Dream makeover: Maximizing space by adding up

OTTAWA — Have you donned your hard-hat and tool-belt during this pandemic?

Has time at home made you want to renovate, update, upgrade, or create a home facelift?

If you answered ‘yes’, Steve Barkhouse of Amsted Design Build says you’re part of a huge trend.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in people looking to add space to their homes. Additions now make up 25 per cent of the requests we receive, compared to 15 per cent during this time the previous year,” he says.

Imagine having a big budget allowing you to create the home you have always dreamed of in one major renovation.

You are about to enjoy that very project.

“We worked with this awesome family from the very beginning, prior to purchasing this house. They were looking to create a home that would accommodate their family of six, plus the in-laws, without sacrificing the backyard oasis they craved,” explains Barkhouse.

“To achieve all of this, they found a home that had a large footprint and great lot, and we built up! A second-storey addition and complete interior makeover gave this family everything they desired, in a beautiful package that truly maximized their space and improved their lives.”

Barkhouse and his team, with a budget of $800,000, created this multi-generational, west-end Ottawa dream home.

“The family wanted to create an open concept living plan but they needed additional bedroom space and also wanted an in-law suite. To achieve everything, we knew an addition was needed. However, thinking creatively about the existing space allowed us to achieve all of the desired outcomes without any need to take more of their large backyard. Instead, we built up!”

Enjoy this virtual tour: https://www.amsted.ca/news-videos/must-have-muskoka-renovation-tour/

Front: BEFORE

Front: AFTER

Back yard: BEFORE

Back yard: AFTER

Kitchen: BEFORE

Kitchen: AFTER

The entire main floor now offers a more informal living style

Living room: BEFORE

Living Room: AFTER

A FEW SPECTACULAR UPGRADES:

Mudroom

Dog shower

Laundry Room

This project didn’t only go 'up' it went downstairs too

“And while we don’t have photos, it’s important to note this project also touched on the basement. In part because the structure (beams, joist supports, tele-posts & pads) had to be redesigned and re-engineered due to inadequate support to meet the new second floor loads. In opening everything up to do that, we also finished the space to include a media room and home gym,” explains Barkhouse.

This project started before the pandemic. This family gets credit for being forward thinkers.

“They truly created their own quarantine-friendly oasis, without ever knowing that it was coming. And hopefully, as a result, it’s made their last year just a little bit easier.”

“This was not a small project, or a small family,” Barhhouse acknowledges. “Most homeowners won’t have a needs list this big, or even a want list! But this second-storey addition truly maximized their home and improved their lives. Total cost $800,000.”