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BLOG: The Lakehouse Whole Home Renovation

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:25:53 GMT

Key Details

Type of Project: Whole Home Renovation

Location: Chalk Lake, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
Timeline: 10 months
Designer: Dan Hutchinson Interior Design
Suppliers: Pella Windows , Cambria Countertops , Gentek Building Products , Everlast Siding , Aria Vent Covers , Deluxe Stairs

A Fresh Start on the Lake

This stunning transformation in the Chalk Lake area was a complete top-to-bottom renovation, redefining what it means to bring modern luxury into a lakeside home.

Our clients wanted an elegant, comfortable retreat that could accommodate frequent guests while maintaining privacy and warmth. They envisioned a light-filled, open-concept main floor paired with an updated kitchen designed for entertaining. We, along with designer Dan Hutchison Interior Design , were thrilled to bring that vision to life.

Details that Define Luxury

Every detail of this project was carefully selected for both form and function. The home features three Valor fireplaces , each with a heat shift system that allows for comfortable warmth throughout.

The entrance welcomes guests with a herringbone tile floor , adding texture and sophistication. The new floating spiral staircase , crafted by Deluxe Stairs , serves as the architectural centerpiece. It’s an impressive balance of artistry and engineering that required reframing the entire dining area.

Other standout features include:

Custom cabinetry and built-ins
Large patio doors opening to the lake
Sleek, no-sill showers for a barrier-free design
Dura ble Everlast PVC siding
A new front entrance roof finished with standing seam roofing

Built for Comfort and Efficiency

Beyond aesthetics, the Chalk Lake renovation prioritized performance. The home received a full HVAC upgrade, including a high-efficiency heat pump, and the basement walls were spray-foamed for added insulation. Every element was chosen with longevity, comfort, and efficiency in mind.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any large-scale renovation, this project presented its share of complexities. One of the biggest challenges was reframing the roof, a major structural undertaking. Working closely with an engineer, our team ensured the new design met and exceeded all requirements for safety and stability while achieving the desired open-concept.

A Modern Lake House, Reimagined

The finished home reflects a seamless blend of craftsmanship, design, and innovation. It is truly a testament to what’s possible when attention-to-detail meets creative vision. The results speak for themselves: a timeless, welcoming lakefront home built for gathering, relaxing, and making memories.

Photography: “After” photos by mikechajecki.com

BLOG: Ajax Whole Home Renovation

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:15:38 GMT

Key Details

Location: Ajax, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Extensive renovation of the entire home (all three levels) included virtually ALL rooms and interior spaces, finishing the basement, new windows, roof, and exterior doors
This collaborative project shared between ourselves, the homeowners and their designer ( Muzanovic Design Inc. ) showcased the power of common vision intersecting with high standards of craftsmanship and execution

Timing: 6 months

The Story

The Issue: The client and designer/architect set out to completely modernize the previously dated appearance of the home, opening it up and overhauling its style and tone to today’s standards… all within a reasonable budget.

The Solution: This was truly a "whole home" renovation. We opened up and removed several interior walls to create an open concept feel to the main floor, especially for the kitchen and living room. All three bathrooms were gutted and modernized from top to bottom. All bedrooms were redone to be cozy yet airy. Painting and trim was redone throughout the interior, including the newly finished basement. But it wasn’t strictly confined to the interior, as all windows were replaced/updated, new exterior doors were installed, a modern new HVAC system was installed, and a new roof literally topped off the entire project. And it was all done within 6 months, while maintaining budgetary goals.

Other Challenges:

There were a lot of behind-the-scenes repairs needed to properly level certain sections of the floors
Repaired and rectified some inconsistent framing
Changed duct work in basement to reduce the number of bulkheads, for a more open feel

Some Favourite Features:

New white oak floor
Solid material backsplash
Expertly integrated pre-built cabinetry, no custom millwork required
Capped main floor stairs to match flooring
New HVAC system

Additional “Wins”:

We managed to maintain open concept sight-lines with consistent flooring flowing throughout the main level
Achieved a more open feel in the basement by changing duct work to reduce the number of bulkheads

What the Homeowners say:

"I wanted to say you and your team did an incredible job on the house. We are so happy with the outcome. Thank you so much."

