Transformational Stunner, Part Two
Picking up the story where we left off, we have a client who bought a house that needed a complete exterior transformation as well as an extensive interior remodel. If you missed those photos of the exterior renovation, we encourage you to take a look. (See https://www.ckjbuilders.com/2026/03/31/transformational-stunner/.) It really is incredible to see the changes between the BEFORE and the AFTER!
Because we are a design-build firm, we take your ideas, your questions, and your musings and put them all on paper. Our drawings are never complete until you say so. Once we both agree on what stays, what goes, and what will be new, the demo can begin.
In this whole-house transformation, we started with the entrance/foyer. The original parquet-floor foyer was closed off from the rest of the first floor, much like most homes built in that era. This tri-level type of floor plan was very “in” in the ’70s. As you walked into the original foyer, there was a set of stairs going up to the bedroom level and another set going down to the walk-out basement. When redesigning the layout, it made more sense to switch the directions of the stairs. You might say, “Wow, that seems extreme,” but if that’s what it takes to make the dream come true, then we’re all in! We never say anything is impossible.
Our client wanted an open floor plan, which included opening the foyer to the rest of the home. By removing the original foyer closet walls, we were able to open the sight lines all the way into the living room, kitchen, and informal dining area. We opened it all!
New hardwood floors were laid throughout to maintain continuity of those sight lines. Our millwork experts built coffered ceilings in the living room, custom bookcases around the fireplace, and crown molding throughout the entire home. Our cabinet designers created kitchen cabinetry and a custom stove hood that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, in line with the space’s flow. They also designed custom “cabinet” doors that cleverly hide the huge butler’s pantry. Be sure to look for that feature in the photos below — it may be one of our finest touches!
Now, let’s talk about what you don’t see or notice right away in the BEFORE and AFTERs. The HVAC system was completely upgraded and newly installed. Every floor in the home is new. The newly constructed garage includes an upstairs storage room. Most of the plumbing is new. The electrical system was fully updated, and all lighting and fans are new. All the window coverings are new.
We can’t forget the bathrooms! The primary bath was blah and uninspired, and the guest bathrooms were nothing more than utilitarian. Along with kitchens and laundry rooms, bathrooms can be some of the higher-ticket items, but they’re also spaces that mean the most to our clients. These are rooms where they start and end their day. These are the spaces that receive special attention when sketching out your dreams before our first meeting. We love it. We encourage it. Bring it!
From structural changes to finishing details, this home was thoughtfully reimagined at every level. Be sure to explore all of the photos below to see the craftsmanship and design choices that make this project so special. When you’re ready to start planning your own transformation, our team is here to guide you from concept to completion — just reach out to begin the conversation.
Enjoy the photos of this extraordinary transformation!
According to Southern Living, “a butler’s pantry done right can boost the resale value of your home, because it’s seen as a luxury feature”
Transformational Stunner! Part One
Last Summer, we met a client who was interested in moving closer to family from a home 3 hours away. This client searched and then landed on a fixer-upper house in the same small town in North Carolina where she has family. And the bonus was that this house was on a sweet little lake with waterfront views. Not only was the house outdated and in desperate need of a complete makeover, but it also had some asbestos issues that required specialized mitigation.
Once the restoration company removed the asbestos danger, the client approached us to handle the extensive renovation to put a shine on this solidly built 1970s brick tri-level. This was our largest transformational renovation to date! Our task was to expand the home’s original footprint, use elevated millwork throughout, modernize the kitchen (and add some super cool features), and bring the mechanicals up to date. This entire renovation process took 5 months. Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say… and this project felt very much like that same awe-inspiring Roman feat! We are going to split this blog post into two parts to give each area its due. In this post, we will feature the before-and-after exterior upgrades.
Yes! Shocking, we know! This is the same house. Let’s dive into the changes to the home’s facade. We painted the brick a creamy off-white, used vinyl board-and-batten siding in appropriate places, removed the original front porch, and added two gables to add some dimension to the roofline. We repurposed the interior of the garage by removing the doors and adding windows, and we built an entirely NEW two-bay garage with extensive storage above. And the house got a new roof, new gutters, new shutters, a new drive, and a new concrete sidewalk to the front door. Plus all new windows! Whew, what a transformation! And now onto the backside of the home and all we accomplished on the exterior.
