Key Residential named among TAB Star Awards Finalists

We are thrilled to be included in the list of finalists for the 2013 Star Awards in five categories. Winners will be announced at the Sunbelt Builders Show on June 25 at 3:15 in the Ballroom at the JW Marriott® San Antonio Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, TX. Hopefully Key Residential will be among them!

Custom Builder - Best New
Custom Home for Brookridge

Remodeler - Best Whole House
Renovation*for Caruth

Custom Builder - Best Architectural
Design* for Brookridge

Remodeler - Best Kitchen
Renovation* for Hollow Way

Custom Builder - Best Master 
Bathroom* for Brookridge 

New Home: Brookridge,

 completed 2012

Remodel: Caruth Home,

 completed 2012

Remodel: Hollow Way Home,

 completed 2012

* Price ranges per category vary based on submission criteria.

Turf Wars: Rise of the Synthetics

Trends towards Artificial Grass in Residential Landscaping 

(also a possible title for summer sci-fi blockbuster pending a copyright investigation)

Small side yard designed to act as a dog run.

No watering, no mowing, no weeding, no maintenance, no fertilizing, no hassle. Designed to provide the look of natural grass but without the headache of actual nature. This does sound like the stuff of Science Fiction. However, no need to fear, synthetic alternatives to natural grass have made leaps and bounds from the dated turfs that could make the bravest among us cringe at the thought of walking barefoot across the scratchy green surface. 


In areas of high traffic such as pool surrounds and back yards, more and more homeowners are opting for synthetic ground cover that is accented by traditional planting. Small side yards that were previously an afterthought (or simply ignored) because of the increased responsibility of care-taking with limited return  can be utilized for circulation or even as pet friendly areas without having to worry about additional maintenance. You can have the benefit of a green and grassy back yard all year round, regardless of weather. 

Decomposed Granite  Base,
Color variation to simulate natural grass decay

The newer more refined manufactured turf products are designed down to the smallest detail to look and feel like natural grass. It takes a very close inspection to discover that this green grass isn't actually growing. Individual synthetic blades in varying shades of brown are sporadically placed throughout to mimic the decay of live grass. For drainage purposes, the turf is installed on a base layer of decomposed granite. The granitic rock also helps with the natural feel when walking on the turf. In the photos below, the pavers, stepper pads and the synthetic turf are set on a thin bed of decomposed granite. With the integration of pathways and natural planting, this synthetic material blends seamlessly into the design, creating a lush landscape all year round. No muss, no fuss, just enjoy!

Landscape: Jason Osterberger Designs, Groundcover: Synthetic Grass Pros

The Big D: Detail

Sure big moves, like paint color, floor coverings and furniture selection are the heavy hitters in the design/build process. But don't let the smaller details get lost in the big picture. By paying a little extra attention to these small touches during the design process, your newly constructed or remodeled space will truly embody your own personal style, down to the very last detail.

Fabricator: S&S Custom Wood Moldings;  Design: The Ratcliff Company

1. Molding & Trim

Crown molding is a great way of adding both aesthetic as well as monetary value to your home. With many types and styles readily available, this is a quick and inexpensive detail that adds visual interest to any space. What's more, with innovation in design and fabricators specializing in custom details, you're no longer married to what's in stock at your local hardware store. Whether your style is large traditional grandeur, sleek, modern and simple or something somewhere in between, there are options out there to express exactly how you want to feel in and about your space. 

2. Stair Rails & Balusters 

Square top octagonal baluster and post newel; Turned spindles and hand carved newel

Balusters and Stair Rails are a general safety & basic construction requirement in any staircase.  You just have to have them. And though there are requirements for overall height and spacing, you have a great amount of design flexibility in materiality, shape and color/finish. Your balusters can match your stair material or provide striking contrast, with innovations in wood tooling, metal works and glass offering unique alternatives to traditional wood. The shape can range from a modern square geometry to spirals intricately turned and hand carved. And with color and finish, the sky is the limit!

