A Stress-Free Home Addition in Towson

The Client Experience

Michael and Lauren’s journey began with a Google search. Having lived in their cottage for over a decade, they knew major renovations were inevitable to make the space truly theirs. “This house was always the place we wanted to be forever,” Lauren shares, her voice warm with conviction. The couple interviewed numerous contractors, each bringing their own pitch, but none quite clicked—until they met Chris from Parker Design Build Remodel.

“Chris stood out,” Lauren recalls. “He was candid, clearly understood what we wanted, and was very good at setting proper expectations.” For Michael, the connection was immediate. “It was actually fun for me to work with Chris and his team,” he says. Chris’s transparency and proactive communication sealed the deal. “He gave us a schedule,” Michael explains, “so even if I wasn’t there, I knew what was happening and what was coming next. When there were little bumps in the project, he addressed them with solutions, not problems.” For two professionals juggling busy lives, this reliability was a lifeline.

The couple had renovation experience—DIY projects in a previous home and the earlier addition—but they craved a stress-free process. “We’ve done a few renovation projects, and this was by far the most pleasant experience,” Michael says. Every worker who entered their home was communicative and respectful, treating their space, pets, and family with care. From ensuring the gate was closed for their dogs to keeping the house safe for their kids, Parker Design Build Remodel set a new standard.

DESIGNING THE DREAM

The design process began with an initial meeting that sparked an instant rapport. A second meeting introduced Chris’ architectural designer, who meticulously measured the space and dove into the couple’s vision for aesthetics and functionality. Lauren, an avid plant enthusiast, had clear priorities. “As much as I could picture the inside, I couldn’t picture the outside,” she admits. “I wanted a lot of light for plants and didn’t want it to look like a shoebox.” Ryan’s concepts for the exterior were flawless—no modifications needed.

Chris took the experience a step further by involving the couple’s children. Their 8-year-old son, set to gain a new bedroom on the second floor, received his own copy of the plans. “He felt like he was part of the design process,” Michael shares. “Chris asked for their input and made them feel included.” This small gesture transformed the project into a family adventure.

Must-haves crystallized during these discussions. Michael, the family’s passionate cook, dreamed of a spacious, high-end kitchen to replace their cramped original one. Storage, a scarce resource in the cottage, was a must. Chris proposed an ingenious solution: an enclosed, temperature-controlled storage area beneath the kitchen, in the new addition. “We never would have considered that,” Michael marvels. “Now we have space for seeds, general storage, and future needs.” The foundation excavation for the addition also created unexpected bonus space, opening possibilities for years to come.

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES WITH CONFIDENCE

No renovation is without challenges, and this home addition in Towson was no exception. Once walls came down and floors went up, structural issues surfaced—requiring the replacement of some studs and beams. “Chris really wanted to reinforce those elements,” Michael notes. “It was the right thing to do, and his standards were high.” Remarkably, the couple never felt stressed. “We were in sync with Chris throughout the project,” Lauren says. A bold design decision—flip-flopping the layout to place the kitchen in the new addition—proved seamless under their guidance.

Living in the home during construction wasn’t ideal, but Parker Design Build Remodel made it manageable. “They were so respectful of our space,” Lauren says. “They kept the house safe and clean for our kids and animals, even building a little paddock in the backyard so the dogs could roam.” This attention to detail ensured the family’s daily life continued with minimal disruption.

CRAFTING THE VISION

The selections process was a creative highlight. Lauren’s Pinterest-inspired vision included a mosaic tile wall which became the kitchen’s focal point. “Chris’s team collaborated to incorporate this element into the overall design,” she says. “The renderings were spot on.” The hand-cut tiles, arranged in a stunning pattern, transformed the space into a work of art. Michael’s dream kitchen took shape with ample storage, high-end appliances, and thoughtful finishes, tailored to his culinary passions.

The old living room, once a modest space with a TV, fireplace, and sofa, underwent a dramatic transformation into a library. Lauren envisioned built-in shelves, a revamped fireplace, and double doors with crystal doorknobs. A second-hand fireplace mantel, Lauren discovered at a local salvage shop, became a centerpiece with Chris’ help. “Chris rebuilt the fireplace surround in his workshop incorporating new elements into the old design that would preserve the character while making it more functional for the existing fireplace,” Lauren marvels. “The monochromatic built-ins, complete with sconces (also from a second-hand shop) and intricate trim work, added elegance and functionality to the space,” she adds.

Even unexpected issues, like a pre-existing basement water problem, were handled with care. Though outside the project’s scope, Chris called in a concrete expert to fix it at a nominal cost. “It felt like he genuinely cared and wanted our home to be done right,” Lauren says, her gratitude evident.

LESSONS LEARNED

Reflecting on the journey, Michael and Lauren acknowledge a key lesson: their initial budget expectations were unrealistic. “Things cost a lot,” Michael admits. “We had unrealistic expectations of what you can get for the money.” Yet, the team’s transparency empowered them to make informed decisions. “They explained costs clearly,” Lauren says. “We chose to build the home we needed, not scale back on quality.”

This mindset guided their selections. They prioritized durable, long-term investments like tile, which would endure for decades, over replaceable items like carpet. “We were able to choose, and while it cost a little more, it was well worth it,” Michael says. The design team’s guidance was invaluable, helping them balance vision and practicality.

A TRANSFORMATION

Today, the cottage is a harmonious blend of charm and modernity. The home, with its thoughtful design, custom built-ins, crystal-knobbed doors, and restored fireplace, is a cozy retreat that truly reflects the couple’s vision.

The project’s success is measured not just in aesthetics but in reliability. Chris promised three things: constant presence, a firm schedule, and budget transparency. He delivered on all fronts. From the first meeting to the move-in—the timeline was remarkably precise. “It blew our minds that he stuck to the schedule,” Michael says. The budget held steady, with no surprises beyond owner-requested add-ons. Even unforeseen structural issues were addressed without derailing the project and schedule.

The neighborhood took notice, too. “People would stop and watch the progress,” Lauren says. “The work speaks for itself.” Neighbors marveled at the transformation, and the couple proudly recommends Parker Design Build Remodel to anyone considering a renovation. “So much attention was given to us,” Lauren adds. “They’re reliable and do what they say they’re going to do.”

A TRUE REMODELING PARTNERSHIP

What set this experience apart was the sense of partnership. Chris and his team embodied a philosophy of trust, craftsmanship, and enthusiasm.

For Michael and Lauren, this remodel was more than a transformation of space—it was a testament to trust, collaboration, and a shared vision brought to life. Their Towson cottage, once a humble fixer-upper, now stands as a forever home, tailored to their family’s needs and dreams. As they settle into their revitalized space, they are grateful they chose Parker Design Build Remodel for their journey. 

If you want to create a home addition that will allow you to enjoy your existing home in a whole new way, Parker Design Build Remodel can help!  Contact us today to get started!

Looking for ideas?  Download our Free Guide to Home Additions or our Free Guide to Renovating Older Homes to learn about how you can renovate an older home to create your dream home!