News Release: Building Association honors 20 projects with Excellence in Remodeling Awards
June 8, 2021
OLYMPIA…The Building Industry Association of Washington honored the winners of its 2021 Excellence in Remodeling Awards this week at an awards ceremony at Suncadia Lodge.
The EIR awards program recognizes outstanding remodeling projects across Washington. The winners ranged from additions and historic renovations to kitchen and bath updates to outdoor living and entire home transformations at a variety of price points. This year, remodelers from home builders’ associations across the state submitted 39 entries in 20 categories.
2021 Excellence in Remodeling Award Winners
SEWARD PARK MID-CENTURY – EXTERIOR OVER $40,001
J.M. Bogan Co. Inc., Fall City
Only one family owned this Paul Kirk mid-century modern home since the foundation was poured. When her parents passed on and their only daughter inherited the family home, she spared no expense on this exterior remodel.
The large windows bring the peaceful outdoor setting into the home, and the Sapele mahogany door creates a new warm entrance. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the back provide views of Seward Park with glimpses of Lake Washington. The J.M. Bogan team rebuilt the carport with skylights over the walkway and a fence with cameras for security.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar beams and rafters frame the glazed roof structure, creating a covered courtyard with a garden and water feature. Sadly, the daughter passed shortly after the remodel was complete, but she fulfilled her dream of living in her beautiful family home until she died.
MID-CENTURY MAKEOVER- KITCHEN UNDER $45,000
JTS General Contractor, LLC, Olympia
The owners of this 1960s mid-century modern home wanted to make over their dark, closed-off kitchen. The dysfunctional layout discouraged “family cooking night.” The custom cabinetry in the quartz-topped island now houses a cooktop, built-in oven and microwave, providing ample workspace and additional storage. At the owner’s request, the original birch cabinets and hardware remained, as well as original period light fixtures. The team moved the refrigerator to the opposite wall, creating a more efficient use of the space. The homeowners can now enjoy key architectural elements, such as the original exposed wood beams and A-frame-shaped windows, from all main floor areas.
WEST SEATTLE KITCHEN TRANSFORMATION – KITCHEN $45,001-$75,000
Shirey Home Pro, Issaquah
In love with the vintage kitchens from the video game Fallout, these clients wanted a kitchen remodel of their own. Shirey Home Pro brought in fun, bright colors, creative design solutions and 1940s-inspired moments to give their clients a retro look they’d love. The most prominent kitchen from Fallout inspired the team to look into Big Chill appliances and chunky Fiesta ceramic tiles.
Big Chill’s Jadite Green colors paired perfectly with creamy white cabinets and the client’s jade milk glass dishware collection. The clients are in love with their new “vintage” kitchen and now enjoy cooking homemade meals again.
FUNCTIONAL FAMILY KITCHEN — KITCHEN $75,001-$140,000
Phase II, General Contractor, Inc., Lakewood
The busy, young family living in this charming view home needed a more extensive, more open and interactive kitchen space. The Phase II team removed a wall to open the kitchen to the adjoining dining room and family space and capture more of the view.
With a much larger island and seating, the family can enjoy meals, do homework and entertain—all in one space. The team extended hardwood, the cabinet color and quartz counter tops throughout to create a sense of continuity. Natural wood accents helped ground and soften the overall design, resulting in a beautiful, balanced, functional and serene hub to this family’s home.
DYSFUNCTIONAL TO DYNAMIC — KITCHEN OVER $140,001
Phase II, General Contractor, Inc., Lakewood
This kitchen, although relatively new, was completely dysfunctional. With two islands, the homeowner was walking around in circles to get around the large space.
The new design created a totally functional kitchen space with one long island that fits the homeowner’s style. The team then replaced the hardwood floor with a unique random tile layout to tie the dining, kitchen and family room together.
New custom cherry cabinets and a quartz countertop with a 3” mitered edge became the new focus of the room, incorporating existing appliances for cost savings. Updating the fireplace and mantel as part of the cabinetry plan pulls the whole room together.
TRANSITIONAL TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSION – BATH UNDER $35,000
J & M Remodel, Seattle
J&M Remodel realized the visual appeal of this bathroom remodel in its clean yet rustic, transitional design. The homeowner wanted a simple design that complemented the rustic feel of this wooded home. The walk-in shower with a newly framed pony wall, natural pebble shower flooring and beautifully installed matte tile with large black grout lines showcases the team’s craftsmanship.
The look continues with wood accents, including an oversize walnut-colored vanity, recessed wood shelving and a lovely corner plant shelf. The bathroom’s footprint remained the same, except for the tub to shower conversion, which changed the entire look and feel of the relatively small space.
