New Remodeled Bath

Here are some pictures of a newly completed bathroom remodel. We were able to push out 2 walls, only about 1' each, in order to gain a little more space in the tight bathroom. These minor adjustments made a major difference in how the bathroom feels & functions. Finished off with custom cabinetry and decorative tile makes for a great transformation.

And here are the clients remarks on Angie's List:

Report Date: March 10, 2012

Categories:  Painting - Interior Remodeling - General Services Performed:  Yes * More Weight is given to a report where work has been completed. Work Completed Date:  February 06, 2012 Hire Again:  Yes Approximate Cost:  $26,500.00 Description Of Work:  Tore out walls to enlarge guest bath. New bath fixtures, tub, toilet, cabinets, sink. Also new crown molding in foyer and painted foyer, bath and all areas affected by remodel. Tiling on floor and surrounding tub. Member Comments:  the best remodel we have completed. Was always kept up to date on schedule. It was to take two to three weeks. Took exactly three weeks but we added crown molding and foyer painting to the project. The cabinets are absolutely beautiful. Just adding a couple feet in each direction makes the bath seem a lot larger. We had another contractor tells us it was not feasible to enlarge the bath. Every day they would put dropp clothes on my carpets to keep them cleaned. They sealed off areas with plastic to keep the bedrooms clean. Every night they would clean up. When they were done painting the two story foyer, the hung my mirror which is approx. 5 ft x 3 ft. Back up and a very large piece of artwork. I didn't even have to ask. This was very much appreciated because my husband I wouldn't been able to do it and would have to wait until we could get some help.

Overall A Price A Quality A Responsiveness A Punctuality A Professionalism A

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED WHEN COMPLETING THIS REPORT

How much did the final cost compare to the original estimate? right on

How does the value of the work compare to the price? I got more than my money's worth

How far in advance did you schedule the work? within a week

Did you find the company through Angie's List? no

If no, what was the other source? Friends

Why did you choose this contractor? reputation

Have you used this company before? this is the first time I've used this company

What did you like most about this contractor? Dependability, quality of work, cleanliness and pricing

What did you like least about this contractor? Nothing

What surprises came up during the course of the work? None

Donna Y Carruthers Manor House Ribbon Cutting

It was a great day to celebrate the "crown jewel" of the Berkeley Square campus, made possible through the generous gift of the Carruthers family in memory of Mrs Donna Carruthers. We are incredibly thankful and proud to have been able to be a part of the building project. The masterplan was originally designed in the 80's and this was the last large remaining jewel in its crown. It has been a beautiful project and exhibits the variety of work and craftsmanship we are capable of completing. No matter how large the job, the beauty and character always seems to come down to the details, as specifically witnessed in the Tavern's coffered ceiling, raised panels walls, wine lockers and booth benches.

Google Sketchup Pro

After much debate & deliberation on what drawing program I wanted to use for both design & communication documents, I decided on Google Sketchup Pro. For the past several years I've been mixing media from AutoCAD & the free version of Sketchup. After purchasing a new computer and not being able to transfer my AutoCAD to my new machine, I decided to streamline and purchase the Pro version of Sketchup, allowing you to create scaled layouts from your Sketchup model. Because most of the work we do is more in the details and aesthetic components of a project and not high detailed, elaborate buildings, this seems to be the most logical solution. I feel like I have already learned alot about this program, but am only scratching the surface in its capabilities. Below are examples of how I can start to layout my project using this new program:

Multi-generational Housing

According to the Pew Research Center, multi-generational homes are making a comeback. There has been an increase of 30% from 2000 to 2009. Presently, 1 in 6 households are coined "multi-generational". Personally, we have seen this design trend evidenced in our project portfolio as well. Currently, we are finishing up a 700 s.f. "mother-in-law" suite, attached to an existing house with access through a family room. Last year we completed a 1,600 s.f addition to a home, containing the conveniences of a detached home with the security of having internal access to the family when necessary. Last night I had a meeting with a gentleman who is moving in with his parents, adding a first floor ADA accessible, universal design bathroom and moving them from the second floor to a first floor bedroom. In addition, creating a ramp in the back so they have full accessibility.
I found this article online stating typical features of Universal Design helpful:

