An Uncovered Treasure

Articles from Boomer Magazine in Richmond, VA

An Uncovered Treasure

Owner saw potential in an estate auction fixer-upper

Story by Erika Wells

Photographs by Tony Giammarino

Built in 1973, the 3,225-square-foot home was redesigned to create open space and soften the rectangular footprint by adding curves to have a more welcoming feel.

Remodeling any house can be difficult, but rebuilding one Richmond home near the James River was a leap of faith. When everyone else thought it was too far gone to restore, David Domster, an information technology professional, purchased the property at an estate auction in 2005. He completed the project within two years, working with Tom Duke of Evolve Architecture and David Johannas of Johannas Design Group. Originally designed by Richmond architect Henry Tenser, the home received recognition as The Wall Street Journal’s House of the Day in July 2010.
Take a look at Domster’s upgraded home.

Plan Ahead to Stay Ahead
When David Domster undertook the project, he knew he had his work cut out for him, but he was undaunted.
      “The most important part is having a plan and being consistent with that plan,” he says. “This showed me what I could spend and helped me make choices to stay on schedule.”
     With its already modern layout and proximity to both the river and Richmond’s downtown, Domster knew the house was for him. He knew his options – and risks. Even with preparation, there would be obstacles. Domster tackled them with partnerships and a contingency arrangement for financing the unexpected.
     “There are unfortunate aspects of any project, but don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he suggests to those contemplating similar projects. “If you need to take a pause, then take a pause and regroup. When doing a large project, it’s okay to have a list of side projects to finish over time because sometimes you don’t always have an immediate vision.”
     Domster, who had sold his previous home shortly before the real estate market crashed, stayed in an apartment during the renovation. Taking on such a huge project in a tough economy may be challenging, but he advises others to be flexible and make the most of the experience if given the opportunity.
     “Allow this to be fun,” he says. “You’re putting a lot of time and money into this. So you should enjoy it.”

Domster created a more open floor plan by blending the living area with the kitchen.

BEFORE: Left

AFTER: Right

The kitchen features a glass tile backsplash and granite counters, including an island with a serpentine granite top.

BEFORE: Right

AFTER: Left

Domster used traditional pressure-treated wood with Sikkens (sikkens.com) deck finish to refurbish an existing lower platform deck that wraps around a corner of the house with access from the great room and the guest room.

Originally a children’s playroom, the home theater is now used for entertainment and hidden storage space behind the wall that holds the television.

Domster eliminated a bedroom and hallway to expand the great room – now 36 feet – and used the additional space as a dining area.

Large windows on the back of the home look out to the woods and seasonal views of the James River.

An open dressing room-type closet features exposed shelving and hanging space to encourage keeping items organized and up-to-date. “Overall, I have less of a tendency to keep things that I don't really need,” Domster says.