With more and more people hunkering down at home, “remodel” is the buzzword for fall

By Patricia Nugent

One of the biggest pandemic silver linings is that we’ve all turned into homebodies.

Families are finding ways to coexist and enjoy each other’s company in their shared space. The home has become a safe oasis, a workplace, and a fun zone. And it’s never been shown more love and attention.

According to Houzz, home remodeling projects have increased 58% over the summer.

“Covid has definitely done something to people’s psyches,” says Bob Gallese, founder of Acclaim Renovations & Design, a local award-winning design-build firm. “They are nesting. They want to carve out individual, more personalized spaces in their homes and enjoy them to the fullest.”

He says Acclaim is way ahead of last year in terms of number of jobs and how extensive the jobs have become.

“I think two reasons are behind this: First of all, we’ve all had more time at home to look around and see what needs to be updated,” he says. “Secondly, clients are asking us for our vision of ways to repurpose their space so every member of the family can enjoy it.”

Bob has been in the business for more than 45 years. He and his design team are experts when it comes to blending solid design principals with functionality and intention for homes that speak volumes to the owners, both esthetically and purposefully.

Outdoor Living Rooms
“Instead of going out to restaurants or bars, now people are hanging out together at home,” he says. “They have always viewed the outdoors as a place of escape. Not surprisingly, we’ve done several jobs recently expanding an outdoor area to become more of a living room. We’re expanding decks and enclosing them to make them four-season rooms. One interesting home addition we just finished was a spa room that included a rather sizable hot tub and glass walls so the homeowners can fully take in the view.”

Bob reports that we are entering basement renovation season as well, and that’s going to look different this year.

“People are thinking beyond the man-cave mindset of just a big television and a bar,” he explains. “They are asking and answering the questions, how will my kids use this space? What kind of games can they play down here? Can we create a space for all of us to exercise?”

Master Bath Makeover: High Contrast Glam
A perfect example of maximizing and personalizing every inch of square footage, the master bathroom featured in this story is from a home in Chardon.

“We were going for a striking mix of lights and darks in this design,” says Bob. “The existing bathroom was original to the home, with oak trim and small mosaic tiles that were moldy. We were able to keep the existing tub, and just built a new surround with smaller black and gray tiles. Without changing the footprint of the room, or knocking down walls, we were able to open up the shower space and make that the room’s focal point. Its walls are done in 12-by-24-inch tiles with a white background and veining. The flooring is the same size tiles, but in a contrast of dark gray with white mixed in. For functionality, we built two niches and added a shower seat. A linear Schluter line drain kept the modern lines going.”

He said they amped up the contrast with steel gray Medallion cabinetry against sleek white quartz countertops and a contemporary Kohler faucet.

Acclaim Renovations & Design powered by One Man and a Hammer is located at 8550 East Avenue in Mentor. The company has been awarded Contractor of the Year by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). Financing options are available, from 18 months same as cash to five- and 10-year loans with low monthly payments. Call 440-974-8082 or visit AcclaimReno.com.