By 425 staff | June 15, 2017
Older homes and buildings have history, character, and stories to tell — there is something special about bringing these spaces back to life. Every year, the members of the Remodelers Council of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties submit their favorite projects to the Remodeling Excellence Awards. Check out the 21 first-place award-winning remodels, and be inspired.
Major Remodel Excellence Residential
Beach House Refined
Whole House/Rebuild, Less than $300,000
This home feels fresh, airy, and beachy thanks to light and bright choices from the doors and trim, to the counters, walls, and even the light gray floors. “A major overhaul of this 3,000-square-foot home includes a kitchen remodel, three-and-a-half baths, wet bar, flooring, lighting, doors, trim, and paint throughout the home,” according to the design statement. “The remodel literally began at the front door, and new finishes and trims were selected throughout. Built-in cabinetry acts as a bar for family gatherings, but looks elegant enough to greet visitors.” Armada Design & Build, Inc.,armadabuild.com
Picnic Point Bluff
Whole House/Rebuild, More than $500,000
Back in 1956, this home was originally built as a summer vacation cabin in Edmonds. Yep, the now-bustling waterfront town used to be a premier vacation spot. When it was time to make this cabin livable full-time, the family enlisted Blox Construction in Everett to knock down walls, reconfigure rooms, and make it current and functional. “To stay within budget, the extra-large deck was kept, but minimized, to allow for natural lighting for the basement and a private master bedroom deck,” according to the design statement. “The kitchen, living area, and dining space now open to uninterrupted views of the Puget Sound and Olympics.” Blox Construction, Inc.,bloxconstruction.com
Leschi Historical Renovation
Whole House/Rebuild, $300,000 to $500,000
This home near the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle may have been built in 1891, but it is probably more energy-efficient than some new homes on the market today, thanks to a thoughtful (and stunning) remodel. The home “embodies the spirit of Seattle both then and now. This major remodel is a stunning example of a well-crafted home incorporating green building features such as radiant heat, an on-demand tankless water heater, energy-efficient windows, recycled materials, along with no VOC paints,” according to the design statement. “The open and flexible floor plan is warmer and significantly more livable, all while consuming significantly less energy than before.” LimeLite Development, limelitedevelopment.com
Sand Point Waterfront Retreat
Partial House/Addition, More than $250,000
The team planned for almost a year before it took on this 1937 waterfront home in Seattle (last renovated in 2004) and updated it to fabulousness — because everyone wanted to get it perfect. “Renovating a waterfront house is all about enhancing lifestyle and views, and this home is a perfect example of both,” according to the design statement. “Today the walk up to the entrance and through the front door is welcomed by warmth, well-appointed spaces, and attention to detail in every nook and cranny.” Nip Tuck Remodeling,niptuckremodel.com
Wine Time
Partial House/Addition, Less than $100,000
A whole room dedicated to your favorite reds, whites, and friends — that’s something to toast. “The dream of an incredible wine cellar prompted a reframed, reinsulated, resided, and reroofed space to meet the stringent requirements for the perfect cellar temperature and moisture,” according to the design statement. “A self-contained cooling unit and venting to the exterior ensures the perfect temperature for 2,287 bottles of wine.” Sockeye Homes, sockeyehomes.com
Queen Anne House Remodel
Partial House/Addition, $100,000 to $250,000
If this Seattle home could talk, it would have so many stories to tell. “This 1905 Queen Anne home has been many things — grocery store, pharmacy, and rooming house, to name a few,” according to the design statement. “An earlier remodel converted it back to single-family. The goals this time were an open kitchen, guest bedroom and bath, mudroom entry, accessible storage, and living and dining room beautification.” Potter Construction, potterconstruction.com
Built for Fun
Basement Remodeling Project
What if the coolest hangout in town were your own basement? This 1914 basement was refinished and includes a bar, pool table, plenty of seating, and even a kegerator. “What used to be a forgotten part of this historical home has quickly become the most popular hangout in the house,” according to the design statement. “It has been transformed into an entertaining space with a rustic, Pioneer Square bar vibe, complete with industrial feel. Refinished aspects serve as a reminder of the home’s history.” Sockeye Homes, sockeyehomes.com
Design Excellence
Fit for Family
Interior design, Less than $125,000
It was time to update this home and say goodbye to the 1980s. The homeowners wanted their family room and kitchen to flow better, and they wanted to be able to watch TV while they eat. “Additional requirements included temperature-controlled wine storage, increased vertical kitchen storage, and an updated fireplace feature wall,” according to the design statement. “The result is a shimmery, quiet, welcoming area that is both comfortable and durable. Pops of color in paint, fabric, and art provide visual richness, and two pieces were found for the art wall. The clients are proud to parade friends through!” Kirsten Conner Interior Design, kirstenconner.com
Sleek in Seattle
Details/Finishes/Trades
This kitchen is sleek, simple, and shiny. “The homeowners wanted to push the contemporary limits of this kitchen with a high-gloss, flat-panel Euro design. Enter custom cabinetry,” the design statement said. The new island is situated to maximize the kitchen space. “The sink was conveniently placed at the end of the island for ease of access.” Vision Woodworks, Inc., visioncabinetry.com
Dreamy Carport
More than $40,000
When you have a hot car, you need a place to park it. “To house his Corvette Stingray, and improve his quality of life into retirement, this homeowner worked with the crew to design and remodel his attached carport into a beautiful new covered entry and storage,” according to the design statement. “Incredible craftsmanship, fine details, and great talent went into creating this transformation.” The materials used match the style of the home for a seamless addition. Irons Brothers Construction, ironsbc.com
