How We Transformed a Cluttered Floor Plan into Open-Concept Living in Central PA

A Real Story of Structure, Strategy, and a Stunning Home Makeover

At K&K Designer Builds, we’ve built our reputation on bringing dream spaces to life—one beam, one blueprint, and one breakthrough at a time. For homeowners across Central Pennsylvania, the dream of open-concept living is more popular than ever. And for good reason: it brings light, flow, and functionality into a home that once felt closed off and cluttered.

This is the story of how we helped one family break down those walls—literally—and completely transform their house using smart structural design, engineered laminated beams, and a whole lot of passion.

The Client’s Vision: “I Just Want to Feel Like I Can Breathe in My Own Home.”

It all started with a call from a family in Hollidaysburg, PA, not far from Altoona. They’d been living in the same two-story home for over 12 years. It had character, sure—but it also had walls everywhere.

The kitchen was boxed in. The dining room felt like a separate cave. The living room had limited light. Every space was its own little island—and it just wasn’t working for them anymore.

The wife told us, “I just want to feel like I can breathe in my own home. I want to cook and see my kids in the living room. I want the light from that big front window to fill the house.”

They didn’t need a bigger house—they needed a better layout.

The Layout: A Classic Central PA Colonial—Full of Walls

Their home, like many built in the '70s and '80s around Central PA, had a traditional layout:

  • Kitchen tucked into the back corner

  • Dining room in the middle

  • Living room off to one side

  • A hallway that cut right through the house

While it made sense decades ago, today’s families want connection—they want to entertain, cook, and relax without being separated by drywall and doorways.

So we got to work.

The First Step: Structural Evaluation & Design Planning

The first thing we do in any major remodel—especially one involving wall removal—is a thorough structural evaluation.

We opened up the ceilings, crawled the attic, and studied the layout carefully. As expected, several of the walls the client wanted removed were load-bearing, meaning they supported the floor and roof structure above.

This is where a lot of contractors back away or suggest expensive re-framing. But at K&K Designer Builds, we specialize in solutions, not roadblocks.

Enter Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Beams: The Secret Weapon of Open Concepts

To safely remove these structural walls and still support the weight above, we designed a plan using laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams—a type of engineered wood that’s stronger, straighter, and more stable than traditional lumber.

Why LVL beams?

  • Strength: They can span long distances without sagging.

  • Appearance: They can be hidden inside ceilings for a clean look.

  • Cost-Effective: They deliver the performance of steel at a fraction of the cost.

  • Speed: Installation is quicker than building multi-member wood beams.

With careful measurements, we had our beams custom-cut and delivered from our supplier right here in Pennsylvania.

Execution: Precision, Safety, and Dust (Lots of Dust)

The real magic—and challenge—happens during demo and install.

Step 1: Temporary Support
We built temporary support walls and used jack posts to carry the load safely while we removed the old framing.

Step 2: Wall Removal
Once supported, we carefully removed the walls—navigating around plumbing, HVAC, and some electrical that needed rerouting.

Step 3: Beam Installation
We hoisted the LVL beams into place and secured them with hangers and lag bolts, tying them into the existing structure. We recessed the beams flush with the ceiling so the final look would be clean, modern, and unobtrusive.

Step 4: Patch, Finish, and Flow
With the structure now open, we finished the ceiling, installed continuous flooring, and adjusted lighting for better coverage. We also added a peninsula to the kitchen with a quartz countertop to tie the space together.

The Results: Light, Space, and a Whole New Feel

The final result was nothing short of transformative.

Where there were once three divided rooms, there was now a single, expansive space filled with natural light and clean sightlines. The family could now cook dinner, help with homework at the island, and relax by the fireplace—all within view.

The front window—which once lit only the living room—now brightened the whole space.

“It feels like a completely different house,” the homeowner said. “But it’s still home.”

Why Open-Concept Design is Perfect for Central PA Homes

Many homes across Central Pennsylvania—whether in Altoona, State College, Huntingdon, or Bedford—were built in eras where compartmentalized layouts were the norm. But today’s homeowners want flexibility.

Open-concept living offers:

  • More natural light

  • Better entertaining space

  • Improved family interaction

  • Higher resale value

  • Modern style and comfort

And with the right contractor, it’s more achievable than you think—even in older homes with structural barriers.

What Sets K&K Designer Builds Apart?

We’re not just builders—we’re problem-solvers, designers, and craftsmen.

At K&K Designer Builds, we:

  • Specialize in structural remodels and open-concept design

  • Use engineered solutions like LVL beams for safe, lasting results

  • Offer a mold-free guarantee and 10-year warranty on every project

  • Serve all of Blair County and Centre County, including Altoona, Tyrone, State College, and surrounding areas

We treat every home like it’s our own—and every project like it’s personal.

Thinking About Tearing Down a Wall? Here's What to Expect

If you’re curious about opening up your home, here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

  1. Free Consultation: We walk through your home and your vision.

  2. Structural Assessment: We determine which walls can be safely removed and what’s required to do it.

  3. Design Plan: We create a custom layout and beam design.

  4. Quote & Timeline: You’ll get a clear, fair price and project schedule.

  5. Build: We handle everything—from demo to finish work—with care.

  6. Final Walkthrough: You make sure it’s everything you dreamed.

Let’s Open Up Your Home—Safely and Beautifully

Ready to breathe new life into your home? Want a space that feels open, modern, and full of light?

Whether you're in Altoona, State College, Bellefonte, or anywhere in Central PA, we’d love to hear about your vision.

Contact K&K Designer Builds today for a free consultation and let’s talk about what’s possible—because the only thing standing between you and your dream space might just be a few walls.