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Finely Crafted Luxury Homes and Historic Renovation

Lakefront Legacy

Taking The Plunge

Not Easy Being Green

This stunning Lake George project weds vintage character and craftsmanship with modern luxury and amenities. Collaborating with the homeowners and team at Balzer & Tuck Architecture, we successfully translated the clients' desired design vision. We honored the character and rich details of sumptuous summer cottages of an earlier age, retaining the charm of a 1930s home, while updating and expanding the residence to be a legacy for the 21st century and beyond. A thoughtfully designed addition on one side of the home provides an inviting kitchen open to a fireplaced great room, eating area, and beverage station, all beneath soaring vaulted ceilings and massive timbers. Another addition seamlessly links the original residence to a three-bay garage with a new breezeway, bathroom, laundry room, and guest apartment. Anchored by the original central fireplace, a refreshed formal dining room features custom millwork and glass-front built-in cabinets. Another main floor room was transformed into a music room for the homeowner's beloved heirloom melodeon and player piano. A custom walk-in wine cooler was cleverly designed, tucked beneath the restored switchback stair. Second floor bedrooms were remodeled to include spacious closets and ensuite baths, while a third floor was reborn as a wood-paneled bunk room and cozy home office. 
This project outside Saratoga Springs transformed the expansive backyard of a bucolic farmhouse into an exquisite poolside retreat. The homeowners envisioned a space for summer fun and entertaining, trading in their local club membership for the ultimate in at-home privacy and enjoyment. Working closely with our clients and Balzer & Tuck Architecture, we created an amenity-rich area featuring an Olympic-sized pool, contemporary cabana, and integrated lighting and sound system. With its post-and-beam construction and sleek design, the cabana combines rustic warmth with modern elegance. It features a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor shower to ensure extended enjoyment, while an inviting fire bowl welcomes guests to linger as day turns into night. Tying the space together and to the main home are handsome horse fencing and a variety of flowering plants and native grasses, creating an alfresco oasis to elevate outdoor living.
Nestled on a four-acre hillside in the Lower Adirondacks, "Not Easy Being Green" brought to life the vision of a NYC-based artist and gallerist seeking a serene and environmentally conscious studio retreat. The design--by Balzer & Tuck Architecture--features a tight building envelope that minimizes air leaks, enhanced by high R-value insulation and geothermal heating and cooling for optimal energy efficiency. Large south-facing triple-paned sliding doors invite abundant light and warmth, while deep overhangs provide shaded protection. The layout includes a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, crafted with careful attention to sustainable practices. Reclaimed barn wood from the 1800s was used for the exterior siding, while the minimalist landscaping features drought-tolerant native plantings, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and allowing the artist to work comfortably while drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings.

Lakeside Revived

Luxury Made Below Grade

Growing Gracefully

In the tranquil embrace of Saratoga’s picturesque Lake Lonely, our "Lakeside Revived" project breathed new life into a 20-year-old Colonial home, redefining it as a pinnacle of modern luxury and functionality. The challenge lay in transforming a series of cramped, disconnected spaces into a cohesive, open-concept haven that capitalizes on the property's stunning lakeside vistas. Collaborating closely with the homeowners we embarked on a comprehensive redesign that dramatically reconfigured the main floor. The heart of this transformation was the kitchen, which, from its previously cramped quarters, emerged as a spacious culinary and social hub, complete with professional-grade appliances, a vast eat-at island topped with Fantasy Brown leathered quartzite, and custom, furniture-style cabinetry that gracefully extended into the living and dining areas. This seamless integration of spaces was further enhanced by an expansive wall of windows, ensuring that the breathtaking lake and Adirondack views became a central part of the home's new identity. The result is a harmonious blend of aesthetics and function, designed not just for everyday living but for creating moments and memories with extended family and friends. "Lakeside Revived" is a testament to our expertise in marrying form with function, transforming traditional spaces into modern masterpieces that honor their natural surroundings while meeting the sophisticated needs of their inhabitants.
Luxury Made Below Grade
At a bucolic farm estate overlooking Saratoga Lake, we undertook a remarkable, award-winning basement transformation, redefining luxury in below-grade design. With the merger of the original 1790s farmhouse and a repurposed 1800s barn, we created a multi-faceted zone for recreation and relaxation. Among the show-stopping features are a New Orleans-themed bar, home theater, billiards parlor, golf simulator, wine and whiskey room, and a spa complete with sauna and jetted tub. This resort-like haven speaks to the homeowners' penchant for entertaining with panache and hosting extended family in style and comfort. Our talented designers worked closely with the clients to select and blend unusual materials, colors, and textures in the fixtures and finishes throughout, uplifting the space while maintaining an intimate feel. The result: a basement remodel that defies conventions with indulgent amenities in an unexpected setting. 
In the historic district of Saratoga Springs, our "Growing Gracefully" project transformed an 1890s Colonial Revival-style home into a harmonious blend of classic charm and modern functionality. Respecting its architectural heritage, we sensitively added and reconfigured spaces, integrating luxury materials and bespoke features. The remodel included an expanded, modernized kitchen with a marble-topped island and custom cabinetry, a cleverly designed wine cellar utilizing natural cooling, a light-filled mudroom, and a lavish primary suite with a rooftop terrace. Externally, the addition enhanced the home's historic character, presenting refined interiors perfect for entertaining and a private second-floor retreat, all achieved in close collaboration with the client's architect and interior designer.

