Study

Case

Structural Kitchen Remodel in Lakewood Denver: Opening Load-Bearing Walls for a Modern Layout

Iowa Place, Lakewood, Denver, Colorado
This project in Lakewood involved a structural kitchen remodel in a home originally built in 1968.

Transforming a 1960s home by removing interior walls and reconfiguring the structure—creating an open, functional space for family gatherings.

Kitchen Remodel Project Overview

This project in Lakewood involved a structural kitchen remodel in a home originally built in 1968.The homeowners, Jani and Bill, had a strong personal connection to the property—it was Bill’s childhood home and had become the central gathering place for their extended family. While they had made updates over the years, the layout still reflected an older, closed-off design that limited how the space functioned during holidays and everyday life.
A longer view of the kitchen remodel in Lakewood Colorado
A longer view of the kitchen remodel in Lakewood Colorado
The kitchen shown after the structural wall removal
The kitchen shown after the structural wall removal

Structural Remodeling Scope

This project is a good example of a mid-scale structural remodel in the Denver area, involving:
  • Load-bearing wall removal
  • Structural reinforcement to support the new layout
  • Coordination between design, engineering, and construction
While smaller than a full addition, projects like this still require careful planning and expertise to execute safely and effectively.

The Challenge

Like many homes built in the 1960s, the main floor was divided by interior walls that separated the kitchen from the rest of the living space.

Key limitations included:

  • A confined kitchen layout with limited visibility and connection to other areas
  • Structural walls restricting the ability to open the space
  • Limited bedroom capacity for the growing household
  • Outdated materials, including asbestos in flooring and popcorn ceilings
  • A layout that didn’t support large family gatherings

Simply updating finishes wouldn’t solve the problem—the home required a structural remodel to change how the space worked.

A view of the wall that needed to be removed.
A view of the wall that needed to be removed.
The cramped kitchen before the remodel
The cramped kitchen before the remodel
Before the remodel, a different angle of the kitchen
Before the remodel, a different angle of the kitchen

The Solution

H&H Builders completed a structural kitchen remodel in the Denver metro area, removing key interior walls and reconfiguring the main floor to create an open, connected layout.
A new island with beautiful curved countertop.
A new island with a beautiful curved countertop.

Key improvements included:

1. Structural Wall Removal
  • Removed the wall containing the refrigerator
  • Removed the wall behind the stove
  • Re-engineered the space to safely redistribute loads
2. Open-Concept Kitchen Design
  • Created clear sightlines across the main living area
  • Improved flow for entertaining and family gatherings
3. Custom Cabinetry Enhancements
  • Integrated pull-out trays for improved storage and usability
After the remodel, highlighting the new modern cabinets
After the remodel, highlighting the new modern cabinets
4. Whole-Home Updates
  • Installed new flooring on both lower levels and stairs
  • Cleaned and refinished existing upstairs flooring
  • Painted the entire interior
5. Environmental Remediation
  • Safely mitigated asbestos found in flooring and ceiling textures
View of the new kitchen, showing the new hardwood floors and paint
View of the new kitchen, showing the new hardwood floors and paint

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.

Post renovation, a spacious, beautiful kitchen.
Post renovation, a spacious, beautiful kitchen.

Timeline

Start: September 2024
Completion: January 2025
The project was completed over approximately four months, with additional upfront planning to fully define the scope and avoid surprises during construction.

The Result

The remodeled space now functions as the heart of the home:

  • An open kitchen that supports hosting and everyday living
  • Improved flow between spaces for family interaction
  • Modern finishes combined with thoughtful storage solutions

Most importantly, the home continues to serve as a central gathering place—now with a layout that supports how the family actually lives.

Not all kitchen remodels are the same

Many projects focus only on finishes—cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
But when walls need to be removed and layouts reconfigured, the project becomes a structural remodel, not just a cosmetic update.

This project demonstrates how H&H Builders approaches:

  • Load-bearing wall removal
  • Structural redesign of existing homes
  • Integration of design and engineering

 

Considering a Structural Kitchen Remodel in Denver?

If your kitchen:

  • Feels closed off from the rest of your home
  • Requires removing walls to achieve your goals
  • Needs more than just cosmetic updates

You may be looking at a structural kitchen remodel, not a simple renovation.

H&H Builders specializes in design-build structural remodeling in the Denver area, helping homeowners safely transform older layouts into modern, functional spaces.

Ready to start? Contact us for a free consultation.

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