When Wellesley homeowners Joe and Amy first contacted Custom Contracting, Inc., they were focused on improving their bathroom and laundry room. Like many homeowners in older homes, they knew their space wasn’t working as well as it could—but they weren’t quite sure what the solution should look like.
Referred by their architect to work on the bath/laundry room addition, Joe and Amy were impressed when they met Bill. “Bill is very good at listening and is very practical,” Joe shared. “He gave us a quote that I could understand with a lot of details. He was very responsive to questions, and he isn’t trying to sell. He understood what we wanted, liked and needed.” They had planned on a kitchen renovation in the future, but after collaborating with Bill, Joe and Amy ultimately decided that both additions would be more efficient in time and cost if tackled together.
That collaborative approach set the tone for a renovation that would ultimately transform multiple areas of their home.
Starting with the Bathroom and Laundry Addition
The project initially centered on creating a more functional bathroom and laundry space. Working from plans developed with their architect, Joe and Amy moved forward with a full addition on the left side of the home to accommodate a combined laundry room and full bath.
Because their property sits on a slope, this “ground-level” addition required substantial structural support below. Rather than leaving that space unfinished, the team transformed it into a cozy covered patio with distinctive arches—creating a charming outdoor retreat while providing a strong foundation for the new space above. The result is a solution that adds both interior convenience and exterior living space.
Expanding the Scope to Include the Kitchen
While the bathroom and laundry addition was already in motion, conversations with Bill led Joe and Amy to reconsider the timing of their long-planned kitchen renovation. With permits secured, crews mobilized, and construction underway, tackling both projects at once proved to be the most efficient and cost-effective approach.
The expanded scope added a 6’ x 18’ kitchen addition on the right side of the home, built on structural footings. This new space allowed for a full kitchen renovation, improved storage, and a more functional layout—transforming the heart of the home.
One of the most impactful ideas—adding a dedicated pantry—came directly from Bill. “The pantry was entirely Bill’s idea,” Joe noted, and it quickly became one of Amy’s favorite features.
Amy emphasized how important both beauty and usability were in the new kitchen. “It was just as important that the kitchen look nice, but that there was also flow and functionality,” she said. “The space between the island and counter needed to be right. It’s a very cohesive and functional design.”
Completing the kitchen addition at the same time also made it possible to address several major upgrades throughout the home. The project included renovating the existing deck, replacing all of the home’s windows, installing a new HVAC system, adding spray foam insulation in the attic for improved energy efficiency, and completing a full exterior paint job. Coordinating these improvements within one construction timeline streamlined the work and ensured a consistent, high-quality result.
The kitchen renovation also included replacing the existing basement door and installing a new exterior door to the deck, improving circulation between the interior and outdoor living areas.
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