DEAR HOMEWORK,
We need to rebuild our rotting and unstable deck very soon. We would like to incorporate a veranda over part of it and expand the lower patio underneath it. We also would like to save the trees near the deck. Our ultimate goal is to make the area more of an outdoor living space.
Sincerely,
ALL DECKED OUT
DEAR ALL DECKED OUT,
You could use the desire for needed changes to dramatically improve the appearance of the rear façade of your home. As with many recently built homes, your existing 
rear elevation is an undetailed afterthought. Removing the decayed wood deck will allow you to replace it with a new, architecturally more prominent covered porch, which would give the home the major focus it currently lacks. A new brick chimney for the outdoor fireplace reinforces attention to this part of the composition.
To connect these additions to the lower level, an elegant double staircase is used. A new, curved-brick retaining wall allows for an enlarged lower terrace and further reinforces the architecture. The remaining part of the façade gets dark wood accents to break up the overall ‘beigeness’; flower boxes and a new roof overhang add detail and shadows. The back of your house now has a custom feel as well as enhanced utility. The existing trees frame it perfectly and it all feels like it has always been there.
HOMEWORK IS PENNED BY PAUL DOERNER, PRESIDENT, THE LAWRENCE GROUP.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR HOME CRITIQUED, CONTACT US AT HOMEWORK@TOWNANDSTYLE.COM
