Professional renovation projects, contractors recognized

GREATER TORONTO, March 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Gutting, adding, re-designing and working within confined spaces were all part and parcel of the renovation and custom home projects recognized by the Building Industry and Land Development Association during the 2011 Renovation and Custom Home Awards, given out on the opening day of the National Home Show.

"Of the 31 finalists for the Renovation and Custom Home Awards this year, it was tough to pick out winners, especially in our newest category for best condominium renovation. All of the projects, from the kitchen facelifts, to the well-planned additions, to the stunning custom homes, are design-magazine quality," said BILD Acting President Joe Vaccaro.

Homeowners looking for some renovation inspiration can see before and after photos of all of the entries including the winners by visiting Destination Renovation at the National Home Show, March 16-25, at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

"Renovations of all types, budgets and styles will be showcased and homeowners will have an opportunity to enjoy a renovation conversation with our professional RenoMark(TM) contractors," Vaccaro added.

In the Best Renovation Under $75,000 category, Super 7 Group has been given the award for a project that involved gutting the main floor of a home, improving the flow and function and completing the look with a contemporary scheme and rich natural finishes.

Attard Construction Corp. is the winner of the Best Renovation $75,000-$150,000 category with a project that entailed renovating a 165-year-old farmhouse kitchen from floor to ceiling with custom framing, marble countertops and a new sitting area resembling a cozy library nook.

Inspire Homes Inc. is the winner in the Best Renovation $150,000-$300,000 award for its creative floor plan and addition that took a one-bedroom bungalow and turned it into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with an expansion of living space as well.

In the Best Renovation $300,000-$500,000 category, Eurodale Developments takes the trophy for completely transforming a tired bungalow into a two-storey renovated craftsman-style home with a garage. Additionally, Eurodale Developments took home the Best Renovation more than $500,000 award for carefully planning expansions out the rear of a home and over a garage to expand the family's kitchen and dining space, add bedrooms and a much-needed mudroom.

A new category this year gave Carick Home Improvements the chance to shine. The winners of the inaugural award for best condominium renovation worked under challenging conditions to update a galley kitchen from top to bottom with a French Country scheme, even incorporating a concealed entertainment system.

In the very competitive category of Best Custom Home, an elegant 6,000-square-foot home featuring elements such as a central circular staircase and a great dome above the second-floor hallway, designed and built by Arx Custom Homes, was crowned the best of the best.

The prestigious Renovator of the Year award was bestowed upon Men At Work General Contractors Ltd. The company's professional and innovative approach to communication and education, led by owner Paul Gallop, has won them the trust of their clients and colleagues, as well as the most coveted of BILD renovation awards. (Please see separate news release about Renovator of the Year.)

Images of the projects mentioned are available upon request.

About BILD
With more than 1,350 members, BILD, formed through the merger of the Greater Toronto Home Builders' Association and Urban Development Institute/Ontario, is the voice of the land development, home building and professional renovation industry in the Greater GTA.  BILD is proudly affiliated with the Ontario and Canadian Home Builders' Associations.

For further information:

Amy Lazar
Manager of Communications
416-391-3452 or 416-543-3903
[e-mail]

Joe Vaccaro
Acting President
416-606-3454
[e-mail]