A “Coastal Haven” Entire Home Remodel Recognized for Excellence
Entire House $500,001 – $1 million
Titus Built, LLC of West Redding, Connecticut, is proud to announce the company has been honored by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) with a 2013 National CotY (Contractor of the Year) award for “Entire Home $500,001 – $1 million. Contractors from seven regions around the country vie for CotY Awards on an annual basis. An impartial panel of judges, experts within the remodeling industry and associated fields, selected winners based on each entrant’s problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty and entry presentation. This project previously won the Regional CotY (Contractor of the Year) award from NARIand “Best Residential Remodel $750,000-$1 million” in the 2012 HBRA of Connecticut HOBI Awards presented by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, Inc.
About the Winning Project:
A couple about to celebrate the union of their two families wanted to transform their simple 1950s beach cottage into an idyllic second home they could comfortably share for a lifetime. Because they were planning a wedding and a remodel at the same time, it was critical that the project run smoothly. The deadline for the home to be finished and livable was set for one day before their wedding, which was successfully achieved to the delight of the couple. The original home was of humble design and size but located directly on the water in a quaint beach community. The homeowners planned to live in the home with their four children and large groups of visiting friends and family during the summer and other vacation times. They wanted their new environment to be a comfortable and luxurious retreat for themselves and their children, with surroundings conducive to frequent entertaining and overnight guests. Because the home is in an area that experiences seasonal hurricanes, practical considerations in the planning were an important part of the process. As frequent travelers and connoisseurs of art, the couple wanted to express their eclectic tastes and interests throughout the home, with a focus on compelling architectural elements, unusual materials and interesting found objects. The home abounds with refined design details, from the decision to leave a rough finish on the wood floors for a strong sense of character to the solid iron spindles on the stairway’s oak railings. Every piece of cabinetry and wainscoting was custom built, lending the home a solid and memorable essence of enduring beauty.
“Winning the national award in this category is a tremendous honor for Titus Built,” said Jeffrey A. Titus, General Manager of Titus Built, LLC. “Transforming a humble 1950s beach cottage into a stunning three level coastal haven presented some unique challenges and gave us the opportunity to practice our best work. It is rewarding to be recognized by our peers.”
About NARI:
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. The Association, which represents member companies nationwide—comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors— is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”™
This year, NARI brought the Evening of Excellence™ to the remodeling industry as a whole, via an online Webcast announcement that was also broadcast to those who were in attendance in person at the reception. The presentation highlighted both Regional and National winners totaling 133 projects in 26 categories ranging from kitchens, baths, additions, exteriors, whole house and commercial remodels. The Webcast will be available for 30 days at www.nari.org/eveningofexcellence.
About Titus Built, LLC:
As one of the leading home renovations and remodeling companies in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Titus Built, LLC provides a unique customer experience by delivering the convenience of truly integrated, step-by-step architectural design and building services. Our proven, systematic and efficient process simplifies whole home renovation projects. Titus Built has developed a loyal following with its focus on the highest quality craftsmanship, a systematic project process, and dedicated attention to customer care.
Titus Built is honored to be recognized by two local magazines this month: East Coast HOME & DESIGN and New Canaan, Darien & Rowayton Magazine. If you get a chance, please pick up a copy.
Portfolio of Kitchens & Baths 2013, Titus Built,
East Coast HOME + DESIGN, Feb/Mar 2013 issue, pages 64 & 65
“Bright and sunny, this classic kitchen is one more example of attention to detail and fine craftsmanship that clients have come to expect from the West Redding firm of Titus Built, LLC…” ~ East Coast HOME + DESIGN
street smart, New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton Magazine
“Some homes make great first impressions. They couple good symmetry with architectural details, custom touches, carefully chosen colors and lush landscaping. The result is incredible curb appeal. These dressed-up facades are nothing sort of street smart. To celebrate the many fine examples of fashion-forward houses in our towns, we’ve photographed four that showcase eye-pleasing elements that add style and interest.” ~ New Canaan Magazine
Titus Built is also honored to be nominated by the JDR team for the 2013 Best Microblog Award, Twitter. We would be pleased if you voted for us as one of your favorite professional remodeling industry bloggers. Voting Closes on April 12th 4pmPST ~ Thank you! 2013 JDR Industry Blogger Awards
Wednesday night the Titus Built Team was privileged to attend the 2012 HOBIs, The Home Building Industry Awards, at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT. Jeff Titus cordially invited his team to join him at the 2012 HOBI Awards dinner to accept the Best Residential Remodel $750,000-$1 million Award. We had a wonderful evening watching award presentations, receiving awards as well as mingling with coworkers sharing some laughs and cheers.
