All I Want for Christmas is… a Room Addition?

I’m a lousy gift giver.  In fact, my gifting faux pas have long been a recurring theme in family folklore.  For Christmas one year I gave my daughters a jewelry making craft set but neglected to include the stuff you need to actually make the jewelry.  Another year I gave everyone flashlights.  Miniature flashlights in fact.  I proudly wrapped and placed them under the tree.  Needless to say the family was underwhelmed. (I’ve since been educated on the difference between an under the tree gift and a stocking stuffer. Who knew?)  I’ve come to realize (and accept) that good gift giving takes a special talent and while I might not have it, my wife most definitely does.  These days—much to the family’s relief—she takes care of everyone else and I’ve only to think about what to give her.

Recently she announced that for Christmas this year she’d like a room addition.  “Really?” I said.  “Isn’t there something else I can give you?  A necklace?  A spa certificate?  An iPad?”  “Nope” she said.  “More space in this house would be the perfect gift.”  I guess I should have seen this coming.  Often she’ll lament that we can no longer accommodate our growing family.  Or she’ll casually (but intentionally) comment that wouldn’t it be nice to have her morning coffee in a ‘cozy’ sun room.

Over the years a family’s needs will change.  I’m constantly meeting with clients who’ve realized that space which once worked well no longer fits their lifestyle.  Rather than pack up and move, they’re wondering if they could build out over the garage to give their teenagers a place to gather.  Others are thinking about adding a first floor guest suite for an aging parent.  My wife wants to expand our living space to welcome our children and grandchildren for lazy Saturday afternoons and Sunday family dinners.  Look around your home and think about your family.  Is the space working for you?  Will it still be functional in 5 years?  10?  Share your thoughts with a builder and get some fresh ideas.  JF Builders has done many room additions, both large and small, for families who still love their neighborhood but have fallen out of love with their home.

Clearly my wife has been thinking about this.  And I admit she’s pretty clever.  She knows what I’m good at and while it’s not necessarily gift selection, she knows I can do a renovation very well.  So maybe this room addition at home isn’t such a bad gift idea after all!  Phew…that’s done!  Christmas gift for the wife—check!  Should I look ahead to her birthday?  Nah….I’ll wait for her help with that one, too!