NEWS & TRENDS
NEWS & TRENDS
Building an Oasis…
Our homes are often a reflection of our values, and how we hope to spend our time. For clients who love to entertain and host large gatherings filled with food, friends, and fun in the sun, this Project Spotlight will serve as a major inspiration. Our clients wanted their home to be an oasis for hosting friends and family. That meant upgrades to the kitchen and dining room, to improve functionality for both cooking and
A Kitchen With A Place For Everything, and Everything in its Place
Organization just makes life easier. We all know the power of a well-designed system that contains clutter, hides mess, and sorts the endless “stuff” of our modern lives. Few rooms beg for good storage solutions and proper homes for our items more than the kitchen. That’s one of the many reasons why this particular Project Spotlight is so inspirational. In this large kitchen renovation, no detail was spared in the achievement of thoughtful storage, easily
A Stunning Kitchen Renovation with the Coolest Conveniences
Kitchens are the beating hearts of homes. We work, gather, play, and celebrate in these hubs of our houses. Both messes and memories are made in them every day. That’s why having a kitchen that truly works for your lifestlye is so important. Enthusastic cooks and entertainers deserve spaces that make their tasks easier, and function at an optimal level for the celebrations they love to host. In this kitchen renovation, the goal was to
Go With the Flow
Sometimes the right renovation project doesn’t aim to vastly alter the size of a space, so much as make better use of it for the homeowners. This was a key element of the kitchen renovation for these clients, who found that their original cooking space left them continually bumping into one another when trying to prepare a meal. To give the homeowners more room to work and enjoy their kitchen, we changed the orientation and
Design Details that Delight
This expansive project included the transformation of a kitchen, laundry room/half bath, and a sunroom. The goals were to give our clients improved functionality in their spaces with plenty of storage, some window and door improvements, and an upgrade to the aesthetics. The house is an older custom home with beautiful interior trim and other high end finishes. Our custom cabinetry and millwork was the correct fit for this exquisite home, and blended seamlessly with
A Treasure Trove of Inspiration for Modern Family Living
This Project Spotlight is chock full of innovative design details, space-maximizing transformations, and organizational ideas designed to inspire! This renovation was very extensive in that we touched a majority of the house. The main goal of the kitchen / mudroom portion of the project was to update the existing Colonial style to a Modern Farmhouse design style, while improving functionality and flow. We removed all the kitchen and mudroom cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. We also removed
Keeping Classic Charm in an Updated Kitchen…
A classic never goes out of style. That’s why our goal for the kitchen renovation featured in this Project Spotlight was to retain all of the original charm, while also making the updates that our clients desired. This project was a complete remodel of the kitchen and breakfast nook of a 1968 ranch home. The existing kitchen was a classic, well-equipped 1968 kitchen, complete with avocado green appliances. The client is the original homeowner, and
Reimagining the Possibilities for a Historic Home
Historic homes are full of charm, but can also be challenging for modern homeowners and the needs of a contemporary lifestyle. We love the option of renovation because it allows us to reimagine and reconfigure living spaces, without forgoing the beauty and history of older homes. This Project Spotlight is the perfect example of what’s possible with thoughtful planning, good design, and skilled craftspeople at the helm. This project was an extensive renovation of a
Making Space for Better Living…
One of the best things about a renovation is that it allows us to update the homes we love to work better for our families. The way we live our lives changes over time, and whether we need more space for our growing families, a different layout for entertaining, or better storage and organization solutions, a renovation can simply make life easier. In this case, our clients wanted an open concept floor plan for their
A Beautiful New Deck Adds Outdoor Living Space
We like to make the most of our temperate seasons here in upstate New York, and time spent relaxing or entertaining on decks and porches are some of the best ways to enjoy spring, summer, and fall. While we find ourselves in the thick of winter, let’s go behind the scenes of this deck renovation and daydream of sunnier days to come. For this project, we removed a weathered, treated deck at the back of
An Extensive Renovation That Feels Like a Brand New Home
Some home improvement projects simply feel like an upgrade. And some feel like a transformation so dramatic, its hard to believe the “Before” and “After” reflect the same home. In this Project Spotlight, we’ll go behind the scenes of an extensive, multi-room renovation that is fresh, updated, and modern. This project included the remodel of our clients’ kitchen, first floor bathroom, laundry room, family room, and the primary bedroom on the second floor. The homeowners
A Gorgeous New Kitchen for Longtime Clients
We are honored when our clients turn to Schrader and Company for repeat projects, sometimes over the course of multiple homes. That was the case in this Project Spotlight, in which we undertook a kitchen renovation for clients we have loved working with over the years, on many different home projects. For this kitchen renovation, our clients didn’t need an expanded footprint so much as some spacing changes that would improve the room’s functionality for
