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Archive for the ‘Interior Remodeling’ Category
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

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).

http://www.recuperando.it/en/Pagine/Output/Out__Default.asp?IDArt=5984
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!
Tags: Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Fairfield County, Norwalk, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovations Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Exterior Remodeling, Interior Remodeling | 2 Comments »
Monday, March 5th, 2012
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!
Tags: Addition, Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Darien, Fairfield County, Remodel, Renovations Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Exterior Remodeling, Interior Remodeling, Thank You! | No Comments »
Monday, February 27th, 2012

Are white kitchens still in style?
Just the other day, Lisa M. Smith’s, The Decor Girl Blog, husband asked the same question. Lisa replied, "Honey, a good white kitchen never goes out of style. My only disclaimer is with some of the pebble finish thermafoil cabinets from the 1980′s – they can look tired." and proceeded to show off some stylish white kitchens which included a couple of Titus Built kitchens. Below are photos of white kitchens created for Titus Built clients’ lifestyle:
Classic white kitchen with beadboard and vintage style drawer pulls.
Hidden washer & dryer unit in the kitchen – Your Home. Your Lifestyle.
Curved marble backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom adds a level of elegance to the room.
Columns with archway between serving counter and dining room add a touch of elegance and enhances the spacious feeling of the kitchen.
Adding a desk to your kitchen creates organization and functuality. Your Home. Your Lifestyle.
6 burner with griddle commercial ranges continue to be a trend for the kitchen.
We are honored to be included in Lisa’s blog. Below is a link to her recent blog on The Classic White Kitchen:
http://www.decorgirl.net/2012/02/the-classic-white-kitchen/
Tags: Bump-Out Addition, Classic white kitchen, Connecticut, Fairfield County, Improving Functionality, Remodel, Renovations, Ridgefield Posted in Kitchen Remodeling | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
Architectural Rendering of rear (Waterfront View) of House
Rear View of Home before Renovation
This waterfront renovation project started during the Spring of 2011 when Jeff Titus, owner of Titus Built, LLC, met with the homeowners to discuss the project. Jeff believes that it is imperative a potential client meets with him to establish a good contractor/client relationship. From the start of the project, our clients have been very excited about the home renovation. To help us visualize their ideas, they tabbed pages in magazines of “wish list” items for us to see:




After Jeff Titus listened to our clients’ requests, and gave them a preliminary estimate of what the project would cost, they signed off on a Design Concept Agreement. Below are the final Architectural Renderings of this remodel project:

Architectural Rendering of front of House
During the Design-Build process we completed the estimate of cost, contract schedule and plans. Below are the final revision floor plans:
1st Floor Final Revision Floor Plan
2nd Floor Final Revision Floor Plans
3rd Floor Final Revision Floor Plan
Construction Contracts were signed on September 30th and last week we started the demolition of a house on waterfront property in Norwalk, CT. The interior of the home has been completely gutted and this week the roof and ceilings will be demolished to the first floor ceiling. The sunroom will be taken away.
Commencement of Demolition


Demoliton of 1st Floor


Demolition of 2nd Floor

Demolition of 3rd Floor
When remodeling a home there are so many decisions that need to be made. A few of our clients’ choices/decisions are listed below:
- Window Manufacturer: LePage, Marvin or Jeld-Wen – Still up in the air, but leaning towards LePage: http://bit.ly/oFbVkb.
- Foam insulation vs fiberglass – Our clients chose foam insulation.
- Decorative concrete floors in all bathrooms; options such as finish, color, texture, etc. are still being decided.
- Radiant heat “warm tiles” underneath concrete floors.
- Our clients purchased antique arched doors and antique parquet floors, imported from France, for the master bedroom.
- 7th C (?) Chinese double sided stone – backsplash for dining room bar which will also show through to the powder room.
- “Smart House”- Our clients chose remote control: HVAC, lighting, security, webcam and audio visual.
French Doors with Glass Panes Imported from France

French Panel Doors Imported from France

Parquet Floors Imported from France

7th C(?) Chinese Etched Stone
While you stay tuned for updates on this waterfront whole home renovation check out How Smart Homes Work http://bit.ly/oCmO64.
Tags: Connecticut, Design-Build, Fairfield County, Improving Functionality, Norwalk, Remodeling, Renovations, Ridgefield Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Exterior Remodeling, Interior Remodeling | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Home has become a personal retreat for most families ~ a place where they can enjoy spending time with their family and friends. Multi-functional basement or attic rooms are a trend at Titus Built. Many of our clients are deciding to increase their home’s footprint by renovating their basement, attic or adding outdoor entertainment spaces.
If a homeowner is thinking about renovating it is important that they understand that the key part of a remodel is the design. Each homeowner’s criteria for their basement or attic renovation is different and it is important that they choose an architect or design-build remodeler that maximizes the footprint to meet their specific needs while adding function to some of the most underused space in their home.
The first group of photos is of an attic remodel in Wilton, CT. The original part of the home was built in the 18th century, and therefore, the attic was the best choice to renovate for the children’s playroom and an area for our clients’ to workout.


