100-Year-Old Cottage, 21st Century Remodel

Although the couple was pretty savvy about ways big and small to conserve here and there, they knew they couldn't do a major renovation without the help of pros. Local architect Keith Summerour arrived to help remap the layout, including the cramped second floor with its small, lone bath, and to sketch plans for a porch to shade the back of the house from the western sun. He was followed by general contractor Scott Nagy, who specializes in bringing vintage houses up to speed. The foursome started poking into walls and under floors, seeking ways to reuse and reduce.

Shown: The new first-floor porch has a fireplace to allow dining outdoors six months of the year.