From a Closed-Off Ranch to an Open, Updated Home in Fairfield, Ohio

A Fairfield homeowner found Burnett Home Buyers through a Google search. The property had good fundamentals: a brick ranch on a corner lot of more than half an acre, three bedrooms, a two-car garage and useful accessibility features. It also needed a major cleanout, professional mold remediation, new windows, a more functional main-floor layout and extensive finish work.

The Burnett Home Buyers team coordinated the cleanout, remediation, structural design and renovation, then prepared the finished home for its next owner.

Documented project experience: The condition, work and finished result described here are supported by the property record, original condition photos, written renovation scope, engineering letter, window contract, contractor documentation and mold-clearance report. Every property and renovation is different.

Project Snapshot

The Starting Condition

The original floor plan divided the kitchen, dining area and living spaces with walls, hall closets and narrow openings. The galley kitchen had dated cabinetry, laminate counters and older appliances. The surrounding rooms had a mix of hardwood and carpet, limited lighting and finishes from different periods.

The basement offered substantial usable space but was only partly finished. Large areas still had exposed concrete floors and open ceiling joists. The wet-bar location, half bathroom and storage areas needed trim, fixtures and finish work before they could function as part of the home.

The initial inspection photos also documented visible mold growth in several living areas, around some windows and on basement surfaces. That condition had to be addressed before cosmetic work could move forward.

Addressing the Property Before the Renovation

The project began with removal of the remaining personal property and demolition of the old kitchen cabinets, countertops and hall closets.

A professional remediation provider cleaned and treated affected attic, living-area and basement surfaces, scrubbed the air and collected air samples for independent laboratory analysis. One bedroom required additional cleaning and retesting. The project file includes a written clearance report after that follow-up work.

The older windows were also replaced throughout the house. This addressed worn and moisture-damaged window conditions visible in the original photos and gave the finished rooms a cleaner, brighter appearance.

Opening the Main Living Area

The largest design change was the removal of the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living area. A professional engineer supplied the beam calculations and specified an LVL support system for the 20-foot opening. The contractor installed the engineered beam before the kitchen and finish work continued.

Removing that wall changed the way the home lived. The finished kitchen now connects visually with the dining area, fireplace room and large family room. The new sightline runs through the main floor instead of stopping at a narrow doorway or hallway.

Rebuilding the Kitchen and Dining Area

The original galley kitchen was replaced with white Shaker-style cabinets, black hardware, quartz counters and stainless-steel appliances. A long island added work space, storage and bar seating. Cabinets continued into the former hall area to create a built-in buffet beside the new dining space.

Refinished hardwood floors now run through the kitchen and dining area. Recessed lighting, pendant lights and a neutral color palette make the connected rooms feel brighter and more consistent.

Updating the Rest of the Main Floor

The renovation included new interior paint, white trim, updated switches and receptacles, new cover plates, smoke alarms, lighting and black door hardware. Recessed lights were added in the main living areas. The existing brick fireplace remained as a focal point while its brass cover and mantel details were updated in black.

The large family room received new carpet, paint, lighting and cleaner window trim. The existing accessible wet-room bathrooms were retained as practical features of the home and presented more clearly after the surrounding rooms were cleaned and refreshed.

Making the Basement Useful

The basement changed from a partly finished storage area into flexible living and entertaining space. The finished project included carpet, trim, updated doors and lighting, plus a wet bar with white cabinets, a countertop, sink and durable flooring at the work area. The half bathroom received a vanity, mirror, door and light fixture.

The exposed ceiling was painted black instead of being concealed, which kept access to the mechanical systems while giving the room a deliberate finished appearance.

The Result

The completed house combined the character of the original ranch with a more open layout and consistent finishes. The renovation preserved useful features such as the brick fireplace, hardwood flooring, four-seasons room and accessible bathrooms while improving the kitchen, windows, lighting and lower level.

Once the work was complete, the home presented as a cohesive, move-in-ready property. The open main floor, brighter kitchen, refreshed living spaces and usable lower level gave buyers a clear picture of how the entire house could function.

Have a House in Fairfield That Needs Work?

Some houses need more than fresh paint before they are ready for the market. If you own a property in Fairfield or Butler County that needs a cleanout, repairs, remediation or extensive renovation, tell Burnett Home Buyers about the house. You can also learn about selling a damaged or dated house and how our home-buying process works.

Tell Us About Your Property