Farm Follows Function

No Holds Barred

Phoenix Rising

This award-winning project is a masterful blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Located in picturesque Saratoga Springs and overlooking the majestic Adirondack Mountains, this late 18th-century farmhouse underwent a transformative renovation. The project, in collaboration with Balzer + Tuck Architecture and other notable partners, involved enhancements to preserve the home’s original character while introducing modern amenities. Key features include a reconfigured living space, a state-of-the-art home gym with smart glass, and a seamlessly integrated post-and-beam barn repurposed into a stunning kitchen and great room. The property now boasts luxurious guest quarters, a whimsical bunk room for grandchildren, and an entertainment-rich basement complete with a bespoke bar, home theatre, and spa. 
Teakwood’s award-winning “No Holds Barred” project in Saratoga Springs, NY transformed a 384 sq. ft. basement space into an opulent living and entertainment area, complete with a billiards parlor, whiskey room, spa, golf simulator, and a New Orleans-styled bar room. Overcoming the challenge of limited natural light, the design balanced 12-foot ceilings with materials like glass, wood, and metals, incorporating unique elements like retractable glass windows, custom ceiling designs, and steel doors bearing the horse farm’s logo. Beyond just luxury, this basement remodel showcases Teakwood’s innovation and master craftsmanship, turning an underground space into a dazzling masterpiece.
Following the devastating loss to fire of a sprawling farmhouse, a local family approached several notable firms for help rebuilding. Ultimately, they selected Teakwood, the builder that had stepped in to help with a simple ask at the start: to connect the homeowners to someone who could restore their prized great room light fixtures, salvaged pieces that had been part of an historic Saratoga Springs hotel. Forging a relationship built on such trust, knowledge, and access to expertise, Teakwood partnered with the original architect to recreate the 20-year-old home up from the soot-and-water-laden foundation. The overall layout remained mostly unchanged, but included some welcome updates and improvements. A petite breakfast nook off the kitchen was reborn as a light-filled dining and sitting area with fireplace, opening onto an expansive al fresco entertainment space complete with built-in grill. A new elevator anticipates aging-in-place needs. The reconfigured kitchen now boasts an eat-at centerpiece conducive to informal gatherings. The great room was faithfully reconstructed to feature stunning cherry millwork and built-ins. A refreshed palette of playful color throughout reflects the family's creativity and spirit. After nearly two years of painstaking effort and emotional labor, this phoenix rose from the ashes to reclaim its place of pastoral peace, revived as a space for shaping new memories.

Italianate Update

Past-Perfect Porch

Ranch Reclaimed

An eye-popping 1868 Italianate home in downtown Saratoga Springs needed an exterior restoration befitting its historic heritage. What began as a simple cosmetic refresh of some trims and minor masonry repair soon became a more in-depth project. It involved expert restoration-in-place or replication of a number of distinctive architectural features touched by time and the elements. Elaborate cornice moulding and millwork were repaired or replaced around the entire second story, with original and new components blended seamlessly. Decorative brackets at the deep eaves were restored. Up top, a hallmark belvedere with considerable rot got special treatment from Teakwood's artisans. The painstaking refurbishment included custom-crafted jambs, sills, casings, and sashes and hand-glazed glass.  Streetside, a sagging sun porch was rebuilt as a welcoming seasonal space with custom mahogany panels, tongue-and-groove decking, and edge-and-center bead board ceiling. Copper downspouts fashionably mitigate future water issues. With a special sensitivity to important details and a unique understanding of historic homes, Teakwood helped with the renaissance of this 19th century masterpiece.
The owners of this 1896 shingle-style cottage in Saratoga Springs were inspired by an early photo of the home to resurrect a stately covered porch and rotunda, casualties of a previous renovation. With an aging screened entry and an eagerness for enhanced curb appeal, the homeowners worked with Teakwood and the architect to design and craft a porch for the ages. The home's location within an historic district presented unique challenges. Alterations were subject to strict design and materials standards. Teakwood took pains to use the finest wood, stone, finishes, and construction techniques. Steel supports were cleverly concealed by hollowed-out, turned-wood columns. At the foundation, full bed-depth granite—substantial 6-inch-thick blocks—was painstakingly hand-chiseled and pieced together over several months. Quarter-round curbs original to the home's landscaped perimeter were recreated with cast molds and poured concrete. Bespoke balusters and handrails replicated original profiles. Tidy landscaping and metal fencing framed the entirety. All combined to create an outdoor space that honors the home's Gilded Age history. Now, the porch welcomes friends and family to linger longer, to appreciate the façade as conceived over a century ago.
When this one-owner 1974 ranch hit the Saratoga Springs real estate market in 2017, neighbors jumped at the chance to purchase it. They were eager to expand the wooded buffer to their existing property. And they had visions of creating a welcoming retreat for extended family to enjoy. The original house was dark, dated, and needed major updates. Initial plans to demolish and build anew were abandoned in favor of reclaiming and remaking the home into an airy, contemporary cottage. Previously compact and disjointed rooms were transformed through clever design and space planning. Playful color pops in the bright white kitchen. An ensuite bath with zero-entry walk-in shower provides for aging-in-place accessibility. Now, this modest ranch lives large and on-trend, with whimsy and artful details reflective of the homeowner's unique 21st-century style.

