Award-Winning Remodels | Home + Garden

Table of Contents
Local building professionals enter their best projects in hopes of winning a Remodeling Excellence Award (REX) presented by the Master Builders Association of Pierce County. Their projects were judged by independent remodeling professionals, and the winners were honored at a gala. LEARN MORE HERE.
Entire House
Cornerstone Specialties (People’s Choice Award)
Over $600,000
This project started with a 90-year-old house that had additions. With the remodel, it transformed into a functional modern Tudor home with a ton of upgrades. The electrical wiring, furnace, boiler, and plumbing were replaced, making it a home that will last another lifetime. The new layout allows for more privacy and more guests to enjoy the lake on this truly one-of-a-kind property. The finishes stayed in line with the original style, yet now offer all the modern conveniences one expects from a 7,000-square-foot lakefront home.
Entire House
Renewal Remodels & Additions
$200,000-$400,000
This beautiful Gig Harbor multigenerational home is nothing shy of a transformation piece. The goal was to create a classic Nantucket design with hints of a modern twist. This was a whole-house remodel with an addition and roof elevation. The biggest layout change the team made was switching the living room and kitchen. This allowed for a much larger and open entry into the home, as well as a larger kitchen for entertaining. Keeping some of the original elements in the home was important to our homeowner. This was accomplished by salvaging most of the interior doors, keeping the original brick on the exterior, and minimally modifying the interior layout. As many windows as possible were added on the west side to enhance the view.
Outdoor Living
Hyland Cabinetworks
A very Northwest mix of natural and modern materials was the goal for this build. Clear finished tongue-and-groove cedar ceilings set the tone for natural elements, while the gorgeous faux stone fireplace with a 65-inch TV stops all newcomers in their tracks. A waterproof vinyl flooring was used, which is as comfortable underfoot as it is to the eye. The stainless cable railings, along with the sleek fully functioning outdoor kitchen, continue the modern feel, while natural concrete elements and reclaimed wood mantle drive home the Northwest glamour of this unbelievable gathering space.
Kitchen
Renewal Remodels & Additions
Over $140,000
The homeowners wanted a large open kitchen with a lot of room for entertaining, better access to their view of the lake, and a more open and natural floor plan. This was accomplished by relocating the kitchen and dining room to allow them to flow more naturally into the family room on one side and living room on the other side. A large island with lots of seating was added, and a wet bar peninsula complete with wine fridge and floating shelves gives more surface area for working and entertaining.
Kitchen
Renewal Remodels & Additions
$75,000-$140,000
The kitchen was completely remodeled. The nook was incorporated, making for a larger kitchen with more storage and better utilization of space. The design is very modern, with clean lines, simple use of materials, and a streamlined effect. Functionality and ease of use were crucial for every cabinet. Custom inserts were added throughout the drawers to fit their unique needs, and touch-latch doors were added throughout. Blending the modern design of the kitchen with the existing home was the primary goal.
Kitchen
Kairos Construction LLC
$45,000-$75,000
This 1920s Craftsman home in downtown Puyallup has been well-preserved over the years, providing a great foundation to start with. It had all the classic architectural features of an early 20th-century home. The main goal of this project was to bring modern amenities to a 100-year-old house while keeping the old charm intact. While modern conveniences make this design a success day to day, the details are what keep it true to its Craftsman roots. The trim package and fir floors were carefully selected to match the originals, while exposing the original brick chimney sets off a natural accent to the space. Every aspect of the design was carefully considered to provide balance between function and aesthetic.
Kitchen
Phase II, Inc.
Under $45,000
With sprawling views of the Puget Sound and spectacular sunsets, happy hour at this home is an amazing experience. The last area to be remodeled in this home was the kitchen — it was lacking balance, function, and personality. The makeshift bar left the kitchen looking mismatched. The goal was to create a bartender’s dream space while creating a seamless aesthetic from the existing to the new. With custom cabinets, creative features, innovative solutions, and cohesive finishes, the mission was accomplished. The homeowners can now serve and entertain with ease in this beautiful space.
Bath
Renewal Remodels & Additions
Over $80,000
The homeowners had just purchased a lakefront home with incredible views that were being underutilized. They wanted to create a light and bright spalike bathroom that takes full advantage of the lake view. A custom steam shower with curbless design and floor-to-ceiling curved glass acts as a focal point in the room. Polished porcelain marblelike tile installed throughout with a heated floor system elevates the experience. A custom floating vanity with under-cabinet lighting and a custom backlit mirror with a built-in TV modernize the space. A freestanding tub takes advantage of the natural views.
Bath
Renewal Remodels & Additions
$35,000-$60,000
This was a 1990s original bathroom that needed an update. The use of space and scale of the tub-to-shower were just not functional for the homeowners, nor did it maintain any aging in place for the future. The vanity had wasted space, and the style no longer fit their preferences. By continuing the tub deck into the shower, it maintained a seamless transition as well as making a larger shower with a corner bench with aging in place in mind for ease of use and safety.
Aging in Place
Renewal Remodels & Additions
The goal was to create a functional, stylish, yet budget-friendly space for the homeowner. The owner cannot walk and had not been fully submerged in water in over five years. The space was designed to be fully functional for limited mobility and ease of access. It also was reconfigured to join two bathrooms, creating one large functional space an accessible tub. The resulting space feels luxurious, with the soothing color palette and spa-like features.
Addition
Renewal Remodels & Additions
Over $250,000
This addition was initiated to create a more functional and spacious kitchen and separate primary suite. The rear of the home was bumped out to incorporate this. All of the windows were replaced, and the electrical was redone throughout. The homeowners wanted the modern conveniences in the kitchen while keeping a classic look. High-end appliances in the kitchen make it a functional space for cooking and entertaining. The new primary bathroom is fully equipped with a double vanity and curbless shower. The bathroom is barrier-free and fully accessible, making it great for aging in place and accessibility.
Basements/ADU
Renewal Remodels & Additions
This was a transformation of a home built in the early 1900s. By reconfiguring the space, a primary suite was created in the basement. The existing bathroom in the basement was tiny and inefficient. The overall basement floor plan wasted a lot of prime square footage that, when optimized, allows the family to grow. With remodeling the basement, it gave them a much-needed sanctuary and escape while allowing their daughters to have the only two bedrooms upstairs and shared bathroom. The finishes in the basement were matched to the upstairs remodel to maintain the era of the home so that the original 1920s aesthetic was not compromised.
Getaway Room
Renewal Models & Additions
The primary goal of this cottage/ADU remodel was to create a more functional bathroom and update the entire cottage while maintaining the original character. The homeowners wanted the front exterior of the home to have a little more curb appeal, so the team added some vertical siding and a belly band to give the first impression a little more contrast. The interior spaces were optimized for better flow and function.
Historic Renovation
Phase II, Inc.
This 1938 Colonial estate was grand, beautiful, and everything you expect a historic home to be. That is until you entered the outdated 1980s-style kitchen. With a new layout, custom bespoke tile mural, heated floor, 7-by-13-foot custom skylight, the kitchen space blends in perfectly with the era of the home, looking as if it has always been there. Now this has transformed into a remodeling win.
Residential Interior Design
Demane Design, LLC
This home is nestled in the trees with a water view. This space was uniquely designed to entertain and function brilliantly for these homeowners. A new layout, more windows, and an open sloped ceiling gave it new life. These avid cooks had a large list of appliances that had to be integrated into the space for their ideal culinary scenario. The finishes are mixed, exciting, and functional. Cabinets are faced with FENIX from Italy, tempered glass, and faux leather. The tile is marble with brass inlays in an abstract pattern. Lighting is an enticing display of entangled light forms.