2022 Pillar Award Entries & Winners

Finished in 2021, our new showroom allows our customers a comfortable setting to plan their latest projects. Our offices were expanded and renovated to make space for the new showroom. From the outside, it features various exterior finishes, including stucco, natural stone, James Hardie siding, and an eye-catching copper roof covering the new showroom entrance. As you enter the showroom, you are greeted at the reception desk by our friendly staff.

The showroom features cabinetry from multiple companies and custom cabinetry built in-house. Customers can also browse various granite, soapstone, and quartz countertops to pair with cabinetry. To round out the kitchen selections, we have an extensive collection of cabinet hardware for customers to consider. The new showroom displays various kitchen components and many design features customers may want to incorporate into their homes. These features include tray and coffered ceilings, various styles and sizes of crown moulding, and several flooring finishes. All of these features are illuminated by innovative and modern LED lighting fixtures. Our under-counter beverage refrigerator is stocked, and our coffee station is ready, so our customers feel welcomed and refreshed to make important decisions about their new living space!

The EGStoltzfus Design Studio launched in 2021. Access is reserved exclusively for our buyers and makes the design selection process efficient, stress-free, and above all…fun! Our studio experience has three simple steps – Virtual Shopping, Design Studio Preview, and Selection Appointment. With Virtual Shopping, a buyer who has chosen a home plan and investment level can begin to remote shop their selections through our user-friendly digital Guide to Personalization. During the Design Studio Preview, buyers can see, touch, and easily visualize their new home by interacting with life-size product samples – from flooring, backsplash, and appliances to exterior shutters and siding. Our knowledgeable studio team guides the process and answers any questions. At the Selection Appointment, a buyer makes their design selections. We have in-house technology that will cast our team’s computer screens onto large TV monitors positioned throughout the studio. As buyers review their choices on the ‘big screen,’ they make their final picks! Official authorizations are also carefully reviewed and approved on screen – and the buyer’s vision for their new EGStoltzfus home is complete.

Visualizing an as-yet unbuilt home can be a challenge for buyers, who must choose details and finishes for a space that may still be in the early stages of construction. To conquer this challenge, Garman Builders welcomes our homebuyers into a 3,000-square-foot Design Studio, where they gain hands-on familiarity with the array of products and selections available. During one-on-one meetings with an expert Design Specialist in the studio, Garman’s clients are guided through the process of personalizing their dream home to suit their needs and tastes. Buyers refine their vision as they walk through three fully-outfitted model kitchens and three model bathrooms; these vignettes provide a three-dimensional interactive display, showcasing a variety of cabinet colors and styles, countertop materials, backsplash tile, lighting options, cabinet hardware, flooring options, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and more. As they move past the model designs, homebuyers encounter gallery spaces where many possible options are made available for them to see and touch. The exterior selections gallery offers all the necessary components for the outside finishes of the home, including sample panels of stone, brick, and siding. Here, clients will also choose garage doors, shutters, and front door color and style. Hundreds of samples in the interior selections gallery are at buyers’ fingertips, from hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring to carpet, countertops, and cabinetry. To fully picture how their selections will complement one another, clients transfer their chosen samples to Garman’s “Home in the Making” wall, where they can see their design choices for the entire home come together in one place. This facet of the studio allows for easy experimentation with the countless combinations of options and finishes available. Finally, an additional walk-through gallery space captures the remaining design necessities: lighting fixtures, interior wall accents, stair railing options, and storage systems.

