Follow along as we remodel our century-old bungalow.
The contractor becomes the client.
After nearly two decades in the business of remodeling homes, we decided it was time to make our own home improvement dreams a reality. And so we finally took the leap, building an addition that more than doubled the square footage of our 1920s Craftsman bungalow in Evanston.
We enlarged our home’s footprint and added a second-story and full attic. We more than doubled the square footage of our house by building up and adding on to the back. Some obstacles we anticipated (like removing a favorite old maple tree from the property) and others took us by surprise. Yet, throughout the remodel, we always looked at it with fresh eyes to look for opportunities to improve the project. It was great to be the client, as making on-the-fly decisions about the plans was streamlined.
We’re excited to share our journey in a series called Our Little House Grows Up: A Peek Inside a 100-Year-Old Home Addition.
A home remodeling project of this scope is an exciting undertaking that can feel daunting, even when you’re “in the business” and have a good idea of what to expect. We learned a lot and came away with a wealth of experience we wanted to share. Throughout this series, we’ll talk about the plans and the process, the challenges and solutions, and the many ideas, frustrations, and opportunities for inspiration we experienced along the way.
By reliving the steps of our project from groundbreaking to finishing touches, with a behind-the-scenes view to know better what to expect, we hope to inspire others to pursue a wish-fulfilling remodeling project of their own.
Next in the series, Our Little House Grows Up: A Peek Inside a 100-Year-Old Home Addition – Move On or Level Up.