In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we talk with Brian from Cambridge, Massachusetts, about his multi-phase renovation experience. Brian shares his journey from purchasing a dated, 1980s-style home to transforming it into a personal and functional space. We begin with Brian’s decision to prioritize location and outdoor space, knowing upfront that renovations would be necessary. His project, led by Marilyn, was completed in two phases: an exterior porch addition and a larger interior overhaul.

Brian walks us through the reasoning behind starting with the porch—a structure in disrepair and home to a family of raccoons. This first phase gave him insight into the renovation process and served as a testing ground for team dynamics. While the project wasn’t without challenges, such as pandemic interruptions and zoning issues, Brian emphasizes the value of thorough planning and having a strong partnership with his architect. He also spoke to the value of discussing the project with his neighbors, so they knew what to expect.

As we move into the second phase, Brian explains the bold decisions they made, like eliminating a bedroom and reducing window count, to create a more functional layout. These choices prioritized how he lives rather than strict resale value, a strategy he now strongly recommends. The conversation also covers the importance of contracts and how switching contractors between phases ultimately benefited the project.

We reflect on the lessons learned—especially the importance of making decisions early, planning for zoning requirements, and having the right contractual protections in place. Brian’s key takeaway is simple: plan everything you can, because unexpected hurdles will come. His favorite part of the renovation? The transformation of the entry experience—walking into an open, light-filled space that brings joy every single day.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com