FULL HOME RENOVATION
LOCATION: MIDTOWN
APPROXIMATE RENOVATION INVESTMENT: $250,000-$500,000
The Vision
The original second-floor layout no longer suited the family, with inefficient circulation, limited storage, and bathroom access that affected privacy and everyday routines. The basement also had moisture issues, inadequate insulation and storage, cold spots, and a long passageway that limited how the space could be used.
Behind the finished spaces, the home’s original 1950s HVAC and electrical systems required significant upgrades. As demolition progressed, concealed conditions including asbestos and previously uninsulated areas were uncovered, requiring the design and construction teams to adapt while maintaining the overall vision.
Reconfiguring the second floor also required significant structural work, including new beam support to accommodate the revised layout and primary suite.
The Challenge
The original second-floor layout no longer suited the family, with inefficient circulation, limited storage, and bathroom access that did not support their daily routines. The basement presented its own challenges, including moisture issues, inadequate insulation and storage, cold spots, and a long passageway that limited how the space could be used.
Behind the finished spaces, the home’s 1950s HVAC and electrical systems also required significant attention. As demolition progressed, previously concealed conditions, including asbestos and uninsulated areas, were uncovered and required the team to adapt the plan while maintaining the overall vision.
The Approach
The renovation was approached as one connected project, with the second floor, main floor, and basement considered together rather than as separate spaces. Planning decisions were guided by the homeowners’ daily routines and the long-term needs of their growing family.
The second floor was reconfigured within the existing footprint to create a new primary suite, relocate the main bathroom, introduce a dedicated laundry room, and improve circulation, storage, and privacy. Structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, insulation, and waterproofing work were coordinated within the existing structure to support the new layout.
When concealed conditions were uncovered, the team adapted the plan and kept the homeowners informed throughout the process, allowing the project to continue without losing sight of the overall design.
The Details
The design combines warm wood cabinetry, crisp white surfaces, and contemporary finishes to create a cohesive look throughout the home.
- Continuous hardwood flooring throughout the renovated areas
- Custom millwork and built-in storage
- Warm wood cabinetry
- Discreet cat door between the primary bedroom closet and hallway
- New rear deck extending the home’s living space
- Upgraded HVAC and electrical systems
- Quartz countertops and shower curbs
- Large-format tile throughout bathrooms and backsplashes
- Added insulation and basement waterproofing
- Frameless glass shower enclosures with low-threshold access
- Integrated lighting and pot lights
- Modern hardware and contemporary fixtures
- Matching trim and casings for continuity between spaces
- Dedicated second-floor laundry room
- Children’s closets connected by a small passageway
The design balances everyday family functionality with a clean, contemporary aesthetic, while making better use of the home’s existing footprint.
The Transformation
By reworking the existing footprint rather than adding square footage, the renovation created a home that feels more spacious, cohesive, and functional.
The result is a better-connected home that gives each family member more privacy and comfort while improving the way the spaces work together. From the reconfigured second floor to the improved basement and updated systems behind the walls, the renovation was designed to support the family for years to come.
