Sunroom Addition with Skylights

Sunroom Addition with Skylights

We are proud to finally show off this home addition! Our team at Balducci Additions and Remodeling recently finished this beautiful sunroom addition in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Our clients wanted a multi-functional space that their family could enjoy year-round, as well as for entertaining guests. The project included demoing and removing the screened porch. Initially, the clients wanted to keep the existing structure, add on extra square footage, and convert the screened porch into a sunroom. However, the existing structure could not support additional square footage. Our team made the call to completely remove the screened porch and start from scratch.

Before

Before

One of the main reasons our clients decided to go forward with the addition was to have a space for in-laws visiting, as well as for other guests from out of town. The clients made sure the sunroom had enough room for a day bed for any overnight guests.

This sunroom addition allows lots of natural lighting; after all, the room features 14 windows! The sunroom addition includes two skylights in the vaulted ceiling, as well as triple single-hung windows to the left and right walls. The back wall features a large picture window with a set of double single-hung windows on either side. To keep the wall from looking too overbearing in comparison to the other windows, we installed a decorative window above. As an added benefit, all of the the single-hung windows can be opened to allow fresh breeze to come in.

The sunroom addition also includes a full bathroom with a tub/shower combo, perfect and convenient for visitors and for anyone enjoying the space.

The new space also includes an informal dining area to the right corner. This area is perfect for sharing a meal with family on a nice summer evening, or for guests to enjoy a private cup of coffee in the morning.

Our company also installed a mini-split system to ensure that the space will be comfortable year round for family and friends. Balducci Additions and Remodeling highly recommends installing mini-splits in room additions since they are a cost effective way to provide heating and cooling. Additionally, they can even save you money since they can be turned on and off as you are using the space. To read more on mini-split systems, please check out this blog post.

The addition also features a living/family area with a media center for family movie nights, and the like.

Since the sunroom does experience direct light midday, the clients decided it was best to add shades to the windows. That way, the harsh sunlight can be easily blocked out so that the room can be enjoyed throughout the day.

To see more photos of the addition, please check out our Houzz page.

Sunroom, Laundry Room, & Home Office Addition

Sunroom, Laundry Room, & Home Office Addition

Recently, Balducci Additions and Remodeling completed a home addition near King William, Virginia. The clients wanted a dedicated laundry room, but they couldn't configure it into their home's layout. Instead of taking away valuable square footage, a home addition was drawn up to make their dream laundry room a reality.

Home Addition Plans

Before Photos

The home addition includes a sunroom, laundry room, pantry, and home office. The addition extends the width of the house and juts out 16' (not including the deck).

Case openings between the addition and existing home

The transition from the existing home to the sunroom addition includes two case openings, one between the original living room and one between the original kitchen.

Sunroom Addition

Sunroom Addition

The sunroom features a pair of triple windows that face the backyard, which allows for lots of natural sunlight and viewing space. The exterior wall in the sunroom has two windows and a door leading to the wrap around deck. Also in the space are light hardwood floors, which complement the light blue walls. These features help to keep the room feeling airy and bright.

Laundry Room Addition

Laundry Room with Drying Rack

Just off of the sunroom is the laundry room. The laundry room is set up "galley style" to allow for easy traffic flow between the sunroom and home office. The washer and dryer are set up below the window, with room for storage to the left and a utility sink to the right.

Laundry Room with Side-by-Side Washer and Dryer

The focal points of the room are the two custom storage cabinets with hanging racks above. The beautiful custom cabinets are Red Oak with a classic gray stain. The cabinets feature 3 soft close drawers to provide much needed extra storage.

Custom Cabinetry in Home Laundry Room

Home Office Addition

Home Office

Just beyond the sunroom is the home office space. The home office features an L-shaped desk, which is framed around two windows to let natural sunlight into the work space. The office also serves as a multi-purpose room with areas for lounging, playing instruments, or watching TV. The home office also has a door that allows for direct access to the pressure treated deck.

Deck Addition

Pressure Treated Deck

The deck addition was a huge focal point of this project; after all, it is about 45' in total! While the pressure treated deck only extends out 8' on the sides of the house, the back portion of the deck is 10' to allow enough room for seating and entertaining areas.

Elevation Drawing of the Addition

Elevation View of the Deck Addition

Want to see more pictures of the sunroom, laundry room, and home office addition? Feel free to visit our Houzz profile.

