Prefab Additions

Considering Home Additions

Fortunately, the house is well-built, even if it wouldn't win style awards. "My husband and I were desperate when we bought it," says Cindy, a field editor who finds locations for Remodel and other magazines. "We looked at the house and said, 'We can just add a family room, maybe shingle siding.' It's just like when you nonchalantly say, 'Wouldn't it be fun to have a baby?' "

From the day the couple, their three teenagers, and the family dog moved in, a major home remodeling project topped the agenda. Cindy and Bill knew what they wanted—a shingled New England beach house with a cohesive design and sufficient space. A two-story addition to the home design satisfied the latter desire, giving the couple a new family room downstairs and master suite above, and turning the 2,200-square-foot stock house into a spacious 3,550-square-foot family home. While they were at it, they decided to remodel the kitchen, dining area, and other rooms.