Full Home Remodel in Boston’s South End
Benjamin Construction took on a complex and challenging full home remodel in Boston’s historic South End neighborhood. This project involved a full gut renovation of a four-story brownstone, transforming it into a beautifully restored and modernized space while maintaining its historical character.
Project Overview:
Challenges and Solutions:
The property was in poor condition, requiring a complete overhaul. Key challenges included replacing outdated infrastructure, preserving historical elements, and working within the constraints of Boston’s strict groundwater overlay and historic district regulations.
Structural Renovations:
One of the major tasks involved the complete tear-down and rebuild of the front and rear masonry walls. The original walls had deteriorated significantly and was at risk of detaching from the structure, which is common in older brownstones. Our team replaced the walls and ensured it adhered to modern safety standards while keeping within the historical guidelines required by Boston regulations.
Staircase Restoration:
Benjamin Construction retained the original stair components, including the handrails and newel posts. We reconfigured the rise and run of the stairs, rebuilt the balusters, and reclaimed old pine flooring, which was relaid in the mudroom, adding authenticity to the restoration.
Masonry Restoration and Roofing:
The front masonry wall, an essential part of the building's historical integrity, was carefully dismantled, cleaned, and reset to maintain consistency with neighboring properties. Additionally, a full dormer was added to the roof, providing structural support and enhancing the property’s aesthetic appeal. Despite the space constraints, the team installed a large steel beam through a series of precision maneuvers, given the difficulty of using a crane in this area.
Groundwater Overlay District Compliance:
The property falls within Boston’s groundwater overlay district, requiring all rainwater to be captured and reintroduced to the ground. The lack of a rear yard meant that Benjamin Construction had to excavate beneath the home to install a custom-built recharge tank. This complicated project required expert engineering to ensure the tank was properly pressurized and capable of managing water flow without risk of flooding the property or neighboring homes.
Historical Preservation Meets Modern Convenience
Throughout the renovation, Benjamin Construction focused on historical preservation, maintaining the brownstone’s original charm while modernizing it for contemporary living.
- Skylight installation to replace a removed bay window, maintaining natural light throughout the home.
- Salvaged antique elements, such as a restored sliding door between the kitchen and mudroom, and an architectural salvage atrium window that added character to the master suite.
- Custom plasterwork and stairway renovations, including intricate curved plaster on the staircases that preserved the historic feel of the space.
Luxurious Finishes and Interior Design:
Textured Tile and Custom Counters: The master bathroom featured high-end, subtly textured tiles, adding a unique aesthetic to this luxury home remodeling project. In the kitchen, the countertops had a leather-like finish, giving a luxurious yet tactile experience.
Thoughtful Design Features:
Unique additions like a cozy reading nook with a custom marine window in the basement gave the home personalized touches, tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle.
Client Satisfaction:
Despite the technical challenges, the homeowners were thrilled with the final result. Their goal was to create a second home that combined historical beauty with modern functionality, and Benjamin Construction exceeded expectations by delivering a meticulously crafted South End renovation.