The Story
Featured In Orlando Magazine
Surrounded by older homes displaying far more character, this 70’s ranch seemed out of place. The homeowners bought the home, however, because of the lot and the location. “This is one of the best neighborhoods you could be in,” the wife points out. The couple knew the home, located on Lake Sue, had potential. “The economy induced us to finally act on our plans,” the wife recalls.
The couple wanted to concentrate on bringing character and charm to the exterior of the house, so it wouldn’t look out of place. “The house had a dated and unappealing facade,” the wife says. “Fortunately, the home has a great floor plan with big bedrooms and big closets. We wanted to concentrate on the exterior.”
Working with Ross Design Group, PSG Construction gave attention to the exterior by first addressing the flat roof which had been leaking, had gone through multiple repairs, and needed more work. “The new pitched design allowed us to fit a room underneath,” the wife explains. With two teenagers in the house, the space was planned for a game room.
The change in the roof line dramatically altered the exterior look of the home by creating a two story effect. What was unappealing and unnoticeable before now “looks like an entirely different house,” the wife states. A new portico with rough sawn cedar beams and posts, new paint and updated stone helped build an entirely new and charming look.
Inside, the new second story addition is accessed by a staircase added in the family room and kitchen area. The 576 square foot game room has space for a sitting area, built-ins, a large screen TV and a pool table that has been in the family for 30 years. French doors lead to a balcony providing an admirable view of the pool and back yard. A generous number of windows brings in plenty of light and makes the game room a cheery spot for entertaining.
The renovation also created extra space in the kitchen area. A 252 square foot breakfast area was a welcomed bonus. By removing what was once an exterior wall, the kitchen is now open to the breakfast area. A curved wall of windows in the breakfast area brings in plenty of light and overlooks the lanai and pool area. French doors in the breakfast area connect the kitchen to the lanai and pool. “The breakfast room ties everything together,” comments the wife.
The interior entry was also dramatically renovated by adding a new pair of wood doors and removing a closet that blocked the view of the family room. The family room now appears more spacious.
Adding new stone to the family room’s existing fireplace makes the room warmer in appearance. New built-ins and a fireplace surround were added. Bay windows in the existing dining room were replaced with French doors leading to the lanai and pool area.
No longer the “misfit” of the neighborhood, this home provides the charm the owners set out for, with some bonus space thrown in for good measure.
SOURCES
Residential Designer – Ross Design Group
Pavers and Masonry – Booth’s Cobblestones Inc.
Cabinetry – Central Kitchen & Bath
Windows – Garner Window & Door
Electrical – J.D. Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Plumbing – Modern Plumbing
Drywall – R.K. Edwards, Inc.
Interior Trim & Doors – Residential Building Supply
HVAC – Air Masters