We believe every well-built home begins with a great design and that building a home means building a lifestyle. Our in-house Design Gallery gives our buyers a convenient and time-saving way to select options and finishing touches for their new home. Our experienced design professionals guide buyers through an expansive selection of name-brand interior and exterior products to fit their unique style and stay within their budget. Room-size installations allow our home buyers to walk through the spaces and view, touch and compare. In addition to the design gallery located at the main office in Ephrata, home buyers can now visit Landmark Homes’ newly opened design gallery location in Mechanicsburg. The new design gallery, located in Landmark’s Legacy Park community, will offer homebuyers the opportunity to browse a vast selection of interior and exterior design choices able to be selected for their new home, such as: • Cabinetry and hardware • Countertops • Flooring • Lighting • Doors • Fireplaces • Siding, shutters, brick, and stone • And more! As a bonus to the convenience of the new West Shore location, the showroom offers the ability to hold two design appointments simultaneously to serve our customers better. The design gallery was thoughtfully designed for buyers to select their finishing touches by room, with convenient access to products for easy viewing. In addition, special display windows allow buyers to view samples of their selections together to envision their new home design. Design Gallery open house hours are held on select Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm, where buyers can preview their selections at their leisure. Additional hours available during the weekdays are by appointment for home buyers. The Landmark Homes Sales Center at Market Square conveniently occupies the space next to the design gallery and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM.

This advertisement, titled “Say Yes to the Address,” ran in Susquehanna Style’s wedding-focused January/February 2022 issue. The concept developed out of the publication’s theme for that month; Garman’s marketing team designed this ad to center on a fun, tongue-in-cheek image that would be relevant to the interests of the demographic most likely to pick up this particular issue. Many soon-to-be brides and grooms are on the hunt for a home where they can start a new chapter of their lives together, and Garman Builders offers a variety of home options to match any lifestyle. The concept, photography, modeling, and layout design for this advertisement were all carried out in-house by Garman.

Stump’s Decks is an award-winning deck builder serving southeastern PA. Their old website was several years old and was showing its age. The design was older and reflected their older branding, and the website did not effectively highlight the high-end projects they are now building. Their new website completed by YDOP includes their updated branding, displays their projects in an easy-to-browse gallery, and prominently features professional photography so that the quality of their work stands out. It also helps better qualify prospects before they reach out to Stump’s Decks, saving time and resources dealing with unqualified leads.

Landmark Homes had the highest scoring entry in the Marketing Achievement Award Categories for Best Showroom. Congratulations!

Since 1972, Garman Builders has been synonymous with quality, integrity, craftsmanship, and dedication. Garman is a 50-year veteran of the Southcentral Pennsylvania home-building arena, serving buyers who seek a trustworthy builder to deliver a beautiful, long-lasting home. Guided by principles of service and partnership, Garman Builders centers its trajectory around a compelling vision: to provide a mutually rewarding lifestyle experience to all who interact with Garman, including homeowners, trade partners, team members, and their families. Garman pairs decades of expertise with a wholehearted embrace of contemporary innovations, producing first-rate homes made to stand the test of time. Although based in Lititz, Garman Builders operates in six surrounding counties, striking a sustainable balance to reach buyers in a wide radius without stretching services too thin. Garman currently builds in 25 active communities and single-scattered lots throughout the region. No matter where a Garman Builders home is constructed, it is meticulously designed and supervised at every step of the process to ensure that it meets Garman’s high standard of excellence. Whether a single-family home, duplex, townhome, or apartment, every Garman building shines with signature details, timeless designs, and carefully-considered layouts. The past few years have brought enormous turbulence to the home-building industry, and Garman Builders has faced the same challenges as its peers: ongoing supply chain issues, rising material costs, and a current downturn in market trends. Even through uncertain times, Garman has persevered in doing what it does best, completing a total of 230 homes in 2021 and a year-to-date total of 150 homes in 2022. Garman Builders continues to meet the needs of homebuyers navigating a complex, stressful period. With professionalism and personal care, Garman provides buyers with a smooth experience and a welcoming, reliable home.

