Project Spotlight: Making Room for the Whole Family

When you have five children, “home for the summer” takes on a whole new meaning.

For this family, the house had always been full of life, but as the kids grew up and began returning home from college, it became clear that their favorite gathering place simply wasn’t large enough. Family dinners spilled into multiple rooms, conversations competed with one another, and there was never quite enough space for everyone to be together.

Rather than moving, the homeowners chose to invest in the home where so many memories had already been made.

The solution was a dramatic 500-square-foot great room addition. To make room for the new space, we removed an expansive rear deck and replaced it with a bright, open living area featuring soaring vaulted ceilings. The addition seamlessly connects to the existing home, creating a comfortable space where the entire family can gather—whether it’s for holiday celebrations, movie nights, or simply enjoying an evening together.

Of course, giving up the deck didn’t mean giving up outdoor living.

To preserve the connection to the backyard, the homeowners added a spacious pavilion designed to feel like it had always been part of the landscape. Thoughtfully integrated with the surrounding yard, it provides a welcoming outdoor space for grilling, entertaining, and relaxing throughout the warmer months.

The result is a home that offers the best of both worlds: an expansive indoor gathering space for every season and an outdoor retreat that feels naturally connected to the property.

The best remodeling projects are the ones that truly solve the problem, and that’s what we were able to do here. The homeowner reported that the kids have been coming home more often just to be in the new space (and show it off to their friends too). For this family, the addition wasn’t simply a larger room. It was an investment in future summers, holidays, and the moments that matter most, ensuring there’s always enough room when everyone comes home (even when they bring friends!).