The Project Begins

 

Welcome to the Spackman Home Remodel/Addition Project Blog. I am frequently asked what is happening at my house. I decided to make this blog so I can answer your questions and satisfy your curiosity. This blog is written by Leela Spackman.

In 2019, my father passed away from old age. He was 88 and he left behind my mother who was 77 at the time. We had always talked about my mom living with my family if she was widowed. She moved in with us shortly after his passing. Then she discovered that she wasn't totally comfortable living with us. She really wanted her own space. We started looking for another home nearby for her to purchase. We also tossed around the idea of adding onto our house so she could have her own space. Well as you all know, Covid happened and the housing market went crazy at the same time. We made the decision to add onto our house.

We checked with Sandy City to find out where we could expand and how much we could expand. There are laws regarding how close you can build to other property lines and to the sidewalk/street, etc. We discovered that we could get the most square footage if we built in our front yard. The only problem was that we could not get enough square footage to accommodate what my mother wanted in her place.

In order to give her the space she needed, we would have to give up our two front bedrooms (shown in orange). We decided to replace those bedrooms in the basement which is why we currently have a large pit in front of our house. They had to excavate for the expansion of the basement.

When the project is finished, the layout of the upstairs will be a bit different. Not only will there be a space for my mom, but we will also be adding a mud room between the kitchen and garage. The foyer of the house will be much bigger as well. There will be an exterior staircase that goes down to the basement. I have outlined the changed areas in red.

Currently, we are waiting for cement so our footings and foundation can be poured.