News – TrendMark

Annandale – Blaze to Breathtaking

March 15, 2010 – 5:35 pm

To create curb appeal, update the interior of the home, and increase the square footage, TrendMark, Inc. took on the task of transforming this 1978 transitional home into a home with French Country charm. The exterior of the home was completely redesigned with dry stack stone featuring quoins and keystones, Hardiplank siding, working shutters, and a flagstone front entry porch and sidewalk. The existing two-car garage was converted into a first floor master suite, which includes amenities such as a spacious dressing area and a large custom-tiled shower with dual showerheads and a polished glass door. Above the three-car garage added to the rear of the home is an 800 square foot home office with a full bath. A new sunroom now adjoins the kitchen area.

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Featured Remodeling Project, Home Remodeling | Comments (0)

Featured Project: Screen Porch – A Room With A View!

March 4, 2010 – 11:21 am

When homeowners purchased a drab 1970s residence with a vision of turning it into their dream home, they turned to TrendMark for the transformation! They wanted an area above grade that would have unobstructed views of the panorama around them. This resulted in a beautiful, spacious sunroom and terrace that replaced an existing carport with the platform for a stunning view – with a new three-car garage underneath!

Travertine tiles cover the terrace and the floors of the sunroom, providing both warmth and ambiance; year-round furniture invites family and guests to enjoy the setting either inside or outside.

The screened sunroom has wide openings that offer tempting views of the lake and golf course. The vaulted ceiling is pierced by skylights, and a ceiling fan stirs the air when lake breezes don’t. The wide expanses of the large window-like openings are covered by custom screening tinted to diminish the sun’s glare. They are also reinforced with fiberglass to withstand wind damage.

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Featured Remodeling Project | Comments (0)

HGTV Features TrendMark Remodel

February 19, 2010 – 8:44 pm

A TrendMark kitchen renovation for a Cary couple was recently featured on HGTV’s Bang For Your Buck, a reality-based program comparing recent home renovations within a designated market. Each episode features one room from three different households in the same city at the same remodel price point. An HGTV Design Expert and a local Real Estate Expert evaluate them to determine each homeowner’s return on investment.

TrendMark was delighted to be contacted by the show’s producer in October, saying that they would like to include one of their kitchen remodel projects on the show. Catherine Baker chose the home of Cammy and Fito Agraz, and a flurry of paperwork and photos were put together to set up the photo shoot.

“We were very excited to be selected,” stated Cammy Agraz. “The application process was long but the people from High Noon Entertainment (who produce the show for HGTV) were really nice to deal with and very friendly.”

The shoot was scheduled for two days in December. At 6:55 am the doorbell rang and there stood Vern Yip, renowned interior designer, host of HGTV’s inspirational makeover series Deserving Design, a judge on HGTV Design Star, and frequent guest designer on HGTV Showdown, Bang For Your Buck and First Time Designer. Accompanied by local realtor Renee Hillman of Concept Realty & Associates, Yip toured the Agraz kitchen, commenting on the quality and choices of the elements in the kitchen remodel as well as the overall appeal of the renovation.

“They were very complimentary,” stated Agraz. “We got a kick out of being photographed, and it was a lot of fun. Overall, it was a great experience, and we loved every minute of it.”

What advice would she give to homeowners who are faced with remodel projects like this? “Plan, plan, plan,” stated Agraz. “I have worked on this project for years, collecting pictures from magazines, going to home shows, getting ideas from show homes. TrendMark did a great job of taking all my ideas and creating this dream kitchen.”

The Raleigh episode of Bang For Your Buck debuted on Friday, February 19 – but it will be on again soon; see HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck Website for listings!

