An old or unused garage is a waste of space and a waste of your expensive real estate. We at Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build helped one local homeowner solve this problem with [...]]]>   (This is the second installment of a two-part series on our garage transformation. Click here to view Part 1.)

An old or unused garage is a waste of space and a waste of your expensive real estate. We at Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build helped one local homeowner solve this problem with dramatic results when we converted an outdated garage to an outstanding library with multi-use space.

When you watch the transformation on this YouTube video of our start-to-finish process, you can see how we took care with the details. In Part 1 of this two-part article, we discussed specifics of craftsmanship, durability, and energy efficiency. Here in Part 2, we’ll highlight the attention to style, aesthetic vision, and special design touches.

Working with the homeowner’s creative vision, we paid close attention to details such as window selection and placement. Our greatest challenge? The old garage door. We knew how it would look if we just popped in a functional wall/window jigsaw piece: an old garage with a new job. To make it blend appealingly with the rest of the structure, we used that space to frame in a new triple-window system.

We also added style on the inside with aesthetically pleasing his-and-hers matched closets flanking the new front triple-window opening. This increased the storage space in a striking way that set off the windows to great effect. A final custom touch – an inviting double window seat built in place under the triple window unit. The area below the seating was an obvious opportunity for additional dry storage but we thought beyond the practical and made this into an architectural focal point by detailing the area with attractive cabinetry incorporated into the design.

To blend the new with the existing space, we incorporated a vaulted ceiling to increase the sense of space while transitioning naturally from the open kitchen/dining area of the home. To complete the transition with beauty and practicality, we crafted a peninsula island with a beautiful simulated stone counter of maintenance-free CAMBRIA. Here we found yet another storage opportunity, constructing the base with modern cabinetry.

Our attention to design and our expert craftsmanship gave us the edge in creating tasteful architectural features for this project, many of which called upon our fine finish carpentry skills. Elegant cabinetry gave this transformed space a special character; in fact, one entire wall was given over to maple built-in library cabinetry enhanced by crown moldings with a rope detail – the homeowner’s personal touch.

Innovation Const.Co.is an A+ BBB-Rated home improvement contractor, GREEN CERTIFIED, member of the Greater Plymouth Builders Association, and A/Rated on Angie’s List. We are a local business with pride of workmanship and the experience and expertise to be your one-stop builder and remodeler.

For over three decades, we have successfully facilitated the remodeling dreams of homeowners across South Shore and Southeastern MA, including Duxbury, Wareham, Marion, Rochester, Kingston, Plymouth, Plymouth County, Barnstable County, and Cape Cod.

Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build is proud to offer Green Building options. We are dedicated to incorporating sustainable living solutions into our projects.

To CONTACT KEITH, click here.

Our work is guaranteed. And our consultations are always free.

Website: www.innovationconst.com

Email: sales@innovationconst.com

Phone: 508-291-4907

Check out our remodeling reviews on Angie’s List. And check us out on Facebook!

Chuckle of the Week

The squad in Florida that cracks down on carpentry infractions?

Miami Vise.

On September 23, 2011, Keith attended the day-long Gary [...]]]> Local builder and remodeling expert Keith Dmytryck, owner and operator of the Wareham-based Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build, is pleased to announce his latest certification in an ongoing effort to continually improve his expertise and keep up with the latest in cutting edge techniques.

On September 23, 2011, Keith attended the day-long Gary Katz Fine Finish Carpentry Clinic in Rockland, MA, earning certification in advanced finish carpentry skills. Already an expert carpenter/builder with over thirty years of experience, Keith continues to seek opportunities to enhance these skills.

Gary Katz is the publisher of THISisCarpentry.com, an e-magazine devoted to craftsmen and craftsmanship. For two decades he has been a frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding, Journal of Light Construction, Fine Woodworking, and other leading
trade magazines, in addition to moderating JLC’s online finish carpentry forum. His DVD series “Mastering Finish Carpentry” sets the standard for professional video instruction in the construction trades.

