Last week I stopped by the house that was recently built at 63rd and Oak, across from the 7-11.  Many area residents have watched this corner over the past several months, wondering what the house would look like when finished.  Fortunately the owners, Stephanie and Bill Kalaherka, designed the outside features to blend in as much as possible with the neighborhood. The family moved in last fall, about four months later than planned (as is typical for a new build job, rarely are they finished on time).

Stephanie and Bill chose to buy this lot to build their ‘forever’ home.  They have family in the area and love Brookside.  Although they looked at a few resale homes, ultimately they decided they could get exactly what they wanted by starting from scratch.  Plus, Bill knew he could install energy-saving features in the new home.  Taking advantage of federal and local tax credits, this home has solar panels on the south facing roof, a geo-thermal heating system and thick insulation on the exterior walls in the basement.  Although they haven’t lived in the house an entire year to examine the overall cost-effectiveness, Stephanie says it cost about as much to heat this house (3700 SF) during the coldest weeks of winter as it did to heat their old rental home that was much smaller. Inside, the two story house features four bedrooms and three full baths (one bedroom and full bath on the first floor for guests), an office, finished basement with storage area and the popular open floor plan on the first floor.  Each of the children’s rooms has a loft above the bedroom and yes, there is a two story stainless steel play slide.  There isn’t much of a backyard area, but the owners plan to install a small patio behind the garage.  Stephanie is looking forward to spending time on the front porch when the warm weather arrives.

Many shopkeepers from across the street have stopped by to welcome the family to the area. They want to meet as many local residents as they can…so stop by and say hello!   The Kalaherkas are settling in and look forward  raising their kids…and growing old…inside their brand new Brookside house!