The Phoenix Addition

Rising from the Ashes

After a chimney fire destroyed the roof and upper levels of this Asheville family’s home, Scroggs Construction repaired the fire damage and expanded the structure with a full third-story addition, adding much-needed square footage while preserving the home’s original character. In 2025, the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains honored the project with a WNC STARS Award for Best Addition.

Rebuilding Smarter with a Third-Story Vision

Before the fire, the homeowners had explored the idea of adding a basement to accommodate their growing family. After careful evaluation, Scroggs Construction determined that option wasn’t feasible and recommended building up instead. When it came time to rebuild after the fire, that vision became reality. The 824-square-foot third-story addition provided the extra space the family needed, complete with a new bedroom, bathroom, office, and bonus room designed for everyday living. “For a family who loved their neighborhood, moving wasn’t an option,” says Jack Sorrentino, Scroggs’ VP of Sales & Marketing. “They wanted their children to grow up surrounded by the familiar streets and close-knit community they cherished.”

Achieving a Seamless Transformation

Creating harmony between the new third story and the home’s existing structure required careful sequencing of work. We began by repairing the fire-damaged lower levels, ensuring that the foundation and framing were sound before building upward. One of the greatest challenges was establishing access to the third floor without disrupting the layout below. The solution came through thoughtful design: We reconfigured a bedroom closet to accommodate a new stairwell, then built a replacement closet beneath the stairs. This subtle reimagining preserved the home’s flow while creating a natural connection between all three levels.

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