"Universal design features are those components of a home that work well for all residents, regardless of age or ability, and any guests who may visit. They just make good sense. Having universal design features and products in a home prevents accidents, increases comfort and safety, and enhances residents’ independence. Essential universal design features include:
- At least one no-step entry to the house either through the front, back, or garage door.
- Entryway doors that are at least 32 inches wide and interior doors at least 30 inches wide to allow for 
ample room to pass through.
- Light controls, electrical outlets, and thermostats that are easily reachable for a person in a wheelchair.
- A three-foot wide corridor, free of hazards and steps that connects all rooms on the main floor.
- Lever-style door handles and faucets that don’t require grasping or twisting to operate. 
- A bedroom, kitchen, entertainment area, and a full bathroom, with plenty of space for maneuverability, on the main floor.
-Reinforced bathroom walls for the option of adding grab bars.
In addition to those listed, there are many other universal design features and products that many people, especially those over 50, like and incorporate into their homes. They include:
- Raised front-loading clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher;
- Side-by-side refrigerator;
- Easy-access kitchen storage (pull-out shelves, adjustable height cupboards, lazy susans);
- Low or no-threshold stall shower with built-in bench or seat;
- Non-slip floors, bathtubs, and showers;
- Raised, comfort-level toilets;
- Multi-level kitchen countertops with open space underneath so one can work while seated;
- Windows that require minimal effort to open and close;
- Covered entryway or porch to protect you from rain and snow;
- Rocker-style light switches;
- Task lighting directed to a specific surface or area that provides illumination for specific tasks; and
- Easy-to-grasp cabinet knobs or pull"

Taken from:

AARP Housing Options

Outreach & Service/Livable Communities

0 E Street, NW

Washington, DC 200

-888-OUR AARP ( -888- 8 -22 )

www.aarp.org/housing 

D 8 ( 08)

Project Update: Berkeley Square

As the final dedication approaches, things are finishing up at Berkeley Square Retirement Community. It has been a great job this past year and a great opportunity for us to exhibit the wide range of work we are capable of doing, such as installing a fiberglass dome or drive-through pavilion! We are thankful to Berkeley Square and the community of people behind the project and allowing us to be a part of it.

Great way to start the new year...

...with kind words from another satisfied client! This was a report from Angies List, and accompany's well our latest award with them, a 2011 Super Service Award.

"I am still looking for the words to adequately express how beautifully our kitchen remodeling went and how very pleased we are with the results. Our modest home now has one of the most beautiful kitchens! Every part of this project was perfectly orchestrated. 
I can't say enough about the  professionalism and skill of each Meyer family member and subcontractor. Each one of them is so pleasant, knowledgeable, highly skilled and just plain decent. We will forever be grateful to Joe, Joey, Rick, Jerry, Alex, Drew, and everyone who I neglected to mention! They turned our dated, small, galley kitchen with too little counter and cupboard space into a galley kitchen to die for ( and seemingly 5 times larger)! They are just amazing. The crew arrived each moring on time, with all of their supplies, worked in such a pleasant manner and were so neat, tidy and respectful of the rest of the house.  Every facet of the job was scheduled before they started, so we started each day knowing what would be accomplished. 
The quality of the cabinets is phenomenal. They are sooooo beautiful! The workmanship is just exceptional. These take quality to a new level. 
Needless to say, the new kitchen totally surpassed my husband's and my expectations. We knew from previous experience that our kitchen would be well done and lovely, but we were just blown away with the final results!  Thank you Meyer Bros. and Sons!
Frank and Karen Cook"

Berkeley Square Drive-Through Shelter

As part of the master plan of the new Berkeley Square Manor House, they are providing a covered drive-up entry. This will allow access to the new Manor House due to open early next year. Attached are pictures of the process which is a kit of parts. First are the structural steel columns that are shown being set with the crane, leveled and fastened to embedded bolts in the concrete.

Once these are set and the electric is run up the side, a decorative fiberglass base, column and cap will be add over the structural steel column, as seen laying on the ground.

Once the decorative columns are in place, the shelter, as seen on the truck and rendered in the drawing, will be unloaded and assembled in place.

This project is another good reminder of how important communication & coordination is. The shelter was shipped from out of state, the decorative columns were ordered and the columns were fabricated locally. In addition, the electrician is on-hand as well, running the conduit up the side once the columns are set. The crane can be used most efficiently when such things are in place.