Just as with the New Homes division, Garman Builders’ Renovations division upholds the client’s experience as the paramount priority in every step of the remodeling process. The Renovations team openly communicates with homeowners from start to finish, readily engaging with any questions or concerns and heading off miscommunications before they can arise. Garman enforces meticulous standards for job site protection, cleanliness, and professionalism to minimize disruption of the customer’s daily life during construction. As the project nears completion, Garman prepares the client for a final closing by conducting a personal home orientation walkthrough of their updated or expanded space, familiarizing them with the maintenance of any new mechanical features, and taking note of any remaining punch-list items to resolve before closing. Garman Builders believes that exceptional customer service reaches through the warranty period and beyond; in accordance with this principle, Garman offers a robust Customer Care program to its homebuyers and Renovations customers.

Founded in 2011, TK Building & Design is a full-service remodeling and new construction contractor for residential and commercial customers. We offer a wide variety of custom solutions for our clients and are proud to have an interior designer on our team who can help guide our customer’s ideas to a complete design. Clients trust our company, and we take that trust very seriously. We typically do work in Lancaster and Lebanon counties and some projects in York, Chester, and Berks counties. We have also performed services outside our typical geography for some of our best customers, including work on vacation homes, retirement community residences, and businesses. In the last year, TK Building & Design has performed over 300 remodeling projects for our customers. These projects vary widely in size and scope, from the simple to the complicated whole-house remodel.

General contractors, home builders, remodelers, and homeowners in Lancaster have depended on GR Mitchell for their building material needs since 1969. And while our roots are deep within the lumber industry, key manufacturer partnerships across various categories have allowed GR Mitchell to become this community’s go-to source for trim, stairs, decking, windows, doors, cabinetry, and more. Three physical locations provide GR Mitchell’s customers with a wide assortment uncommon to the industry. Over 50,000 stocked hardware items (including hand tools, paint, plumbing fittings, etc) create an expedient way to get more of what you need from just one supplier. Our brick-and-mortar presence also includes a showroom where GR Mitchell staff can help to define specifications, assist in the design, and even help to pair homeowners with builders. With a focus on making it easy to get the materials you need, GR Mitchell offers a wide variety of ways to get in touch. Whether through live chat on our website, in-person visits to our building materials counter, or through phone and e-mailed communication with our sales team, GR Mitchell’s customers have a direct pipeline to make availability and pricing inquiries in various methods. We also understand that when preparing for projects, whether you’re a pro or a DIY’er, you might need advice about selecting proper materials, which is why assembling a knowledgeable staff has always been a top priority. Proactive communication regarding the market and product changes is also part of our game plan, utilizing a variety of channels (ie bulk eblasts, blog posts, etc.) to disseminate information that our customers need to know.

Lezzer Lumber, a distributor of quality lumber and building materials, is proudly celebrating 95 years in business in 2022. Over the years, the market has changed, but some things have stayed the same. We are still a family-owned and operated business focusing on customer and employee satisfaction. We maintain a commitment to hard work and integrity. There are several ways Lezzer sets itself apart from the rest. We have in-house labor dedicated to installed interior trim, doors, kitchen cabinetry, and countertops for new construction projects. In a tight labor market, our pro customers can rely on us to complete these scopes with the same high quality as everything else we do. We are more than just a lumberyard and building materials dealer. We strive to provide the customers we serve, including remodeling contractors, small-to-medium-sized home builders, larger production home builders, and commercial contractors, with consistent and quality materials delivered on time and professional industry-specific insights and recommendations for any project. Finally, while we are geared towards professionals, we also have a significant following with general consumers who appreciate a locally owned business with experienced personnel to help them with all stages of their projects.

Breaking into the world of building can be a challenge, particularly when women only account for 10.9% of those working in the construction industry. With a background heavy in marketing but light in construction, when Deirdre joined GR Mitchell she made it a personal mission to become immersed in lumber and building materials supply. Traditional research paired with the development of personal relationships with manufacturer reps has helped bridge her knowledge gap and facilitated her to communicate vital information (regarding products and the economy as it relates to construction) to Lancaster’s building community. Through memberships with industry partners, like the Lancaster Building Industry Association and the Society for Marketing Professional Services (AEC) she’s been able to extend her network, expand her learning, and influence the industry from within. She’s also been able to give back by teaching others in the field how to market their businesses easily. Earlier this year, she spoke at a seminar for the Eastern Building Material Dealer’s Association on easy-to-implement marketing tactics that can make a significant impact on lead generation. Her efforts benefit the local community, as well. One of her roles at GR Mitchell is the management of charitable giving. Whether it be a material donation for a local boy scouts group, a gift basket for the hospice auction, or a monetary donation for one of many local schools, she ensures that as an organization, we’re supporting those who support us most. This extends to causes that our customers, Lancaster’s best builders, have a stake in as well.