Winner of the Chrysalis 2022 Regional Award for Whole House Remodel $400,000-$700,000

Rustic Refined

On the Backstretch

This OLD House…NEW

Modern Luxe

For the Love of Horses

Stately Colonial

This New England Shingle Style home sits overlooking the Oklahoma Training Track in Saratoga Springs.  The homeowners' love of the equestrian lifestyle can not only be identified by the art and decor throughout the home, but also by the expansive windows in the dining room/kitchen and 2nd floor master suite wing, allowing for picturesque views of the horses as they practice during the training and race seasons. The lower level features an entertaining space including a climate controlled walk-in wine cellar, bar and a feature wall complete with sliding barn doors.
The must-haves included an open floor plan, ample windows, first floor guest suite, children's play area, a luxury master bath, outdoor living/entertainment space, an indoor plunge pool with adjacent sauna, and all within the context of "I don't want to lose to classic red brick colonial." The challenge of the typical colonial layout is the small multiple room arrangement conversion to open floor plan. It's like playing Jenga with a home when sliding steel beams into existing floor joists to hold up floors and roof above. The need for an addition easily solved the tasks of ample windows, large family room, and luxury master bath. The room addition above the garage conveniently became the kids' playroom by lifting the roof pitch slightly and adding dormers to three sides. The finished result of this whole home remodel provides over 4000sf of modern amenities packed into a classic styled colonial that feels like it never left the street it grew up on.

Eclectic on the Lake

Urban Revival

Re-framing History

When this scuba diving couple began building their signature waterfront retreat on the shore of Saratoga Lake, their design decisions were influenced by their love of water. The sage green siding and composite decking of a rich mahogany hue, create a harmonious relationship with the land. The roof line maximizes the height of the home and falls within the constraints of the lakefront property. The result: a stunning, eclectic modern home that fits in perfectly with its natural surroundings.
  Our clients were looking to age in place in the home that they raised their, now adult, children.  We combined both traditional and modern elements to create elegant and sophisticated spaces. We created a new master suite on the first level that includes a laundry room which was originally located in the basement.  It's cleverly concealed behind a frosted glass barn door. They also desired a large, open space that would be used to entertain family and friends throughout the year.  The art deco inspired back-splash and modern light fixtures in the kitchen provide an updated, glamorous style.  The brushed brass fixtures and hardware give the space warmth, while the vibrant purple island and upper level cabinet accents show a fun and unexpected pop of color.  
Located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, this gorgeous historic home was exactly what this family of three needed. The only problem was the small and cramped kitchen, located at the rear of the home. Closed off from the rest of the house, the homeowners dreamt of opening the space and creating a more welcoming room for the family to gather in.

From Lackluster to Luminous

Party Perfection

Classically Clean

From Lackluster to Luminous
Located In the heart of Historic Saratoga Springs, this home was once a busy Inn before a fire tragically destroyed the majority of the rooms. What remains however has been enjoyed as a private residential home for many decades, and was recently remodeled by the new homeowners and their family, embracing the history and charm of the property while adding 21st century amenities.
With a growing family and a love of entertaining, this family needed a kitchen expansion and to add an "adults only" seating area for parties. A thirteen-foot island, 48-inch Wolf range, breakfast nook, mud room and seating room addition did the trick. In the process, they opened their home to views of the gorgeous property it's nestled on.
A much longed-for kitchen update brought light, functionality and joy back to this Depression-era kitchen in Saratoga Springs.
 
Read the family's full renovation story, complete with "Before" pictures at Freshen Up.

Natural Elements

Loudonville Luxury

Cozy Cabin

After a lifetime of working and "buying up" as their family grew, this retired couple finally landed the beautiful wooded lot they had pined over for decades. They called on Teakwood Builders to create their forever home exactly as they'd always imagined it. Read more about the retired couple's design of their dream home on their dream lot in Dreams of Beams.
This 1942 Cape Cod house nestled on a charming property, with tall pines and a secluded circular driveway. The house itself had great bones, but was too small, too formal and too dark for the young family's tastes. The upstairs bathroom was especially inadequate - basically a toilet, sink and shower crammed in a small closet. The family bought it anyway and called upon Teakwood to help them breathe new life and their own personality into the home with a whole house renovation. Read a more in-depth story of the family's master suite renovation, including before photos, at Refining a Refuge.
When a family of four and a family of six came together to be a family of eight, the main house of this family's Adirondack camp became very cramped very quickly, especially when additional family was staying over. Not wanting to build a full second home, but needing extra space, "Camp Mayhem" was born. Simple, rustic and perfectly cozy, the family now fights over who gets to stay in the little cabin instead of deciding where to pitch the tents. Read the family's full story at Finding Merriment in Mayhem.