Photography: “After” photos by Reid Media Agency

BLOG: The Connie Renovation

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:49:18 GMT

Key Details

Location: Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Main floor renovation including the kitchen, powder room, living room, dining room, laundry room
The client was seeking an overall update to the entire main floor, creating an impression of modern sophistication that is current and contemporary
This was achieved through numerous updates and upgrades including new floors, tile work, raised door heights, an entirely new lighting design, and other changes that all combined to make a HUGE difference

Timing: 3 months

The Story

The Issue: The client was seeking an overall update to the entire main floor, wishing to create an impression of modern sophistication that is current and contemporary.

The Solution: Virtually every room and space on the main floor received ample attention. The kitchen was completely redone and updated from floor to ceiling. There were new built-ins added to the sitting area. New gorgeous floors were installed, including a broad herringbone pattern and handcrafted borders in the kitchen, dining room and study. The stairs were capped and the railings were updated to stylishly match the new floors. The powder room was completely renovated with new tile floor, vanity and fixtures. Even the upstairs hallway had its old carpet replaced with hardwood. And of course, everything was also freshly repainted in colours professionally chosen and applied.

Other Challenges:

We are happy to report that there were relatively few “surprises” on this project, which tends to be rare with an undertaking of such scope and timeline. Due consideration and allowances were provided to the homeowners, who continued to live in the home during the renovation, rather than temporarily relocate.

Some Favourite Features:

Kitchen and dining room has white oak herringbone flooring with a border
Front entrance, laundry, and powder room received new tile floors
All new, professionally designed lighting throughout the entire main floor
Custom tiled backsplashes in both the kitchen and laundry room

Additional “Wins”:

High grade kitchen cabinets from Kitchen Studio
Capped staircase and railing to match new floors
New patio door
All doors on main floor raised to 8 feet, for a much more open feel

What the Homeowners say:

"We had an excellent experience with Kooger in the renovation of our home. Arian was detailed on his projection of cost and there were no unexpected surprises. The project was finished according to timeline and we were very pleased with the quality of the workmanship. Arian and his workers were professional and courteous and did their best to make living through a renovation manageable. We would definitely recommend Arian and his team."

Photography: “After” photos by Stephanie Brown

BLOG: Waterbury - Whole Home Reno

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:19:46 GMT

Key Details

Location: Port Perry, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Whole home renovation including the kitchen, bathroom, living room, dining room, loft and basement
We worked with the client to open up the floor plan, requiring engineer drawings to remove a main wall to open up the kitchen
Created a larger, more modern ensuite by combining the old ensuite and a walk-in closet

Timing: 6 months +

The Story

The Issue: After 20 years of the previous homeowners having left it untouched, the new owners wanted to open up the floor plan and really make it their own. Every level of this bungalow needed updating, from the loft through to the main floor, and right down to the basement.

The Solution: Every renovation is different and presents its own challenges. This project was no exception.

A whole home renovation can be daunting, but when the client, their designers, and our Kooger Custom Homes & Renovations team are on the same page, things come together beautifully. There were many key aspects to this reno. These include the complete removal of a wall on the main floor to open up the newly renovated kitchen, which now flows seamlessly into the living room with a custom-built tv unit as the room’s focal point. There is also the completely rebuilt loft area with a custom-built vanity in its ensuite. The master bedroom now features custom cabinetry, as well as a larger ensuite with walk-in shower and custom vanity. And no whole home reno would be complete without a renovated basement, complementing the whole home design and vastly expanding the total living space.

Other Challenges:

The outside wall of the house (where the custom TV unit was to go) was out of parallel by 2 inches. To overcome this, the TV unit was built 2 inches wider on one end, which made it run parallel with the hardwood flooring.
We also raised all of the doorway heights to accommodate 8 foot doors, for a stunningly spacious premium feel.

Some Favourite Features:

Custom built fireplace cladded in stone
Hidden door in the laundry room cabinetry provides access to water shutoffs
Main bathroom floor tile is one of our favourite tiles we have ever installed
Aria floor vents

Additional “Wins”:

LED light strips were installed in the sides of the primary bathroom custom cabinetry, so when the door is opened, the light automatically turns on.