A Luxury Bathroom Transformation
Few rooms in the home are subjected to as much use as our bathrooms. They serve an essential function, but when done right, they can be luxurious retreats that help us relax and unwind. We want them to be beautiful, well-maintained, and fit to meet the specific needs of our lifestyles. In this Project Spotlight, we’ll look at a bathroom renovation that achieved all of those goals for the homeowners. It was an extensive project,
A New Kitchen for Repeat Clients
There’s no better feeling than being invited back into a client’s home for additional renovation projects after our first experience together. It means we’ve earned your business, and you know you can count on us to deliver the results you deserve. That mutual feeling of respect and trust was a hallmark of this Project Spotlight, in which we undertook a kitchen renovation for repeat clients. The goal of the project was to deliver a beautiful
Making the Most of the Seasons with a Gorgeous Outdoor Living Space
Here in the northeast, we know how to make the most of our seasons. Sometimes that means keeping the environment out so we can enjoy the great outdoors without pesky insects, or fear of inclement weather. In this Project Spotlight, we take a look at a deck and porch renovation specifically designed to be used in as many weather conditions as the changeable seasons might throw at us, while still looking beautiful. Like so many
A Dramatic Renovation That Feels Like a New Home
A well-planned and well-executed renovation can sometimes be so dramatic, the end results feel like a completely different home! In this Project Spotlight, we take a look behind the scenes of an extensive remodeling project, covering two floors and multiple rooms. The goal of the renovation was to create spaces that better worked for the family and their lifestyle. The clients had outgrown the existing space, and they wanted to update the aesthetic in the
A Beautiful Bathroom Renovation, with Future Safety In Mind
One of the best things about renovation is that it allows us to reimagine our living spaces in ways that work better for how we actually live, without leaving the homes we love. In this Project Spotlight, we’ll go behind the scenes of a gorgeous bathroom renovation that took away unneeded elements, improved and modernized the space, set the clients up for aging-in-place, and reflects a more updated aesthetic. The overall intent of this renovation
Aging In Place Expertise
We tend to fall in love with our homes. They become the places where our most important memories are made– the setting for both the everyday, as well as generations of holidays and celebrations. So it makes sense that we want to stay in our own homes as long as is safely possible. That’s why Schrader and Company has prioritized gaining education and expertise on “Aging in Place” projects for our clients. Home improvements that
Schrader and Co. Wins Three 2021 CRBRA “Best in Building” Awards
We are thrilled to share that Schrader and Company has won accolades in three different categories at this year’s Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association “Best in Building” Awards. We took home top honors for Best Kitchen Remodel Under $75,000, Best Kitchen Remodel Over $75,000, and Best Aging-In-Place Remodel. It is tremendously gratifying to have our work recognized by the CRBRA and leaders in our industry. All entries are judged by impartial industry experts from
Seamless Updates to a Historic Charmer
Schrader and Company is a construction firm comprised of history lovers. We take pleasure in the beautiful details of older homes, and relish in the challenge of updating them for our clients in a way that makes modern living more effective and enjoyable, while paying homage to the aesthetics of yesteryear. In this Project Spotlight, we return to a gorgeous 200 year-old home owned by repeat clients for an extensive, multi-room renovation. Last time, we
Creating Major Curb Appeal
A beautiful front porch is the stuff homeowner dreams are made of… We love to picture ourselves enjoying a hot cup of coffee and the morning paper from a comfortable chair, surveying the neighborhood and greeting friends, or decorating for the seasons with flowers, pumpkins, or twinkling lights. Your front porch is your home’s first impression, and we all want to maximize our curb appeal. That’s what we did for our clients in this Project
Building A Backyard Oasis
Spring, summer, and fall here in Upstate New York invite us all to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible before our long winters set in. We love helping our clients make the most of their properties by creating their perfect sunrooms, porches, and decks. This Project Spotlight goes behind the scenes of a beautiful deck renovation that allows the homeowners to revel in their beautiful landscaping, entertain their loved ones, and expand their living
A Very Special Renovation: The Charlton School
While Schrader and Company is best known for the remodeling, renovation, and construction of private homes, we also relish the opportunity to work on public spaces. When that public space is used for the education and enrichment of children in our community, it certainly becomes a very special project, indeed. In this Project Spotlight, we’ll go behind the scenes of our renovation of The Chapel of the Arts at The Charlton School, a local non-profit
A Classic Never Goes Out of Style
A bathroom is one of those home improvement projects that you want and need to stand the test of time. Not only will it encounter heavy daily wear and tear, but it’s a room where the essential components are relatively permanent. Few of us would want to re-tile a shower or replumb a new bathtub every few years. That’s why it’s so important to make choices and selections that feel just right for your individual
An Award-Winning Historic Renovation
