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.
The kitchen has become the hub of the home. Not only is the kitchen the place where you prepare foods, more often than not, it ends up being the gathering place for family and friends. At Titus Built, our client’s input is essential when designing their kitchen. When thinking about a kitchen renovation their lifestyle plays an important part of the design and material selection. Keeping up with the Jones’ is not the key factor, but rather what suites their budget and lifestyle. Resale is also a key factor when considering a remodel. When choosing a remodeler to renovate your kitchen it is important to hire a partner that can enhance your lifestyle as well as increase the value of your home; a partner that will ensure a smooth and positive experience. It’s critical that you understand your partner’s vision, philosophy, and values to make sure they align with your goals.
Design is a crucial part of the remodel. Quality cabinetry is another key component to a good kitchen renovation. You want your dollars to last and not “look good” for a short period of time. Fine cabinetry uses quality materials and workmanship as well as offers unique, custom styles.
Below are photos of fine quality cabinetry including clever kitchen ideas:
Our Harbor View clients’ wanted a kitchen where they could entertain. We designed and handcrafted a kitchen where each custom piece of cabinetry was made completely by hand at 1″ thick, with self-closing soft touch technology and substantial marble countertops providing ample space for prep, cooking and entertaining during large gatherings.
One of our Redding clients brought us their ideas and we worked with them right down the smallest details to give them the kitchen they desired. Cabinet doors were designed and fabricated to the millimeter of our clients’ specifications; wood for countertops was hand selected by Jeff Titus and the clients; the stone surround and stone incorporated into the island were handcrafted to complement the adjacent family room fireplace; and, the organization of the info center was tailored to our clients’ requirements. Photo is of the veneer stone surround with spice shelves installed inside the surround.
A New Canaan, client wanted to make sure her newly remodeled kitchen stayed uncluttered, so she requested cabinet built-ins for paper towels. General manager Jeff Titus and the architect worked together on the design, which includes a holder to the right of the main sink and the island sink. Other details in the kitchen include a variation in depth of base cabinets; a custom made china hutch; and a full walk-in pantry.
Our Westport clients wanted more room in their home to accommodate their three growing children and make the whole family more comfortable. At the same time, it was important to them to maintain the integrity of their 1914 house. They wanted the remodel to look as if it had always been a part of their home. Titus Built designed and built a 1-1/2 story addition, including a family room and additional living areas, to the back of the Westport couple’s home. The couple also wanted a functional laundry room in the kitchen/family room area, but wanted the washer and dryer units concealed. Titus Built designed and built cabinets to hide their washer and dryer units. Custom cabinets can be designed and handcrafted to accommodate both apartment and full-sized units.
Here are some other clever kitchen ideas that you should think about including in your kitchen design:
You may also want to consider a closet pantry, pantry addition inclusive off drawer refrigerators, room temperature and chilled wine storage, a closet turned into an office… the list is endless. With Titus Built, our master craftsmen create the custom-designed details that make your home one-of-a-kind. Ask us about the difference.
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
The Conservatory is dedicated to educating and inspiring dancers of all ages and interests. They are trained to work with everyone who loves dance – from aspiring professionals to recreational enthusiasts. We are pleased to be working with the Artistic Director, Christine Titus on the renovation of commercial space located at 151 Ridgefield Road in Wilton, CT. Christine had envisioned the design of the Conservatory to be NYC chic and contemporary.
“The space turned out to be just that…. open, airy and bright with lots of perimeter windows, exposed ceilings with floating ceiling “clouds” incorporating recessed lighting and Sonos sound system and speakers. The colors and finishes have a slight industrial feel, yet very artsy and contemporary with vibrant colors and accent walls. Everything is state of the art from the custom furniture to the AV system. The design is comfortable and fun with the usual Titus Built attention to detail,” said Christine.
Check out the progress photos below:
Elevation Plans
Commercial Space Prior to Renovation
Commercial Space Prior to Renovation
Stan Creating the “Clouds” for the Conservatory
Stan Creating the “Clouds” for the Conservatory
Progress photo of Conservatory “Clouds”
Progress Photo: Custom Made Office Furniture
Storage Cubbies for Students Coats & Backpacks
Progress Photo of Entry to Conservatory
“Clouds” installed at the Conservatory
Studio #1
Studio #2
Studio #2
Studio #2
Studio #3
Stay tuned for the grand opening party coming soon!
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 Redding family brought us their ideas and we worked with them right down the smallest details to give them the kitchen they desired. Cabinet doors were designed and fabricated to the millimeter of our clients’ specifications; wood for countertops was hand selected by Jeff Titus and the clients; the stone surround and stone incorporated into the island were handcrafted to complement the adjacent family room fireplace; and, the organization of the info center was tailored to our clients’ requirements.
