Durham Custom Construction LLC

A few final photos from this Merrillville project that we missed in last week’s update.

This project actually began after Home Depot discovered severe rot around the sliding door opening while preparing for a new patio door installation. In order to replace the rotted sill framing and rough opening studs, a portion of the existing deck had to be removed. Once demolition began, we found that the deck itself had extensive rot and deterioration, making a full rebuild the best long-term solution.

What started as a door framing repair turned into a complete structural restoration and deck rebuild. The finished result is a safe, solid structure that the homeowners can enjoy for years to come.

Durham Custom Construction LLC
Craftsmanship Without Compromise

🏡🔨 Valparaiso Deck Remodel – Before & Demo Photos 🔨🏡

Another exciting deck transformation is officially underway!

Our team has begun demolition on this large outdoor living space in Valparaiso, Indiana. While the existing deck has served these homeowners well for many years, it was time for a major upgrade to bring new life, beauty, and durability to their backyard.

This project will be receiving a complete makeover featuring:

✅ Fiberon Horizon Ipe composite decking
✅ Fiberon deck lighting throughout the project
✅ New low-maintenance decking surfaces
✅ Updated stairs and finishing details
✅ A beautiful, long-lasting outdoor entertainment space

The photos below show the deck before construction and the beginning stages of demolition. We’re excited to take you along for the process as we transform this space into something truly special.

Stay tuned for progress updates and final reveal photos. This one is going to be a stunning transformation!

📍 Valparaiso, Indiana
🔨 Durham Custom Construction LLC

Finish photos coming soon!

Another project nearing completion and this one turned into much more than originally expected.

The customer had purchased a new sliding door unit and when the installers removed the existing door, significant rot was discovered within the structural framing of the opening. Unfortunately, the existing deck structure also had to be removed to properly access and repair everything — and it quickly became apparent that the original deck framing had seen much better days.

Our scope quickly shifted into:

✔ Complete removal of the existing deck structure
✔ Removal of siding and access to damaged framing
✔ Replacement of rotted sill/rim framing and structural repairs
✔ Proper flashing and weatherproofing to protect the new work
✔ Complete deck reframing and rebuild

Instead of rebuilding what was there, we upgraded the structure entirely — rebuilding with properly framed 2x8 construction replacing the original undersized framing and creating a much stronger, longer-lasting structure.

This is why proper framing matters. Sometimes what appears to be “just replacing a door” uncovers much bigger problems hiding behind finished surfaces.

Finishing touches go on Monday, but we’re proud of how this transformation is coming together.

Swipe through to see the process 👇

From open loft space ➜ to a true finished bedroom transformation.

Another project completed in a brand-new Winfield home where the homeowners wanted to maximize their space and create a functional additional bedroom for their family. We converted an existing loft area into a fully enclosed bedroom, transforming unused square footage into a practical and permanent living space while keeping everything looking seamless and original to the home.

Projects like this require much more than simply adding walls — proper framing, drywall installation and finishing, electrical modifications, trim details, door installation, and making sure everything ties into the home's existing design so it looks like it was always meant to be there.

At Durham Custom Construction, we specialize in quality craftsmanship and thoughtful detail, whether it's custom interior remodeling, finish carpentry, hardwood flooring, or custom projects built around your family's needs.

Serving Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland
Durham Custom Construction LLC

Message us today for consultations and project scheduling.

This morning we’re applying finish coats to a beautiful 100-year-old original red oak floor that I completely re-sanded, repaired, and custom stained back to life. Floors like this take patience, experience, and attention to detail to preserve the character while bringing them back to their full potential.

This afternoon, it’s right into a completely different type of project — converting a new construction loft into a full bedroom with framing, carpentry, drywall, trim work, and finishing.

That’s one thing I truly take pride in as a union carpenter and owner of Durham Custom Construction — the ability to handle a wide range of high-end interior craftsmanship at a professional level. From luxury hardwood flooring restoration and installation to custom remodeling, finish carpentry, framing, and interior transformations, every project gets the same level of precision and care.

17+ years in the trade and still pushing to perfect the craft every single day.

📍 Northwest Indiana & Chicago
Durham Custom Construction LLC
Hardwood Flooring • Finish Carpentry • Interior Remodeling

There’s something special about bringing a floor like this back to life.

This is a 100+ year old original red oak floor that’s never been refinished (literally its birthday year built in 1926) — and you can tell it’s lived a full life. Years of wear, damage, and character built into every board.

We carefully repaired the problem areas first, then went to work sanding it down the right way — not cutting corners, not rushing the process. Just pure craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Now we’re down to raw wood, ready for stain. This is the moment where everything changes.

Stain going down tomorrow… finish coats to follow.

Stay tuned — this one is going to be beautiful.

This floor had some history… old finish, heavy wear, and a few problem areas that needed extra attention.

Got it fully sanded down and prepped — now we’re working on a custom stain blend to match the existing color and bring everything together. Now for a few board replacement areas first.

This is where the difference is made — prep and detail work.

Stay tuned for the final transformation 🔥

Durham Custom Hardwood
Hammond, IN

🔨 Entry Door Upgrade + Storm Door Installation

Just wrapped up a front entry upgrade where we replaced the door slab while preserving the original frame, sill, and sidelight. This required precise hinge remortising to ensure a perfect fit and smooth operation.

To keep everything looking seamless, I custom-fabricated wood inserts to fill the old hinge locations, then glued, sanded, and prepped them for paint so they’ll completely disappear once finished.

Finished it off with a brand new storm door installation, fully adjusted with dual closers for a smooth, controlled close and easy glass/screen swap.

Another clean, detail-focused install done right 👍. This one was for one of my daughters coaches!

Crown Point, IN 📍

Complete hardwood restoration throughout this three-bedroom home—bringing floors back to life after being covered by carpet.

Full resand and refinish finished in a rich Dura Seal dark walnut stain, sealed with Loba Easy Prime and finished with two coats of Loba Easy Finish for a clean, durable result.

Also completed new baseboards, bifold doors, jambs, and casing throughout to tie everything together.

Full transformation from floor to finish.

Durham Custom Hardwood