Kitchenettes are often included in an attic or basement renovation.

A home office, or a bedroom with a bathroom, is also a great choice when remodeling the attic.
Another client was interested in renovating the basement for their parents. They wanted a room where their visiting parents could sleep as well as spend some quality time by themselves. It was important to our clients that the entire renovated space feel like it “belonged” with the rest of their home. Besides the bedroom and sitting area they also wanted us to create storage space for wine.


Cool teen hangouts, pantries and home gyms are frequent basement renovation requests. Below are photos of a few more of our basement remodels:
Basement before Kids’ Recreation Room Renovation

Basement After Kids’ Rec Room Renovation in Wilton, CT

New Canaan, CT client opted for home gym and pantry for their basement remodel.

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We are currently working on a basement renovation in Greenwich, CT. Our client wanted a room where the kids could access the room from the exterior of the house. The exterior entry has been completed and we are in the process of remodeling the interior of the basement. The rooms will consist of a home gym, full bathroom, kitchenette, and rec room with pool table, home theater and 2 3-high bunk beds to sleep six… Talk about a Cool Teen Hangout!

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(Progress Report: Basement Remodel in Greenwich, Connecticut: http://bit.ly/oY4V4m)
After the basement or attic renovation is complete it is important to call your home insurance agent and upgrade your homeowner’s policy. If you are looking to remodel your attic or basement, call 203-834-0275 to see how we can help.
Happy Remodeling!
For more Attic & Basement remodeling tips visit the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI): http://bit.ly/mXjmNR
Interested in expanding your home’s footprint thru Outdoor Spaces: Decks, Pergolas, Patios & Screened-in Porches http://bit.ly/qGkNMm.
Tags: attic remodel, basement renovation, Connecticut, Fairfield County, Greenwich, Multi-Functional Rooms, New Canaan, Wilton Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Attic Renovation, Basement Remodeling | No Comments »
Friday, September 23rd, 2011

Our basement remodel project in Greenwich, CT is progressing nicely. The exterior project is complete and we are very pleased with the outcome. Our subcontractor had to match the new entry stairway with the existing stone wall. Stones needed to be cut square while paying close attention to the colors. We think he did a fantastic job… see for yourself:



The inside rough framing is complete and we are beginning to rough in the mechanicals (heating, plumbing, electrical, and duct systems).

Stay tuned for updates!
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To view previous blog on the Greenwich, CT basement remodel click link here: http://bit.ly/oa5U5B
Tags: basement renovation, Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Fairfield County, Fine masonry stone work, Greenwich Posted in Basement Remodeling, Exterior Remodeling | No Comments »
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
Glazed Panels with gilded and glazed niche
Exploring trends with local designer Heidi Holzer, Owner of Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work in Redding, CT
A few months ago we met with Heidi Holzer of Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work to see some of her new signature wall finishes and fell in love with many of them. They are fantastic and will change your room from ordinary to extraordinary – a cut above. Titus Built’s master craftsmen create the custom-designed details that make your home one-of-a-kind and we are pleased to include the artisans of Heidi Holzer on our team. For more than two decades, Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work has transformed interior living spaces throughout the Northeast and beyond. Their methods include gilding, glazing, light refractive finishes, Venetian plaster, clay plaster, antiquing, reverse glass finishes, faux stone, faux ivory and more. Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work has been featured in six national publications. The aesthetics the company brings to each project are strongly influenced by Heidi’s previous successful careers in both custom jewelry and fashion. Recently we asked Heidi to share some of her experience with current trends in wall finishing and how the process can transform an interior living space.

