Jonathan Brothers here with Glasgow Design Build, back in the Mordecai neighborhood in downtown Raleigh with a big update.
If there’s one part of a remodel that feels a little like Christmas morning, it’s demo day. It’s loud, dusty, and honestly a bit chaotic—but it’s also the moment when a home starts revealing what it really needs… and what it can become.
We’re Taking Out the Entire Second Floor
This project is a major transformation, and to get this second floor up to modern-day standards, we’re doing a full second-floor demolition. That means we’re taking it down so we can rebuild it the right way—stronger, safer, and designed for the way this homeowner actually wants to live.
There’s a lot of work in this phase. A lot of stuff to tear out. And it’ll take us a little while—but we’re getting there.
Inside the House: What Demo Is Showing Us
We’ve already made a ton of progress on the initial demo. When we walked inside, you could really see it: we’ve pulled off a lot of the plaster and lath sheeting throughout the house, opening things up so we can see what’s behind the walls.
And one of the coolest things about working in a neighborhood like Mordecai is that the homes have history. You can literally see it in the materials—like the old framing. Back then, these were real 2x4s… two inches by four inches, not planed, not standardized like today. It’s a reminder that this place has been standing for a long time, and our job is to honor that while updating it for the next chapter.
A Quick Peek at What Will Be the Owner’s Suite
Right now, we’re standing in what will become the owner’s suite area, including what’s planned as the owner’s bathroom. It’s still rough at the moment—open framing, demolition everywhere—but this is where it gets exciting, because you can start imagining the new layout taking shape.
This is the part where people sometimes look at the mess and think, “How is this ever going to be a beautiful space?” And the answer is: this is exactly how it starts.
What We Found Behind the Walls: Active Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Demo also gives us the chance to catch things early—especially safety items. One important discovery in this house: we found knob-and-tube wiring, and it’s active.
That can be a concern long-term, so we’re coordinating with our electrician coming this week to evaluate what’s here and decide exactly what needs to happen next. This is a big part of why we take demo seriously—because a remodel isn’t just about finishes and pretty fixtures. It’s about making sure the home is safe and solid behind the walls, too.
The Plan: A Completely Transformed Second Floor
Here’s what we’re building toward:
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- A new owner’s suite
- A new owner’s closet
- A new owner’s bathroom
- A new half bath
- A complete second-floor addition and redesign
- A new owner’s suite
In short: we’re not just renovating—we’re reimagining this second floor from the ground up.
More Updates Coming Soon
We’ll keep sharing progress as we move along—because this is one of those projects where every phase tells a story. And right now, the story is: demolition is in full swing, the house is opening up, and we’re laying the groundwork for something really special.
Want to see more of what Glasgow Design Build is working on in Raleigh?
Visit: https://glasgowdb.com/
Watch the videos here:
Jonathan Brothers with Glasgow Design Build shares a quick jobsite update from the Mordecai neighborhood in downtown Raleigh. The team is taking out the entire second floor—major demolition needed to rebuild it to modern standards. This is the start of a full transformation, and more progress updates are coming soon.
Step inside the project with Glasgow Design Build as initial demolition continues in a historic Mordecai home in Raleigh. Jonathan Brothers walks through areas where plaster and lath have been removed, revealing original framing—including true dimensional lumber from the “old days.” This behind-the-walls look helps set the stage for a safe, modern rebuild.
During demolition in a Mordecai neighborhood remodel, Jonathan Brothers of Glasgow Design Build points out an important behind-the-walls discovery: active knob-and-tube wiring. The team is coordinating with their electrician to evaluate next steps and address safety concerns as the renovation moves forward.
“It’s like Christmas morning”—Jonathan Brothers with Glasgow Design Build shares the excitement of demo day in Raleigh’s Mordecai neighborhood. The plan: remove the existing second floor and completely transform the home with a new owner’s suite and closet, a new half bath, and a full second-floor addition. Follow along as the project progresses.