BEST OF THE BEST
Today’s Remodelers Create Works of Residential Art
When Tom Trout Inc. began more than 50 years ago, the proverbial “guy in a truck,” who may or may not have been licensed and qualified, did most of the repairs, additions and renovations in Jacksonville.
Today, I’m proud to say, the remodeling industry has elevated itself to a level of professionalism that was almost unknown a generation ago. That’s thanks in large part to the efforts of competent and creative leaders who joined forces to promote education, oversight and ethical business practices. The Remodelers Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association is indicative of today’s remodeling industry. Its members are passionate about what they do and committed to making certain that customers are delighted with their remodeling experience.
I was honored to have served as chairman of the council for a second time in 2012. But as long as I’ve been involved, I never cease to be amazed at how good our members are at what they do, and how much they genuinely care about their customers. I think it’s safe to say that the skill level of our members equals that of any remodeling group anywhere in the country. It’s no exaggeration to say that these folks are artists, creating residential masterpieces with wood, stone, glass and steel.
If you want proof, just look at the winners of the annual First Coast Remodelers Awards. The awards recognize the best remodeling projects of the past year, and I think you’ll be amazed at the array of assignments our members have tackled. If seeing these winning projects inspires you to consider a remodeling project, then you can’t go wrong by contacting a member of the Remodelers Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. Just visit our website at jaxremodelers.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message. But enough from me. It’s time to tour these amazing projects. Ready? Let’s go!
Tom Trout
President, Tom Trout Inc., 2012 Remodelers Council Chairman, 2012 Remodeler of the Year
Florida Homebuyer Jacksonville is proud to once again present a special publication saluting winners of the First Coast Remodeler Awards. I’ve been personally involved in the Remodelers Council for a number of years, but am never more proud of my affiliation than I am after attending the awards ceremony.
In this day and age, it’s inspiring and heartening to be around a group of professionals so committed to quality and so genuinely invested in the lives of their customers. Remodeling isn’t just a “job” to any council member; it’s a profession and a way of life.
Give a member a call to discuss ways in which he or she can help you turn you house into a dream home. Whether the project is large or small, I can assure you that you’ll receive the same personal attention and quality results.
Penelope Geismar
Publisher, Florida Homebuyer Jacksonville and Remodel Jacksonville
Best of Show
Whole-House Remodel
$150,000-$250,000
Gold Winner
BeeTree Homes
Thanks to BeeTree Homes, this once-dated 32-year-old condominium, with low ceilings and uncomfortably small rooms, now boasts a dramatic open floorplan that flows in a way that enhances both entertaining and day-to-day family living. A wall was removed to open the family room to the kitchen, the master closet area was redesigned and recessed lighting was installed. Because the unit was in a high-rise building and had concrete ceilings and floors, some options were eliminated. However, the space is now breathtaking — bright, open and airy with spectacular views and more efficient traffic flow.
Whole-House Remodel
$250,000-$500,000
Gold Winner
Sport Nobles Construction
Sport Nobles Construction transformed every room in this 1980s home, including raising all floors to one level and adding new appliances and a butler’s pantry in the kitchen. There’s also a large office, which doubles as a man-cave, featuring custom shelving and lush sofas that can be used as guest beds. A wine room was added and a closet was converted into a bathroom, while two-sided bookshelves were used to separate the formal dining area from the entryway. The ceiling was raised in the master suite, where sliding glass doors were replaced by French doors and two custom dressers were built in. An inviting outdoor living area encompasses a secret garden.
Whole-House Remodel
Under $150,000
Gold Winner
BeeTree Homes
By taking two feet from the front porch, BeeTree Homes expanded this home’s living space and created an open floorplan with a large kitchen. The wall between the kitchen and the dining area couldn’t be removed, so it was opened as much as possible and architectural interest added with molding and bamboo floors. Plus, by flattening the back of the house and and adding French doors and glass-backed cabinets, BeeTree Homes was able to let in light and ensure expansive water views. The family room and three bathrooms were also updated and eco-friendly bamboo flooring was installed throughout.
