Creating a Seamless Addition

Room additions are a great way to add space while still staying in your prized neighborhood. If you are not careful, however, your addition might stick out like a sore thumb.

If you are in the market for an addition, here's what to look for when checking references and evaluating a contractor or architect's additions. The new space should be:

Seamless -- ideally you should have to ask where the addition is. What was added? The old and new should be so seamless that you can't tell! This isn't always realistic, but it's a good goal to keep in mind.

A Similar Style and Character -- this is especially important in older houses, where the details and workmanship may be more intricate and difficult to duplicate. The new materials should come very close to matching/blending with the old materials. This can be challenging, but a good contractor or architect will take the time to try. Look at the:

• Windows - Don't let them suggest putting plain, rectangular vinyl windows next to your large, double hung wood windows with nice trim. They won't blend!
• Doors - Again, you want to match the level of detail and any architectural elements.
• Roof - any new roof should blend with the lines of the old
• Overall lines and shapes of the house and addition - if there are corbels above the old front porch, ask them to throw a few on the addition.

Street Appeal  -- Look at the addition from across the street, down the street, the backyard and every possible angle. Does it look good from every angle?