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.

Skylights & Sun Tunnels

June 5, 2011

Skylights have always been a great addition to a home to allow more light into rooms that dont have alot of light, the downfall being the sometimes long tunnels.  Then came along the reflective tunnel skylight which they are great for adding light into a bath room, laundry room or other room you can’t install a normal skylight.  The room has a round cover on the ceiling and then a small dome on the roof.  The downfall was you would typically not want the dome on the front of a home for appearance.  Now comes Velux with their introduction a new sun tunnel with the same great interior appearanceand still allow natural light in an interior room but no dome on the outside, it can now look like a skylight!

Now the options are endless.  Want a simply skylight, maybe a 2′x2′ or 2′x4′.  You can go big with a 4′x4′ or get into venting or shaded skylights too.  When you don’t want the long ceiling tunnel you can go to a sun tunnel.  Dependant on your choice and options, tax credit may be eligible.

For any questions on skylights or windows, let Modern Homes, Inc. in conjunction with our Exterior division help with any questions. Contact Modern Homes, Inc now.

Outdoor Living

May 28, 2011

Outdoor living has became very popular in the recent years.  It is an easy way to add an area to entertain without always having to add to the size of your home.

Decks and patios are the two easiest ways to add space to your outdoor living area.  Decks do not have to be conventional treated lumber anymore.  Composites and PVC materials allow for a great space with low maintenance. Don’t want a deck or have an area that you want your deck to step off too? Patios are great for this;  concrete, brick, or natrual stone are commonly chosen materials.  With Patios it is common to add retaining walls with them, for looks, a seat or functionality.

Sometimes a screened porch or gazebo is a great compliment to your new space.

For any questions on an outdoor space, let Modern Homes, Inc. in conjunction with our Landscape or Exterior division help make it a dream come true. Contact Modern Homes, Inc now.

Interior Noise in a Home

April 6, 2011

Very few things are as important as getting a good night sleep.  All home plans and families vary but interior noise may be an issue.  No one wants to have the kids wake up while doing laundry, to be heard in the bathroom while entertaining, nor do you want to do dishes or laundry around the kids sleeping.

There are varous methods of soundproffing that you can take.  There are insulation option as well as drywall and framing techneck that can help reduce or eliminate interior noise.

For any questions on soundproofing for your home, 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.

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