Condo renovations often require a creative approach, according to Dan DiComo, business development manager for London Bay Renovation.
“In the early 90’s, condos were designed with smaller rooms and lots of walls,” said DiComo. “They really didn’t take full advantage of the views. Today’s condo owners want more open spaces, lighter and fresher designs and connectivity to the outdoors to enjoy the natural surroundings,” said DiComo. “Renovation becomes a more favorable option that allows them to modernize and update with a team that puts design and quality first.”
DiComo said the London Bay Renovation team works quickly to complete condo renovations within a six-month, spring-to-summer window so the residence is available when homeowners return for season.
Clients who purchased their condo in the Carlysle in Bay Colony when it was first built used it for years as the perfect vacation retreat. Now, 25 years later, they were ready to make the 11th floor unit their primary residence – but a complete renovation was in order to modernize it for full-time living.
After stripping the entire unit down to stud walls to start with a blank canvas, the renovation called for all new ceilings, electrical, dry wall, plumbing, lighting and switching, along with new appliances, countertops and cabinetry.
DiComo explained they dropped the ceilings two inches to add modern LED lighting throughout the space. They removed the main wall that separated the kitchen and laundry from the living area, which blocked half the view from either place. The result is a completely fresh, open space with a great room feel among common areas, and a new kitchen island designed as an ideal spot for congregating.
One of the renovation objectives was adding storage space. The team accomplished this goal by modifying a portion of the master suite. The former “his” and “her” closets were combined into one updated space that actually offered more useable space, and the once “must have” spa tub was removed to make room for additional storage.
“The ‘Big Reveal’ is the best part,” he said. “We love our clients’ reaction when they return to see the completed vision.”
London Bay Renovations single family business continues to thrive for homeowners who want to update their homes both aesthetically and from a functional standpoint.
“Some clients want to add more rooms for visiting grandchildren, while others wish to update from the Mediterranean styles that were more popular years ago.”
While considering a single-family home in Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club, another client asked London Bay Renovation to weigh in on the four-bedroom, five-bath residence that caught their attention. As a team, they concluded the home needed a complete interior redesign, coupled with some exterior modifications.
“We took a 20-year-old home that was quite dated and focused on a renovation to open up common spaces to the views outside,” said DiComo.
The project called for gutting the entire interior, save a few spaces like the master suite, a guest bedroom and the laundry room, and adding 500 square feet for a new guest suite. A new rectilinear design reclaimed the old design’s unused space.
“We squared things off to clean up the design, so there are not angles all over,” he said. “We were able to create a much more useable space that’s also a better set-up for furniture.”
To update the home’s dated heavy Tuscan exterior, the team removed some precast elements and lightened up the overall palette. Adding dark trim and Bermuda shutters helped transform the exterior into a clean, contemporary design.
In both the condo and single-family home projects, London Bay Renovation sought to eschew trends and create classic designs to meet their clients’ needs and desires.
“Our goal is to create a timeless design that will look great in another 20 years, and beyond,” said DiComo. “London Bay is renowned for good design, whether it’s a new home or a renovation.”
Services range from partial interior renovations like kitchen and bath remodels to exterior enhancements like door and window replacements all the way to complete interior and exterior makeovers and room additions. The experience is complimented by London Bay Homes’ personalized design process through its Selection Studio. The 3,500-square-foot studio showcases the latest design trends – from flooring and cabinet selections to countertops and appliances, clients can enjoy a smooth renovation process all under one roof.
“The beautiful thing about London Bay is we offer all design and construction services under one roof, whether someone is building from the ground up or renovating. Our clients don’t have to deal with three or four consultants, contractors and specialty contractors,” said DiComo. “That helps us accomplish our goal of creating the best design that matches the lifestyle of the client.”