It's good to have options

Family size and use of space are very important factors when choosing a home.  For a lot of people, a growing family means living in a house that may not function as well as it once did.  For this family, their forever home’s list of issues include a cramped kitchen without a space for the large extended family to gather, one full bathroom for the entire house, and a very small half-bath situated right off the dining room.  Additionally, the laundry area is in the basement.  There is a solid cement block wall running across the middle of the house where the garage used to be (now the play room).  When we met with the clients we discussed removing the cement block wall to expand the kitchen into the play room, and add a full bath. One of first priorities was to update the cabinets and appliances to brighten up the former dark and cluttered kitchen. Using white cabinets and a light backsplash with the contrasting black countertops, we can offer a new modern look for this home.  A nice benefit to this plan is the addition of an island where our clients and their children can gather around for a meal, to visit, or even to do homework.  This option did include some costly plumbing work as well as needing to support the second floor with a column and/or beam.  So, we explored a second option, which was to expand into the large, existing covered porch area.  This extra square footage allows us to create a large, serviceable kitchen with tons of storage and a huge island.  We made the door to the powder room off the hallway area, created a pantry closet, and added a large laundry and storage area with an entrance for coats, bags, sports equipment, etc.  In keeping the cement block wall in tact, there is less cost in structural and plumbing, allowing more funds to be put into the kitchen area.Our clients are currently leaning towards plan B.  Not only are these changes going to allow them to ultilize their space more as a family, but it has provided a much needed level of functionality.  We are so excited to see what is in store for our clients and this renovation.