Cliffside Home Transformation
Construction
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Perched above Candlewood Lake, this home presented unique challenges long before construction even began. With over 70 stairs leading to the main living level, every phase of the project required careful planning, precision logistics, and hands-on craftsmanship.
Location
New Fairfield, Connecticut
Category
Remodeling
Year
2010
Access to the property was one of the defining challenges of the project. With no direct vehicle access to the main level, materials, equipment, and debris had to be carefully managed and staged. One of the most demanding phases involved the complete demolition and reconstruction of the front patio. The existing concrete was fully jackhammered and removed, and a custom-built concrete chute system was designed to safely pour new concrete from above — allowing us to rebuild the patio efficiently despite the steep terrain.
The home’s exterior was fully refreshed to improve both appearance and long-term performance. We replaced every window in the house with new Andersen windows, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and natural light. The entire exterior was professionally repainted, and the cedar shingle roof was fully redone, during which we also added two skylights to bring additional daylight into the interior spaces below.
In the basement, long-term moisture control was a top priority. All existing flooring was removed to expose the foundation, allowing us to install a new footing drain system, partially custom-built into the natural ledge. Once complete, a new rat slab was poured, creating a dry, stable foundation and dramatically improving the health and usability of the lower level.
Inside the home, floors were taken down to the joists, and framing was brought fully up to current code. From there, the space was rebuilt with new subflooring, insulation, and finishes throughout. Hardwood floors were installed and refinished across the entire house, complemented by vertical shiplap walls and a fresh, cohesive paint palette that elevated the home’s warmth and character.
The full bathroom was completely remodeled, featuring a custom mud-job shower built for durability and timeless style. Mechanical systems were carefully integrated to support the updated layout, and every finish was selected to balance function, comfort, and long-term reliability — completing a comprehensive transformation that respected the home’s setting while preparing it for decades of use.
