Timeless Charm Revitalized with Increased Functionality

Challenges

• This customer wanted an in-law sweet for a relative to move into. We needed to find a way to convert the existent space into an accessible but private living space separate from the main living area.
• To comply with local governance, our building plans were limited to 800 square feet of livable space in accordance to requirements for an Accessory Dwelling Unit permit issued by Fairfax County Virginia.
• After incurring sever water damage, the family also wanted to modernize their family room and backyard patio while still maintaining the original rustic charm from when the home was built in 1949.

Solutions & Features

• Garage Conversion: We replaced the footprint of the garage to eliminate the initial cost of an engineer's site-plan. This saved the client over $30,000 in engineering and storm water costs. The result was a modern in-law suite with a separate entrance, kitchenette, laundry closet, and handicap-accessible bathroom.
• Stone Veneer: When replacing the garage, we preserved the existing builder stone from the exterior of the house and repurposed it for the exterior of the new ADU structure. Needing extra stone to complete the project, we located a stone from New York that matched the existing stone from the 1940s and personally transported it back to Annandale Virginia to complete the project.
• Refreshed Family Room: We replaced all the windows in the family room with Anderson 400 series windows that flooded the living space with natural light while matching the original color of the windows in the factory. Due to water damage, the beams on the ceiling also need replacement. We replaced the beams and matched them to the original stain of the wood inside the house to preserve the rustic feel of the home.
• Stone Patios: Aligned with the earthly tone of the home, we replaced the existing concrete front and rear patios with 300 square feet of Natural Pennsylvania Cleft Flagstone, perfect for hosting outdoor parties.