After 20 years without an update, we were proud to bring our signature Kooger craftsmanship to a home that is now not only more functional, but is also a true reflection of the homeowners' personal style.

Photography: “After” photos by mikechajecki.com

BLOG: The Silo Cottage

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 18:06:14 GMT

Key Details

Type of Project:

Convert a traditional 19 foot steel grain bin/silo into a cottage retreat.
This was a true “One Off” and virtually every aspect of the project was custom created from scratch.

Timing: 2 months

The Story

The Issue: The homeowners had a rough concept in mind, and had assembled a few notes and photos to help express their vision. They were looking to convert an old, unused steel silo into a truly one-of-a-kind cottage space, perfect for gathering, playing games and even sleeping over. They brought in our Kooger team to bring their vision to life, and to solve innumerable potential problems in the process.

The Solution: This project tested our team at Kooger Custom Homes & Renovations, but they met all challenges head-on with a mixture of ingenuity, problem-solving, and high level craftsmanship. The first problem to be solved was “how do you frame the completely rounded interior of a cylinder?” We stud-framed the interior of the silo and then spray foamed the walls and ceiling. We added rough sawn Douglas Fir supports for the exterior canopy, tongue and groove fir on the upper level loft/mezzanine floor, and fir tongue and groove on the sloped, curved ceiling. We installed a large 3 pane door for an expansive entrance, showcasing a great view of the surrounding nature. Once inside, a custom curved staircase takes you up to the truly one-of-a-kind sleeping space of the loft/mezzanine.

Other Challenges:

Initially, and at other times throughout the build, there was some difficulty keeping water out. This required extensive caulking, plugging and waterproofing solutions.
The custom window designs built to fit within curved walls required “out-of-the-box” thinking, along with multiple mock-ups and extensive testing.

Some Favourite Features:

Timber framing supports of the loft and front entrance posts and beams
Intricate hand-crafted ceiling consisting of 552 pieces of separately fitted tongue and groove wood sections
Curved staircase running along the rounded interior wall
Entrance canopy made from repurposed wall section removed for the entrance, supported by additional rustic timber framing

Additional “Wins”:

The overall aesthetic and first impression of this rustic retreat is absolutely stunning.
Poured concrete pad, with epoxy finish makes for an inviting entrance.

The truly unique challenges of this “rustic repurposing” brought out the best of our signature Kooger craftsmanship. We are extremely proud of our team, and the too-numerous-to-count solutions that they came up with on this inspired, and inspiring, project.

What the Homeowners say:

"Great work and craftsmanship by Kooger Construction team on a very unique build that had a few challenges along the way. The team worked hard, with precision and care and we are thrilled with the end result. We are thoroughly enjoying our new little escape."

Photography: Stephanie Brown

BLOG: Main Floor Reno in Brooklin - 2024

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 18:22:28 GMT

Key Details

Location: Brooklin, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Extensive main floor renovation including the kitchen, bathroom, living room, dining room, laundry room and office
Collaborative project with ourselves, the homeowners and their designer (Sparrow Lane Interiors) that had a fabulous outcome

Timing: 3 months

The Story

The Issue: The homeowners wanted a more open kitchen, and a vastly updated living space that would improve the aesthetics, sight-lines and traffic flow.

The Solution: Working together with the homeowner and Sparrow Lane Interiors, our Kooger Custom Homes & Renovations team completed a thorough kitchen and main floor revival. The changes were broad and deep: There were new kitchen and laundry room cabinets. We opened the wall going into the kitchen from the hallway and removed the trimmed pillars from the kitchen to the family room. We removed the existing pantry and enlarged the opening into the dining room. We replaced the existing fireplace with a larger modern unit, and also installed a custom surround. In the laundry room, we “found” extra space by stacking the washer and dryer, which then allowed for the additional enhanced day-to-day functionality of a new laundry sink and cabinetry.

