A peaceful water garden surrounds the travertine limestone patio. Matching limestone columns support a pergola giving the outdoor room a sense of enclosure while maintaining a view of the skies above.

The Tuscan region of Italy is renowned for fine food, family gatherings, beautiful weather and gracious outdoor living. These are qualities that most homeowners would love to incorporate into their own backyards. Although we cannot always rely on sun-drenched days, the spirit and beauty of Tuscany can be brought into any backyard landscape.

Because of the warm, dry weather, the residents of Tuscany tend to spend much of their time outdoors. The architecture reflects this lifestyle in the use of outdoor rooms and structures that take advantage of the climate. The style is defined by architectural elements that include courtyards enclosed by walls, columns supporting pergolas for shade and fountains that offer the physical and psychological cooling effects of water.

Tuscan landscapes are characterized by the use of natural stone, stucco and tile as building materials. During the day, the intense sun warms the stone patio and surrounding walls. After the sun sets, this heat is released into the cool night air making the enclosed space warmer during the evening hours when the family can enjoy dinner outdoors.

These materials also remain cooler long into the morning making the space a comfortable retreat from the daytime’s rising temperatures. The use of light-colored materials, such as stucco and travertine limestone, helps to reflect the intense sunlight and prevent these surfaces from becoming too warm for use. Pergolas also assist in offering relief from the heat. These overhead lattice structures provide shade alone or support for vines.

Fountains are not only beautiful pieces of sculpture, but also keep an outdoor room comfortably cool. The evaporation of water into the atmosphere lowers the temperature while the relaxing sound of falling water can actually make the listener feel cooler.

Food is another important aspect of aTuscan landscape. Italian culture seems to revolve around food and the cuisine often relies on freshly prepared and grilled foods. Outdoor kitchens, where everything is close at hand, allow meals to be prepared and enjoyed outdoors.

Solid wooden gates shield the backyard from view. A formal travertine walkway guides those fortunate to enter into the beautifully landscaped gardens.

For the Yidell family of Langhorne, the dream of a Tuscan holiday became a daily reality in their backyard. When they first spoke with Keith Frederick of Environmental Landscape Associates, the Yidells wanted to create an outdoor living space that complemented their home, provided a place for family gathering and offered privacy from the neighborhood.

A Tuscan-themed landscape, with its walled courtyards, stucco surfaces and emphasis on food and family, seemed to be the ideal style to use. Frederick’s design began with a masonry travertine limestone patio off the back door. A beautiful stucco fireplace with tile accents is the center view from the door. An outdoor kitchen flanks one side of the patio and the entire outdoor room is covered with a pergola.

The pergola combines the traditional materials of a classic Italian design into a structure that is both solid and graceful. Limestone columns are used to support the large timber beams. The lattice structure is constructed of wrought iron rods, which create the sense of enclosure but do not offer much shade. Instead, the cooling effect of a pergola is provided by two fans mounted beneath the structure. The outdoor kitchen is full of modern amenities, including a refrigerator, icemaker, sink, grill and side burner.

The countertop backsplash creates privacy on the patio from one side of the property while a stucco wall encloses the other side, and a wooden gate blocks the view from the street. A formal travertine limestone pathway connects the gateway entrance to the patio and offers a location for several focal points including a bench and trellis.

At night, this outdoor room still offers the warmth of a Tuscan garden with a crackling fire and dramatic landscape lighting to highlight the outdoor kitchen.

An extensive water garden replaces the typical fountain and in addition to providing a cooling effect to the patio, the water garden offers the beauty of water plants, the entertainment of fish and an interactive bridge to cross the stream or dip your feet.

One other non-traditional element was added to make the landscape even more family oriented. A unique tree house, complete with a hammock, porthole, trap-door and dumb-waiter creates an exclusive place for children to play. Landscape lighting and gardens add the final touches to thisTuscan-style outdoor living space that allows the entire family the chance to vacation in their own backyard.
Photos and article courtesy of Keith Frederick, president, Environmental Landscape Associates Inc., Doylestown. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.elaontheweb.com or call 800-ELA-9252.

