So you say you need more space. Your family has grown, the kids take up more space the bigger they grow, and the two new family dogs are a whole other story. However, you love your neighborhood, your location within your city, and your kids’ schools. Help!

We relish these opportunities to design a way to add to your current home to keep you loving all those amenities without pushing the kids to a tent in the backyard (wink)! These clients were just like you. They simply outgrew their home and wanted some breathing space for themselves, so we designed a two-story addition to house a primary suite and laundry room on the second floor with an enormous 24 x 16 screened porch on the lower level.

From the outside, you would never know that the new space was not original to the home. Inside there is a seamless connection in the upper hallway from the old to the new. These clients now have their own nearly 400 square foot “wing” complete with large closets, custom built-in drawers, and a luxurious private bath. We included a laundry room for easy access to all the upper bedrooms.

The lower screened-in porch walks out from the family room and connects out the back to an open grill deck off the kitchen. We used our standard high-end finishes with the porch, such as maintenance-free siding, composite flooring, and ScreenEase screening.

Don’t fret when considering your current home and all you LOVE and HATE about it. Call us, and let us show you how you can LOVE and LOVE it more!

If you’re planning a home renovation or construction project, finding a reliable and trustworthy general contractor is vital to ensure the job is completed to your satisfaction. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? Let’s discuss the essential things to consider when hiring a general contractor for your project.

1. Experience and Expertise: When searching for a general contractor, choosing one with experience and expertise in your specific project is imperative. CKJ Building & Design has been providing high-quality construction and renovation services for over 25 years, with a team of experienced professionals skilled in all aspects of the industry. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or new home construction, we have the experience and knowledge to handle the job.
2. Reputation and Reviews: In the age of online reviews, it’s easy to check a general contractor’s reputation before hiring them. We have a stellar reputation in the industry, with numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers. It’s important to read reviews and check references to ensure you choose a contractor with a proven track record of delivering quality work on time and within budget.
3. Licenses and Insurance: Before hiring a general contractor, ensure they have the proper licenses and insurance to operate in your area. We are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a reputable and legitimate contractor.
4. Communication and Transparency: Communication is one of the most important aspects of any construction project. CKJ Building & Design strongly emphasizes communication and transparency, ensuring that you’re kept informed every step of the way. We work closely with you from initial design concepts to final construction to ensure your vision is realized.
5. Budget and Timeline: Finally, discussing your budget and timeline with your general contractor before beginning any work is crucial. We understand the importance of staying within budget and meeting deadlines and will work with you to create a realistic plan that meets your needs.

Hiring a general contractor is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By choosing CKJ Building & Design, you can rest assured that you’re working with a reputable, experienced contractor who will deliver a project that meets and exceeds all your dreams! “Your Inspiration is our Specialty.”

At CKJ Building and Design, we call Davie County, North Carolina home. We have lived here and done business in this county for over 20 years. Here’s a bit of insight into why we love it here! Davie County, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, offers a small-town feel with easy access to larger metropolitan areas. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to retire, a safe place to raise a family, or a great location to start a business, Davie County has much to offer.

1. Affordable Cost of Living

Davie County has a lower cost of living than many other areas in North Carolina. Housing is especially affordable, with a median home price that is lower than the state average. Additionally, the overall cost of living in Davie County is lower than the national average.

2. Strong Economy

Davie County has a diverse and robust economy, with a mix of small businesses and large industries. The county’s top employers include Wake Forest Baptist Health, Ashley Furniture, and Avgol.

3. Excellent Education System

Davie County has an outstanding public education system, with highly-rated schools at all levels. The county’s graduation rate is higher than the state average, and many students go on to attend top universities in North Carolina and beyond. Davie County is also home to Davie-Davidson County Community College, which offers a wide range of degree programs and continuing education courses.

4. Access to Outdoor Recreation

Davie County is home to several parks, lakes, and nature preserves, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. The county has a network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and the Yadkin River provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Additionally, Davie County is within easy driving distance of the Blue Ridge Mountains and North Carolina’s beautiful beaches.

5. Rich History and Culture

Davie County has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its The Brock Arts Center, libraries, historic sites, and festivals. The county is home to the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail, which follows the route taken by Daniel Boone through the area. The town of Mocksville, the county seat, has a charming downtown area with historic buildings and unique shops.

With its small-town feel and proximity to larger metropolitan areas, Davie County is a great place to call home.

We’ve long thought that if you own the land above the ground level of your home, why not use the ground below? So if possible, when we build a new custom home, we will encourage homeowners to put a basement in the design. Even if it’s just used for storage … who couldn’t use more storage? We just finished this basement for a client who felt the same way about the valuable square footage found below ground level. So let’s go down under and look at how finishing a basement not only adds space to your home but adds to the overall value in terms of finances, aesthetics, and versatility.