The Titus Built team had been notified in advance about the “Best Residential Remodel” award but the “Remodeled Home of the Year” award was not announced until the awards ceremony. At the end of the evening the team was excited and surprised to hear our name called as one of the Grand Award Winners. “It was a no brainer,” the judges said. They were particularly impressed with the detailed craftsmanship of the project.
L-R HOBI Remodeling Judges Denise Nott & Eric Miner, Jeffrey Titus,
HBRA of CT President Elizabeth Verna and Vice-President Ken Boynton
“I am truly honored that one of our projects was selected in the Best Residential Remodel category, but it was even more thrilling to receive top honors out of all remodeling entrants as Remodeled Home of the Year. This was truly a surprise considering the achievements of our competitors and a tremendous compliment from the judges. I’d like to thank my generous clients who provided us with this fantastic opportunity, and give a big thank you to my hard working team,” said Jeff Titus.
About the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, Inc.
The HBRA of Connecticut is a statewide professional trade organization representing home builders, remodelers, developers and many subcontractors, suppliers and professionals that provide services to this diverse industry. HBRA members are dedicated to quality and excellence in their craft.
The original home was of humble design and size but located directly on the water in a quaint beach community. The homeowners planned to live in the home with their four children and large groups of visiting friends and family during the summer and other vacation times. They wanted their new environment to be a comfortable and luxurious retreat for themselves and their children, with surroundings conducive to frequent entertaining and overnight guests. Because the home is in an area that experiences seasonal hurricanes, practical considerations in the planning were an important part of the process. As frequent travelers and connoisseurs of art, the couple wanted to express their eclectic tastes and interests throughout the home, with a focus on compelling architectural elements, unusual materials and interesting found objects. They wanted their home to evoke a classic Nantucket style suitable to its environment, with its own memorable character and detail.
Constraints:
Because of the home’s setting in a very tight-knit community, the remodeling process significantly affected neighbors. Keeping a clean and efficient job site and diligently communicating with the neighborhood’s private association was crucial to the project’s success. In order to accommodate the dumpster in the front yard needed for cleanup, the patio had to be ripped up and removed.
Neighborhood zoning restrictions had changed since the home was originally built in the 1950’s, so tearing down the original structure and building a whole new home would have necessitated a smaller footprint. In order to retain the home’s original footprint, the first level up to the ceiling had to be preserved, while the rest of the home was demolished and then built up.
Since salt water eats away at typical woods and metals, the home’s waterfront location presented a challenge when planning exterior materials. To address this while establishing the desired aesthetics, classic natural shingles were partnered with PVC synthetic trim.
Hurricane codes were mandated in an area frequented by significant storms. All windows were built to withstand hurricanes. In the area beneath the first floor designated as flood elevation, required vents were installed to allow water to flow through should flooding occur. Nothing mechanical was allowed below flood elevation.
Construction Features:
The first level was retained up to its ceiling but completely gutted and two additional levels were added. The first level was remodeled to include a foyer, a mudroom, a powder room, a kitchen, a wet bar and an expansive space with dining, living and family/sitting areas. The second level includes a master bedroom, master bathroom, master closet, two bedrooms, a hall bathroom and a laundry room. The third level includes a family room, a guest bedroom and bathroom. The exterior of the home was completely redesigned and built, including two decks and a cupola.
First Floor: Upon opening the front door, one is immediately engaged by the stunning view in a design that was carefully planned to capture the essence of relaxed and luxurious waterfront living.
A wall of hurricane windows provides protection from strong storms while framing the amazing views in classic Nantucket style. The expansive area, defined by a graceful coffered ceiling at top and antique oak parquet flooring imported from France underfoot, is alive with light and circulation. A large Ipe wood deck with a built-in fire pit and built-in masonry grill extends living and entertaining to the outdoors and enhances the joys of the waterfront lifestyle.
In the kitchen, delicate blue walls provide a calming backdrop for the cabinetry, each a custom piece of millwork made completely by hand at 1’ thick, with self-closing soft touch technology. The kitchen was outfitted with all new top-of-the-line appliances for enduring value in a home full of children and frequent guests. Substantial marble countertops provide ample space for prep, cooking and entertaining during large gatherings. Above the peninsula, a trio of gleaming bulbs brings a subtle illumination to the surroundings.
