By Kali Newlen-Burden  |  Photos by J. Sinclair

Vicki and Brad Carr have built homes from scratch, and have renovated before, but this time was different – they wanted to renovate their dream home. Their vision for the space combined with ICON Custom Builders’ expertise ultimately created a home for their entire family to enjoy. 

The Carr’s were proactive. As soon as they put a contract on their new house, they called ICON. They walked through each space and discussed their project goals, timeline and desired investment. Together, they prioritized key areas – the kitchen, primary bath, sunroom, and deck – and came up with a plan to get the home move-in ready.

“As soon as we closed and had the keys, we said ‘Go,’” Vicki shared. Demo began immediately, but the changes did not happen overnight. A renovation requires a clear plan, patience, and collaboration. ICON’s full-service team and trusted trade partners – from the project manager to the cabinet maker to the electrician – worked to make the process seamless. 

“I am pretty picky, but their attention to details really helped me relax,” Vicki said. “I did not feel like I had to run around and look at everything they were doing to see if it was square, straight, even, and painted right – it was just done.”

During the four-month project, ICON replicated the open and bright feel of the Carr’s former home, while celebrating the character of their new home. Project manager Doug Johnson led the team in removing walls to open up the kitchen to the adjacent living spaces. They transformed a screened-in porch into a sunroom that flows naturally into the rest of the home. ICON adjusted the framing, leveled floors, reconfigured closets, and painted walls – all while navigating a few unexpected challenges.

“Every full-house renovation comes with surprises,” Doug said. “Certain issues sometimes create delays, but that is also where we excel – providing a solution that does not kill a schedule.” Vicki chuckled when she recalled moving in without a refrigerator, and realizing the kitchen backsplash she had selected did not suit the new space.

One year, one refrigerator and one new backsplash later, the Carr’s are enjoying every square foot of their remodeled home. “The bones of the house were wonderful,” Vicki said. And with the updates to the layout, it now matches their lifestyle – primary living spaces on the main floor, several conversational areas, and ample room to entertain three children and seven grandchildren. 

Every family member has a favorite new space. Vicki loves her bright kitchen, and her sunroom with exposed brick. Brad enjoys his grilling station, thanks to the extra 60 square feet added to the deck. Their grandchildren have already claimed their own rooms and hangout spots. “It is way more house than two people need,” Vicki shared. “But we wanted it that way so we could all enjoy it.”

A detailed design plan has turned into a home that will welcome Carr family memories for years to come. And just like their sunroom, the future is bright.