Bethesda Bungalows' Blog

Our Rambler to Foursquare renovation in Kensington has been entered into a contest on the "This Old House" website. Click here and vote today!

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We are getting close to finishing our Rambler to Bungalow transformation on Parkwood Drive in Kensington. The dramatic changes to the exterior are matched by the upgrades in the interior.

An expanded kitchen and rear great room highlight the first floor improvements, while the new second story added four spacious bedrooms upstairs. (Photos to follow in a few weeks.)

To recap the energy upgrades on this project, the entire above grade envelope was sprayed with low density foam, including the underside of the roof deck. Below grade, closed cell foam was applied directly to the existing foundation walls. High performance argon-filled, dual pane windows (average U-factor of .32) replaced the original single pane windows on the first floor and were used on the rear and second story additions.

Love those red windows!

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Bethesda Bungalows will be starting a new whole house transformation project on McKinley Street in Bethesda. The original home, built in the 30's, is a 2 bedroom brick cottage, just blocks from Suburban Hospital. Like most homes of this era, it has no insulation.

The renovated home will draw upon Prairie-style design cues, with a large overhanging eaves, a shallow pitched roof, and groups of large windows.

A full second story will be added, with the finished home having 4 bedrooms upstairs, along with the laundry room.

On the main floor, the living space will be completely renovated, and will include a new chef's kitchen and eating area, living room, and combo playroom/extra bedroom.

On the energy side, the project qualifies as a "high performance retrofit". We will bring the thermal and air envelope up to current standards, and install a high efficiency HVAC unit. EnergyStar lighting and appliances, along with water saving plumbing fixtures are slated for the finishes.

5511 McKinley St., Bethesda - Before

Click here to download a pdf copy of the plans.

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An update on our major renovation project on Parkwood Drive in Kensington. This home started as a humble rambler, and is being transformed into an authentic bungalow, with a dramatic increase in curb appeal. On the exterior, the siding work continues and should be wrapping up tomorrow. We are using a combination of HardieShingles and HardiePlank cement-board siding on the new walls, and we'll be painting the exposed brick that remains from the original structure. Check out the exposed raftertails and bracketry!

Here's a shot of the interior, taken from the foyer. Toward the back , you can see the large addition that will be the family room. To the left will be the dining room and to the right will be the expanded kitchen.

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