Steve Sanders

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• Party for 8 to 80
• Primitive Chic
• Home for the Holidays
• 2008 Remodel of the Year Awards
• Downtown Girls

Best Kitchen Remodel
$40,000-$70,000
Built by Design LLC
Mike Christianer

This Leawood remodel took an outdated kitchen and turned it into a modern, functional and streamlined kitchen worthy of praise.

The architectural layout that the homeowners chose created more counter, storage and entertaining space for the family; however, a challenge they ran into was adding three sky lights in the dining room, right off of the kitchen.

Some attic space was taken to install the sky lights, along with precautions to make sure they were positioned correctly, had sufficient support and didn’t leak. An oversized picture window was added above the sink, Avonite solid surfaces for the countertops, and cabinets were updated with a combination of maple and cherry. Metal accents accentuate the refrigerator, sink and island, and a wood plank ceiling with faux beams help preserve the home’s original character. The fireplace was removed to create room for additional pantry storage, but they kept some of the original white brickwork surrounding it. 

Resources:
Contractor/Framing: Built by Design LLC
Architect/Home Designer: Mike Christianer
Plumbing: Atcheson Plumbing Company
Windows/Roofing: Bordner Installation Group
Electrician: Elite Electric
Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance
Trim Work: KC Wood
Sheetrock: Lewis Drywall
Lumber: McCray Lumber
Hardwood Flooring: The Hardwood Floor Company
Countertops: Top Master
Heating & Cooling: United Heating and Cooling
Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans

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Best Kitchen Remodel over $70,000
Ashley-Lavender Builders LLC
Wendlandt & Stallbaumer

The kitchen serves as the focal point in this Prairie Village home. The homeowners, however, wanted a more open, modern-style that offers a classy yet causal look. Pacific coast maple, prairie-style cabinets with wood finishes between the perimeter cabinetry and new island updated the original small and narrow kitchen, while multi-colored decorative tile backsplash and hand-blown amber glass fixtures give guests something to talk about.

The oversized uniquely designed island, with a custom-stone base, matches the stone used on the new fireplace in the family room and flaunts Juperana Arandis granite countertops and a beverage refrigerator. Honed absolute black granite is found on the perimeter countertops, and a triple casement window was added behind the sink for natural light. A walk-in pantry with adjustable shelving and pull-out baskets allows for storage, while a redesigned laundry room and half bath replace the originals. The new layout of the kitchen provides the design space the homeowners desired — it’s a functional, stylish kitchen to suite a gathering of any size.

Resources:
Contractor: Ashley-Lavender Builders LLC
Architect/Home Designer: Wendlandt & Stallbaumer
Custom Closet: Affordable Closet
Framing: Ashley-Lavender Builders LLC/Prairie Framing
Sheetrock: Berwald Drywall
Trim Work: Borger Construction
Painter: Bruce Ring Painting
Guttering: Complete Home Concepts
Excavation/Foundation: Custom Contracting
Countertops: Dimensional Stonework
Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance
Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Enterprises Inc.
Stone Work: Kenny Stumpff Stonework
Kitchen/Bath Tiles: Kenny Tile & Floor Company
Hardwood Flooring: Kenny Tile & Floor Company
Windows: Marvin Windows/Kansas City Millwork
Lumber: McCray Lumber
Glass & Mirrors: Olathe Glass
Interior Designer: Purple Pedal
Cabinets: Quality Wood Products
Roofing: Ronan Roofing
Paint: Sherwin Williams
Electrician/Home Automation: Teague Electric
Heating & Cooling: United Heating and Cooling
Plumbing: United Plumbing
Hardware/Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans

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Best Bath Remodel
Starr Homes, LLC
Johnson Design Studio

These Overland Park homeowners wanted to update their small, ordinary master bathroom. The biggest challenge they faced was wanting to add features, while also trying to create a sense of space. The original bathroom included a small shower with standard composite base, an over-sized whirlpool tub and a flat 8-inch ceiling that made the space feel small.