Is your cooling system costing you money? If you’re like countless other homeowners, the answer is yes. And dirty coils, refrigerant and airflow problems are the likely offenders. Put a stop to air conditioning problems by properly maintaining your system.

The US Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency recommend having a contractor perform an annual pre-season check-up to help prolong the life of cooling equipment. Their cooling-specific maintenance checklist consists of three key steps:

Air Conditioner Inspection

2. Check the central air conditioner’s refrigerant level. Having excess or insufficient refrigerant can make a cooling system inefficient and increase energy costs. It can also reduce the life of the air conditioner.

3. Clean and adjust blower components. Increase comfort levels with proper system airflow. Problems with airflow can decrease the cooling system’s effectiveness up to 15 percent.

Most companies that specialize in air conditioning, including those mentioned below, offer service plans and preventative programs. Take advantage of these preventative programs to extend the years of your cooling system and prevent failure.

‘Healthy’ Air
Air conditioning exudes more than comfort. Some cooling systems may be emitting polluted air unbeknownst to homeowners. This isn’t just stale air; it can be a serious health hazard. In some cases, prolonged exposure to microbes, carbon monoxide and other biological pollutants can cause severe illness or even death.

Programable Thermostat

“We provide an easy air quality analysis, our Home Health™ Report Card, to determine if air problems exist in the air our customers are breathing every day. Then we work with our customers for a customized air quality solution to make their home as clean as it can be, providing cleaner, healthier air,” Haffly says.

‘Efficient’ Air
Want to lessen your home’s ecological impact and lower utility costs? Christian Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., offers suggestions for homeowners who are looking to go green.

Switching to a programmable thermostat will help lower utility costs by 10 percent, says Dave J. Peppelman, marketing director. Another way to cut costs and energy is to control the amount of airflow to each room by setting up zones, instead of cooling the entire house at once. Swapping your current system with a two-speed air conditioner can lower utility costs as much as 40 percent.

Don’t think you can afford to upgrade? Think again, says Peppelman. “You can upgrade your existing heating and cooling system with federal tax credits up to $1,500, PECO gas rebates up to $300, manufacturers’ rebates up to $1,200 and electrical association rebates up to $800 for a combined total of $3,000 off.”

In addition, Christian Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., offers homeowners a free one-year maintenance service plan, one free home comfort accessory (humidifier, UV light, media air cleaner or programmable thermostat) and up to a 10-year parts and labor plan.

‘Assessed’ Air
As an accredited contractor for New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, The Green Standard notes that its best selling service is the Energy Assessment.

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program covers items, such as air sealing, insulation, new HVAC equipment, ENERGY STAR appliances and even a 10 percent discount on windows. In order to qualify, a customer needs to have an energy assessment completed and meet a minimum number of energy savings.

“With this program we can offer clients rebates up to $11,125 dollars for the state and quite often most customers qualify for the $1,500 federal rebate as well. Altogether, we can offer clients up to $12,625 in rebates as a result of our comprehensive audit,” says Jeff Waldman, president.

Energy efficiency continues to be the leading trend in the industry, notes Waldman. The trend is more than a buzzword—it’s a whole house approach.

“We look how air leakage works with insulation and moisture levels in a house. We look at how the insulation works with the HVAC equipment and moisture in the house. We look at the structure of the house to see how it operates in relation to the HVAC, insulation and moisture within the house. We even look at how the grounds are situated to either the benefit or detriment of the house,” Waldman explains.

This is a new science and one that is gaining a significant amount of momentum. It’s not about fixing things one at a time and hoping it doesn’t cause a problem somewhere else; it’s about creating an entire plan to fix a home and executing that plan.

