Titus Built… the only call you have to make for Residential Design and Construction Services. Not only does Titus Built create beautiful homes with custom-designed details, they renovate state of the art small commercial offices and buildings as well.
Check out this HOBI Award Winner for “Best Small Commercial Rehab” presented to Titus Built for 27 Cannon Road, Wilton, CT:
2nd Floor of 27 Cannon Road, Wilton, CT
Front View Before Renovation
Front View After Renovation
Side View Before Renovation
Side View After Renovation
Titus Built renovates small commercial spaces for clients from real estate and professional office spaces to playhouses and dance studios.
151 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT Before Renovation
151 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT After Renovation
Interested in checking out some of Titus Built’s commercial renovations? On March 2 & 3, The Conservatory of Dance will be hosting their Grand Opening Party where you can mix, mingle, eat, drink, dance and explore their new facility in Wilton, CT. Come out and join us!
“When selecting a company to design and build your custom home or remodeling project, you’re hiring a partner to enhance your lifestyle and increase the value of your home. To ensure a smooth and positive experience, it is critical that you understand your partner’s vision, philosophy and values to make sure they align with your goals.” - Jeffrey A. Titus
As professional remodeling contractors in Fairfield County, Connecticut, it is important to us that we provide continuous improvement through all of our services, from Home Renovations and Remodeling projects to Architectural Design work.
We hire and train the best individuals, subcontractors and vendors that reflect our Core Values.
We actively solicit feedback from our clients and continually improve our processes.
We continue to create efficient systems and use innovative products.
We continue to improve our business methods and provide the highest level of service to our clients.
Motto ~ “Building clients for life … one home at a time”
At Titus Built, we strive to exceed our clients’ expectations by delivering excellent service and value with integrity, accountability and a positive “can do” attitude.
Last month our blog discussed a New Canaan, Connecticut family that is a prime example of our motto. We recently completed their master bathroom renovation as well as their daughter’s bathroom remodel and currently are in the progress of finishing a pergola addition for them.
Daughter’s Bathroom:
3cm Bianco Nuevo Polished (White Glass) vanity countertop with undermount sink and 4" backsplashes.
We hope you are enjoying “news that’s on the straight and level” from Titus Built. Our online community continues to grow and is a fun and immediate way to stay in touch with the latest trends and local news in home design and remodeling. Titus Built is on Twitter and Facebook and, of course, our blog.
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:
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!
The first part of any successful relationship is to make sure the contractor and the homeowner understand each other. The contractor should: provide the services you need; deliver the quality you expect; offer good value for the services offered; stand behind the homeowner and the contractor’s work when project is complete; and, communicate clearly and professionally.
How to determine what makes sense for your family – Your Home…Your Lifestyle.
Before making the decision to renovate your existing home or move, ask yourself a few questions:
Do you like the town you live in?
Do you like your property and your neighbors?
Is your house sellable as is?
Does your property allow for expansion or improvements?
If the answer is "no" to any of these questions, then you need not give remodeling another thought!
Did you know? That a typical $250k project… can take 3-5 months to properly plan and design before construction begins; can require thousands of decisions regarding design, planning and production; can require coordinating up to 30 trades, numerous supply vendors and town officials; and, can require over 100 individuals to work on the job site during the project duration?
On the other hand, if you answer "yes" to the questions above then you still must consider the following:
The Selling Cycle: During the selling process your home must always be kept clean and tidy for potential viewings. In today’s economy it is taking an average of four months to sell a home in Fairfield County.
Moving Before You Sell: If you move and sell your home after relocating to your new home, potential buyers will believe that if you hold onto your old home long enough the stress factor will come into play. This increases the chance that you will receive lower offers on your home.
Unexpected Upgrade Costs: When moving to a new location, you must consider the higher costs. A larger home also means bigger utility bills, homeowner’s insurance premiums and so forth. That lawn that used to cost you $100/week to maintain now costs much more. Do your homework and get estimates on these additional costs prior to purchasing your new home. We have heard from many homeowners who were taken by surprise when their overall operating costs increased dramatically.
