When we last shared an update on our duplex renovation, the building still looked like a stripped-down skeleton. Now, nearly a month later, the project is taking shape: the new floor plan is becoming clear, the second-story additions on the rear (including two new bathrooms) are almost finished, and the front windows were finally installed last week when the rain held off long enough. Sherry is especially thrilled about the diamond-grille window in the middle top — if you follow us on Instagram, you already know how much she adores it.
We filmed a walk-through showing the current progress; watching the video is the best way to understand what’s changed and what’s next. There’s a notable change in the back bedroom that makes a dramatic difference in how the upstairs landing and circulation feel — it’s much easier to appreciate on video, so check it out above or on YouTube if you prefer that view.
The biggest interior change since our last tour is the completed structural repairs and fresh framing. During demolition we found several problem areas, especially in the rear corners where a former porch had been enclosed. Those sections required significant reinforcement and re-framing, but the improvement is clear — the house no longer wobbles like it once did.
Just behind that back corner we’ve framed the second-floor bathroom additions. Each side of the duplex will gain an ensuite bathroom, taking both units from one full bath to two, with an additional powder room on the main level. The framing went up quickly and transforms the silhouette and function of the rear elevation.
For context, the rear of the duplex originally had a small first-floor bump-out. We received approval from the Historic Review Board to extend that bump-out to the second floor since it won’t be visible from the street. That decision allowed us to add meaningful square footage to the back bedrooms without affecting the historic streetscape.
Despite heavy rains slowing progress last week, the crew managed to install most of the windows and nearly all of the plywood sheathing. One of the bathrooms should be fully roofed by now, and exterior work is continuing as weather permits. Getting the house weathertight is a major milestone because it means interior mechanicals — plumbing, electrical, and HVAC — can proceed without risk of water damage.
We also petitioned the Historic Review Board for an additional window in the back bedroom to improve natural light. It was approved, and once the opening was cut we immediately noticed how much brighter and more inviting the room felt. That new window can even be seen from the upstairs hallway and from the bottom of the front stairs, meaning it contributes to the overall sense of light and openness as soon as you enter the home.
The staircase used to feel cramped and enclosed. By pushing the old wall back several feet and reframing the landing, we essentially doubled the landing’s footprint and opened sightlines toward the new rear window. That small change dramatically improves flow and makes the upstairs feel much more spacious.
Downstairs the layout is also more open. We widened the opening between the living and kitchen areas to create a much better flow — the previous passage was less than half this width. The opening at the base of the stairs has been enlarged and raised so the transom window will be visible from the living room, which enhances natural light and improves the visual connection between spaces.
We also widened the doorway between the kitchen and laundry/mudroom to accommodate pocket doors. While the framed opening looks very large now, the pocket door pockets and drywall will reduce the visible width by about half, resulting in a nearly six-foot-wide doorway that balances openness and privacy. We plan to add frosted glass above the pocket doors so light can pass through even when they’re closed.
If the weather cooperates, roofing and siding should go up over the next few weeks, and the porch will be rebuilt with a tin roof, beefier columns, and a wood railing designed to feel period-appropriate. Once the exterior is weatherproofed, interior work can continue in earnest. We’re excited to see the duplex start to look like a finished house from the outside again.
Before we wrap up: Sean’s company sign outside the job is undeniably large — here’s Sherry for scale. And Sherry requested one last photo of her beloved diamond windows. The originals were too fragile to reuse, so Sean helped us source exact replicas matched to the original proportions and diamond pattern. They’re a small detail, but one that means a lot to the overall character of the house.
We’re keeping our fingers crossed for dry weather and steady progress. For more frequent updates you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook, where we post regular photos and Stories from the jobsite — and where Sherry will almost certainly celebrate the diamond windows all over again.
P.S. You can find our previous duplex posts and projects in the duplex category on the blog, and our beach house updates are collected under the beach house category for anyone who wants to read more.