Whole-House Remodel
$250,000-$500,000
Silver Winner
Aurora Custom Homes and Remodeling
Older homes typically have compartmentalized floorplans, with each room functioning independently from adjacent rooms. That was the case with this 1960s oceanfront home, in which the owner wanted to improve flow and to size the rooms in proportion to their function. So Aurora Custom Homes and Remodeling raised the living room ceiling and increased the room’s size by 50 percent by removing some small closets and incorporating space from a hallway. A hub for family activity was created by eliminating a wall dividing the kitchen from the dining room. The revamped space has stained heart pine floors, marble countertops, a glazed cut-brick backsplash and crafstman-style cabnietry. A full bath, family room and office were also added.
Commercial Remodel
$125,000-$250,000
Gold Winner
EIS Construction
EIS Construction completely reconfigured this 1970s community center, rehabilitating and redecorating the community room, the kitchen, the exercise area, the mailroom and two bathrooms. The drop ceiling was removed and reinstalled at a greater height, while water leaks and other flaws were repaired.The company overcame inherent building design issues and, working with a 200-member homeowners’ association, created a tasteful and welcoming environment. All public areas now meet current building, safety and ADA requirements and the facility, which hadn’t been rented in years, now has a reservation list. Plus, residents of the community now have a place where they’re eager to spend time and proud to entertain guests.
Addition
Under $50,000
Gold Winner
Sport Nobles
Construction
This new second-floor master bathroom by Sport Nobles Construction is both luxurious and functional, boasting his-and-her vanities with marble countertops and framed side-by-side mirrors. There’s also plenty of storage space. The glass-enclosed shower boasts a six-jet shower head and three body sprays, while a 66-inch soaking tub offers a beautiful view of the river through picture-frame windows. The windows also allow natural light to flood the room. Marble floors and walls add elegance. The bathroom was added in conjunction with the addition of a master suite, so space was limited. Therefore, the design process was intensive and detailed.
Kitchen Remodel
Under $50,000
Gold Winner
BeeTree Homes
BeeTree Homes transformed this run-of-the-mill, production-built kitchen into a magazine-worthy custom showplace. The challenge was to redirect traffic patterns and create an efficient but beautiful family- friendly space that would accomodate a gourmet cook and an assistant as well as two youngsters doing homework. Because the budget was limited, the company focused first on function, then finishes. For example, a window that couldn’t be moved was creatively covered to make more wall space for cabinetry. The end result meets the functionality test, getting maximum use from every square foot of available space. But its contemporary style means it’s as attractive as it is practical.
Kitchen Remodel
Under $50,000
Silver Winner
Sport Nobles Construction
Sport Nobles Construction took an undersized, claustrophobic kitchen and opened it up, creating a new and revitalized space that’s truly a chef’s dream. The contrasting wood of the floors and cabinets and the random modular tile backsplash add warmth and visual appeal. The owner was particularly concerned about storage, and this reconfigured kitchen has plenty. The room was extended out, adding square footage and creating space for additional cabinetry with granite countertops. Stainless steel appliances, including a gas stovetop and oven range, were installed, while a handy and spacious pantry features full-extension shelves.
Kitchen Remodel
$50,000-$100,000
Gold Winner
Tom Trout Inc.
This kitchen by Tom Trout Inc. got all new appliances and plumbing fixtures as well as Travertine flooring, granite countertops, walnut butcher block, a walnut-paneled bar wall, LED indirect lighting and obscure glass cabinet doors. Appliances included a built-in refrigerator/freezer, a gas range and hood, a dishwasher, a wine chiller, ovens and warming drawers and an icemaker. Other features include a wall-mounted pot filler, a hot water dispenser and a disposal with a push-button air switch. As part of the project, a whole-house smart system and audio-visual system was also installed.
Kitchen Remodel
$50,000-$100,000
Silver Winner
BeeTree Homes
The owner was downsizing but still wanted an updated kitchen with an open floorplan where friends and family could gather. She also wanted plenty of storage, ample cooking space, better traffic flow and unobstructed views of the harbor. The wall between the kitchen and the dining area couldn’t be removed, so it was opened as much as possible and architectural interest added with molding and bamboo floors. Plus, by taking two feet from the porch, flattening the back of the house and and adding French doors and glass-backed cabinets, BeeTree Homes was able to let in light and ensure expansive water views.
