1860 FARMHOUSE RESTORATION

Combining modern living with period design, our restoration of this circa 1860 brick farmhouse incorporates a new historically compatible addition four times the size of the original structure to fit today's lifestyle.

An enclosed "connector" unites both buildings, and windows and exterior columns are matched to achieve proportionality. Doors, windows, and hardware have been faithfully restored, and while state-of-the-art construction was used throughout, brick, planking, and other materials from the old house were readapted where possible as additional unifying elements.

1900's RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION

This residential job consisted of updating an early 1900's home with a new two-car garage, converting the existing garage into the kitchen, adding a rear stoop with roof covering, replacing existing windows with Anderson 400 series Woodright windows, replacing entry doors with Therma Tru and Anderson doors, wrapping the entire exterior envelope with manufactured stone, Hardi siding, PVC trim, fiberglass shingles and standing seam roof, and installing a cupola.

EARLY 1900's VICTORIAN RENOVATION

This early 1900's Victorian was built by John's grandfather. A gorgeous property in and of itself, but one that needed updating in many areas to compete with today's lifestyle.

The inside of the structure was totally gutted down to the framing shell. The framing shell was repaired and reinforced in several areas, especially the joist system and some new walls were built to support the new floor plan. All mechanicals were replaced including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. New vinyl replacement windows were installed. The exterior shell was insulated and Cal Core skim coat plaster board was applied and finished. The interior was painted and the woodwork was refinished. The original interior doors, base molding, and casing were dipped, refinished, and installed to keep the authentic architectural character intact. The hardwood floors were also refinished and new kitchen and bath cabinetry were installed. The attic stairs were custom built to match the stairway on the first floor.

MID 20th CENTURY COLONIAL HOUSE

The home-owner grew up in this mid 20th century Colonial house. A two bedroom addition over the garage and rear family room was added in the 70s. The desire of the home owner was to enlarge the kitchen and update the rest of the house.

The house was gutted to expose the exterior framing shell. A considerable amount of termite damage was discovered and had to be addressed. An addition extended the kitchen for additional space. The master bedroom ceiling was raised to produce a vaulted ceiling. Most of the mechanicals were replaced. The HVAC system for the main house was reused. A new system was added for the east wing of the garage. Most of the plumbing and all of the wiring was replaced and brought up to code. The exterior envelope was insulated and drywall was applied and finished. Most of the doors and interior trim were reused and the hardwood floors were refinished. New kitchen and bath cabinetry were installed and the interior and exterior of the house was painted.

MOLD REMEDIATION

The home owners had this magnificent home built but problems with moisture between the stucco and framing began to be apparent just ten years after the home had been completed. Most of the problems originated from the original windows. Our firm removed all the stucco, rotten OSB sheeting, rotten framing, and moldy insulation. The insulation, framing, and OSB sheeting was replaced. The second floor rear porch was enclosed for additional room in the library. The exterior stucco was replaced with a Flex Lite product. Porch ceilings, exterior mill-work, soffit, and fascia were replaced with PVC trim boards.

RETURN CUSTOMERS

Our firm began a relationship with these home-owners about 25 years ago. We have done many projects for them over the years and have enjoyed working with them. Projects include adding an IPE deck with whirlpool tub and lights in the stairs, replacing windows with Anderson Tilt Wash and Anderson 200 series casement, replacing a front entry door, interior mill-work on both sides of the fireplace, kitchen replacement with solid surface countertops, combining two bedrooms and a bathroom into a master suite, replacing the roof, and installing a cupola.

FIRE, DAMAGE, MOISTURE, &
MOLD REMEDIATION

We had the opportunity to work with this home-owners in 2003. We added a second floor and rear addition to their home. Unfortunately, in the fall of 2008 there was a substantial fire that destroyed most of the structure. As a result, water damage and mold problems occurred.

Our firm totally gutted the house to expose the framed shell. A large portion of the south west corner of the house and the entire master bedroom suite had to be rebuilt. New vinyl construction windows were installed and the exterior vinyl siding was replaced except on the north side. New doors were replaced (except the north east service foyer door). A deck, retaining wall, and drainage system were installed on the rear of the house.

Because of the water damage caused by extinguishing the fire and the house being exposed over the winter months, the foundation system was saturated with moisture. Radon fans were installed in the crawl spaces to help eliminate this problem. A dehumidifier was installed in the main basement as well. All the mechanicals were replaced (HVAC, Plumbing, & wiring). The stone work for the gas stove was able to be cleaned and reused. The exterior envelope was insulated. The drywall was hung and finished. New hardwood floors were installed and finished on site. A new kitchen and bathroom cabinetry was installed. The interior of the house was painted. And new carpet and tile were also installed.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

In 2003, my brother and his wife purchased our grandparents' farmhouse located near Winterstown, PA. The structure dates back to the mid-1800s. This large scale restoration started by completely gutting the interior -- down to the wide-hewn timbers and exterior brick walls. When the interior demo was complete, the only item remaining not original to the structure was a large brick and stone fireplace installed in 1976 by my dad, Gary.

The floor plan was totally reworked in most areas to accommodate two full size bathrooms. The walkout basement is a self-contained in-law suite complete with full kitchen, bath and bedroom. Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical infrastructure were installed. Radiant heating in the floor provides unbelievable comfort in the winter. The exterior mill-work required composite trim, mahogany porch deck, & vinyl rail.

Interior mill-work included restoring the original trim where possible, installing custom oak stairs and custom mill-work to replicate the original base molding. The interior doors were reused. Floor covering included natural hardwood & tile and, on the second floor, the original wide-yellow pine planking was refinished. Sunrise replacement windows to mirror the original design were installed. Fortunately, the exterior doors were in such great condition we were able to re-use them. We're not exactly sure why there are three entry doors on the front of the house but suspect multiple families may have lived here originally, each with their own private entry and living quarters.