Want to get a head start on your home addition project? Feel free to contact us for a free in home estimate!

Two-Story Home Addition

Balducci Additions and Remodeling recently completed this two-story home addition in Mechanicsville, VA. The clients love to garden and dreamed of a space where they could enjoy their backyard throughout the year.

The project included a two-story home addition off of the back of the home. The addition added on just over 500 square feet of living space from the first and second floors.

Mini-Split System

Our company also installed two Carrier mini-split systems in the addition to provide extra comfort, one upstairs and one downstairs. Mini-split systems, sometimes referred to as split systems or split-ductless systems, are a great option for additions since they provide a cost-effective way to provide heating and cooling. The mini-split system comes with its own thermostat. Thus, you can save money by turning off the mini-split's thermostat in the space if it isn't occupied, while still keeping the AC on in the rest of the home.

A pair of French doors off of the kitchen leads to the first floor of the addition, which includes a bright sunroom. The sunroom features windows on the three main walls. We incorporated picture windows on the wall that faces the backyard to allow for a less obstructed view. The side walls house single hung windows, that can allow for fresh air to come in.

The second floor of the addition features a spare bedroom and walk-in closet.

Right off of the first floor sunroom we installed French doors that lead to a composite deck. The decking material is Trex Tropics composite decking in the color "Tiki-Torch." The attached composite deck juts out 8 feet and provides the perfect place for a morning cup of coffee or simply a place to enjoy the views.

Before and After

To see more photos of this beautiful home addition, please visit our Houzz page.

Types of Home Additions

When a home no longer fits your needs, it may be time to consider a home addition. A Home addition is a great way to add some additional living space, customize your home, and keep neighborhood ties. There are several types of home additions to choose from. Here are some ideas:

Bump-Out Addition

Bump-out additions are the perfect option for those who would benefit from slightly more square footage space. With the high costs associated with most full-sized additions, bump-out additions are a great option for those yearning for a little more space. As opposed to full additions, bump-out additions can only extend up to 3 feet away from the home and add 10 to 12 feet in width. These types of additions are best for those who want to add a little space to a particular room without reconfiguring the adjacent rooms in the home.

First Floor Addition

First floor additions are popular for homeowners who wish to have more entertainment space. This can include an extension of the kitchen, living room, or dining areas. Other options would be to build on a sunroom or formal sitting area to provide a more "private" entertainment area. More recently, there has been a spike in popularity in first floor master suites. This may be due to the desire to age in place; as well as the increasing popularity in multi-generational living situations. One thing to keep in mind about first floor additions is that they will take up some yard space, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences.

Dormer Addition

A dormer addition allows for a little extra living space on the top floor of a home with a steep roof line. Many homeowners choose to build a dormer when they are in need of more space in their home, specifically an extra bedroom, guest room, or bathroom. For example, many homeowners may buy a home that fits their needs initially; however, their needs can change as the years pass. Dormer additions can be built in several styles. Some types of dormers to consider include: gable, shed roof, and hip roof. Additionally, dormer additions can be a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your home since they add an interesting architectural element.

Photo: Pinterest

Second Story (or Third Story) Addition

A second story, or third story, addition is a great way to take advantage of any views and to maximize yard space. Building a second story addition can allow you to locate all bedrooms to the same floor. Our rule of thumb is to add 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms to the second floor; however, every home is different and has different requirements. We recommend researching the average number of bedrooms and bathrooms in your neighborhood prior to coming up with the final numbers. By locating the bedrooms on the second or third floor, this will most likely provide more space for the kitchen, dining, and living areas on the main floor. Hello, open concept living!

Garage Addition

Garage additions are perfect for storing your cars, tools, and other miscellaneous items. It can serve as the perfect place for a workspace. The size of a garage addition can differ greatly due to the variety of car sizes available on the market today. Garages can be built to be either attached or detached, with advantages and disadvantages for both options. Attached garages are more convenient, since they allow for easy access to the main house. On the other hand, detached garages offer more flexibility in size and location.

While the type of home addition that you built can differ greatly, so will the costs. The cost of building an addition will depend on the type of addition, size, quality of materials, the age of your home, and other factors. Overall, building an addition that you and your family will enjoy is well worth the cost.

4 Home Renovation Projects That Don't Increase Your Resale Value

While any home renovation project that adds value to your way of living is worth the investment, some projects may not be worth the money if your goal is to add resale value. Some of these projects might be priceless to certain homeowners; however, if you plan on moving within the next few years we recommend skipping these updates.