Extreme Makeover

House Blend

Saratoga Springs Bespoke Kitchen

This family was in desperate need of some additional space in their home, but they absolutely loved living in their neighborhood and couldn’t bear the thought of moving. Instead of uprooting their lives, the homeowners decided to add the space they needed. In the end, this home received kitchen, dining room and bath remodel, mudroom addition, expansion of the first-floor family room and master suit, new nursery and two guest bedrooms.

Before a complete renovation, this house had a spectacular location and ultra-modern boxy lines. The owners longed to do away with the flat roofs and windowless walls and reimagine their home as a Tuscan villa on the outside, with an airy, sparkling modern Florida vibe within. The result is a sleek, luxurious setting without the chill. The growing family of five got a home more in line with their personality and tastes as well as an extra bedroom, home office, a theater room, a guest house, a pool, poolhouse, patio, a new cul-de-sac driveway and a three-car garage.   See the family's full renovation story, including before and after aerial photos, at Raising the Peaks.
Saratoga Springs Bespoke Kitchen
Located in the historic district of downtown Saratoga Springs, this renovated kitchen marries period details with a clean, contemporary vibe. Teakwood's millwork and trim-work integrate seamlessly with bespoke cabinetry from Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. The walnut island and bar cabinet add pop to a classic white kitchen and showcase the hand-crafted, hand-sanded and hand-finished product from QCCI. Adding the custom banquette has transformed the way the family gathers in this space. This kitchen is stacked with functional amenities such a custom knife drawer, appliance garage, bread drawer, plate organizers, pull out waste receptacle, file drawers and food pantry adjacent to the refrigerator. The contemporary island pendant adds a playful twist to the more traditional tile mosaic backsplash. This is the client's 2nd project with Teakwood Builders, the first being a basement renovation. Shortly after the completion of the kitchen, the client signed on for a 3rd project, the addition of a back porch entry and mudroom cabinet that would complement the historic home. Read the family's full story - with before, during and after pictures and video - at Alabaster Island Paradise.

Coffee to Cocktails

First Impressions

New Addition to the Family

The only thing this family longed for in their home was a place to take in their beautiful neighborhood while having their morning coffee - a place more removed from the main house where they could also entertain without waking up their children. Enter the perfect solution – a four-season sun room addition with comfortable furniture for those slow mornings. A small dining table makes the perfect place for after dinner drinks or an afternoon board game.
For pet lovers out there, taking care of our animals is like taking care of one of our family members, and we always want the best for them. This Animal Hospital, whose slogan is ͞The Best Care for the Best Friends, completely understands that philosophy. They wanted to be sure they showcased their dedication to providing fantastic care from the moment you pulled into the parking lot. While the interior of the hospital was in great shape, the exterior needed a bit of love. Teakwood provided them with new siding and stone veneer to start, adding a covered walkway and entranceway, complete with a Douglas Fir ceiling. Now, bringing your pets here feels like bringing them to your local doctor from the moment you arrive.
New Addition to the Family
With a little one on the way, this growing family knew they needed to make some extra room in their Dutch Colonial. A master suite addition brought in much needed space and peace of mind.

Making History

Lake House History

Gathering Space

A new open portico and covered walkway provides an elegant transition from this historic Saratoga Springs home to the guest house.
This 1940's Lake George cottage was originally purchased by the homeowners as a quick weekend getaway from their Clifton Park home. The more time they spent at the lake, the more they realized it would be the perfect home to eventually retire in.
 
With this realization came the necessity to expand the 3-season, 3 bedroom, one-bath lake house to a year-round property that could accommodate their growing family in the near future and also leave some space for future generations. It was important to maintain the cottage aesthetic that had charmed them in the first place.
 
Three additions, an extensive interior remodel and a new garage were needed to achieve the client's wishes. Teakwood tackled all at once. Beginning at the driveway side of the home is the first addition, a historically sensitive front porch, mudroom and laundry room - modern amenities the original structure lacked. The garage is also seen from the driveway with cedar shake siding and slate roofing to match the existing home.
 
Once inside the front door, you look into the open floor plan kitchen and living room. The dining table was previously located on the lakeside of the home in the sun porch. The remodel of the downstairs allowed the table to move into the heart of the home without crowding either room, allowing the sun porch to return to its intended use as a casual seating area.
 
To the right of the kitchen, an office was converted to a master suite for the clients, while the second addition upstairs of a bunk room does double duty as a casual living space for the kids, and sleeping quarters for guests at night. The third addition is also upstairs in the form of an office on the lakeside of the home. It features incredible views of the lake courtesy of the full wall of windows, also creating some much needed exterior visual interest on the lake side of the home.
 
The original cedar shake siding was matched on the additions, which blend seamlessly into the original cottage from all angles. The same cedar shake is also featured on the new tree house in the back.
 

