Residential Rebuild

El MorO

• Built: 1925
• Contractor: Crawford Restoration
• In Construction

On New Year’s Day 2025, a devastating fire swept through this Craftsman bungalow home, leaving the interior heavily damaged.  Thanks to the skill of the firefighters, who carefully controlled their use of water, most of the impact came from smoke rather than structural loss—making restoration possible.

The reconstruction offered an opportunity to both honor the home’s original character and correct long-standing structural issues.  Once the interior was stripped to the studs, we discovered undersized framing that had caused bowing beams and sloping floors.  New structural reinforcement stabilized the house and restored its integrity.  The main-floor walls were built out to accommodate proper insulation, significantly improving thermal performance, and the staircase was fully redesigned—replacing a tight winder with two straight runs—for safer, more accessible circulation as the homeowners age.  A new main-floor shower was also added, allowing the clients to comfortably remain in the home long-term without relying on the upper level.

Throughout the home, thoughtful upgrades elevate everyday living while remaining true to its Craftsman roots: wood-clad windows, custom columns framing a widened opening between the kitchen and dining room, a rebuilt fireplace surround with new built-in bookshelves, and the careful salvage and reuse of the original doors.  The exterior received an equally thoughtful transformation, replacing the plain existing siding with Craftsman-influenced cladding featuring trim details, lap siding, and a mix of textured shingles for character.  Working within a strict budget, the project restores the home’s integrity while enhancing comfort and honoring its history.