My clients are downsizing from a 3782 SF house on acreage to this 1148 SF 1978 rancher which they have kept as a rental for many years. It is a small house and a big challenge – how to fix it up so the clients can enjoy it without feeling cramped.
![](https://thehomedesignsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Walker-Existing-House.jpg)
Before my clients sold their big house we played with several design ideas but nothing clicked. Most were budget busters, complicated to construct, and required a lot of demolition. I advised them to live in the little house for a while before deciding what changes would work them and for their budget. And so they did. Here is the existing floor plan:
![](https://thehomedesignsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Presentation-Floor-Plan-As-Built.jpg)
Changes to the existing house include:
- pushing out the kitchen and entry to be flush with the living room and garage walls
- adding a covered front porch
- reconfiguring the kitchen cabinets and appliance locations
- creating a small entry foyer
- removing the existing wood stove and replacing it with a modern gas fireplace
- eliminating one of the bedrooms, which has become an office alcove, laundry center and closet
- converting one of the other bedrooms into a hobby studio with a pull-out sofa for guests
- removing the laundry appliances from the mud room, adding a second sink and dishwasher, pantry shelves and works space
- replacing the tub/shower unit in the existing bathroom into a curbless shower
The new primary bedroom wing will also have a curbless shower, along with double vanities, a private water closet, a walk-in with a linen cabinet, and an additional storage closet. The bedroom itself has a sliding glass door to a small deck. We are adding 578 SF, for a total of 1726 SF.
All the windows will be replaced. Energy efficiency measures and whether to replace the siding are still to be determined.
![](https://thehomedesignsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Presentation-Floor-Plan.jpg)
![](https://thehomedesignsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Front-View.jpg)
We are in the last round of design development and I should be starting the construction documents later this summer.