Every room in this Colonial style home had a unique personality, and the kitchen was no exception. The existing floor-to-ceiling walnut cabinetry, dark hardwood flooring and black counter tops made the kitchen feel dark, however, and the layout created an awkward work triangle that made for chaos during the dinner rush. When the clients decided it was time for a kitchen renovation, they wanted to carry the open feeling from the adjoining living room into the new space.

Drawing inspiration from the exposed beams that act as the visual divider between the two rooms, Teakwood Builders incorporated antique white cabinetry, a warm walnut island and plenty of earth tones flowing from the walls to the floors. The result is a comforting and homey atmosphere for this family of four and their guests to come together in.

 

Lake Living

Powder Bath Zen

Colorful Cooking

In this Saratoga Lake renovation, the family needed an update that reflected their personalities and lifestyles. Plenty of warm color was used to compensate for the high ceiling in the kitchen and adjoining living room. Depth was achieved by using varying shades of stained wood, oil-rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures and copper-colored light fixtures. The incredible slab backsplash connects the upper and lower portions of the room, while coffers visually lower the ceiling.

Divided and Unconquered

In the master bathroom, the warmth continues - even in the gray cabinetry. By creating separations between each section of the room with knee walls and glass partitions (the toilet area, to the right of the vanity, has this feature as well) the room feels larger and more luxurious. The shower even has a custom mahogany floating bench for ultimate relaxation.

Even small spaces can make a big statement with the right materials and craftsmanship. To find the zen in this powder bath, designer Eva Andersen started with a painted red ceiling overhead and Island Stone pebbles below. She "painted" the space in between with stone - hand carved strokes that might evoke flames or waves, depending on your state of mind. The walls were completed with a grasscloth wall covering and custom cherry millwork.

The cherry vanity, custom-made by Teakwood Builders' QCCI Cabinetry, has a solid cherry altar-style counter by Grothouse Lumber. The hammered nickel sink is balanced with a wall-mounted brushed nickel lever sink.

 The finishing "jewelry" for the room is a pair of Arroyo Craftsman pagoda lanterns.

 

This kitchen design makes a bold statement with custom blue cabinetry that pops. Combining subtly lighter shades of blue on the walls and carpet keeps those richly colored cabinets from becoming overwhelming.  Outside the kitchen, traditional elements continue to mix with the modern. The front entry combines a curved entry with steel roof, accented by a traditional beadboard ceiling.

Greenhouse Living

Face Lift

Modern Luxury

Yaddo, an artist community founded in 1900 on 400 lush acres in Saratoga Springs, NY, values its history and historic buildings. But every now and then, new construction must replace old, without upsetting the aesthetic balance with the even older. Yaddo needed to demolish Greenhouse Studios, built in 1986 on the footprint of the original estate's greenhouse, which was too damaged to repair. A new 2,900-square-foot facility, constructed by Teakwood Builders according to a design by Balzer + Tuck Architects, contains two living spaces and a communal kitchen, as well as two studios. Both studios are used as work spaces for visual artists, but one features a resilient sprung floor to accommodate choreographers and performance artists. After the Greenhouse Studios were vacated, artists in residence at the time were invited to express themselves freely inside the building before it was demolished. View a sampling of the work they created here.  
Sometimes, the "home" remodeling for which Teakwood Builders is called upon is not residential. This Albany, NY, funeral home needed the Teakwood Touch to improve its contribution to the appearance of its downtown neighborhood. The exterior renovation included adding a wrap-around porch, rear entrance, pergola and remodeling the side entrances to create a cohesive appearance.
Thanks to generously sized skylights, the kitchen and bath renovation of this home made the entire structure feel bigger and brighter. Teakwood Builders applied long clean lines while designing the remodel for both the kitchen and bath, giving the space a modern, airy, peaceful feel.

Staying on Top

Iron and Wood

Changing History

Where there is no way to go left, right, rear, or forward - go up. Teakwood Builders was called upon to make a second-story addition to an Adirondack home set atop a hillside overlooking prestigious Lake George, where strict zoning requirements limit the options. The master suite addition offers a private living room, home office, exterior deck with a fireplace and unparalleled views of the gorgeous lake.
Remodeling this second home for a couple in China posed some challenges for Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based general contractor Teakwood Builders, but the result is spectacular. The cornerstone of the home renovation was vaulting the ceiling in the living room to create a more open space. The original ceiling line can still be seen in the steel beams. A spacious kitchen adds to the airy feel of the house with light cabinets and recessed lighting.
The goal of this project in Saratoga Springs was to create new, yet historically accurate outdoor living spaces for the owners of an 1873 residence that was showing some wear. The transition from the back of the home to the newly built carriage house-styled detached garage needed to be aesthetically appealing. Due to history of the home and surrounding neighborhood, particular attention was given to constructing new forms that would enhance and blend with the existing structure, harmonizing the old and new.