Kitchen Remodel
$100,000-$150,000
Gold Winner
Sport Nobles Construction
By extending this kitchen, Sport Nobles Construction made room for an island and improved the work triangle. The new space boasts two different cabinet finishes as well as two types of stone and stainless-steel appliances, including a double-wall oven and a gas cooktop. The cabinets were equipped with undermount LED lights with a fiber optic switch, while a marble-topped island enhances functionality. Between the kitchen and the dining room, a butler’s pantry with additional cabinet space and beverage storage refrigerators was added. Further enhancing the space’s aesthetic appeal, a nook with bay windows overlooking the river was created.
Bathroom Remodel
Under $25,000
Gold Winner
Turner Plumbing
The owner of this historic 1937 San Marco home, the second home built in the neighborhood, wanted to transform a hall bathroom into a relaxing open-concept space with clean lines. The original room had an unattrac-tive and inconvienient step-in tub/shower, so Turner Plumbing changed the layout, moving the toilet and creating room for the washstand to become a focal point and the shower to be expanded. Lighting of the enclosed room was enhanced with four can lights in the ceiling, a fan/light fixture in the shower and sconces flanking the mirror. Polished marble along the back wall reflects light throughout the space.
Bathroom Remodel
Under $25,000
Silver Winner
Sport Nobles Construction
The owner wanted to bring this once-dated guest bathroom into the 21st century and transform it into a luxury retreat. Thanks to Sport Nobles Construction, the room now boasts a spacious shower enclosed by a half-inch-thick glass panel. Other features include deco and white subway tile, a steel tub with a sitting bench, a dual vanity and a full-wall trimmed mirror. There’s also a new comfort-height toilet, an inset niche, glass-mounted electrical fixtures and a stone floor. Despite budgetary limitations and a limited existing footprint, the company used value-engineering and creativity to ensure that the resulting bathroom was truly state-of-the-art and one of kind.
Bathroom Remodel
$25,000-$50,000
Gold Winner
BeeTree Homes
In the Japanese culture, many everyday activities—arranging flowers, preparing dinner, pouring tea—are practiced with a care that elevates them to artistry. So it’s not surprising that the act of bathing has also become a cherished tradition in Japan, with its own specific rituals. BeeTree Homes remodeled this previously ho-hum bathroom, creating a traditional Japanese bathing experience complete with a Japanese soaking tub, foot wash and Toto toilet. Adding interest to the room is a blending of many different and contrasting materials, including rock, wood and stone. A wood surround is durable enough for plunge-style water use.
Bathroom Remodel
$50,000-$75,000
Gold Winner
Sport Nobles Construction
The owner of this home wanted a master bathroom that emphasized comfort and privacy, with separate his and her spaces. The “hers” side required storage space, a vanity, a makeup area, a built-in chest of drawers and a garden tub. The “his” side required a vanity, a sink, a toilet, a closet and a second built-in chest of drawers. The shower was configured to have two exits, and a “meet” was installed squarely in the middle. Valves for the shower and bath are completely electronic. Sport Nobles Construction also added open shelving and marble walls and floors. The revamped space combines a show-stopping look with efficiency and high-tech touches.
Bathroom Remodel
$50,000-$75,000
Silver Winner
Tom Trout Inc.
This master bathroom by Tom Trout Inc. was completely reconfigured and all the amenities, including the toilet, tub, shower and vanities, were relocated. There’s now a jetted soaking tub and a marble shower with digitally controlled body sprays and an anti-fog mirror. Other features include a frameless shower enclosure and heated marble floors as well as such luxuries as a towel warmer. As part of the project, a whole-house smart system and audio-visual system was also installed.