Save Money with Spray Foam Insulation
What does spray foam insulation have to do with air conditioning? More than you think. As the foam expands, it fills all of the cracks and crevices normally found throughout a home’s construction. Typically, air escapes through those cracks causing drafts and loss of conditioned air, which drastically reduces the efficiency of standard thermal insulation. Closed cell foam creates an air and vapor barrier that eliminates the ability for air to pass through it.

“Because the conditioned air is more contained, the HVAC unit does not need to cycle on as often or for as long, which directly contributes to energy savings that homeowners can enjoy every month for the life of the home,” says Laura Calfayan, president of AirTight Spray Foam of Southeastern PA, Inc.

In a typical home, 60 percent of our energy is lost through the roofline, 20 perecent through the walls and 20 percent through the basement or exterior band boards. Installing spray foam insulation can be done tomorrow and provide exceptional energy savings for the life of the home.

Resources

AirTight Spray Foam of Southeastern PA, Inc.
Huntingdon Valley, PA
215-947-5168
www.airtightpa.com

Christian Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Southampton, PA
215-357-5012
www.christianhvac.com

The Green Standard
Hillsborough, NJ
800-359-4431
www.thegreenstandard.com

Wesley Wood Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Air Quality
West Chester, PA
610- 235-2559
www.wesleywood.com

Though it’s the first thing that people see when they look at a home, and not maintaining it can significantly bring down the value, many homeowners wind up ignoring the exterior of their home until it’s too late.

Exteriors Associates Inc. transforms the exterior of your home. The company installs roofing, siding, seamless gutters and shutters with extreme professionalism, attending to every detail.

“For instance, you should not wait until you have a leak to have your roof inspected,” says Andrew Ferguson, senior project manager, Exterior Associates. “Every other year you should have a professional come do a quick inspection.”

Following are some other things to pay particular attention to when it comes to a home’s exterior, as well as some options for updating that should be considered.

Roofing Materials

Keeping up with regular roof inspections is definitely important to ensure that any problems are fixed before they become larger. When it comes to materials, the National Roofing Contractors Association believes the popularity of metal roofing products has increased dramatically over the past decade as a result of the many benefits this product has to offer.

An increasing number of homeowners are opting for metal roofing over traditional wood shake shingles, explains Paul Kazlov, owner, Global Home Improvement, Inc. Metal roofing has greater longevity and a great source of protection against the elements.

“It also helps conserve your energy dollars because the insulating properties of metal result in lower heating and cooling costs,” he says. And it looks good, too.

“Metal roofing is also available in a wide variety of colors to complement your exterior paint or siding scheme.”

Of course, metal is just one of many available materials. Other options include asphalt shingles, clay tiles, rubber and others. With many materials to choose from, a professional contractor could offer insight into what works best for your particular home.

Additionally, homeowners may want to consider installing skylights in the roof. Natural lighting is not only appealing, but can help conserve electricity, says Ferguson. Solar tubes have become very popular. This is a tube with a light opening that you can bend to project the natural light into any room.

“It gives you enough natural light that you don’t have to turn the lights on in a room. A solar tube can also brighten up a dark hallway,” says Ferguson.

More homeowners are also asking about solar roofing options in a desire to make their home more eco-friendly and to fight global warming. Solar photovoltaic panels are installed on the roof to convert sunlight into electricity. There is a lot to consider when installing solar panels, such as how much of your roof is shaded through the varying seasons or how much electricity you need to generate each month. These are important elements to discuss with a contractor, who specializes in solar panel roofing.

This Preservation High Performance siding is shown in walnut with vintage wicker trim. Photo courtesy of Somerville Aluminum

The material you choose for siding will have the biggest impact on the look of your home. Vinyl siding has become one of the more popular materials for updating an exterior. Today, vinyl siding comes in colors that were not available before.

“Years ago, you couldn’t have dark grays, dark reds or dark blues because the heat build-up from the sun would fade it,” explains David Gropper, COO, Somerville Aluminum. “But the eco-friendly additives in today’s vinyl siding allows it to be available in a darker color palette.”