Watery Respite

Meadowbrook Barn

Redesigned Reprieve

The clients for this bathroom renovation frequently travel the world, staying in 5-star hotels. They were ready to wake up to a master bathroom at home that had the crisp, spa-like lines and the modern luxury of their favorite hotel bathrooms abroad. They were accustomed to multifunctional toilets in Europe and Asia, with heated seats and bidet functions. In order to fit a private water closet in a finite space, Teakwood used frosted glass shower walls and doors. The clients chose large-format tiles - 2 x 4 feet each -  for the shower to minimize grout lines and keep thing sleek and clean. All fixtures are by DXV.
This kitchen design by Teakwood Builders designer Eva Andersen and Brett Balzer of Balzer+Tuck Architecture involved the dismantling and relocation of an 1880’s English threshing barn on the property. The original barn was reconstructed into a new residence and detached two-car garage nestled into an existing meadow behind a stand of mature trees. The kitchen is all about space. A generously sized slate farmhouse sink, a large island and plenty of cabinet andcounter space make sure there's always room for entertaining. The kitchen renovation was honored with the Northeast Regional Award in the 2013-2014 Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest.
After a major renovation by Teakwood Builders, this older home's kitchen is now large and functional, featuring a Wolf range, custom stone work and a generous island with breakfast stools and floor-to-ceiling storage. Throughout the remodeled house, sunlight, comfortable seating areas and little luxuries make it a pleasant place to live and entertain.

Bolton Landing Modern Cabin

Dress to Impress

Correcting Character

Bolton Landing Modern Cabin
The construction of this modern cabin with a timeless feel was remarkable in several ways. The owners lived in Singapore, but wanted to be a part of the construction process on a daily basis. Teakwood set up three live cameras so the client could watch every step, from demolition of the existing structure, through framing with Douglas fir and on to the intricate masonry work with Adirondack stone.

Within restrictive zoning requirements, Teakwood worked to make sure the client didn’t lose out on any of the features that make this home breathtaking. The three-level living space features acres of glass, but avoids a sterile, modern feel through liberal use of rich timber and native stone. Multi-level lounging spaces along the glass blur the lines between the indoors and great outdoors.

The owners of this Saratoga Springs home wanted to add depth and definition to their main entry, dress up the view from the street and provide greater shelter.  For the new covered porch, substantial columns support a gracefully arched roof. A new hardwood door with sidelights and transom windows create an appealing focal point on this home’s facade.
The exterior of this historic colonial home in Saratoga Springs, NY, had been renovated in the past, but the additions didn’t meld with the original scale and architectural details. The side entry had become the natural main entrance. Teakwood balanced the scale and emphasized the more useful entrance by adding a Greek Revival porch with an open portico, twin support columns and a wall of Palladian windows. A strong pediment joins the roof slope of the original portion of the home to the newer construction.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Modern Basement Comfort

Planning to Stay Awhile

Bringing the Outdoors In
The owners of this Saratoga Springs home asked Teakwood Builders to create a screened porch addition that would give them additional outdoor space to enjoy now, while allowing for easy conversion to a three- or all-season room for the future. Special attention was given to crafting details inside the porch that would stand up to the weather and create an attractive extension of the home’s interior decor.
Modern Basement Comfort
Seeking additional space to enjoy their music and movies in style, the owners of this Saratoga Springs home worked with Teakwood Builders to convert their basement into a contemporary media room, complete with tailored storage for all their entertainment and gaming components. A neighboring closet was repurposed as wine storage.
Planning to Stay Awhile
The owners of this idyllic Ballston Spa, NY, residence have an ongoing drive to update and enhance their space, as they plan for years of comfort and enjoyment. They have called on Teakwood Builders several times over the years to embellish their master suite with a stunning tray ceiling, update the master bath and modernize their kitchen while retaining its rustic geniality.

A New View

All Fun and Games

Curb Appeal

The owners of this Loudonville home wanted to get more use out of their existing screened porch by converting it to a three-season room. Teakwood Builders installed new casement windows and incorporated attractive architectural details – such as custom pilasters and beadboard for the ceiling – to give this space a more year-round sensibility.
The owners of this Saratoga Springs residence wished to remake their basement into an Irish-style bar and billiards room. Teakwood Builders used rich cherry woodwork throughout the room to create an authentic pub atmosphere.
When the owner of this home and her two sons moved into a 1950s bungalow-type tract home in Saratoga Springs, they knew they needed more space – and more magic. Teakwood helped them to reinvent the cottage with a meandering walkway and inviting new entrance, featuring a Craftsman-style hardwood door and tapered columns. An addition that included a back porch, dining area and family room gave the family the extra living space to enjoy their new home.

Welcome Back to the Porch

Open to Entertaining

Formal Presentation

Welcome Back to the Porch
The owners of this Waterford home – a production Colonial with rich architectural detail – longed for a graceful open back porch. Teakwood Builders designed and built an addition featuring tapered columns, turned balusters and brick piers. All materials exposed to the elements are highly durable and low-maintenance, ensuring the homeowners’ worry-free enjoyment of this space for years to come.
The family in this Mechanicville home wanted living and dining areas that would be open to entertaining and allow for easy and informal gathering and entertaining. Teakwood helped to tie these areas together visually by crafting bespoke built-ins and shelving for the family room that would complement the rich kitchen cabinetry.
The facade of this Saratoga Springs home was in need of a front entry that would make a grander and more formal impression. The beautifully stained beadboard ceiling arch highlights the new Colonial pediment, which in turn echoes the transom window above the hardwood front door. Flanking pairs of columns add understated elegance.

