Our addition

11 years ago

We are in the final stages of starting an addition on our home. And I'm starting to get a bit nervous that it won't be what we are dreaming of.

I've attached a photo of the outside of the house and our addition layout. It's an 100 year old foursquare farmhouse.

our current house is the space from wall with the staircase to the back dining room wall.

Things we wanted were another living space and bigger kitchen to make entertaining easier. Also a master bedroom space upstairs and better storage upstairs and down. The staircase in the mushroom will lead to a finished basement space under the addition.

My hesitation is that we have looked at other houses similar to our style house that have done an addition to get these things. And in the 5+ houses we've seen, I'm always sure our plans will be better.

We're a young family with 2 kids and our hope is that the house will last us through their time at home.

Anyways, do you see any pitfalls in our plans? Had anyone seen something similar dove and have links to photos? We like a classic transitional style.

Featured Answer

miacometlady

11 years ago

I would move the french doors in family room to my left so that you can see them down the hall when you walk in the front door. This is not only appealing, but will help with furniture placement. I am assuming that there is a FP with two flanking windows with a TV over mantle.... Make a floor plan of furniture placement to make sure u can go with french doors instead of sliders. Love the mud room access from back yard. Smart mom and dad.

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Comments (8)

Laura G
Original Author
11 years ago
thanks! yes the plans on that back wall have changed slightly. we'll have one opening door instead of french door and windows lining the wall closer to the right.

yes, the mudroom space is something that is missing in a lot of the houses we've seen with additions. that and the breakfast nook and upstairs laundry. it's tempting at times to think about just moving into a home where it is already done. But I'm hoping that these plans will give us everything we want. I wish I was better at visualizing it all though.
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Lila
11 years ago
I don't know why you decided to go with windows instead of french doors but I would encourage you then to have low windows so that you can enjoy the view while sitting.
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adalisa frazzini
11 years ago
I would adjust the openings leading from sitting room to back of house so that they all align, and move french doors in FR towards Mud Room. I’d also widen the opening from the hallway into the LR. I think the plan otherwise looks like it will function well for your family. If the downstairs space will be much used, I would also consider having the stairway wall on FM side opened up with a railing rather wall. Mudroom would be visible, but I don’t see that as bad if it is organized.
Kris Mays
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Lila, You are commenting on the existing part of the home that they are not changing.
Dar Eckert
11 years ago
I'm wondering why you didn't add a toilet in the mudroom area? When the kids are in the back yard they will have to go 1/2 way through the house to get to the powder room. The breakfast area is too small for that large of a table unless you are using the bay windows for window seats. Consider removing the powder room to make a little more room for seating in the breakfast area.
Laura G
Original Author
11 years ago
We went with a staircase in the mudroom to lead to a finished basement area under the addition. Our current basement is unfinished with low ceilings etc. we are closing off access to the unfinished basement with the powder room under the stairs. Then the new basement space will be accessible from the mudroom stairs. There will be a bath too.

Out backyard is very small as well. We don't spend hours out there as is.
emilyam819
11 years ago
You are doing a great job keeping the historical integrity of the house!
Laura G thanked emilyam819