Color Gradation done to coordinate with fabrics and artwork

Faux Travertine with marble chips in custom color done in horizontal stripes
What are the current trends for wall finishes?
Metallic finishes are very popular right now, applied somewhat differently than they have been in the past. One method, for example, combines Venetian plastering with a metallic top layer. The addition of the metallic adds more depth and rich reflection qualities.
Aluminum Leaf cabinet with distressing and umber glaze
Hand painted Striae with pearlized mica stripes custom sized for each wall
How do you decide if wall finishes are the right idea for your home?
Sometimes price is a deterrent when considering wall finishes because the initial cost is higher than painting or wallpaper. Once you understand the actual value, choosing wall finishes makes sense. Wall finishes are much more durable than wallpaper or paint. Consider the difference between your average paint job and Venetian plastering, for instance. With the Venetian plastering process, five layers of very strong acrylic plaster are applied. This is a much stronger process than paint and hides fissures and cracks much better. Glazes are also more durable because they are more easily washed than painted surfaces, without residual marking.
Venetian Plaster walls with gold leaf niche and mica glazed cornice
Authentic Abalone embedded in Venetian plaster with mica wax
What are some interesting or challenging projects you’ve worked on recently?
We worked on a home in lower Fairfield County that was more contemporary than typical for the area. The owners wanted to concentrate on finishes that would look best at night since they entertain frequently and were usually spending most of their time at home after the sun went down. The client was interested in experimenting with a variety of painting techniques and different colored plasters. We accomplished the clients’ goals by using very clear colors, including yellow, blue and green, with no umber. The surfaces were highly waxed and polished to increase reflection. Wherever there was less light on a surface – for instance, on a niche – we added mica powders (non-toxic mineral powders) to final waxes to bring a light refractive quality to the space. There are no off the shelf solutions with Heidi Holzer and Titus Built … you know your home will look beautiful and original.

Aluminum Leaf with custom color base and grid pattern glaze in a pale mica to coordinate with stainless steel and chrome elements in room
Thank you to Heidi Holzer for her participation in our blog. We look forward to working with her team for many years to come.
Tags: Connecticut, Fairfield County, Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work, Wall Finishes Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Interior Decorating Ideas, Interior Remodeling | No Comments »
Friday, July 22nd, 2011

One of our Greenwich, CT clients came to us with a dilemma: he had approximately 10,000 sf of “formal” living space, but no rooms for his teenagers and their friends to hang out. Jeff Titus, and his team, were contracted to create design concept plans and then to remodel their large basement.
Front entry of home
Tree is located at proposed entryway to basement
Scope of Work:
- Remodel existing finished basement into Home Gym, Recreation Room and TV Room.
- Create large masonry stairway with open access to backyard, pool and sports court.
- New flooring and crown molding in existing vestibule and existing hall at bottom of curved stairs.
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Basement Renovation Construction Plans

Basement Entry Elevation Plan
Before we can begin the basement remodel, we will need to construct an exterior access from the pool area to the basement. Preparation for this renovation includes:
- Removal of existing fence to provide access to construction area at rear of house and replace fence upon completion of work.
- Protecting existing basketball court surface from construction traffic.
- Transplanting tree located near basement entry area.
- Reconfiguring sprinkler system.
- Excavating for steps, walk-out landing and new rear entry to basement level as required.
- Providing drain in walk-out landing and connect into existing drainage system.
- Removing all unneeded fill from site.
The project is underway… Sprinkler system is being reconfigured, the tree was transplanted and excavation of the entryway has commenced:
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Back view of basement renovation project
Tree and roots are being dug up to relocated

Sprinkler system to be dug up and reconfigured
View of excavation of the basement entryway


Removing unneed fill from site
Prep work for pouring concrete


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Block retaining walls being built

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Demolishing wall for access to basement
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Views of backyard: Large masonry stairway with open access to backyard, pool and sports court will be constructed at basement entryway.


Our client’s children are excited to see the commencement of the project and can’t wait to see its completion! Stay tuned for updates as we progress!
Tags: basement renovation, Connecticut, Design-Build, Fairfield County, Greenwich, Improving Functionality, Ridgefield Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Basement Remodeling | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

When a client calls us for a home renovation project, we always look at the project, discuss the client’s objectives and provide them with a few suggestions including which path we believe is the best choice considering the client’s scope, time and budget constraints.
Scope of Work:
One of our Fairfield County, CT clients was interest in a master bathroom remodel as well as a laundry room update. They are planning on selling their home within 3 to 5 years and wanted to increase the value of their home by making it more marketable, but at the same time have as high a rate of return on their investment as possible.
Bathroom before Makeover
Solution:
Through our consultation process, we helped our client decide to do a bathroom makeover. We would not call this project a bathroom remodel because we did not demolish the entire bathroom. The existing cabinets were removed and refurbished and a new corner cabinet was fabricated and finished with open shelves and two new doors. Hardware was updated.
Bathroom after Makeover
Client’s mirrors were cut to size and installed in custom made frames. Countertops were fabricated and installed in dark Emperador honed marble.
Bathroom Tub before Makeover

Bathroom Tub after Makeover
The shower, tub surround and bathroom floor was demolished and replaced with Durango honed filled beveled Mexican Travertine. Plumbing was brought up to current code requirements.
Bathroom Shower before Makeover
Bathroom Shower after Makeover
Shower curb, shampoo niche shelf and seat was fabricated, furnished and installed in 2 cm Durango honed travertine. Shower was enclosed with full height frameless shower door and panel.
Shower Border & Shampoo Niche Shelf after Bathroom Makeover
Shower border and inside shampoo niche shelf was created by installing 2” x 2” Durango mosaic beveled limestone tiles and 4” x 12” Mandalay mosaic strips.

