top of page

THE STORY BEHIND THE ADDITION

Office / In-Law Addition

Effort, PA
RAB.jpg
The Journey to Completion:

The building process, however, wasn’t without its hurdles. The team encountered unexpected delays, starting with unusually rainy spring weather that slowed the progress of the foundation work. But the crew adapted quickly, focusing on other preparatory tasks to keep things moving forward. During this time, they also discovered drainage issues due to the site’s natural grading. This required additional work to redirect water runoff, ensuring that the addition would remain dry and protected.

As construction moved along, the clients made several design adjustments. One of the most notable changes involved the bathroom layout, where the team worked closely with the family to ensure it met the specific needs of the parents. Then, a surprise discovery: the main house roof was nearing the end of its life. Although not part of the original plan, this finding led to an expansion of the project scope to include a full roof replacement, securing the integrity of the entire home.

Despite these challenges, the team was able to keep the project on track. The weather delays and site grading issues were resolved, and design revisions were carefully implemented without compromising the overall aesthetic vision.

Right: The layout and configuration of the bathroom elements proved to be the most challenging and critical part of the design and build process.  The bathroom had to be accessible, but retain a traditional residential bathroom feel versus a more commercial, functional focused aesthetic.

Addition_DR_E_Int (12).jpg
HOUSE.jpg
The Result:

When the project was completed, the addition was more than just an expansion—it was a new chapter for the family. The parents were able to move into a space that felt like home, with all the modern conveniences and comfort they needed. The design met their immediate needs and offered flexibility for whatever the future might hold.

The client couldn’t have been more pleased. She remarked that the new space felt as though it had always been part of the house. It was a perfect blend of design, function, and emotional significance. The addition not only met the practical needs of the family but also provided a safe, beautiful environment where the parents could live comfortably for many years to come.

Through a combination of careful planning, flexibility in the face of unexpected challenges, and a shared vision, this project became a true testament to the power of thoughtful design—one that honored the family’s past while looking toward their future.

Testimonial:

We're beyond thrilled with the addition. What started as a home office became a beautiful, accessible space for my parents. The team at Robert Ace Builders listened to our needs and made sure everything was both functional and seamless with the rest of the home. It's more than we could have imagined, and we’re so grateful for a space that works for our family now and in the future

FLOOR PLANS

Addition_DR_E_Int (18).jpg

LET'S CREATE YOUR PERFECT ADDITION

Creating a Seamless Addition:

From the outside, it was important that the addition didn’t disrupt the original home’s flow. Every decision, from the exterior materials to the interior finishes, was made with an eye toward creating harmony. The new space needed to feel like it had always been there—integrated, cohesive, and natural. The interior design was equally thoughtful, using calming colors and elegant finishes to foster a sense of tranquility. Decorative sconces were added to the bedroom area, not only enhancing the space's aesthetic but also providing functional reading lights.

The result was a fully future-proofed design. The bathroom layout, with its carefully considered features - like blocking for future grab bars and wheelchair accessibility -  made sure the space would serve the family’s needs for many years to come.

Left: The ultimate placement of the addition minimized the modifications required to the existing structure while maximizing curb appeal by increasing the front expanse of the house, thereby giving it a more grand appearance.

Addition_DR_E_Ext (12).jpg

Want to see more photos from this project? View our gallery below!

A Family’s Changing Needs:

What began as a simple vision for a home office quickly transformed into something much more meaningful. The original plan was to create a dedicated home workspace. But when the client’s parents, in their later years, had to leave their longtime home of 2,000 square feet, the vision shifted. What had been designed as a home office would now become a comfortable, accessible living space for her parents—one that would allow them to feel at ease in their new surroundings for years to come.

The client knew that balancing independence with comfort would be key, and accessibility would be at the forefront of the design. It became clear that the new space would need to cater not just to current needs but also to future ones.

Right: The addition needed to be big enough to allow for a traditional bed wall layout and separate seating area with enough room for possible wheelchair access, but not so big that it would look out of place on the exterior or exceed the project budget.  Through design and discussion with the customers, it was decided that 18ft x 12ft would be a good size to meet their parents needs.

Addition_DR_E_Int (21).jpg
A Design to Welcome:

The primary goal was simple: create a space where the client’s parents could live independently, yet still feel closely connected to the rest of the family. The design had to blend seamlessly with the existing home, both inside and outside while ensuring it was fully functional and accessible. The challenge was to make sure that every element—from the layout to the choice of materials—worked together to create a welcoming environment that didn’t feel out of place.

The design team’s approach centered on accessibility, ensuring that the space would meet the parents’ evolving needs. The bathroom, for instance, was designed with future accommodations in mind. A makeup seating area, space for a wheelchair, and thoughtful modifications—such as mirrors for both standing and seated positions and wall blocking for future grab bars—were incorporated to ensure comfort now and in the years ahead.

Left: Located with access from the main living space, the placement of the addition was critical for aesthetics and functionality on both the interior and exterior.

Addition_DR_E_Int (1).jpg
bottom of page