State of the Art Kitchen Remodel

While kitchens are typically one of the most sought after home renovation projects, overdoing it can cost you. Commercial grade appliances and top of the line countertops and tiles may be appealing, but too much of it can detract potential buyers. Selecting finishes and appliances that appeal to a broader range of people will give you more bang for your buck.

Photo: Instawares Restaurant Blog

A Sunroom Addition

While many potential buyers may yearn over the thought of a sunroom, these window-filled rooms can increase the cost of your heating and cooling bills. As you may know, windows are not the best insulators. This means that a sunroom addition would raise energy costs in the summer and winter months, which can be a turn off for buyers. However, this may not be the case if you live in an area or neighborhood with houses that typically have sunrooms.

Extensive Landscaping and Flowers

A home can look much more inviting by keeping a well manicured lawn and maintained siding and windows. Complete the look by including some tasteful landscaping; however, don't go overboard. A tropical oasis in your backyard may "wow" any guests that comes through, but at the same time this can overwhelm some buyers. When it comes to landscaping, less is often more. This includes a few flowering shrubs, a flagstone walkway, a couple of planters, and fresh mulch.

A Custom Home Office

We understand the need for a separate home office space for those who work from home; however, most homeowners can agree that a separate room for a home office is unnecessary. Plus, technology is constantly changing. Thus, investing in advanced wiring and custom home components (such as built-ins for computers, printers, and the like) is not the wisest investment for your money. A simple desk and desk chair set up will do.

Photo: Furniture Design Gallery

Home Addition: In-Law Suite

An estimated 60.6 million Americans now live in multi-generational homes, defined as “a household with two or more adult generations,” and it shows no signs of slowing down. There are many reasons for a household to turn into a multi-generational home.

With a large number of baby boomers that are financially able to include their parents or adult children in their homes, it allows for families to strengthen relationships with one another while living under the same roof. For many, it gives a “peace of mind” knowing that they can see their parents or children at home.

Some reasons why in-law suites are beneficial:

• Cut down on childcare costs
• Spend more time with family
• Peace of mind

Some things to consider when building an in-law suite:

Accessibility

By building the addition on the first floor, it will make it more accessible for the in-laws. Even if your parents or in-laws do not currently have mobility issues, it is a good idea to think ahead in the event that mobility becomes an issue.

Privacy

A separate entrance is typically preferred since the transition of moving in with a parent or in-law can be tough in some cases. Adding in a separate entrance to the suite can be a good solution.

Amenities

A large factor to consider when designing an in-law suite addition are the amenities. It is extremely important to assess what all needs to be included in the addition, and also note some items that may not be necessary now but could come in handy later on. For example, grab bars for the shower and wider doors could be necessary.

Kitchen

The choice to include a kitchen, or kitchenette, in the addition’s design is huge. It is important to determine what eating arrangements will typically be like for your family. Do you plan to have all meals separately? Eat every meal together? A mixture of the two? This will determine if you need to include a full kitchen with stove, a kitchenette with a microwave and small refrigerator, or no kitchen at all.

When considering building a home addition, whether that be an in-law suite, or just an addition to create more living space for your family, consider Balducci Additions and Remodeling. We have been serving the Richmond, Virginia area for over 30 years. Visit our page at balducciremodeling.com or call us toll free at 804-730-0982 to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.

Best Solutions for Bump-Out Additions

Bump-out additions can provide your home with a little extra living space, without the hefty investment of a full addition. As opposed to full additions, bump-out additions can only extend up to 3 feet away from the home and add 10 to 12 feet in width. While these types of additions cannot add an entire extra room to your home, they may be the perfect solution to provide a little extra living space to a cramped room.

Exterior View of an Addition Done by Balducci Additions & Remodeling

Extend the master suite

Your master suite should serve as your tranquil getaway in your home. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a first floor master, a bump-out addition could be the perfect solution in creating your dream master suite. One of the best ways to do this is to create your dream master bathroom. Adding a few feet onto the master bath can provide room to add in a separate soaking tub and shower, add in a walk-in shower, or even allow room for more storage or counter space. Either way, these projects are a sure way to create more efficient living space.

A less costly alternative would be to create your very own walk-in closet or dressing room. If your family is one of many to have cramped and overflowing closets, this might be a good solution for your bump-out addition.

