DOUBLING UP: THE GUNNI GLOW-UP

Things are warming up in the PNW— both in the weather and our projects— which means we’re busy at work making progress on our renovations AND I get to spend mornings at our local beach, Golden Gardens, with my two favorite critters. There’s something about the quiet and peacefulness of the water, mountains (and no people) that make it the best way to start the day.

Double Trouble

We’re going double time in Tacoma with a new investment under contract– a main home remodel with detached ADU and it’s now nicknamed the ‘Gunni Glow-Up’. Allowing DADUs to be built is the city’s way of promoting an increase the density at a fairly affordable price. There are roughly 20 applications for DADUs each month in Pierce County and even more in the Seattle area, with increasing popularity. It’s also a way for existing homeowners to create a new means of income by either building or converting an existing structure to a DADU and then renting it.

For the Gunnison St property, permits for both structures are submitted! We expect the main home to begin renovations while the city continues to review the DADU permit, as changing uses from a garage to a dwelling often triggers additional review time for compliance with zoning guidelines, building code and site development.

The existing structures on the lot are laid out perfectly to accommodate separate units, which made this deal a no-brainer once the underwriting made sense, too.

A primary dwelling 2BD/1BA home, 858SF —> 1BD / 1.5BA home

A detached garage, 600SF —> 1BD / 1BA unit

Gunnison St Renovation Site

Sheridan Shotgun Updates

Meanwhile, we’re less than a month from wrapping up the Sheridan Shotgun Reno. We’ve surpassed the part of the project where you discover the most unexpected costs after demo reveals all the odd quicks of the home. Luckily, they were minor in the grand scheme of things– a new structural header and reframing some sagging floor joists. Now, all the initial inspections have passed, drywall is up and we’re racing to the finish line with finishes!

☑️ Plumbing Rough-In

☑️ Electrical Rough-In

☑️ Mechanical Rough-In

☑️ Framing

☑️ Insulation

☑️ Drywall

➡️ Interior finishes

Sheridan Shotgun Design Vision

In the business of designing, building and managing residential renovations you often have to get creative in the way that you approach the design in order to make a profit. It’s very easily the most fun part of the job— problem solving ways to make a space feel thoughtful, warm, and connected without breaking the bank. It’s best if you can find a house that already has a great layout with features like connected living spaces and master suites. But it’s not always the case for homes that were built in the early 20th century.

At the Sheridan Shotgun, we wanted to move away from the all white kitchens and baths. While that keeps things neutral and often attracts the widest buyer pool, we wanted to draw buyers who might be looking for that starter home, but with a character that speaks to the origins of the home. So here’s the plan! Walnut cabinets and a small scale backsplash in the kitchen, a hex floor tile and headboard chair rails in the powder room and a lighter/brighter spa-like aloe tile in the bath. And we’re excited to see the end product in a few weeks!

Til next month, when we’ll hopefully be on the market! 

refern (aka Rachel)