Again, Crazy Town, this is the same house! We demoed the original two open decks. We painted and sided the back side the same as the front. We installed all new windows and doors. We built an open grill deck next to the new kitchen double doors and constructed a brand-new gabled screened porch off the master bedroom. This home has a walk-out lower level. That area got top-of-the-line quadruple doors leading out to the concrete patio.
Please check back in next month’s blog when we cover the interior renovation. It promises even more surprises!
Addition and Subtraction!
Oftentimes, when clients approach us wanting to add more space to their current home, we follow a specific staged process to ensure the project is as smooth for us as it is for them.
The first stage is the WHY: Why do they want to add the space? Is it to move a family member in, or is it to expand on a home that they truly love and don’t want to leave? The why is as varied as the clients who come to us. Next, we ask the WHERE: Where can we successfully add the square footage to maximize the best outcome? Does the ‘where’ entail SUBTRACTING space in order to ADD space? We then consider the HOW: How can we fit the addition on the lot? Will it involve digging a basement or adding a new roofline, or both? Finally, the last phase of the project planning for us includes the WHO: Who will we partner with to bring this project to a satisfactory conclusion? We have long-standing relationships with top-notch professionals who are experts in their respective fields.
Not to be ignored, this brings us to the fundamental question clients ask first and foremost: The WHEN: Every client wants to know when the project will be started and finished, when there are delays, and when they can finally enjoy the newly claimed space. With over 35 years of construction experience, we understand the importance of the ‘when‘ question.
The WHY for these clients of a 975 square foot addition we carefully crafted on to the back of their bungalow was a very special one that we’d like to share here:
“Thank you both for helping Richard and I make a home for our daughter. When her brother died, I wasn’t sure I would survive. Amanda handled the funeral; she dealt with all the details. She stood strong for me and Richard when we could not. I am grateful we were able to help with this dream home. She deserves this sweet home and more. She loves the addition and loved the process. Melissa, she appreciated your guidance and friendship along the way. Thank you both. I hope you are proud of this addition. We love it!—Julie
“We are absolutely thrilled with the addition and are totally blown away by how it turned out. Your crew was amazing. I already miss having them around! I’m so glad we found you guys, and that you took on our project!”— Amanda
The addition houses an entryway with a large “drop zone” with a shoe bench and coat hooks. This entrance brings you to the “bridge” rooms to the original home. You can see from the photos below the original back deck door and the original bathroom window. Both of which are now an interior window and door. There is an exit door in this entry hallway that leads to the deck that was moved from the back of the original house to the side. A large master bedroom with a walk-in closet was the cornerstone of the space expansion plan. But the master bathroom was the jewel in the crown! It’s just spectacular!
As experienced general contractors with a multitude of years in our toolbox, we know how the ask the right questions (Why, How, Who, When) to get our clients the right answers!
Yes, Yes, and Absolutely!
When it comes to transforming an outdated bathroom, hiring a licensed contractor with design expertise and years of hands-on experience makes all the difference. It’s not just about updating tile or swapping fixtures—it’s about reimagining the space, maximizing every square inch, and bringing it all together with craftsmanship that stands the test of time. The result? A bathroom that feels current, functions beautifully, and fits your lifestyle perfectly.
These clients had a DREAM LIST of items to take their wayyyy outdated primary bathroom from drab to fab. Our job was simple: “yes, yes, and absolutely!” In fact, we love a challenge, and this was the perfect project. (Follow along with the before-and-after photos.) Once the design phase was complete, we stripped the bathroom down to the studs. The key to the project was to create a “wet room” that would house the massive two-headed shower and the FANCIEST bathtub we’ve ever installed. This tub features hydrotherapy heads and an LED light show…truly a custom installation. On the other side of the room are cabinets long enough to land a plane on…with two cabinet towers and drawers too numerous to count. Topped off with a backlit LED mirror that changes to a rainbow of colors. And the best feature yet…the entire room is on heated floors that are controlled with a thermostat and timer. What a luxury!!
Turning an antiquated bathroom into a showstopper takes more than new tile—it takes vision, skill, and experience. That’s why choosing a licensed contractor who’s also a savvy designer and space-planning pro is a game-changer. Trends evolve. Standards rise. We bring your space up to both!
