Best Remodeling Firm and Best Kitchen Design Firm categories.

“There is no better feeling than to receive an honor like this from our clients,” said SVA Construction Corp Design Build Founder, Russ SVA Construction Corp.  “It truly shows that all of our hard work pays off.”

Nearly 8,000 people voted in the online readers’ poll. The categories represented everything from remodeling and design firms to best new restaurants.

Accessible Bathroom Remodel is Recognized with a 2015 Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award.

This gorgeous master bath renovation is truly beauty and function all wrapped up in one. The homeowners couldn’t be more thrilled with their bathroom and winning an award was just icing on the cake. The Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards competition was initiated 37 years ago to recognize remodelers, architects, builders, kitchen and bath specialists and other professionals for outstanding project design and construction.

Read more about this award-winning project here –

http://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/575494-sep-2015

http://www.glickmandesignbuild.com/an-accessible-…short-timeline

A fresh, updated look for her master and hall bathrooms and decks was the goal of this home remodel.  The homeowner, a frequent traveler, stays in fabulous hotels and wanted her own home to have the same spa-like luxury that she experiences when she travels.

A few must-haves on the homeowners’ list…a fix for a leaking master bath shower and better master bedroom closet organization.

The scope of work for the project was extensive and included:

Master Bathroom: Removing a fireplace wall, installing a custom closet system and adding built-in drawers.

Laundry room: New cabinets and flooring.

Guest room: A window seat.

Interior and Exterior: New hardwood floors and paint throughout the second floor and new decks and planter outside.

The homeowner was especially excited about the master bathroom that featured a Robern medicine cabinet, an Amba heated towel rack, feature wall with tile, and wall mounted fixtures. Another unique design feature is the bench spanning the glass from the shower into the bathroom. Careful attention needed to be paid to the structural viability of this. Another fun design element was the use of horizontal balusters on the deck rails and screens to incorporate a more updated and modern style.

In the end we were able to create a respite within the home. The homeowner wanted a spa-like environment in her master bath that had bold, yet at the same time restrained statement pieces which were accomplished with the tile feature wall as well as the wall mounted fixtures and shower bench. The hall bath also had modern touches with a white straight-stacked subway tile paired with a gray grout and contemporary fixtures. The home features a modern style throughout so the renovations help tie the entire space together beautifully.

Unusual Challenges
The biggest challenge on this job was the fact that we had one month to complete the project and being on the 18th floor of the condominium building presented challenges in terms of ease of getting in and out of the building. Working in condos regularly; our team knew the ins and outs of being as efficient as possible when dealing with parking, elevator and other building issues. Working with limited design options, we had to choose materials that we knew would look great and be available to fit our timeframe for completion. Knowing which products are easier to get than others, we were able to select materials that would meet our time constraints while at the same time look great. And knowing that we had limited design options being a condo bathroom, we were able to come up with a plan that suited the space perfectly while accommodating the clients’ needs.

Before

Before and After Floor Plans

The Result

The result of this project was a re-designed condominium bathroom that looked beautiful and provided the functionality that the homeowner desired. An accessible shower, a toilet and sink along with grab bars transformed the room perfectly. The homeowner’s didn’t see the project until it was complete and were truly shocked by the transformation. They didn’t realize an accessible bathroom could look so beautiful at the same time. They couldn’t wait to show off the new space to their friends. View Project

“We could not have been more pleased! I can’t even describe the look on Curtis’ (my husband’s) face–the smile was enormous and so wonderfully genuine. You guys did an amazing job.” – C. B.

The new kitchen features a brand new flat ceiling to replace the dated tray ceiling that once existed. The maple cabinets, in a saddle brown stain add warmth to the space and complement the décor of the surrounding rooms. New countertops and a ceramic tile backsplash add a touch of elegance to the room. And a new island complete with bar stools allows for the additional eating area the homeowners sought to add.

Lighting was very important in the newly remodeled room. Recessed lighting was added throughout in addition to under cabinet and task lighting perfect for the family to cook up some of the family’s favorite recipes.

This kitchen remodel includes all of the homeowner’s wish list items. A warmly lit, updated beautiful kitchen with gorgeous cabinets and countertops and an island perfect for enjoying a quick meal, make this the ideal kitchen for this busy family on the go.

Size: Size is pretty important when designing a screened-in porch. Homeowners don’t generally wish that their porch was smaller, but will regret if they go too small in their design. Your designer can help you determine the best size for your space and needs.

Dining Area: When planning a porch, make sure to include room for a dining area. Meals just taste better out on the porch. Think about the table size you will be using. Maybe you want seating for six or eight. Just imagine all the breakfasts, cookouts and dinner parties you can have with friends and family out on the porch.

Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are a must when it comes to a screened-in porch. Not only do they provide you with cool breezes, they add much ambiance to the porch. They are even great on cooler days as their slow movement gently circles overhead. One fan is good, two are even better if it’s a good size porch. Be sure to buy exterior grade fans as they will withstand the elements much better than an interior grade fan.

Lighting: Lighting is so important in any space, be it indoors or out. Think about how you will use the space to determine the best lighting options for you. Including lots of outlets allows for flexibility down the road.

Music: When relaxing in your screened-in porch, there’s nothing better than listening to your favorite tunes. Pre-wiring for outdoor speakers is a great addition to any outdoor area.

Ceiling Height: Think about raising the ceiling if possible. Raising the ceiling will make a smaller porch feel much bigger, and can really help the porch feel even cooler letting the cool night breezes in.

Jacuzzis and TV’s: If entertainment is what you are looking for in your screened-in space, think about fun additions like a TV or Jacuzzi tub for more summertime fun.

Whatever options you choose for your screened-in porch, you can’t go wrong in adding a relaxing outdoor retreat to your backyard that you and your family can enjoy all summer long.

