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25 First Street, Cambridge, United States


A Colonial Saltbox-Style Home in Haddam, CT

Most of this home's original structure dates back to the 1800s, with several additions built on over the years. Our client asked us to preserve the house's character and bring it back to life for their family. Our team was proud to take on a restoration with this much history behind it. 

Original Condition:

before sunwood remodel
before sunwood remodel
before sunwood remodel
before sunwood remodel
before sunwood remodel
After Our Renovation:
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Preserving the Home's Original Character

Our client wanted the home to remain connected to its historical roots. We kept as much of the original hardwood flooring as possible, patching in matching wood only where sections were too worn to save. We special-ordered black-and-white checkerboard flooring for the bathrooms to match the home's period, along with penny tile in the primary bath. Ceiling fans and the home's original layout stayed largely untouched. Where trim needed replacing, our crew matched the original profiles so the new work blends into the old. That trim matching is one of the details our team is most proud of on this project.

Adding a Laundry Room and Mudroom

Our client asked us to add a laundry room and a mudroom, two spaces the original home didn't have. We built both additions to match the home's existing trim, window styles, and proportions, so they match the rest of the house.

Materials and Finishes

We special ordered several finishes to match the home's age and give it a cohesive look:

  • Checkerboard tile flooring in the bathrooms, specially ordered to match the home's period character
  • Granite countertops with a leather finish in the kitchen and baths
  • Light gold faucets, cabinet hardware, and light fixtures throughout
  • New energy-efficient windows to replace the home's original single-pane units
  • Updated electrical and HVAC systems brought up to current code
  • Original hardwood flooring, preserved and patched with matching wood where needed
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What We Found Along the Way

During demolition, our team discovered asbestos that had to be professionally removed before work could continue. The home's electrical and HVAC systems needed a full overhaul to meet current standards. Many of the original floors had settled unevenly over the decades and needed to be leveled before new finishes could go down. The oldest section of the home, built in the 1800s, had never been properly framed or insulated, so our crew opened the walls and did that work from scratch. Each discovery added time to the project. Our team worked through them one at a time to bring the home to a place our client could enjoy for years to come.

Project Timeline

Construction began on October 20, 2025, with an estimated completion date of December 30, 2025. The home was completed on June 12, 2026. The conditions we found in the walls and floors added time to the schedule. Our client also made several selections and changes as the project progressed, which extended the timeline further.

We generally recommend finalizing selections before construction starts so we can give an accurate timeline from day one. Our team adjusted as changes came in and worked to keep the project moving toward a result our client would be happy with.

Craftsmanship That Lasts

Matching a century of trim details took real skill from our crew. So did solving new problems as they came up throughout the project. The finished home reflects the care our team put into every room.

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What Your Neighbors Think

Sunwood is the premier builder in Wallingford. I am impressed with all of the homes they build throughout the area. Bob's experience is unmatched and you can see his passion for building homes in every conversation.

I recommend Sunwood Development for your next home.

Jimmy D.

Upon completion of the final walk through, I was handed a check for over $700.00, because they completed the work under budget. I moved back into an essentially brand new home. It's been a few years, and the workmanship and materials have held up extremely well. Obviously, I strongly recommend Sunwood Development for your construction needs.

Jim C.

From a woman’s point of view, my wife was more than thrilled throughout the building process and truly appreciates all the hard work from the Sunwood team to build our new home. I would highly recommend Sunwood Development for your next home purchase.

Justin F.

Sunwood was great to work with. Jim and Greg were great! All of the vendors/ installers used did great work. Stayed on time and only made budget adjustments where we made upgrade choices.

Nancy and Mike

Restore Your Historic Home With Sunwood Development

 

Sunwood Development has been building and remodeling homes across Connecticut since 1985. Our founder, Bob Wiedenmann, started as a carpenter and built the company on a reputation for quality craftsmanship and honest service. Since then, our team has completed over 600 homes, and every one gets the same care that this restoration received.

Our crew holds certifications through the National Association of Home Builders, including Certified Graduate Builder and Certified Graduate Remodeler. We keep training on new techniques and materials as the industry changes, which helps us take on projects other builders might turn down, like a home built in the 1800s.

Contact us today to talk about your next project. Our team is ready to take it on.

The Sunwood Process

01 | Interview

Homeowner searches for contractor + contractor begins the interview process.

02 | Design

Homeowner trusts the contractor + contractor gives detailed plans and specifications.

03 | Construct

Homeowner is in control during remodel process + contractor provides clear communication.

04 | Enjoy

Homeowner is happy with results + contractor provides fair pricing for everything.