Have you been living in your dream home for years, but your needs are changing? Is it time to extend the kitchen and add another bedroom, but you don’t want to lose any of the historical charm that brings you so much joy? At Seth A. Leeb Architecture, we understand your concerns. Period residential additions and renovations are our specialty, after all.
We offer residential architect services for new home designs, but have substantial experience designing additions for older homes, including Victorian, Craftsman, and Mail Order. In this article, we explore how modern additions to old homes can fulfill your needs while preserving the building’s historic character.
Blending Old and New Architecture: Why Building in Harmony Matters
Every home tells a story through its architectural features. Arts and Crafts homes are known for their low-pitched roofs, prominent porches, and the use of natural materials. Victorian houses have multiple stories, steeply pitched roofs, and bay windows. Historic designs offer a sense of continuity and often become part of a community’s character.
New home additions must blend harmoniously into the traditional design to maintain the structure’s unique identity while enhancing its value with modern comforts and efficient amenities. The Seth A. Leeb team designs sympathetic additions that seamlessly incorporate into each home’s architectural style.
Planning Additions to Existing Homes: Key Design and Structural Considerations
You need an experienced architect for additions and renovations to period homes, as several matters require the input of a knowledgeable professional. Let’s examine issues that could impact both the aesthetic and structural design.
- Zoning laws regulate whether additions to buildings are permitted and specify building setbacks.
- Local preservation ordinances regulate allowable exterior features, including façade and roofing materials, window types, and paint colors.
- Engineering studies are required to determine if the existing home’s foundations can carry the structure of the proposed addition and which reinforcements are necessary if you want to add another story.
Seth A. Leeb Architecture has worked with several historic review boards. We can also recommend modern materials that replicate your home’s existing elements and features.
Modern Home Extensions That Respect Historic Character
The best showcase for successful additions to old homes is a completed project. Our client has a French Country home in Randolph, NJ, and wanted a modern addition that respects the historic character of the house while offering more living space.
Seth A. Leeb designed an addition that included a family room on the first floor, a children’s playroom on the second floor, and an octagonal breakfast nook adjacent to the kitchen.
Did you know we are also interior architectural experts? Our firm was appointed to undertake a significant renovation in Mountain Lakes, NJ, which involved rearranging the first floor layout by relocating the kitchen to the back of the home and expanding its size. We custom-designed craftsman-style cabinets for the new kitchen.
Architect Tips on Renovating an Old House with Additions in Mind
Additions to older homes can be a bedroom, kitchen, family room, sunroom, or even a garage. Tips on renovating an old house with additions in mind include the following:
- Decide where you want to add onto the house. To the sides, at the back, or do you want to raise the roof?
- Know that wetland constraints, septic, road, and structure easements might affect your design.
- Increase the budget. There are often unexpected structural problems that require repairs or additional historic design requirements that must be fulfilled.
Seth A. Leeb is an award-winning architect with over 25 years of experience providing residential and commercial architectural services to New Jersey clients. We are experts in designing additions to old homes. Contact us today to discuss how our team can assist with your changing lifestyle needs. You can also visit our website at: https://leeb-architecture.com/