When Lynne and her husband Steve first moved into their Arlington home seven years ago, they knew it had potential — and they knew exactly who they wanted to work with. Over the years, they’ve partnered with Scott and the Custom Contracting team on other projects, each one bringing them a step closer to their dream home.
The latest — and largest — transformation is a 380-square-foot addition that includes a new kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, and a welcoming front porch entry. The result is a home that feels entirely new while remaining true to its original character.
A Relationship Built on Collaboration
“This project has been years in the making,” Lynne shares. “We’ve been talking to Scott the whole time. He’s been so good with us — helping us think through everything from wild ideas to what would really work.”
That long-standing relationship meant the Custom team knew exactly how the family lived and what they needed most from their expanded space. When it was finally time to move forward, the process felt natural and collaborative from the start.
A Bright, Functional Kitchen at the Heart of the Home
The addition’s main feature is a beautiful new kitchen — open, efficient, and designed to reflect how Lynne’s family cooks and gathers. Working closely with designer Jane Scammon, the homeowners refined every inch of the layout.
“Jane was awesome,” Lynne says. “She took the time to understand how we actually use the space. Every choice she helped us make feels intentional and works perfectly for us.”
Everyday Convenience with a New Mudroom and Front Porch
The addition also includes a new mudroom just off the front entry, creating a dedicated drop zone for coats, shoes, and bags — a small change that makes a big difference in daily life. The new front porch gives the home a welcoming look from the street while providing a practical new entry point that connects beautifully to the expanded interior.
A Relaxing and Refined Primary Bathroom
Along with the kitchen and mudroom, the project included a new primary bathroom designed for comfort, function, and style. Large-format tile in shades of blue, gray, and white creates a soothing, spa-like atmosphere, while a barn door–style sliding glass shower door adds a touch of modern sophistication and saves space.
A quartz countertop in Adagio Gold tops the blue-grey Bertch cabinets brings warmth and subtle luxury, perfectly complementing the room’s cool tones and sleek fixtures. The result is a bright, contemporary space that feels calm, cohesive, and timeless — a private retreat that completes the home’s transformation.
Lynne added that “Dave Surrette, the lead carpenter on our project, was amazing with his attention to detail. He really worked with us on every decision and made sure we approved every step of the way. He made us think of things we may have missed otherwise and we truly loved working with him.”
Overcoming Challenges with Confidence
Like any major project, this one came with a few surprises. When the town discovered that the original home had been built on fill, construction was briefly delayed for soil testing and structural review.
“Craig and Scott worked with the town, structural engineers, and soil engineers — they handled it all so we didn’t have to,” Lynne recalls. “We were so thankful to be working with Custom. They took care of everything.”
A Seamless Process and Stunning Result
With Production Manager Craig Leilasus and Lead Carpenter Dave coordinating every step, the build went smoothly once underway. The family temporarily moved out during construction, and when they returned, the transformation took their breath away.
“I can’t say enough good things about Custom,” Lynne says. “We love the space. As soon as you walk in, it feels like a totally different home — in the best way. It’s more spacious, functional, and welcoming than we ever imagined.”
A Home — and Relationship — Built to Last
For Scott and the Custom Contracting team, this project represents what their design-build approach is all about: long-term relationships, thoughtful planning, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
From a small bathroom update to a 380-square-foot addition, Lynne and Steve’s home tells the story of collaboration, trust, and transformation — one project at a time.
See all the PROJECT photos.