At Amy Dutton Home, we take great pride in breathing new life into historic homes, preserving their charm while adapting them for modern living. Today, we’re excited to share details about our current project: a captivating addition to a home nestled in a cozy neighborhood of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
This house, built between 1920-1940, offers a glimpse into the past, but with our upcoming renovations, it will embrace the future. As we embark on this new project, our plans include extending the home with a new addition that features a garage, a staircase leading up to a deck, a family room complete with a fireplace and TV, and an open-concept kitchen and dining area that connects seamlessly to the existing structure. On the second floor, our clients will enjoy a spacious primary suite with ample closet space and a private bathroom, along with a dedicated office area.
Navigating Challenges
However, no renovation project is without its hurdles. Before we could break ground, we had to present our plans to the Board of Adjustment due to the close proximity of the property to the neighboring home on the right. Additionally, we’re implementing careful soil retention strategies as we excavate for the garage beneath the addition. This involves constructing a retaining wall in the backyard and installing stairs that will help manage water flow from the yard to the street.
As we began digging for the foundation of the new addition, we encountered an unexpected setback: there was no footing in place. For those unfamiliar with construction terms, the footing is the crucial base of a building’s foundation that helps evenly distribute the weight of the structure across the soil. Without proper footing, a building can be unstable, leading to significant issues down the line.
It seems that this house, likely constructed during a rapid building boom, may have been rushed through without proper inspections. To address this, we quickly brought in a structural engineer to assess the situation. Together, we devised a solution to pour new footings that would attach to a helio structure, effectively reinforcing the back wall that supports the home’s hip roof.
Despite the challenges, we were relieved to discover that the existing wall has held up remarkably well over the years – there isn’t a single crack in it! This unexpected finding reassures us that while we must ensure everything is structurally sound before proceeding with the addition, the original house remains strong and stable.
We’re excited to see this historic home evolve, blending its rich history with modern comforts. As we navigate the challenges ahead, we look forward to sharing more updates and showcasing the beautiful transformation that awaits!
