A 1925 Classic Reimagined
December 15, 2025
Some remodeling projects begin with a clear plan. Others begin with a discovery that completely reshapes the direction of the work. For this 1925 home, what started as a kitchen update quickly turned into a major structural rescue followed by a full transformation that honored the charm of the home while bringing it into a new era of functionality.
This project became a true Clazak classic: unexpected challenges, creative solutions, and a final result that blends history with modern comfort.
The homeowners had recently purchased this nearly century-old house with a clear vision: update the kitchen, improve functionality, and maintain the character that made the home so special. The kitchen was located in a rear addition that lacked documentation about what had been changed or removed during construction. For homes of this age, additions are always a question mark, and in this case, a major red flag.
Before beginning the demo, our team did what we always do: investigate the structure thoroughly. Once we opened the walls and ceiling, the problem revealed itself immediately.
A load-bearing wall had been removed in the past without the proper structural beam installed to support the two floors above it. The weight of the home was resting on framing that was never designed to carry it. This meant the entire addition, and the kitchen inside it, was compromised.
Most homeowners would never know this was hidden behind the drywall. But catching it before the remodel started prevented serious long-term damage and ensured the safety and stability of the house for decades to come.
Once the issue was identified, our team created a structural plan that met city requirements and restored the integrity of the home. Approvals were secured, and we began reinforcing the framing with the correct beam and support systems.
Only after the structure was secure did we move on to the remodel itself.
As the photos from the project show, we took the space down to the studs, removing everything and starting fresh. This approach is part of what sets the Clazak process apart: when a hidden issue is serious enough, the right way is the only way.
By rebuilding the space from the inside out, we ensured the homeowners wouldn’t have problems years later, no sagging floors, no shifting walls, no structural surprises. It was the foundation for everything that came next.
With the structure reinforced, the design work could truly begin. The homeowners’ goal was clear: keep the charm of the 1925 home while updating the kitchen to meet the needs of modern life.
They cared deeply about preserving the character that made the home so special—the warmth, the craftsmanship, the personality. At the same time, they needed a kitchen that functioned better for everyday cooking, hosting, and gathering.
This balance between old and new shaped every design decision.
The result is a kitchen that feels connected to the past but is designed for the future.
While “tear it all out and start over” isn’t always necessary, it was absolutely the right approach for this project.
Beginning with a blank canvas allowed us to:
This is the type of remodel homeowners rarely see on TV shows—where the camera pans to the final reveal without acknowledging the structural work that made the transformation possible. But in reality, this kind of foundational correction is what ensures a remodel will last.
This project is a perfect example of doing it right the first time, even when it means doing more than expected.
The homeowners were fantastic partners throughout the process. They were enthusiastic about updating the kitchen but equally committed to honoring the home’s story.
Their vision and flexibility made it possible to create a design that felt personalized, thoughtful, and true to the house’s roots. Working together, we crafted a space that blends craftsmanship with functionality, something that looks beautiful today and will continue to serve the family for many years.
Projects like this remind us of why we love remodeling older homes: the chance to preserve something meaningful while giving it new life.
Some kitchens simply need new cabinets. Others require new beginnings.
This 1925 home challenged us, inspired us, and reinforced why thorough planning and structural expertise matter so much in remodeling, especially in older homes.
By restoring the integrity of the addition, updating the layout, and designing a space that balances character and modern living, we helped these homeowners create a kitchen that feels both timeless and brand new.
It’s another project that showcases the Clazak difference: we don’t just remodel homes, we restore them, protect them, and help them shine.
