2015 Contractor of the Year Award Winners

Entire House $500,001 to $750,000 — K & D Contractors

The goal of this renovation was to convert the house into a Bucks’ County farmhouse. Designed by a local architect, K & D Contractors provided the construction. The scope of work included: new entryway loft, second floor dormer, expanded laundry room, rear hearth room, enlarged rear deck, kitchen renovation, wrap-around front porch, new stone façade on two sides, new dimensional roofing, prefinished siding. 

The severe early winter hampered the project as it was difficult to keep snow out of the foundation area. New windows and sliders were replaced and included simulated divided light grills to enhance the new design.  To achieve the look of an old farmhouse, real fieldstone veneer was attached to two sides of the house and a wrap-around porch created. A new wood front door and carriage-style garage doors assist in completing the desired effect.

The kitchen prompted the renovation; dated oak cabinets were replaced with custom cabinets with inset doors and an “aged” paint finish. Distressed soapstone countertops and warm cherry butcher block tops the island. Pendant lights over the island, under cabinet and recessed lights with dinners brighten the room and provide needed work light. Removing the rear kitchen wall allowed for the rear hearth room to be tied into the kitchen. This room was revamped with a corner unit gas fireplace finished with dry stacked stone on the facade. The mantle is reclaimed timber. Wide  plank pine floors were installed throughout the downstairs and were completed with hard-cut nails face-nailed into the planks to complete the look.

Residential Kitchen Over $150,000 — Design Build Pros with team member ProSkill Construction

A 1992 “modern” kitchen had lacquer cabinets and laminate countertops which now is out of style. The new owner wanted to make over the kitchen and great room, including a wet bar and built-in cabinetry. To accommodate the homeowner’s desire for an dine-at island, the rear structural wall was removed and the room extended two feet into the existing great room. Accomplishing this meant a new header beam was required, the floor framing was to be extended, and the heating/cooling ducts, electrical, and plumbing was reconfigured. The finished project includes cherry wood cabinets, super white quartzite countertops, butcher block top on the island, glass tile backsplash, under-cabinet lighting and outlets, pantry cabinetry instead of a closet…and new appliances. The great room was finished with a new gas fireplace, media center, Lapis Lazuli countertop and a bar with sink, refrigerator and kegerator.

Residential Interior Over $150,000 — A & E Construction

Over the course of this $330,000 project, the one-story home was transformed from being dark and dated into a vibrant, open plan home defined by natural lighting, sleek contours, and deliberate considerations of material aesthetics and spatial functionality. The renovation encompassed the entire interior of the structure, including but not limited to the kitchen, living room, three full bathrooms and four bedrooms.  Replacing the existing appliances and equipment with high efficiency units has decreased utility costs and made the home more environmentally friendly. Underground ductwork was relocated to soffits for easier access in the future; a load-bearing wall was removed and replaced with a massive I-beam to provide an open floor plan to serve the family’s needs. The cramped kitchen workspace was opened and now transitions into the family and dining rooms. Natural light permeates the home, reflecting off lightened surfaces, which covered the old, dark wood ceilings. A bright, modern home now welcomes the family.

Basement Over $100,000 — A & E Construction

The homeowner wanted to convert a 2,200 square foot unfinished basement into a series of attractive and functional living spaces. Desired were: a full basement kitchen; laundry room relocated from upstairs; large seating areas for entertaining; and a cinema-style theater room. Also, a living space for the family’s au pair was to have access to the downstairs bathroom and a full bedroom. The downstairs bedroom includes an egress window for natural lighting and to meet codes. Due to the multi-functionality of the basement, the concrete floor was cut for installation of the necessary plumbing and gas lines. The existing radon line and ductwork was relocated to allow for head clearance. To accommodate the cinema-style theater room, the flooring was tiered with an intermediary step for optimal viewing positioning. A built-in dehumidifier was implemented since a library/sitting area was installed at the bottom of the new staircase. And a comprehensive system of recessed lighting throughout the basement is accented with contemporary chandeliers and under cabinet lighting in the kitchen space. Star and stair lighting in the theater enhances the effect.

Residential Bath $25,000 to $50,000 — A & E Construction

An outdated master bathroom was dark due to walls dividing the sections and crowded the usable space. The homeowner wanted to make better use of the space and natural lighting from windows and skylight. Also, he/she desired a drop-in tub with deck of a more contemporary style. By removing the dividing wall between the tub and shower area created a larger, continuous bathing and light bathed space.  By relocating the tub faucet, an easy, unimpeded entry to the tub was created; and by converting the swing closet door to a pocket door, more space is accessible. A continuous marble tub deck extends into the shower, forming a contemporary aesthetic and a bench in the shower. A & E honed the marble into a slope to allow water runoff. Marble tiles enhanced visual interest and continuity throughout the room, including the Carrera marble top on the vanity.

Residential Bath $50,001 to $75,000 — Houghton Contracting, LLC

This homeowner wanted to create the appearance of more space and to update all of the fixtures, walls and floors in their older, existing bathroom. Due to the homeowner’s desires and needs, the layout of the new bathroom required relocating the plumbing and removing the soaking tub. By eliminating the tub, an extra large shower with seating could be installed. The old, small shower contained glass doors, but the new shower was designed with a glass surround half-way up, which opens up the feeling of the room.  The basket weave tile flooring contains a black accent tile, the color of which was picked up in the vanity. Framing the oversized mirror adds to the updated look of the room.

Residential Kitchen $60,001 to $100,000 — Houghton Contracting, LLC

The existing kitchen in this home was not functional for the family, and did not include enough storage space. Butting up against the eating area, the island impeded traffic flow. Seating for family and guests was at a minimum. The homeowners desired office space incorporated into the kitchen design. The walls of the home were opened for installation of spray foam insulation to enhance the efficiency of the redesigned space. LED lighting highlights the work space of the kitchen and attached home office.