Fenwick Full Home Renovation in the niagara region
renovation overview
RENOVATION TYPE:
Full home renovation of a late 1800s character home.
REASON FOR RENOVATION:
The homeowners wanted modern comfort, efficiency, and functionality while preserving the historic character that
made their older rural home meaningful.
LOCATION:
The renovation took place in rural Fenwick, a quiet community known for its small-town charm and agricultural roots. Surrounded by farmland and country roads, it offers a relaxed pace of life within the Niagara region. Pelham is marked by mature trees, spacious lots, and character homes often with covered porches and timeless craftsmanship making it appealing to those who value rural character and a close-knit community.
RENOVATION COST:
Full home renovations of this scale and complexity typically start at $700,000+
TRADES INVOLVED:
Sprague Interiors
Thorpe Concepts
Hartwell Building Design Inc
Paradise Finish Carpentry Inc
Low’s Glass
Verhoef Electric
Xpert Painting
Go Green Plumbing
Aristocrat
Red Seal Contracting
Young Glass Photography
Meghan Landers Creative
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“We used Eden Build for a whole home renovation of our century home in Pelham. Various parts of the house had been renovated by various owners over its 100+ year lifetime. We needed someone who could maintain its wonderful character while also coordinating everything and bringing it up to modern standards. Craig, Mat and the team at Eden Build, and their select group of contractors, did an incredible job. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are exactly what we hoped for and everything our home deserved. Craig’s creativity, responsiveness and professionalism when faced with the various inevitable challenges in a renovation of this size (kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, trim, lighting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc, etc) were impressive and very much appreciated. As was their ability to stay on schedule and on cost, which was no small feat! We always felt like getting everything right was as important to Craig and Mat as it was to us. That made all the difference in the world. We would give Eden Build six stars out of five if we could.”
Kitchen - before
kitchen - after
living room - before
living room - after
Design Elements
The design, completed by Sprague Interiors, focused on honouring the home’s historic character while introducing the functionality required for contemporary living. Warm, timeless colours and natural materials established continuity, allowing new spaces to feel rooted in the home’s past. Classic trim profiles, picture-frame paneling, shiplap ceilings, and refinished original doors echo the craftsmanship of the late 1800s, creating authenticity rather than imitation.
The kitchen became the heart of the transformation. A new layout introduces clear work zones, generous storage, and stronger connections to surrounding rooms, turning a once-constrained space into the central gathering point. Soapstone, marble, and wide-plank flooring provide durability while reinforcing the home’s heritage aesthetic.
Every decision balanced preservation with daily comfort, resulting in a home that feels renewed without losing the story of its origins.
Powder Room - before
Powder room - after
mudroom - before
mudroom - after
floor plan & functionality
The floor plan was reorganized to create a more intuitive, functional layout while respecting the proportions of the original structure. The reimagined kitchen, now centered around an island, provides efficient work zones and a natural connection to living spaces, establishing the flow the home had long lacked. Removing radiators opened wall space and allowed rooms to be furnished in ways that finally fit the homeowners’ routines.
Mechanical upgrades were integrated with care. New heating and cooling equipment was strategically placed so ductwork could be routed through attic and basement spaces, eliminating bulkheads and preserving ceiling lines. Additional windows in the family room introduced natural light and strengthened the home’s relationship to its wooded lot.
Upstairs, exchanging the oversized laundry room with the undersized bathroom created practical, well-proportioned spaces for daily life. The result is a home that functions with modern ease while maintaining its historic presence.
Diningroom - before
Diningroom - after
Laundry room - before
laundry room - after
shared bathroom - before
shared bathroom - after
renovation challenges
Working within a late 1800s home meant uncovering challenges at every stage. Layers of flooring and wall finishes required careful removal and testing before reconstruction could begin. Once exposed, the structure revealed irregular framing, uninsulated cavities, settlement, and aging systems that demanded correction to support safe, lasting improvements.
Reconfiguring the kitchen required removing a load-bearing wall, adding engineering complexity to achieve the desired layout. The renovation revealed undersized plumbing filled with residue from the home’s former well system and outdated electrical panels, resulting in complete system replacements.
Transitioning from radiators to forced-air heating required threading ductwork through tight, uneven framing voids. The final challenge was precision finishing, where each cabinet, door, and trim piece had to be scribed to the home’s imperfect geometry, showcasing the craftsmanship essential to renewing a structure of this age.
primary bathroom - before
primary bathroom - after
bedroom - before
bedroom - after
full renovation portfolio
Renovation Scope of Work
- Full project management and on-site supervision from start to finish
- Complete interior demolition while carefully salvaging select original features
- Structural upgrades, including new beams, framing modifications, and foundation work
- Reconfiguration of main floor and second floor layouts to improve flow and function
- Installation of all new windows and custom exterior doors
- Partial plumbing systems replacement with new plumbing fixtures in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry.
- Partial electrical upgrade, including a new 200-amp service, lighting, and in-floor heating
- New high-efficiency heating and cooling systems with all new ductwork
- Insulation upgrades for improved comfort and energy efficiency
- New drywall with high-level finishing throughout the home
- Custom interior trim, paneling, stair railings, and millwork details
- Full interior painting, wallpaper installation, and specialty finishes
- Installation of hardwood flooring, tile, and carpet throughout
- Custom cabinetry and countertops for kitchen, bathrooms, mudroom, office, and storage areas
- New gas fireplace installation and custom tile surround
- Installation of appliances, glass shower enclosures, and central vacuum system
- Final detailing, cleaning, and pre-delivery walkthrough