All of that was traded in for a larger shower with three shower heads, two dual and one hand-held, and a roomy shower bench; a new vault was placed in the ceiling creating volume; new lighting to accent workspaces; and a claw-foot soaker tub replaced the original bulky whirlpool tub. Travertine stone with accents of granite and slate decorate the shower, and the combination of individually cut tiles of travertine, granite, marble and slate cover the bathroom floor and walls. Faux-finished custom cabinets make up the stylish vanity with extra storage space.

Resources:
Contractor/Framing/Trim Work: Starr Homes, LLC
Architect/ Home Designer: Johnson Design Studio
Plumbing: Atcheson Plumbing
Kitchen/Bath Tile: Carino Tile and Stone, Metro Tile
Sheetrock: Cox-Huff Drywall Co
Painter: D.A. Bates
Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Enterprises Inc.
Glass & Mirrors: Fountain Glass
Countertops: Granite Tops
Windows/Hardware: Kansas City Building Supply
Heating & Cooling: Midwest Heating and Cooling
Faux Painting: Mo's Faux
Electrician: Starr Homes, LLC
Cabinets: Superior Wood Products
Lumber: Teague Lumber
Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans

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Best Master Suite Remodel
Lyon Construction + Design, LLC
Schuberth Architecture

This 1920s Tudor-style home gained a master suite that was fully equipped with modern conveniences but also preserved its originality.

To start off, the homeowners knew the aquamarine tiles in the master bathroom had to go and the sponge-painted bedroom ceiling was in need of an update.

Among other improvements, the home’s shell was extended to the second floor during remodeling, making more room in the master suite to include a walk-in closet, sitting room and laundry room. The metropolitan-style black-and-white master bedroom was re-wired for all the latest in home technology, as well as ambient lighting. The master bathroom, with its sleek black and white checkered diagonal marble floors, presents a freestanding, air-jetted tub in front of a translucent stained glass window, steam shower, custom cabinetry and Cambrian antiqued granite countertops. Second floor rooms were re-insulated and received energy-efficient windows.

Resources:
Contractor: Lyon Construction + Design, LLC
Architect/Home Designer: Lyon Construction + Design, LLC
& Schuberth Architecture
Cabinets: Gillpatrick Woodworks
Countertops: Top Master, Inc.
Electrician: Big Electric, LLC
Faux Painting: Renaissance Studios
Framing: Cedans, LLC
Glass & Mirrors: Westport Glass
Heating & Cooling: All Weather Control
Interior Designer: Madden-McFarland Interiors
Lumber: Sun Lumber
Painter: PaintMasters
Plumbing: Kevin Ginnings Plumbing Service
Plumbing Fixtures: Dorfman Plumbing
Trim Material: Kansas City Millwork Co.
Trim Work: Halverson Carpentry, Inc.
Windows: Pella Products of Kansas City

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Best Basement Finish
IGW Construction Inc.

This Overland Park basement made room for two home offices, along with a place to entertain and unwind in the evenings. The new basement had to provide enough space and privacy for work but also enough room for entertaining family and friends.

Guests are automatically drawn to the black slate fireplace with flat screen TV above and flanked by built-in cabinets and bookshelves. Next to the dining room table is an elegant bar made of Knotty Alder wood with dark-stained, custom-made cabinets that have glass fronts lit up to display the collection of glassware. Granite countertops, numerous appliances, slate floors and an under-counter wine cabinet are other features of the eye-catching bar. On the other side of the room are the two home offices with a ¾ bath that features a wall-suspended vanity, copper vessel sink and mosaic tile flooring. 

Resources:
Contractor/Framing/Trim Work: IGW Construction, INC
Light Fixtures: Barbara Cosgrave
Carpeting: Benson Floors
Electrician: Class One Electric
Painter: Color Splash
Tile Installer: Guy Sommers
Hardware: Home Hardware
Glass & Mirrors: Hutton Glass
Plumbing: Jack Reevs Plumbing
Interior Designer: Jennifer Quinn Design
Fireplace: Midwest Fireplace
Home Theater: Naturally Wired
Sheetrock: Preferred Drywall
Wallpaper: Rob Wood
Art: Sarah Schram Photography xoxo hugs and kisses
Paint: Sherwin Williams
Cabinets: Stanley Wood Products
Appliances/Plumbing Fixtures: Steve Knox Gallery
Kitchen/Bath Tiles: Steve Knox Gallery/Stone Trade
Countertops: Stone World
Heating & Cooling: Suburban Heating and Cooling
Lumber: Sun Lumber

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Best Remodeling Project
Schloegel Design Remodel

This 1920s home had a dark and dated family room that didn’t match the rest of the home. Formerly, the room contained a rough stone fireplace; large, exposed dark-stained rough cedar beams in the ceiling; limited incandescent lighting; and the placement of structural beams limited layout plans.

