We’ve all been through those historic neighborhoods with rolling hills and winding roads. The architecture, landscaping and tall trees hark back to a 1940s movie set. And then, you see it. The neighbor who decided on a giant addition on his second story back in the early 80s. It looks like white box remains from a Colonial two-story that crash-landed into a brick-and-stone Tudor home during a time-travel attempt gone awry. It’s eye-catching for all the wrong reasons.
Home additions can be tricky. At DH Custom Homes, we have been working on several home additions over the last year. And we have been grateful to work with home owners who understand the importance of blending the original structure with their new addition both inside and out.
One we are working on in particular right now is a shining example of the right way to fuse vintage and modern. You may have read about our first stages with the project here, but some of the best ways to make sure you stay true to a design is through small touches.
Here are some interesting things we will be doing to blend the existing home and addition and remodel:
- We are duplicating the original baseboards, door casing and plaster crown mould that are throughout the house. It is an approximately 6-inch tall custom baseboard and a 3 ½ inch casing. A plasterer will recreate the crown mould with use of a rubber mould that was still in the home. It gives the work we do in the new addition an instantly classic look and keeps it cohesive throughout.
- We are reusing his interior doors and hanging them in new jambs. The one-panel painted doors are a key part of the original design and architecture of the home.
- Even the heating will remain old school, yet efficient. We are installing five new radiators in the new addition as well as radiant floor heating in the family room and in the master bath.
- Let’s not forget the drive-by effect. We have made sure to match the existing Tudor design and brick on the house. The use of cementious panel combined with brick creates an attractive two-story addition that stays true to a Tudor architecture without the cost of an all-brick addition.
- We found windows byPellato resemble the original windows of the home. That means we have the vintage look and the energy efficiency of a new window.
- While a slate roof was cost-prohibitive, we were able to find a slate-line composite that will complementthe original house.
Please check back for more details and progress on this exciting project. We love the challenge and can’t wait to share more.