SELF-CARE IS ESSENTIAL’ SPA BATHROOM – BATH $35,001-$60,000
Bridge City Contracting, Vancouver
This client needed self-care during the pandemic, so Bridge City Contracting transformed this bathroom into a sacred place: one for privacy, reflection and escape. This master bathroom’s spa shower system includes a 12” Kohler rain shower head, body and hand spray system, allowing the client to enjoy a luxurious shower.
The freestanding spa soaking tub at 66” provides a soothing space for bathing. The team wired power for beauty appliances and cabinetry lighting and installed organizational systems inside the bathroom vanity to optimize space, perfect for the homeowner’s spa and body products.
Working with the Bridge City Contracting team, the clients skipped the lines at the box stores and instead relaxed in the comfort of their new master bathroom’s spa sanctuary.
EAST MEETS WEST – BATH $60,001-$80,000
Sockeye Homes, Kent
These homeowners wanted to transform their 1980s-style Western bathroom with separate tub and shower space into a contemporary Japanese Onsen. The Japanese style bath requires you to clean off before getting into the tub, which keeps the tub water clean and re-usable.
By re-arranging the existing bathroom space, the new design provided the needed wet room space. On one end of the tub, a wall-mounted tub-filler saves space and supports the minimalistic feel of the design, while a recessed shower niche provides the perfect place for bathroom products.
As part of the new design, the Sockeye Homes team added an entire wall of floor-to- ceiling cabinets.
THE PERFECT ESCAPE- BATH OVER $80,001
J.M. Bogan Co. Inc., Fall City
A bathroom should feel like a luxurious escape, and the homeowner’s previous bath missed the mark. With statement-making wallpaper and a crystal chandelier, the new space breathes luxury. Marble, the client’s favorite hard surface, is everywhere— from the steam shower to the counters to the island in the walk-in closet, also equipped with a wine fridge.
The steam shower, surrounded by ultra-clear glass, features in-floor heating and a shower bench. Floor-to-ceiling painted face-framed inset cabinets provide valuable storage space with crystal cabinet hardware. A marble backsplash and wainscoting surround the room, and a free-standing tub and fixtures complete the space.
Situated just off the master bedroom and leading into the client’s new walk-in closet, this luxurious bathroom is a thing of beauty.
QUEEN ANNE KITCHEN ADDITION – ADDITION OVER $250,001
Gaspar’s Construction, Seattle
These homeowners loved entertaining, but the main floor of their house was divided into small, disconnected spaces. A brick fireplace sat in the middle of the house with walls separating the kitchen, dining and living room areas. An awkward and little unused breakfast nook in the kitchen was wasted as storage space. The home also lacked connection from the living room space to the lovely backyard deck and hot tub.
Working with Josh Brinko of Josh Brinko Architects, Gaspar’s Construction team brought this homeowners’ dream vision to reality. They removed the chimney and surrounding walls—and brought in four new beams to support the new open structure.
The team added a gas fireplace as a focal point on the main floor and a folding door to open the dining room to the deck for ultimate entertaining. They also added a waterfall -style butcher block countertop feature to house the homeowner’s beer taps and site-engineered a sliding appliance garage door so there’s no track in the countertop.
PRESERVING THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE – ENTIRE HOUSE $200,001-$400,000
Sockeye Homes, Kent
The homeowners living in this late 1970s home, designed and owned by renowned architect Glenn “Dutch” Duarte, wanted to honor his style, while updating to meet 21st century needs. The kitchen, sunroom, dining and living rooms were all separated by walls.
The Sockeye Homes team opened up the floorplan by installing multiple large beams. They updated the kitchen with gourmet appliances, handle-less cabinetry, black countertops and a custom banquet seating area, making it perfect for entertaining. The homeowners now have an open and functional space, while maintaining Duarte’s distinctive design they so love.
SHOW ME THE VIEW- ENTIRE HOUSE $400,001-$600,000
Sockeye Homes, Kent
This home’s design hid the kitchen between the dining room and living room, blocking the fantastic views of Puget Sound. Removing walls, adding beams and rearranging the floorplan, Sockeye Homes provided an unobstructed view in all common spaces.
In the new entry design, the team added a double-sided stone fireplace with a gallery-style shelf providing a focal point on one of the few walls in that space. They repurposed space from the master bedroom to increase and reconfigure the master bathroom and provide for a larger guest bathroom.
The homeowners love the functional and beautiful new space.
THE HOUSE THAT PATIENCE BUILT – ENTIRE HOUSE $600,001
A Kitchen That Works LLC, Bainbridge Island
The homeowners loved this home’s views, but not the low ceilings, awkward chopped-up spaces and high utility bills. The team demolished 75% of the home removed 500 cubic yards of contaminated soil, leaving them freedom to incorporate many desired amenities.