Hardscape And Landscape/Outdoor Amenities
Over $75,000
Gold Winner
BeeTree Homes
BeeTree Homes created an outdoor oasis that includes a dramatic, free-form pool and hot tub highlighted by 5-ton bolders (which had to be placed using a crane). The pool is surrounded by a stone deck and adorned with greenery, giving it the look of an idyllic natural pond. Water flows gently from an assembly of stacked stones at the end of the pool. The entire area is protected by a two-story screened enclosure. There’s also a beautiful wood trellis with an outdoor dining area. As part of the project, a front courtyard was also created, which is highlighted by gates and a relaxing water feature.
Craftsmanship And Detail/New Or Innovative Product Installation
Gold Winner
Closet Factory
Talk about a custom closet: each item to be stored was categorized and measured by Closet Factory, and space was created specifically to accomodate it all: ties, belts, hats, purses and shoes as well every imaginable type of clothing, whether it’s hung or folded. There’s a separate linen closet within the main closet and more than 30 — yes, 30 — drawers. The owner travels extensively, so a packing island was added to make preparing for business trips easy and convienient.
Specialty Remodeling And Renovation
Under $50,000
Gold Winner
Universal Design Solutions
Universal Design Solutions, in partnership with NEFBA’s Builders Care and the University of North Florida Building Construction Management program, volunteered to rehab a bathroom for a resident who had suffered a mobility-limiting accident. The team opened the bathroom footprint and built a roll-in shower and a fully accessible vanity/sink. A dock-style elevated deck and walkway was installed, allowing barrier-free access to the backyard. The team re-graded the front yard, re-installed the paver walkway, poured a new sidewalk from the driveway and capped the front porch to provide seamless, zero-threshold access. They also added a new doorway from the dining area to the garage and poured a ramp, creating a secondary zero-threshold entry and exit point.
Planning And Design/Kitchen
Gold Winner
Kitchen Envy
Kitchen Envy made this previously cramped space more efficient by relocating the sink and bar top and taking out an existing drywall pantry. The addition of a linear island, above which lantern-style lighting was hung, meant that cabinetry could be installed along the entire back wall. The pantry was replaced with a pantry cabinet at the far end of the room. The room’s focal point is a gas range with a stainless steel hood, while a dramatic glass mosaic backsplash, designed to resemble falling rain, adds drama and a splash of color. Dual towers house a coffee/espresso machine and a microwave oven.
Planning And Design/Bathroom
Gold Winner
Del Mar Designs
The owner wanted to upgrade a dated master bathroom and add an adjacent powder room, combining rustic elements with French-inspired finishes and fixtures. Del Mar Designs reworked the floorplan to encompass the powder room and an enlarged shower as well as a large linen cabinet with iron-grill detailing on the door. Cabinets had a fine-furniture look, with crown molding, turned legs, decorative tow valances and unique hardware. Above the whirlpool tub is a stacked slate wall containing a gas fireplace and a flat-screen TV. The shower, with slip-resistant, limestone-look porcelain on the floor, has body sprays, multiple showerheads and a handshower.
Craftsmanship And Detail/Specialty Woodwork
Gold Winner
Del Mar Designs
The client wanted a custom, built-in bar cabinet that looked like a piece of fine furniture and complemented an existing two-tone alder dining table and abaca chairs. Although the space in which it was to be built was narrow, the bar also needed storage space for glasses, liquor bottles and assorted bar tools. So Del Mar Designs created upper doors with hand-crafted circular pulls and textured glass. Beneath the quartzite countertop was ample storage, while a colorful glass backsplash added even more panache.
Interior Design Elements/Kitchen
Gold Winner
Kitchen Envy
Kitchen Envy’s goal for this formerly non-descript kitchen was to improve function, add storage and create a major “wow” factor in the process. This was achieved by reconfiguring the floorplan to create a larger, centered island that balances the towering cabinets behind it. An appliance garage was placed to the right of the refrigerator to keep the countertops clutter-free. The back wall above the induction cooktop and single-convection oven features a custom mirrored hood and backsplash made from a solid marble slab.
