It’s All in the Timing…

The team at Schrader and Company is here to assist our clients with a wide array of home renovation and construction  needs—ranging from extensive remodels, additions and custom homes, to interior modifications or custom cabinetry. No matter what kind of improvement you have in mind for your home, our goal is to help you realize your vision.

To that end, one of the most important things we can do for all of our clients and potential clients is provide you with a clear sense of our process, so you know what to expect the first time you give us a call or visit our showroom.

A primary consideration when undertaking a home improvement project is timing. You have a busy life to lead, and planning out the most convenient time for a project is a crucial first step.

If you reach out to Schrader and Company for a smaller home improvement project, such as a small bathroom, door or window replacement or other minor modifications, any time is the ideal time to call. Depending on our schedule, we generally experience shorter lead times to get these kinds of projects underway.

Our more extensive renovation and construction projects, which involve collaboration with architects, the creation of a design/build agreement, and many design and selection decisions, generally can take several months to plan. Those months are put to efficient and critical use, as we formulate an intricate and finely-honed plan. We do this so that once work commences on your project, it is full-steam ahead, with minimal lulls, delays, or wait times to further inconvenience the homeowner.

Additionally, as all of us living in the northeast know, weather also presents its own factors which must be negotiated. Spring, summer and early fall are great times for exterior projects like porches and decks. Winter is the ideal time for interior work.

The most important first step in the journey to a home you love is making that initial call to the most trusted experts in construction and renovation. For over 47 years, Schrader and Company has been proud to serve our community and bring our clients’ visions for their dream homes to life. 

We hope you’ll give us a call to start the conversation about your project as soon as possible!

 

Uncovering Hidden Potential

In this Project Spotlight, we go behind the scenes of a kitchen renovation that benefited from a change in perspective—both literally and figuratively.

Our clients came to us with a goal for their lovely, open floor plan home, which unfortunately suffered from a small kitchen. The clients wanted their kitchen to reflect the airy, open feel of the rest of their house, and be connected to their dining room for ease in entertaining. With tall ceilings and plenty of potential, the existing layout was just not doing the home justice. The current layout also failed to make the most of a beautiful lake view.

In order to accomplish the homeowner’s goals of a more spacious room, improved flow, and upgraded aesthetics, project planner John Hudson and interior designer Brooke Weinert collaborated over best placement of the room’s features, and ultimately re-oriented a new custom kitchen island to take advantage of the lake view.

Knocking down part of the wall adjoining the kitchen and dining room, creating a large island with seating to face the lake, and removing an existing closet to install a larger, built-in pantry were high on the list of to-do’s for this renovation. 

The new white cabinetry and dark grey contrasting island offer a contemporary twist to this transitional kitchen that is the perfect space for entertaining. With ample counter space, a conveniently located beverage refrigerator, and decorative stacked cabinetry, the beauty of the home and function of the space were brought to a new level.

The room also features innovative storage solutions, like flip/slide or pivot/slide pantry doors. These doors allow for their designated coffee nook to either be left open and the doors to be tucked away out of the traffic path, or to be entirely closed away to hide any small appliances.

“We are so proud of all of our projects, but this one was a special transformation,” says Brooke. “Their new kitchen is now a space perfect for big crowds. Everyone can mingle in this space and still feel connected, even if they’re moving through the living room, kitchen, or dining room. It’s really great to be able to bring new meaning to the spaces in peoples homes.”

 

A Message To Our Clients

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We hope this message finds each and every one of you healthy and safe.

The past six weeks have been unprecedented and challenging for all of us, and just like you and your families, we are adjusting and adapting to our new circumstances. While we certainly miss “normal” life, we have come together to create strong plans, learn new telecommunication skills, and work within the guidelines and parameters outlined for us by the experts. 

We wanted to share with you some new practices and policies that we have put into place.

