New Home Construction Surge: Couple Expands Family and Space

UPDATE: A couple in Hillsdale, New York, is making headlines as they expand their home and family simultaneously. Dimitri Brand and Nelly Mecklenburg have just completed an ambitious construction project, adding a significant 850-square-foot extension to their home as they prepare for the arrival of their first child.

The couple, who have moved frequently between cities like New Haven, Connecticut, and Cambridge, England, embarked on this journey to create a permanent residence. They purchased a 10-acre lot for $32,000 in 2019 and began building a home designed for adaptability and growth.

In Spring 2021, they constructed a compact living space of 450 square feet above a 475-square-foot walkout basement that serves as Brand’s office. They utilized local materials, including oak flooring sourced from trees cut on their property, to keep costs low. Overall, they have managed to keep their total construction expenses around $325,000 thanks to DIY efforts and help from friends.

As they settled into their newly built home, the couple initially agreed to pause construction for a year. However, after learning of Mecklenburg’s pregnancy in Spring 2023, they felt the need to expand again. The new addition will provide not only more space for their growing family but also a full-size kitchen, significantly enhancing their daily life.

“Before, it was really a kitchenette, with very little counter space,” Brand noted. The couple now spends much of their time together in the newly expanded kitchen, which has become the family’s heart.

The addition, while currently being utilized for only 200 square feet, is designed to accommodate future needs as their family grows. They plan to leave the rest of the space unfinished for now, allowing for gradual development as necessary.

“This house has the capacity to be there for the different phases of our lives,” Brand stated, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in their design.

With their unique approach to construction and a focus on collaboration with friends, Brand and Mecklenburg exemplify the modern home-building trend that prioritizes sustainability and adaptability. As their story unfolds, many are eager to see how their home will evolve alongside their family.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as the couple continues to balance their construction ambitions with the joys and challenges of parenthood.