In this project, we are remodeling the interior of a cape cod style home. We are
removing two interior structural walls to enlarge and open up the kitchen while
re-configuring the  entry and powder room to create a real mudroom.

Here is the existing plan. See how the kitchen is constrained
by walls both sides, leaving it isolated and small.

This is the new plan. The entire kitchen is open to the dining room.
The new mudroom allows easy access from the garage. The powder
room has been relocated, blocking the old entrance to the study.
A new, large arched opening will be put in near the foyer,
making both spaces more gracious and inviting.

The existing kitchen.

The kitchen will be expanded into this breakfast area.

The purple wall will be removed, connecting the dining to the kitchen

This bathroom will be relocated to the left side of the hall. The
far wall will be removed to create the new mudroom.

We will open up this wall to create a large arched
opening into the study here at the front door. This
will improve both spaces, creating a gracious connection.

Demolition is well underway. Due to the presence of lead paint,
we’re wearing respirators and plastic suits for our protection. All
materials with lead will be removed, and the surfaces properly
cleaned before any new work will be done in this area.

The wall between the breakfast & garage has been removed.
The brick wall beyond will also be demolished as well.

The tile floor is coming out next. The new floor will be hardwood,
flush with the existing flooring in the rest of the house.

This is the key wall of the project. As you can see, there is plumbing, ductwork, and
electrical in the wall. It is also structural, holding up the second floor joists. We will
re-support the floor with new beams, and then run all this through a soffit and chases.

It is often a challenge to live without a kitchen for an extended period of time. We do
our best to accommodate our clients’ needs.  For this project, we run plumbing for
a temporary sink to allow for a 1st floor kitchen during the project.
Cabinetry, counter, and plumbing fixtures were salvaged from the existing kitchen.

Here is a video showing the project at the rough framing stage. Gary walks
through several changes that have already happened (including adding a
header) and things to come (such as removing a bearing wall).

The wood framing here is a temporary support wall. This
will allow us to remove the existing wall and install a new beam.

Here the beam is in place. The beam is flush with the
existing floor framing.  This allows us to have a flush
ceiling across the entire kitchen space.

The support wall has been removed, leaving only the
face brick behind to be demoed later.

The existing slab has been demoed. The ground has been graded
to create proper drainage across the slab in the garage.

The vapor barrier and steel reinforcing has been put in place.
The concrete will be poured soon, and then new walls will go on top.

This large bearing wall is coming down. The stud wall in front
is temporary, to support the floor above during demolition.

The wall is out, and the triple LVL beam has been installed.

Now the supporting walls have been taken down, opening
the dining room fully to the new kitchen area.

On the outside, here is the existing into the kitchen. We will
replace the original window, existing it taller and wider.

The old bathroom wall is completely gone. The new
mudroom is now open from the garage to the hall.

View from the dining room. See the new large window on the right.
The new studs will become the new back wall of the kitchen.

The kitchen floor, above the concrete slab. The rigid foam
insulation will help keep this area warm.

Looking into the kitchen. Plywood covers the insulation in the
floor. We have installed fiberglass batt insulation in the walls
and in the ceiling. Drywall will be coming next.

Looking the other way, you can see the large beam spanning
the entire width of the dining room. Plumbing and ductwork
have been routed along side it, and down at each end.

The drywall has been installed. This is the
view from the dining to the kitchen.

The opposite view, looking at the dining room.

View from the hallway. The powder room and closet
are on the left, the kitchen and dining to the right. Straight
ahead is the new mudroom with the garage beyond.

The mudroom tile is in place, ready to welcome muddy boots.

The first coat of paint is on the walls, and the floor is
prepped for installation of the new hardwood.

The hardwood floor is in, blending
seamlessly with the old floor.

The new opening from the foyer to the study
is visible, with the flooring patched and blended.

Alex and Brian setting the new kitchen cabinetry.

Cabinets are in place, allowing for countertop installation.

The countertop is blue pearl granite. The white cabinetry becomes
a backdrop for this rich color, as it sparkles in the sunlight.

Countertops were also installed at the new bar sink.

The kitchen backsplash: white ceramic tiles with stainless
steel tiles behind the Viking cooktop. Blue accent tiles
enhance the blue coloring of the granite.

Appliances are set, hardwood floor has received
its final coat of finish. Ready for final painting!

Project complete! Our clients have happily moved back into
their kitchen and dining room and the rest of the first floor.

The spaces are open to each other but clearly defined. The
removal of two bearing walls clearly made a huge difference.
The new materials and colors have a fresh and clean
traditional feel, enhancing this classic home.