To begin with, our client, a single mom preparing for a new chapter. She was downsizing from her spacious historic home now that her daughter is heading off to college. With already owning a charming bungalow just a couple of blocks away, the move would be an easy one. But handing over this beautiful old home, complete with its crown-jewel garden, was bittersweet.
As much as she loved it, the upkeep of a 100+ year-old home was daunting. Having hired us before to restore her travertine kitchen floor, she wanted that done again. But at the onset, she considered tackling even more. Realizing we could address nearly all of her floor surfaces as a one-stop shop made the decision easier. One trusted company. Less complication.
Her bigger priority was the wood floors on the main living level. Sadly, after evaluating their condition, we found they couldn’t withstand sanding. While original to the home’s vintage, they had been sanded down over the years to the point that the boards were too thin. On top-nailed floors, when the nails start protruding and can’t be hammered flush, it’s a sign there’s “not enough meat on the bone.” Sanding again would only make them unsafe.
With that option off the table, we turned our attention to another hidden gem on the property: her exterior travertine stairs and whimsical back patio, nestled like a secret garden behind this lovely home.
She scheduled the patio work first. This area, though cozy and full of potential, had grown haggard. We didn’t promise perfection—but we knew we could dramatically revive it and turn it into a selling point for the property.
The transformation stunned her. The travertine came back to life with unexpected brilliance, shedding years of grime and buildup. While our team was still working, she began sending us after-photos, thrilled that her dream garden was being revived before her eyes.
The patio went from neglected to a crown jewel of a showpiece. And while it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a beloved home, she’s found joy in restoring and celebrating it—just in time for a send-off that feels complete.