AWARD WINNER
2026 NARI of Greater Phoenix Remodeler of the Year – GOLD
Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and Over
Historic Home Renovation in Phoenix | 1935 Brick Residence Transformed
This project was a labor of love from the very beginning. Built in 1935, this brick home had lived many lives—and it showed. Beneath the charm was a structure that had been altered, patched, and pushed well beyond what it was originally designed to support.
When a newly married couple came to us, their vision was clear. They wanted to make the home their own without losing what made it special. They wanted modern comfort and accessibility—but not at the expense of craftsmanship or character.
That balance is what defines a successful historic home renovation.
Before
After
Instead of approaching the home in phases, they made a key decision early—to treat it as a complete system. That decision allowed every improvement to align, much like the planning approach used in whole-home remodeling in Phoenix.
Seeing the Potential Behind the Condition
From the beginning, it was clear this home had strong bones—but it also had serious limitations.
The kitchen was closed off and undersized. The den was structurally failing. Mechanical systems were outdated. And the layout simply didn’t support the way the homeowners wanted to live.
At the same time, there were elements worth preserving—the original hardwood floors, the stepped ceiling detail, the exposed brick, and the proportions that defined the home’s 1930s character.
The goal was not to replace these elements, but to elevate them.
Rebuilding the Den and Restoring Architectural Continuity
One of the most dramatic transformations occurred in the den.
The space had no proper structural support, no weather-resistant envelope, and a roof leak that had caused the ceiling to collapse. It was beyond repair.
We rebuilt the entire structure—new walls, new roof, and a raised ceiling aligned with the adjacent dining room. For the first time, the space became fully conditioned and integrated into the home.
The original stepped ceiling detail was preserved and emphasized, becoming a defining feature of the room.
Opening the Kitchen Without Losing Its Roots
The kitchen presented a different kind of challenge.
It was dark, confined, and completely disconnected from the rest of the home. But expanding it wasn’t about adding square footage—it was about rethinking how the space functioned.
We reworked the layout into a highly efficient footprint, introducing a peninsula for seating and opening a connection to the living area. Cabinetry was extended to the new ceiling height, adding both storage and visual presence.
A garden window now brings natural light into the space, while crown molding and custom cabinetry reinforce the home’s architectural character.
Projects like this often reflect the same priorities found in kitchen remodeling in Phoenix, where performance and layout drive the design.
Rebuilding Windows and Reinforcing the Envelope
The exterior of the home required careful attention.
Bay windows were deteriorating and no longer structurally sound. We rebuilt the window framing to properly support new installations while maintaining the original proportions.
The connection between the dining room and den was also reworked—re-plastered to match surrounding openings and restore visual continuity.
These changes may seem subtle, but they are critical in preserving the integrity of a historic home.
Reengineering the Systems for Modern Living
Behind the walls, the transformation was even more significant.
The existing HVAC system was outdated and poorly routed, with ductwork crammed into the crawl space. We redesigned the system completely—routing ducts through the attic and modifying soffits to ensure proper airflow.
The home now has balanced, consistent temperatures for the first time in its history.
Electrical and plumbing systems were also upgraded. A new 400-amp panel was installed, and underground plumbing was replaced entirely through trenching around the home.
This level of system coordination is essential in historic homes, and it’s a concept explored further in the Homeowner Core Guides.
Designing for Accessibility Without Compromise
The primary suite was reimagined to support long-term living.
The original bathroom was outdated and inefficient, with a layout that no longer worked. It was completely redesigned to include a curbless shower, improved circulation, and a more functional arrangement.
The final design blends accessibility with elegance—demonstrating that functionality and beauty don’t have to be separate goals.
Restoring Character Through Materials and Detail
Throughout the home, material selections were made with intention.
Neutral tones, warm wood, and carefully selected tile create a cohesive palette that reflects the 1930s without feeling dated. Spanish Colonial floor tile and green wall tile in the guest bathroom provide a strong visual connection to the home’s era.
Original hardwood floors were restored, and doorway proportions were aligned across the home to reinforce continuity.
New dual-pane windows from Pella were selected to match the historic grid pattern while dramatically improving performance.
Reclaiming Space for How the Homeowners Live Today
Spaces throughout the home were redefined to better support daily life.
A third bedroom was converted into a music room, complete with French doors that open to the backyard. The detached garage was restored to a true two-car garage, reversing previous modifications that had reduced its functionality.
Each of these changes contributes to a home that feels intentional and complete.
The Result
This historic home renovation transformed a charming but compromised structure into a refined, livable home.
What once felt disconnected and outdated now feels cohesive, functional, and aligned with how the homeowners live today.
As one homeowner shared after settling in:
“I am surprised, I have never been able to store so much in a kitchen.”
That’s what this work is about.
What Makes a Historic Home Renovation Successful
A successful historic renovation is about balance.
It requires preserving what gives the home its identity while upgrading what no longer supports modern living. Structure, systems, and design must all work together.
When they do, the result feels natural—like the home was always meant to be this way.
Explore Related Remodeling Possibilities
Homeowners exploring similar projects often continue with:
- Whole-home remodeling in Phoenix
- Kitchen remodeling in Phoenix
- Home additions in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Considering a Historic Home Renovation in Phoenix?
A historic renovation is an opportunity to preserve the past while creating a home that supports your future.
At Homework Remodels, we guide homeowners through every phase using a thoughtful design-build process that aligns planning, design, and construction from the beginning.
Schedule a free consultation to explore your goals and begin planning your renovation.
Project Specifications
Project Name: Historic Phoenix Brick Home Renovation
Project Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Project Type: Historic Home Renovation
Remodeling Method: Design-Build Remodeling
Builder: Homework Remodels
Award: 2026 NARI of Greater Phoenix Remodeler of the Year – GOLD
Key Features: Reconfigured kitchen, rebuilt den, restored hardwood floors, accessible primary suite, upgraded HVAC and plumbing systems, restored historic exterior