Date
When Virginia purchased her home on Evansville’s far west side in June 2025, she knew she had a project on her hands.
The older home needed much more than a fresh coat of paint. Virginia wanted to gut the house and transform it into a home that better reflected her style, needs, and vision for the future, including creating a storm shelter underneath the home.
What she needed was a contractor who could take her ideas, understand the big picture, and turn them into reality without making the process more complicated (or longer) than it needed to be.
That’s where Custom Homes by Modern Structure came in.
Finding the Right Home Builder
Initially, the renovation process began with another contractor. But as the project continued to take longer than expected, our customer decided it was time for a change.
After being referred to Mark and the team at Custom Homes by Modern Structure, the project changed direction.
Virginia had a clear idea of what she wanted, even though she didn’t necessarily have every detail mapped out. Getting up to speed and getting a firm understanding of her needs only took one meeting between her and the Modern Structure team.
“I absolutely felt like they understood what I wanted,” Virginia said.
After a few follow up emails and pictures to help communicate her ideas, Custom Homes by Modern Structure was able to take those ideas and run with them.
“They nailed it. They were very well organized.”
That understanding became one of the most important parts of the renovation. Rather than having to constantly explain or re-explain her vision, Virginia felt that the team understood what she was trying to accomplish and knew how to translate it into the finished space.
More Than Just a Renovation
Although the addition of a new sunroom and storm shelter was the biggest part of the renovation, the scope of this project went beyond just that.
The home was gutted and transformed with improvements throughout the property, including:
- Installation of a storm shelter underneath the new sunroom
- New doors & trim throughout the house
- Painting throughout the home
- New closets in every room
- A sleek sliding track door between the laundry room and kitchen
- French doors leading to the new Sun Room Addition
- Bathroom updates to include shower panels, custom glass and flooring
- Kitchen tile backsplash installation
- Cabinet repairs
- New gutters, siding & trims details for the whole home
- Removal of an old rotting storage barn
- Leveling of the hilly backyard & new grass throughout
The result was a home that felt cohesive rather than pieced together.
We’re really proud that Virginia also praised our team’s ability to make all of the different improvements feel seamless, while still leaving her with a high quality finished product.
“Excellent,” is how she described the quality of the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The Windows Steal the Show
Of all the changes made throughout the home, there is one feature that stands out above the rest: the windows.
“They’re huge!”
The large windows were one of her favorite parts of the finished renovation, providing expansive views and plenty of natural light.
For Virginia, they’re also something she expects to appreciate throughout the year.
“We’ll have beautiful views of the outdoors throughout all seasons.”
It’s a great example of how the right design decision can have an impact far beyond the day construction is finished. A feature like large windows can change the way a room feels, how much natural light it receives, and how homeowners experience the space year-round.
A Timeline You Can Count On
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have during a renovation is uncertainty.
When will the project be finished? Who will be working at the house? What happens if something unexpected comes up? When can I move back in?
For Virginia, communication helped take much of that uncertainty away.
Before work began, we gave her a timeline that outlined what to expect. She also knew which contractors would be working on the project and when.
And, most importantly, she says the project stayed on schedule.
“Everything was completed the day of or the day after he said they would be.”
The team also made sure the major work was completed before the worst winter weather arrived, helping get the home to a finished and livable point on time.
The Details Matter: Even After the Work Is Done
Good craftsmanship isn’t only about what happens during construction. It’s also about how a contractor treats the home and homeowners throughout the process.
Virginia noticed the difference.
She noticed that the team cleaned up after themselves each day, removed trash regularly, swept the work areas, and even made sure nails were picked up around the property so the dogs wouldn’t step on them later.
Those details might seem small compared to a full home renovation, but they’re the kinds of things homeowners remember.
A renovation is already disruptive enough. Keeping the work area clean and organized helps make the experience easier for everyone involved.
A Home Designed for What’s Next
Virginia has only recently moved into the renovated home, and there are still a few personal touches she plans to add herself, including finding the appropriate furniture for the storm shelter.
That’s part of what makes a renovation like this so rewarding.
The contractor’s job is to create the foundation for the homeowner’s vision. Once the construction is complete, the homeowner gets to make the space truly theirs.
For Virginia, that meant taking an older home that needed significant work and turning it into a space that feels much more like home.
Why the Right Home Builder Matters
A successful renovation isn’t simply about knocking down walls, installing new finishes, or checking items off a construction list.
It’s about communication.
It’s about understanding what the homeowner wants, even when that vision is communicated through a handful of conversations, photos, and ideas.
It’s about creating a realistic timeline and sticking to it.
It’s about coordinating subcontractors and unexpected projects without allowing the homeowner to feel like they’re managing the entire construction process themselves.
And it’s about paying attention to the details that make the finished product feel complete.
When asked if she would recommend Custom Homes by Modern Structure to a friend considering a custom home or renovation project, Virginia’s answer was simple:Yes!
Her experience is a reminder that the best renovation projects aren’t just measured by the finished rooms. They’re measured by the experience of getting there, and by how well the finished home reflects the vision that started it all.
We renovate, design, and build new and existing homes & additions all around the Greater Evansville, Indiana area. We hope you give us the opportunity to make your home renovation or custom build dreams come true, and give us the opportunity to “wow” you with our professional communication and dedication to excellent service!
Ready to get started?
Call Custom Homes by Modern Structure at 812-306-8438