Built for the Way You Live

Clean Slate

Lakeside Family Heirloom

Built for the Way You Live
This recently built home had a great location, but the family of four moving in needed more room. By bumping out the back of this Saratoga Springs home, Teakwood Builders was able to create a new screened porch and an airy great room open to the updated kitchen. Custom shelves were built in a little-used adjacent room, creating a cozy and multi-tasking library and home office space. The porch is built with barn beams from the homeowners’ family farm, while the family room focal point is a bluestone dry-stacked hearth and handcrafted mantel with corbel supports.
This kitchen renovation in a newer home in rural Charlton, NY, was modeled on the old farmhouse style of the original construction. White marble subway tile on the backsplash, furniture-styled cabinetry and vintage lighting and plumbing fixtures accentuates the room’s historic aspirations.
Lakeside Family Heirloom
Built by the grandfather in 1909, this lakefront cottage in Diamond Point has been part of the family for over 100 years. When it came time to enlarge and restore the home, the owners wanted to respect the classic Adirondack Craftsman style – and grandfather himself. The two additions that snuggle up to the early lakeside structure honor grandfather’s design. And the new and renovated interior spaces, made for generations to come, have all the spirit and integrity of the original.

Tuscan Wine Cellar

Great Outdoors Great Room

Poolside Paradise

The owners of this Loudonville, NY, home called on Teakwood Builders to help them incorporate their love of wines and the Italian countryside into a stunning wine cellar basement remodel. Trompe l’oeil murals, natural stonework, bespoke molding and creative lighting combine to make the journey to the wines as delightful as the bottles.
Great Outdoors Great Room
The owners of this home wanted to build an addition to their newer Colonial that would resemble an Adirondack lodge. The grand space created by Teakwood Builders includes a fireside lounge area, media zone, bar and adjoining billiards room. Natural stone and massive white pine timber trusses give the great room rustic character, while a rim of windows welcomes abundant natural light and airy outdoor views. The neighboring kitchen was also outfitted with a cozy new dining nook, while an efficient home office space was tucked into a single wall.
Inspired by a Grecian structure overlooking blue water, this homeowner wanted to create a Mediterranean idyll in his own backyard. Set a distance from the main house, the pool house is decidedly Greek Revival with gable end returns, pediments and columns. Classic becomes contemporary inside the poolside screened porch with a TV, kitchen with an outdoor cooktop crowned by a stucco hood and a bath with changing area. All are handsomely constructed with tailored millwork, dry-stacked bluestone and stucco highlights.

Every Room Has a Story

Renovation Style

Barn Raising

This lakeside home in Saratoga Springs sustained major water and ice damage during a recent winter’s deep freeze. Teakwood Builders worked closely with the homeowner to recreate their ideal residence, enhancing it with an updated kitchen, new screened porch and basement-level built-ins for the recreation room.
The owners of this newer home in Saratoga Springs wanted to renovate their kitchen to add historic appeal and more space. Details like inset recessed panel cabinet doors, glass-fronted upper cabinets with authentic latches and white subway tile at the backsplash lend vintage charm. The kitchen, now the heart of the home, was featured on the cover of Renovation Style Magazine.
A wooded lot nestled off the beaten path between Saratoga Lake and the Saratoga National Historical Park provided the perfect setting for this new home. The homeowner, a lover of old barns, wished for a space rich in unique details and historic authenticity, but with an open floor plan and all the amenities of a modern luxury home.

Cooking Up a Classic

Going Out In Style

Glittering Heights

The inspiration for this remodeled kitchen in Saratoga Springs, NY, sprang from the desire to retain and enhance the original hearth-style cooking alcove. The family’s two cooks wanted to create their culinary works in style and comfort. The homeowners longed for a kitchen that was less cramped, less disjointed and open to the neighboring dining area. They worked closely with Teakwood Builders to design a kitchen rich in architectural elements – like the ornate brackets at the peninsula – and tasteful finishes – such as the granite countertops and copper range hood – that would honor the home’s 1870s history.
The owners of this venerable Latham, NY, funeral home turned to Teakwood Builders to update and enhance the style their business’s facade. The goal was to create a more welcoming, attractive and safer entry to what was once a grand home, with a focus on aesthetic appeal and providing visitors with shelter from the elements. Highly durable, low-maintenance building materials – such as locally sourced granite and brick masonry elements, plus molding and columns made of cellular PVC – ensure that this high-traffic business stands up to daily wear-and-tear. Since the remodel, the business owners report an increase in business, in public visibility and in appreciation by the community. This exterior remodel garnered Teakwood Builders a 2011 Silver Award in the Light Commercial category of the Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards.
The personality of this Saratoga Springs homeowner shines through this sleek, modern kitchen. Bold statements, rich color palettes and unexpected touches define the kitchen and indeed the whole home.

