What a Difference a Wall Makes ! (when it's gone !)

This is an illustrated story of how a 40+ year old tiny kitchen was transformed into an open-space, modern kitchen / living space created by Jenalzoco, LLC.

This load bearing wall enclosed a functional, but tiny kitchen.  The new owners of this home wanted a larger, brighter space.  Jenalzoco engineered the removal of the load bearing wall with the installment of a new beam in the floor of the attic and columns in the basement. The heating and electrical elements that had been in the wall were also relocated.

With the wall gone, the owners were able to envision their new kitchen and living area. They loved dark cabinets so they replaced the original painted cabinets with these raised panel dark walnut cabinets from Metropolitan Cabinet in Norwood, MA

New floors added to match the existing wood floors.
The custom designed kitchen island is fitted with electricity.

The pendant lights installed over the island are a nice addition for intimacy.

The recessed lights around the kitchen are added to improve the area lighting.

The space is opened up into functional and beautiful living area.

This kitchen is now the central station of real living for this family.

Jenalzoco - New Visions in Home Renovation Services



Click for more photos of this project



Now that we have a man-cave, my marriage is perfect!

We asked our Basement Makeover Family if it would be okay to use photos of their project in our blog....

Here is their response.....

I am busting up laughing over here at how atrocious our basement was !!!
No wonder I avoided it at all cost ! It gave me anxiety attacks 

Use our photos! Use our name! I would gladly take calls, give references, whatever is needed. 'Our basement is the first update to our home that I feel that was really done RIGHT. From top to bottom. Mitch guided us, shared his expertise, and crafted a room for our family. Hands down the best experience I have had with in the construction field - from Mitch to each and every one of his workers.' (Thats a quote you are free to use!)

Seriously, you and your crew are hands down the best contractors I have ever worked with.... And I used to own a drywall company!


 Now that we have a man-cave, my marriage is perfect!

(Thanks, Kristi we are so happy that you and your family can enjoy your new space.)

Building for Life

Ok, what I really like to do..... what I am really good at .....is NOT writing ! But the consultants tell us, we need to have a blog to be current, relevant and 'hip'. Really, 'hip' ? So here is my attempt at relevance.



First, a bit about myself. I have been in the construction industry for over 25 years, beginning with my studies in handcrafted antique reproduction at the North Bennet Street Industrial School of Boston. My first project, under Walter, the 80 year old master craftsman of NBSIS, was a toolbox, all hand-tooled, with dovetail joints, carved finger hods and draw-down front cover. Although covered with dust from storage in the Buttonwood Barn for over 15 years, the box still holds a great deal of meaning and a source of pride for me, as well as holding LOTS more tools than it did back in 1982 ! ( One of my philosophies is "He who dies with the most tools....WINS)


For me, having a vision, and bringing that vision to reality with only my imagination, my hands a few good tools is what makes me happy.

.....Well.....that, and my family.....

You can find more of my favorite projects on my website's photo gallery. (Click Here)

Jenalzoco - Building for Life

- What's in a name?

I have four kids: Jenna, Alex, Zoe and Colton. Take the first syllable of each name and you have Jenalzoco. Fifteen years ago, my wife, Susan and I purchased a hundred-year old farmhouse in which to raise our children. The house ..... and the kids....are a work in progress.

Building for Life - It means I have been building my entire life. And what I build will last a lifetime. It also means that what I build will enhance lives.

Thank you for checking with the musings of a versatile contractor. Please visit my website: http://www.jenalzoco.com/ for more information on my products and services. I look forward to using this blog space as a resource to let you know what we are up to next !

With visions of beautiful spaces, Mitch