Garman Builders firmly believes in the importance of actively contributing to the communities where we live and work. Giving back to those around us has been a central Garman value since the company’s founding, but it was brought to the forefront in 2022. To commemorate our 50th year in business, Garman Builders has pledged a total of $50,000 to be distributed to ten charities active in both local and international communities throughout this year. One charity per month is spotlighted for support, and Garman team members are given the opportunity to add individual contributions to the company’s $5,000 donation. These donations support organizations such as North Star Initiative, a Lancaster-based nonprofit that houses and rehabilitates victims of sex trafficking. As of August, other charities supported through this initiative include the Lancaster Boys and Girls Club, Align Life Ministries, and Brittany’s Hope. These organizations provide life-changing aid to underprivileged children and other vulnerable groups. In addition to Garman’s 50th-anniversary initiative, the company has continued to uphold other established avenues of giving back. Members of the Garman team participated in Align Life Ministries’ Move for Life event in May, raising support for crisis pregnancy services. In August, Garman sponsored a local golf tournament in support of the Warwick Education Foundation, sending several team members to participate in the event. Throughout the year, all Garman team members are given the opportunity to raise funds for community organizations while focusing on their health by engaging in company-wide wellness challenges. Garman Builders also continues to support community fundraiser events through donations of bottled water, which allow these events to reduce operating costs and direct more of their proceeds to their intended recipient. This year’s water sponsorships included events such as the Bridge of Hope Annual Golf Classic fundraiser.

Community outreach is a big part of our mission statement and paramount importance to Members 1st. There is an entire division in this area to meet the outreach needs of the community, and it is a central focal point of the Marketing department’s annual budget. Members 1st feel a moral obligation to support the community, not with logos and sponsorships, but with significant involvement, presence, and support from its associates. Associates know that when they join Members 1st, they are entering a corporate culture of community involvement and support, which is an expectation of their role. All associates must participate in a minimum of two community or charitable events as part of their annual review. They are given time away from their regular duties to immerse themselves in these opportunities within different communities fully. We are happy to report that many of our associates have decided to attend or volunteer at more events than required. The best part about this culture is that the associates get involved in local causes they are passionate about and let their managers and supervisors know what they are involved with and support. It is almost certain that if there is a community event or cause, Members 1st will be there in person to support it.

Lezzer Lumber had the highest scoring entry in the Company & Professional Achievement Award Categories for Best Supply Company of the Year. Congratulations!

This client had an unfinished basement they used for storage but had hoped to finish it since it was built. They wanted a hang-out space for their children, a small bar area, a full bathroom, an office, an area for guests to stay, and to keep a fair amount of storage as well. They liked the light and bright modern farmhouse look with wood accents, shiplap, and wood look flooring. With a budget of around $80,000, we created a TV and living area with a custom-built-in that features a barn door style sliding door and stained shiplap. Behind the seating area is a small dry bar with an under-counter fridge for easy access to drinks downstairs. You see a custom-designed murphy bed when you walk through the double barn doors to the guest bedroom and office area. This allows the area to serve as an office space on most days but can easily be a bedroom for guests without taking up floor space. A full bath is also available, making this basement fully functional for guests, work days, or an evening relaxing. Behind the living area and under the stairs, there is still plenty of hidden space for shelving and storage.

