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In-House Cabinetry Hardware Samples Available at Titus Built, LLC

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

 

Lee Valley & veritas Banded Shell Pull & Cast Drop Pull

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 Cabinet Hardware

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

THE TOP 10 REASONS YOU SHOULD BUY TOP KNOBS DECORATIVE HARDWARE

 

Quality craftsmanship, unique designs, great looks!

 

Cliffside Industries Online Catalog

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.

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.

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

Is the Classic White Kitchen Still in Style?

Monday, February 27th, 2012

 Classic white kitchen with beadboard details.

 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 drawer pulls
Classic white kitchen with beadboard and vintage style drawer pulls.

 

 Washer & dryer hidden behind cabinet doors
Hidden washer & dryer unit in the kitchen – Your Home. Your Lifestyle.

 

Curves of marble backsplash enhances the room to a new level.
Curved marble backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom adds a level of elegance to the room.

 

English style kitchen with column archway serving area
Columns with archway between serving counter and dining room add a touch of elegance and enhances the spacious feeling of the kitchen.

 

Muti-function kitchens - added a desk space
Adding a desk to your kitchen creates organization and functuality. Your Home. Your Lifestyle.

 

Commercial style gas range with griddle. 

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/

 

 

 

Whole House Renovation of Waterfront Property in Norwalk, Connecticut

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
Rear - waterfront view - elevations of Rowayton, CT Remodel
Architectural Rendering of rear (Waterfront View) of House

 

Rowayton, CT home before Renovation
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:

 

 

Wish List item - ceiling

 

Wish list item - Stem Shower - no bath in master bedroom

 

Wish list item - color of siding

 

Wish list item - Bomanite Driveway

 

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 Renderings of Rowayton, CT Renovation

 

Front View Rendering of Home
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 floor plan
1st Floor Final Revision Floor Plan
2nd floor final floor plan
2nd Floor Final Revision Floor Plans

 

3rd floor final floor plan
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
Commencement of Demolition

1st floor demolition

1st floor demolition - kitchen

1st floor demolition - views of sound
Demoliton of 1st Floor

Demolition of stairs

2nd floor demolition

2nd floor demolition view
Demolition of 2nd Floor

3rd floor to be gutted

3rd floor demolition - gutted
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:
  1. Window Manufacturer: LePage, Marvin or Jeld-Wen – Still up in the air, but leaning towards LePage: http://bit.ly/oFbVkb.
  2. Foam insulation vs fiberglass – Our clients chose foam insulation.
  3. Decorative concrete floors in all bathrooms; options such as finish, color, texture, etc. are still being decided.
  4. Radiant heat “warm tiles” underneath concrete floors.
  5. Our clients purchased antique arched doors and antique parquet floors, imported from France, for the master bedroom.
  6. 7th C (?) Chinese double sided stone – backsplash for dining room bar which will also show through to the powder room.
  7. “Smart House”- Our clients chose remote control: HVAC, lighting, security, webcam and audio visual.


Antique French Glass Pane Doors
French Doors with Mirror Panes Imported from France

 

Antique French Panel Doors

French Panel Doors Imported from France

 

Antique French Parquet Floors

Parquet Floors Imported from France

 

7th C  Chinese double sided stone

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.

Check out our clients’ before demolition party:  Remodeling your home? Why not have a Food Fight Party?

Follow updates on the Waterfront Renovation here: Waterfront Property Renovation Update

 

Before and After of a Home Renovation in New Canaan, Connecticut

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

 Close up of Kitchen Turrett Addition  in New Canaan, CT

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 Exterior Renovation Front Before Remodel

 

New Canaan, CT Exterior Renovation of Front After Remodel

New Canaan, CT Exterior Renovation of Front After Remodel

 

 

Exterior Renovation in New Canaan, CT
New Canaan, CT Home After Exterior Renovation – Rear of House
 Exterior Renovation Before Remodel in New Canaan, CT
 New Canaan, CT Home Before Exterior Renovation - Side View of House
 Before and After of Exterior Renovation - Back of House
 Before and After of Exterior Renovation - Rear of House

 Exterior Remodel in New Canaan, CT - Rear of house

Exterior Remodel in New Canaan, CT

Close up of Exterior Remodel in New Canaan, CT

Close up of curved roof

Close up of turrett

 

Exterior  before renovation - bedroom
French Doors Before Wood-Shingled Overhang
Exterior Remodel after - bedroom view
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 Old Home Renovation Project Featured on d5Remodel

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Dudley Road Home Renovation

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.

