Peter Field and Kay Bhothinard bought this modest, three-bedroom, two-bath Colonial Revival in Ridgewood, NJ, in 2019 because they liked the town, the neighborhood, and the fact that the local middle and high schools were just a few minutes’ walk away—convenient for Peter’s now-teenage daughter, who lives with them part-time. They also loved the larger-than-average backyard with its beautiful dogwood and cherry trees.
Soon after moving in, they put the 1930 house into service as their COVID haven—and they quickly got to know its failings. Particularly challenging is the kitchen: The cabinets, countertops, and appliances are outdated; there’s just one backyard-facing window; and the cramped room is cut off from the living room, so there is no flow for entertaining. There are also issues with the rest of the house. The three upstairs bedrooms are small with minimal windows. The plumbing and HVAC systems are on their last legs, and the exterior siding is showing its age. The yard that they loved at first sight had few areas for lounging outdoors. And from inside, the house’s small windows blocked treescape views.
It’s time for a refresh! Key goals are to create a bigger, more functional kitchen, rethink the first-floor layout so it is better-suited to entertaining, maximize the windows for the backyard view, and update or replace all mechanical systems.
Peter and Kay have a very tight budget that they will use strategically to reap the largest return. They will reconfigure some spaces and build a two-story rear addition to allow for a bigger kitchen and a new primary suite, adding a fourth bedroom. Large windows in the addition will create light-filled interiors. The existing siding will be removed; while an air-sealing membrane, fiber cement siding, and energy-efficient windows will create a well-insulated envelope. A mix of lap siding and shingles will create an upgraded look. New and updated plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services will bring the existing house into the 21st century.