Other Challenges:

We removed the stipple ceiling on the main and second floors. We then also needed to paint the main floor, second floor hall and the staircase.
The walls needing to be removed had a lot of mechanical components in them and required extensive extra planning and work to re-route

Some Favourite Features:

Backsplash tile
New flooring on main floor
All new lighting layout on the main and second floors
Two-tone cabinets

Additional “Wins”:

We kept the home liveable and inhabited during the renovation
Open concept sight-lines, further enhanced by consistent flooring flowing throughout the main level

Modern design, forward thinking and our signature Kooger craftsmanship have come together to breathe new life into this home.

What the Homeowners say:

"Arian and his team were a pleasure to deal with right from the start, seeking out our input and expectations regularly. Everyone we dealt with were amazing, professional, and helpful, going above and beyond. Throughout the project, the team treated our home like their own and we couldn't be happier with the end result."

BLOG: The Church Street Addition

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 20:08:04 GMT

Key Details

Location: Durham Region , Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Addition to an existing home.
Remove the existing garage and construct a 1,500 square foot Nanny Suite.
New space included a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Budget: $450,000+

Timing: 6 months

The Story

The Issue: The owners of this s ingle story home wanted an open unit for their mother to live in, and they themselves would occupy the rest of the home. Inside, the space needed to be suitable now, and in the future, as the occupant ages. On the outside, they wanted the new addition to flow seamlessly with the main existing house and appear that it had always been one cohesive structure.

The Solution: The Kooger Custom Homes & Renovations team removed the existing garage and constructed a brand new 1,500 square foot space with an open floor plan. The existing siding, windows and roof on the house were all replaced so that it would not feel like an addition. Also, the stone from the addition was added onto the front of the main house to further blend the aesthetics of the new and old structures.

Other Challenges:

Tying in the two rooflines proved to be challenging, requiring precision measuring and calculations.
The existing hydro line to the house needed to be removed because it ran under the addition. The solution was to run a new temporary hydro line around the house.
As happens sometimes with additions, the existing house was significantly out of square. Adjustments were made throughout the planning and building process to overcome this situation, compensating to cleverly “hide” the inherited issue.

Some Favourite Features:

In floor radiant heat
Contemporary kitchen
Bathroom with no sill walk-in shower
Hardie Board siding, stone accents, and shakes for contrasting exterior textures

Additional “Wins”:

Hemlock posts and beams by front entrance
Shakes in the gables
Cathedral ceiling in the living room and kitchen
Storage cabinets under bench by the kitchen table

We are proud to have brought our signature Kooger craftsmanship to this project, building a space to better serve the homeowners’ evolving needs.

What the Homeowners say:

" The professional team at Kooger walked us through all the steps of our project to remove our existing garage and create a brand-new in-law s uite. T hey were always available to answer any questions we had. Always open to discussion and change, had suggestions for improvements and new innovative product. The staff became like family to us while on site and we appreciate the time and respect that was always shown. T heir craftsmanship and attention-to-detail is everywhere you look, and we love how much time and care went into making our addition look seamless, like it has always been there.

For anyone with a big reno project who doesn’t know where to start… Start by calling Arian and the crew at Kooger Custom Homes & Renovations, it was a pleasure working with everyone on their team."

BLOG: Courtice Renovation

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:43:22 GMT

Key Details

Location: Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Extensive renovation to an existing home.
Complete revamp of front entrance, staircase, laundry room, kitchen and bathroom

Budget: $200,000+

Timing: 3 months

The Story

The Issue: The homeowners were looking to modernize their dated front entrance and main staircase. Also on the wishlist was a brighter kitchen, an improved traffic flow to fit their lifestyle, and a bit of “WOW” factor.

The Solution: The Kooger Custom Homes & Renovations team executed a complete kitchen and main floor facelift. New hardwood flooring was installed to seamlessly match the existing floors. The new, modern kitchen included a box window with countertop going right into the window box, as well as a very clever hidden pantry, and new appliances. The radically improved laundry room was stylish and functionally quiet, thanks to a soft-closing pocket door. The front entrance area and staircase was thoroughly revamped, creating a most impressive first impression for visitors. A full renovation and update also breathed new life in to a previously tired powder room.

Other Challenges:

The wall for the hidden pantry was a load-bearing wall, which required reframing of the area, to still make it work.

