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Posts Tagged ‘Improving Functionality’
Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Lee Valley & veritas Banded Shell Pull & Cast Drop Pull
Selecting handles, knobs and pulls for your cabinetry is an important part of the design process. Details can truly make the difference in any project. When remodeling a kitchen, one of those details is your choice of handles, knobs and pulls on the cabinets. Choosing the right style and finish hardware for your kitchen cabinets is essential. You want the hardware to be aesthetically pleasing; have the best functionality for your family; and, create continuity throughout the home. Well designed and visually pleasing kitchen cabinetry can make your kitchen a haven for your family. It is important to us at Titus Built that our in-house collection of cabinet knobs and pulls include a varied selection of styles and finishes, are durable and of high quality.

Top Knobs Cabinetry Hardware
Top Knobs cabinet hardware samples are available at the Titus Built showroom in West Redding, CT. Their hardware is among the highest quality hardware for kitchen or bath cabinets. The manufacturer takes great pride in their craftsmanship and innovative designs with over 2,500 decorative knobs and pulls; separate lines for kitchens, baths, and closets collections; as well as 26 different finishes. Top Knobs claims to be the “number one manufacturer for decorative knobs and drawer pulls.” Many of the designs in their cabinet hardware collection cannot be found anywhere else, so we believe you will be very pleased with the selections from this manufacturer.

THE TOP 10 REASONS YOU SHOULD BUY TOP KNOBS DECORATIVE HARDWARE
Quality craftsmanship, unique designs, great looks!

Cliffside Industries Online Catalog
Cliffside Industries Ltd. hardware samples have been available at Titus Built for many years and their high quality materials and pricing is an asset to our cabinetry. They are an award-winning, family owned, distributor of their own brand of decorative hardware. Cliffside’s extensive line of cabinet knobs and pulls are available in solid brass, lead crystal, marble, corian, pewter and stainless steel. Their crystal knobs and pulls, novelty hardware pieces, and bath accessories are made or assembled in the United States and distributed from their warehouse and office complex located in Lancaster County, PA. “Our mission is to serve the hardware needs of consumers through our business customers in the kitchen and bath industry with excellent service and ageless, elegant products crafted from high-quality materials.” ~ Cliffside Industries

Check out the cabinetry hardware on Titus Built’s Millwork and Cabinetry Remodeling
projects completed throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut
Whether you choose hardware from one of our in-house samples such as Top Knobs, or another one of our hardware sources, you can be sure that with Titus Built, you know your cabinetry will look beautiful and original.
Click link In-House Countertop Samples Available at Titus Built, LLC to view some of our countertop samples.
Tags: Cabinetry Knobs & Pulls, Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Fairfield County, Improving Functionality, In-house samples Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling | 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 Mirror 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, October 11th, 2011

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!
Tags: Addition, Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Design-Build, Fairfield County, Improving Functionality, New Canaan Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Exterior Remodeling, Outdoor Spaces: Patios, Pergolas & Screened-in Porches | No Comments »
Friday, July 29th, 2011
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This home was originally built as a three-room saltbox in the late 1700s. It had a kitchen, a parlor and an upstairs bedroom. Folklore has it that during the Revolutionary War, the British came through the area and camped overnight in a hollow below the house. During the skirmish with the Wilton Militia, the British tried to burn the house down. Some of the beams in the basement looked like they were burned; there was definitely a fire in the house, and maybe the British started it.
The new owners of the home knew they wanted to preserve the exterior structure. All three stories of the interior, however, had fallen into disrepair. The home had been remodeled several times over its 200-plus years, leaving it with endless tiny and chopped up rooms. Most additions were added throughout the 19th century.
Titus Built was honored to have the opportunity to renovate such a historical home and has entered this project in the daily5Remodel contest.
The July contest on daily5REMODEL showcases beautiful renovations of homes at least 50 years old. Please view our project via the "featured on" button and vote. Voting is open until next Thursday, August 4, at 5 p.m. Votes for us are greatly appreciated.
The contest created many outstanding home renovation project entries. Here’s a snapshot of these projects: http://daily5remodel.com/index.php?action=snapshots
Tags: Connecticut, Contest, Daily5Remodel, Fairfield County, Historical Renovation, Improving Functionality, Ridgefield, Wilton Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Historical Renovations | 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, July 19th, 2011
Proposed Drawings
Outdoor spaces continue to be a trend at Titus Built. Thank you to Greg and Gina of Wilton, Connecticut. We look forward to making wonderful improvements to your home!
Exterior of home prior to renovation
Outdoor Spaces Project: Wilton, Connecticut
- Redesign deck plus add patio, pergola, outdoor fireplace and planting beds



What better way to spend time entertaining and dining, from spring through fall, than outside with family and friends. Patios, screened-in porches and pergolas with fireplaces provide extra living space for three-season entertaining outdoors.
To read more on outdoor spaces visit: 2011 Trend at Titus Built: Patios, Pergolas and Screened-in Porches http://bit.ly/eguz1R.
Stay tuned for updates on project!
Tags: Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Darien, Decks, Design-Build, Fairfield County, Greenwich, Improving Functionality, New Canaan, Patios, Pergolas, Remodeling, Ridgefield, Update Exterior, Weston, Westport, Wilton Posted in Exterior Remodeling, Outdoor Spaces: Patios, Pergolas & Screened-in Porches, Thank You! | 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 »
Friday, June 24th, 2011
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Drainage is often an issue for so many homeowners. Several of our clients have had the same issue. Below is a brief description and photos of one of our recent yard drainage repair projects:
- Excavate approximately 15 feet of 3” PVC underground drainage line leading to drywell at Northeast corner of front yard, adjacent to flower bed, at end of driveway.










- Repair 3” PVC pipe where it is cracked by cutting away 6-12” of pipe and replacing section with new 4” PVC pipe and 2 PVC couplings.



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- Final step will be to backfill all excavated areas, replace sod, hay and re-seed disturbed areas of lawn.
Maintaining proper drainage prevents foundation and driveway damage, wet basements, mold, soggy lawns as well as many other environmental issues. For those of you with lots of energy, there is a great DIY blog that has several solutions for poor drainage in your yard http://ow.ly/5pZ86.
For all others, call us to see how we can help… we’d love to hear from you!
Tags: Connecticut, Darien, Fairfield County, Greenwich, Improving Functionality, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wilton, Yard Drainage Posted in Home Repair | 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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