The homeowners were looking to update 3,200 sq. ft. of their walk-out basement that was used for the children’s play area and toy overflow. The builder-grade materials used for the existing finishes left the space feeling dated. The owners envisioned a more polished space for entertaining and relaxing that matched the sophistication of the rest of the house. The majority of the work would be turning the existing basement kitchen into a well-equipped bar and an existing empty room into a home theater. The owner had his eye on an antique ice chest for the bar that influenced the layout and style of the bar. The bar contains other traditional elements such as a wood bar rail molding, brass foot rail, beer tap, and drink rail with glass rinser. Finishes, fixtures, and lighting gave it a modern flair. The wood shelves and bar rail were stained to match the antique ice chest. Custom booth seating was built for the lounge next to the bar with wall-hung televisions. Chair rail molding and drink rails were installed in the adjacent game room. For the home theater, a platform was built for tiered seating with a lighted stair nosing. The existing ceiling was raised, and a soffit was built for cove accent lighting. Custom pilasters line the walls for a traditional feel and surround the projector screen to camouflage the built-in subwoofers. Acoustic panels on the walls also hide the in-wall speakers. The projector is located on the other side of the wall in the utility room, and the equipment cabinet is made to look like one of the pilasters. The flooring throughout was replaced with luxury vinyl plank. Custom vanity cabinets were made for the bathrooms, and the fiberglass shower was replaced with tile.

When TK Building & Design met with these clients, they didn’t have any specific ideas or requests for this remodel. They knew they wanted it to be updated, function better, and to represent their “classic with a flair” style. Their goal for the master bath and closet was to just be “wowed”. The bathroom was already large and had a huge vanity space, but only had a single sink. The adjoining walk-in closet was not laid out in a way that would work for the clients. The overall layout from the bedroom into the closet or bathroom was not the most functional either. In addition to this area, there was an adjacent empty room that could be incorporated into the design. With no cost limitations, we were able to give them the “wow” factor they wanted. By expanding the entire project into the empty room this allowed us to reconfigure the layout. With the new layout, we were able to create a master bathroom with his and hers vanity spaces, a freestanding tub, a large walk-in shower, toilet closet, and an expansive walk-in closet with lots of storage space. The unique marble-look heated flooring, vanity details, lighting, vessel sinks, and arched entry door all create the classic look they like. A touch of yellow accents, wallpaper, unique shower tile, and black fixtures give it the flair they love. The closet features many storage solutions such a jewelry, shoe, and hamper pull outs, pull out shelves for easier access to items, and lots of drawers. Countertop space in the closet is plentiful as well, including a waterfall edge on the island.

The Worship Center in Lancaster recently renovated part of its 1,500-seat sanctuary. The scope of work included new flooring, new paint, and new and additional fabric-wrapped sound panels ¬– all happening in a 3-week window of time. Martin’s Flooring has a long history of partnering with Worship Center on flooring projects. Working alongside Worship Center’s Hospitality Team, Martin’s Flooring helped establish material selections that brought a sense of warmth, color, and style. The planning and design phase became a reality in a little over a year. Martin’s Flooring tackled the removal of the existing broadloom carpet in the sanctuary aisles and stadium seating steps. Ride-on machines were used to help scrape the concrete free of the carpet backing and the old adhesive. Mohawk carpet tile planks were installed in the sanctuary aisles with Johnsonite edge treatment defining the lines between the aisles and existing stained concrete seating areas. Shaw Contract broadloom carpet was cut, bound, and installed on the stadium seating and main stage steps. Johnsonite stair nosing adds finishing detail as well as provides safety underfoot. Johnsonite wall base was used to replace the existing carpet base throughout the sanctuary’s perimeter. We understand the diverse flooring issues in the worship environment, from addressing mixed-use spaces and environmental considerations to the need for low maintenance and lasting value. We provide professional, local-based installation to ensure it is done right and provide a schedule based on the needs of the project. Worship Center’s sanctuary project was the first since they opened their doors in 2010, and it was a success on all accounts. The contractors involved worked well together to complete the project with excellence and promptly.