Laundry Room before Millwork

Laundry Room after open shelf laundry cabinet was installed
We believe our Fairfield, County, CT clients made the right decisions. Jeff and our clients were extremely pleased with their choices. The master bathroom received an “extreme makeover” without exceeding the clients’ budget and they are able to enjoy their “new” bathroom until time of sale.
Whether you are looking for a bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel or home renovation, Titus Built is here for you. Our extensive field experience and first-hand practical knowledge, coupled with the architectural design expertise of our award-winning team, bring proven professionalism to every aspect of your remodeling project, from initial concepts to final construction.
To preview some of our projects, please visit our Bathroom Remodeling Portfolio http://bit.ly/jLvnZS.
If you’re in the Atlanta, GA area, send a “shout out” to our friends Dale & Guy at Atlanta Design & Build in Marietta, Georgia. They’ve completed some fantastic bathroom renovations as well. http://atlantadesignbuild.com/gallery
Tags: Bathroom Makeover, Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Darien, Design-Build, Fairfield County, Greenwich, Improving Functionality, New Canaan, Ridgefield, West Redding, Weston, Westport, Wilton Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Interior Remodeling | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
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Elevation Plans
Titus Built is busy working on several Design Concept Agreements and we thought you would like to see a few of our current projects.
How Does the Design Concept Process Work?
Clients are referred to Titus Built through many different avenues. When a potential client calls Titus Built someone is there to speak with them, ask the right questions, and then forward the information on to Jeff Titus, General Manager/Owner. Jeff believes that it is imperative a potential client meets with him to establish a good contractor/client relationship. And, therefore, Jeff personally returns the potential client’s call and meets with them at their home to discuss the project.
Once the client has met with Jeff, and they are still interested in engaging in a project with Titus Built, LLC, we provide the client with a Design Concept Agreement which includes information such as the scope of work, estimated hours and cost for the concepts. Design Concept Agreements vary from project to project depending on the scope of work.
For your assistance, we thought we would provide you with a brief overview of a Design Concept Agreement. The following are 3 examples of our typical concept design process:
The first Design Concept Agreement Project contacted us through a very much appreciated client referral:
Scope of Work:
Whole house waterfront remodel.
Rear View (Waterfront View) of Exterior before Renovation
Rear View (Waterfront View) of Elevations
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Front View of Elevations
The next Design Concept Agreement Project is work performed for a repeat client. Thank you to our repeat clients as they are the backbone of our business!
Scope of Work:
Perform Design Concept drawings for remodeling and additions to:
Conceptual sketches will include:
- 1-2 concepts of family room
- 1-2 revision plus minor modifications
- Floor plans of each concept
- Exterior elevations
- Rough electrical plan
- Interior elevations as required

Existing Home before Renovation

Rear Elevation Options

First Floor Elevation Option

Family Room & Mudroom Built-In Elevations

Second Floor Elevation Option

Pool Patio Plan
The final Design Concept Agreement Project came to us through a Google Search for “Wilton Contractors”/Titus Built, LLC Website:
Scope of Work
Perform Design Concept drawings for remodeling and additions to:
- Enlarge existing family room by combining 2 rooms
- Investigate structural considerations
- Design & locate entertainment center, cabinets, window seats in family room including new wet bar area
- Perform furniture placement plan
- Identify finish details & moldings, coffered ceiling, mantel, etc.
- Perform electrical and lighting plan
Conceptual sketches will include:
- CAD drafted plan of existing family, living room, related basement and adjacent areas as needed
- Up to three floor plan concepts (furniture & cabinet layout)
- One revised floor plan and four interior elevations
- Molding details/sections
- Initial electrical & lighting plan

Family Room before Renovation

First Floor Elevations

Proposed Wet Bar and Family Room Mantel

Proposed Family Room Wall Elevations
For further information, please feel free to call our office at 203-834-0275 or visit the following website pages:
Our Architectural Design – Build Process http://www.titusbuilt.com/architectural-design-build.htm
Frequently Asked Questions http://www.titusbuilt.com/faqanswers.htm#faq2
Tags: Addition, Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Darien, Design Concepts, Design-Build, Energy Efficient Homes, Fairfield County, Family Room Renovation, Greenwich, Home Renovations, Improving Functionality, New Canaan, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovations, Screened Porch Renovation, Waterfront Property, Weston, Westport, Wilton Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Exterior Remodeling, Interior Remodeling, Outdoor Spaces: Patios, Pergolas & Screened-in Porches | No Comments »
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