On a cold windy day what seems like ages ago my sons and I drove up to Colonial Beach to see what our crazy friend Shawn had bought now. Pretty much this "house" started as a concrete foundation and block walls but the rest was unsalvageable. We quickly assessed the best strategy was to add the new kitchen and bathroom on the rear to avoid jackhammering through decades cured concrete slabs. This freed up just enough room to squeeze in a stairway to add a second floor with two bedrooms and a bath. This type of project isn't for everyone and there are tradeoffs to all endeavors, but working with a kindred spirit to add value to a property and be a good neighbor by taking it on makes it all worth the effort. We kept the bungalow or "fungalow" as Shawn calls it to the scale of the street and recognized its setting on a deep lot with mature trees as an amenity. If you want to see how it all came out, head on over to @shawnderrickrealestate

Part shop part weekend retreat we designed this garage accessory dwelling to do double duty . A oversized garage footprint for the owner’s woodworking projects provided opportunity for a generously sized one bedroom apartment overlooking a wooded lot and riverside beyond. @mcmahoncustomhomes has been hard at work the past few weeks bringing this plan to reality. Follow along for progress!

Working this week on some new projects. Design for a FAN-tastic room overlooking the garden courtyard in the Fan District. The large glass door is optimal to open wide on those perfect spring mornings. Additions can have their own distinct feel while seamlessly integrating with the existing construction to make a cohesive home. It is why having the right design team is primary to the success of a home project.