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Design Ideas, TrendMark on HGTV | Tagged Bang for your Buck, cost, Kitchen Remodel, nc, Raleigh, trendmark, TrendMark on HGTV | Comments (0)

TrendMark Recognized with Remodeling Awards

February 19, 2010 – 8:37 pm

As the proud recipient of eight STAR awards, TrendMark becomes one of the Triangle’s top award winners in residential remodeling for 2009. The Showcasing Triangle Achievements in Remodeling (STAR) Awards are given each year by the Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County to honor remodeling professionals. The STAR Awards recognize exceptional skill and professionalism in the remodeling industry and are based on overall customer satisfaction, workmanship, quality of materials, design, and special touches. TrendMark’s award winning remodeling projects include Best Kitchen, Best Insurance Restoration, Best Deck/Gazebo/Porch (2 categories), and Best Whole House Renovation (2 categories). The winning projects are featured in this video.

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Awards, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodel, Outdoor Living | Tagged Awards, cary, Home Builders Association, Raleigh, Remodelers Council, remodeling ideas, Remodeling Planning, STAR Awards, Videos | Comments (0)

Remodeling on a Tight Budget

February 1, 2010 – 8:40 pm

Have you been itching to redo that hallway bathroom, your kitchen nook, or any other part of your house, but the thought of how much money it might cost — as well as the time it will take — to get it done just makes you file the thought away for “some other time”?

Don’t be afraid! First of all, remember that many remodeling projects (especially bathrooms) add value and appeal to your home. Also, if you break the process down into chewable pieces, it’s not as intimidating as you might think!

Step 1: Start by making a list of what you want to change.

Step 2: Establish a realistic budget. Once you’ve worked that out, decide on your priorities from the list. If you want high-end materials or expensive fixtures, budget them first and add less expensive items to stay within your own guidelines.

Step 3: Remember that the little things really do count! Regardless of your remodeling budget, you can significantly update your bath with fairly simple changes, such as new accessories, artwork, floor coverings, and window treatments. Use baskets or decorative containers to contain the clutter on the countertops. Plants or flower arrangements will add to the décor as well!

Remember that it is important to coordinate the elements within the room as well as with adjoining areas so that the overall look flows. Good choices and visualization are as important as the cost of the project!

Step 3: Be a smart shopper. Do comparison shopping for the elements you want to change. Hardware, faucets, sinks, tile, mirrors, medicine cabinets, fixtures, and wall treatments come at all price levels. Closeout sales, discontinued items, paint “mistakes,” opened boxes, and off-season sales often provide big cost-saving opportunities for you.

In the end, the greatest reward is the pride you have in the results — as well as an increased comfort level you have gained for future, more expansive remodeling. So, go ahead — grab a pencil and just get started!

For more suggestions and ideas on inexpensive bathroom remodeling, go to the Website www.ehow.com, where you can find many specific aspects of the remodel you can do yourself!

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Budgeting, Design Ideas, Home Remodeling | Tagged Bathroom Remodeling, budget, cary, cost, nc, Raleigh, remodel, Remodeling on a Tight Budget, savings, trendmark | Comments (0)

Remodeling With Your Pet In Mind

January 19, 2010 – 8:44 pm

Give Fido his own space. Consider creating a little nook or separate room somewhere — probably near a back entrance — as his indoor pet home. Easy access to the backyard is a plus! A sunny nook in front of a window is an ideal spot to build a bench with a pet-friendly cushion on top. From this perch, he can look out the window and monitor what’s going on outside (and keep you apprised of neighborhood happenings).

Add a heated mat in the winter and you’ll have him drooling with joy! If a cushioned bench isn’t good enough for your baby, there are platform beds for pets disguised as furniture that can easily be incorporated into your decorating layout. Fido can also keep all his toys and his leashes in the same bench, so he’ll know right where to go (as will you) when he’s ready for that walk. Add a cabinet or specially modified closet for bulk pet supplies to keep the room clutter-free!

Fido can enjoy his bubble bath in style in a dog bath, which can be built in your laundry room. If that doesn’t work for you, consider changing out the faucets on your Jacuzzi/soaker tub to include a spray.

There are some customizations for Fluffy, too! If a cat is part of your household, think about adding a climbing tree or ramp that leads to a high platform for her observation. There are also cleverly disguised litter boxes in the shapes of potted plants and bathroom cabinets that replace the unsightly open litter containers.