Vinyl siding is also very durable and will hold up to a variety of weather conditions. It’s also an energy-efficient option. “Vinyl siding now comes insulated,” says Gropper. “That means saving energy.”

Stucco, a cement mixture, is another option for siding. It can be applied directly to brick and concrete, or can be applied to a wood frame by being placed over top a lath which is a paper or wire mesh. Traditional stucco is a durable material that holds up well in wet conditions and is often found in mission- or Spanish-style homes.

Homeowners might also want to consider additional materials like brick, which can last for years without any needed repairs, or stone, which is virtually indestructible. Brick can be very expensive, however. Pre-cast stone veneers and facings are a new option that look genuine but are more affordable than real stone.

Gutters

The humble gutter is a much-needed, but much-ignored element of the home, Kazlov stresses. “Poorly functioning gutters can cause leaks in your roof, a soggy entrance to your home and a vulnerable foundation,” he adds. “The truth is that gutters are one of the main means of protection for your home.”

Cleaning out the gutters regularly is crucial. “It’s important that the gutters are working properly, and shedding water off to the appropriate part of your property instead of allowing it to wind up in your basement,” says Ferguson.

If the water is not being properly expelled far away from the home, then it’s time to have a professional take a look, and possibly consider new gutters. Seamless gutters (as opposed to sectional) are a popular option today, because they are one continuous piece and won’t leak at the seams like sectional gutters might. They are custom-made in materials, like aluminum, steel or copper, and must be installed by a contractor.

Painting

A fresh application of paint can instantly improve your home’s curb appeal and give your home a brand new look. Color can be a real eye-catcher, and if you’re looking to go with something out of the ordinary, drive through surrounding neighborhoods to get ideas. Keep in mind what color your roofing material is, plus any brick or stone incorporated in the siding or front entrance, when selecting the right hue.

Preventative maintenance is also important if the home’s exterior is painted, and it can save a lot of money in the long run. “Homeowners tend to think of paint in terms of fixing a problem,” says Jason Volpe, owner, Jason’s Painting. “If you give the home a fresh coat of paint every two or three years, it will cost you much less than waiting until there’s a problem. It will keep the wood underneath the paint in good condition and prevent rotting.”

Chapman Windows and Doors installed this SEMCO bay window in place of a flat combination double-hung unit. The copper roof was also built on-site.

Windows not only add to the appearance of your home, but they also have a lot to do with insulation. “Windows pay for themselves because homeowners are able to build savings in energy costs for the life of the window,” says Jim Reddecliff, president, Chapman Windows and Doors. In fact, federal tax credits for energy efficiency are available in 2009 and 2010 for qualifying windows at an amount of 30 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $1,500.

In terms of appearance, the decorative options are numerous, says Reddecliff. Homeowners may want to consider grilles in the windows to provide a traditional look of multiple panes. There are many types of grilles to choose from, including grilles between the glass, which provide the sectional look but make cleaning easy; or simulated divided light (SDL), which looks like divided panes of glass with grilles on the interior and exterior of the glass; or even removable grilles.

Homeowners will also have to choose between wood or vinyl windows. Many prefer the look of wood for its authenticity and beauty, though wood is more expensive and needs regular maintenance. Vinyl windows never need painting or sealing.

Don’t forget to maintain the appearance of your front door, keeping it in tip-top shape as a welcoming entryway. There should be no peeling paint or dulled and scratched doorknobs. A multitude of styles, product materials and colors, as well as glass panel coordinates, are available to match or complement your home’s design and suit your preference.

No matter what changes you make, updating your exterior adds value and longevity to your home. Take some time to speak with a professional about what you’re looking to accomplish and how to achieve it. Be sure to check out all options, ask about guarantees and warranties and be open to new possibilities. Today’s products are made with the latest technologies, updates and improvements. Your home’s exterior will appreciate the extra attention and tender loving care!

