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

level surface

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.

Meet Our Newest Team Members!

Interior designer choosing a baseboard

We’ve had some wonderful new additions to our Schrader and Company team in 2019. Meet some of the new faces behind the scenes of our award-winning projects. We hope you’ll get to know these talented new employees very soon!

Brandon Madigan – Apprentice Carpenter

Born and raised in the Scotia-Glenville area, Brandon graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School in 2006.  After earning a Business Management degree from the College of St Rose, he pursued a career in the technology field.  However Brandon couldn’t quite shake his passion for carpentry and quickly became the handyman of his family. We are delighted that in 2018 Brandon decided to trade in his computer for a full set of carpentry tools and embark on a full time career in home remodeling and construction with Schrader and Company. We could not be happier to have Brandon as part of our team.

In his own time, Brandon enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife and two children. He’s an avid outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing and camping on Brant Lake. Brandon has a passion for animals, and has two dogs, two cats, two goats, and several ducks and chickens.

 

Erin Loiacono – Staff Accountant

Erin joined the company in 2018 in an official capacity, but this is not her first time here. She will be familiar to many of you as Peter and Christy Schrader’s daughter and Silas Schrader’s sister. While attending school, Erin worked first in the office and as soon as she was old enough to use power tools (a milestone she found more exciting than reaching the age old enough to drive) she was out working on job sites. Her career path took her elsewhere for a time, and she is thrilled to be back.

Erin has had the benefit of seeing the company from another side as well, as a client. When Erin and her husband made the decision to purchase the beloved home of Erin’s grandparents, they knew that there were more than a few updates and changes that were both necessary and desired to create the setting for the dream of their family home. They also knew there was no better team to entrust with their dream.

Erin loves reading, crafting and art projects. She enjoys wandering around in the woods, through the snow, or along a lake shoreline. But mostly, Erin loves turning to her two small children and enjoying their experience of the above activities.

 

Mark O’Lena – Project Planner

As a retired Airforce Veteran, Mark has had the opportunity to travel the world while serving our country.  Mark is passionate about history and architecture. He enjoys restoration projects, renovations and new construction.  Mark has a great habit of elevating the organizations he is a part of. Mark brings to us an extensive background in project planning and design, and we look forward to all of the talent and insight he will bring to his new role as a project planner.

Mark enjoys everything the northeast has to offer–hiking, boating, skiing and more. You might catch Mark riding through the area on his motorcycle or venturing on long treks through New England. Mark recently joined the world of CrossFit and has competed in a number of open competitions. He can be found cheering the loudest at his kids’ events and embarking on new adventures with his family.

The Difference is in the Details

Difference in the Details Schrader and CompanyAs is true in so many aspects of life, we at Schrader and Company have always found that when it comes to construction and remodeling, the details really matter. Trimwork is the perfect example of how precise and thoughtful finishing elements can come together to elevate an entire aesthetic.

We like to think of detailed trimwork as a level of complexity that betters overall design, and a hallmark that separates good quality from best quality.

Take for example, the intricacies involved in remodeling an older home. Part of a renovation might entail putting in new energy-efficient windows and doors. By replicating historic crown moldings and window casements that exist in other parts of the house, we can create a cohesive design that marries the old with the new, ensuring that the new construction and modern upgrades don’t look out of place.

A new kitchen or bathroom (or any recently renovated room!) should always flow into all of the other spaces in your house. Without the glue of consistent trimwork tying it all together, the remodeled parts of a home can stand out–and not in a good way.

Our award-winning Schrader and Company production team have the skill set and training to properly execute even the most detailed of trimwork. Our craftspeople are always willing to spend the time to get it just right, resulting in a finished project that looks professional, seamless, and thoughtful.

Take a look at these examples of our work, and give us a call if you’re ready to renovate your home with careful and expert precision.

Difference in the Details Schrader and Company

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 the Project Spotlight articles pertaining to each of the winning projects (linked above) to go behind the scenes of how and why we achieved the results that we did for our clients.

To be recognized for the quality of our work is wonderful. Every member of our team from our project planners to our talented craftsmen have ownership in these accolades, as everyone’s contribution leads to the final product.

While our client’s happiness is always our number one goal, to be honored by our distinguished peers in our field is immensely gratifying. Thank you to the CRBRA for these honors, and congratulations to all of the other award winners!

 

Congratulations on 25 Years, Val DeCesare!

