Project Portfolio

I work on a different projects that demand a different mindset and approach. While I always strive for the best result, working on a 100+ year old door has much different feel. If I mess up, I can not just run to the store a grab a replacement. A bathroom remodel or build-out is very different than desinging and building custom built-ins for a specific space. For that reason you will find the different projects below in separate categories. Remember to check out the All Dowl’d Up collection for the heirloom collection.

Home Improvement

Taking Care of Mom and Dad

This is part one of a project for this client as she moved into a new home with her parents. Her parents are in their 90’s, but not old enough for a ramp. HAHA Dad had created a drawing for me with dimentions to start with. I designed these custom steps to accomodate their walkers, ensured that there was enough clearance for any turns, and threw in a seat just for kicks and grins.

Part II : Privacy

For this next step, she was looking for a way to privatize the upstairs living from her parents downstairs on the first floor. I added a wall with sound barrier and an interior door. Matching new construction has its unique challenges as this builder was using specific materials that were not redily available at a local store.

Part III: The Light

For this, it was not as easy as it would seem. The builder provides only one coach light for the garage. This leaves the exterior appearance unbalanced. I added the other coach light carefully working around the header above the garage door. My clients dad is a Veteran and I installed the flag for them too.

Woodwork and Carpentry

Century Home Restoration and Updates

My client bougt a home built in 1913 and is part of the history of the community. The home is excellent condition but still needs some attention.

The Doorbell

The owner really wanted an old school doorbell. They realize that it does not match the time period. As I get ready to begin my work, it occurs to me that I will be drilling into a 113 year old door, wood that was harvested and milled on site. Yes, I took a deep breath, stepped back, and doubled checked all my set up. There is not turning back once you make this hole.

The Pocket Door

This was a really cool opportunity. These doors, like the rest of the home are 113 years old but they were difficult to operate. To my surprise, the hardware was not the issue, over the years the doors had settled and were dragging on the floor. I was able to use the original ajustment screws to raise the one door. The other did require me to shave a bit off the bottom and some work to reset the cleat that guides the bottom of the door. One of the really cool things was the discovery that they originally used a boot heal in the backside of the doors. They would push against the door and it would bounce off the heel and expose enough for them to grab and close. After adjusting the doors so they would opereate smoothly, the owner wanted mortise handles and locks added. Again, knowing that these doors have hung here for more than 110 years causes a craftsman to pay respect and take pause. This also took a very long time as it needed to be done by hand given that I was not able to remove the doors. I am so proud of how this turned out.