The wet bar features a backsplash crafted from a cement block with origins in Hong Kong, providing a reliable conversation starter and the allure of interesting material detail desired by the homeowners. Lighting was designed to bring a soft glow to the backsplash at night. This captivating effect is continued into the adjoining powder room, where the backsplash wall was built so that its other side is visible in the powder room.
Second Floor: The second level is where the family sleeps in a master bedroom and two bedrooms – one for the girls and one for the boys. The second level also includes a master bath with a steam shower and heated floors and a hall bath with laundry room. The master bedroom is equipped with a lavish master closet, with oak cabinetry custom built with meticulous detailing to meet the storage and dressing needs of the homeowners.
In one of the bedrooms, a pair of custom built bunk beds sleeps four and beckons with classic charm. Throughout the second floor, storage was built into the nooks and crannies below stairs and in hallways as an ingenious solution for a modern family in a home with a limited footprint.
Third Floor: At the top of the stairs on the third level, a remarkable pair of antique doors – imported from France for the project – graces the entry to the large family room. Originally from a church, the nine foot tall doors feature distressed oak on one side and antique mirrors on the other. The beamed ceiling is built with a reclaimed barn board, crowning the room with rustic appeal.
Custom built cabinetry holds entertainment systems and a small refrigerator. The room opens to an Ipe wood deck with stunning views of the water. The third floor guest bedroom delights visitors with oak beams and an open view to the cupola.
Exterior: The exterior of the home is a strategically planned marriage of desirable aesthetics and practical considerations. The home is finished with white cedar shingles, PVC synthetic trim, a 2” thick stone veneer on an exposed foundation, seawall, Ipe wood decking and an Ipe wood stair railing. While required for protection from strong storms, the placement and style of the hurricane windows were also designed to bring abundant light and circulation to the home.
The latest innovations in home technology allow the homeowners to control every function in their house with their mobile devices. Temperature, music, television, lighting and security systems can be accessed from anywhere, including the ability to view their home remotely from the home’s cameras when a storm threatens. The home abounds with refined design details, from the decision to leave a rough finish on the wood floors for a strong sense of character to the solid iron spindles on the stairway’s oak railings. Every piece of cabinetry and wainscoting was custom built, lending the home a solid and memorable essence of enduring beauty. It was a pleasure for Titus Built to build a home with such an extent of custom details and we wish our clients a lifetime of success, peace and happiness in their new home.
Titus Built, LLC of Redding, Connecticut, is proud to announce the company was awarded with “Best Residential Remodel $750,000-$1 million” in the 2012 HBRA of Connecticut HOBI Awards for this Coastal Haven Renovation:
Red oak handrail and treads with a limed finish, steel balusters; reclaimed parquet floors from France; Burgisser fireplace imported from Italy; coffered ceiling; and, 3” Carrera countertops.
What make your home uniquely yours… it’s all in the details. Titus Built’s master craftsmen create the custom-designed details that make your home one-of-a-kind.
“Buy quality you wince once; buy cheap and you wince over and over.” Author unknown
Interiors include custom cabinetry & millwork. We cater to all the fine details; no details get overlooked.
Custom Countertops and Backsplashes
Elegant Custom Wainscoting
Custom Gothic Moulding on Cabinets
No off the shelf solutions. With Titus Built, you know your home will look beautiful and original.
Artisan crafted kitchens from our millwork shop in West Redding, CTNote the paper towel holder in the center island and the custom mouldings.
Custom cabinetry for washer & dryer with black absolute countertop
Powder coated punched steel mesh insert in cabinets
Family of boys ~ client asked for extra toilet for boys
~ solution was a urinal in boys’ bathroom.
Close up of custom mudroom which includes two dog beds for Maggie & Molly.
Details like dormer windows, entryway arches, window trims and custom foyers can make your home truly unique.
Foyer with trim and wainscoting millwork
Custom flower boxes, shutters and trim.
Cedar shingles and custom trim on turret.
Exterior details created from the sourced raw lumber Sapele (African Mahogany) contribute to the character of the finished design.
