Nineteen projects were entered in the 2007 RCA Program:

     In our opinion, every one of these entries deserves an award because the homeowners are very pleased with the results and are happy with their contractors.  Here's a quick look at each of the entries this year.  Winning projects are marked with the RCA logo on the right.  Thanks to everyone who entered and we look forward to seeing your future projects.

    The Deans enjoy living in their home that was built in 1918, but the time had come to update the kitchen.  John Westfall Renovations was charged with making the space more modern without compromising the charm and heritage of the home.  In addition to a great result that fits the space, the remodeler honored the clients wish to reuse as much material as possible and work with recycled content materials.

Hinson Cabinet Company - Barnes Kitchen Remodel

    The Barnes' had a kitchen from the 1970's and wanted something more up-to-date.  Hinson Cabinet Company took the small space and made it bigger by utilizing the space with angles, making a pantry by removing a wall from an old closet and using three different heights for the countertops.  The result is a gorgeous kitchen that does not look like it came from the '70s.

     The Herons remodeled their entire house, and the kitchen presented some interesting challenges.  There was a load bearing wall that had to be removed to open the space, and on tear-out it was found that the flooring system was built incorrectly to begin with.  After a lot of reworking and some amazing finishing details, the new kitchen is open and inviting, with a safe floor system.

    Small kitchens present interesting challenges for remodelers, especially when a completely new floor plan in the same space is required.   Hinson Cabinet Company removed a load-bearing wall, hid the washer dryer almost in plain sight and turned the space around.  Finishing with the latest appliances available and a custom-made floor inlay to the customers specs took this project over the top.

Hinson Cabinet Company - Hook Kitchen Remodel

     The Hooks have raised their own kids and are now enjoying their later years by taking care of the grandkids during the day.  With another round of children coming through the house, it was time to update the kitchen.  A huge island with plenty of seating and workspace was added, cabinets for storage, a seating area for Dr. Hook in the middle of the action, and a computer nook for keeping the little ones busy and for homework.  Finished with custom lampshades from One Eared Cow Glass, this space is warm and cozy, like grandma's house should be.

     When you're looking to open a space and enlarge a kitchen, sometimes you have to look at the screen porch... and get rid of it.  The Atkins' and Remodeling Services Unlimited did just that to expand this kitchen and den space.  Interior and exterior walls were removed and replaced to open the space, making for an inviting and interesting split-level kitchen and den area.    

    Sometimes small projects take a lot of work.  Mr. Streich's bathroom is one example.  Remodeled last in the late 60's, this bathroom needed an overhaul.  John Westfall Renovations tore out the old bathroom, found and repaired water damage, replaced the galvanized pipes, rewired the entire room, added new fixtures to add more light and retiled the bathroom.  Whew, that's a lot of work!

     While remodeling the house, the Herons decided to update the powder room on the main floor.  They were reengineering the ceiling of the den to move the load around and that opened up space for the powder room.  Curved walls and corners helped the restroom fit in properly and added a different look to the space.

     While they were remodeling the powder room and master bedroom, the master bath needed some updates.  This space is long and narrow, with a turn at the end.  His/Her sinks and plenty of counter space, plus a completely tiled shower and Jacuzzi tub make for a master bath you won't want to leave.  Finish off with fast hot water from a Rennai Water Heater, and you've got an award winning bathroom.

     The Tuckers wanted a new bathroom with opulent features, and Hinson Cabinet Company gave them what they wanted.  As with most bathrooms, space is at a premium, so skillful solutions are normally needed.  Hinson opened the space with innovative cabinets and use of angles, and they added sunlight to the space with glass blocks.  In the end, the Tuckers got a functional and opulent master bath.

     This project is great in demonstrating how to add space to a home by converting unused attic space into living space.  Cliff Cinamon of Design & Remodeling Solutions added about 225 sq. ft. of heated space and retained 60 sq. ft. for storage.  The new heated space is a master bath suite with his and her closets, bathtub/shower, full 6' vanity, and water closet with storage.  All this and it now connects previously unconnected bedrooms and the finished room over the garage (FROG). 

     The Simmons' needed more space and John Westfall Renovations gave them just that.  The kitchen was enlarged and a screen porch addition was also added to maximize the lake view from the home.  To make the kitchen work, the cabinets were extended, and the addition was tiled to boot.  Moving the laundry room from the garage inside to the utility room is a nice touch.

     Three kids and a small house equaled time to add to the home for the Lapointe family.  Remodeling Services Unlimited took the old home, added just over 400 square feet of space and reconfigured nearly every room of the house to make a nicer kitchen, separate rooms for the three kids, a lower-level playroom and, most importantly, private space for the parents to "get away."

     The Brocks live in a barn.  Well, it started as a barn in 1970, and then was converted into a weekend cottage in 1995.  von Ahn Design took the space and converted it into a lovely home complete with open chef's kitchen, bedrooms, entertaining areas and a master suite upstairs with his and her bathrooms and closets.  We should all be so lucky as to live in a barn such as this.

     When the Andersons moved back to Columbia to the family home built in the 1960s, they knew some renovations would be in order.  They contacted TOMA Construction to change the space into an arts and crafts style bungalow with huge dormers, high ceilings, a large screen porch and stone accent columns.  A Mickey Mouse themed bathroom and a Chicago-themed bathroom are personal touches that make the project stand out.

     The Home Builders Association of South Carolina is located in the historic area near the USC Horseshoe.  The old house was added to and remodeled many times over the years, but not as extensively as this last time.  Remodeling Services Unlimited gutted the entire space, shored up construction problems from previous work done, fixed all of the major systems and put walls back to square and plumb.  The result is a functional and eye-appealing office and meeting space for the association.

Southeastern Stone Co., Inc. - Scioscia Lakeside Backyard

     This house was featured in the 2007 Parade of Homes and then was purchased by the Scioscia family.  The backyard was completely designed by Southeastern Stone and features a firepit, waterfalls and stone bridge leading to the grassy yard.  The stonework is top-notch and the entire space is laid out in a way so that you forget that you're in a neighborhood while you're back there.

     The Bleaus found a nice house way out on a point in Lake Murray and have been doing home repairs and upgrades since they moved in.  The big backyard is now a focal point thanks to a recent 4-season room addition.  Southeastern Stone installed the outdoor kitchen at the base of the yard connecting to the dock.  They also put in pavers and retaining walls to define the space.  The gas fired wood burning pit is a great touch for those chilly lake evenings.

     Mrs. Stuck has a very interesting home in downtown Columbia that used to be a butcher shop back in the day.  After much renovation over the years to the inside, it was time to redo the outdoor space, which was just a concrete slab.  Wise Guys Home Improvement came in and built up the area, backfilled it and poured a new floor, plus they built a very nice screen porch and matching fence around the backyard.  

Return to RCA Main Page       See All Past RCA Winning Projects       Return to Remodelors Council Home Page