2021 Professional Remodeler of the Year Award for Residential Additions
Our clients loved the location of their home. It backed to a park, was near parents and convenient to everything they did. However, this family of five, with a live-in Nanny… needed more bedroom space, a home office, and more outdoor entertainment space. A typical 1960s brick split-level home, it had three small bedrooms on the upper level. While they didn’t want a large home, they wanted a “just right” sized home that was intimate and comfortable… yet friendly and tasteful.
Their wish list included:
- A new primary suite for the parents
- A new home office
- Larger outdoor entertainment space
BEFORE: Front Elevation. Split level homes are tricky to renovate well.
AFTER: Front Elevation. Adding a third level to the home was the right design solution.
BEFORE: Rear Elevation
AFTER: Rear Elevation. The third level addition needed to look great from the front and back given that another part of the project was better rear yard entertainment space.
3rd Floor Addition. The new addition accommodates the new owner’s suite and home office.
BEFORE: This 1963 brick split level home had a great location but needed to have another bedroom, office and more outdoor entertaining space.
AFTER: A new third story addition houses the new owner’s suite and home office.
The new front façade is attractive and incorporates multiple rooflines and materials.
Detailed millwork makes the new front porch area even more interesting.
Before main level had 8-foot ceilings and the clients wanted 9-foot ceilings. Since we were adding the addition above this space, we were able to create 9-foot ceilings.
After, 9-foot ceilings and larger opening to the dining area make the space more inviting and open, providing for better circulation.
Before, the homeowners had renovated the kitchen, but with 8-foot ceilings, the upper cabinets didn’t leave adequate space for countertop clearance.
After – with taller ceilings, we were able to raise the existing upper cabinets providing more countertop clearance. A specially made panel to match existing cabinets was crafted to fill in the void above the refrigerator. We added more general lighting through the addition of recessed lights and undercounter lighting. Lastly, a new kitchen backsplash (Tile Bar’s Hexagon Dot Tiles in Winter White) gave the space a more updated, modern look and complemented the existing countertops.
After, new staircase, with black metal balusters, leads to the new owner’s suite and home office. This new staircase creates a connection from the former 2nd floor hallway to a new upper foyer.
A ledge for art and an accent window complete the space. New hardwood flooring is stained to match the existing flooring. A stair runner (Lighthouse by Dixie Floors) creates additional continuity from the lower set of stairs. A simple wall sconce by Rich Brilliant Willing provides additional spot lighting for safety, especially at night.
A view toward the double door entrance and upper foyer… the bedroom shows that the room is just the right amount of space. No wasted space per the client’s request.
The new owner’s bedroom is spacious. Benjamin Moore paint in “Glass Slipper” casts a tranquil effect to the room. A small deck off the bedroom overlooks a Nature Preserve park.
A new walk-in-closet is adjacent to the bedroom. A pocket door separates the space.
Her side of the closet accommodates hanging clothes, shoes and accessories.
His side of the closet also accommodate hanging clothes and shelves for folded garments. A set of drawers divides the his and her spaces. Custom white cabinetry is topped with Quartz Sparkling White. General lighting is supplied by two square flush mounted fixtures and a modern sconce from Shades of Light.
Because you can never have too much storage, we created an extra linen closet in the bedroom.
Like the rest of the space, the new owner’s bathroom is “just the right size”. Wall color is Benjamin Moore ‘Horizon’ and Jungle print wallpaper adorns the vanity wall and water closet walls. Flooring is 10-inch hexagon tile in Charcoal. Floor to ceiling linen cabinetry adds more storage capacity.
Crystal cabinets finished in Nautical Blue complement the wallpaper. Silestone White Platinum adds dimension to the look with ease of care. Kichler double armed sconces are over each Winnoby Leeland Mirror. Lights in Brushed Nickel. Mirrors in Charcoal Gray Metal for contrast.
The new shower is finished with Ceramiche D’Arte Matte Dolomite porcelain tiles on the walls and 1-inch circle tile in Iris from Tile Bar on the floor for safety.
The bench and shower frame match the vanity countertop in Silestone White Platinum. Niches for soaps and shampoo add functionality.
His and Her Home Office is adjacent to Master Suite. Cambria quartz countertop is practical and beautiful. Recessed lights and the centered window provide adequate light.
Built-in shelving, built on site…
…and an extra storage closet make the space even more functional.
Before rear yard was lovely but had limited functionality and was not conducive to the desired entertaining.
After – new deck off master suite overlooks a Nature Preserve park; hardscape allows for a built-in fire pit, grilling and dining area and the flagstone patio eliminates the muddy yard. A new trellis feature at the double doors adds visual interest to the rear of the home.
Creating multiple entertainment zones has extended the use of the backyard space to accommodate the larger parties the client’s host. A large dining area and new patio make for the perfect outdoor entertaining.
Seating under the new 2nd floor deck
A new fire pit area is great for making smores!
CHALLENGES OVERCOME: While designing the 3rd floor addition, we discovered the existing masonry was unreinforced and would not support the new space. We had to install structural post and footing working around the existing sewer pipes.
A new wood beam in the living room was camouflaged by a bulkhead. Rather than have one bulkhead situated oddly at one end of the room, we created a tray ceiling to bring symmetry to the space.
CHALLENGES OVERCOME: Saving existing plant material was a requirement. The photo above demonstrates how we protected the families beloved plants during the five months of construction. We covered them with plywood daily. Plants that could not withstand lack of sunlight received a tented approach.
The existing front maple tree had to be preserved. So, the front addition was design to have a structural column away from the existing maple tree utilizing a cantilevered beam.
Front addition
Spray foam in the new floor system ensures a comfortable, conditioned room.
DEMONSTRATING SUPERIOR CRAFSTMANSHIP: Extending exterior wall height for new floor system.
New open web floor trusses utilized to help relocate and modify mechanical systems.
The homeowners are very happy with the finished product. We met all their objectives. We enhanced the existing structure functionally and aesthetically. We demonstrated superior craftsmanship. We used innovative design and construction methods. We overcame challenges in a creative way. Every time we make a client happy, the project is a success.
Award Winning Remodelers in Northern Virginia – Bowers Design Build has specialized in providing the best overall experience in the remodeling industry since 1990. Bowers Design Build specializes in Northern Virginia Remodeling and Northern Virginia Custom Homes. Our numerous industry remodeling awards have been great, but the true measure of our success has been high marks in overall customer satisfaction
Service areas: McLean, Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Oakton, Great Falls, Alexandria, Fairfax County and Middleburg.
Specializing in: Northern Virginia New Custom Homes, Northern Virginia Whole House Renovations, Northern Virginia Kitchen Renovations, Northern Virginia Master Bathroom Renovations, Northern Virginia Interior Renovations, Northern Virginia Basement Renovations, Renovations for Aging-in-Place and Northern Virginia Outdoor Living Spaces.
