Hi,

I'm considering putting an offer on a small (1100sq ft) bungalow on a large (8000 sq ft) and slightly sloping lot in snowy Boston. Hoping I can get some advice on an addition.

Currently, the house is large enough for my immediate needs. However, given the lot size, I'd like to eventually
-Enlarge the Living, Dining Rooms and Kitchen
-Add another bedroom
-Add a 1/2 bath on 1st floor
-Add a deck
-Make good use of the lot.


I'm thinking the addition would all be off the back of the house, retaining the front facade of the house. I'm envisioning a walkout basement addition and extending the 2nd floor shed dormer DOWN to accommodate a smallish bumpout of the 1st floor rear wall. Is this even a remote possibility?

Thinking the basement addition would contain the Master suite (with walkout to stunning garden), walk-in closet and full bath....dividing the existing basement footprint into a rec room and utility room.

I envisioned removing the windows from the 2nd floor shed dormer (those rooms have other windows) and expanding the shed dormer roofline down. In doing so, was hoping to accomodate a small (6 to 10 feet) bumpout of the 1st floor rear wall. This would allow me to expand the slightly cramped LR, DR and Kitchen.

Reason I ask now, is that if the only way to make the existing LR/DR/Kit bigger is to destroy the existing flow & do a soulless 'open concept' plan, I don't want to buy the house.

Can anyone (or lots of anyones) provide expert opinions to understand if 'yeah, you could probably expand' or 'maybe think about this instead' or 'You're nuts...no way to expand without it looking like a windblown shack'.

I know I will need to get a formal consult from a structural engineer and architect before moving forward. However, just want to get an idea if expansion is a possibility.

House pics can be found at www.realtor.com, MLS listing 70735595.

I can also send a excel-based layout and add'l pics that better show the lot slope directly to anyone who can assist!!!!

Thanks in advance.

Jen

This message has been edited. Last edited by: navi_jen,

I think what you are describing sounds reasonable.
Feel free to call or email if you'd like to discuss.