21 Aug 2011 Homeowners opt for remodel for added space
by RaeLynn Callaway
Families with kids need space. Instead of upsizing, more and more families are choosing to stay where they are and remodel. That was the case with Todd and Amy Hoyt of Morrilton. They loved their house on the hill. It just needed some updating and one more room for the kids to hang out with their friends.
“When we built this house we thought one room for entertaining and TV watching was enough,” Amy said. “As the kids got older we started feeling like everyone was on top of each other.”
After considering all the options, Todd and Amy decided to enclose their existing garage and add an additional eight feet onto it. The addition would allow for a wet bar off the new family room, a side entrance and a mud area off the existing laundry room. To open up the space they added French doors from the dining room and a pass through from the kitchen. Because the garage ceiling was only eight feet high, they added a box ceiling to nine feet and wrapped the garage door header to make it look like a beam. The ceiling of the addition was nine feet with beams added to tie into the existing ceiling.
The Hoyts used dark hardwood floors to anchor the space and accents of manufactured rock to give texture and dimension.
Todd and Amy couldn’t be happier. “It really turned out better than we could’ve imagined,” Todd said.
Design tips
When remodeling your home remember: Take adequate time for planning. Attention to detail contributes to the overall ambience and charm of the finished space.
Work with professionals. Hiring a contractor and an interior designer to give you guidance and help you think through all your options is money well spent. They will help you make decisions and avoid problems that can be expensive to fix.
Have a budget and a plan. Work with an interior designer to create the best plan to give you the most bang for your buck. Also, having someone help give you a clear perspective on your finished project leaves no room for disappointment.
Contact your POA. It is very important to know what the property owners’ association rules and covenants are before starting your remodel. Also check with the local building inspector for zoning regulations such as setbacks.