Oak Cabinets in Kitchen before Renovation
Fireplace in Family Room
Kitchen Island before Renovation
Kitchen Island after Renovation
The kitchen cabinets were custom made out of cherry wood in our millwork shop located in Redding, CT. The cabinets were designed with recessed panels inset doors and drawer fronts with plenty of organizational storage per clients’ requests. The kitchen island barn board was handpicked by client and Titus. The barn board was handcrafted into a 2” oblong shape with eased square edge countertop with a less porous finish but at the same time retain the look and texture of reclaimed boards.
Veneer Stone Incorporated into Handcrafted Barn Board Island Countertop
Veneer Stone Surround with Spice Shelves Inside the Surround
Custom Cherry Wood Cabinets with Clear Seedy Glass Inset in Upper Cabinet Doors
Appliances:
GE Profile 30″Built-In, Single/Double Convection, Wall Oven
GE Profile Spacemaker II(R) 1.0 Cu. Ft. Microwave Oven
Sub Zero 42” Side by Side Built-in Refrigerator – SS Tubular Handle
Bosch Dishwasher – panel ready 46 decibels
Dacor 30” 5 Burner Gas Cooktop-LP
A hydronic (hot water) radiant floor heating system was installed in the kitchen, mudroom & powder room under Jerusalem gold French pattern chiseled & brushed travertine tiles.
Jerusalem Gold French Pattern Chiseled & Brushed Travertine Tile Floor
Radiant Floor Heating
The 1 ¼” Colonial Cream Travertine Countertop was fabricated with a brushed finish and a drainboard to the right of the sink.
1 ¼” Colonial Cream Travertine Countertop with Drainboard
Loving this kitchen remodel! Stay tuned for updates on this Redding family’s custom mudroom with an info center and plenty of shelving and storage as well as an Asian influenced powder Room. In the meantime, you can check out our kitchen remodeling portfolio here: http://www.titusbuilt.com/kitchen-remodeling.htm.
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.
Titus Built’s client wanted to make sure her newly remodeled kitchen stayed uncluttered, so she requested cabinet built-ins for paper towels. General manager Jeff Titus and the architect worked together on the design, which includes a holder to the right of the main sink and the island sink. Since Titus Built, in West Redding, Conn., has an in-house cabinet and millwork shop, the company was able to design and build the detail into the kitchen cabinets. The dowels that hold the roll are placed on brackets in the opening. —Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.
This New Canaan, Connecticut master bathroom renovation is a prime example of our motto “Building clients for life … one home at a time.“
Our clients came to Titus Built via a customer referral. Back in 2007, this New Canaan, CT family had frozen pipes and were in need of miscellaneous project done around their home. Since then we have done several projects for them and are very grateful they’ve entrusted their home to us for their home remodeling and addition projects.
The most recent projects completed are a master bathroom renovation as well as their daughter’s bathroom remodeled. Check out this mater bathroom renovation below:
Master Bathroom materials used on countertop, floor, shower and tub surround:
White Cararra Honed Vanity with (2) undermount sinks and 4″ backsplashes.
2cm white Cararra polished shower curbs/knee wall/saddles with eased edges.
White Cararra honed 12×24 floor with white Cararra/Bardiglio hexagon polished mosaic shower floor.
White Cararra polished 6×12 shower walls & ceiling, installer cut to 6×6 above border, with white Cararra/Bardigio hexagon border 3×13. White Cararra polished bar liner 1/2×12 on Both Sides of border.
White Cararra honed 12×12 tub deck with custom panel surround.
Floor Plan and Elevation of Master Bathroom Renovation
Drawing of Wainscot Paneling in Master Bathroom
Before & After Photos of Master Bathroom Renovation; note the custom wainscot paneling instead of the tile.
Before & After Photos of Master Bathroom Renovation; note the drop-in ThermoMasseur bathtub w/ custom wood panel surround.
Before & After Photos of Master Bathroom Renovation;
note the ultra-frameless shower enclosure.
We are currently working on their exterior with a pergola, outdoor fireplace & grill and landscape. To view the daughter’s bathroom remodel and the outdoor space check out our blog post: Building Clients for Life… One Home at a Time Cont…
Over 15 years, Titus Built has earned our reputation for the highest standards in custom building and remodeling in Fairfield County with award-winning designs and an unmatched design-build process. Our in-house Artisan Cabinetry and Millwork Shop create the custom designed details that make your home one-of-a-kind. Ask us about the difference.
