’80s house made new again

The Visse family of Tualatin wanted ‘the house that all the kids want to come to’

By Elena Boryczka

The Times, Mar 12, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Elena Boryczka / Times Newspapers

Builder Steve Stolze and homeowner Denise Visse stand in front of the Tualatin home that is included in the 2009 Tour of Remodeled Homes.

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When Steve Stolze of SLS Custom Homes stepped in to make over the Visse family’s living quarters in Tualatin, he saw it as a chance to modernize a 1980-style building.

Big changes were made: The former back wall of the home was moved 7 feet into the back yard, making room in the kitchen for an island, a nook and all new distressed alder cabinets, appliances, lighting and countertops. A family recreation room large enough for a pool table was also added onto the new kitchen and existing dining room.

And now that the home is included in the 2009 Tour of Remodeled Homes on March 14 and 15, the president of SLS hopes other consumers will start to envision similar projects in their own homes.

“Being part of the tour for the eighth year gives SLS the ability to show the general public many types and aspects of remodel work, as well as giving a hands-on opportunity to see the before pictures and the changes that have occurred,” Stolze said. “And (it) allows the public to interact with the remodel contractor onsite with specific thoughts and questions.”

This is the 10th anniversary of the Remodeled Homes Tour, which encompasses 18 different residences around the Portland area and gives homeowners the chance to see the work done by companies in the homes of actual people. Stolze is also chairman of the tour, and as such, he knows what a great opportunity this is for both businesses and consumers. He said being able to show what he did to the Visse home is something he is thankful for.

“(I’m) proud enough to show it off,” Stolze said. “I love it, and I love them!”

Denise Visse and the rest of the family have not been afraid to put their new addition to good use, hosting gatherings which include a New Year’s Eve party with about 90 guests.

“It’s just a great space,” Visse said. “We wanted to have a room where the kids could be, where we could be. We really wanted to be the house that all the kids want to come to.”

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