When we first stepped into this Massapequa home, the breezeway/3-season room felt more like an afterthought than a usable space. The walls were unfinished and uninsulated, the “windows” were little more than removable plexiglass sheets, and a worn carpet tried to hide a cracked, sloping concrete slab.
Our client’s vision, however, was clear: they wanted this underused room to become a cozy retreat—perfect for curling up with a book, enjoying afternoon snacks with the family, or hosting friends on game night.
That’s where we came in. We stripped everything back to the bones and began transforming this space into something warm, inviting, and built to last.
This project was especially rewarding because nearly every detail was custom-built to match our client’s vision. We started by reframing the front and back walls to fit brand-new Andersen windows, ensuring the room would be bright, efficient, and well-insulated.
While the design evolved along the way, one priority never changed: creating a custom bench in the rear corner. To make that happen, we relocated the back door—opening up valuable space beneath the window and improving the overall flow of the room.
From there, the transformation really took shape. We extended new walls off the exterior of both the house and garage, finishing them exactly to the client’s preferences. To prepare the foundation, we poured self-leveler over the cracked concrete slab, creating a smooth, solid base for everything that followed.
And that’s when the fun part began—watching this once-forgotten breezeway turn into a one-of-a-kind gathering space you’ll see in the next stage.
Once the self-leveling concrete had cured (we actually built another client’s custom bench while we waited), it was time to bring the room to life with a rich, wood-grain tile floor. A few tiles gave us trouble, but we took the extra time to reset them so the finished floor would be perfectly flat and seamless.
Before constructing the bench, we installed custom pine window casings, carefully crafted and later stained to highlight the natural grain. We even extended the window sill so it would flow right over the future bench, tying the entire design together.
The centerpiece of the space—the custom bench—was then built from durable MDF, complete with hidden storage beneath the seats.
And at this stage, you could finally start to see the vision taking shape—a once-unused room transforming into a warm, functional space with details that made it truly unique.
To wrap up the interior construction, we added beadboard wainscoting around the front corner before moving into the finishing details. The beadboard was originally stained, but as is often the case with plywood, the results didn’t quite meet expectations. Instead, we painted it to match the custom bench—a decision that instantly unified the space.
The stained pine windows and casings provided a warm contrast, becoming the perfect natural accent against the painted finishes. To top it off, the homeowner added a custom bench cushion, introducing a touch of southwestern style and making the nook feel instantly inviting.
On the exterior, we chose cedar shingles for the front—a timeless look that complements the home’s character. While the rest of the siding will eventually be replaced, this detail ensures the breezeway already feels like a finished, welcoming part of the home.
From start to finish, this project was all about taking an underutilized breezeway and turning it into a space the family can enjoy every day—whether it’s curling up with a book, sharing snacks, or gathering with friends for game night.
TLDR:
Before & After Summary
Before:
Covered breezeway/3-season room with unfinished walls and no insulation
Removable plexiglass sheets instead of real windows
Cracked, sloping slab hidden under carpet
Space felt cold, temporary, and unusable year-round
Our Fix:
Reframed walls to fit Andersen windows and added insulation
Moved the back door to allow for a custom corner bench
Installed self-leveling concrete over cracked slab
Laid durable wood-grain tile flooring
Added custom pine window casings and extended sill over the bench
Built a storage bench with MDF and stained finish
Installed beadboard wainscoting, painted to match bench
Finished with cedar shingles on the exterior for charm and durability
After:
A bright, comfortable 4-season space perfect for reading, snacks, or game nights
Custom storage and seating that maximizes functionality
Durable finishes designed to last and easy to maintain
A once-forgotten breezeway transformed into a warm and welcoming gathering spot
Cost:
This project had a ton of custom work that a typical room remodel doesn’t. Adding and subtracting these tasks obviously can affect the final price.
- All new windows and doors
- Custom stained window casings
- Custom built-in bench
- Beadboard wainscotting
- Cedar shake shingles
- Tile flooring
FAQ's
1. What’s the difference between a 3-season and a 4-season room?
A 3-season room is designed for spring, summer, and fall use—it usually isn’t fully insulated and may lack proper heating and cooling. A 4-season room, on the other hand, is fully insulated, uses energy-efficient windows, and ties into your HVAC system (or has its own unit), so you can comfortably enjoy it year-round.
2. How long does a 4-season room remodel typically take?
Every project is unique, but most remodels take 3–8 weeks from demolition to finishing touches, depending on the size of the space, level of customization, and whether structural changes are needed.
3. Do I need permits for a 4-season room remodel?
In most towns, yes. Since a 4-season room involves insulation, framing, windows, and sometimes HVAC or electrical work, permits ensure everything meets code. We handle the permitting process so you don’t have to worry about it.
4. What materials are best for a 4-season room?
We typically use energy-efficient windows (like Andersen or Pella), durable flooring that can handle temperature changes (such as tile or engineered wood), and insulated framing materials. The goal is to balance comfort, aesthetics, and durability.
5. How much does it cost to remodel a 4-season room?
Costs can vary widely based on size, materials, and customization. On average, you can expect a remodel to start around $25,000–$50,000, with highly customized projects exceeding that. We provide a detailed estimate upfront so you know exactly what to expect.