Open up the kitchen

While it may be a bit pricier, re-configuring the kitchen layout could add more efficiency to your workspace. This is especially true if the working triangle is achieved. Not sure what the working triangle is? We touched on it in a previous post available here: Why You Need a Kitchen Island. A bump-out addition is a good way to ensure that your kitchen is efficient and add a little more room to cook.

Another option for a bump-out addition is to add a dining space or eating nook. While this is a cheaper option, that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily not as good as a full kitchen remodel. Adding on a dining area or breakfast nook in a bump-out addition will not only provide more square footage to your kitchen, but it will also provide another space for your family to get together and enjoy your home.

When considering a contractor for your addition, whether that be full sized or bump-out, there are some important things to look for such as: experience, reliability, and quality of product. Balducci Additions and Remodeling has been serving the Richmond, Virginia area and its surrounding counties for over 30 years. They take the time to ensure that their customers are provided with the highest quality services and products. Learn more about our company and visit our page at http://www.balducciremodeling.com

Is a Garage Addition Worth the Investment?

Garage additions are becoming more popular. They can be used to store your cars, tools, or provide room for a work space. When building a garage addition, some factors that largely determine the cost are: size and materials. The size of a garage addition can vary greatly considering the variety of car sizes on the market today. Another element that factors into the size of an addition is storage. Some homeowners prefer to have just the amount of storage needed for tools, paint, and other miscellaneous items needed for the home. Others plan on using a garage for storage space and work space alike. Generally, 2-car garages are more popular among home buyers than 1 car garages. The price of a garage can also vary depending on if it is attached or detached. Detached garages offer more flexibility in size and location than attached garages. Detached garages can also be a safer option since it can stop carbon monoxide from reaching your family since it is away from your home.

Cost vs. Value Report:

2016 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine

The data from Remodeling Magazine displays the average cost vs. value for a garage addition, which includes:

“Construct a 26-by-26-foot freestanding two-car garage, including footings and slab-on-grade foundation, 2×4 wood frame with OSB structural sheathing, and gable truss roof at 6/12 pitch. Install 25-year asphalt shingle roofing with galvanized metal flashing; vinyl siding and trim. Install five double-hung 30-by-48-inch vinyl windows; one 3-0/6-8 exterior door with half-glass and lockset; and two composite 9-by-8-foot overhead doors with motorized openers. Include 100-amp breaker at main house panel and 50 linear feet of trench buried conduit to feed new electrical subpanel. Provide electrical wiring for openers; three-way switching for fluorescent ceiling fixtures over each bay; three-way switching for two exterior spotlights; outlets to code. Interior wall, floors, and ceilings remain unfinished.”

As you can see from the chart above, the cost for building a garage addition has gone up in cost. However, the cost v. value for 2015 was at 64.8%. As always, the cost of any home improvement project depends on how often the space is utilized. If your family could benefit from having a safe place to store your cars or belongings, then consider Balducci Additions & Remodeling for your garage addition project.  Visit http://balducciremodeling.com/home-additions-contractor-richmond/ .

An Architect's Dream: Art Studio Addition

Our company recently finished this beautiful art studio addition in Midlothian. These clients wished to have an art studio space with lots of natural light and a design that was both pleasing to the eye and matched the feel of their home. 

The addition is about 24′ x 30′ and is nestled between their master bedroom and living area. One of the most interesting aspects of this project is the architecture. The “A” line roof allots room for an extra window above, creating more natural light.

The roof structure continues indoors with the beautiful vaulted ceilings. Drama is added to the space with troughs in the ceiling that contrast against the vaults. (pictured right)

No art studio is complete without an inspiration board. The barn doors (pictured left) frame a bulletin board that is perfect for hanging prints or inspiration pieces. Behind each door is a storage closet for supplies and miscellaneous items.

In addition to an art studio space, the new living space includes a galley style office and large bathroom to the left. This bathroom includes another window, now in the form of a skylight. This bathroom is complete with a double vanity and lots of storage space. We love the gray tile flooring to accent the cabinets!

We loved working with our clients every step of the way and we are so thrilled that they are happy with their new addition! Our clients said: “[Balducci Additions and Remodeling] were able to artfully construct an unusual, vaulted ceiling in our master bedroom addition. Along with the beautiful bathroom, the results are admired by all who see it. Great work all around.” We wish them the best and hope that they will enjoy this space for many years to come!