These clients had a basement that was chopped up by existing walls. Not only did they want an open and light-filled space, but they also wanted to divide the space to suit their needs better. So we removed the wall in the living area where the header exists today and also built a finished bedroom and an office. They chose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring throughout, which is long-lasting, durable, and easy to maintain. We dressed the necessary support columns with cabinet-like millwork. We added electric outlets to some of those columns, which allows for multiple uses in the room and aids in furniture placement in the wide-open space. We replaced double windows with the double doors that walk out to a patio area. The large bedroom has an enormous closet, and the sliding barn doors cleverly hide the electric panel. The client chose Feather Down by Benjamin Moore paint for the living area and bedroom. Do you have a space needing rework to serve your family better?

Sometimes we think of the inside of our homes first, i.e., new kitchens, updated bathrooms, or a finished basement. However, the outside of your house is the side that MOST people see! The mailman drives by every day, kids on the bus see it every morning, and your neighbors, on their way home from work, look at the facade of your abode, so why not make a statement with a facelift? These clients knew their home was blah, just like all the others on the street. They wanted to stand out, to be different by being BOLD and modern. Look at these pictures and consider how you can change the “important” side of your home!

We re-routed the walkway from the driveway up to the new porch. We added the porch where there was none using cedar ceilings, cedar posts, and cedar trim. The shutters are handmade with cedar drawing the look together. The clients carefully chose the upgraded craftsman front door, setting the entry’s tone. The LED recessed lights shine in the evening while providing much-needed security. And, of course, that COLOR … what a bold choice, and we love it!

Some people just like to be warm and cozy, and what better place to seek that haven than in your main bathroom? We recently completed a master bath where the clients wanted toasty feet and toasty towels! We use master craftsmen who know how to install heated tile floors correctly so that your tile gets just the perfect level of warmth with the flip of a switch. We also suggested that these clients look at heated towel stations. They are an easily wired appliance that looks professional and keeps bath towels at a comfy level of warmth. The bathroom was a complete tear-out since no changes had been made to the room since the house was built. The room was not large and was long and thin, proving that size does not matter when it comes to luxury. Take in the details in the photos below: custom cabinets, marble countertops, shiplap stand-alone tub surround, and sparkling frameless glass shower enclosure. And the LAST hidden WARMING detail not seen in the photos is a ceiling heater built into the LED light bath fan. Really, there’s no need not to warm in a room where the least clothes are worn!

We like to say, “Your Inspiration is our Specialty.” When we initially meet with clients on a new project, we always ask what their vision is for the space. First, we want to know how they will use the room and how it can best fit their needs. Then we move on to the yummy questions; what will soothe their soul when they walk into the space every day? How will this space energize them? And finally, what inspired the changes they want to make? The answers to these questions guide us while we are in the project’s design phase.

A hotel bathroom inspired these clients in New Orleans. They loved the tile in that Big Easy luxurious shower, so they brought us those ideas, and we designed a bathroom that would feel like a vacation every day! Using the existing floor plan, we removed the old tile, tub, and vanity and replaced them with all new … well, everything: tile, rain shower head, vanity with the double tower cabinet, quartz countertops, and LED lighting. We replaced an old jetted tub with a new soaker tub and painted the room with Sherwin Williams Silver Strand. What I N S P I R E S you?

“Aging in Place” … what does that mean? Well, technically, it means “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). But what does it mean to YOU and your relationship with your home? Can you age along with your house … can you be mobile in your home? Are your doors and showers wide enough to roll a walker or wheelchair? We have clients who love their current homes and want to stay in them forever, so they come to us to help them navigate their needs. We have extensive experience in ADA (American Disability Act) code and compliance. We know what it takes to modify existing spaces so that aging in place is not only functional and safe but also beautiful!

We are thrilled when we collaborate with clients who give thought to every single design element. These clients wanted to take their outdated bathroom and bring it into this decade and beyond. (See the before photos!) They considered aging-in-place elements and ADA requirements so that this is a one-and-done remodel. Take in ALL the details in the images, from the spa-like color on the walls, the custom-built cabinets, and the zero-entry shower design.

We’ve talked in the past about the fact that we are not only experienced Residential Contractors but that we have over 20+ years in Commercial Construction. Now, let’s be clear, we do not build banks, hotels, strip malls, etc.; we leave that to the “big” guys. But we are very adept in building for the small business owner, municipalities, boutiques, coffee shops, or professional offices. One of the largest categories in our commercial division is working with churches. Many church planning committees and pastors come to us when they need updates and upgrades to their public or worship spaces. We are proud to serve our ecumenical clients!

It was time to spoil the ladies at this CHURCH by updating the Ladies Room. What an update this was! We look at a Church as a second “home,” so why not add those touches that make it feel like home while adding those necessary ADA-compliant upgrades vital to public spaces. Choose a contractor that knows ADA laws inside and out!

Check out the BEFORE and AFTER floorplans and photos! Study the EXISTING Floor Plan and then the other AFTER plans. We gave these clients several options from which to choose. Our design/build model saves clients time and money. With a design/build model, there is no need to employ an outside service to envision the space, provide ideas, and produce drawings. We do it all!