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Hardell Addition 

A Seamless Two-Level Addition for Modern Lake Living 

Exterior of two-story home addition by Grace Alon Builders

Expanding Lake Living at Smith Mountain Lake 

When Ed and Barb Hardell reached out to us, it felt a bit like welcoming old friends back. They were repeat clients who had first come to us through a trusted referral, and they knew exactly how they wanted their lakefront home to evolve.

They loved their Smith Mountain Lake property, but they were ready for it to better reflect how they actually live: more space to gather, better lake views, and a lower level that worked just as hard as the upper one.

With family spending more time together in recent years, creating room to host, relax, and move easily between indoors and out became a top priority.

What took shape is a seamless two-level addition that feels like it has always belonged. Upstairs, a vaulted lake view room and screened porch invite slow mornings, sunset conversations, and effortless entertaining. Downstairs, a workshop, garage, and covered patio add the kind of practical functionality that makes lake living easier every single day. 

The Lake View Living Space 

This is the space that redefines the home.

Designed as a true gathering room, the upper-level lake view space captures everything the Hardells wanted more of: light, openness, and a stronger connection to the water.

Vaulted ceilings soar overhead, accented by stained beams that add warmth and architectural presence, while stained hardwood floors ground the room with subtle craftsmanship details like cast iron HVAC registers.

Expansive Andersen 400 Series windows frame the trees and lake beyond, pulling natural light deep into the interior and ensuring the view remains the focal point.

A custom-stained mantle surrounds a deluxe gas fireplace, paired with a stone hearth and a matching stone-topped cabinet that create a cohesive, grounded feel, while a transitional brick wall bridges the original home and the new addition seamlessly.

Just beyond the main room, the Screen-Eze porch and Trex Lineage deck extend the experience outdoors, with clean-lined Key-Link railing preserving unobstructed sightlines.

 

Interior of the second story of a home addition by Grace Alon Builders
Zoomed out view of the home addition showing landscaping by Grace Alon Builders

A Complete Property Transformation 

While the lake view room captures the eye, the transformation of the property itself is just as impactful.

What was once uneven woodland has been reshaped into a functional, accessible extension of the home. A newly installed gravel driveway now leads to the addition, complete with a dedicated cart path connecting the home to the dock below. Large river rock borders stabilize the uphill side of the property, adding both visual texture and practical drainage control.

Structurally, the two-level tie-in addition feels anchored and substantial. Brick columns support the expansive upper deck, while beneath it, a covered patio creates a sheltered outdoor living space on the lower level. The insulated custom garage door opens to a workshop and storage area finished with epoxy flake flooring and a Mitsubishi mini-split system.

This wasn’t simply about adding square footage. It was about reshaping how the Hardells move through and experience their entire property, from driveway to dock.

Part of the covered patio on the second story of a home addition by Grace Alon

Trex Deck & Key-Link Railing System

The expansive Trex Lineage composite deck offers low-maintenance durability ideal for lakefront conditions. A sleek vertical Key-Link railing system preserves unobstructed views while enhancing the modern farmhouse aesthetic.

Lower-level brick and concrete features on a home addition by Grace Alon Builders

Lower-Level Garage & Workshop 

The lower level includes a custom-sized insulated garage door, epoxy flake flooring, and a Mitsubishi mini-split system for year-round comfort. Designed as part of this custom garage addition, the space provides secure storage and direct golf cart access to the dock.

Detailed shot of both stories of the home addition by Grace Alon Builders

Two-Level Tie-In Addition

This two-level home addition was carefully integrated into the existing structure, maintaining architectural continuity from foundation to roofline. Cementitious board and batten siding above and brick below create a cohesive exterior that elevates curb appeal.

Second-story screen enclosed lounging area in the home addition by Grace Alon Builders

Screened-In Porch with Screen-Eze System

The Screen-Eze porch extends this lakefront home remodel into a protected outdoor living space without sacrificing views or airflow. It creates a true indoor-outdoor experience that defines lake living in Smith Mountain Lake, VA.

Added a fireplace in the home addition by Grace Alon Builders

Custom Stone Fireplace

The custom stone fireplace serves as the focal point of this Smith Mountain Lake home addition, anchored by a stain-matched mantle that brings warmth and cohesion to the vaulted living space. The fireplace blends modern farmhouse character with transitional craftsmanship details that elevate the entire room.

Details of the support columns for the home addition by Grace Alon Builders

Brick Columns & Covered Deck

Brick columns anchor the exterior of this custom home addition at Smith Mountain Lake, supporting a spacious new deck and covered porch designed for year-round outdoor living. The structural detailing adds timeless character while reinforcing the seamless integration between the existing home and the two-level addition.

Dining area in the new addition by Grace Alon Builders
View of the island and the kitchen in the addition by Grace Alon Builders
Sitting area in the addition by Grace Alon Builders
Exterior shot of the stairs to the second story on the addition by Grace Alon Builders
Exterior view of the second-story deck on the addition by Grace Alon Builders
Far shot of the home addition by Grace Alon Builders
Lake view from the home addition by Grace Alon Builders
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Where We Work

At Grace Alon Builders, we proudly serve discerning homeowners across Roanoke County, Franklin County, Bedford County, Pittsylvania County, Botetourt County, and the scenic communities around Smith Mountain Lake. Our local roots and decades of expertise allow us to deliver exceptional quality for custom homes and luxury remodels in some of Virginia’s most sought-after neighborhoods and lakefront communities. Whether you're envisioning a peaceful lakeside retreat or transforming your current home, our team brings thoughtful craftsmanship and clarity to every project.

If you don't see your community listed, please contact us; we’d love to hear about your project and may still be able to help.

Locations We Serve

  • Smith Mountain Lake
  • Moneta
  • Huddleston
  • Union Hall
  • Penhook
  • Forest
  • Lynchburg
  • Goodview
  • Hardy
  • Roanoke County
  • Franklin County
  • Bedford County
  • Pittsylvania County
  • Botetourt County
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Grace Alon Builders custom home in Roanoke Metropolitan with elevated deck and stone patio

What Our Clients Think

"Grace Alon removed our 30 yr. old open deck and replaced it with a beautiful new covered deck. The roof line on the house was extended to cover the full length of the deck, giving us much more protection from sun, rain and snow. The roof extension also keeps the concrete area below the deck dry. Andrew Lee (the general contractor) and his subcontractors did a nice job and we're completely satisfied with the results."

Bill C.

Rich wood-paneled home office interior with fireplace, remodeled by Grace Alon Builders in Roanoke Metropolitan

What Our Clients Think

"Grace Alon Builders removed an exterior wall and incorporated our screened porch into our living room. We enlarged our fireplace facade and added wood storage. It was a complete success and we are very happy with the results. They are wonderful to work with and we highly recommend them."

Denise S.

Stone-clad custom home with turret towers in Roanoke Metropolitan by Grace Alon Builders

What Our Clients Think

"Had a stone siding put up. Very pleased with the work and they did an excellent job. Will have them do my deck in the spring."

Rainie D.

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