Resources

Chapman Windows and Doors
West Chester, PA
866-452-4914
www.chapmanwindowsdoors.com

Exterior Associates, Inc.
Warminster, PA
267-460-6613
www.exteriorsassociatesinc.com

Global Home Improvement, Inc.
Feasterville, PA
866-735-1121
www.globalhomeinc.com

Jason’s Painting
Philadelphia, PA
215-335-7551

Somerville Aluminum
Somerville, NJ
800-346-3693
www.somervillealuminum.com

Often overlooked and underestimated, architectural concrete offers more than just strength. Colors, patterns and textures add beauty to decorative projects large and small.

Architectural Concrete Design

Concrete has traditionally been used in exterior applications. As a result of unique design options, however, one of the most recent industry trends is to bring it inside. Concrete can be made to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, etc., through stamping, staining, sandblasting and other processes.

Architectural Concrete Design bills itself as a leader in this industry. The company specializes in all forms of decorative concrete used in residential and commercial projects, including stamped, stained, integrally-colored, exposed aggregate and sandblasted. Its decorative concrete endeavors have run the gamut—from patios, pool decks and driveways to walkways, interior floors, roadways and sidewalks.

“We constantly search for innovative processes that facilitate quick installation and completion of projects with consistent attention to detail and quality,” says David Schaeffer, designer and sales associate.

Random Rectangular Flagstone Pattern

The Start Up

Incorporated in 1993 by Chris McMahon, CEO and president, Architectural Concrete Design originally consisted of a three-man crew, but evolved over 10 years into a group of more than 60 specialists—including designers, craftsmen, customer service personnel and management staff.

Schaeffer notes that Architectural Concrete Design excels in all aspects of the installation process, especially the design and operational phases.

“Architectural Concrete Design has experienced landscape designers in-house who provide designs that satisfy both the functional and aesthetic demands of a project,” he says.

Professional contractors often choose Architectural Concrete Design to install large areas of concrete at one placement, therefore ensuring consistent color and texture flow throughout all areas.

Department of Transportation-certified in three states, Architectural Concrete Design is also experienced at installing large commercial projects, such as high-profile shopping malls and downtown revitalization projects from Connecticut to Virginia.

Stamped Concrete

An Exquisite Endeavor

Recently, Architectural Concrete Design contributed to a large project in Devon, PA. General contractor, C.F. Holloway III & Co., knew from prior experience that Architectural Concrete Design would provide a high-quality, well-detailed and timely installation at The Terraces, a six-unit condominium.

“We needed to supply a durable, attractive paving surface that complemented the building and its landscaping. The surface also had to be installed at a fraction of the cost of other alternatives, such as concrete or clay paving bricks, or natural paving materials, like cobblestone,” Schaeffer explains.

Another project goal was to have the sturdy, appealing hardscape architecturally complement the proposed building. It needed to offer longevity and low maintenance as well.

“Since the project involved many sub-contractors in different stages, the timing of the installation was crucial. It had to be installed in the right sequence and in a timely manner, so the construction process proceeded according to schedule,” says Schaeffer.

The original footprint of the driveway and parking areas was roughly designed by an architect. Schaeffer and Cas Holloway went over the plan in great detail, double-checking dimensions, traffic flow, drainage and suitable colors and patterns that would enhance the overall project.

Finishing Touches

Stamped concrete was chosen for the project because of its strength, durability, attractiveness and cost effectiveness. Architectural Concrete Design was selected because of its reputation and knowledge of the decorative concrete industry.
“A cobblestone texture was chosen for the main entrance driveway, providing a realistic, rugged character that only Belgium block can offer,” Schaeffer points out.

In the end, the 7,000 square-foot installation of stamped concrete included the entrance driveway, the parking courtyard and the individual parking areas for each home in the six-unit condominium.
The finishing touches to the overall project demonstrate that stamped concrete is a durable, attractive alternative paving choice, worthy of the most discriminating residential projects.

“Every residential installation benefits from the experience gained on these large projects. That professionalism and knowhow is brought to the homeowner’s backyard,” says Schaeffer.

