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Lenexa KS April 4, 2011 --- The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Regarding Kitchens Inc in Lenexa KS, 2011 National Contractor of the Year (CotY) in the Residential Kitchen Over $120,000 category of its annual awards competition. Contractors from seven regions nationwide vie for the awards on an annual basis. All projects submitted for judging were an improvement or an addition to an existing structure, with the exception of one category, “Residential Exterior Specialty.” Otherwise, new construction projects were not eligible. This winning project was a Fairway Ks. kitchen expansion, utilizing square footage from unused maid’s quarters to triple the space and create a family center for cooking, relaxing and entertaining. With specialized areas including a built-in “residence” for the family’s two miniature daschunds, a coffee bar armoire and an adults only area, this expansion created the perfect atmosphere for everyone. Competing projects were completed between July 1 of 2009 and November 30 of 2010 and were not submitted in prior NARI National contests. An impartial panel of judges who are experts within the industry and associated fields, selected winners based on each entrant’s binders, which include “before and after” photography and project descriptions. Judging focused on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty and entry presentation. Regarding Kitchens is Kansas City’s premier showplace for Kitchen and Bath renovations as well as room additions, finished basements and whole house renovations. With a stellar reputation for quality and value, Regarding Kitchens is proud to have accomplished a perfect A+ rating with the Kansas City Better Business Bureau for many years. This 13 year old company is owned by Bev and Bruce Gilbert of Lenexa, Ks. Bev Gilbert, designer for the project and president of Regarding Kitchens, was presented the award at NARI’s Evening of Excellence on April 2, 2011 at the Westin Jersey City Newport, in Jersey City, N.J. The Evening of Excellence is widely considered to be the premier event of the year in the remodeling industry, and was attended this year by more than 300 of the industry’s elite. NARI members represent a highly professional segment of the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as remodelers. Homeowners are estimated to spend a total of $133 billion on home improvements in the U.S. through end of second quarter of 2011 up from $118 billion in second quarter 2010. NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Consumers may wish to search www.NARIremodelers.com to find a qualified professional who is a member of NARI. 
The client requested an enlarged kitchen with visual height and increased natural light. They also wanted a well-defined work and social zone and to incorporate a dog kennel. To create more space , the unused maid’s quarter, which cnsisted of a bedroom and a bath,were removed, and the ceiling was vaulted into the attic for visual height. The doorway to the dining room was enlarged as well. New additions to this kitchen also included island seating for three, a prep table with chopping block, a cooking area with professional gas range and remote, high-powered ventilation, and a microwave and sandwich prep area next to the refrigerator. An antique armoire was converted into a coffee bar. A dog kennel was integrated below the built-in pantry with a retractable cage door. Under-cabinet lighting, recessed can lights, decorative fixtures and recessed ambient lighting in the vaulted ceiling completed this space. |
