These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house. All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items. Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry. - The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends. The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop. The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout. - Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry. The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window. A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway. With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

This traditional Cape Cod was ready for a refresh including the updating of an old, poorly constructed addition. Without adding any square footage to the house or expanding its footprint, we created much more usable space including an expanded primary suite, updated dining room, new powder room, an open entryway and porch that will serve this retired couple well for years to come.

Five Star Contractors, Inc., Malvern, Pennsylvania, 2021 Regional CotY Award Winner Residential Exterior Over $200,000

mid-century design with organic feel for the lake and surrounding mountains

A home in need of a full exterior remodel! All of the windows were replaced with Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows. The siding was replaced. Installation of aluminum soffit & facia, new gutters, and new gutter topper. Installation of new ProVia front entry door and storm door.

Came to this property in dire need of attention and care. We embarked on a comprehensive whole-house remodel, reimagining the layout to include three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, each with spacious walk-in closets. The heart of the home, our new kitchen, boasts ample pantry storage and a delightful coffee bar, while a built-in desk enhances the dining room. We oversaw licensed upgrades to plumbing, electrical, and introduced an efficient ductless mini-split HVAC system. Beyond the interior, we refreshed the exterior with new trim and a fresh coat of paint. Modern LED recessed lighting and beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, paired with elegant bathroom tiles, completed this transformative journey. We also dedicated our craftsmanship to refurbishing and restoring the original staircase railings, bringing them back to life and preserving the home's timeless character.

A new bladed front fence sits behind the original low-lying brick-piered front wall along the sidewalk. The new fence is coloured black to be more recessive and to disappear once plant growth between the old & new fences become more established. Photo by Dave Kulesza.

Post exterior painting, this 2-story traditional now enjoys a handsome portico featuring a arched ceiling that mimics the curve of the front doors. Two columns support either side. Portico trim echoes some of the copper metal roof . This project really is a stunner!