Exterior facelift included over 100 hand-crafted
mahogany and cedar brackets
Building Clients for Life… One Home at a Time
Whether you want a home to fit your lifestyle or a high-end home with elegant style, our master craftsmen can help you realize your dreams with a remodel or custom built home. Ask us about the difference.
Our New Canaan clients loved their home but needed significant updates to bring their environment up to date with 21st Century style, comfort and greater energy efficiency. They asked Titus Built to give their home an exterior facelift, expand their kitchen and perform other improvement projects throughout the home to meet their current lifestyle needs.
Our clients’ life is centered around family and entertaining so it was important to them that their home renovation have a good traffic flow. This home is situated on five acres with an exterior pool and pool house. Titus Built was contracted to design, remodel and build an addition to the home with the inside integrating easily to the outside to work well for entertaining.
The new design features a turret addition with upholstery seating where family and guests can relax and mingle while in the kitchen. The design also flows nicely from the inside to a mahogany deck and to the landscape and pool. The new turret adds an abundant amount of natural light and ventilation to the kitchen with 12′ high windows. Other details in the kitchen include a variation in depth of base cabinets; a paper towel holder designed in the cabinet to decrease countertop clutter; an island cabinet with another paper towel holder; a custom made china hutch; and a full walk-in pantry.
The renovation also included a home office with a custom built desk; a mudroom with custom built dog beds under cabinets; an insulated ½ cord firewood bin outside accessible from the family room; living room renovation with custom columns and millwork; a balcony off of the master bedroom; a basement exercise room; exterior improvements including a wood roof; new windows; and many exterior trim upgrades.
For more information on this home renovation check out our November 2011 Newsletter and read our progress report blogs on Titus Built’s website.
Check newsstands for this New Canaan, CT Amazing Home Transformation in the July/August 2012 issue of East Coast HOME + Design Magazine: Titus Built & Michael Smiths Architects, pages 32-33.
Titus Built is busy with several home renovations in lower Fairifeld County, Connecticut. Some are at the beginning stage while others are nearly complete. The Harbor View waterfront renovation is scheduled to be finished by next Friday. Our clients are getting married and plan to have their rehearsal dinner/birthday party combo at their home on Friday evening. We wish Tamara & Steve a beautiful lifetime of togetherness and happiness. Photos of the home’s detail custom millwork will be posted soon.
Below is a progress update of the Darien home renovation. The renovation began this spring with the testing for lead paint. As this home was built in 1963, the United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all homes built before 1978 to be tested for lead paint. We were pleased to find out that there was no lead paint found. To learn more about the lead paint rule you can read the EPA’s pamphlet The Lead-Safe Certified Guild to Renovate Right.
Demolition is complete:
Titus Built tested for lead paint (in houses built prior to 1978) per EPA regulations.
Demolition completed to prepare for construction as per plan.
All demolition material was placed in dumpsters provided by Titus Built and removed from site.
Front view of home renovation
Exterior renovation progress:
Modified existing roof structure; frame for new dormers on front & back.
Reconstructed tops of 2 existing chimneys per plan, including build-outs and chimney pots.
Removed all remaining roof shingles.
Supplied & installed ice & water shield at eaves and in valleys.
Supplied & installed preservative treated western red cedar shingles over 30# felt underlayment on main roof.
Drawing of attic windows at rear of house
Rear view of home renovation
Framers are beginning to frame master suite addition.
Stay tuned for progress updates including interior custom cabinetry and millwork benchmade in our shop located in West Redding, CT:
Last October we posted a blog Whole House Renovation of Waterfront Property in Norwalk, Connecticut with photos of pages from magazines tabbed by our clients to help us visualize their ideas. The project is running smoothly and we are excited to show you some updated photos of the exterior as well as new interior selections. We received a call this week from a potential client living in the neighborhood that expressed interest in renovating their home because they have been watching the progress of the “beautiful renovation” in their community. We are grateful to receive such positive feedback!
We supplied & installed thin stone veneer (approx. 2” thick) on exposed foundation walls.
The kitchen and bar cabinets as well as all interior doors are being custom made by Titus Built, LLC master craftsmen in our millwork shop located in Redding, CT.
All cabinets and doors will be custom made in white oak with a limed wood finish.
The third floor cathedral ceiling will have weathered barn board and exposed rough sawn beams.
Currently, our clients are selecting their staircase balusters and newel post made out of cast iron with steel ends and a limed white oak wood finish handrail and rough sawn oak stair treads to match interior.
