From Outdated to Outstanding: The Penn Hills Labor Day Special
Every house has a story. Some are straightforward, and others take you on a wild ride before the final reveal. Our Penn Hills project turned out to be one of those memorable journeys—filled with surprises, challenges, and ultimately, a transformation we’re incredibly proud of.
Before: A House Waiting for Its Second Chance
When we first stepped inside, the home felt tired and closed off. Dark rooms, dated finishes, and underused spaces made it hard to see its full potential. But underneath it all, the house had good bones—and we could picture a family making amazing memories here once it was brought back to life.
During: A Journey of Surprises and Transformation
The vision was bold: open up the space, add functionality, and completely modernize the home while keeping its charm.
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- We started by removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room, creating a bright open-concept layout.
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- A new set of sliding glass doors opened the home to the backyard, inviting more natural light and flow.
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- The old back porch between the garage and kitchen became a brand-new mudroom—practical and stylish.
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- On the main floor, we added two bedrooms and a full bathroom, with one bedroom enjoying direct access to the bath.
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- Upstairs, we built a dormer to expand the master suite, complete with a private en-suite bathroom, and fully renovated the hallway bath.
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- The basement, once a dark, unfinished cavern, was transformed into a bright, flexible living space with yet another full bathroom.
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- Finally, we tackled the essentials: a new roof, updated plumbing, electrical, and mechanicals, and of course, a chef’s kitchen with new appliances at the heart of the home.
The Unexpected Adventures
Every renovation has its curveballs, and this one was no exception.
While tearing down the second-floor walls, our crew stumbled upon a massive bee colony—complete with honeycombs. 
A specialist was called in, and most of the colony was safely relocated. It was a surprising reminder that homes sometimes come with more “residents” than expected!
Then came the storms. A few rough nights brought down large trees across the property. Luckily, none of them struck the house, and after some serious cleanup, we pressed on with the project.
After: A Home Ready for New Memories
The finished home is nothing short of stunning. With 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and a spacious open floor plan, it’s perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The finished basement offers endless possibilities, while the large backyard with a fire pit makes it easy to imagine cozy evenings with family and friends.
This Penn Hills home has gone from outdated and underwhelming to bright, modern, and move-in ready. It’s a true Labor Day Special—both for us as renovators, and for the next lucky family that gets to call it home.
Every renovation has its story, but this one reminds us that the journey—bees, storms, and all—is what makes the finished result even sweeter.
