TrendMark successfully implemented all of the necessary improvements to the home to create the perfect combination of a beautiful home perfect for entertaining.

Location: 4005 Buckingham Way, Apex, NC 27502 – Shepard’s Vineyard’s

Tour Hours:

           Saturday, April 28th – 10am to 5pm

           Sunday, April 29th – 1pm to 5pm

Directions: 

Take exit 98B to merge onto US-64 W toward Pittsboro/Asheboro,  Turn left onto Old Raleigh Rd, Continue straight onto Old Raleigh Rd, Turn left onto Buckingham Way, the home is at the end of the street in the cul-de-sac.

About the Home:

From top to bottom our clients were eager to reinvent the way they lived and functioned in their home of over 20 years.  They had always dreamed of opening up the compartmentalized living areas on the first floor and expanding the small, basic, white galley kitchen.  After meeting with TrendMark to go over their wish list and goals, we carefully created a functional plan which would open up the first floor layout and double the size of the kitchen by relocating the laundry room and powder room, and removing walls throughout the first floor.  The new downstairs layout now flows harmoniously, making the house seem much more spacious.  

A luxurious master bathroom and upstairs laundry were also on our clients’ wish list, but space was limited.  In order to add the needed square footage, a second story addition was constructed above the existing sunroom.  The new master bathroom is a homeowner’s retreat with custom cabinetry and tile work.  The new laundry room on the second floor eases the burden of daily chores.  With new lighting schemes, trim work, a wrought iron staircase, smooth ceilings, hardwoods, and paint throughout, the inside of this home has been completely transformed.

Another item on our clients’ wish list was a way to access the detached garage without encountering the elements of the weather.  A beautiful new breezeway was designed and constructed to connect the detached garage to the home.  Wrought iron railings were added on the porches for a sophisticated new look.  The final result is a gorgeous open home, inside and out, that feels and functions perfectly for everyday life and special occasions with family and friends.

Please visit our website at www.TrendMarkInc.com for more before and after photos of our award-winning projects.

This tour is sponsored by the Remodelers^™ Council of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County as a way to showcase how renovations can  transform living space by blending old and new for the optimum in aesthetics and function.  There are 20 homes on the tour for 2012.  

Granite is the premium countertop material for kitchens and bathrooms, adding timeless beauty and durability as well as increased value to the home.

By definition granite is a common, coarse-grained, light-colored, hard igneous rock consisting chiefly of

Double Ogee Edge

quartz, orthoclase or microcline, and mica with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern referred to as movement. A granite that has a lot of movement and/or veining in it is best in a kitchen that has a lot of counter space. Every slab of granite varies somewhat within any given color and pattern, even from one end of the slab to the other. This lack of predictability gives the product its unique character and adds an element of nature into human-designed spaces.

There are many levels of granite available. When you go to buy granite, you will be provided with a selection of samples classified as level one (the lowest price), level two or level three (the highest price). Levels do not refer to the quality, but they do indicate color and sometimes the thickness of the granite. Typically, the more exotic the look of the granite, the higher the level and the higher the price.

There are a variety of edges available for granite countertops. The most basic countertop edge is a squared edge, with only a very slight bevel, called a chamfer, to take the sharpness from the corners. A popular modification to this is the quarter round, where the top edge is rounded off, or the double quarter round, where both the top and bottom edges are rounded. Bullnose is a variation where the top edge is rounded more dramatically, and a full bullnose converts the edge of the countertop to a perfect half-circle. Beveled edges are also popular, and can be carved on either the top or bottom edges or both. There are more decorative edges like the ogee, which consists of two graceful, sweeping arches, one concave, and the other convex. Other popular edges include dupont (a straight edge dropping down to a curve), cove (a concave bevel on the top edge), stair tread (a curved undercut lip), and waterfall (three cascading convex arches).

The layout of your countertop such as in an “L” shaped corner can affect the cost. Because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you can reduce costs by using two pieces of granite seamed together. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern of the granite. Epoxy mixed with the color that matches the stone is used to join slabs of granite which is then smoothened, leaving only a very thin line visible.

Granite countertops can be one of the chief selling points of your home, but often the cost is offset by the increased value of your home. They are durable, have fairly low-maintenance and have beautiful aesthetic qualities. As with all major remodeling projects, take time to educate yourself and be sure to choose a qualified contractor. The result can be stunning.

Gold STAR Best Kitchen $50,000-$60,000

2011 Gold STAR Award Best Kitchen $50,000 - $60,000

Before

From blah to beautiful, this kitchen’s transformation not only updated the look but rearranged the way the room functioned.  The homeowner knew from the day they bought the house that the all white kitchen would have to be remodeled.  In the process, the workspace was improved.   Warm Alderwood cabinets with raised panel fronts and bronze hardware replaced the sterile white cabinetry.  This room has certainly banished the blahs and become elegant as well as more useful.  Read more and see more photos of this project.

Gold STAR Best Kitchen $60,001 – $70,000

2011 Gold STAR Best Kitchen $70,000-$80,000

Before

Just like in Jericho, the walls came tumbling down in this older home. Four rooms become one, providing a much more up to date open area with space for living, dining and cooking.  This remodel completely changed the look at feel of the entire home!  The homeowners wanted a large open area for entertaining and that is exactly what they got.  This new open kitchen is not only much more functional and pleasing to the eye, and but will also greatly increase the home’s value. Click here see more photos and learn more about the project

Gold STAR Best Bathroom $30,001 – $50,000

2011 Gold STAR Award Best Kitchen under $30,000

Before

When the water heater in the attic sprung a leak damaging the most of the master bathroom, the homeowners decided it was time for a complete remodel.  It was way past time to replace the builder grade white melamine cabinets and standard beige tile.  The bathroom now features custom designed marble tile shower and floors.  A special feature is the heated tile floor to keep them warm throughout the winter.  I guess something good comes out of everything.