Featured on daily5Remodel 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

10,000+ sf Home in Greenwich, CT with No Recreation Rooms for the Kids!

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Basement remodel in Greenwich, CT

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 in Greenwich, CT
Front entry of home
Back view 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.

 Basement construction plans

Basement Renovation Construction Plans

Basement entry elevation 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:

 

 

 basement remodel

Back view of basement renovation project

 

basement remodel
Tree and roots are being dug up to relocated

 

basement remodel

 

Sprinkler system is being reconfigured
Sprinkler system to be dug up and reconfigured

 

basement remodel

View of excavation of the basement entryway 

excavation of basement entry

 excavation of basement entry

Removing unneed fill from site

 

excavation of basement entry 

  Prep work for pouring concrete

excavation of basement entry

 

excavation of basement entry

 

 

Block retaining wall

 

Block retaining walls being built

 

Block retaining walls

 

Block retaining walls

 

 

Basement entry wall demolition

 

Demolishing wall for access to basement

 

Basement demolition

 

 

 

 

 

basement remodel in Greenwich, CT

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

 

view of pool in Greenwich, CT

 

view of pool in Greenwich, CT

 

 

 

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!

 

New Fall Project! Pergola, Patio & Deck

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

 

 

Outdoor Spaces: Patio, Pergola & Deck Drawings
 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
Exterior of home prior to renovation

 

Outdoor Spaces Project: Wilton, Connecticut
 

Scope of Work:

  • Redesign deck plus add patio, pergola, outdoor fireplace and planting beds

 

Proposed Layout of Patio & Deck

 

Pergola Design

 

Pergola Design

 

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!

 

Bathroom Makeover: Client anticipates selling home within 3 to 5 years

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Master Bathroom Makeover

 

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 Makeover Before
 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
 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 before Makeover

  Bathroom tub after 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.

shower before makeover
Bathroom Shower before Makeover

 

Shower after 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 after bathroom makeover
 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 makeover

Laundry Room before Millwork

 

laundry room shelves after makeover

 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.

 

Atlanta Design & Build Bathroom Remodel in Marietta, Georgia 

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

 

Home Repair: Too much water on your lawn / driveway? Yard drainage repair is the answer!

Friday, June 24th, 2011

 

Drainage Repair

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. 

 Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

  • Excavate drywell, remove and dispose of existing crushed stone.
  • Line drywell pit (bottom and sides) with landscape filter fabric to prevent soil, silt and root infiltration into crushed stone
  • Infill entire drywell pit with 3/4” crushed stone

    • Dimensions of drywell to match existing, assumed to be 36-42” diameter by 42-48” deep

 Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

  • 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.

 Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

Drainage Repair

 Drainage Repair

  • 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!

 

 

 

How Does the Design Concept Process Work? Preview 3 of our Current Projects!

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Elevation Plans

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 Exterior before Renovation

 

 

 

Rear View (Waterfront View) of Elevations  

Rear View (Waterfront View) of Elevations

 Front 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

 

Existing Home before Renovation

 Rear Elevation Options

Rear Elevation Options

1st Floor Elevation Option

First Floor Elevation Option

Family Room & Mudroom Built-In Elevations

 

Family Room & Mudroom Built-In Elevations

Second Floor Option

Second Floor Elevation Option

Pool Patio Plan

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

Family Room before Renovation

First Floor Elevations

 First Floor Elevations

Proposed Wet Bar and Family Room Mantel

Proposed Wet Bar and Family Room Mantel

Proposed Family Room Wall Elevations

 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