When Matt and Rachel, a young Naperville couple with four homeschooled children, realized their home no longer fit their family’s needs, they faced a difficult choice: move and leave the neighborhood and schools they loved, or reimagine the home they were already in.
With only one full bathroom, limited bedrooms, and a hallway laundry closet upstairs, the layout simply wasn’t sustainable for a family of six. Instead of entering an expensive housing market and starting over, they chose to invest in a second-story addition that would give them the space they need while staying in the neighborhood they love.
This project included a new master suite addition, a loft built over the garage to serve as a dedicated homeschool space, and a large first-floor laundry room added to the back of the home, creating a more practical layout for everyday life.
The result is a home that feels intentional, cohesive, and built for their next chapter, without sacrificing the neighborhood they call home.
The custom vanity cabinetry was manufactured by Bertch Bath in a Graphite Satin finish with a full overlay design. The deep gray tone adds contrast against the lighter flooring and walls while maintaining a modern, timeless feel.
The homeowners supplied the hardware, allowing for a personalized touch that complements the polished chrome fixtures throughout the space. Topping the vanity is HanStone Quartz in Specchio White, delivering durability with a clean, sophisticated look.
A polished chrome faucet was selected for its timeless appeal and clean finish. The homeowners also supplied the vanity mirrors and hardware, adding personal touches that make the space completely tailored to them.
The new master bathroom pairs classical elegance with clean, modern detailing. A freestanding soaking tub anchors the space, positioned to take advantage of natural light and create a true retreat within the home.
The walk-in shower is finished in 12×24 Breccia White matte tile, set with Warm Grey grout for subtle depth and warmth. A centered 12×28 recessed niche lined with Bliss Midnight linear tile introduces contrast while providing functional storage.
Underfoot, coordinating 2×2 Breccia White tile enhances slip resistance and maintains a cohesive design. A ⅜-inch frameless glass enclosure keeps the space feeling open and airy, while polished chrome Devonshire fixtures add a refined finishing touch.
The result is a bright, thoughtfully detailed bathroom ready for a warm soak at the end of the day or a refreshing start to the morning.
The bathroom flooring features 12×24 Breccia White porcelain tile, set with Warm Grey grout and installed parallel to the doorway. This layout creates a clean visual transition as you enter the room, enhancing flow and subtly elongating the rectangular space.
The larger-format tile minimizes grout lines, maintaining an open, seamless feel throughout the bathroom while adding quiet depth inspired by natural onyx.
A Kohler Highline standard white toilet was selected and positioned within its own designated area for added privacy and function. Homeowner-selected wall accessories complete the space, adding personal detail to an already cohesive design.
One of the most impactful upgrades in this project was relocating the laundry from a cramped upstairs hallway closet to a newly built laundry room at the rear of the home, just behind the garage. For a family of six, this wasn’t just a convenience. It was a major daily-life upgrade.
The new space features built-in cabinetry, open shelving for easy organization, and a durable countertop with an integrated utility sink for added functionality. By moving the laundry downstairs, valuable square footage was freed up upstairs, allowing for a more spacious and thoughtfully designed master bedroom retreat.
What was once a tight, high-traffic closet is now a bright, organized workspace that better supports the rhythm of a growing family.
As part of the second-story addition, the home’s exterior was fully refreshed to ensure long-term performance and cohesive design. All existing siding was replaced, improving both insulation and durability while giving the home a clean, updated appearance.
The roof was completely redone using high-quality Colonial Slate shingles, selected for their classic look, strong weather resistance, and longevity. With a new second story in place, this upgrade was essential to protecting the expanded structure.
To improve comfort and efficiency throughout the larger, multi-level home, a separate HVAC system was installed. This allows for better temperature control across zones, enhancing daily comfort while helping manage long-term energy use.
Together, these exterior and mechanical upgrades ensure the home performs as beautifully as it looks.
For Matt and Rachel, expanding their Naperville home was about creating a space that supports their family’s daily life, growth, and future. With a new master suite, dedicated homeschool loft, improved bathroom functionality, and a thoughtfully designed laundry space, their home now works as hard as they do.
Projects like this are increasingly common throughout Chicagoland. Families love their neighborhoods, schools, and communities but their homes need to evolve as life changes. A well-planned second-story addition can provide the space you need without the cost and disruption of moving.
If you’re outgrowing your home but not your neighborhood, we’d love to talk. Reach out to J&J Construction to start a conversation about how your home can grow with you.