The team rewired the entire house and replaced electrical panels to accommodate an improved lighting scheme, generator, alarm and automated blinds. They added a new fireplace, Quartz countertops, kitchen appliances, interior doors, new sheetrock with kerfed jambs on all doors and window, as well as new flooring throughout.
The remodel transformed this house into a stunning and energy-efficient home that brings joy to the homeowners.
BASEMENT GAME ROOM – BASEMENT/ADU UNDER $125,000
J & M Remodel, Seattle
The J&M Remodel team kept the aesthetics of this basement renovation light and bright, considering the only natural light source was a single egress window. The soft grey paint offered just enough pigment to make the white trim pop while lending a clean and bright feel. They added numerous can lights throughout the ceiling to brighten the space.
The homeowners could see the quality and attention to detail throughout the space, primarily in the trim work and perfectly flush-set storage cabinets. The remodeling team set floating flooring beautifully and took additional thought and planning to ensure the different color variations of the flooring flowed together naturally.
MAGNOLIA DAYLIGHT BASEMENT – BASEMENT/ADU OVER $125,001
Pathway Design & Construction, Seattle
The client’s family sought to create a customized modern space for a play area and a full bathroom while serving as a private area for guests and a personal yoga studio.
This remodel faced many challenges: moisture in several areas of the carpeted flooring, air circulation problems, framing and exposed pipes.
Despite these challenges, the team created a highly functioning oasis, much to the family’s relief. This daylight basement remodel offers universal design features, modern utility and flexible productivity. Plus, it acts as a getaway space for exercise, relaxation and overall wellness.
STEAMPUNK SPEAKEASY – GET AWAY ROOM
Irons Brothers Construction, Inc., Shoreline
The Irons Brothers team transformed this existing Tiki bar from a barely functional space into a steam-punk-inspired bar with new custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, upgraded appliances and fixtures.
The most dramatic change? A hand-crafted metal ceiling design featuring riveted panels and functioning cogs. While the bar space was designed for fun, it is also packed with added storage and shelving for bottles and barware.
Extending the countertop to the exteriormeans the parties take place indoors or out.
MODERN TROPICAL POWDER ROOM – RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN
Model Remodel, Seattle
Two lucky homeowners got a pocket of the Hawaiian Islands right in their home with this remodel.
From dull and monochromatic to bursting with style, the new wallpaper, tile and aged brass fixtures transport the homeowners instantly somewhere warmer.
If you look closely, you can see the subway tile’s irregular edges have an organic, almost handmade feel. Bold colors and large patterns are not typically used in small spaces; but having a fun room that makes you smile is more important than ever!
THE LOOKOUT – OUTDOOR LIVING UNDER $100,000
Hyland Cabinetworks, Federal Way
The overgrown front landscaping of this 1970s ranch home had overwhelmed the facade of the home. The team removed the existing decking and framing and framing to make room for an extended 24’ outdoor structure.
Clear finished tongue and groove cedar ceilings set the tone for natural elements while the gorgeous faux-stone fireplace surround, with a 65” TV, stop all newcomers in their tracks.
The stainless cable railings, along with the sleek, fully functioning outdoor kitchen, continue the modern feel while natural concrete elements and the reclaimed wood mantle drive home the northwest glamour of this unbelievable gathering space.
PENDERGAST RESIDENCE – HISTORIC RENOVATION/RESTORATION
VanderBeken Remodel, Marysville
This beautiful 1904 farmhouse update included a rebuild of the dilapidated detached carport/workshop, existing covered rear porch, back entryway and entire exterior. The team transformed the detached carport into a beautiful carriage-house-style garage with a cupola, carriage doors and an electric car charger.
They also extended the existing covered rear porch, creating a desirable outdoor living space. Revamping the rear entry laundry room with built-in cabinetry resulted in a beautiful, yet hardworking, space.
The home’s exterior transformation created defined areas for landscaping, resulting in a stunning historic renovation for the clients.
DRAINAGE DAMAGE TO WATERPROOF WINNER – OPEN UNDER $125,000
Seattle Foundation Repair, Bellevue
The homeowners needed a new drainage system installed around their house for water containment and stabilization while adding a beautiful atmosphere.
The project included adding a drainage pipe without touching the house and leaving it fully intact during renovation. The team installed a new drainage system with eight catch basins, 4-inch diameter 3-layer solid PVC pipes and four new flow wells (septic).
Clear communication between the client and the Seattle Foundation Repair team resulted in a successful outcome and an upgraded outdoor space.
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