The annual First Coast Remodelers Awards showcased the best remodeling projects in 17 categories submitted by NEFBA’s Remodelers Council members.
Remodelers and their teams, along with family and friends, enjoyed dinner, entertainment and much-deserved recognition for a year of excellence in remodeling design and execution. The event was Dec. 5 at the Deerwood Country Club.
Scott Merritt, former NEFBA membership director and remodelers liaison, was a guest of honor and helped announce the winners. Merritt is now the executive officer at the Metro Orlando Home Builders Association. Cheryl Martin of Sisler Johnston Interior Design hosted the event and shared emcee responsibilities with Merritt.
The evening opened with the invocation by Tom Trout Sr., former council chair, and a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful” by Tim Davis of Inspirational Kitchens by Design.
Katrina Hosea, the 2013 Remodelers Council chair and president of BeeTree Homes, reviewed the year of educational opportunities, charitable outreach projects and socials. Hosea said the revised website and social media contacts were among the most important accomplishments of the council this year.
Hosea also announced her selection of Penelope Geismar, formerly publisher of Florida Homebuyer Jacksonville, as the recipient of this year’s Chairman’s Award.
Project winners were selected by three highly qualified teams each of which included a builder, an architect and a designer. None of the judges were affiliated with the projects or the companies entering them.
BeeTree Homes captured six gold awards, one silver and Best of Show, with a sweep in all categories of kitchen remodels. Sport Nobles was also a multiple award winner, with seven awards to the company’s credit.
“The judges had their work cut out for them,” Martin told the remodelers and their guests. “The quality of design and workmanship was, as always, very high, and the projects demonstrated creativity, maximum incorporation of state-of-the art materials and techniques and the standards of professionalism unrivaled in the industry.”
Martin (Sisler Johnston) and Natalie Beach (Kitchen Envy) were co-chairs of the awards event. Serving with them were Lorena Hitchcock (Pella Windows and Doors), Robbie Price (Traditions in Tile & Stone) and Kristin Jones (Crossville Tile).
Jacksonville Remodelers is the professional remodelers organization of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. Its members include remodeler contractors, designers, architects and other service providers associated with the remodeling industry. For more information, call NEFBA at (904) 725-4355 or visit jaxremodelers.com.