Relax, It’s Summer! ☀️
How often, when dealing with an all-wood outdoor deck, are you going to scrub, fix old boards, stain, and repeat year after year after year until you finally say, “STOP! I’d like to have all those hours of my life back!” Last summer, these clients said the same thing. They were tired of the rinse-and-repeat deck maintenance and were ready for our worry-free solution. They were also concerned with how “exposed” they felt to the neighbors each time they sat outside. We had the answers to all their concerns with our deck makeover design. Here are the BEFORE photos:
Our plan was simple: remove and replace the old decking with maintenance-free composite flooring; use vinyl railings, which are also maintenance-free and long-lasting; and create privacy where there was none. After a closer inspection of the old deck, we discovered that the original structure was not built to code, so the project shifted to a complete tear-down. Our homeowners decided at that point they wanted the future flexibility to change the open deck to a closed screen porch in a possible subsequent renovation, so the floor structure was designed to support walls and a roof. See the design plan below:
These clever “screens” allow air to blow through, but block all view from the neighbors, giving our homeowners the open air they enjoyed but with unparalleled privacy. When you design your space and choose a contractor with the experience to carry out your vision, life is just about perfect! Call us when you want your before and after to look like this:
Goin’ to the Dogs! 🐶
It’s no secret—people adore their pets. In fact, Americans spend billions a year on their animals, with grooming and pampering playing a significant role in that. As pets become more central to the family, we’re seeing a rise in thoughtful design that caters to their needs, too. One popular addition? A dedicated dog washroom that makes clean-up easier, safer, and a whole lot more stylish.
We designed this dog washroom for a Davie County client with farm and show dogs. This all-tiled space provides a splash-proof zone when washing pets who like to shake! The custom stainless steel tub with a safety ramp, an entry door, dual leash connections, and a long-handled sprayer make washing pups a breeze. Take a look at all the details in the photos! We can help you whether you want a space designed for your three-legged friends or your two-legged friends.
Whether it’s a dog washroom, a dream kitchen, a spa-worthy bathroom, or a cozy basement retreat, we’re here to bring your vision to life. As custom residential contractors, we love turning creative ideas into real, functional spaces that work for every member of your household—two-legged or four! Ready to start your next project? Let’s talk.
A Screened Refresh!
Many things in a home age. Some of the more thought-of areas are kitchens and bathrooms, but what happens when your valued outdoor space becomes old and worn out? We find ourselves wanting to expand and update outdoor areas just as much as our indoor ones. Seeking new and maintenance-free materials is also at the top of the list when considering outdated outdoor “rooms.” Recently, we had clients interested in these very things. Let’s take a look at their Screened Porch Refresh!
We demolished the existing roof, railings, and wood decking. Our clients choose to use all maintenance-free materials, so we used a composite deck floor and vinyl railings. This will provide them with years of simple annual spray-offs with a hose. We expanded the covered screened “living” room, giving them ample bug-free entertaining space. The bonus was that the open grill deck was still a large landing before walking into the screen porch.
When considering all the aging parts of your home, take a hard look outside and consider how an update would surely increase your personal satisfaction with it and substantially increase its value. We have years of experience helping homeowners refresh ALL the important spaces in which they live. Call us today!
The Bare Necessities!
Public bathrooms are the bare necessities when shopping, traveling, running errands, or eating at our favorite restaurants. We all want access to public restrooms that are, at the very least, clean. Modern in style is even better! Recently, we had the opportunity to update the public restrooms in a popular buffet-style restaurant in Winston-Salem. The existing restrooms were old and outdated. They weren’t representative of the clientele that frequented this eating establishment. Plus, they were not compliant with today’s commercial construction codes or the ADA (American Disabilities Act) requirements.
The restaurant owners wanted a total redo of the men’s and women’s bathrooms. This was a scheduling challenge in that, by law, you must provide a restroom facility in a place that serves food. So, the owners brought in the FANCY, stand-alone “portable potties,” and had those set up in the parking lot near the entrance. Since this was not the ideal way to offer public restrooms for the customer, the owners were anxious to make this a very temporary arrangement. So, we were given four working days to finish the project for both spaces, from demo to completion! That was a big ask and something we’ve never tackled before. It took a lot of coordination between supply ordering and layering the schedules of all the teams, including the demo team, our expert tile layer, our experienced electrician, and our favorite plumber. It also took several all-nighters!
