What was once an underused porch and cramped loft space is now a thoughtfully designed home addition that brings comfort, safety, and lake views to our client's existing home. By expanding the living space and improving how each area connects, this room addition not only supports a growing family but also adds long-term property value, all without disrupting the charm of their beloved neighborhood.
Project Type: Bedroom and Bathroom Addition
Location: Skaneateles Lake, NY
Project Consultant: Jamie Sprague
Lead Carpenter: Jim Clark
The area between the homeowners’ lakefront house and detached garage included a deteriorating porch with flower boxes and a small finished loft. The porch lacked function and didn’t take advantage of the incredible lake views, while the guest space above the garage was limited by a sloped ceiling and posed safety concerns due to its layout.
With their grandchildren visiting often, the homeowners were especially concerned about the lack of a second exit in the upstairs guest space. They knew they needed a better, safer solution—and more usable square footage—to support their family for years to come.
The goal was to create more space and improve the home’s flow, all while respecting the existing structure and enhancing the property’s natural assets.
They wanted to add a new bedroom and bathroom, increase privacy for guests, and establish a safer, more comfortable guest suite with better lake views. The design needed to integrate seamlessly with the home's existing footprint, reflect the surrounding landscape, and ultimately offer more peace of mind.
Our design team and skilled carpenters worked closely with the homeowners to build an addition to their home that truly expanded the home’s potential. The construction site required thoughtful coordination due to its position between two existing structures.
We removed the aging porch and built a new ground-floor addition that includes:
Upstairs, we dormered the ceiling of the original guest space to increase headroom and comfort. This second-story update created a more spacious layout, improved views, and added a secondary exit for safety and code compliance—a key consideration when planning for fire egress and building codes.
This project came together through close collaboration between our design team, project consultant and architectural manager Jamie Sprague, lead carpenter Jim Clark, and our skilled production crew on site.
From framing to finishes, every phase required attention to detail, especially while integrating the new structure with the existing home.
Special Details
Larger projects like this reflect the full range of our expertise, from navigating permit costs and structural modifications to designing a new space that blends seamlessly with the existing house. Because we were working with multiple major systems and transitioning between distinct zones of the home, attention to HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures, and foundation work was essential.
Our team also helped the homeowners consider how the new room would function long-term—as a guest suite, home office, or even a potential accessory dwelling unit. The space was outfitted with a ductless mini-split system to provide efficient heating and cooling without needing to extend the home’s existing ductwork—an ideal solution for room additions like this. This kind of foresight ensures the project not only meets immediate needs but also adapts with the family over time.
The homeowners now enjoy a more connected, functional, and beautiful home, without having to leave the lake they love. The new living space brings added privacy for guests, easier access between structures, and the kind of thoughtful detail that comes from working with a trusted team.
Whether you're planning a single-room bump-out, a second-story addition, or looking for creative solutions to expand your existing space, this project is proof that good planning and craftsmanship can significantly impact your home’s comfort, safety, and long-term value.
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If you are a homeowner in the Syracuse or Central New York area and are planning a home improvement project, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to offer thoughtful guidance and help you bring your vision to life.