Study

Case

Denver Structural Remodel: Whole House Renovation & 3-Story Addition

Logan Street, Washington Park, Denver

This Denver structural remodel project included a whole house renovation and a 3-story home addition in historic Washington Park West (Denver).

A large-scale structural remodel in Denver transforming a 1901 Washington Park home into a functional, family-centered space—while preserving its historic character

Home Addition Project Overview

This Washington Park West project involved a Denver structural remodel and a three-story addition to a highly visible corner home originally built in 1901. As a design-build remodeling contractor in Denver with structural engineering expertise, H & H Builders reconfigured the home from the foundation up to support modern family living.

The homeowners (a working-from-home attorney and a physician with three children) loved their neighborhood but had outgrown the functionality of their home. Rather than move, they chose to invest in a comprehensive remodel that would support both family life and professional needs.

Structural Remodeling Scope

This project went beyond a typical renovation. It was a true structural remodel in Denver, involving:

Foundation reinforcement and repair
Load-bearing wall modifications
A full three-story vertical addition
Major layout reconfiguration across all levels

Homes in neighborhoods like Washington Park, Denver, often require this level of intervention to achieve modern layouts while preserving existing structures.

The Challenge

Like many older homes in central Denver neighborhoods, the structure of the home itself did not allow for simple layout changes without significant intervention. The existing layout created several daily frustrations.

A home office located directly off the dining room, making it difficult to focus while working
No central gathering space for the family
Limited bedroom capacity for the growing household
A kitchen that was closed off and undersized
A home that didn’t reflect how the family actually lived

At the same time, the home’s age and structure introduced additional complexities.

Built in 1901, requiring careful preservation of architectural character
Structural limitations that prevented simple layout changes
A highly visible corner lot, requiring thoughtful exterior design

The Solution

H & H Builders designed and executed a whole-house remodel combined with a three-story structural addition, creating both space and flow.

Key transformations

1. Three-Story Home Addition

Expanded the home vertically and structurally
Added usable space across the basement, main level, and second floor

2. New kitchen & family hub

Opened the kitchen into the dining room
Added a large central island for:
- Family meals
- Homework
- Everyday gathering

3. Added Bedrooms

Two new bedrooms on the second floor for the children
A dedicated basement bedroom for an au pair

4. Reconfigured Main Level

Converted the original kitchen into a functional mudroom
Improved circulation and separation between work and family spaces

5. Preserved Historic Character

Maintained key architectural elements
Incorporated details like the curved wall near the sink to blend old and new styles

Structural & Construction Challenges

Midway through construction, an unexpected foundation issue was discovered. This required:

Immediate stabilization work
Temporary project pause
Development of a long-term structural solution

Because the homeowners were living in the house for most of the project (and one worked from home full-time) construction sequencing and communication were critical.

Unexpected issues like this are common in structural remodeling projects in Denver, particularly in homes built before modern foundation standards.

Remodel Timeline

Start: July 2023
Completion: September 2024
The extended timeline was driven by multiple factors.

The foundation repair
The scale of the addition
The complexity of working in an occupied home

The Result of the Whole House Remodel

The result of this 3-story home addition & structural whole-house remodel is a home that reflects the benefits of a well-executed structural remodel—something many Denver homeowners pursue instead of moving. The finished home now supports the way the family actually lives.

A central gathering space where the family spends time together daily
A functional work-from-home environment with separation from living areas
Enough bedrooms to comfortably accommodate the entire household
A seamless blend of historic character and modern functionality

Most importantly, the homeowners were able to stay in the neighborhood they loved—with a home that finally works for them.

Considering a similar structural remodel in Denver?

Projects like this typically involve:

Structural changes and additions
Significant layout reconfiguration
Multi-month construction timelines

If you’re trying to decide whether to remodel or move, or whether your home can support an addition, we can help you evaluate your options.

Ready to start? Contact us for a free consultation.

Explore who we are and what we do …

Gallery