They say a house is a work in progress, but for one Washington D.C. family, that progress took 12 years to ignite. After over a decade of “settling” for a home that was functional but never truly inspiring, the pandemic provided the final push to stop waiting and start building.
Today, we’re taking you inside a massive renovation that didn’t just add square footage—it added a soul to a classic D.C. Colonial.
The Vision: Taking the Plunge
The goal was ambitious: take a traditional center-hall Colonial and infuse it with a bold, mid-century modern aesthetic. This wasn’t just a “paint and floors” refresh; this was a complete structural evolution.
“Why am I settling when we could be doing something better?” — The Homeowner on the decision to finally renovate.
(Above: Photos taken during the renovation)
Key Transformations
1. The Bold New Roofline & Third Floor
The most dramatic change started at the top. By taking the roof off and adding a whole third floor, we were able to add two new bedrooms and a bathroom. The homeowner took a risk on an off-center roofline that peeks over the side, giving the house a unique silhouette that balances traditional roots with modern flair.
2. The Mid-Construction “Loft” Epiphany
One of the best parts of this project happened after construction had already started. The homeowner asked: “Why do we not have a loft in here?”
Despite the complexity—which required moving the stairs and the master bedroom doorway—the team at FineCraft and the architect made it happen. The result? A room that feels 200% more open and inspired.
3. From a “Fiberglass Kit” to a Glorious Sunroom
The old sunroom was a “freezing in winter, boiling in summer” fiberglass addition that was barely usable. We tore it down and expanded the footprint to the full width of the house.
The Design: An inverse roof shape that contrasts the upper roof.
The Result: A light-soaked sanctuary that serves as a perfect home office.
Completed Renovation Photos:
It’s All in the Details
Remodeling is about solving puzzles. Whether it was Ray redesigning the kids’ bathroom layout to fit a bathtub the homeowner thought was impossible, or the seamless coordination led by Vivian, the focus was on making the “impossible” work.
The final result is a beautiful “mix” style: a home that looks like a conventional old D.C. Colonial in some rooms, and a totally mid-century modern masterpiece in others.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Choosing the right materials is one of the most important decisions in any outdoor project. Understanding how pressure treated lumber has evolved—and how it performs alongside modern alternatives—allows you to make informed, confident choices for your home.
If you’re considering a new deck or an outdoor renovation, the team at FineCraft Contractors is here to guide you through material selection, design, permitting, and construction with clarity and craftsmanship at every step.
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FLORIDA: 📞 (727) 591 39 29
💬 Schedule your free initial consultation or request an estimate:
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