Globally recognized, this seminar/workshop travels a well-attended circuit; the Rockland clinic, presented at the Holiday Inn, was locally sponsored by the Hingham Lumber Company.

Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build, licensed through the Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor’s Guarantee Fund, maintains membership with NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), GPBA (Greater Plymouth Builders Association), and boasts an A+ BBB rating. Keith is a Certified Green Builder and is proud to be A/Rated on Angie’s List. This latest Finish Carpentry certification is one of many Keith has received in his quest for improving his skills and keeping up with the latest innovations.

After settling in for a year, [...]]]> The lovely little seaside cottage? Charming! The cramped wood frame one-car garage tacked on in the 1950s? Not so much. But this homeowner had almost a perfect thing going: a lovely house by the sea that fulfilled her dream of retiring from Boston to where she grew up.

After settling in for a year, she realized two things: she never wanted to leave, and she definitely needed more living space. In this situation, a garage conversion was the perfect way to go. But her expanded space had to meet the demands of her budget and her sense of style – which required a builder who could create an attractive and livable new area that flowed naturally from the existing structure (and didn’t scream, “Hey! I used to be a garage!”), and who would work with her in developing and perfecting her design concept.

When she connected with Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build, she felt she had found the right match. After the job was completed, and her unused, outdated garage was transformed into an airy and inviting library/family room (with plenty of stylish storage), she knew it for sure. We were fortunate that she allowed us to film the entire construction – and honored that she invited us to present it on YouTube and share the step-by-step process.

We begin with the advantage of working from an existing structure: no worries about setbacks or digging foundations and the cost benefit of having much of the structure in place. We were, however, required to update the wood frame to be in compliance with today’s more stringent building codes. This was ultimately beneficial to the integrity and energy efficiency of the new
construction.

As this design was homeowner-inspired, we paid close attention to details such as window selection and placement. We were already in sync about the old garage door – it had to go or we’re left with a dolled-up garage no matter what else goes into it. Working with the homeowner’s creative vision, we used that space to frame in a new triple-window system. We used all
ENERGY STAR-rated windows throughout this construction, to make it an upgrade in efficiency as well as living space.

We increased the storage space with the aesthetically pleasing option of his-and-hers matched closets flanking the new front triple-window opening. We also increased the sense of space by incorporating a vaulted ceiling, which opened the space in a way that made it seem far bigger than its humble predecessor.

Of course, new siding had to be placed around this new area. As the existing siding was wood shingle, we were glad it was red cedar, which features a strong resistance to natural decay that makes it one of the longest lasting wood siding options available. This is the wood siding we recommend to any of our clients who feel the (otherwise highly recommended) vinyl siding option is not in keeping with their design preferences. We took care to weave the new red cedar shingles artfully into the existing ones; the resulting blend is almost undetectable and helps the new space look like an integral part of the structure and not “tacked
on.”

For insulation, we used a combination approach that provides the best insulation factor for the most affordable price. For the walls, we used traditional fiberglass insulation; in the ceilings, where there is greater energy loss potential, we went with new,
super-high-efficiency insulation foam.

In keeping with the homeowner’s design, we smooth-finished the walls and ceilings. To create a beautiful floor over the concrete slab, we installed floating wood flooring.

Blending the new with the existing space, we crafted a peninsula island to transition beautifully (and practically) from the open kitchen/dining area of the home. Here we found yet another storage opportunity, constructing the base with modern cabinetry. The peninsula cabinetry is covered in CAMBRIA, a new technology and completely maintenance-free simulated stone product.

One entire wall is given over to the maple built-in library cabinetry. This elegant architectural feature is enhanced by crown moldings with a rope detail – the homeowner’s personal touch.

A final custom touch – an inviting double window seat built in place under the triple window unit with a pleasant surprise below the seating: additional dry storage provided by attractive cabinetry incorporated into the design.

Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build is located in Wareham MA and services the surrounding communities of Plymouth MA, Marion MA, Duxbury MA and Sandwich MA. It has been locally owned and operated for the past thirty years by builder and remodeling expert Keith Dmytryck – a client-oriented, fourth-generation carpenter/builder dedicated to continually improving his expertise and keeping up with the latest in cutting edge products.

Innovation Construction Co. is a trusted local GREEN CERTIFIED (by NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry), member of the Greater Plymouth Builders Association, http://greaterplymouthbuilders.com/, A-Rated on Angie’s List — and A+ BBB-Rated home improvement contractor.

For a free consultation please visit our website www.innovationconst.com, call 508-291-4907, or email Keith at sales@innovationconst.com.

Check out our remodeling reviews on Angie’s List.

And check us out on Facebook!

Chuckle of the Week

Library Jokes and One-liners

Never judge a book by its movie. –J.W. Eagan

What did one book say to the other one?

I just wanted to see if we are on the same page.

What do you do if pet starts eating your library book?

Take the words right out of their mouth.

I can’t understand why a person will take a year to write a novel when he
can easily buy one for a few dollars. –Fred Allen

Remodeling with universal design in mind and an eye on cost.

Accessibility and value are two key concerns for remodeling clients today.

Accessibility for the growing number of baby boomers who want their homes to accommodate them as they age. Value [...]]]> Innovation Construction Co.. is devoted to helping seniors age independently and in place.

Remodeling with universal design in mind and an eye on cost.

Accessibility and value are two key concerns for remodeling clients today.

Accessibility for the growing number of baby boomers who want their homes to accommodate them as they age. Value for budget-minded homeowners who are trying to stretch every dollar further in a tight economy.

With smart planning and foresight, accessibility expenditures can be gradually paced, beginning with minor but practical changes that are cost-conscious from the start and working into more dramatic renovations that will ultimately be hugely cost-effective investments that can avert the necessity of a financially draining move to assisted living.

LOW-COST SECURITY

The quickest, cheapest way to begin accommodating changing needs is the installation of

•reinforced grab bars (by the toilet, in the tub area)
•raised toilet seat
•load-bearing shower seat

KEITH SAYS: A bench seat in the shower is a popular request from clients, if only to hold shampoo bottles or, more realistically, for the women in the family to have a chance to sit down and shave her legs. A high percentage of our baths include shower benches, but they do take up space. Any shower larger than a standard 5-foot footprint will have a shower bench. Less room than that and you start getting cramped for space, but even in a 4-foot shower, we might do a corner bench.

A  pre-formed bench is great for the work we do. They’re extremely lightweight but are also load bearing, and the installation is so much easier than building from scratch. A pre-formed bench is much more efficient and cost-effective.

DESIGNED WITHIN REACH (ECONOMICALLY)

Thinking of both current and future needs (visiting in-laws — who may one day move in — need an accessible environment),the ground floor bathroom can be converted to be wheelchair-accessible with initially minimal remodeling.

Accessible Sinks

For clients who use a wheelchair, nothing beats a bathroom sink with legroom underneath. Without such a sink, a wheelchair user must roll sideways up to a cabinet and employ an awkward, potentially painful body twist just to use the faucet. But an accessible sink lets wheelchair users experience a level of ease performing simple hygiene tasks that the able-bodied among us take for granted. With such a noble function, however, form often gets short shrift. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Lock and Roll: The Rolling Vanity

In this lower-expenditure transitional plan, the bathroom maintains more of a conventional appearance. A simple but cleverly crafted rolling vanity cabinet can be designed to fit the individual space. The appearance is of a conventional, aesthetically appealing sink and vanity. When wheelchair users visit, the vanity cabinet rolls out of the way on its lockable casters.

To help reconfigure the space, the new bathroom includes a sink and counter — set at 34 inches above the finished floor — allows for easy roll up to; along with a wall mirror that tilts at an angle, handy shelves and drawers beside the sink solve the storage problem that often plagues accessible sink set-ups.

UPGRADE FOR ACCESSIBILITY

When circumstances indicate it’s time for the next stage in accessibility remodeling, there is much you can do to adapt your home for an enhanced quality of life and sustained independence.

