From Duplex to Single-Family

Located in the heart of Hyde Park, this 100-year-old home was in need of total restoration from it's two-family setup back to a single-family home for the new owners. The process began by understanding their budget and vision: the basic floor plan would stay the same, however the new owners wished to open up the first floor up by eliminating several common walls between rooms. An architect was brought in to develop a general plan since load-bearing, structural walls would be removed and re-supported. Like many restoration projects there were a few surprises that were discovered during the demolition (see photos), however we were able to work through them successfully.

The homeowner wanted to be as involved in their project as possible. With guidance from Sawdust Therapy, the homeowner started the demolition.  They also designed, sourced and arranged for the delivery of most of the finish materials (tile, lighting, and cabinets), and took on the task of painting the entire interior once renovation was complete. The homeowner also took care of the exterior painting, deck and the new driveway.

Daily communication, weekly invoicing, and budget meetings allowed for project completion ahead of schedule and within budget.

In the Client's Own Words

Greg and his crew at Sawdust Therapy are second to none when it comes to quality and eye for detail.  Our project was well managed, ahead of schedule and below budget.  They consistently put their client first and treated our project like it was their own home.    Communication was consistent and clear which made the project (which was a big one) seamless. We never had to worry about scheduling, cutting corners, or straying from our vision.  Truly a topnotch group. We can't wait to work with [Sawdust Therapy] again!
​- Amanda

Living Room - View One

The new kitchen would switch places with the dining room connecting it to the living/family room creating a large open space for family and friends to gather.

Sawdust Therapy built the coffee table in the final photo from the old floor joists that were recycled from the demolition. The tree that provided the wood started growing over 150 years ago.

Living Room - View 2

In the construction photo you can see the new structural beam that runs the full length of the home (28 feet).

There was significant settling to the center of the home. Using 100 TONS of hydraulic lifting power and a lot of ingenuity, the home's middle was raised 3 ½ inches. A new footer was dug below the basement floor to replace the main supporting post for the living room floor.

Living Room - View 3

Knowing before demolition was started that the exiting floors would be repaired, sanded and clear-coated they were protected to ensure there would be no additional damage. The floors are white oak with walnut inlay​.

Staircase / Front Foyer

Absent a first floor bathroom and closet storage both were able to be nicely tucked in the foyer without detracting from the focal point of the staircase.

Dining Room

During the demolition it was discovered the existing ceiling joists were so cut up and damaged from previous water damage, plumbing projects and repairs they were not repairable. For a short time they had a nice two-story atrium in their dinning room as we worked. The exterior wall needed to be rebuilt due to hidden extensive hidden termite damage (left wall in first construction photo) that it was essentially hanging from the roof.

Kitchen

​In the construction photo you can see the new structural beam that runs the full length of the home (28 feet).

There was significant settling to the center of the home. Using 100 TONS of hydraulic lifting power and a lot of ingenuity, the home's middle was raised 3 ½ inches. A new footer was dug below the basement floor to replace the main supporting post for the living room floor.

The new kitchen would switch places with the dinning room, connecting it to the living/family room to create a large, open space or
family and friends to gather.

Guest Bathroom

The guest bathroom was resized for better use of space. During the demolition it was discovered the existing floor joists were so cut up and damaged) from previous water damage, plumbing projects and repairs), they were not repairable and were completely replaced. This bathroom is on the upstairs portion of what was once a nice two-story atrium in the dinning room.

Master Bathroom

One of the bedrooms on the second floor was turned into the master bathroom. Prior to this renovation project, it was used as the kitchen for the second apartment. Exposed brick, custom shower glass, surface mounted spa shower fixture and a open transom over the pocket door make the bathroom modern and luxurious with unique character.