Today’s Addition, Part 2

The exterior of our master addition is almost finished, with the brickwork, eaves, and gable now complete. Inside, the Uponor radiant floor heating system and Merillat cabinets have been installed.

Deck

Next, the existing deck was tied to the addition, and the decking that had been removed to accommodate construction was put back down. To make the old deck look like new, we cleaned it with Corte-Clean, an eco-friendly composite deck cleaner that removes everything from mold and mildew to grease and barbecue stains, all without harmful chemicals or bleach.

Landscaping

While the carpenters were finishing up on the outside, Tommy Martiniere of Martiniere Landscaping arrived to tackle the yard around the addition. His landscape plan included a stone walkway leading to the far side of the addition where a stone patio—complete with birdbath and bench—turned the area into a secluded retreat. Plants put in around the addition and in the garden area include Japanese yew, African iris, yellow anise, oakleaf hydrangea, camellias, and ferns.

Painting

Though the exterior was now finished, there was still a lot left to do on the inside. As is often the case, the first coat of paint highlighted imperfections in the drywall which had to be fixed before the final coat could be applied. The prestained wood trim was touched up as well and given a coat of sealer.

Breakfast Bar

Installation was completed on the cherry cabinets in the breakfast bar, which serve as a focal point of the room. Functional as well as beautiful, they not only provide shelves for books and knicknacks but house a microwave and built-in refrigerator as well. Another impressive amenity is the Dacor coffee system which has its own water supply and can grind, perk, and dispense fresh coffee at the touch of a button.

The center cabinets are topped by a Caesarstone quartz countertop with a Kohler trough sink and faucet.

Flooring

The prefinished 4¾” wide Brazilian cherry engineered wood flooring by Ua Floors, was installed on top of the Uponor radiant floor heating system. The flooring was put down without nails using wood flooring adhesive. After the adhesive had been spread with a notched trowel, the flooring was tapped into place with a rubber mallet. Excess adhesive was then cleaned up with mineral spirits.

Retractable Screens

Retractable screens by Phantom Screens were installed on the double glass doors leading to the patio. While hidden when not in use, the screens can easily be pulled out to keep insects at bay and provide a breath of fresh air on those cool fall days.

Video Answering System

The bedroom also featured a NuTone wall mounted video door answering system, allowing the homeowner to see and converse with visitors at the front door without leaving the bedroom. An MP3 docking station and built-in speakers provide the right music for any occasion.

Furnishings

Once the last little touch-ups to the room had been completed, interior decorator Diane Berry of Unique Designs, Inc. could begin working her magic. She selected woven wood shades with blackout liners from Hunter Douglas for the window treatment. Curtains on a wooden rod above the double glass doors could be pulled to provide total privacy.

She also created a custom television cabinet by removing the drawers from a dresser and installing a lift mechanism, allowing the television to rise from a cabinet at the foot of the bed by remote control.

In addition to the bed with upholstered headboard, furniture for the room included a large dresser, desk, and chair for reading which were supplied by Barrow Fine Furniture.

Our mater bedroom addition turned out even better than we had hoped and includes some unique features that will turn the head of any homeowner. It ties in nicely with the remodeled mater bathroom and walk-in closet adjoining it. At almost 500 square feet, the addition has really expanded the feel and space of the existing home.

Further Information

• Read more about Today’s Addition
• Today’s Addition (Part 1)

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