MassTech Roofing was hired to complete a full-gut renovation of this early 1950s Cape-style home in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This post is the first in a series highlighting key moments and milestones from the renovation, which began in December 2024 and wrapped up in June 2025 — a six-month transformation.
The Home’s Condition After 15 Years of Abandonment
When the homeowner first found this property, it had been abandoned for nearly 15 years. Nature had fully taken over — with overgrowth surrounding the house and signs of long-term neglect everywhere.
The front of the home prior to renovations by MassTech
The back of the home prior to renovations
Major Roof Damage and Widespread Mold
A massive 75-year-old Norway Maple stood at the front of the house. At some point, a large branch broke off and crashed onto the front-left portion of the roof, creating a hole approximately 3 feet by 3 feet. Based on the extent of water intrusion and black mold throughout the home, our team estimated that the roof had been compromised for at least five years.
Inside, the house was filled with personal belongings and heavy mildew damage. But for MassTech, this kind of job is business as usual — we specialize in full-gut renovations and mold remediation. For this project, we submitted a detailed estimate to the bank, outlining every step: clearing out contents, demolishing the interior down to the studs, perform specialized mold mitigation to make this home a completely safe living environment.
The hole in the roof allowing light (and rain) to pour through the attic for many years
The bedroom ceiling below the hole in the roof with clear signs of black mold
How This Project Was Financed Through a Renovation Loan
This renovation was financed through a bank renovation loan. If you’re new to 203(k) or similar financing options, here are a few key details:
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A full project estimate is required for loan approval. In this case, we made multiple site visits and collaborated with the homeowner to prepare a detailed scope for the bank.
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203(k) loans typically require less money down, but they also involve oversight from a certified 203(k) consultant. Our client initially explored this route, but chose to contribute a bit more upfront in order to bypass the consultant requirement — a personal decision we supported either way.
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Banks disburse funds in phases, called “draws,” throughout the project. For example, a $200,000 project might be broken into four draws of $50,000 each. At each milestone, the bank inspects the work, addresses any issues, and releases funds upon approval from all parties.
Exterior Photo Sneak Peak
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be posting step-by-step explanations of how we performed this full gut renovation. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak of how this project unfolded on the exterior. Come back in the coming weeks for further details!
Thinking About a Renovation Loan in Massachusetts?
MassTech has completed dozens of bank-financed projects across the state. While many contractors shy away from this kind of work, we’re well-versed in the process and happy to help — whether you’re just getting started or already working with a lender. We provide free consultations and estimates at every stage. If you’re considering a 203(k) or full-gut renovation, we’d love to talk.