Include some adaptations to minimize your stress — as well as your pet. When you have pets, stain-resistant fabrics on the furniture and stain-resistant, non-toxic carpeting are a must and definitely worth any extra expense. Also, consider the color of the animal’s fur when selecting fabrics and carpeting.

Many pet owners will go to extremes to pamper their furry friends. Some relatively minor customizations to your home will add to your pet’s (or pets’) comfort while also affording you less stress from potential pet damage or clutter.

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Design Ideas, Home Remodeling | Tagged cary, Cat, Dog, nc, Pets, Raleigh, Remodeling, Remodeling for your pet, trendmark | Comments (1)

Lifestyle, Leisure, and Loving It!

January 15, 2010 – 10:56 am

There came a point when homeowners Raymond and Paulette Zawadzki decided it was time their kitchen and breakfast areas of their Cary home truly reflected on their current lifestyle.

TrendMark Customer Enjoys New Kitchen Remodel

“The layout just wasn’t functioning for us,” said Paulette, “and we wanted new cabinetry and lighting along with stainless appliances and granite countertops.” After a lot of discussion and some planning, they called on TrendMark.

Combining TrendMark’s insight and suggestions with the couple’s wish list, the kitchen became a stunning, light-filled room with all the features the homeowners wanted. Their remodel was finished just in time for entertaining during a very special holiday season, which included a visit from their new granddaughter Ellie.

“It gave the kitchen a WOW!” said Paulette. “The kitchen is a wonderful update to our home — and it now feels like it belongs.”

In summary, the wallpapered look is gone, the floors have been refinished, and the kitchen layout has been modified to include new maple Irish Crème cabinets, blending beautifully with the granite countertops, stainless appliances, a travertine backsplash, and bronze hardware. The travertine picture frame above the induction cooktop indicates a cozy Tuscan grape motif, and the custom hood above completes the classic look.

Undercabinet light and recessed ceiling lights add to the abundant light from the skylights and many windows in the breakfast area — what a homey spot! A two-tiered chandelier in the breakfast area creates a comfortably yet classy atmosphere.

Christmas Cheer in New Kitchen

Just beyond the cooking area, a wine bar includes a wine cooler, wine rack, travertine backsplash, undercabinet lighting, and lighted glass-fronted cabinets above. This serving area is sure to add to the ease of entertaining.

The Zawadskis were more than enthusiastic about the outcome of these efforts, creating a great combination of function, lighting, layout, and spacing.

Their new kitchen now has a timeless, classic look—which will weather well. The Zawadskis advice to other homeowners contemplating a major remodeling project like this: Find the best contractor. Don’t skimp. Do it right.

And most remodelers would agree. Kitchen improve- ments can be one of the most valuable investments for your home, whether you are planning on staying for the long term or getting ready to sell. A good remodel job involves a lot of planning and expertise. Be sure to include the input of a professional remodeler. Great design is a thoughtful combination of materials, lighting, colors, scale and countless details. Get the most bang for your buck — and the most pleasure from the result.

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Home Remodeling | Comments (0)

Johnson Remodeling Project: The Plan

January 14, 2010 – 5:40 pm

The Johnsons have always loved the location of their house on the outskirts of Cary, NC, but they could never say the same about the actual house. They have have dreamed of remodeling it to suit their lifestyle since the day they bought it over 20 years ago. After working with TrendMark to carefully go over every detail of their wish list, the plan is now in place and we are ready begin the construction phase.

This remodel will include the entire first floor, including the living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, hall bathroom and laundry room. We will also add a large screen porch to the rear of the home. Below are the before pictures with details of the project plans. The homeowner’s main objective of the project is to transform the downstairs into an open area that will create the perfect environment for entertaining family and friends. We will keep you posted as the project progresses.

Before Kitchen Remodel

Before Wall Removel

: Rear Before

Laundry Room Before

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged cary, nc, Remodeling kitchen bath whole house remodel screen porch planning, trendmark | Comments (0)

Organizing Your Remodeling Ideas

December 8, 2009 – 9:30 pm

Your home is an extremely important part of your life. It’s a peaceful haven in your stress-filled life, a place where you spend time with family and friends, a place where you surround yourself with things you love.

