Creating Space for Family Memories: The Dekan Addition Project

Project Overview

Client: Petra and Family

Project Type: Family Room Addition & Home Integration

Location: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Timeline: 5 months (January 2023 inquiry - September 2024 completion)

Project Lead: Mallory (Design) & Breanna (Project Management)

The Heart of the Project

When Petra reached out to BAB Design Build in January 2023, she had a vision that went far beyond square footage. With 12-13 grandchildren who gather frequently for baking, meals, and precious family time, she needed more than just additional space – she needed a place where memories could flourish.

The Challenge: Create a large, open gathering space that would accommodate big family celebrations while seamlessly integrating with their existing Oconomowoc home.

What Made This Special: This wasn't just about construction; it was about understanding that some of life's most important moments happen around the kitchen table and in spaces where families can truly be together.

Understanding the Vision

During our initial consultations, it became clear that Petra's husband wanted the space, but it was Petra's passion to bring this family gathering place to life that would drive the project. Our design team listened carefully to how the family actually used their home:

• Large family gatherings with over a dozen grandchildren

• Baking sessions that needed room to spread out and work together

• Meal times that required substantial table space for everyone

• Daily life that needed the addition to feel like a natural part of the home

Our Approach: Design a spacious addition that would become the heart of family life while ensuring every detail integrated seamlessly with the existing home's character.

Design Solutions for Family Living

Open Concept Family Space:

• Large, unobstructed gathering area perfect for family activities

• Strategic engineering to eliminate centrally located support posts

• Maximized floor space for tables, seating, and family activities

• Natural flow between new addition and existing home

Seamless Integration:

• Complete flooring replacement throughout to create visual continuity

• Elevated front entrance for improved aesthetics and function

• Custom trim and molding work to match existing architectural elements

• Cohesive design that makes the addition feel original to the home

Premium Features:

• Pella windows and patio doors for abundant natural light

• High-quality materials chosen for durability and family use

• Thoughtful layout that accommodates both intimate and large gatherings

• Professional finishes that elevate the entire home's aesthetic

Engineering Excellence

The Foundation Challenge: Early in the project, our team discovered that the existing fieldstone foundation wasn't adequate to support the new addition. Rather than compromise the design or safety, we:

• Engineered a comprehensive solution with additional masonry support

• Carefully blended new foundation work with existing conditions

• Maintained structural integrity while preserving the home's character

• Kept the project on track despite the unexpected complexity

Smart Structural Design:

• Eliminated central support posts through careful engineering

• Created the open, flowing space the family needed

• Ensured long-term structural stability

• Balanced architectural beauty with practical function

The Construction Journey

Phase 1: Planning & Permits (Months 1-2) Detailed engineering drawings, permit coordination, and material selection to ensure the addition would exceed expectations.

Phase 2: Foundation & Structure (Months 2-3) Addressing the fieldstone foundation challenges and creating the structural framework for the new space.

Phase 3: Integration & Finishes (Months 3-4) Installing flooring throughout, custom trim work, Pella windows and doors, and all finishing details.

Phase 4: Final Details (Month 5) Completing the elevated entrance, final inspections, and project walkthrough.

The Results

The completed addition has transformed how Petra's family experiences their home. The large, open space now easily accommodates their frequent family gatherings, providing room for everyone to bake, eat, and create memories together.

Key Achievements:

• Spacious family gathering area that comfortably fits 12+ grandchildren

• Seamless integration that makes the addition feel original to the home

• Structural innovation that eliminated obstructive support posts

• Premium materials including Pella windows and doors for lasting beauty

• Cohesive flooring and trim throughout the entire main level

Client Satisfaction

From the post-project survey:

Overall Satisfaction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Satisfied

Quality of Work: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Communication: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Professionalism: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Problem Resolution: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes - Issues addressed promptly

Likelihood to Recommend: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Likely

"Very easy to contact and response was within hours. It was really nice."

"I was really pleased throughout the entire project."

What Made This Project Special

Family-Centered Design: Every decision was made with the understanding that this space would host countless family memories. From the open layout to the durable finishes, everything was chosen to support family life.

Problem-Solving Excellence: When we discovered the foundation challenges, our team didn't just fix the problem – we engineered a solution that actually improved the original design.

Attention to Integration: The addition doesn't look like an addition. Through careful attention to flooring, trim, and architectural details, it feels like an original part of the home.

Local Expertise: Understanding Oconomowoc homes and local building conditions allowed us to anticipate and address challenges before they became problems.

Client Partnership: Petra's vision combined with our expertise created something truly special – a space that will serve her family for generations.

The BAB Design Build Difference

This project showcases several key advantages of working with BAB Design Build:

• Engineering Expertise: Solving complex structural challenges while maintaining design integrity

• Seamless Integration: Making additions feel like original architecture

• Family-Focused Design: Understanding how families actually live and creating spaces that work

• Problem-Solving Approach: Turning challenges into opportunities for better outcomes

• Quality Materials: Partnering with trusted brands like Pella for lasting value

• Employee Ownership: Personal investment in every project's success

Creating Spaces That Matter

The Dekan addition represents more than just additional square footage – it's a space where a family of 12+ grandchildren can gather, bake together, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, our team understood that we weren't just building an addition; we were creating the backdrop for countless family celebrations, holiday gatherings, and everyday moments that make a house a home.

The Result: A beautifully integrated family space that serves its purpose perfectly – bringing people together.

Ready to Create Your Family's Gathering Space?

Whether you're looking to accommodate a growing family, create space for entertaining, or simply want to transform how you experience your home, BAB Design Build is here to help bring your vision to life.