Some Favourite Features:

New kitchen box window (this was the most unique feature)
Kitchen countertop that goes right into the window box
New laundry room with soft closing pocket door
Revamped front entrance area and staircase
Hidden pantry

Additional “Wins”:

Cambria countertop

Modern design, forward thinking and our signature Kooger craftsmanship have come together to breathe new life into this home.

What the Homeowners say:

"Enjoyed working with each and every member of the team. Very professional and dedicated to providing a superior experience."

BLOG: Henderson Street Renovation

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:26:45 GMT

Key Details

Location: Durham Region , Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Full main floor renovation, plus second floor bathroom and hallway.
Rooms that were transformed or added include the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, living room and family room.

Budget: $250,000+

Timing: 3 months

The Story

The Issue: For the owners of this 2,700 square foot home, the existing kitchen was too small, and they didn’t like that it was located in the centre of the main floor layout. Their wish list included open concept spaces, a larger kitchen for entertaining, and a better functioning layout.

The Solution: Our Kooger Custom Homes & Renovations team created a floor plan that called for the removal of a load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and transformed the two rooms into a spacious, stunning kitchen. The wall was replaced by a new steel beam. Structural drawings were required for the previous wooden beam's removal, which were done by the Kooger team to improve timing.

Other Challenges:

A rework of the plumbing was required, which involved opening up an upstairs closet wall and running a plumbing vent into it.
The height of the large window in the new kitchen was raised for cabinetry below. A full repair was done to the exterior brick, making it seem like the window had always been in its new position.

Some Favourite Features:

Aria vents
Custom cabinetry by Classic Touch Cabinets
White oak island
Capped and refinished the elegant curved staircase to seamlessly flow with new floors
A hidden walk-in pantry was added in the kitchen
Floating shelves
Steel beam allowing for wall removal

Additional “Wins”:

New wide plank white oak flooring connects the layout
New cabinetry in the laundry room and powder room
New doors, flooring and customized trim on both the main and second floors
Additional luxury touches, such as a pot filler faucet over the range
Premium fixtures and hardware throughout

The signature Kooger craftsmanship is evident everywhere you look in this stunningly modernized family home.

What the Homeowners say:

"Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness.

We have just completed a home renovation with Kooger Custom Homes & Renovations. We are beyond happy with the end results. Kooger completed the work on time, helped to resolve any issues that arose and kept the work site so clean. All of the trades used on this project were exceptional and working with Arian, Aaron and Jeremy was a pleasure.

We absolutely love our new home!"

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BLOG: The Lakehouse Whole Home Renovation

Key Details

Location: Chalk Lake, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada Timeline: 10 months Designer: Dan Hutchinson Interior Design Suppliers: Pella Windows , Cambria Countertops , Gentek Building Products , Everlast Siding , Aria Vent Covers , Deluxe Stairs

A Fresh Start on the Lake

Details that Define Luxury

Built for Comfort and Efficiency

Overcoming Challenges

A Modern Lake House, Reimagined

BLOG: Ajax Whole Home Renovation

Key Details

Location: Ajax, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Timing: 6 months

BLOG: The Connie Renovation

Key Details

Location: Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Timing: 3 months

BLOG: Waterbury - Whole Home Reno

Key Details

Location: Port Perry, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Timing: 6 months +

BLOG: The Silo Cottage

Key Details

Type of Project:

Timing: 2 months

BLOG: Main Floor Reno in Brooklin - 2024

Key Details

Location: Brooklin, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Timing: 3 months

BLOG: The Church Street Addition

Key Details

Location: Durham Region , Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Budget: $450,000+

Timing: 6 months

BLOG: Courtice Renovation

Key Details

Location: Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Budget: $200,000+

Timing: 3 months

BLOG: Henderson Street Renovation

Key Details

Location: Durham Region , Ontario, Canada

Type of Project:

Budget: $250,000+

Timing: 3 months

Location: Chalk Lake, Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
Timeline: 10 months
Designer: Dan Hutchinson Interior Design
Suppliers: Pella Windows , Cambria Countertops , Gentek Building Products , Everlast Siding , Aria Vent Covers , Deluxe Stairs