Every Level Craft Construction project becomes a home once residents move in and begin a new life in their dream homes. While Level Craft Construction loves to show off our new construction, renovation and revival projects, we love to check in on the fantastic homeowners calling our projects home. Situated in the historic Oakhurst neighborhood, our team recently reconnected with Craig Combs and Joseph Trasmonte, owners of our East Lake Drive renovation.
A retired advertising and marketing expert from Chattanooga, Combs shared that he and his husband and Pediatric Neurologist Trasmonte, originally from the Philippines, have lived in Decatur for over 20 years. The two were searching in the neighborhood for a new place to settle and came across a recently finished Level Craft Construction renovation for sale.
The restored 1940s-era home was originally a one-story construction that now stands as a reimagined two-story residence. The spacious five-bedroom and three-bathroom home features several unique appointments, including Tiffany-style stained glass, a hidden kitchen pantry, a custom red oak spindled staircase, gingerbread wood detailing, pointed turrets and more.
When asked what his favorite space in the home was, Combs' immediate answer was the dining room. A part of the original construction, the dining room is a cozy, eye-catching feature of the home. An antique wooden fireplace rescued from a Candler Park historic home provides a focal point for Combs, Trasmonte and guests to gather around no matter the occasion.
Combs said, "Everyone always talks about what a lovely room it is!"
Although purchasing the home was a quick process for Combs and Trasmonte, their relationship with our team resumed. The two currently live nearby co-founders Virginia Van Lear and Debbie Hollonbeck and continue the lasting connection created after Combs and Trasmonte moved in. Whenever Combs or Trasmonte have a question about a detail within the home or its history, Hollonbeck and Van Lear are more than happy to share the project's story.
To celebrate the home's closing, Van Lear, Hollonbeck and the rest of the team gifted a book to commemorate the home's closing and its history.
Combs said, "They made a book for us and gave us all the pictures of what the house looked like before the process, the history and the original structure."
Combs also shared that he constantly finds new pieces of history around their home. While completing outdoor maintenance, Combs came across a mysterious stone with an inscription that reads, "Built by Russ in 1947." After restoring the stone, Combs discovered it was a small piece of the home's history directly from the original owner. The stone now sits as a permanent fixture in his garden.
During our conversation with Combs, he also shared that after their experience with Level Craft Construction, no other renovation or new construction home carries the same magic as their East Lake residence.
Combs said, "Thank you for putting so much thought into the design of the house."
Are you interested in partnering with our team to construct, renovate or revive the home of your dreams? Peruse our online portfolio to find inspiration for your new home! Contact the Level Craft Construction team at 404-704-7350 or visit the Hire Us page.