  • Our office team has been working from home and will continue to do so until restrictions are lifted. We are available via cell phone, and are also checking the office voicemails routinely. If you reach out to us for anything, your call will be returned.
  • We are continuing the planning, design, and selections processes, utilizing the abundant virtual tools available to us.
  • We are starting the conversation about new projects over the phone and making appointments to look at new projects.  We are simply scheduling these first appointments for just a couple of weeks out. This is still a great time to call us and get the process started.
  • In the field, we have implemented cleaning, sanitizing, hand-washing, face covering, and social distancing procedures.  
  • Until the curve is lowered, we are focusing on exterior work (e.g. additions, porches, garages, etc) or work in homes that are not the primary residence, and therefore, not currently occupied. 
  • We continue to monitor and adapt to the frequent changes that may come our way. We will communicate any changes in practice or policy to our clients.

We have built Schrader and Company Construction Services on the trust of our clients, and we know that means more now than perhaps ever before. We are committed to your safety and the safety of our team members. 

We thank you for your continued support, and look forward to much brighter days ahead.

Long Distance Renovation

While many of our clients are also our full-time neighbors right here in the Capital Region, it has also been our privilege to work with long distance clients over the years, helping to build or remodel seasonal and second homes.

This was the case in this particular Project Spotlight, in which we helped to transform a property into the ideal lakeside retreat. 

Working with clients in a long distance capacity of course presents logistical challenges, but we pride ourselves on the strength of our planning process and clear, reliable communication to surmount any obstacles.

These clients wanted to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the three bathrooms and kitchen in their newly purchased lakeside home.

Project Planner Brian Taber worked with the clients to create major upgrades, including renovations of three bathrooms, and expansion of the first floor half bathroom into a full bathroom. Radiant heat and new windows were added to the home. The kitchen boasts beautiful custom Schrader cabinetry and ample storage. To make the most of the gorgeous lake view from the kitchen window, the counters were extended out and paired with a new counter-height window. 

Understandably, our clients were hoping to make use of their lake-front home in the summer, so a tight deadline needed to be met. With strong communication and the many talents of the entire Schrader and Company team including Project Manager Jeremiah Mills, Interior Designer Brooke Stollery, and Cabinet Maker Robert Page, the goal was achieved, much to everyone’s joy. 

“I’m thrilled that we were able to satisfy clients with high standards and a clear vision,” says Brian. “The project came out beautifully and really makes the most of the location.”

 

Who We Support and Why: Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy

Philanthropy is a cornerstone of our company culture. We love to support local organizations that are doing good in our shared community, and we learn about new causes to support all the time.

In this case, we learned about a great local philanthropy from one of our longest term clients. In sharing their passion for the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy with us, they inspired us to get involved as well.

The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is an environmental protection organization founded in 1992. They work to protect the natural, scenic, agricultural and cultural landscapes of the Mohawk and Hudson River valleys. To date, they have succeeded in protecting more than 12,000 acres of land in Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery counties.

MHLC’s conservation work has resulted in 18 public preserves for hiking, cross-country skiing, and other educational and recreational opportunities. 

If you’re passionate about protecting the natural beauty of our wonderful corner of the northeast, you can visit their website and learn about ways to support the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy.

 

Adding Post and Beam Tools to Our Company Toolbox

At Schrader and Company, we believe that continuing education is a necessary part of maintaining the standards of excellence that define us. Whenever an opportunity arises for team members to learn valuable information that will enhance their craft, and therefore our clients’ projects, we are interested.

Two of our talented field team members recently attended a continuing education workshop that adds significant and specialized knowledge to their skill set. This past October, Mike Atwood and Jeff Peterman traveled to Baff, Maine to attend the week-long “Purely Post and Beam” course at the Shelter Institute.

The course is an intensive introduction to the skills necessary to design and build a 24 x 24-foot timber frame structure by hand, using post and beam construction techniques. The days are spent onsite designing, cutting, and raising a post and beam frame. The entire structure is created in the short time frame, and held together with only twelves screws. 

