General Renovation Project: C00722 | Western NY Before & After

From Dated and Worn to Modern and Beautiful: A Complete Home Renovation in Lockport

When the Martinez family bought their 1970s colonial in Lockport, they loved the bones of the house but knew it needed serious work. The kitchen was cramped with outdated cabinets, the bathrooms showed their age, and walls that should have been opened up created a closed-off feeling throughout the main floor. After living in the space for a few months, they realized a full general renovation was the answer—but they weren’t sure where to start or who to trust with such a large project.

This is a story we hear often here at Mid City Home Restoration. Homeowners in the Western New York area frequently inherit or purchase properties that have good potential but need comprehensive updates. The challenge isn’t usually finding the problems—it’s finding a contractor who can manage multiple trades, stay on schedule, and deliver quality work that lasts. We recently completed a renovation for the Martinez family that touched nearly every room in their home, and the results speak for themselves.

The Challenge

The Martinez home needed more than cosmetic updates. The kitchen had low ceilings, minimal counter space, and appliances that were well past their prime. Both bathrooms required complete renovations, including new plumbing and electrical work. The flooring throughout the main level was worn hardwood that needed refinishing or replacement. Perhaps most importantly, the family wanted to remove a non-load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room to create an open, modern living space.

What made this project complex was the interconnected nature of the work. Removing that wall meant addressing electrical and HVAC systems that ran through it. Opening up the kitchen area required careful coordination with the bathroom renovations happening upstairs, as they shared plumbing lines. The structural work needed to happen before any cosmetic improvements, and every trade had to be scheduled in the right sequence to avoid delays and waste.

The Martinez family was understandably concerned about managing all these moving parts. They’d heard renovation horror stories from friends—projects that went over budget, took twice as long as promised, and left homeowners stressed and frustrated. They needed a contractor who could handle the full scope of work, communicate clearly, and deliver on time and on budget.

Our Approach

We started with a detailed on-site assessment and a thorough walk-through with the Martinez family. Our goal was simple: understand their vision, identify any hidden issues, and create a realistic plan before we broke ground. During this assessment, we checked the structural integrity of the wall they wanted removed, inspected the electrical and plumbing systems, and looked at the condition of the foundation and framing. This upfront work is essential because it prevents surprises later on.

Once we had a clear picture of the work ahead, we created a comprehensive project plan that broke the renovation into logical phases. First came the structural work—installing a beam to support the area where the wall came down, along with necessary adjustments to electrical and HVAC systems. Next came the rough-in work for the new kitchen and bathrooms, including plumbing and electrical updates. Then we moved into finish work: drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and painting. Finally, we handled all the details that make a house feel like home again.

Communication was built into every step. We assigned a dedicated project manager who checked in with the Martinez family at the start of each week, kept them updated on progress, and immediately flagged any decisions that needed to be made. We also brought in our crews in the right sequence to minimize disruption and keep the project moving. The homeowners were able to live in a portion of their home throughout most of the work, which meant they could stay connected to their daily routines in Lockport even while their house was being transformed.

We also made sure the Martinez family understood what was included in our general renovation service and what our 1-year workmanship warranty covers. This warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, knowing that if something doesn’t perform as expected, we’ll make it right. For a project this size, that kind of backing matters.

The Result

Eight weeks after we began, the Martinez family got their home back—and it was almost unrecognizable in the best way possible. The wall between the kitchen and dining room was gone, creating a bright, open floor plan that flooded the space with natural light. The new kitchen featured custom cabinetry, modern appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of workspace. Both bathrooms were completely updated with new fixtures, tile work, and efficient layouts. The hardwood floors throughout the main level were refinished and gleamed under the newly repositioned lighting.

But numbers and descriptions don’t capture what really happened here. When the Martinez family walked through their renovated home for the first time, they were amazed. Their 1970s colonial now felt like a modern home that still honored its original character. The kitchen was no longer a bottleneck; it was the heart of the house. The bathrooms were spa-like spaces instead of cramped, dated rooms. The open layout meant they could cook dinner, help their kids with homework at the dining table, and still feel connected to the living room.

Six months after project completion, we received a note from them saying the renovation had changed how they lived in their home. They entertaining more often. Their kids actually wanted to have friends over. And perhaps most importantly, they felt confident that their investment was solid—not just because of the beautiful finishes, but because they knew the work was done right by a licensed contractor they could trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a general renovation typically take?

Timeline varies significantly based on the scope of work and the size of your home. A project like the Martinez renovation—touching multiple rooms with structural changes, plumbing, and electrical updates—took about eight weeks. Smaller renovations might take three to four weeks, while larger ones could extend to three or four months. We provide a detailed timeline during the planning phase so you know what to expect.

Will I be able to stay in my home during the renovation?

In many cases, yes. We work in phases designed to minimize disruption to your daily life. However, this depends on the extent of the project. If we’re doing major work in your kitchen, you’ll want to have a plan for meal preparation. We discuss this with every homeowner and help create a strategy that works for your family’s needs.

What happens if the contractor finds structural issues or hidden problems during the work?

This is exactly why a thorough assessment before work begins is so important. We identify most problems upfront and include them in our initial plan. If something unexpected does surface—which can happen in older Western New York homes—we inform you immediately, explain the issue and options, and get your approval before proceeding. No surprises.

Are you licensed to handle all the different trades involved in a general renovation?

Mid City Home Restoration is a fully licensed contractor in New York State. We manage all aspects of general renovation work, from structural and plumbing to electrical and finishing work. For specialized trades or permits that require specific licensing, we coordinate with licensed subcontractors and oversee all work to ensure it meets code and our quality standards.

What warranty do you offer on renovation work?

We stand behind our work with a 1-year workmanship warranty on all general renovation projects. This covers the labor and materials we install, giving you confidence that your investment is protected and that we’re committed to your satisfaction long after we finish.

Ready to transform your home? Book your free site visit and see what Mid City Home Restoration can do for you.