The handmade family room Burgisser fireplace mantel is on its way from Italy and we are currently working with our customs broker. The fireplace is a direct vent gas fireplace (Town & Country Gas Fireplace Model TC 30).
Our clients are very excited to see the progress of their home renovation coming to life. Their eclectic taste of unusual finishes and artwork are all reminders of their travels abroad.
Stay tuned for updates on the interior of this one-of-a-kind home renovation. There are no off the shelf solutions with Titus Built award-winning custom designs. You know your home will look beautiful and original!
Front view rendering of home renovatoin in Darien, CT
Existing home before renovation in Darien, Connecticut
This single-family home located in Darien, CT has 4 beds, 2 ½ baths, and approximately 2,917 square feet. The property was built in 1963 and was purchased by our clients in March of 2002. Shortly thereafter they were relocated to England, but kept the house for their return. Our clients are back living in the States, and, believe it is the perfect time for them to renovate.
Existing garage before renovation
Side Elevation Rendering
Currently, several homes in the neighborhood are being renovated and as per the residential property tax profile of their street, the average home size is 4,063 sq. ft. with the largest home being 6,484 sq. ft. Our clients’ 1,500+/- sq. ft. addition plus the whole home renovation of their existing footprint is well within the square footage range of the neighborhood… that’s a smart move on their part!
Front Exterior Elevation & Garage Exterior Elevations
Titus Built, LLC is honored to receive the contract for this whole house renovation and addition. The home renovation consists of approximately an 800 sq. ft. addition with a breakfast room on the 1st floor as well as office space on the 2nd floor. And, approximately 700 sq. ft. master bedroom suite addition over existing footprint. The whole house remodel also includes the renovation of the foyer, kitchen, bathrooms and an exterior facelift.
Existing rear of home before renovation
Rear Elevation Rendering
The exterior facelift includes, but not limited to:
New Windows and Exterior French Doors
Red Cedar Roof
2” Thin Stone Veneer
Carriage Style Overhead Wood Doors
Bluestone patio/treads and fieldstone risers
Horizontal cedar wood clapboard siding
Vertical cedar beadboard wood siding
Corbeled chimney cap & decorative chimney pot
Rear Exterior Elevations, Right Exterior Elevation, Front Dormer Elevation Detail
Thank you to Ian & Lisa of Darien. We look forward to making wonderful improvements to your home!
A Center Hall Colonial Gets an Updated Exterior and an Interior Designed to Enhance Family Time
When the Frattaroli family came to Titus Built for a remodel of their Center Hall Colonial, they had two priorities in addition to the desire to update their home. They wanted to be able to stay in their home during the remodel so their teenagers’ school and personal lives would be undisturbed and they wanted to live in a more open space that would promote a feeling of togetherness when the whole family was at home engaged in different activities.
The original home exterior was plain, with small windows and little visual interest. In the new design, the number of windows has been doubled, dramatically increasing the amount of light the home now receives. Architectural details, including a new portico, bring a fresh interpretation to the home’s facade while honoring its original character. Structural changes, such as new gutters and wood shingles, enhance the home’s eye appeal and add enduring value.
Once a cramped nook, the new kitchen was significantly expanded using space from the front hallway. The entire bottom level of the home was designed as an open layout. It was important to the Frattarolis that the new space encompassing the kitchen, living and family room areas be expansive and inviting while retaining the architectural integrity of their home. Their teenage children can now have friends over or do homework in one area while the parents are preparing meals in the kitchen and the family can easily interact. With such a comfortable and appealing new space to share, the Frattaroli children now enjoy hanging out with their friends at home.
Jennifer Frattaroli says she loved the experience of working with Titus Built. The family especially appreciated that they could live in their home while the remodel was being completed. "Titus Built made the process as easy as possible for us. They were non-invasive and respectful and their level of follow through was exceptional."
"The renovation achieved everything we wanted to achieve," says Jennifer, "We were particularly happy with the quality of the cabinetry work in the kitchen – it was just exceptional. The design and architecture phase was organized and detail-oriented. Once the construction phase was underway, we always felt taken care of. When the inevitable issues arose, due to weather or some other unexpected factor, Titus Built took care of our concerns immediately. We never felt like our project was at a stand still. We have worked with other construction companies and the level of detail and follow through that Titus Built offers is much higher than we have experienced previously. We could not be happier with our home and our remodeling experience."