Related Fees: Real estate commissions, closing and moving costs will typically be 10% or more of your selling price.
Redecorating Expenses: Unless your home is custom built, you will also need to paint and refurbish your new home. Perhaps those drapes and blinds that fit so nicely in your old home no longer suit the new house. Sometimes, although the previous owners thought their taste was exquisite, you don’t share the same aesthetic. A custom built home may be your answer!
Family Issues: If children are involved, they must be uprooted and transferred to a new neighborhood. Most children are quite resilient and able to cope with the transition smoothly, but this is obviously an important factor in a family’s decision to move.
“In remodeling, thoughtful design, budgeting and proper planning are equally important to the actual construction process and ultimately contribute to a positive remodeling experience.” Jeffrey A. Titus, CGR
Still Have Questions? Join Jeff Titus of Titus Built, LLC and Kevin O’Brien of Wilton Country Homes this Friday, March 2, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and “Meet the Builder and Realtor” at 48 Keelers Ridge Road, Wilton, Connecticut.
Looking to purchase land to build your dream home? Ask a contractor for a pre-purchase consultation. This will save you time, less aggravation and money. And, don’t forget to ask questions! What style of home best suites the land? A professional builder will help you realize your dreams so that you can love the home you’re in!
Ask the Questions! How can they help you realize your dreams with a remodel or custom built home? Should you sell, renovate, or custom build? Ever thought about a Pre-purchase Consultation and Renovation Feasibility Analysis to help you visualize the renovation prior to purchase? Jeff and Kevin will be there to help unravel the mysteries of what kind of home to build, whether to buy a custom built home or renovate, as well as current real estate and construction trends. They want you to love the home you’re in!
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."
It’s always a pleasure for us when a client requests us to update the exterior of their home. The renovation gives us the opportunity to bring the existing home up to date with 21st Century style, comfort and greater energy efficiency.
One of our clients in New Canaan, CT wanted us to give their home an exterior facelift as well as expand their kitchen and other smaller projects to meet their current family needs. The home renovation took us approximately eight months to complete, but both the clients and the Titus Built Team are very pleased with the outcome and would like to share some of these photos with you.
New Canaan Exterior Renovation Front Before Remodel
New Canaan, CT Exterior Renovation of Front After Remodel
New Canaan, CT Home After Exterior Renovation – Rear of House
New Canaan, CT Home Before Exterior Renovation - Side View of House
Before and After of Exterior Renovation - Rear of House
French Doors Before Wood-Shingled Overhang
French Doors After Wood-Shingled Overhang
Hope you’ve enjoyed previewing the photos as much as we have remodeling the home. To see previous blogs on this home renovation, please view: Transformation of a New England Style Home with 21st Century Embellishments: http://bit.ly/lqooXE
Stay tuned for update of the interior renovation of this New Canaan, Connecticut Residence!
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
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:
Convert existing screened porch to a 4 season family room and relocate laundry room to the second floor.
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:
Don’t you love the look of this exterior facelift! The front exterior of this home has true New England character. We completed remodeling the front exterior last month and are busy working on Phase II, the kitchen addition.
Front View of Home Before Renovation
Exterior Renovation of New Canaan, CT Residence
Phase II consists of constructing a kitchen addition, including a sitting room and pantry, as well as the renovation of existing mudroom area. We will also be furnishing and installing a 1,200 sq.ft. Ipe wood deck and seating:
The excavation and foundation were completed last month.
The team has finished framing the turret with a curved roof and they are beginning to install the cedar shingle roof.
While the construction team is busy working outside, our millwork shop is fabricating the kitchen and mudroom cabinetry. Cabinetry will be a painted, glazed finish with a stained knotty alder Island.
Stay tuned… more photos to follow soon!
To see previous blogs on this home renovations click the links below:
Home Renovation Update of Project Located in New Canaan, CT http://bit.ly/fflyhK
The Architectural Rendering of the above project may be viewed on our New Spring Project! Post: http://bit.ly/gAmA5f
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