Winter 1998

Outgrowing A Home Is No Big Deal

Typical scenario: the family grows and the home’s existing space no longer seems as adequate or as functional as it once did.

So goes the story for Steve and Susan Whitehurst in Murray Hill, Maryland. Working with architect Helen Hiser, the Whitehursts were introduced to Rauser Professional Contracting (RPC) in the fall of 1997 for the purpose of remodeling and extending an existing family room. (This introduction was after the “first contractors we spoke to seemed overwhelmed” by the project, says Susan Whitehurst.)

After hearing the ideas and seeing the architect’s drawings, RPC looked at the structural integrity of the existing family room. At this point, RPC advised the Whitehursts to simply demolish the room and start over so they’d be happier and safer in the long-run.

Despite the news about the demolition, Susan said, “Unlike the first contractors, the Rausers clicked with us immediately and seemed quite capable of handling our project. They listened to our ideas and gave us advice along the way with clear explanations—including why we should start from scratch rather than remodeling the existing room.”

With a clearly stated time frame, estimate, and agreement on the scope of the project, RPC began work. Twelve weeks later, as promised, the room was completed.

Susan said, “They (RPC) made the project painless, came in on time, and within a reasonable budget. They stayed out of our way and always gave us advance notice if something would likely inconvenience us, like the power being off most of the day; in that way, we could adjust our schedules.”

She added, Rauser and their subcontractors were “meticulous” and didn’t mind our questions along the way. The Whitehurts now have a two-story addition, approximately 800-square feet, which includes large windows, hardwood floors, and a wet bar. It was finished just before the holidays. Now, the Whitehurts are starting the garage...with RPC, of course.

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