truly breathe new life into an old home. The process, while complex and intensive, has resulted in an elevated living experience that the homeowners can enjoy for years to come.