Restorations / Renovations

In a fourth collaboration with This Old House®, Sweenor Builders managed the significant renovation of this 1949 classic shingled ranch home in Westerly, Rhode Island. The 2,000-square-foot structure was transformed into a Dutch Colonial with a second floor and 1,000 square feet of additional space, plus plenty of modern amenities to meet the needs of a young family. Our design called for a slight bump out in the back of the house to increase the size of the kitchen and dining room, and to open the floor plan. A new master suite, two children’s bedrooms, a guest bedroom, home office and laundry room were also added. The project was chronicled on the 2019/20 season of This Old House on PBS.

Sweenor Builders was proud to support our architect and partner from the This Old House® Idea House project on his quest to turn a 100-year-old Jamestown-village bungalow into an environmentally conscious clean air, net-zero home for his family. This Old House chronicled our journey as we doubled the home’s footprint with a 1,000-square-foot addition, resolved asbestos and environmental issues, overhauled mechanical systems, incorporated sustainable building products and technologies, and restored the charm that had been lost after two mid-century renovations. The project was distinguished with a platinum Best In American Living™ Award (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Even a big, old horse barn can become an unforgettable space. This property came with a 2,300 square-foot wooden barn, large enough for eight horses. The new homeowners had no horses, but they appreciated the unique character of the structure and imagined it could have a new life as an entertainment venue for friends and family. The lofted ceilings and heavy wooden framing provided a giant canvas for our design team, and a special challenge for our building crew. The barn vibe was maintained with extensive use of reclaimed, vintage beams and planks – like those found in the original New England mills. Lots of fun, social elements were added, like a custom state-of-the-art bar, a traditional stone fireplace, concrete floors, oversized rolling doors, and an outdoor kitchen space. Modern comforts were incorporated within the rustic theme, including radiant floor heating, bathroom, and spray foam insulation. If you have property with an offbeat secondary building, it may be a gem waiting to be discovered.