We Added 800+ Sq/Feet To this Cape Cod
What does it take to turn a house into a “forever home”? Sometimes, it requires looking past what is and seeing what could be. For one Watchung, New Jersey homeowner, their property had the location and the potential, but the layout and look were not what the homeowners wanted. They dreamed of a home that was not only larger but smarter, more functional, and completely tailored to their lifestyle.
This project was more than just an addition; it was a total home reinvention. From the foundation to the roofline, every aspect of this house was thoughtfully redesigned to create a modern family haven.
The “Before”: Identifying the Challenges
Our starting point was a home with a dated facade, a cramped one-car garage, and some significant functional drawbacks. The exterior siding was worn, the windows were inefficient, and the overall curb appeal was lacking.
Most critically, the original driveway and walkway design created a persistent and dangerous water pooling issue, making the approach to the front door hazardous during wet weather. The interior felt compartmentalized, and the home lacked the expansive, open feel that modern families crave.
The Vision: A Plan for a Complete Overhaul
The goal was ambitious: to craft a seamless design that blended a major addition with the original structure, creating a home that looked and felt brand new. The plan included:
- A two-car garage with a full master suite above.
- A complete exterior redesign with new siding, roofing, and windows.
- A reconfigured interior with opened-up walls for a spacious living area.
- A large, gourmet kitchen to serve as the heart of the home.
- Solving the crucial driveway and water-pooling issue once and for all.
The construction phase showed the scale of this transformation, with new framing extending the home’s footprint and a completely new roof structure bringing the vision to life.
Unforgettable Curb Appeal & A Functional Forethought
The first impression is breathtaking. The cramped one-car garage has been replaced by a spacious two-car garage, elegantly integrated into the home’s new facade. A welcoming front porch now offers a friendly greeting, replacing the weathered steps of the old entry.
Crucially, the entire driveway was relocated. This wasn’t just an aesthetic choice; it was a practical solution that permanently eliminated the dangerous water pooling issue, creating a safe and inviting path to the vibrant new front door.
The new landscaping, walkway, and exterior lighting complete the picture, giving the home a warm, inviting glow well into the evening.
A Backyard Oasis
The transformation continues to the rear of the home. The tired, mismatched siding of the old structure has been replaced with a clean, cohesive exterior. A brand-new wooden deck provides the perfect space for outdoor dining and relaxation, with easy access to the house and a beautiful view of the backyard and pool. The new layout and large windows flood the interior with natural light and connect the indoor living spaces to the beautiful outdoors.
A Completely Reimagined Interior
Inside, the home is virtually unrecognizable. By removing walls and reconfiguring the floor plan, we created the open-concept living space the homeowners dreamed of. The heart of this new space is a large, expansive kitchen designed for both everyday family life and entertaining guests.
Upstairs, the addition made way for a gorgeous master-bedroom suite—a true sanctuary complete with all the modern comforts, offering a private and luxurious retreat for the homeowners.
Every corner of this home, from the public living areas to the private bedrooms, has been transformed to enhance flow, functionality, and beauty. This Watchung project is a powerful example of how a whole-home remodel can do more than just add square footage—it can completely redefine how you live in and love your home.
Roy Bryhn inspecting the progress.
Rob working on the foundation work.
Ready to start your own home transformation? Contact us today to discuss the possibilities!