SVA Construction Corp Design Build ~ June 2014 Homes for Life Newsletter

The homeowners, perennial city dwellers, decided that they were in a place in their lives that they wanted more space in their home and thus opted to move out to the suburbs. They found a great house on a quiet street with lots of great trees and nice yards. But the interior of the home needed some remodeling in order to meet their needs. The homeowners love to entertain and enjoy cooking new and interesting things. Because of this they had some very specific requirements of the new space. In order to accomplish these goals a complete demolition and redesign of the space was needed.

The scope of work included: demolition of an existing kitchen and dining room to create one large kitchen space which would provide both food prep, cooking, baking and entertaining space, removing a load bearing wall between the two spaces, and updating the dated kitchen that had last been remodeled in the 70’s into a unique, contemporary look. The components of the kitchen were very important to the homeowners. Because their wish list was so immense, the kitchen was designed into two key areas. The main area of the kitchen included a high end gas range and gas fire wok perfect for cooking and grilling and a large sink and dishwasher. Open shelves were also incorporated to house cooking supplies and serving dishes and to create an open, airy look. The other side of the kitchen contains the bar area with room for gathering and entertaining. The bar also includes a small prep sink, ovens for baking and microwave. Granite countertops and porcelain tile floors throughout tied the whole room together.

Overall, the homeowner’s goals were met with a beautifully updated contemporary kitchen with all of the bells and whistles the homeowners desired. Not only do they have the ideal layout to cook and bake a wide variety of items, they now have the gathering space they desired to host parties for family and friends. And the clean, sleek lines of the space, contemporary appliances and cabinetry, and open shelving create the contemporary look the homeowners were seeking.

~ SVA Construction Corp Design Build, Kitchen Remodel 2014

For the exterior, our clients desires consisted of having a ramp installed that leads to the driveway from the exterior door in LJ’s bedroom. They wanted this door to be electronic and to have a touchpad for him to independently press it open and closed.  An important factor was to have an awning over this doorway to protect LJ from the elements while waiting for his ride.

Our solution for these exterior needs were extensive but turned out great. We widened the exterior door and built a portico roof over the door entrance to mimic the overhang of the house for shelter. Having as much independence as possible was very important so a special wireless key was installed on LJ’s door both inside and outside. This way LJ can carry an automatic door opener and open the door. All of the modifications were made so that he could use his left hand to operate things.

For the interior the main focus was on LJ’s bathroom, which was already a full size bathroom. The client wanted the bathroom to be widened more to hold a wheelchair. Not to mention making the whole bathroom easily accessible for LJ to utilize.

We made these modifications plus added some more touches that would allow for updating, if the client desires at a later time. We used the closet in LJ’s bedroom to enlarge the bathroom taking special care to reinforce all walls, especially around the toilet, to be able to handle grab bars. The toilet is wheelchair height and we installed an electric outlet for hot water to use a Toto Washlet at a later date. The sink is also wheelchair height and is bowed out for easy use. A great feature for LJ is the motion sensored faucet we installed. There are two grab bars in the shower, a hand held shower head and a permanent shower head. The shower is curbless for wheelchair access and easy turning.

This was a fantastic project and we are so glad that we were able to help!

~ SVA Construction Corp Design Build – Seiff Project 2014

Make it Soothing with Water. There’s something about water that’s serene and peaceful. Be sure to add it to your patio. Enhance those relaxing moments with a patio-size water garden.

Leverage Shade. Have a large shade tree? Why not consider building your patio under its canopy? You’ll enjoy the cool, shady retreat in the heat of summer when you need a quick break from your afternoon gardening chores. You can also plant your favorite shade plants around your patio for summer-long color and interest.

Add Cover with a Pergola. More substantial than an arbor but less confining than a gazebo, a pergola may be as simple as an overhead structure attached to the back of your house to cover a deck. Or it might be a grand, freestanding structure that’s the main focal point of a yard. Pergolas are especially effective over paved areas, such as paths, courtyards, and patios.

Throw down a Rug. There are more and more high-quality, weather-resistant rugs for use outdoors. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one to suit your tastes.

Using Light on the Patio. Give your patio personality at night. Whether to illuminate a dark space or add ambiance to your favorite seating area, outdoor lighting can be just the touch of nighttime pizzazz your patio needs.

Build a Fire Pit. Gather around the fire with the kids late at night. Perfect for toasting marshmallows in summer or warming your outdoor space in spring or fall, fire pits are a gathering place on the patio. Fire pits can be made from anything from flagstone slabs to small boulders.

Create a Patio with Curving Edges
Don’t be square! Create a patio with curving edges to add character and a sense of informality to your outdoor living area. Curves can be more relaxing and visually appealing than straight lines.

Homes for Life – May 2014 SVA Construction Corp Design Build Newsletter

The first task was to lower the floor to the loft of the garage about two feet. This move left a comfortable eight feet of vertical space in the garage, but yielded more than enough headroom for a new 270 square-foot master bathroom above.

Next, the SVA Construction Corp team knocked out the wall separating an unused bedroom and a small study. A step-down entrance now created a master bedroom/bathroom suite exceeding 614 square-feet.
Stepping down into the bath from a beveled glass door, the room reveals a mosaic of French Beaumanire soapstone and marble trim tiles, cherry wood vanities, antique verde marble countertops, and a custom glass-and-gold shower for two. Finally, recessed and brass lighting echo the room’s brass fixtures, completing the look.

By incorporating a little creativity, the SVA Construction Corp team fulfilled the homeowners desires of creating their dream master suite, utilizing existing unused space in their home, saving both time and money.

~ SVA Construction Corp Design Build Newsletter, May 2014 Homes for Life