3. Cabinet Hardware 

Hardware Selection: The Ratcliff Co.; Cabinets: Douglas Cabinets

Choosing a cabinet material & finish can have just as big of an impact on a room as the paint color or flooring. Do you go with a dark walnut or paint grade? Classic white or a fun color? Once these decisions are made, selecting hardware is the finishing touch. The style and shape of handles is often determined by use and preference. However the material, finish & color can range from timeless brushed nickel to vintage turquoise glass. Consider the impact of your hardware choices on your cabinets and  entire space, and don't be afraid to try something unique.

A final word of warning when selecting the all important DETAILS- Make these decisions earlier rather than later. What may seem like a minor element can delay your project significantly if not finalized early on or changed at the last minute.

Work In Progress: North Dallas Bathroom Remodel

How do you gain usable space without adding any SF?

Existing Master Bath: 165 sf, double vanity with adjacent bath/shower area, built-in linen storage, small walk-in closet

Proposed Master Bath Remodel: 165 sf, bath area with double vanity, built-in jetted tub/shower combo, freestanding storage and walk-in closet

1. Equitable division of assets based on frequency of use. 

Floor space is a hot commodity if you're not adding on and in this case it was unevenly allotted before, with a large open vanity leading to a small and cramped bath/shower area. By removing the maze of interior walls and combining the frequently used vanity and bath areas, the plan is opened up to increase both functionality and flow, especially in areas dedicated to daily activities. When considering a remodel, remember to evaluate how and where you spend the  majority of your time, which varies wildly between households if we actually take a critical look. Don't give up precious floorspace to an area or task that you don't actually want or need.

2. Nooks and Crannies- great for breakfast foods, not holding belongings.

While creative design often utilizes niches for storage, by replacing the small built-in linen closet with a freestanding piece, the internal capacity is maximized without increasing the footprint. The "master" closet also left something to be desired, as it provided limited storage opportunities because of the space required for adjacent plumbing, resulting in tiny built-in shelves hidden behind the open door and short runs of hanging rods. The new closet will provide more hanging and shelf storage and greater ease of access with a pocket door that does not encroach on any floor space.

3. Natural light is your friend 

If there is insufficient light within a space, it tends to feel smaller, even if it's physically not. And while choices of material finish and color will have a huge impact on the light quality within a space, you still have to get the light in there somehow.  By removing the existing undersized window and replacing it with a 2' x 5' Sliding Window over the new tub area, the amount of natural light is easily doubled within the space. The placement of the window is also moved directly across from a reflective mirror surface which will help increase the dispersion of light throughout the space. 

The success of this finished project will be impacted by many additional factors, including amenity upgrades, high-end material selections, finish and color. However, the remodeled spatial layout is perhaps the biggest move to increase the functionality and homeowners' enjoyment of this master bath (and without adding a square inch). 

Check back as we have updated photos of the finished project in coming months!

Addition In Progress

As warmer weather is swiftly approaching the outdoors are beckoning, with promises of family fellowship and friendly entertaining poolside in your humble (or grand) abode. However, to brave the Texas summer heat without some sort of protection is sheer madness. This is where outdoor living areas come in. Whether covered and open-air, partially enclosed or fully glazed, these areas make it possible to enjoy  the outdoors without baking to a crisp or losing a swatting match to a swarm of viscous insects. 

One of our current projects includes the extension and enclosure of an outdoor living area to provide more functional space for grilling and cooking, add substantial protection from the elements when necessary and create more usable space for entertaining family and friends. 

         

As it begins to take shape, we can already see the gains in usable and protected area that will shade larger family gatherings on even the hottest of summer afternoons. In addition to the obvious gains in usable space, the area is being reworked to include a truly functional outdoor kitchen area, featuring a built-in stone pizza oven, gas grill, undercounter refrigeration and clean-up station. 

Check back as we document our progress. Soon the finished product will be ready to show off!

Vendor Spotlight

Key Residential's 2012 projects highlighting Sub Zero & Wolf Products

With the opening of the newest Dallas Sub Zero & Wolf Showroom on Lemmon Avenue, Dallasites now have a fantastic space to visit, learn about the newest product developments & techniques and of course SHOP. When considering a new home build or renovation, it is always best to meet with your designer and/or builder at the showroom location. The staff are very knowledgeable about the latest in industry standards and nothing beats the hands-on experience. You get to compare models side by side and in various vignette settings of all styles. 

