Before & After

Discover the Potential Within Existing Spaces

The Phases of Home Renovation and Construction

You are about to take on an extensive home renovation or addition. The excitement has been building for months, maybe years, and now construction is just around the corner. Moving walls, removing chimneys, eliminating staircases…how does any of this actually happen? Let the logic ease your mind.

  • Interior view of the demolition phase in a historic home, showing exposed wall studs and the diagnostic screening of existing structural elements.

    Demolition

    Demolition of homes from the 1800s and early 1900s often reveals conditions that were not visible during the design phase. Hidden structural elements, outdated systems, and unexpected materials beneath walls and floors are common in homes of this era.

    Contingency planning during the design phase helps account for conditions that only become visible once walls and floors are opened. Site visits during demolition are an opportunity for the project team to assess findings and respond accordingly.

  • View of sistering existing floor joists to level out historic home's framing

    Foundation & Framing

    In some renovations, new footings or foundation work are required to support a reconfigured space. Existing conditions in older homes often require corrective work including furring out walls to accommodate new systems and sistering joists where settling has occurred over time.

    Interior partitions, windows, and door openings are framed as this work progresses. This is often the first moment a homeowner can begin to see the proportions and scale of their new space taking shape.

  • The rough-in phase of construction, showing the coordination of electrical and plumbing systems within the new architectural layout.

    Systems Rough-In

    During the systems rough-in phase, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors install the infrastructure that will live behind the walls and ceilings. Wiring, pipes, and ductwork are run to their designated locations before the walls are closed.

    Fixture and finish selections made during the design phase directly inform where these systems are roughed in. Changes after rough-in has begun can be costly and time consuming.

  • New interior walls following board and plaster installation, defining the reimagined spatial volume of the home.

    Board & Plaster

    Board and plaster marks a significant milestone in the renovation process. Once walls and ceilings are insulated, boarded, and plastered, the space begins to feel like a room again.

    Plaster requires a curing period before paint can be applied. The moisture released into the space during this time means hardwood flooring is typically not introduced until curing is complete either. While you wait, you might see tile substrate and waterproofing being prepped in bathrooms and showers.

  • Precision installation of custom sage green cabinetry using laser alignment, highlighting the attention to detail in the final finish phase.

    Finishes

    The finish phase is where the design comes to life. Cabinetry is installed, stone is templated on site and fabricated off site before returning for installation, and plumbing and electrical fixtures are set in place.

    The details matter in this phase. Conversations about alignments, terminations, and spacing between materials are common as each element is considered in relation to the ones around it. This attention to detail is what elevates the final product.

  • The completed open-concept kitchen featuring custom green cabinetry, marble surfaces, and a seamless transition to the living area.

    Final Product

    You watched your home get taken apart and put back together again. What you see now is the result of months of planning, coordination, and an unwavering attention to detail.

    Efficiency and organization throughout the construction process play a significant role in arriving here with the vision intact. The home you imagined on paper is now the home you live in. This is where the drawing comes to life.

Second Story Addition

Project Scope: 500sf+ second story addition for relocated primary suite and laundry. Reconstruction of main level for new music room, lounge, mudroom, powder room and side entry. Full exterior facelift with all new windows, doors and Hardie plank siding.

Front exterior of an existing colonial-style home in Greater Boston, prior to a comprehensive architectural renovation and two-story addition.
Construction view showing the portion of the Dutch colonial home that was demolished adjacent to the portion of the home that is being preserved.
Completed architectural renovation and addition in Greater Boston, featuring a seamless integration of new space with the original building.

Kitchen Addition & Ground Level Suite

Project Scope: Ground level and basement renovation including a new kitchen addition featuring vaulted ceilings, custom cabinetry and expansive natural light and a full exterior basement stair walk-out.

Interior view of a compartmentalized 1939 home in Melrose, MA, showing narrow doorways and dark living spaces prior to an open-concept architectural renovation.
interior view of open dining room to new light-filled kitchen addition, featuring high ceilings, a custom black stained oak island and professional grade appliances
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Project Insight: Relocating A Kitchen

If it’s not working, stop forcing it. Evaluating the potential of the spaces within your existing home is the first step to protecting your investment. The project above illustrates the impact of moving a complex space, like a kitchen, to a new area of the home versus renovating in place with fewer options.

Victorian Remodel

Project Scope: First and second level renovation including new kitchen, living area, dining room, breakfast nook, mudroom, primary suite and guest bathroom with laundry

Dark 90's kitchen with stained wood cabinetry, a brick chimney stack, and limited natural light prior to architectural reconfiguration.
"Completed kitchen renovation in a Newton Victorian home, featuring custom sage green cabinetry, a marble backsplash and countertops, and a butcher block style island with pendant lighting.
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Kitchen Addition

Project Scope: 200sf+ kitchen and powder room addition, secondary bathroom remodel, new deck and hardscape.

Rear exterior of a Dutch Colonial home in Medford, MA, showing the original gambrel roofline and underutilized rear entry prior to the kitchen addition.
The completed transformation of the Dutch Colonial in Medford, featuring a new kitchen addition and deck that integrates into the existing roof lines.
Interior view of the original dark and cramped kitchen in a Medford Dutch Colonial before it was moved into a light-filled addition.
Reimagined Dutch Colonial kitchen and breakfast nook in Medford, MA, featuring deep soapstone countertops, stained wood trim that honors the home’s original character, and a sun-filled open layout.

Dispensary Fit Out

Project Scope: Four story 1812 vacant Boston building restored with two levels of retail space, employee conference rooms, product storage and prep areas.

Dark, compartmentalized interior of a 225-year-old building before a commercial fit-out, featuring original low-clearance timber ceilings and masonry walls.
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Project Insight: Construction Phasing

Phasing a construction project is not always straightforward. Here are four questions worth asking before you decide.

Bathroom Remodel

Project Scope: Expand and refresh secondary bathroom (part of an 1870 whole home remodel.)

The original secondary bathroom featuring antique pink wall tile.
New framing for expanded shower following demolition
Completed secondary bathroom featuring a walk-in glass shower with blue patterned wall tiles, a white vanity, and geometric floor tile design.

Locker Room Renovation

Project Scope: Complete reconfiguration of men’s and women’s locker rooms, storage areas and circulation at indoor athletic facility.

Original view of a dated commercial locker room featuring exposed mechanicals, concrete block walls, and industrial lighting prior to a full architectural reconfiguration."
The completed locker room overhaul featuring clean architectural lines, integrated locker systems, custom vanity with green mosaic tile, and professional branding."
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Transforming existing spaces
is a labor of love we can’t resist.
A puzzle requiring imagination
and the acknowledgement that
real world parameters still exist.

Learn More About the Design Process

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A Note from Olivia: Every project is different. The information shared here is meant to inform and inspire as you prepare for your own renovation journey. Construction is a dynamic process and your contractor, architect, and other licensed professionals will bring their own approaches and expertise to your specific project. This is not a substitute for the professional guidance of the licensed professionals on your team.