In the spring of 2021, Renovations by Garman took on the task of building a brand-new office space for Black Diamond Financial Group. After several years of occupying a previous office in Wyomissing, Black Diamond was ready to branch out to a fresh location in Denver, Pennsylvania. Their needs for the new space included a reception area, conference rooms, individual offices, and a company kitchenette. The process of designing the building’s exterior was simple because the client was inspired by Garman’s office building facade and requested a slightly-altered rendition of the same design. The configuration of Black Diamond’s lot required that the building be positioned with the front entrance facing the main road. To create an eye-catching exterior, Renovations by Garman contrasted weathered stack stone against the clean board-and-batten siding, accented by sleek black metal awnings at the windows and front entry. Inside, the finishes of the new office space include the luxury vinyl plank, commercial carpet, dark cabinetry, leathered granite countertops, and custom-etched glass paneling displaying Black Diamond’s logo. As customers step through the front door, they are welcomed by a spacious lobby with rustic wood cladding along the back wall and industrial lighting fixtures above the front desk. It was an honor for Garman to serve as the builder of this project and as the inspiration for its design.

Rachel’s Creperie is a local hot spot in Lancaster, and the hope was to make the coffee bar area at the entrance more functional for the staff, create more space for to-go orders, better work and traffic flow, merchandise area, and update the look to match the newer design of their Richmond Square location. The existing coffee bar was small and “floating” in the middle of the entrance, so by shifting it against the wall, TK Building & Remodeling opened up more floor space for additional cabinetry, storage, and traffic. A window in the back was replaced with a door that leads to the parking lot for curbside deliveries without having to make your way through everyone and go out the main door. A closet was removed and redesigned as a register and prep area for orders. A custom merchandise unit was created to showcase local products, information, and apparel. A bench seat with storage was added at the entrance for customers while waiting, and another bench area serves as additional seating. A center wall was built to hide extra workspace in the back and to be an area for the menu. The cabinetry was built to house various equipment, ice boxes, freezers, espresso machines, mugs, glasses, trash cans, and plates. Reclaimed wood at the bar when you walk in reflects the same rustic look as their other café, as well as the colors and flooring.

After more than two decades, this couple’s desires for their home have shifted. Moving into the empty nest stage brings new ideas and realities. Keeping their spacious country location led them toward renovating their main living space and master planning for a future first-floor owner’s suite addition. The restraining kitchen and rarely used dining room were drivers for these renovations. The resulting enhancements offer the functionality and beauty to living spaces they desire with uncompromising preparations for the future addition. Working with previous clients in a home we built for them twenty-two years ago is an honor. The rapport we share along with our understanding of the home’s construction, is invaluable. Discussing their budget and the project cost early in the process allowed everyone to recognize the importance of preparing for two phases. Removing the center bearing wall and relocating the second-floor mechanicals allows the kitchen to expand and draws the enlarged eating area toward their gathering spaces and outdoor living.

The kitchen provides fully custom cabinets with inset doors, quartz countertops, and seating at both the island and peninsula. A hole in the sliding cutting board to drop waste into the pull-out trash cans at the end of the island is just one of the custom enhancements. The multi-function wall ovens, 36-inch cooktop, and wine cooler augment the kitchen features. Conversion of the laundry into a walk-in pantry provides additional storage. Reclaiming a limiting office for the powder room and laundry adds a desired folding counter and opens the flow from the garage to the kitchen. The additional touches of new flooring and repainting through the first-floor and the second-floor balcony complete the stunning results. Here’s what the owners have to say. “Thank you for the wonderful job you did on our remodel. Our first floor is everything we dreamed it would be, and it was all because of the hard work and effort you put into it. You are an amazing team, and we are so fortunate to have worked with you. Thank you!!”