The homeowners wanted to soften the space and increase the lighting to make it a place worthy of a family get-together. In the remodel, a soffit was placed above the cabinetry to tie all elements together. False beams with crown molding embellishments were inserted; another one concealed a clipped ceiling. The ceiling was lowered; columns and wainscot panels enhanced the fireplace; and the room received new doors. Wall wash lighting showcased artwork, and accent and directional lighting put the mantel and bookcase in the spotlight. Finally, camel-colored paint and a large pendant light fixture softened and brightened the room, bringing it back to life. 

Resources:
Contractor/Architect/Home Designer: Schloegel Design Remodel
Cabinets: Alten Hofen Cabinetry
Paint: Benjamin Moore
Interior Designer: Donna Kirsopp CKBR
Sheetrock: Lee Drywall & Plaster
Interior Designer: Leslie Hatfield
Millwork: Pacific Mutual Door
Trim Work: SDR
Electrician: Tech Electric
Painter: The Hamlin Co.
Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks and Fans

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Best Outdoor Living Space
Outdoor Environments, Inc.

An outdoor living area that incorporated an existing pool area sounded like a perfect plan for the Olathe homeowner. Overgrown bushes separated the pool area from the home, and with a concrete patio, sidewalks and stairs, his outdoor living area needed a makeover.

A lower-level multi-purpose deck with a “floor-level” view was added, housing an outdoor living area with fire pit, overhead shaded arbor for outdoor dining and additional seating, and a shaded spa shelter that includes a hot tub and privacy screening. An elevated martini deck was added off the master bedroom for additional lounge options. The colors chosen for the new outdoor living area match the colors in the roof and exterior of the home, and all deck materials are fire retardant, eliminating safety concerns. Low-maintenance perennials and small grassy areas replaced the overgrown bushes that once separated the pool area from the home. Two sidewalks lead to the pool area, bringing together the design together uniting the entire backyard.

Resources:
Architect/Home Designer: Outdoor Environments, Inc.
Contractor/Framing: C & H Construction
Plumbing: Dickson Plumbing (fire pit, gas line)
Lumber: KC Deck Supply
Fireplace: Sturgis Materials
Electrician: Tech Electric

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Best Exterior
Architeam
Pete-Douglas Construction
Michael Gromer Homes

The ability to entertain and host numerous year-round events was the reason these homeowner decided to update their Leawood residence.

The exterior was transformed because of the home’s addition, which includes a new kitchen and breakfast room expansion. The breakfast room expansion features large arched windows with arched transoms. Additional windows were also added in the kitchen remodel, allowing more natural light to filter in.

The addition’s exterior is new Hardie plank (fiber cement), and although it looks the same, it’s an upgrade from the rest of the home’s wood exterior. Off of the breakfast room is a covered cabana that leads to an irregular, serpentine swimming pool and hot tub. The home is also enhanced by a bath house that features a bathroom and outdoor shower; trellised area for movement from the front yard to the back; and landscaping. Some of the challenges that were overcome includes preserving existing trees and working with limited easement.

Resources:
Architect: Architeam
Builders: Michael Gromer Homes/Pete-Douglas Construction
Landscape Designer: Laura Stack
Plumbing/Electrician: AB May Company
Pool/Fountain: Banks Blue Valley Pools & Spa
Fence: Burge Fence
Roofing: Century Roofing
Structural Engineer: Ken Sidorowicz, PC
Landscape: The Creators, LLC
Irrigation: Total Grounds Management
Lighting Designer: Yarnell & Associates

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Best Room Addition
$75,000-$150,000
Aldrich Contracting Co.
John Herring




The Nottingham Forest home in Overland Park was built in 1979 and had an outdated first floor. All the rooms were closed off from each other with small entryways leading from one room to the next. The homeowners wanted an open floor plan with room to roam and views of their wooded lot.