Granted this takes slightly more effort than a few mouse clicks while surfing the web, but you'll be living with your new appliances for some time. Explore the features. Touch the finishes. And play with all the buttons! This experience is vital to ensure you're making the most informed consumer decision. Check out some of our recent Dallas Area projects, showcasing SubZero and Wolf products below.

Dallas Sub Zero & Wolf Showroom

3707 Lemmon Ave

Dallas, TX 75219

Feel free to browse: Key Kitchens

Kitchens are one of the most popular areas to update during home renovations. Kitchens are often considered the "hub"of the home. Meals are prepared and served while days are recapped, schedules coordinated and quality time, however brief, is enjoyed. Improving this space can not only help streamline your daily activities but improve your functionality as a family unit as well. 

Key Kitchens flipbook was created to highlight some our most popular kitchens in both remodels and custom new home construction. Whether modern, traditional or eclectic, we strive to create the kitchen that our clients have been dreaming of.

simplebooklet.com

What to Expect with Your Remodel?

What to Expect with Your Remodel?

Everyone hates the cliche- Expect the Unexpected. That's not even technically possible. So what can you expect with a remodel project?

Granted every remodel project is different in scale and scope, and we certainly cannot ever predict each obstacle that may appear during the process. There are a few things however that tend to remain constant throughout any project.

There will be dust. 

Somehow a fine film of dust will descend upon your home in areas that aren't even being redone. And it will continue to settle over time. You can encapsulate the workspace in plastic and tape to your heart's delight, but beware of dust traveling through your home's HVAC system and discuss alternative solutions with your contractor. 

There will be people. 

Remodeling is the ultimate in adult roommate experiences. You will cohabitate with trade partners, installers, designers, delivery people, inspectors and more. But keep in mind that these visitors are only temporary and with the guidance of your carefully selected general contractor or project manager, you know that you're always in good hands.

There will be noise. 

Whether a tree falling in the woods makes a sound or not, ripping out sheetrock and installing new cabinetry certainly does. And lets not forget our friends- the power tools. Your home, temporarily at least, will fill with a chorus of mechanical and vocal noises that will be anything but soothing.

There will be decisions. 

Perhaps you never thought the finish of your bathroom drawer pulls would be the defining characteristic of your adult life, but at some point you will have to make the choice between brushed nickel and chrome, and you will have to live with it. Forever (or until you change them out again). 
  

Another very important thing to keep in mind is do not be too quick to judge your new space until all the bells and whistles are added and you've given it a test run. 

Staring at a beautifully constructed space without your own personal details and memories may leave you a a tad underwhelmed.  

But in the end, once the finishing touches are added, all of the hard work will pay off as you enjoy your newly remodeled space!

Check out our inspiration article, and many more fantastic features on Houzz.com! http://www.houzz.com/11-Things-to-Expect-With-Your-Remodel

Key Residential Featured In RENOVATION Dallas Magazine

Spring 2013

We are honored to be featured in the Spring 2013 Issue of RENOVATION Dallas Magazine highlighting one of our most popular kitchen transformations, the Caruth Remodel of 2012. This article describes the homeowners' objective and unique style as well as a few challenges that were encountered while creating such an eclectic space.

Kevin Key is also quoted in the feature article, "CHILLIN' AND GRILLIN'- 5 'must haves' when considering outdoor living" by John Mesenbrink. This feature includes the exterior living areas of the Caruth home, showcasing the patio dining area adjacent to the sunroom and the pool cabana addition. 

The cabana features a functional kitchen with concrete countertops, built-in grill, freestanding sink and Big Chill Retro Refrigerator, an entertainment area with seating for up to six, hand-carved wood columns and a stained concrete floor leading to the pool.

Key Residential Wins Again!

Key Residential won another award for this Outdoor Living Addition! In addition to the Home Builders Association ARC award, the local and regional NARI Contractor of the Year awards, and the National Chrysalis Award, Key Residential just found out it was awarded the Bronze award from Professional Remodeler for this Energy Star Rated Residential Addition in Frisco, Texas.

When the project began, the homeowners told Key Residential that they wanted an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area. This project soon grew to also include a space for workout equipment, a bath that was accessible for their children when using the existing swimming pool, more usable storage, an air-conditioned dog room, and a garage to house the motorcycles that would allow the homeowners to park in the existing garage.