Clients approached Renovations by Garman with ideas for multiple large-scale renovation projects, including a first-floor interior remodel, a finished basement, and an outdoor living project. Their top priority was an interior renovation, where the Garman team started. During the design process, it became clear that the homeowners’ most significant issue with the layout of their existing space was a lack of storage, particularly in the kitchen. The clients were also dissatisfied with the configuration of their dining room, which was not serving them to its fullest potential. During concept plan development, the dining space was re-envisioned as a large bar area with a curved island and seating. The Garman team also incorporated a larger island into the kitchen, creating a more usable workspace, and supplemented it with another island in the breakfast nook for everyday seating. In addition to the significant storage space added by the new kitchen cabinetry, a walk-in pantry was created by integrating unused garage space. All the new cabinetry was custom-made to reflect the client’s vision, including roll-out trays, drawers for pots and pans, and a built-in chevron pattern featured behind the bar area and on the new pantry. The cabinetry company built the pantry door, ensuring a seamless layout and a perfect match to the cabinet finishes. The customers selected black leathered granite for the kitchen countertops, while white marbled quartz was chosen for the bar. As well as the custom chevron pattern, another eye-catching feature of the new bar space is the waterfall-edge quartz top on the bar island. The interior renovation also featured new engineered hardwood floors, new interior doors in striking gloss black, and fresh paint throughout the first floor, including faux paint finishes in numerous areas.

These local investors purchased a double rowhome in the heart of Lancaster City in hopes to create two charming Airbnbs. These rowhomes were poorly maintained, and previous renters trashed both interiors. We completely transformed both sides into desirable spaces for short-term or long-term renters. The first unit was designed to be more masculine, with darker tones and more industrial finishes. The second unit was to be more feminine with a lighter and more delicate style to appeal to all tastes. Additional full bathrooms with tiled showers and double sinks were added on each side. A navy-blue kitchen in the “his” unit and an olive-green kitchen in the “her” unit really stand out. Open shelving in both kitchens keeps the area open, and the simplistic hood style adds a bit of flair. Many special finishes in the bathrooms, in addition to statement wallpapers in multiple rooms, catch the eye. Hardwood flooring was finished throughout each unit. Every room, piece of trim, and stair in both properties was repainted. New recessed lighting and statement pieces were installed in most rooms.

This kitchen and laundry area weren’t functioning well and were not utilizing the space best. The existing cabinetry finish was peeling and falling apart, and recently purchasing the GE Café White appliances made the cabinetry look really dingy. The kitchen had one window at the sink, which was essential to keep open for as much light as possible. Directly behind the kitchen were the laundry room and closet used for pantry storage. This area was a high-use space but had no designated space for sorting laundry, and the closet was not functioning for food storage with old wire shelving. The customer wasn’t looking to break the bank on high-end cabinetry or to redesign the entire layout but was looking for better quality and more appeal. The kitchen remodel was the top priority, and the hope to incorporate some improvements for the laundry room area. We installed new bright white cabinetry with functional storage features, a larger island, and a coffee bar area. The tile was installed on the ceiling to make the space bright and open. Custom floating shelves were utilized on either side of the kitchen window and coffee bar area to keep the upper cabinetry from feeling heavy and blocking light. Sconces above the shelving and pendant lights give the kitchen some extra appeal and lighting We were able to update the laundry room with a small cabinetry area for laundry sorting and storage. The pantry shelving was updated to more practical wooden shelves, and a small countertop was added for the microwave to be used out of sight.

The client’s brief was to add covered outdoor living space to their existing patio and invite the expansive landscape into this connection. For these avid entertainers, this house extension was much anticipated and brought the functionality, aesthetics, and fulfillment they initially sought when building the home in 1988. The solar analysis determined continual passive heating during winter months while maximizing occupant shelter. Materials with differing thermal and moisture coefficients and dissimilar aging qualities were separated to maximize life expectancy. Drain ports were installed for static precipitation removal and limiting freeze/thaw impact. The intentional use of natural materials to age and mature with the house, combined with the longevity of sound building science, gives this space a developed and belonging appearance. The warm wood tones, complimentary stone walls, and moody metal cabinets come together for a welcoming invitation to all who visit. In a post-construction interview, the clients commented, “When we left for work each day, it was a relief to know our home was in good hands. Everyone was great to work with… [the team] came up with great ideas for the small details that made it a first-class project. From morning coffee to the last call in the evening, we get a tremendous amount of use out of our new space…and our dogs love to relax out there as well!”