At Schrader and Company, we pride ourselves on the range of construction and renovation projects we happily undertake for our clients. But it’s safe to say that historic remodels hold a special place in our collective hearts. These types of renovations require a genuine appreciation for historic detail, a respect for the time and techniques used in the initial construction, and a keen design eye to make it all come together in one cohesive final
Beauty in the Chaos
When the COVID-19 pandemic first arrived, we had no concept of how it might change our lives and our industry. As information began to circulate, we at Schrader and Company followed the safety protocols and guidelines set forth by the scientific and medical experts to keep our clients and employees as safe as possible. While this curveball was one we never could have anticipated, we are so proud of the way our team rose to
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
They say good things come to those who wait. When it comes to big home projects, sometimes patience is an excellent virtue. In this Project Spotlight, we’ll take you behind the scenes of a major kitchen renovation that the homeowners undertook at just the right time for them, and in doing so, achieved the exact result they were hoping for, with no compromises. We all wish we could snap our fingers and make improvements to
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
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,
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
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
A Beautiful Kitchen Renovation
We’re thrilled to be rolling out a new batch of “Project Spotlight” articles for you! Everyone loves a good “before and after”. These renovations inspire us and show us what is possible with the right planning and the right team in place. This “Project Spotlight” is a great example of how to achieve dramatic changes and big improvements without changing the footprint of a room. We were able to create a better functioning kitchen for
Brooke Stollery Honored at the NKBA Design Competition
In December we took to Facebook to share the great news that our own interior designer Brooke Stollery had been honored at the National Kitchen and Bath Association New York Tri State Chapter’s 7th Annual Design Competition. We wanted to tell you a little more about the accolade, and why we’re so proud of Brooke and the whole Schrader and Company team’s achievement. The NKBA Design Competition is known for its rigorous standards and competitive
Schrader and Co. Honored at CRBRA 2018 “Best in Building” Awards
In November, Schrader and Company Construction Services was honored at the Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association annual “Best in Building” awards. We were thrilled to take home three awards for our work. Ben, Lynn and Brooke were in attendance to represent Schrader and Company. We were honored in the Remodeler category and won awards for our work in the categories of smaller-scale bathroom remodel, larger-scale bathroom remodel, and larger-scale kitchen remodel. You can read
Making a Historic Home Work for a Modern Family
Everyone loves the irresistible charm of an older home. There is much to recommend them–charming mouldings and wide-plank wood floors, abundant nooks and crannies, and a sense of history that can both transport and ground us. But it can also be challenging for modern families to live in spaces designed for a different time and a different way of life. When issues like this arise, renovation is often the answer. Such was the case in
A Guide to Good Design: How We Help Our Clients Create Their Dream Space
At Schrader and Company, we are always striving to deliver the very best in home renovation and construction along with impeccable customer service to our clients. Part of our job is to understand our customer’s experience of the home remodeling and building process, and do everything in our power to make it a seamless, stress-less, and fun experience. From the first time you meet with us to discuss your ideas, to the day we pack
A Silver Lining Renovation
As happy as we always are to be welcomed into a client’s home to begin the exciting process of renovation and transformation, we recognize that sometimes our services are called upon due to less than desirable circumstance. Such was the case in this Project Spotlight, where we came in to do an extensive remodel for a client whose home had suffered significant water damage. But this project is the perfect example of making lemonade out
You Don’t Need to Go Bigger to Get Better
When clients come to us with hopes to remodel their existing home, we know they are doing so because they want to remain in the house that they love while improving the functionality of their space. One might think this necessarily means making rooms larger–adding square footage or knocking down walls. But sometimes all that is needed is imagination, innovation, and thoughtful design. In this Project Spotlight, a kitchen is remodeled to improve the function
Breaking Down the Barriers to Your Dream Layout
One of the things that makes home remodeling and renovation so rewarding and exciting is that it enables a homeowner to stay in the home that they already love, while opening up all of the possibilities to the home of their dreams. Sometimes renovation entails the modernization of a space to keep up with the times, or the expansion of a space to grow as a family’s needs might. And sometimes renovation means completely changing
A Green Dream House for Local Farmers
One of the best things about building a home from the ground up is the opportunity to tailor your space not only to your style and tastes, but to your values. In this Project Spotlight, we will look at a home that reflects the homeowner’s desires for an energy efficient house that makes the most of green technology innovations. These particular clients are the proud farmers of Lovin’ Mama Farm in Amsterdam, NY where they