No matter what stage of life you are in, it is never too soon to start creating your dream home–pulling together ideas, collecting samples, zeroing in on modifications that will mean the most to you. Whether you will need small changes or a complete redo, these steps will help you envision your dream home.

Create a Wish List
This is your chance to DREAM. This is not a time to think about money, so for now, put that aside. Look around and analyze what you like and what you would like to change. List the changes you would like to make in your home, no matter how large or small. Think about your daily routine and how your house could function better for your lifestyle. Ask yourself questions such as:

Are green products a must for you?
How do you want the space to feel—open, cozy, or formal?
What activities will take place in the space?
What kind of lighting do you like—natural, soft, or bright?
What colors do you like– vibrant, pastel or calming?

Decide on your Priorities
Determine the importance of the items on your list. If your primary reason for remodeling is storage, you know this is a must have. If you are updating, the changes may be as small as repainting or as large as removing walls. When you start to create a budget this will help you determine where to start and how to schedule your projects.

Collect Photos
Gather magazine, catalog or website photos, paint chips, and fabrics and sort them by room in your Dream Book. Styles such as traditional, contemporary, country, or transitional may stand out. Make notes on the photos of features you like (i.e., light fixtures, paint colors, or cabinetry). Envision how the room would function. Does the floor plan work? How would you arrange the furniture? Is there enough storage?

Formulate a Budget
This can be the most difficult part of your planning. Several factors should be included in the process such as cost vs. value, available funding, and priorities. Working with a remodeling professional will help you realize the actual cost of project completion.

By carefully thinking through and organizing your remodeling ideas, you are sure to create your dream home. Remember, it is never too early to start planning!

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Budgeting, Design Ideas, Home Remodeling | Tagged budget, cary, dream book, dream home, getting startedm, nc, Raleigh, remodel, remodeling ideas, Remodeling Planning, trendmark, wish list | Comments (0)

Featured Project: From Plain to Pizazz!

November 26, 2009 – 10:54 pm

The traditional southern styling of this Raleigh home and its location inside the Beltline instantly attracted the homeowner. Oozing with charm, the 20-year old home had the space and floor layout the family needed, but updates were in order for some of the rooms!

After Bathroom Remodel

After putting together a plan with the new homeowner, TrendMark first started on the master bath.

Keeping in consideration of the traditional styling of the home while also working with the room’s existing layout, we installed new cabinetry, tile, hardware, and wall treatments, which were chosen to transform the bath from outdated to outstanding!

The vanity features painted and glazed cabinetry, with raised panel styling and furniture feet, and sleek black Angola granite with a large beveled edge tops the vanity. Framed beveled mirrors — bracketed by candle sconces — have been centered on the wall above the sinks. The tall linen cabinet on the opposite wall features the same traditional styling and provides much needed storage.

The existing corner tub was enhanced with a new Roman faucet (matching the vanity faucets), and we topped 13”x 13” white Blanco Scala tile with marble molding. The same white tile and decorative molding are found in the large shower, with its frameless glass enclosure and Hansgrohe chrome rain showerhead.

The heated tile floor is covered with 12” x 12” Arabescato Block Dot Basket Weave polished marble, and marble tile cradles cover the air conditioning vents. The walls, hand-painted with subdued yellow stripes, complete the bathroom’s cozy look.

The home’s style is complemented by this new master bath, which now adds a large element of pizzazz to the master suite. Its elegance is evident in the exquisite details, from the crown molding to the marble tile vents; from the mirrored sconces to the frameless shower enclosure. Increased enjoyment of the homeowner isn’t the only outcome of this project — the high-quality renovation has also increased the home’s value. We are as excited and proud of the results as the homeowner!

By trendmarkinc | Posted in Featured Remodeling Project | Tagged Bathroom Remodeling, before and after, cary, marble, nc, Raleigh, remodeling ideas, trendmark | Comments (0)