Gold STAR Best Room Addition over $200,000

2011 Gold STAR Best Room Addition over $200,001

Before

After months of searching, the Devlin’s found this Preston house with a huge wooded lot and the perfect location, but unfortunately the home was not large enough for their family and was in desperate need of an update. After consulting with TrendMark to evaluate the possibilities for the house, they decided to purchase the home and move forward with an extensive whole house remodel and addition. TrendMark successfully implemented all of the necessary improvements to the home to create the perfect combination of a beautiful home, large yard, and convenient location. The remodeling project included a 2-story 1600-square foot rear addition to give their family the much needed additional space.

Gold STAR Best Insurance Restoration

2011 Gold STAR Best Insurance Restoration

Before

First thought was panic, second thought…call TrendMark.  When the homeowner returned home to see the sheetrock dripping off the ceiling and walls on the first and second floors of their home, they thought the entire house was going to fall.    A leak in the water heater in the attic had wrecked havoc on almost the entire house.  Repairs were made throughout the first and second story to not only renovate, but improve at every step possible.

Calming and reassuring the homeowner was the most major difficultly encountered.  After an emergency visit, they were reassured that not only could the house be complete repaired, it would be even better.  It was the perfect opportunity   Every effort was made to create a seamless repair in the ceiling, walls and floors and make improvements wherever possible.

Silver STAR Best Kitchen $80,001 – $110,000

Before 2011 Silver STAR Award Best Kitchen $80,001 – $110,000

Before

The homeowner dreamed of a huge kitchen with the biggest island possible to serve as a meeting place for their family and friends.  As part of a larger two story additions, this kitchen was enlarged and completely remodeled.  The result is the perfect area for cooking and entertaining.

In the kitchen a coffered ceiling with canned lighting hovers over a huge 8’ square island with dark black rubbed cabinetry softened by Brazilian Giallo ornamental granite brimming with golds, creams and browns accented by black and gray swirls. The legged island houses pass-through cabinetry, an undermounted farmhouse sink with a bronze faucet, and a GE dishwasher, while an extended side provides casual eating space.  This awesome kitchen reinforces the lasting quality of good design, providing both beauty and function.

Just like in Jericho, the walls came tumbling down in this older home. Four rooms become one, providing a much more up to date open area with space for living, dining and cooking.  This remodel completely changed the look at feel of the entire home!  The homeowners wanted a large open area for entertaining and that is exactly what they got.  Only two columns bracketing an eating island hint at the walls’ removal.

2011 Gold STAR Award Best Kitchen $50,000 – $60,000

From blah to beautiful, this kitchen’s transformation not only updated the look but rearranged the way the room functioned.  The homeowner knew from the day they bought the house that the all white kitchen would have to be remodeled.  In the process, the workspace was improved.   Warm Alderwood cabinets with raised panel fronts and bronze hardware replaced the sterile white cabinetry. 

Don’t miss your chance to see first hand the difference a remodel can make in your home. Visit us in Preston Forest Subdivision in Cary to a home completely remodeled by TrendMark, including a rear 2-story addition to expand the kitchen and living room on the first floor and two additional bedrooms on the 2nd floor. You don’t want to miss this amazing transformation.

About the Tour Home:

After months of searching, these homeowners found a house in Preston that had a perfect large lot and location, but unfortunately the home was not large enough for their family and in desperate need of an update.   After consulting with TrendMark to evaluate the possibilities for the house, they decided to purchase the home and move forward with an extensive whole house remodel and addition.  TrendMark successfully implemented all of the necessary improvements to the home to create the perfect combination of a beautiful home, large yard, and convenient location.

The remodeling project included a two-story 1600-square foot rear addition to give their family the much needed additional space.   The addition includes an enlarged kitchen and family room on the first floor and two additional bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bathroom and an oversized playroom on the second floor.  The new enlarged kitchen is a chef’s delight and features a coffered ceiling and custom furniture style cabinetry with an 8’ square island perfect for time with family and friends.

Location: 312 Schubauer Drive  Cary, NC

Directions: From I-40 take US-1 S/US-64 W; Take exit 99 for Cary Pkwy; Turn right at SE Cary Pkwy (go 5.3 mi); Turn left at Cedarpost Dr; Take the 1st right onto Legault Dr; Turn left at Schubauer Dr; The house is on the left.

Tour Hours:

Saturday, April 16th – 10am to 5pm

Sunday, April 17th – 1pm to 5pm

This tour is sponsored by the Remodelers^™ Council of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County as a way to showcase how renovations can  transform living space by blending old and new for the optimum in aesthetics and function.  There are 20 homes on the tour and tickets are $5.00 per person.   A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales benefit Builders of Home.

George to the Rescue

This project will help Rachelle and Chris, an engaged couple in Knightdale. As part of her upcoming wedding, Rachelle was celebrating her bachelorette party when tragedy struck last summer. A close friend who was attending the party playfully pushed Rachelle into a shallow pool. Rachelle entered the pool and hit her head, suffering a C6 spinal cord injury. She can no longer move or feel anything below her collarbone.

This newly renovated home will be revealed to Chris and Rachelle LIVE on the February 22nd episode of the Today Show during the 8 am hour. George to the Rescue, a half hour show, will air on April 2nd.