If You Build It…
Spring will come? Well, to be fair, spring will come no matter what–all current weather evidence to the contrary. But spring and summer and even the golden, crisp days of early fall would be so much more enjoyable when spent relaxing and entertaining in your beautiful new outdoor living space. This Project Spotlight is an excellent example of how you can increase the livable space of your home with the addition of a screened-in porch
Aging In Place and Style
Many homeowners come to us with hopes of renovating their current house with an eye to the future. We all want to be able to reside safely in our homes as we age, and there are fantastic design innovations that are making that dream more possible than ever before. When we approach a remodel with the goal of making it a client’s “forever home”, one of the most important rooms to focus on is the
Sunken Tub, Elevated Design
It’s always exciting for us at Schrader and Company when we are given the opportunity to design and execute something truly unique for our clients. We love to challenge the depth and breadth of our collective craftsmanship, and this Project Spotlight afforded us just such an occasion. This particular home was designed and built by our client’s father many years ago–a special circumstance in and of itself. When it came time to remodel the bathroom,
Project Spotlight: New Construction
Since 1973, Schrader and Company, Inc. has distinguished itself as the remodeling company to trust in the capital region. In projects both big and small, they have earned a reputation for quality of craftsmanship, professionalism and customer care. And while remodeling and renovation will always remain at the core of the company’s services, new construction is an exciting new venture for both employees and clients. Our Design/Build model allows Schrader and Co. to partner with
Honoring the Architect While Upgrading the Home
We have had rewarding opportunities over the years to work in homes that have famous or historic footprints, and in this Project Spotlight we’ll delve into what it involves to respect the original vision of a noted architect while updating a home to suit the current owners’ needs and wants. The scope of work for this project involved renovating the original 1950 kitchen in a home that was designed by renowned Massachusetts based architect, Royal
Stairway to Heaven
Sometimes it’s necessary to think outside of the box to achieve the best possible results.Such was this case in this “Project Spotlight”, where in order to renovate a kitchen, dining area and bathroom, an existing basement staircase had to be relocated.The homeowner had a few specific goals for their space. She wanted a larger kitchen, a stronger connection between the kitchen and dining room, an updated bathroom, and to dramatically improve the overall flow of
A Stunning Kitchen Renovation for Avid Home Cooks
No matter the skill-level of the cooks who inhabit it, the kitchen tends to be one of the most used and most enjoyed rooms of any house. Quite literally the hearth of the home, the kitchen often becomes the setting for holiday memories, the place where guests and hosts converge as special dinners are prepared, and the room where the business of family life is conducted.When one is a serious home cook, as is the
A Spa-Like Bathroom with Custom Details
In this “Project Spotlight” we go behind the scenes of a bathroom renovation that not only enlarged the space for the homeowners, but brought great opportunity for collaboration and custom design. This second floor full bathroom was separated into two compartments by a pocket door, and accessible from both the master bedroom and the hallway. In order to enlarge the usable space, the pocket door was removed, and both plumbing and windows were relocated. Moving
A Room with a View: A Modern Kitchen Update Takes Advantage of a Beautiful Setting
The best design is that which works with a home’s environment. When structure and setting come together cohesively, both are made better for it. A renovation can give us the opportunity to make the most of a home’s surroundings, as illustrated beautifully in this Project Spotlight, in which a kitchen undergoes a modern transformation and the most is made of incredible views of Ballston Lake.For this project, the clients wanted to update their kitchen to
Best in Building Awards 2016: Best Bathroom Over $40,000
We are thrilled to share that Schrader and Company Construction Services took home a big award at last week’s Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association (CRBRA) Best in Building 2016 Awards. We won in the “Best Bathroom Over $40,000” category for a two bathroom luxury remodel in a historic home. You can go behind the scenes of this renovation in a recent Project Spotlight feature here. It’s wonderful to have our work recognized, and we
Project Spotlight: A Budget Friendly, Open and Airy Kitchen Renovation
Glossy magazines and countless home design websites are filled with galleries of incredible kitchen remodeling project, all aimed to inspire and excite, to remind us that when it comes to remodeling the rooms in which we live our lives, the possibilities are endless. But behind every transformation lies a great deal of thoughtful planning and hard work. Over the past four decades, Schrader and Company Construction Services has helped homeowners turn their varied home renovation
Living Room Before & After
We appreciate when our customers provide us with positive feedback. These photos represent a local living room renovation with a custom built-in mantel. The customer not only took time to let us know how we did, but provided us with a before and after photograph to show us just how much the room was transformed during this renovation project. Take a look for yourself… “Hi Robert, I don’t think I ever got to tell you