MODERN ADDITION ON A HISTORIC HOME
Urban Addition & Deck
East Stroudsburg Borough
The Client's Vision
This growing family loved their historic home but had outgrown its layout. Their vision was to stay rooted in the community, keeping their young children in the same elementary school, while improving daily functionality and future flexibility.
The family’s goals were both practical and aspirational; they needed a cohesive addition that would blend respectfully with the home’s 1925 architecture. Moving the laundry from the basement to a more accessible floor was a must, and improving the owner’s bath, particularly the shower, was high on their list. Equally important was having all of the bedrooms on the same floor to streamline their daily routines. With two young children, the homeowners also wanted a play/study area near the bedrooms, ensuring it would evolve with the kids as they grew. Throughout the process, they were committed to taking the time to do the project right and add long-term value to their home.
Right: Family Room with drop zone
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Key Design Features:
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Trex low-maintenance decking with vinyl railings
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Outdoor TV on the covered deck for gatherings
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Family Room drop zone and bench for daily organization
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Updated cast iron bathtub that pays homage to the home’s history
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Owner's bath shower with a built-in bench and linear shelf
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Lighted vanity mirror and elegant finishes
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Wood-look tile in the kids’ bathroom
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High transom windows to bring light into the kids' bedrooms while preserving privacy
Left: Owner’s Bath with backlit mirror and freestanding soaking tub
Design Challenges & Solutions:
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Roofline integration: Matched the addition’s pitch to existing dormers for a seamless look
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Structural alignment: Carefully built up Family Room walls to meet the second floor’s plate height
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Deck extension: Designed the covered portion without disrupting the existing structure
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Hardwood floor matching: Blended worn, original flooring with new boards for consistency
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Preservation mindset: Inserted the new layout within existing wall patterns to avoid over-modifying historic structural elements
Right: Exterior of addition and new covered deck
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Building Process:
The construction phase lasted six months and was completed in two stages: the addition and the owner's bath remodel. Working with a home built in 1925 brought unique obstacles. The original structure featured brick exterior walls and lath-and-plaster finishes, requiring surgical precision when connecting the new and old elements. The framing used dense, oversized lumber, making alterations more demanding. Old cast iron waste lines were difficult to tie into, and portions of the walls and ceilings had settled over time, requiring realignment. During demolition, abandoned knob-and-tube wiring was uncovered and removed for safety.
Many of these challenges were expected due to the home's age, allowing the team to plan accordingly. Open and honest communication with the homeowners was a cornerstone of the process. Every unexpected discovery was shared promptly, and no hidden conditions were covered up before the clients had the opportunity to inspect them. A specialty plumber with experience in cast iron systems was brought in to handle complex plumbing connections. Structural repairs were handled as they were discovered, with the project timeline and budget adjusted transparently and collaboratively.
Behind the scenes, this project was a fine balance between craftsmanship and modernization. Floor leveling, wall tie-ins, and respect for historic detail all contributed to a successful and meaningful transformation.
Left: View to new kids bedrooms and bathroom
Special Highlights
A standout feature of this project was the installation of a Lutron smart lighting system, allowing the family to control both interior and exterior lighting from their mobile devices. This layer of modern convenience was seamlessly integrated into the traditional structure. More broadly, the project serves as a testament to what can be achieved when thoughtful design, skilled construction, and a client’s vision come together. It shows that even a century-old home can evolve beautifully with the right approach.
The Result:
The completed project was met with enthusiasm and gratitude. The children quickly settled into their new bedrooms, and the owner expressed excitement about finally having a larger, more functional shower. The addition dramatically improved the home's day-to-day functionality while providing space for the family to grow.
From a design perspective, the new addition didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them. The updated floor plan felt as though it had always been part of the house. It enhanced curb appeal by widening the front facade, giving the home a grander appearance without compromising its historic integrity. Functionality and resale value were both significantly increased.
Importantly, the project’s impact extended beyond aesthetics. Shortly after completion, the owner’s mother needed to move in temporarily. The addition provided the flexibility and space for this to happen, something that wouldn’t have been possible before. The project added both beauty and adaptability, enhancing the family's lifestyle while maintaining the legacy of the home.
Clients Reaction:
Sharing a house with a contractor for 6 months can be challenging; however, Robert and his team made the process as easy and smooth as possible. We are overjoyed with the results. The kids especially love their new bedrooms and bathroom.