Fine-tuning their post and beam construction techniques was an enlightening experience for both Mike and Jeff.

“It was nice to step back from the speed of construction, work with wood, and create something from scratch,” says Mike. “We gained a better appreciation for taking time with layout, and meticulous technique. It absolutely applies to how we work at Schrader and Company. These post and beam skills can be applied to everything, from historic renovations to new builds.” 

“It’s great to have had the experience and come out with new tools to add to our repertoire and toolbox,” says Jeff.

We look forward to sharing with you how Jeff and Mike’s new knowledge can enhance our work for our clients and their homes.

 Lighter, Brighter, and Better

One of the most desired features in any home is good light. We all want to feel the sense of spaciousness and brightness that lots of natural light can afford.

In this Project Spotlight, a kitchen underwent a dramatic renovation that not only improved the functionality and aesthetic of the space, but opened it up to more natural light. The result is a fresh, cheerful, polished room, perfect for both cooking and entertaining. 

Our client did not feel that her original kitchen matched her individual style or the overall theme of her home. She is a baker and likes to entertain and was looking for increased functionality as well as a more beautiful kitchen that would reflect her personal tastes. 

Project Planner Mark O’Lena, Interior Designer Brooke Stollery and Cabinet Designer/Shop Manager Robert Page worked as a team to increase the functionality of the kitchen in a number of ways—utilizing pull-outs, larger pantry units, custom cabinets and island, innovative appliances, and a relocated microwave.  

Additionally, the existing short casement window over the sink did not work well with the tall cabinets and ceiling. We put a taller Andersen 400 Series single casement in to let in more light, and improve the view by eliminating the center mullion. We also incorporated an Andersen short fractional grill with a simulated check rail.  This allowed use of a single unit that duplicated the look of the existing transom windows located in the adjacent breakfast area.

Robert created a beautiful custom island in the Schrader and Company cabinet shop that matches the new custom cabinets. The result resembles a furniture piece, and helps complement the new openness of the kitchen design.

To save more valuable counter space, we incorporated a Sharp R1214T under-cabinet microwave. It provides a wide range of options for placement, works with standard cabinet sizes and does not require a built-in kit or shelf, allowing for easy installation, and it comes with under cabinet task lighting. Additionally (and specifically useful for our client when baking) we incorporated Moen’s Arbor faucet in spot resistant stainless steel. This innovative faucet has Moen’s patented hands free MotionSense and Reflex pull-down spray, and its transitional look works well with this kitchen.

The end result is a vibrant, bright space with ample storage that works perfectly for our client’s lifestyle.

“The client was so fun to work with,” says Mark. “She was trusting in both our planning and design, and is very happy with the end results. This project was one of those in which everything fell into place incredibly well. The time from start to finish was amazing, and was a real testament to the benefits of a well-planned out project.”

 

Thank You to the Veterans

At Schrader and Company, we are proud of our long legacy of military service. Company founder Peter Schrader enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees in 1968, served in Vietnam in 1968/1969 and at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico in 1970, and he was honorably discharged July 1970.

His son, and current company co-owner Silas Schrader enrolled in Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  After research and reflection, Silas chose to join the Marines, wanting to experience the very best in leadership training, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 2002. Silas was deployed twice to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, in 2004 and again in 2005 with 3d Battalion, 1st Marines. Silas’s current Marine Reserve commitment  is with the Marine Forces Pacific out of Hawaii.

It is clear to both Peter and Silas that their military backgrounds have been extremely beneficial to their professional careers, helping them acquire skills and apply developed instincts they have used time and again in building their business and facing the challenges of everyday life. 

Because of this personal experience and connection, Schrader and Company recognizes the value in employing and supporting veterans. We are currently the only non-Union organization in the area which employees recent veterans through the Veteran’s Apprenticeship Program, a part of the GI Bill. 

