Any contractor can build a family room addition; you just have to tell him how many feet you want to extend into the backyard.

Bravo — there you are; enclosed space you didn’t have before — whoopee! But how does a large space work with existing, cramped rooms?

This is why I always feel you have to heal the existing house when you are adding more space. Clear up existing traffic problems, and any new ones that might develop, when the addition is built.

PROBLEM

This ranch home was functional and ordinary. It had some flaws, but the family adapted for years.

They knew now that it was time to improve the whole house. They didn’t have a big budget, but had saved and, bit by bit, purchased fantastic kitchen appliances for the kitchen of their dreams.

The entries — front door (A) and door in the garage (B) needed help. The front door (A) was rarely used, like the living room (C). Most of the living went on in the eat-in kitchen (D) and the dining room (E), which was used for big, Italian dinners. This room was important, yet truly undersized.

This home had only one bathroom (F). The three bedrooms (G, H, and I) were small and had equally small closets.

Everyday traffic went through the garage (J). The door enters onto the landing (K) of the basement stairs. There is one step up (L) to the kitchen (D). This entry was bad because there was no place for coats, boots, shoes or even elbow room to take off or put on a coat. I view this as the largest problem.

This family wanted a new family room, with a new kitchen opening into it. They also wanted a dining room worthy of the fabulous food they cook and serve. Even though they thought it would be impossible, they wanted a second bathroom for their bedroom.

SOLUTION

We determined that we would add 14 or 16 feet (M) off the back of the house, connecting to their covered patio (N). With that as a given, I knew we needed to place the new kitchen (O) adjacent, in the existing master bedroom.

Now, to create a good entrance from the garage (J), we bumped (P) into the garage and rebuilt the garage stair to land on the main level of the floor. We had to add a riser to the basement stair (Q) and add a door.

The former kitchen was sacrificed for a family entry (R) and more room for the dining room (S). This family entry is great with a bench, tall cabinet for shoes, a “To Go” counter, coat closet and an extra closet!

The dining room is dramatic since we added a half round wall (T). A bonus was a recessed niche (U) in the hall.

The living room (C) turned into a bedroom (V). A second bathroom (W) for the master bedroom (X) is backed up to the hall bath (F). The third bedroom (Y) is in the addition. All of the bedrooms have great closets.

The family room (Z) is perfectly placed and has French doors the open to the covered patio (N).

The kitchen is open and bright, with an island for stools. This higher counter not only hides clutter but is an idea buffet surface. We created a corner for a dinette table for everyday dining. A closet-style pantry around the corner stores food items and large serving pieces.

This remodeling totally transformed this house.

Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the U.S. and Canada. Her new book on remodeling design, “The Essential Planner for Home Remodeling,” is available at www.creatingspaces.net. You may contact her at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or at 515-991-8880 to set up a consultation.