To open up the floor plan and design more space, 8 feet were added to the back of the house, moving the existing door of the breakfast bay for the homeowners to showcase a baby grand piano. The kitchen was repositioned to where the dining room was; the living room was made into a formal dining room; and the old kitchen became the new hearth room. The kitchen proudly displays Merillat Masterpiece-glazed cabinetry, Santa Cecillia granite countertops and wood floors. The sink was installed in the island so whoever is preparing a meal or washing dishes has a direct view of the scenery.

Resources:
Contractor: Aldrich Contracting, Co.
Architect/Home Designer: John Herring
Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance
Cabinets: Kansas City Building Supply
Countertops: TrendStone, LLC
Electrician/Excavation/Heating & Cooling: Aldrich Contracting, Co.
Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts
Foundation/Framing/Trim Work: Aldrich Contracting, Co.
Furnishings: Nebraska Furniture Mart
Guttering: Ratliff Guttering
Hardwood Flooring: Bill Romstad, Co.
Kitchen/Bath Tiles: The Tile Shop
Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans
Lumber: Owen Lumber, Co.
Paint: Sherwin Williams
Painter: JM Painting
Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Bath-Kitchen Lighting Gallery
Plumbing: Aldrich Contracting, Co.
Roofing: Stewart Roofing
Sheetrock: Ferguson Drywall
Windows: Kansas City Building Supply

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Best Room Addition
over $150,000
Ashley-Lavender
Builders LLC
Nearing Staats
Prelogar & Jones

After much consideration, the homeowners decided to make a few changes to the interior that would alter the original footprint of their Leawood home. The six-month remodeling project began with the kitchen and breakfast room expansion that also includes a mudroom.

The kitchen features a wall of windows that overlook the outdoor living area and let in natural light. A double-sided island, big enough to seat the whole family, is stained black with red crackle and houses an apron sink for additional preparation. At one end of the island is a bookcase with glass shelves showcasing precious family keepsakes, and two large lantern-type light fixtures decorate the ceiling above it. When creating the cabinets, three different types of finishes and furniture styles were used, and top-of-the-line accessories polish off the renovated kitchen. The unique design within the tile backsplash behind the range draws attention to the updates made in the kitchen, as additional lighting provides a warm, inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Resources:
Contractor: Ashley-Lavender Builders LLC
Architect/Home Designer: Nearing Staats Prelogar & Jones
Hardwood Flooring: Acme Floors
Custom Closet: Affordable Closet
Landscaping: Artistic Design Lawn & Landscape
Framing: Ashley-Lavender Builders LLC/Prairie Framing
Home Security: Atronic Alarm
Faux Painting: Bertrand Designs
Sheetrock: Berwald Drywall
Trim Work: Borger Construction
Fireplace/Deck/Patio: Brick Doctor
Painter: Bruce Ring Painting
Guttering: Complete Home Concepts
Excavation: Dusselier Excavation
Foundation: Dusselier Foundation
Kitchen/Bath Tiles: Eddie Cummings Tile
Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance
Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Enterprises Inc.
Lumber: McCray Lumber
Glass & Mirrors: Olathe Glass
Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor Lighting Perspective
Windows: Pella Products of Kansas City
Interior Designer: Purple Pedal
Cabinets: Quality Wood Products
Roofing: Ronan Roofing
Paint: Sherwin Williams
Electrician/Home Automation: Teague Electric
Countertops: Top Master
Heating & Cooling: United Heating and Cooling
Plumbing: United Plumbing
Hardware/Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans

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Best Whole House Remodel
$200,000-$500,000
Ashley-Lavender Builders LLC
Wendlandt & Stallbaumer

A more modern and reconfigured space is what this Prairie Village home received. The original ranch house exterior was transformed with the challenge of adding a double front gable, pop-out window, new carriage garage doors and new front porch. The successful transition made more room for the interior with views of the landscaped yard. Inside, walls were removed and ceilings vaulted to create the kind of space the homeowners wanted.

