eCountryLifestyle

Previous Week | Next Week | This Week

Print Article

CREATING SPACES by Marcia Lyon

LOWER LEVEL OF SPLIT-FOYER IMPROVES WITH ADDITION

This project is located in Hudson, Wis.

If it is in your area, and you would like more information, please contact Marcia Lyon.

This is the second part of the remodeling of a split-foyer home.

Whenever an addition expands the space of a two-story home -- even if the lower level is a finished basement -- both floors need to be planned together. The main-level alterations solved all of the daily pattern and space problems for the homeowners, and this lower level reaps the benefits of the additional space.

PROBLEM

Like the main level (not shown), this lower level was space-bound. The family room (A) was the main living space, since the living room upstairs was tiny, and yet it had to share space with the office (B). A decent-sized bathroom (C) served two bedrooms (D and E) separated by the utilities' closet.

The second bedroom's setup was actually illegal, since the furnace and water heater closet was located in it. Code says that you cannot go through a room to get to the furnace and water heater. The electric panel can be in a room -- but if the room is enclosed, there must be ample space in front of the panel. On top of all that, this bedroom was rather small.

SOLUTION

In remodeling, I feel that what spaces you can leave untouched will be a cost savings. That way, you are only painting and finishing the new spaces. Why change things if you don't have to? With that in mind we "saved" the family room area (A and B), the bathroom (C) and the first bedroom (D).

This addition really worked for both levels. The second bedroom (E) shifted over to create a hallway (F) in which to access the furnace closet. The electric panel was moved to the left to be inside a newly created storage closet (G). This closet also will be great for storing luggage and holiday decor. The first bedroom (D) stayed the same, but the second bedroom (E) is now a "real bedroom" with new double closets. The original mini closet (H) was outfitted with shelves for more storage.

A nice, new linen closet (I) was created in part of the new hallway (F) and will serve both bedrooms and the bathroom.

Since the office's functions were relocated to the main level, more space became available for the family room (A). Now this room will be used exclusively as a movie room.

Brand-new space beneath the larger part of the addition was perfect for a new, third bedroom (J). With the master bedroom and counting the office/guest room upstairs, this is now a five-bedroom home with ample space for all functions.

(Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects in [INSERT YOUR CITY] and throughout the U.S. and Canada. Her new e-book is available at her Web site www.creatingspaces.net. Reach her by e-mail at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or phone (515) 991-8880.)

Previous Week | Next Week | This Week

Print Article