The clients came to Renovations by Garman as repeat customers who had previously partnered with the company for a primary bathroom renovation. The Cassels dreamed of constructing a two-story, 1798-square-foot detached garage beside their 1990s brick home for their next home improvement project. In the first round of plans, the garage was designed as a hyper-modern structure per the owners’ request; however, as the design moved through revisions, a consensus was reached to marry modern sensibilities with a slightly more traditional silhouette. This ultimately produced a design that is a natural partner to the client’s existing house. The exterior finishes include dark metal roofing, Hardie Board siding, and brick accents that match the home. The ground floor of the new garage features epoxy flooring, a lawn mower garage at the rear of the structure, and a workout room with an airy vaulted ceiling and a large fan. Upstairs, tempered glass panels enclose a corner office to the left of the stairs. The second level also features a full bath, built-in shelving, and a kitchenette, making the garage a versatile space for family activities. A balcony extends from the second floor, surrounded by a cable railing which reflects the modern touch that the Cassels sought to incorporate into their project.

This couple hoped to bring their house back up to date, brighten the space, and give it a classic style to last a lifetime. They knew they wanted high-end finishes and were okay with the cost that came with that. The kitchen was the center of the home but was laid out oddly with a half wall and a load-bearing post-dictating layout. By removing the load-bearing post and recessing a beam into the ceiling, we could open up the kitchen’s layout. New white double-stacked cabinetry was installed with a beautiful quarter-sawn white oak island. The quartz countertops run up the backsplash, and wood accents are brought up onto the hood and on the back of the glass cabinets. The adjacent dining room and formal living room had a standard doorway to enter from the kitchen and were dark and heavy with wallpaper and trim work. We gutted the space, widened the doorway, added more lighting, and installed wainscoting to keep the room classic and formal while adding detail. We removed all the different flooring throughout, and new red oak hardwood flooring was toothed in and refinished. The built-ins in the main living room area had new cabinetry installed to match the existing built-ins, and the fireplace surround was replaced with quartz that ties in with the kitchen. The downstairs bathroom showcases a fully tiled shower, new fixtures, a vanity, and modern wallpaper. The entryway staircase was refinished at the entryway to compliment the new style. Door hardware was replaced, crown molding was added, and windows and doors were replaced as needed.

As these homeowners aged, obtaining first-floor living was essential. Within the current footprint of their home, a first-floor master bed, bath, and laundry area were not feasible. They also planned to remodel their kitchen to maximize their limited space, get a bit more island seating, and add a coffee area. By creating a 20’ x 20’ addition off the rear of the home and repurposing an existing office and sunroom area, we created a primary suite with walk-in closets, a laundry area, and a full bath. The bedroom features two sizeable closets and French doors leading out to the backyard and pool. The primary bathroom contains a tiled zero-entry shower with heated floors that allows easy access if mobility lessens in the future. The laundry is located directly off the bathroom and bedroom for convenience. The addition’s exterior was finished with Hardie board siding that blends in with the original siding and white brick of the home. The kitchen layout was revamped with tall pantry storage, a more extensive range, a paneled fridge and dishwasher, a built-in microwave drawer, and a beautiful custom walnut coffee bar. This custom cabinet opens up to reveal a sink and lots of extra storage, as well as a paneled drawer refrigerator. This coordinates with the walnut island extended to seat four people for more convenient dining. Hardwood flooring was refinished throughout the first floor, with repainting rooms, trim work, window replacements, and a patio door.

Kreider and Diller Builders, Inc. had the highest scoring entry in the Remodeling Projects Achievement Award Categories for Best Basement Remodel over $250,000. Congratulations!