The living room of this Waterboro Sq home features multiple large windows that frame mature greenery, with a vaulted ceiling above and light wood plank flooring below. These windows are the living area’s main source of daylight, and their symmetrical placement around the stone veneer fireplace is central to the room’s balance. The kitchen, which is open to both the dining and living rooms, connects directly to the sunroom through wide sliding glass doors. These doors form the main transition to the backyard, where the nearly half-acre lot offers a pool, paver basketball court, gazebo, and shed. My plan for this remodel begins with a window-by-window assessment, focusing on how each existing opening serves the rooms and the family’s use of space.
This house, built in 1990, stands out in Folsom’s higher-cost stock for its size, about 3,118 square feet on a 19,267 square foot lot, and its updated windows and new HVAC system. The stucco exterior and tile hip roof, along with the three-car garage finished with epoxy flooring, give the house a solid, contemporary presence. The main structure covers about 17% of the parcel, according to the Sacramento County parcel layer. The home’s public water is metered on site, and the sewer is public as well, both typical for the city. The ground beneath is mapped as Argonaut-Auburn complex soils, with 3 to 8 percent slopes and well-drained clay up to 42.5%, so the site is stable and level enough to support large window openings without unusual foundation risk.
Living Room Windows: Keep, Frame, and Soften
In the living room, the large windows are already well-placed to capture garden views and daylight. Their symmetrical arrangement around the fireplace helps anchor the seating area, which is furnished with leather sofas and contemporary pieces. Unless a survey of each window shows a problem with operation or seal, I would keep these openings as they are. Instead of enlarging or relocating, I would add restrained window casing or molding to soften the transition from the neutral light gray walls and white trim. The goal is to give these windows a sense of finish that matches the scale of the vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace, without overwhelming the room’s clean lines.
The open plan means the living, dining, and kitchen areas all benefit from these windows’ light. The continuous light wood plank flooring and modern recessed lighting already help the rooms flow together. Area rugs can be used to define zones within the open space, but the window plan should focus on reinforcing the visual connection to the outdoors. Window treatments should be chosen to control light and glare, especially during the 7 days above 102° expected this year in Folsom’s Title 24 climate zone 12, but should not block the views of mature trees and landscaping.
Sunroom Doors: Preserve the Connection
The sliding glass doors between the kitchen and sunroom are the main link to the backyard. These doors should be left in place unless their hardware or glass condition requires replacement. Their position supports the family’s access to outdoor living spaces, which are designed for California’s sunny climate. The backyard’s mature trees and lush landscaping provide shade and privacy, and the minimal flood and fire risks recorded for this lot support keeping large glass areas at the rear of the house.
Other Rooms: A Targeted Approach
Elsewhere in the house, including the bedrooms and family room, I would review each window’s size, placement, and function. The family room, which shares a double-sided fireplace with the living room, should keep its existing windows unless privacy or daylighting needs suggest a change. The three fireplaces (living, family, and another room) are already strong focal points, so I would avoid adding heavy trim or elaborate window treatments that compete for attention. Instead, modest built-in shelving around the living room fireplace can provide storage and display, with architectural lighting to highlight the stone veneer.
Site and Utility Considerations
The lot’s nearly half-acre size and cul-de-sac location offer privacy and ample outdoor space. The house’s three-car garage, wide driveway, and public water and sewer connections are all in good condition and do not require changes as part of the window plan. The manual front and rear sprinklers, along with irrigation from the public district, support the landscaping visible from the main windows. Since the project centers on window assessment and finish, no changes to plumbing or utility service are needed at this stage. If the family later chooses to move kitchen or bathroom fixtures, confirmation with the City of Folsom’s water service would be the next step (City of Folsom Building Services Division).
This remodel will keep the house’s open, bright character, with each window and door chosen for its role in connecting the family to their garden and outdoor life. If you live in a home with similar open spaces and are considering which windows to keep, replace, or enhance, reach out to me to discuss a plan tailored to your rooms and your lot.