Through this program, veterans earn wages and work during an apprenticeship, while learning the skills needed in that occupation. Veterans receive compensation as they learn a skilled trade, and the company benefits from the talents of these men and women who have so bravely served our country.

On Veteran’s Day, we give thanks for the sacrifice and service of veterans everywhere, most especially those within our own company. Thank you Jeff Peterman for your service as a Sergeant in the United States Army and to Mark O’Lena for your service in the United States Air Force. We are proud to employ veterans, and are so thankful for the unique gifts they bring to Schrader and Company.

Who We Support and Why: Saratoga County 4-H

Saratoga Walkathon

Our support of local philanthropic organizations allows us to help our neighbors, and strengthens our connections to our community. It is particularly gratifying when we have a personal connection to an organization, as is the case with Saratoga County 4-H.

Saratoga County 4-H is a local branch of this national organization which defines its mission as  “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.” The four “Hs” refer to Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H programs promote a “learn by doing” ethos, and offer education in areas of agriculture, engineering, science, health, and citizenship.

The Schrader family became involved in 4-H when all three kids joined The West Charlton Super Stars in grade school. Silas recalls fond memories of building bird houses, making crafts, participating in the Saratoga County Fair, and yearly public presentations at the county offices. Leigh Schrader has also been involved in 4-H for over 15 years. She began as a young child in the Ponies and Horses 4-H club and has continued to stay involved as a mentor, presentation day judge, horse bowl coach, and has also judged projects as well as fitting and showmanship, and trial classes at the Saratoga County Fair. 

Schrader and Company has proudly sponsored the 4-H walkathon for the past three years. Silas, Leigh and their own children have walked the event in both 2018 and 2019. Their oldest daughter is getting ready to join the 4-H Clover Bud program, continuing their family tradition of 4-H service.

If you would like to learn more about Saratoga County 4-H, and the ways they are educating and supporting youth in our community, please visit their website.

Modern Luxury Meets Historic Charm

We are fortunate to live in a part of the country that boasts many lovely historic homes—rich in details that speak to the domestic and cultural concerns of the past, charming in their aged beauty. But as any homeowner who lives in an older house can tell you, modern life and historic buildings do not always marry happily.

At Schrader and Company, we are proud of our decades of experience in renovating and remodeling historic homes. We share our clients’ genuine love and appreciation for the quality of old construction, and strive always to treat these special projects with accuracy, an eye to preservation, and a bit of reverence.

In this particular project spotlight, a new bathroom was created for clients who love their colonial home for all of its historic charm, and wanted an aesthetic upgrade that would give them modern luxury without jarring the style of the rest of their gorgeous house.

As is often the case with historic post and beam constructed homes, the planning and logistics for mechanicals posed a bit of a challenge, but one that the Schrader and Company team was well ready to handle.

Expertly crafted by Project Manager Jeremiah Mills, the new bathroom was built within the existing bathroom space, but the fixture locations were changed. A small, non-functioning, neo-angle shower was replaced with a new custom tiled shower. The built-in corner soaking tub was replaced with a new free-standing bathtub. The toilet was relocated to a more private location, and the vanity was moved from an alcove to a more open area.

The vanity cabinet is in a furniture style that sets the tone for the entire room. It includes inset doors, open toe space with furniture style legs, a slate top, and matching recessed medicine cabinets. One of the most unique features are the vessel sinks, handmade by the client who is a talented potter. Other style elements include brick tile flooring in a herringbone pattern, painted flat panel wainscoting, custom tiled shower with a glass enclosure, and a luxurious bathtub.

Project Planner John Hudson looks back on the project as a wonderful example of a modern upgrade that perfectly compliments a historic home. 

“All of the pieces fit together to create a historic feel for a totally updated master bathroom. The clients made perfect selections to fit the aesthetic of their home. And the vessel sinks are true works of art.”

The clients love their updated bathroom, and we take great satisfaction in helping to make a historic home work well for a modern family.