Ascension Dr.

Saratoga, CA

The homeowners at Ascension Dr wanted to upgrade their outdated mid-century home into a warm, contemporary retreat while maintaining its architectural charm. GMJ Construction was hired to carry out a full renovation—inside and out—with a focus on open-concept living, improved functionality, and elegant finishes throughout.

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Project Challenges

  • Outdated Layout: Multiple small rooms and awkward transitions made the house feel cramped and disjointed.

  • Natural Light: Dark interiors due to limited window placement and older finishes.

  • Aging Infrastructure: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems all required replacement.

  • Exterior Slope: The backyard had a challenging grade that needed better usability.

Objectives

  • Open up the floor plan to create seamless flow between kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

  • Maximize natural light throughout the home.

  • Modernize kitchen and bathrooms with luxury materials.

  • Upgrade all systems to current standards while improving energy efficiency.

  • Redesign outdoor space to be functional for entertaining and relaxation.

Results

  • Modern Luxury: Open-concept living paired with clean design and high-end finishes.

  • Better Flow: Daily life is now more intuitive and spacious for the homeowners.

  • Energy Efficiency: New systems and materials significantly improved comfort and efficiency.

  • Increased Value: The remodel positioned the home for long-term livability and future resale strength.

Solutions & Strategy

Structural & Layout Changes

  • Removed walls separating kitchen, dining, and living areas to create one large central gathering space.

  • Vaulted ceiling added to main living room for a more expansive feel.

  • Reconfigured hallway and bedroom layouts for better use of space and privacy.

Kitchen Remodel

  • Installed custom two-tone cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a 10-foot island with seating.

  • Integrated high-end appliances and soft-close features throughout.

  • Used matte black fixtures and warm wood accents for a modern yet cozy look.

Bathroom Upgrades

  • Primary bath redesigned with double vanity, walk-in shower, and freestanding tub.

  • Secondary bathrooms refreshed with new tile, floating vanities, and frameless glass.

  • All bathrooms now include water-saving fixtures and LED-lit mirrors.

Additional Highlights

  • New wide-plank engineered hardwood flooring throughout.

  • Replaced all windows with energy-efficient, black-frame models to modernize the exterior.

  • Full exterior repaint with new entry design, porch cover, and updated landscaping.

  • Backyard regraded to include new patio, retaining walls, and drought-tolerant planting.

“This remodel exceeded everything we hoped for. GMJ brought our vision to life with so much precision and care. The home feels brand new, and yet it’s still ‘us.’ Every room flows beautifully, and the outdoor space is now a place we love to spend time in. Couldn’t be happier with the result.”