Universal design concepts include

•wider halls and doorways
•varied-height countertops, and
•lowered light switches

but it’s bathrooms — more specifically, showers — that often get the special attention. After all, the wet tiles of a bathroom are slippery, and when you combine a wet, soapy surface (a shower floor) with being able to safely step in and out of the shower — not to mention some near acrobatics (washing one’s feet or shaving one’s legs) — you get ideal conditions for a slip, a fall, an injury, or worse.

Finding a shower that can comfortably accommodate all family members’ needs and abilities is key in a universal design remodel. Zero-threshold or very low threshold showers are important considerations for the wheelchair user who wishes to remain in his or her home. Of course, shower seating and grab bars are necessary safety components – and these might already be in place if you have begun your accessibility remodel in stages.

CROSSING OFF THE THRESHOLD: low- and-no-threshold showers

Accessible showers demand special products and techniques.

Bathrooms, and specifically low- and no-threshold showers, are getting special attention from manufacturers to meet the demands of the universal-design trend. Manufacturers agree that low-and no-threshold showers are a burgeoning trend.

ON THE LEVEL:

Drainage in a barrier-free shower is an important consideration: “In order to drain water out of the unit, the drain must be wider and the floor has to slope,” says Keith D. of Innovation Construction Co.  “When you bring a threshold to near-zero height, you minimize the ability to slope the floor and there can be issues with water drainage.”

To address this challenge, pre-leveled units are available. On a barrier-free shower, due to the limit in the height of the exterior dam, water drains at ¼ inch per square foot — 50% less pitch than a standard shower— so leveling becomes even more important and it will drain properly.”

A pricier item for adapted living – but one that pays back greatly in comfort and relaxation – is the walk-in bath. There is an astounding selection of models and price ranges on the market. One that we use and recommend is the American Standard walk-in bath product line.

WALK-IN  TUBS

Enjoy warm, fully immersive baths – safely and comfortably.
American Standard walk-in bathtubs are designed so everyone can enjoy warm, fully immersive baths – safely and comfortably. Imagine yourself fully immersed in a comfortable, warm, luxurious whirlpool tub right now. Can you feel your muscles relax? Can you feel the stress release from your body? Can you feel your joints loosening and pain subsiding? Yes? Then you’ve just imagined yourself in an American Standard® walk-in bathtub.

Utilizing the latest technology, American Standard walk-in baths offer the healing benefits of water therapy to ease common ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, backaches, sore knees, and aches associated with obesity.

American Standard walk-in baths offer not only a luxurious bathing experience complete with a myriad of benefits, but also easy-to-use controls and low maintenance requirements. The Quick Drain™ allows you to exit your tub when you are ready, so there’s no long wait for all of the water to drain before you can open the door to exit. This system uses a powerful pump that removes water up to eight times faster than normal drains. The pump does not require extra plumbing, is equipped with a safety suction valve, and is activated with the touch of a button.

Whatever your remodeling needs  — or whatever repairs, replacements, or other work you have done to your home — it’s essential to contract with a licensed professional who has the expertise to do the job right, the integrity to back up his claims, and the ratings and references to assure you of the quality work your home deserves.

We are A-Rated on Angie’s List , and members in good standing of NARI (the National Association of the Remodeling Industry), and the GPBA (Greater Plymouth Builders Association). We are a trusted local home improvement contractor., GREEN CERTIFIED (by NARI) and A+ BBB-Rated. For a free consultation please visit our website www.innovationconst.com, call 508-291-4907, or email Keith at sales@innovationconst.com.

Check out our remodeling reviews on Angie’s List. And check us out on Facebook!

Chuckle of the Week

A plumber attended to a leaking faucet at the neurosurgeon’s house. After a two-minute job the plumber demanded $150.

The neurosurgeon exclaimed, ‘I don’t charge this amount even though I am a surgeon.”

The plumber replied, “I didn’t either, when I was a surgeon. That’s why I became a plumber.”