Tips for building a Two-Story Addition

November 23, 2011

Many people are wanting to stay in there
home and are deciding to add an addition. Second Story Addition are very common. Below are a few things to consider when looking for that second story addition design.

  • Use inspiration from the existing home. A few easy ways are to match roofing, siding and windows.  The whole goal is to make it not obvious that you added on.
  • Match key elements. This can be a window or bay, something to pull them together and help them blend in.
  • Match the existing.  Blend the floors and ensure the windows are not mismatched.  Sometimes remodeling to the existing home is an easy way to accomplish this.
  • Architectural character.  You want to ensure that you are not creating a big box and wants to keep some appeal with stepping things back or forward a few feet.  Maybe a gable or two.

Second Story additions are a large step for homeowners and Modern always works with our designers and in conjunction with the customer to ensure there projects looks right, and is what they want.

The above photo had some windows adjusted on the main floor in the existing living areas of the home and also the front door location was modified. With this and new siding to match the existing garage was completed to ensure it all blended.

For any questions on on additions in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin, Contact Modern Homes, Inc.

Adding a Mudroom to your Home.

January 22, 2011


Usually people assume that a home addition need to be large or expensive. Thats not the case, as a mudroom can be an economical addition to your home.

Sometimes you can add a mudroom to your home within the existing space of your home, or a small addition can help create or expand it and existing area.

Ensure that you chose an ideal location for you mud room, one that will be used. You also want to have a durable floor, that will be slip resistant and walls that are easily cleanable. Your Mud Room, may or may not included your laundry. You may also want to consider hooks and some storage. It is becoming increasingly popular to add some lockers with some bins, drawer and hooks. You may want to have a bench built into the lockers or a separate bench.

A Mud Room can add alot of value to your home, and can help you get a little more organized.

For any questions on Mud Room or an addition for your home, Contact Modern Homes, Inc.

The Top 5 Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen

January 27, 2010

Remodeling a kitchen requires more education and decision-making than any other project in your home. The design process begins with the layout, and planning continues with many more decisions to be made!

1.  Use a professional kitchen designer to help plan and create your new kitchen atmosphere from layout, to lighting, to product selections and finishes.

2. The most commonly-used traffic path is between the refrigerator and the main sink. Plan easily-accessible counter space between the refrigerator and the sink for washing  and preparation of food.

3. Locate the microwave oven near the refrigerator and in a wall cabinet or tall oven cabinet, rather than on a counter.

4. Double or single pull-out trash containers are great for trash, recycle materials, pet food, and bulk foods.

5. Pantries don’t have to be closets! Beautiful and efficient cabinet pantry storage is 12″-18″ deep. Wall, base, or tall cabinets and can be designed to look like a pantry hutch or cupboard, or used to create pantry storage at the back of an island or peninsula. Base cabinets 21″-24″ deep with adjustable roll-out shelves increase the amount of base pantry storage.

For more tips on remodeling your kitchen please contact Modern Homes Builders & Remodelers at 847-356-8886.

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Are you looking for a new kitchen or new master bathroom? Do you need a larger house for more space or a three car garage? Are you hoping to finish your basement? Read More...

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