The kitchen, originally small and narrow, now features maple, prairie-style cabinets, under-cabinet lighting and an oversized island that matches the new stone base on the fireplace. A walk-in pantry was implemented, and a custom cabinet was built in the new mud room to store necessities. The family room and dining room exude classy yet casual with a wall-mounted plasma TV and speakers that fit the homeowner’s specifications. The new fireplace makes this area a great place to kick up your feet and enjoy the remodeled surroundings. 

Resources:
Contractor: Ashley-Lavender Builders LLC
Architect/Home Designer: Wendlandt & Stallbaumer
Custom Closet: Affordable Closet
Framing: Ashley-Lavender Builders LLC/Prairie Framing
Sheetrock: Berwald Drywall
Trim Work: Borger Construction
Painter: Bruce Ring Painting
Guttering: Complete Home Concepts
Excavation/Foundation: Custom Contracting
Countertops: Dimensional Stonework
Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance
Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson Enterprises Inc.
Stone Work: Kenny Stumpff Stonework
Kitchen/Bath Tiles: Kenny Tile & Floor Company
Hardwood Flooring: Kenny Tile & Floor Company
Windows: Marvin Windows/Kansas City Millwork
Lumber: McCray Lumber
Glass & Mirrors: Olathe Glass
Interior Designer: Purple Pedal
Cabinets: Quality Wood Products
Roofing: Ronan Roofing
Paint: Sherwin Williams
Electrician/Home Automation: Teague Electric
Heating & Cooling: United Heating and Cooling
Plumbing: United Plumbing
Hardware/Light Fixtures: Wilson Lighting Locks & Fans

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Best Whole House Remodel over $750,000
Wellner Architects, Inc.
Stephen A. Hodes Enterprises, Inc.

The view is the main reason the home owners decided to buy this Leawood home; however, the house didn’t allow for any of the view to shine through. In order to see the refreshing landscape, the main level was completely remodeled, and almost every room was relocated.

A hearth room was added, and the staircase was moved from the entry and now separates the formal living room and hearth room. The overall number of rooms in the house was reduced. The east Palladian windows were replaced with a two-story window wall, bringing light into the home and allowing homeowners and guests to enjoy the view from about anywhere in the home. The basement was gutted and ceilings raised to feature a media room, kitchen and living room. A pool and patio area adds additional seating options to the deck. The front entryway of the traditional Tudor home was revamped using Kansas limestone and a new mahogany door with side lights and a transom.

Resources:
Architect/Home Designer: Wellner Architects, Inc
Contractor: Stephen A. Hodes Enterprises, Inc
Countertops: Alpha Stone
Hardwood Flooring: Armstrong Hardwood Floors
Deck/Patio: Backyard Solutions (didn’t finish)
Interior Light Fixtures: BelsonGuinn/Rensen House
Home Theater: Best Buy
Ornamental Iron: Bobs Ornamental Iron
Roofing: Bordner Roofing
Stonework Mason/Supplier: CE Enterprises/Sturgis
Fireplace: Complete Home Concepts
Sheetrock: Cox- Huff Drywall
Demolition/Excavation/Foundation: Dave Hopkins
Hardscaping: Dave Hopkins
Carpeting: Designer's Library
Kitchen/Bath Tiles: Edward Cummings Tile
Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance
Glass & Mirrors: Fountain Glass
Landscaping: Groen Designs
Trim Work: Knepper Construction
Framing: Ledford Construction
Hardware: Locks and Pulls
Lumber: McCray Lumber
Exterior Light Fixtures: Mercer-Zimmerman
Garage Organizational System: Overhead Door
Windows: Pella Products of Kansas City
Plumbing Fixtures: Pyramid
Cabinets: Quality Wood Products
Heating & Cooling: Redbird Heating and Cooling
Plumbing: Steve the Plumber
Pool: Sun and Swim
Electrician/Home Security: Teague Electric
Painter: Vannostran Painting
Interior Designer/Furnishings: Wellner Architects, Inc