Guest House Portfolio

A guest house can add square footage to your home. It can also make the task of hosting guests much more pleasant for you and your guests. Further, the more self-contained the guest house, the more independent your guests can be, which takes a lot of stress off the hosts. Many homeowners will build a guest house as new construction. However, the majority of guest houses utilize existing, unused spaces and this is by far, the least expensive way to go.

Country Guest House|Transformation

Before Photo

This building was originally built with three stories. A garage on the 1st floor with its north wall subterranean, the main floor which housed a workshop, and a third floor for storage. The building was never finished with sheet rock. Previous owners had tacked up fiber board over the old soiled insulation. It had become a dusty, rat infested structure. The garage only had one single car garage door. A section of Foundation wall was removed and a two car garage door was added to make it a three car garage. The entire structure was insulated, sheet rocked and painted to finish. The main floor was divided into a small workshop on the east end complete with powder room to be used by gardeners and the residents when outside. The remaining main floor and third floor were transformed into a rustic two story guest house with a loft master bedroom and master bath. The existing old wood plank flooring was retained. With one sanding and two finishes, the floors became a gorgeous rustic focal point of this guest house. The guest house has a good sizel kitchen, propane fireplace, laundry room and sleeps six.

1920's Creekside Guest House / Remodel

This small guest house had few windows and only one door. The view towards the creek was remarkable so it was remodeled to include additional windows and double French doors in both the living room as well as the master bedroom. Note the massive river rock fireplace. This guest house needed a fireplace to enhance the old world charm. So, a fireplace master contractor was selected to build this large fireplace from scratch utilizing authentic river rock which was available on site along the creek. The guest house includes master bedroom, master bath, powder room, kitchenette and laundry room, all remodeled to retain the charm but include updated luxuries.

About Spaces by Design

Catherine Dishion is a Space Planner/Archetectural Designer who has been handling new construction and remodeling projects from design stage to completion since 1998. She has completed projects in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley as well as Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. Prior to starting her own business, she worked for a California state wide Real Estate Company for ten years and designed all of their offices located from Southern California to Northern California. Many of the remodels were transforming vintage houses into beautiful office spaces complete with restored fireplaces, some of which had been hidden for years by walls. She has relationships with reputable local vendors who can supply quality services and merchandise needed to complete any project. Catherine is a Space Planner and Architectural Designer. She can prepare computerized floor plans including 3D views. She prefers to not do structural plans thus an Architect will be needed for that phase. However, she can coordinate between you and the Architect as well as work with the architect during the construction phase on your behalf so you receive the product you want.

Call Catherine Dishion cell 805 705-5773

Spaces by Design Services

Because of her construction expertise and experience, Catherine can help her client select the licensed Contractor and Architect who is right for her clients, assist in the building permit process, and act as a liaison with the Contractor or Architect during the entire construction phase. Catherine’s projects and expertise include residential, income property and commercial offices. She listens to her clients She has personal hands on experience with plumbing, electrical, roofing, insulation, carpentry, tile, constructing hardscapes, painting and staining. She can produce what is desired for the project. She will transform an unworkable floor plan into one that flows. Every detail including colors, fabrics, and lighting will all tie in. If the plan calls for adding a window, she will make sure the window enhances the exterior view of the property as well. She handles projects in Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara area.