Architectural Concrete Design is located at 3001 New Falls Rd, Levittown, PA. Visit the company’s website at www.architecturalconcretedesign.com or call 866-956-2818 for more information.

Photos Courtesy Architectural Concrete Design

This fully custom Omega cabinetry features an Ashford door style with a burgundy stain on cherry wood.

The kitchen renovation process typically begins with a Blue Moon kitchen designer coming to the home to get measurements and find out exactly what the homeowners want for their kitchen. “Do they want to just change the cabinets and leave the original design, or are they looking for a complete redo?” says Carlson. “Sometimes homeowners need a lot of help in figuring out exactly what would meet their needs and we can guide them through the process.”

This kitchen shows Dynasty cabinetry with Artesia doors and maple wood with an Alma caramel finish. The island is an Omega custom gloss black piece with a butcher block top.

The company’s kitchen designs are always based on the customer’s specific needs. The Blue Moon design team works closely with homeowners to determine what changes to their kitchen would best suit their lifestyle. “I always give my clients some homework to do,” says Carlson. “I tell them to count their drawers and see which ones are being used. If they have eight, but two of them are junk drawers, then it doesn’t make sense to have 10 new drawers installed. They’ll just wind up with four junk drawers since they only needed six to begin with.”

To use space most efficiently, Carlson says the design team literally goes cabinet by cabinet through the homeowner’s current kitchen to see what they need to store, and then comes up with a workable solution that fulfills their storage needs. “Everybody has appliances they would use more often if they could reach them easily, so we make sure the new kitchen incorporates the appropriate changes,” he adds.

Kitchen Trends
When it comes to the latest trends, Carlson points out that homeowners want their kitchens to be warmer and more complementary to the other rooms of the home. “The stark white kitchens are no longer as popular; more people want stained woods like maple or cherry,” he adds. “It’s a richer, warmer look.”

This contemporary kitchen features Dynasty cabinets with a Bancroft door and honey stain on maple wood.

While Carlson says keeping up with the latest design trends is an exciting aspect of the job, his favorite part is making a homeowner’s dreams come true. “I love running into customers and hearing about how much they love their new kitchen, months or even years after we completed it,” he says. “I’ve gotten so many new customers from referrals. One time when I was having a meal at Denny’s, a woman came over and gave me a big hug; it turns out we had remodeled her kitchen. The next thing you know, the guy in the booth behind me wants my number and we ended up doing his kitchen, too.”

In this business, Carlson says you really have to listen to what the customer wants and translate those wants into their new kitchen. The result is a winner every time and the reason why Blue Moon Kitchens has so many happy customers.

Blue Moon, Inc., is now offering one-year, no interest, no payments on Omega/Dynasty cabinetry. See the company’s ad for more details. Blue Moon, Inc., is located at 390 Lincoln Ave., Hatboro. For more information, visit www.bluemoonkitchens.com or call 215-442-0208.

Another reason more homeowners are staying put these days is the cost of moving, adds Dennis Gavin, CR, CKBR, owner, Gavin Design-Build, Inc. “It usually costs about 10 percent of the total value of real estate involved,” he says.

According to Gavin, that means if you sell your home for $350,000 and buy one for $500,000, you have $850,000 in the real estate market. After all of the fees involved plus moving expenses, you’ll have accumulated around $85,000 in dead money. Alternatively, you could have invested that money into a remodel of your home and seen a return.

Interior of this addition by Nuss Construction, show how much extra space was given to the family.

Once you’re certain that you can afford an add-on to your home, it’s also important that your family discusses budget. “A remodeling professional can help you establish a realistic budget upfront,” says Trevor Heydon, project coordinator, Nuss Construction Company, Inc. “But before meeting with a remodeling professional, you need to have a firm feel about what you want to spend. Then the remodeler can help you determine if the budget is realistic and workable for what you want.”