Interior Design Elements/Kitchen
Silver Winner
Florida Custom Marble
This project by BeeTree Homes consists of an oversized island with a light granite countertop flanked by perimeter countertops in dark granite. The island, more than 10 feet long and weighing at least 900 pounds, is a full slab of three-centimeter River White granite with a linear pattern and includes an undermount sink cut out. The perimeter countertops are three-centimeter Black Pearl granite.
Interior Design Elements/Other Space
Gold Winner
CSR Interiors
The open concept living and dining room in this home, located just a block from the beach, was completely transformed by CSR Interiors with custom built-in cabinetry and a fireplace as well as new finishes, furnishings, lighting and accessories. The fireplace mantle was redesigned to complement the Shaker-style cabinets on the bookcases, while the hearth and the surround were fashioned from solid slabs of brown marble with fossilized shells.
2012 WINNERS
Following is a summary of all First Coast Remodelers Award winners. Key trade partners are shown for companies that showed a particular interest in reaching Florida Homebuyer Jacksonville readers.
Whole-House Remodel
Under $150,000
Gold Award:
BeeTree Homes
Key Team Members:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (Page R24)
Florida Custom Marble (Page R5)
Wellborn Cabinet/Beach Trading Company (Page R9)
Best of Show
Whole-House Remodel
$150,000-$250,000
Gold Award:
BeeTree Homes
Key Team Members:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (Page R24)
Wellborn Cabinet/Beach Trading Company (Page R9)
Whole-House Remodel
$250,000-$500,000
Gold Award:
Sport Nobles Construction
Silver Award:
Aurora Custom Remodeling
Addition
Under $50,000
Gold Award:
Sport Nobles Construction
Commercial Remodeling
$125,000-$250,000
Gold Award:
EIS Construction
Key Team Member:
Florida Custom Marble (Page R5)
Traditions in Tile and Stone (Page R17)
Kitchen Remodeling
Under $50,000
Gold Award:
BeeTree Homes
Key Team Members:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (Page R24)
Florida Custom Marble (Page R5)
Wellborn Cabinet/Beach Trading Company (Page R9)
Silver Award:
Sport Nobles Construction
Kitchen Remodeling
$50,000-$100,000
Gold Award:
Tom Trout Inc.
Silver Award:
BeeTree Homes
Key Team Members:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (Page R24)
Florida Custom Marble (Page R5)
Wellborn Cabinet/Beach Trading Company (Page R9)
Kitchen Remodel
$100,000-$150,000
Gold Award:
Sport Nobles Construction
Bathroom Remodel
Under $25,000
Gold Award:
Turner Plumbing
Key Team Member:
Hollingsworth Showroom (Page R23)
Silver Award:
Sport Nobles Construction
Key Team Members:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (Page R24)
Florida Custom Marble (Page R5)
Traditions in Tile and Stone (Page R17)
Bathroom Remodel
$25,000-$50,000
Gold Award:
BeeTree Homes
Key Team Member:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (Page R24)
Bathroom Remodel
$50,000-$75,000
Gold Award:
Sport Nobles Construction
Key Team Members:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (Page R24)
Living Stone Creations (Page R15)
Silver Award Award:
Tom Trout Inc.
Hardscape and Landscape/
Outdoor amenities
Over $75,000
Gold Award:
BeeTree Homes
Craftsmanship and Detail/
Specialty Woodwork
Gold Award:
Del Mar Designs
Key Team Member:
Traditions in Tile and Stone (Page R17)
Craftsmanship and Detail/
New or Innovative Product Installation
Gold Award:
The Closet Factory
Specialty Remodeling and Renovation
Under $50,000
Gold Award:
Universal Design Solutions
Planning and Design/Kitchen
Gold Award:
Kitchen Envy
Key Team Member:
Living Stone Creations (Page R15)
Traditions in Tile and Stone (Page R17)
Planning and Design/Bathroom
Gold Award:
Del Mar Designs
Interior Design Elements/Kitchen
Gold Award:
Kitchen Envy
Key Team Member:
Living Stone Creations (Page R15)
Silver Award:
Florida Custom Marble
Interior Design Elements/Other Space
Gold Award:
CSR Interiors
Remodelers of the Year
Tom Trout Sr. and Tom Trout III