Home Contracting
Article and Photography Erica Hernandez and Deloris Ludwig – Designer for Home Contracting Inc.
Designer Shows Why Not To Wait on that DREAM KITCHEN
After Hurricane Harvey brought floodwaters into Betty Wiley’s home, she knew it was time for a change. While the repaired kitchen was usable there was a plan in place down the road to upgrade to her dream home.
“I wanted to create a welcoming kitchen that was easy to function in, easy to organize and looked great,” she says. Why not now she thought. No time like the present
The original floorplan was a long galley kitchen that separated it from the living room. Betty as many people do, wanted an open concept that would not only expand the kitchen and connect the living room space, but transform the home by creating an inviting larger room where she could host friends and family in a much larger setting.
To make it happen, she contacted our company, which has been in business since 1987. We are a design-to-build renovation company for residential and commercial customers. Home Contracting Inc. works side-by-side with homeowners to remodel kitchens, bathrooms, install flooring and complete many other custom services. We have worked with businesses such as Pluckers Wing Bar and Hilton Hotels. Deloris Ludwig, who manages the company, has been doing design and renovation work for nearly 25 years.
“I’m always aware of making sure the job is done correctly and catching things as we go along,” Deloris says.
THE HOME CONTRACTING PROCESS
Home Contracting employs a process to every remodel project from conception to completion to be as stress-free as possible for their clients. For every project, it is best to start with an on-site personal consultation followed by 3D design ideas based on the client’s vision. Then it’s showroom or internet surfing to choose materials and finishes with the designers input. Next make sure and schedule each piece of the project so that the amount of disruption for the client is as short as possible.
“We never start demo until all the materials are received and available to install,” states Ludwig. “And we have the team to do the work.”
REMOVING A LOAD-BEARING WALL
To open up the kitchen, the separating wall needed to be removed, but it was a load-bearing wall as it many times is. Home Contracting’s experts had to plan not only the demolition but also to install a support beam running the length of the kitchen. This would make room for a sprawling island in Betty’s new open-concept kitchen. The process was involved, but the designer stays engaged throughout.
“I was nervous about the support beam,” Betty says. “But the company and the engineers she got made me feel at ease.”
During the process, they found a section of the ceiling attached to the wall that was dropped to hide gas, water and electrical lines. However, The team engineered a solution that solved the problem and created a butler’s nook that became a unique accent to the kitchen.
THE DESIGN SELECTIONS
We chose a subway tile backsplash, Brazilian-granite countertops, white all-wood cabinetry and engineered hardwood floors to match her living room. Betty also chose to install new recessed lighting, a light over the island and a custom-made stove vent.
They replaced baseboards and even rebricked a portion of the outside of her home that had to be altered during the renovation.
A NEW SPACE FOR ENTERTAINING
While Home Contracting shoots for a 10-day renovation on a room, Betty’s project took a bit longer because of the structural changes with the elimination of the support wall. Yet, within a few more weeks, Betty’s kitchen was just as she’d imagined—striking granite countertops, clean cabinetry and an open-concept layout with a timeless design.
“I just think it upgraded the whole look of the house on the first floor,” Betty says.
She believes that working with Home Contracting and getting Deloris’ help, you get your choice of style without feeling overwhelmed by handling a renovation project alone.
“I think these types of projects are good when you have the homeowner and designer working together and managing it as a team,” Deloris says.
Betty Wiley can’t wait to entertain in her newly designed kitchen.
For info contact HomeContractingInc.com p. 832.653.7294