Project Overview
Emily’s home was a one-of-a-kind project for the only known shotgun house in Humboldt County, originally built in 1908. The goal was to preserve the character and history of the home while making it structurally sound, functional, and livable for modern life.
The project ultimately transformed the house into a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence, with carefully planned additions that respected the original structure and met historic preservation requirements.
Scope of Work
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New foundation installation
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Full interior gut and rebuild
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Salvage and reuse of original materials wherever possible
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200 sq ft addition to the north for laundry and bathroom
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Later addition to the east including dining area, half bath, closet, front deck, and covered rear patio
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New driveway and parking access
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Extensive coordination with engineers, architects, and historic review committees
Historic & Technical Challenges
Working on a home over a century old came with unique challenges. Because the foundation required excavation, an archaeologist was present on site during all digging, a rare but necessary step for a historically significant property.
Once the interior was opened up, the team encountered 100+ year-old framing and structural systems that required careful evaluation and reinforcement. When plans called for vaulting the living room and kitchen, an entirely unexpected roof system was uncovered, unlike anything previously encountered on similar projects.
This discovery required:
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New structural engineering
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Larger, upgraded lumber
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Adjustments to the original construction plan to ensure safety and longevity
Adaptability & Problem-Solving
Just before the home was ready to be fully closed up and made watertight, the homeowner decided to expand the project scope by adding a bedroom or living space to the east side of the house.
To accommodate this change:
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The exterior was temporarily sealed to protect the structure
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Openings were left in place while new plans and permits were pursued
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Construction paused strategically to avoid unnecessary rework
The permitting and approval process for this addition took nearly two years, involving multiple rounds of revisions, planning department coordination, and historic committee review. Throughout this time, the project remained protected, compliant, and ready to move forward once approvals were granted.
Final Outcome
The completed addition included:
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A new dining area
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Half bathroom
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Storage closet
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Front deck
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Covered rear patio with walkway to a new driveway and parking area
The end result is a home that honors its historic roots while offering modern comfort, durability, and thoughtful design. Every decision, from reused materials to structural upgrades, was made with long-term integrity and respect for the original architecture.
Conclusion
This renovation is a clear example of Ultimate Building Solutions’ ability to handle complex, high-stakes projects involving historic preservation, structural engineering challenges, and evolving client needs, all while maintaining craftsmanship, flexibility, and professionalism.
This project went far beyond a remodel. It was a careful restoration and reinvention of a truly irreplaceable home.
