As a home renovation contractor, working on older homes is about balancing what’s already there, what has endured, what has been altered over time, and what needs attention to perform well for the next generation. The Brookfield project, an extensive home renovation and update of a 19th-century structure in Brookfield, Vermont, was a perfect example of this balance.
Over the years, the house had seen a number of creative renovations, along with a fair amount of deferred maintenance and some work that, frankly, missed the mark. Our role as a home renovation contractor was to thoughtfully update our clients’ home, opening up the layout, improving comfort and performance, while adhering to their vision and respecting the character that made their home special in the first place. What a fantastic challenge for our design build team.
Our client’s Google review let us know we hit the mark:
“Dan and his crew were exceptional! Our 1850s house underwent major renovations to the kitchen, bathroom, mud room, sun room, and dining area, plus rewiring and redoing plumbing as needed, and replacing almost all the windows and the entire roof. The basement, once a scary dungeon, is now a wonderfully insulated clean space. Of course there were many quirks with an old building like this, but Dan was very transparent about the extra cost and build time incurred.
The project lead, Jared, was fantastic. Very kind and easy going, he nonetheless kept the project moving along as best he could with all the hiccups. He even helped us out with some smaller things which weren’t within the scope of the project, which we greatly appreciate. The various crews that cycled through were a pleasure as well.
We couldn’t be happier with the team’s amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail. The house is warmer (crucial!) and feels much more open, light, and airy. We cannot recommend Clar Construction enough.” – Leslie L. on Google
Reimagining the Layout While Respecting the Past
At a high level, this project involved significant interior reworking. The scope included renovations to the kitchen, a bathroom, the sunroom, the basement, reconfiguring the living room and mudroom, as well as bringing meaningful upgrades to several building systems. Plus, we installed multiple new windows and a standing seam roof punctuated by 14 skylights–yes 14!–bringing natural light deeper into the home.
Throughout the process, our focus was on making our clients’ home work better for their modern lifestyle, without sacrificing its meaningful history.
Before making any design decisions or starting demolition, the most important step in renovating a historic home is understanding its story. Every historic home is a product of its time—its materials, floor plan, craftsmanship, and even quirks offer a window into the era in which it was built. Preserving its integrity starts with knowing what makes it unique.
The Kitchen: Structure, Craft, and Sight Lines
The kitchen set the tone for much of the home renovation. Original hand-hewn beams were already on display, offering a clear reminder of the home’s age and craftsmanship. However, the surrounding framing needed significant attention. Before any finishes were installed, both interior and exterior walls were rebuilt to create a solid, long-lasting foundation.
We opened the wall between the kitchen and living room to create a more connected, open feel. This is an important shift that means the kitchen now functions as part of our clients’ daily rhythm, rather than an isolated workspace.
We mixed beautiful white oak cabinetry along the exterior wall and painted cabinetry for the island and pantry. To carry the warmth of oak throughout the space, we fabricated custom countertops and shelf brackets in our shop. Panels for the refrigerator and dishwasher create a cohesive and calm feel, an upgrade from their visually busy kitchen.
The island cooktop features a downdraft vent, keeping sight lines clean and unobstructed, one of those small design decisions that makes a big difference in how a space feels day to day.
A Bathroom Transformed
Few spaces changed as significantly as the bathroom. What had once been dated and constrained was transformed into a highly accessible, visually pleasing, and easy to use space.
A new shower features a barrier-free entry, with the shower floor set flush with the rest of the bathroom. This not only creates a cleaner visual line, but also improves long-term usability. We paired the new layout with a custom quarter-sawn white oak vanity, balancing durability and warmth that fits perfectly in an older home.
The Sunroom: From Cold and Drafty to Comfortable and Bright
The original sunroom had great potential, but poor window installation meant it was underperforming in every season. We rebuilt the walls entirely, installed new windows and a door, along with adding new exterior trim and siding.
What was once a cold, uncomfortable space is now a cozy room with expansive views of the old farm orchard. Our clients’ new sunroom is an example of how performance upgrades and attention to details can completely change how a space is used.
A Mudroom Designed for Daily Life
We created a new mudroom by combining multiple smaller areas into a single, functional entry space. Storage was a priority, especially for Vermont winters and all the gear associated with them. The new layout reflects how our clients actually move through and use their home.
One of the most impactful changes was relocating the laundry from the basement to the main level. We concealed the machines with custom cabinetry, adding a pleasing visual while eliminating the need to navigate steep basement stairs. At the heart of being a home renovation contractor is our love of making everyday tasks simpler and safer for our clients.
A Healthier Basement, Top to Bottom
While the basement isn’t intended as finished living space, it plays a critical role in the health of the home. What had once been a humid environment with a dirt floor is now temperature controlled and dry, with added vapor barriers, insulation, and an updated water system equipment.
By managing moisture at the source, the basement now positively impacts the air quality and comfort of the entire house. What a reminder that the most important upgrades aren’t always the most visible–or visual showstoppers like kitchens and bathrooms.
Thoughtful Remodeling, Built to Last
Projects like this are why we do what we do. Remodeling an older house requires patience, clear communication, and a deep respect for both craftsmanship and practicality. The goal isn’t just to make things look better, it’s to make the home function better, quietly and reliably, for the people who live there.
If you’re considering a Vermont home renovation and want to talk through what’s possible for your home, let’s start with a conversation.
Reach out to schedule a consultation and start a thoughtful conversation about how your house can better support the way you live—now and for years to come.
