News Article Excerpt

Showcase

Remodelors Home Tour set for Sept. 23-25

By Sheila Pursglove, Special Writer

PUBLISHED: September 15, 2005

Remodelors may wield a hammer and saw rather than a magic wand, but the results can be just as dazzling.

A simple ranch home that barely merited a second glance has undergone a complete Cinderella-like transformation under the skilful hands of Saline remodeler Jason Jedele, president of Wilderness Construction. The ranch home, at 3697 Arkona Rd. in Saline, originally had very little curb appeal, Jedele says.

Just look at it now.

"The home is almost unrecognizable from its former self, having every room in the home updated or renovated," Jedele says. "The original home had very little in the way of design elements either in the home or the landscaping. The entire home inside and out needed a fresh new look as the home was very dated in its design and decor."

A 200-square-feet addition to the front of the home not only increased the kitchen and dining area but transformed the outside as well, adding much-needed character to the front of the home and dramatically changing the entire look.

"Along with new siding and trim it appears as if a new home has been built," Jedele says.

The ranch is just one of 18 homes on tap Sept. 23-25 for the 16th Annual Remodelors Home Tour presented by the Washtenaw Remodelors Council and the Home Builders Association of Washtenaw County. The event originated in 1990 when seven members of the Council joined together.

An $8 ticket, purchased at any of the homes on the tour, opens the doors to homes around Ann Arbor, Saline and Dexter that have undergone transformations – from single rooms to whole house remodels, which was the case in Jedele's Saline project.

Jedele, a longtime resident of Saline, brings 11 years of construction industry experience to the project. After transforming the kitchen and dining area with a bi-level island, granite countertops, Brazilian cherry floors, and cabinetry accents, he deep-sixed the old deck. The new one, which overlooks three rural acres, wraps right around the house to the master bedroom, where a sliding glass entrance provides a private area off the bedroom.

"The intent for adding the new deck was to create a pleasant and comfortable area to entertain and relax while overlooking the countryside, and incorporate modern building materials to create a low maintenance setting," Jedele says.

A new brick paver patio with a fire pit and stone wall benches next to the deck offer a spot for nighttime entertaining. An existing artesian well was expanded into a decorative koi pond. The master bath got a makeover with a tile shower enclosed in glass, while the guest bath was transformed using travertine stone tile, dramatic tile accents and color scheme.

Remodeling is a good investment for homeowners, Jedele says. "Remodeling a home creates more comfortable and practical living environment and adds value.".....

....The HBA is a good place for homeowners to start looking for a contractor, Jedele says. "They have members that cover all aspects of building from custom homes to remodeling to home furnishing and many outstanding companies for homeowners to choose from."

The tour, which runs 2-8 p.m. Sept. 23, and noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25, aims to promote awareness of the Washtenaw Remodelors Council; increase exposure for participating remodelors; promote and display professionalism, workmanship, and creditability within the remodeling industry; and stimulate the public's interest in remodeling existing homes.

For complete information on the tour, including maps, directions, project descriptions and a list of companies involved, visit www.hbawc.com/se_remodelors.cfm.