Waterfront Kitchen Remodel
More than $140,000
During the remodel, this kitchen tripled in size, taking advantage of the Lake Washington view. “The outcome is jaw-dropping,” according to the design statement. “The remodeled kitchen now draws a visitor seamlessly from one state-of-the-art appliance to the next, circling the large island, and brushing past high-end cabinetry with custom matching panels for the refrigerator and dishwasher. The enchanting new kitchen and breathtaking views across Lake Washington make this a fully realized project.” Pathway Design & Construction, pathwaydc.com
Breath of Fresh Air
$90,000 to $140,000
This kitchen is made for family life. There is a large island for the kids to pull up a chair and do their homework. “From cramped and dated to open concept, this project features a kitchen and dining room made for entertaining and taking advantage of the beautiful lake view,” according to the design statement. “The clean, open appearance of the new white cabinets pairs with the backsplash. The open floor plan makes daily living easier for the entire family.” Potter Construction, potterconstruction.com
A Wine Connoisseur’s Kitchen
$50,000 to $90,000
This homeowner loves sharing wine with friends and family and wanted to create a space for that. “A new layout affords more elbow room in the range area for cooking, while warm oak hardwood floors paired with maple Shaker cabinetry help keep the room bright. The island is fitted with a wine cooler and wrapped in weathered wood,” according to the design statement. They also blended rustic with contemporary — notice the warm wood on the kitchen island and how it balances out the cool stainless-steel appliances. Palmer Residential, palmerresidential.com
Kitchen Refreshed
Less than $50,000
When you are working with a tight budget, it is best to work with what you have and improve from there. “Due to budget constraints on this Seattle project, the existing footprint was utilized as much as possible. A counter-depth refrigerator, microwave drawer, professional-grade range with a chimney-style hood vent, and dishwasher were the primary monetary investments,” according to the design statement. “Cabinet storage was maximized by adding two Lazy Susan trays and several large storage drawers, in addition to ceiling-extended upper cabinets.” Sockeye Homes, sockeyehomes.com
Open and Accessible
Universal Design
Universal design centers on accessibility, and this newly designed space not only looks beautiful but also is making life more comfortable for the entire family. “The mother of this home desired universal features to help care for her physically challenged son, who uses a quadriplegic wheelchair,” the design statement said. “A 285-square-foot addition includes a spacious shower room with entrance from the bedroom, where a true wet-room easily accommodates his wheelchair. ADA features and grab bars throughout add stability and security. A privacy window and sliding glass door bring in natural light, the latter also helping with exterior access.” Sockeye Homes, sockeyehomes.com
Garden Studio
Architecture
When the homeowners wanted to create a space for guests, the team had to get creative. “The only option to gain guest accommodation and keep a deck was to dig down and create a garden apartment with a roof deck,” the design statement said. “The result is a 312-square-foot, sun-filled guest apartment with a kitchenette, bathroom, and stunning polished concrete floor.” Alexandra Immel Design, alexandraimmeldesign.com
Green Remodeling Project
Winning in Westwood
This remodel was about making space for a growing family on a budget, and it had to be done in an environmentally friendly way. “The goal for this green project was to transform a typical Seattle War Box home into one that is intriguing, yet approachable with modern, super-functional design for an expanding family,” according to the design statement. “(They) had an eye on making choices to increase efficiency, comfort, and a healthy indoor environment … their two-story addition showcases a hybrid of simple and complex sustainable building solutions, suitable for projects of all sizes.” Mighty House Construction, mightyhouseconstruction.com
Bath Excellence
Masculine and Modern
$35,000 to $55,000
This entire bathroom was renovated to create space for a walk-in shower with a frameless enclosure. Pebble tiles, oil-rubbed fixtures, and floating bamboo cabinetry all come together harmoniously. “Old World charm becomes New World luxury with the remodel of this main bathroom in Rainier Vista,” according to the design statement. “The clients — artists themselves — worked with the design team to plan a masculine, modernized space.” Irons Brothers Construction, ironsbc.com
Sammamish Spa Retreat
$55,000 to $75,000
Don’t you feel more relaxed just looking at this bathroom? It has a jetted Jacuzzi tub, a large walk-in shower, and double vanities with lots of storage for fluffy towels, and fancy soap. “Every inch of the room has purpose and has been thoughtfully planned to meet the clients’ wishes. The footprint changed dramatically, and square footage was added,” the design statement said. “The clients now have a beautiful suite that flows naturally with the home and provides the retreat they had envisioned.” Nip Tuck Remodeling, niptuckremodel.com
Master Bath with a View
More than $75,000
Um, check out that view! This remodel was centered on maximizing it. The homeowners added a new, dual-control shower, soaking tub, and a glass surround. The room is bright and open. “Moved to a new location, the vanity now features two stylish sinks and faucets, separated by a large floating medicine chest,” the design statement said. “Fashionable, custom cabinets dramatically lit from underneath, a contemporary glass tile backsplash, and designer light fixtures complement the tasteful theme.” Shirey Handyman Service/Shirey Construction, shireyhandyman.com
Budget-Friendly Beauty
Less than $35,000
Simple yet elegant, this bathroom was once awkward. The team removed some walls and made way for a spacious tub and shower combo, with Venetian marble tile. “It (provided) the aesthetic of natural stone without the maintenance — or the price-tag. Budget-friendly floor tile and baseboards, and a coordinating mosaic shower tile provide an appealing color palette that blends with the stocking gray quartz countertop,” according to the design statement. “A standard-size furniture style vanity with crystal-cut acrylic knobs provides a traditional feel and open towel storage.” Sockeye Homes, sockeyehomes.com