Warzone to Wonderland™

Kitchen Surface Restoration: From Plaster to a Comfortable Homey Finish

Before

After

This project was a total surface recovery. I stripped the room back to the studs, removing the original destroyed plaster from the walls and the ceiling. Before any finishing could happen, I had to level the floor to make sure the new cupboards and countertops would sit nicely.

I covered the old walls with 1/4-inch drywall, installed new flooring, and fitted the cupboards and counters. I also integrated smart lighting and completed the finish work. This past project shows the detailed interior repairs and surface updates involved in restoring the space.

Technical Tile & Bathroom Surface Restoration

Before

After

This project was a full surface recovery. I stripped the room back to the studs and the original plumbing to fix the core issues. I focused on leveling the walls and stabilizing the subfloor so the new tile would have a solid, flat base.

The update included subway tile with marble-pattern accents, new fixtures, and a new floor. Leveling the walls and stabilizing the subfloor created a solid base for the tile.

Mosaic Tile Bathroom Restoration

Before

After

This restoration began with a full strip-down to the subfloor. I taped off gaps and holes before pouring floor leveler to create a flat base for the mosaic. The tile required careful custom cuts around the contours of a 1920s tub. I finished by sealing and waterproofing the surface.

Foyer Transformation: Flat to Vaulted Ceiling

Before

After

The entryway had a flat ceiling and damaged materials that needed substantial repair. I opened the space into a vaulted design, installed insulation and drywall, restored the hardwood floor, and finished with a chandelier. The result is a brighter, more open foyer.

Living Room Structural Rebuild & Pantry Integration

Before

After

This project involved covering old plaster walls with quarter-inch sheetrock to create a clean, modern surface. I built a completely new structural section in the living room to incorporate a pantry into a different part of the house. The update included the installation of new flooring and smart lighting throughout the room.

Summer Camp Hardwood Restoration & Protection

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After

This camp bathroom floor had years of ground-in dirt. I sanded the wood and prepared the surface for a fresh finish.

To handle the wear and water splashes in the camp bathroom, I applied three coats of marine-strength varnish for a durable, water-resistant finish.

New Office Window Installation & Structural Frame Repair

Before

After

The original window opening was in poor condition, so I replaced sections of the framing before installing the new window. I sealed and leveled the unit, keeping the bottom clear of screws to allow drainage and help prevent rot. Custom-cut trim completed the home office look.

Living Room to Kitchen Transition: Custom Hardwood Step

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After

This step between the living room and kitchen was covered in carpet and felt out of place. I removed the carpet and used leftover hardwood from the homeowner's kitchen project to create a custom transition that ties the two rooms together.

Tile Entranceway Job

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After

This entryway had been bare for years, and the settled floor had an uneven height. I leveled the surface and installed Ditra before setting the tile. Careful measuring allowed the tile to run continuously from the entrance into the closet. The project was a surprise birthday gift from a wife to her husband—no pressure!—and he was happy with the result.

Ceiling Surface Restoration & Finish Work

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After

A burst pipe turned this ceiling into a mess of soggy drywall. I had to get creative to fix the leak and match that specific texture so the patch disappeared. This one has a full story with more photos of how I pulled it off.

Stair Landing Reconstruction

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After

Stair landing reconstructed from a rough condition into a clean, solid finished transition space.

Full Exterior Restoration: 1920s Vintage to Modern

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After

This was a six-month deep restoration. I sanded the entire cedar exterior down to bare wood before restaining to preserve the natural grain. The project included a full roof replacement, complete trim work, and a fresh paint application. I also repaired the stone foundation covers using a professional broom finish. The goal was to bridge the gap between the home's 1920s roots and a clean, modern aesthetic.

Porch Refinish: Worn to Clean Finish

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After

I refinished this worn porch surface to give it a cleaner look and improve its curb appeal.

Porch Restoration & Finish: Damaged to Finished Exterior

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After

This project focused on porch restoration and finish work. Key tasks included stabilizing deck and support boards, adding a center concrete support, and updating joist ties. The aged pressure-treated wood was carefully sanded for stain absorption, then finished for long-term durability and curb appeal.

Exterior Siding Restoration & Maintenance

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After

I cleaned this 30-year-old vinyl siding, using a lift to reach areas 23 feet high. A surface treatment helped remove heavy algae and environmental buildup and restore the home's exterior.

1920s Historical Porch & Radial Ceiling Restoration

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After

This project restored a century-old summer camp porch. I rebuilt the failing fascia and trim and repainted the structure while preserving its historic character. The radial-beamed ceiling was the centerpiece and required careful finish work.

Custom Shiplap Dartboard Backing Board

Before

After

I built this custom shiplap backing to save the walls from stray darts and give the game room a better look. It involved some custom mounting to keep everything solid and level. You can see the full build process and the final result in the story section.