Living in the Home Before Remodeling
When Margie Lackey and her family purchased their home, they knew from the beginning that it would require significant updates. Built in the 1980s and previously occupied by an elderly owner, the house had seen only minor cosmetic improvements over the years. The bones were solid, but the interiors felt dated and needed thoughtful renovation.
Rather than rushing into a full remodel immediately, Margie and her husband chose a phased approach. Shortly after moving in, they renovated the master bathroom, addressing the most essential space first. The remaining projects were intentionally delayed so they could live in the home for a while and understand how each room functioned. Experiencing the house day-to-day helped them determine which changes would make the greatest difference.
Finding the Right Collaboration
During that time, they spoke with several contractors while evaluating how to approach the next stage of renovations. The introduction to Eric happened almost by chance. While working with Lowe’s on replacing their front door, the customer service representative suggested reaching out to him for installation help.
That initial project turned into something more.
As they talked about ideas for improving the house, Margie found the collaboration natural and productive. Eric’s approach blended practical suggestions with creative solutions that expanded on her own ideas without losing sight of the overall vision.
She remembers being struck by how resourceful he was. The suggestions didn’t just solve problems – they elevated the project.
A Remodel That Touched Much of the Home
What began as a kitchen update quickly expanded into a larger transformation. The kitchen itself was completely gutted and rebuilt with new cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures. The island was repositioned, and the refrigerator relocated to create a more logical flow through the space.
Beyond the kitchen, the project extended into the surrounding areas. A connecting hallway, the laundry room, a half bathroom, and the adjoining great room were all updated as part of the renovation. Lighting also became a major focus. The original house lacked recessed ceiling lights, leaving many areas dim. Adding modern lighting dramatically improved how the home felt and functioned.
By the end of the project, four rooms and a central hallway had been reworked into a cohesive design.
Living Through the Chaos
Like most major renovations, the construction period required patience. With the kitchen completely torn out, daily life became temporarily complicated. Cooking moved outdoors to a small burner and oven set up on the patio. Inside, tools, materials, and demolition debris made the house feel like what Margie jokingly describes as a “disaster zone.”
Still, it was exactly what they expected from a full remodel. The inconvenience was temporary, and the payoff would come later.
A Home That Feels Unified
When the work was finished, the result exceeded Margie’s expectations. One of the most satisfying elements was how cohesive the design became. The same granite used for the kitchen countertops appeared in several places throughout the house – the island, built-in cabinetry, the half bathroom vanity, and even the bar area in the game room.
That continuity gave the entire space a sense of intentional design, something Margie says made the house feel as though it belonged in a magazine.
The project also sparked additional referrals. Friends and coworkers who heard about the renovation through Margie’s husband eventually hired Eric for their own projects through word of mouth.
Today, Margie looks back on the remodel as one of the defining improvements to the home. Even after moving to Ohio and building a new house, she still finds herself wishing she could call him again whenever new ideas come to mind.
Some partnerships leave that kind of impression.