Below are the final pictures of the projects. For simplicity and aesthetics, both spaces look very similar. We stuck to tile and stainless steel, which are very sanitary and easy to keep clean. We updated all the code compliance. A trough-style sink with simple automatic faucets gives this bathroom an effortless look. Since we are licensed commercial contractors, projects like these are always a welcome challenge! Call if you know of a business in a similar situation—we’ve got the process down to a science.
Bargain Basement Investment!
Few home improvement projects offer the versatility and return on investment of finishing a basement. This often overlooked space holds immense potential, transforming from a dark, unused area into a vibrant, functional part of your home. Here are compelling reasons why finishing your basement is a wise investment. We’ve finished many basements for all of the following reasons.
Increased Property Value
Increasing property value is one of the most significant benefits of finishing a basement. Real estate experts agree that a finished basement can significantly boost a home’s market appeal. Potential buyers often see a finished basement as a bonus, adding valuable square footage to the property. This added space can be used for various purposes, such as a guest suite, home office, or entertainment area, making your home more attractive in a competitive market.
Enhanced Living Space
A finished basement can provide much-needed extra living space without the high costs of building an addition. Whether your family grows or needs more room to spread out, converting your basement can offer an affordable solution. From cozy family rooms to spacious game rooms, the possibilities are endless. This expanded living area can improve your family’s quality of life by providing additional space for relaxation and recreation.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
Finishing your basement can also increase energy efficiency. Proper insulation and finishing can help regulate the temperature, making your home more comfortable and reducing energy costs. A finished basement often stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, lessening the strain on your heating and cooling systems. Over time, these energy savings can offset the initial costs of the renovation.
Potential Rental Income
A finished basement can be an excellent opportunity for homeowners looking to generate additional income. With a well-designed layout, a basement can be converted into a rental apartment, providing a steady income stream. This setup is particularly appealing in areas with high rental demand. Before embarking on this project, it is essential to check local zoning laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
Improved Functionality and Organization
Unfinished basements often become catch-all storage areas cluttered with items that have no other place in the home. By finishing the space, you can create organized storage solutions and designated areas for different activities. Built-in shelving, closets, and other storage options can help keep your home tidy and make better use of the available space.
Health and Safety Benefits
An unfinished basement can be a source of various health and safety concerns, including mold, mildew, and radon gas. By finishing your basement, you can address these issues through proper sealing, insulation, and ventilation. This makes the space more comfortable and ensures a healthier environment for your family. Investing in these improvements can prevent potential health problems and costly repairs.
Personal Enjoyment and Satisfaction
Finally, a finished basement can bring a sense of personal satisfaction and enjoyment. Whether you dream of a home theater, a personal gym, or a dedicated hobby room, the basement offers a blank canvas to create a space tailored to your interests and lifestyle. This customization can enhance your daily living experience and provide a retreat within your own home.
Conclusion
Finishing a basement is a wise investment that offers numerous benefits, from increased property value and additional living space to energy savings and potential rental income. By transforming this underutilized area, you can enhance your home’s functionality, safety, and overall appeal. Whether for practical purposes or personal enjoyment, a finished basement is worth considering for any homeowner looking to maximize their home’s potential. If you want to finish your basement for whatever reason, call us! We have years of basements in our portfolio.
Water Logged!
A cornerstone of our business is being a reliable port in a storm for clients. As a homeowner, you never know when a crisis will occur. And when it does, we are just a phone call away from starting the rebuilding process. Having critical rooms in your home turned upside down is never fun.
These clients had an unfortunate water leak in this bathroom, so after they mopped up the mess, they decided to make lemonade out of lemons and called us. We gutted the space and kept the same layout but used all modern materials that put a shine on this 20-year-old bathroom. Two children usually share this room, so the double under-mount sinks and double medicine cabinets will aid in the time-share part of this space. The tile and quartz surfaces will be easy to clean, making the family matriarch happy…and everyone knows that if momma’s not happy, nobody is happy!
If you find yourself in a similar water “crisis,” give us a call and let us help you take “Oh, no!” to “Oh, Yes”!
