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 Built in 1935, this brick home had character that simply can’t be recreated—but it also carried decades of wear, outdated systems, and structural challenges.
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 were not looking to erase history—they wanted to live comfortably within it.
That balance between preservation and modernization is what defines successful historic home remodeling.
Before
After
Instead of approaching the project in phases, the homeowners made a key decision early—to treat the home as a complete system. That choice allowed every improvement to work together cohesively, much like the planning approach used in whole-home remodeling in Phoenix.
The Homeowners’ Vision for their Space
From the beginning, this was never going to be a simple refresh. The homeowners brought a detailed vision for how they wanted to live in the space—and the ambition to match.
Their goals touched nearly every part of the home:
- A reimagined kitchen with better flow and increased workspace
- A private primary suite with an accessible, curbless shower
- New windows that matched the historic style while improving performance
- Restoration of original hardwood flooring throughout
- A rebuilt den ceiling aligned with the dining room
- A third bedroom converted into a music room with French doors
- A restored, fully functional two-car garage
- Laundry relocated indoors
- A landscape designed for privacy and low maintenance
Every one of these goals introduced a construction puzzle that required thoughtful coordination.
When a Historic Renovation Becomes a Full-System Transformation
Historic home renovations rarely stay simple. Once work begins, the home reveals what it truly needs.
In this case, the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems were all well beyond their useful life. Rather than patching individual issues, the project evolved into a complete infrastructure overhaul.
This is where many projects either struggle or succeed—understanding that the systems behind the walls must align with the vision for the finished home. This concept is explored further in the Homeowner Core Guides, where preparation and planning are what ultimately define the outcome.
Rebuilding the Systems Behind the Walls
One of the most significant transformations in this home happened where you can’t see it.
The HVAC system had been poorly integrated over time, with ductwork crammed into the crawl space and conflicting with the new layout. Instead of working around those limitations, we redesigned the system entirely.
A new 400-amp electrical panel was installed, along with a roof-mounted heat pump and fully reconfigured ductwork routed through the attic. Strategic soffit modifications allowed proper air distribution throughout the home—something it had never experienced before.
Underground plumbing was also replaced completely. The original system had deteriorated to the point that full trenching was required around the home. New lines were installed with proper pitch, supporting the updated kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry.
These improvements aren’t visible—but they are essential to how the home performs every day.
Protecting and Restoring the Original Structure
One of the most critical aspects of this project was preserving the integrity of the original structure.
Settlement cracks and deteriorating mortar joints had compromised the exterior. We carefully ground and repointed the mortar, repaired stucco and block walls, and applied foam roofing for improved energy performance.
Original brick was cleaned and reused wherever possible, maintaining the authenticity that defines the home.
Reimagining the Kitchen Within a Tight Footprint
The original kitchen was enclosed, dark, and disconnected from the rest of the home.
Within a limited footprint, the goal was to create a space that felt open, functional, and inviting. We reconfigured the layout with a new peninsula, created a connection to the living room, and extended cabinetry to the ceiling for additional storage.
Glass cabinet doors helped maintain a sense of openness, while preserving key elements—like the original milk door—ensured the home’s character remained intact.
The result is a kitchen that performs at a modern level while respecting its origins, similar to what homeowners seek in kitchen remodeling in Phoenix.
Transforming the Den into a Functional Living Space
The den presented one of the most severe challenges in the home.
It lacked proper structure, had no weather-resistant envelope, and had sustained significant water damage. The ceiling had collapsed, and the space was no longer viable.
We rebuilt the entire structure—new walls, new roof, and a raised ceiling aligned with the dining room. The connection between the spaces was carefully detailed to match the original architecture.
Today, the den feels like it was always meant to be part of the home.
Creating Comfort and Accessibility in the Primary Suite
The primary suite was redesigned to provide both comfort and long-term usability.
The new bathroom features a curbless shower, improved circulation, and a layout that supports accessibility without sacrificing design. A double vanity, dedicated storage, and thoughtful lighting enhance daily use.
Arched doorways and material selections reflect the home’s original character while supporting modern living.
Restoring Character Through Thoughtful Design
Throughout the home, design decisions were made with intention.
Neutral tones, warm wood finishes, and carefully selected tile create a cohesive aesthetic that feels authentic to the 1930s. Doorway heights were aligned, and original hardwood floors were restored to bring continuity across the home.
New dual-pane windows from Pella were selected to match the historic grid pattern while delivering modern energy performance.
Reclaiming the Garage as Functional Space
The detached garage had been converted into a non-functional structure with significant damage.
We restored it to its original purpose—rebuilding framing, installing new doors, and refinishing the exterior to match the home’s original texture.
Design-Build Insight
Projects like this succeed when every decision is made in context.
Structure, systems, layout, and design must all align. When they do, the home feels cohesive rather than pieced together over time.
This is the advantage of a design-build approach—where planning, design, and construction are developed together from the beginning.
The Result
This historic home renovation transformed a charming but compromised structure into a refined, livable home.
It now delivers modern comfort, improved functionality, and long-term performance—while preserving the character that made it worth saving in the first place.
As one homeowner shared after moving back 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 Remodel 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. When done correctly, 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 approach 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, restored hardwood floors, accessible primary suite, rebuilt den, upgraded HVAC and plumbing systems, restored brick exterior