After determining what you plan to spend, it’s time to find the remodeler for the job. “The homeowner should meet with a select few remodeling professionals and find the one that he/she feels is the right fit,” says Heydon. “That means you should have the ability to create a working relationship with this remodeling professional in designing the project and seeing it through to the final stage.”

While searching for and interviewing prospective remodeling companies, Gemmi says it’s important to find one that’s reputable and has done good work in the past. “You can figure this out by seeking referrals,” he suggests. “Then go look at some of the work they’ve done. Talk to the homeowners and find out if the remodeler started on time or had any hidden costs. And find out if the homeowner felt his/her expectations were met.”

It’s also important to find someone who will listen to you, and take your concerns seriously, adds Roy Bryhn, CR, president, Bryhn Construction, Inc. And make sure you trust the person, too. “The remodeler and his employees could be working on your house for many months, depending on the size of the job,” he says. “By the end of it, you might know them better than some of your relatives!”

There are many choices, but design-build firms are popular because you’ll work with the same company from start to finish. “A design-build construction company has the unique capability to prepare detailed building plans while also considering your needs and budget,” adds Giannone

The interior of this Meridian addition shows an expanded eating area for the homeowners.

It comes down to personal preference for what each client wants and needs, but there are several key features that many homeowners are requesting, says Alex Hall, CKD, owner, Creative Nook. “On first- floor additions, these include items like vaulted ceilings, skylights, a lot of windows and generally upgraded flooring, like ceramic tile or hardwood,” he says. “As far as second-story additions, it’s often the expansion of a master bedroom and master bath, as well as the walk-in closet area. That’s probably the wisest way to invest your money on a second-floor addition because you’ll see the most return.”

Adding a mudroom area to the first floor is very popular. “We work with a lot of families who have children coming home with backpacks, hockey sticks, soccer bags and all kinds of other supplies and equipment,” adds Hall. “The family needs a landing area before entering the kitchen where the kids can store their belongings. So we’re doing a lot of large, rear mudrooms with attractive lockers, cubbies and built-in sections for the kids to store their stuff.”

Another view of this Meridian addition from the exterior.

Another crucial aspect of an addition is making it look like it belongs, says Giannone. In fact, a well-designed addition shouldn’t even look like an addition. To a visitor who has never seen your house before, it should look like part of the original home. “There are a lot of additions out there that look like they were just thrown on—they don’t look like they were meant to be part of the house,” adds Giannone. A good design-build firm can make sure that all of the architectural details match up. The final product won’t look like an addition, but will look like just another part of the house.

“You definitely want to find a remodeler that has the ability to design something beyond your typical cookie-cutter solutions,” agrees Heydon. “Your renovations should flow seamlessly with the existing home.”

Homeowners should also be prepared for the process involved in an addition. Keep in mind that an addition takes time and can be somewhat disruptive to your normal routine. It can also require some changes to your yard. “An addition does require getting large equipment to the site, which could mean that trees will be removed,” says Gemmi. The homeowner should be ready for that. Gemmi points out that there is a good chance things will need to be moved around and the remodeler should be clear with the homeowner about this if physical changes are needed.

The payoff of having an addition built is certainly worth it in the long-run. The value of your home will increase, making it worth the expense. Plus, whatever your needs were for an addition, you’ll ultimately wind up with your dream home—without the hassle of moving.

Resources

Bryhn Construction, Inc.
Flemington, NJ
908-806-2961
www.bryhnconstruction.com

Creative Nook
Paoli, PA
610-644-6665
www.creativenook.com

Gavin Design-Build, Inc.
Media, PA
610-353-8890
www.gavindesignbuild.com

Gemmi Construction, Inc.
Doylestown, PA
215-340-4600
www.gemmiconstruction.com

Meridian Construction, Inc.
Lansdale, PA
215-362-4700
www.meridianbuilder.com

NARI
National Association of Remodeling Industry
www.bucksmontnari.org
www.delchesternari.org
www.cjnari.org

Nuss Construction Company, Inc.
Marlton, NJ
856-432-4428
www.nussconstruction.com