Val DeCesare

At Schrader and Company, we believe strongly that our success as a company is down to the quality of the people on our team. This year marks the 25th anniversary of one such highly valued employee, and we feel so fortunate to have had his talent in our ranks for all these years.

Val DeCesare joined Schrader and Company as a Project Manager on July 27, 1993. From that time to now, Val has contributed to our company culture and reputation for excellence with his consummate professional skills, superior customer service focus, and fine leadership qualities.

Val DeCesare

Val is a “do whatever it takes” kind of craftsman, always ready to jump right into any project, take initiative, and tackle the most complex and challenging problems. This high-energy approach is paired with his brilliant, mechanically-inclined mind. Val always keeps an eye on the finest details and approaches each aspect of a job with finesse and great care.

Because of this specialized skill set, Val is entrusted with some of our largest and most complex renovation and construction projects. As a master carpenter, everyone on the team can look to Val for wisdom and guidance. Over the years, Val has proven to be an excellent teacher to newer employees, imparting his vast knowledge and providing encouragement and freedom so others may grow in their own skills.

In addition to this rarified litany of professional skills, Val personifies all that Schrader and Company prizes in quality of character. He is a devoted family man. He gives generously of his time and talents to the Boy Scouts. And he treats our clients as anyone would want to be treated, often welcoming them back into their new and improved homes with a homemade baked good or treat.

We knew we wanted to do something special to celebrate Val and his successful 25 years with our company. As an avid outdoorsman and lover of nature, we hope he will relish our gift of a cross-country trip to the Western part of the country to discover and explore a new landscape with his wife.

Congratulations to our friend and team member Val DeCesare on 25 years of hard work and dedication. Thank you for elevating our company, keeping the bar so high, and for beautifying countless homes across our region. We look forward to many more years of successful renovation with you.

  • 1994

 

 

Investing In Our Team

Investing in our Team Tools

Here at Schrader and Company, we strongly believe that our greatest asset is our employees. Without their dedication, talent, and work ethic we would not be the business we are today.

Because we hold our team members in such high esteem, we are always ready to invest in them. To that end, we recently sent two of our apprentice carpenters to Hudson Valley Community College to take some courses that would increase the depth and breadth of their construction knowledge.

Investing In Our Team Schrader

These kinds of continuing education classes benefit not just our individual employees by adding skills and knowledge to their wheelhouse, but benefit our company as a whole, enabling us to better serve our clients.

“We are proud of the long tenure of our average employee, and funding relevant coursework to accelerate their learning and training is one way that we support our dedicated staff,” says Silas Schrader.

Schrader and Company maintains the related goals of having employees for life, and clients for life, and only by having the team with the highest levels of skills and professionalism can we meet that goal.

If you’re interested in being part of Schrader and Company and learning more about our company culture of growth and respect, don’t hesitate to apply today.

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 the flow and layout of a home to better suit the desires of the homeowner and the way they wish to live. This was the case in this Project Spotlight, in which we took down the walls that defined many smaller rooms to create an open, airy flow. The results are incredible, and if you didn’t know the before and after photos were the same residence, it would be hard to imagine.

These clients came to us with hopes for a much more open floor plan for their home. They are avid cooks, so creating a flow from the kitchen to other rooms that could be used for entertaining, dining and food storage was paramount. Walls were taken down to achieve this goal, and a new pantry, mudroom, bathroom and sunroom were renovated in addition to a fully updated kitchen.

The remodeled space boasts may cool features, including two kinds of countertops–a solid surface stone on the curved kitchen island (a notable feature in and of itself) and walnut underneath a row of custom cabinetry. The new cabinets are a shaker-style, constructed in our cabinet shop. There’s a beautiful bead board backsplash in the kitchen as well as a sleek hood over the range which does not obstruct the view to the sunroom, and adds to the open feel of the space.

Even though this was a large-scale renovation, we were committed to minimizing the inconvenience to our clients, as is always our priority. We were thrilled that they reported to us that the experience was low-impact during the construction, and they were able to go about their lives, and even work from home as the renovation progressed.

The results speak for themselves, and the transformation of this home is one we are always proud to share with prospective clients to illustrate just how much change is possible with the right design plan in place, and the best of skilled tradesman at work.

Take a look at the stunning before and after gallery below and give us a call if you’re ready to open up your home to some fresh possibilities!