Legend of the Lake

Culinary Craftsman

Showered in Luxury

When a New Jersey-based family wanted to transform their sprawling, time-worn, early 1900s lakefront camp into a sumptuous Adirondack retreat and “home away from home,” they called on Teakwood Builders. Teakwood worked closely with the homeowner and architect to create a tailored space featuring rustic regional elements and touches of Old World elegance alongside modern luxury amenities in a more open floor plan. There is an airy gourmet kitchen with built-in banquette seating, ample second-story guest quarters with private walk-out porches and a plush master suite. Natural woods, locally sourced stone, reclaimed timbers and vintage tile were used throughout.
“We had a superb design/build experience with Teakwood and are really pleased with the results…The level of trust developed makes you our only choice for renovation.” – Homeowner The owners of an early 1900s Craftsman bungalow in an historic Saratoga Springs neighborhood called on Teakwood Builders to design and construct a kitchen respectful of the home’s heritage. Before the renovation, the kitchen was dark, cramped and dated. The original hardwood floors had been covered up by thick tiles and much of the room’s grace had been lost over decades of past remodeling attempts. Teakwood combined natural quarter-sawn oak cabinetry, soapstone countertops and handcrafted ceramic and glass tile with vintage-style burnished antique hardware and reproduction pendant lighting. The result is a timeless kitchen, true to the home’s Arts & Crafts roots.
Getting clean becomes performance art in this glass-walled Roman shower. The family chose to remove the tub from the master bathroom to make way for this spacious walk-in shower. Limestone is artistically cut to look like it is falling away – ruins without the rubble.

Colonial Revival

Comforts of Home

Rise and Shine

The addition of a front porch to this 1915 center hall Colonial Revival in Ballston Lake, NY, did wonders to revive the grandeur of the home and the family’s enjoyment of it. The new porch features mahogany decking, an edge and center bead fir ceiling, architectural columns, custom-milled rails and balustrade and a wooden entry door system.
The clients bought this Saratoga Springs, NY, home 20 years ago, before their now-teenaged sons were born. They’ve hired Teakwood for multiple renovations and additions over the decades – including the kitchen, mudroom, garage, great room and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and a three-season room with a vaulted Douglas fir ceiling, built-in bench seats along the windows and a fireplace that can be enjoyed from both the inside and the outside deck.
The owners of this 15-year-old Saratoga home wanted a bright, colorful kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, but were saddled with a tight space that couldn’t be expanded. Teakwood encased the two-bay, dual-fuel Wolf oven and its 10-inch hood ductwork in millwork so they don’t overpower the space. Artisanal cabinetry also incorporates additional appliances, storage, refrigeration, a cozy window seat and even a drying rack for kitchen towels, so not an inch of space is wasted. Green granite countertops, reflective green glass subway tile, creamy yellow walls and polished pine floors add warmth and vibrancy.

Modern Farm House

Sacandaga Lake House

Troy Waterfront Apartments

A remarkable thing about Teakwood Builders founder Jim Sasko’s modern farm house is that he and his wife got everything they wanted and still stayed within their original budget. 
“When your wife marries a builder and she sees all the other things you build, she wants one of everything,” Sasko laughed. 
The home won a 2014 Merit Award Eastern New York from the American Institute of Architects. “My favorite thing is the glass,” Sasko said. “I can see 180 degrees around that house. When you have the space, one of the best things you can do is create that fishbowl where you can see the fresh fallen snow, the spring flowers, the summer rains and the fall leaves.” A barn added to the modern farm house has become part of a miniature horse breeding operation run by the Sasko family called Seven Gables Farms LLC.
This project turned potential creative chaos into a delicious meld of contemporary aesthetics and rustic Adirondack allure. The Brooklyn-based owners of this summer home on Sacandaga Lake chose materials such as reclaimed white oak and blended wood color tile to maintain the clean lines they love without losing the rusticity of their lake house retreat.
Troy Waterfront Apartments
Teakwood took a contemporary, urban turn with the four dazzling penthouse waterfront apartments in this five-story historic building in Troy, NY.

Saratoga Springs Historic Porch & Garage

Charming Revival

Saratoga Springs Historic Porch & Garage
This city brick home had lost its original porch somewhere through the years, and the clients longed for an inviting outdoor space. They also wanted to add a carriage house for their cars and storage, but had only a tight little alley against a hill to work with.
The goal was to create an open, updated kitchen, mudroom entry and powder bath for this 1927 Albany home. With two young children, the homeowners wanted informal cooking and dining areas to better suit the family’s lifestyle, while incorporating design elements more reflective of the home’s Colonial Revival roots. By carefully removing interior walls and relocating the kitchen and powder bath, Teakwood was able to enlarge and update the most popular gathering places and add a mudroom with storage. Detailed millwork was added throughout to match the existing trim and to replicate the period moldings, columns and paneling found elsewhere throughout the home’s interior. The thoughtful use of finishes – such as the custom cherry cabinetry and natural stone countertops – helped this new family-friendly space to live large while respecting the home’s original integrity.