This residential renovation by Sport Nobles took first place in the $500,000-$849,000 category.
First Coast Remodelers Awards Winners
But just because they didn’t move doesn’t mean they didn’t make changes. Many focused on turning their existing homes into dream homes.
That’s exactly the kind of news that pleases the remodeling industry. So the mood was festive
at the recent Holiday Gala of the Remodelers Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, where the winners of the 2008 First Coast Remodelers Awards were announced and honored.
Sponsored by Durham Building Material, Ferguson Enterprises, Design Works and Jola Tiling, the event took place at San Jose Country Club where more than 100 council members, family and friends enjoyed live jazz music and dinner while saluting winners in 20 remodeling categories.
Guest emcee Pat Simpson, host of HGTV programs Room to Improve and Before and After, kept the crowd entertained. But the real stars were the nearly 40 projects entered this year.
The entries were wonderfully varied, encompassing kitchen, bath and entertainment room additions, garage and closet redos, a restored 1880s farmhouse and a whole-house renovation in
?historic Springfield.
Ready for a tour??We present?the winners in each category.
Height of Perfection
Residential Addition or Renovation/$100,000 to $249,999
Gold Winner: BeeTree Homes
A non-descript, circa-1970s oceanfront condominium had location going for it, but the space itself was unremarkable. Then BeeTree Homes engineered a transformation, rerouting air-conditioning and electrical work in order to raise the ceilings. In addition, walls were removed in the master bedroom and between the family room and the kitchen to enlarge the spaces while new closets were outfitted with custom cabinetry. Kohler and Hansgrohe fixtures were used throughout while PGT Winguard impact-resistant windows were installed to ensure safety. The overall effect is a more open, inviting and elegant home.
Silver Winner: The Turnage Company
Cool Product: Arches and boxed ceiling panels were used to give the home’s new kitchen ceiling an airy and finished look while cleverly concealing mechanical work above.
Truly Fantastic Finishes
Residential Addition or Renovation/$250,000 to $499,999
Gold Winner: Finial Builders
The team at Finial Builders removed just about everything in this circa-1990s condominium including appliances, hardware, cabinetry, fixtures and lighting. But the end result made the effort worthwhile. Hand-scraped hickory Anderson flooring in the main area, travertine stone in the bathroom and shower, new Kitchen Aid appliances, customized closet systems and Mouser custom cabinetry were all selected for their exact color and style match. And solid core masonite doors with new hardware were used to raise entrances to new heights—from 6 feet 8 inches to 8 feet, to be exact.
Cool Product: Tumbled stone backsplashes, slate for the wet bar and limestone over the stove area of the kitchen, add textured touches.
A Classic Charmer
Residential Addition or Renovation/$500,000 to $849,999
Gold Winner: Sport Nobles Construction?
This circa-1927, Southern-style charmer had two tree stumps disrupting its foundation in the kitchen and garage. Demolishing that portion of the house to remove the stumps allowed a much-needed expansion, including a breakfast nook, a mudroom, a guest suite and an upstairs girl’s bedroom. Sport Nobles Construction accomplished all this while maintaining the vintage home’s architectural integrity. Modern materials with historic styling, such as Marvin windows and Shakertown Keyway cedar shingles, give the exterior a period-appropriate look while a new separate two-car garage mimics the style of the main structure.
Cool Product: Under-cabinet lighting above the custom desk in the home’s new mudroom makes the small space inviting and practical.
Retreat, Relax, Rejuvenate
Bathroom/$40,000 and Over
Gold Winner: Horn Builders?
Leaving no custom pebble-stone unturned, Horn Builders fashioned for these homeowners their own personal spa space. An illuminated stone waterfall behind a jetted tub, a 5-by-12-foot shower with multiple massage showerheads, heated stone floors for the ultimate in pampered comfort and dual vanities with custom lavatories are just some of the show-stopping touches found in this renovated master bath. A custom window seat offers the perfect space for storage and lounging.
Cool Product: Onyx turtle sink stoppers add a touch of whimsy.
Effortless Entertaining
Residential Planning and Design/$250,000 to $500,000
Gold Winner: Kristi Wyndham Designs
The homeowners gave Kristi Wyndham Designs the charge to make their dated kitchen efficient and beautiful. Both were accomplished using an open design with a large bar/island and plenty of storage. Large floor-to-ceiling windows were installed to bring in light and an appealing mix of dark and medium raised-panel cabinetry added interest. Stainless-steel appliances, including a 60-inch range, side-by-side refrigerator and Miele coffee bar, completed the update. For convienience when entertaining, a pass-through to the outdoor kitchen was added.
Silver Winner: Barnette Construction
Cool Product: A dumbwaiter to the upstairs game room in the house makes transporting snacks to the second level a piece of cake.
Let’s Remake History
Residential Historic Restoration
Gold Winner: The Turnage Company
When the homeowner bought this 1920s-era waterfront condominium in a historic Jacksonville high-rise, she dreamed of restoring the previously dilapidated unit to its original grandeur. The Turnage Company accomplished that while opening up interior spaces. Bringing the entire structure up to code was the biggest challenge for the Turnage’s team. In addition, the small kitchen was combined with former servant’s quarters, making the space spacious and functional, while three bathrooms were stripped and fully modernized with marble finishes and Kallista plumbing fixtures. Period-appropriate Marvin windows were used throughout.
Silver Winner: R. G. White Construction
Cool Product: The diamond-pattern of the original plaster ceiling was carefully restored to complete the period look of the dining room.
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It’s An Outdoor Oasis
Hardscape or Landscape Project
Gold Winner: EIS Construction
The homeowners wanted an exterior space worthy of their luxurious riverfront home. So EIS Construction redesigned and upgraded all landscape and hardscape elements including driveways, pool and spa, rear deck and exterior lighting. Some existing sanitary lines had to be adjusted or relocated to accommodate the new elements. Infill materials were used to create a tiered series of retaining walls and a garden system leading to the river. Old Castle Coastal pavers unified the front and back designs while travertine and stacked stone enhanced rear beds containing new plantings.
Cool Product: A three-tiered Haddenstone fountain is a majestic focal point for the home’s reconfigured entrance.
The Alfresco Gourmet
Remodeled Outbuildings
Gold Winner: Whyrick Builders
The homeowners wanted a well-designed, multipurpose outdoor space that could be enjoyed year-round. So Whyrick Builders created a covered area and gourmet outdoor kitchen by enlarging an original concrete patio. The new space can accommodate an intimate gathering or a sizeable crowd, come rain or shine. A gable roof over framing is an unexpected departure from traditional roofing while custom-milled louvers provide natural upwards ventilation, a technique from the islands.
Silver Winner: Sport Nobles Construction
Cool Product: Motorized solar screen panels can be lowered to keep the late afternoon sun at bay.