Westwood homeowners Michael Petta and Cheryl Bornstein hosted an open house at their home on October 27th last week, to showcase their new home addition that Blue Hills Regional Construction Program students built as part of a project during the 2022-23 school year.
Mr. Petta and Ms. Bornstein embarked on their addition with a goal of maximizing space for their six children, who are nearly all young adults, and to accommodate their years ahead as seniors. They contracted with Blue Hills Regional Technical School to construct the addition after hearing about a similar project in their neighborhood around 20 years ago.
The process included submitting home addition plans to the school's superintendent and vocational director, and gaining the School Committee's approval.
Blue Hills Construction Program junior and seniors began work on the Petta/Bornstein home in September 2022, after breaking ground in August that year. Under the supervision of instructors David Blakeley and Ron Eby, the students completed the framing of the 1,800 square foot addition and a 700 square foot covered porch.
The addition's design features harmonize with the craftsman-style home. It has low-pitched roofs, extended eaves, covered porches, and heavy tapered columns. Along with framing the floor, walls, and roof, the students worked on trim, siding, installing doors and windows, and roofing. They built a half-bathroom, bedrooms, and living spaces.
"This project had many intricacies due to the addition being on a craftsman-style home; however, our students did not waiver in their efforts and worked diligently to meet Michael and Cheryl's requests," said Vocational Director Michelle Sylvia.
While homeowners Michael Petta and Cheryl Bornstein gained enhanced space and functionality in their home, Superintendent-Director Jill Rosetti noted that the project also provided students with valuable hands-on experience that relates to their future careers.
Thanks to Blue Hills Regional Technical School for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.