What’s in Your Barbie Dreamhouse — And Could It Be Reality?

by BathroomsInterior RenovationKitchensLifestyle TipsNews

Barbie’s Dreamhouse may be a  bit  over the top. Or is it?

Thanks to new materials, reduced pricing, and designers’ creativity, our clients are already living in the dream house — although perhaps a little less pink. From slides for stairs to outdoor kitchens and in-home elevators, the Dreamhouse’s fabulous features are becoming a reality for more and more people. We sat down with Custom Craft’s newest designer, Grace Arndt, to get her take on the dreamiest items Bucks and Montgomery County homeowners are asking for in their newly designed homes.

Basement Remodels: Entertainment Central

If Barbie had a basement, it would surely be all about entertainment. It’s no different for our clients. For many homeowners, dream basements include full bars, big-screen TVs, and theater rooms with specialty lighting and luxurious seating. These homeowners in Schwenksville have the ultimate entertainment setup behind their bar, with open shelving, LED lighting, and even an embedded sound system perfect for choreographed dance parties. If Skipper ever gets tired of staying in her treehouse, we’re sure Barbie would also include a bedroom for guests to stay overnight, with a convenient full bathroom nearby.

Kitchen Remodels: Culinary Creativity

Chef Barbie would definitely dream of specialty features many Custom Craft clients already have in their space. Topping Grace’s list are functional items that are discreetly hidden yet easily accessible, like hidden pantries, built-in microwaves, and downdraft range hoods that come up from the countertop when needed. Oversized sinks with double faucets or even a second sink for a drink station may once have been luxurious but are now more popular. Of course, Barbie would settle for nothing less than top-of-the-line appliances like a smart refrigerator with a built-in TV or a large, professional-grade range and cooktop.

Bathroom Remodels: Luxe Retreats

What would Barbie have in her Dreamhouse bathroom? Grace is guessing a spacious zero-threshold shower, a deep free-standing tub, or maybe both. She’d also need a vanity table with great lighting to put on her makeup, heated floors, and a smart shower system so she could control the water temperature right on her phone. All of these features are common asks for Custom Craft projects.

Bedroom Remodels: Where Dreams Begin

While Barbie’s magical wardrobe may never become a reality, a well-designed walk-in closet with custom shelving (including plenty of shoe cubbies, of course!) comes close. Today’s homeowners enjoy large beds, lots of windows and natural lighting, and unique touches like exposed beams or pitched ceilings in their bedrooms. To make things extra dreamy, Grace suggests including an attached space such as an office or even a sitting area with a coffee bar to ease into your day.

Bonus Spaces

The bonus spaces in Barbie’s Dreamhouse, like the pool or party room, are what make it so special and are some of the most memorable spaces for our clients as well. Grace has loved designing:

  • Video game rooms with specialty seating, large TVs, and beverage refrigerators
  • Amazing offices with floor-to-ceiling shelving
  • Home libraries with rolling ladders
  • Laundry rooms with dog washing stations and gorgeous farmhouse sinks

And, although no one has requested a giant pink slide from the second floor to the pool (yet!), Custom Craft has built some fantastic outdoor areas like this covered deck that Barbie would be sure to approve of.

Every day, homeowners are discovering that dreamhouses aren’t just for Barbie — and that features they thought were out of reach are surprisingly obtainable. So don’t put your dreams off any longer. Contact us, and see how we can help!

Choosing A Remodeler

How to Choose a Home Remodeler: Setbacks & Solutions

by GeneralInterior RenovationNewsRemodeling Tips
Brown & White Kitchen

Thinking about upgrading your Montgomery County kitchen, bathroom, or basement? Your first step is to select a qualified remodeler to partner with you on your journey to a home you love. But how do you choose which remodeler is right for you?

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this is especially true with hiring home-building professionals. In fact, some of our clients come to us for help after having bad experiences with other remodelers and wish they had taken steps to prevent their mishaps in the first place. Here are three of the most common setbacks our clients have experienced with previous remodelers and what you can do to ensure they don’t happen to you.

THE SETBACK:  

Steak Dreams, Hamburger Budget

Remodeling involves a series of moving parts and professionals that all need to come together seamlessly. You’ll need a designer to understand your needs and help you plan your new space and a team of tradespeople ready, willing, and able to turn those plans into reality. Some homeowners hire an architectural firm to develop designs for their new space, then find a separate team for the actual construction.

Working with a separate design and build team can make it very difficult to line your dreams up with your budget. An architectural firm can make you incredible plans that look exactly like your dreams, but when priced out by a build team, those plans often cost much more than anyone can afford.

THE SOLUTION:

Remember to Research

Taking some time to look into the background, reviews, and work samples of different design and/or build teams will give you a good idea of their scope of services. Beautiful designs are great, but what do the finished products look like? What have their past clients said about how well their project followed their wishes and budget?

We might be a little biased, but this is also where hiring a design-build team like Custom Craft is a huge advantage. Our designers don’t just understand great form and function, they know how one small selection can make a $10,000 difference — and can suggest cost-effective alternatives early in the game. Then, when all professionals are working together as one unit, keeping within a budget from the beginning becomes much more manageable.

Need some guidelines on where to go and who to talk to when researching potential remodelers? There’s a blog for that! Check it out here.

THE SETBACK:

Clashing Visions

We all have our own personal styles, likes, and dislikes when it comes to the look of our home. Sometimes our preferences match current trends, and sometimes they don’t. Unfortunately, some professionals let their own opinions, rather than the homeowners, influence their designs. We’ve had several homeowners come to us after feeling unheard by previous remodelers, stating their goals were unmet.

THE SOLUTION:

Ask the Right Questions

You want your home designer to be a good listener, to guide without being pushy, and to have the experience and expertise to translate your wishes into a home that’s uniquely you. To make sure you get this, you’ll need to ask the right questions.

Part of your homework when choosing a remodeler will be to interview a few different firms. By asking questions about their process, mission, and values, you’ll get a good feel for how important client input is. If references are available, their past clients can tell you whether their home project was everything they hoped for.

It’s also helpful to take a look at their portfolio. Are there lots of different styles on display, or is it clear that a designer has a very specific style? The level of variation is often a good indicator of how well they’re listening to their clients.

Click here to learn the most important questions to ask your potential home remodeler.

THE SETBACK:

Failing to Follow-Through

We hear this one a lot. Homeowners put out calls to contractors that never get returned. Questions are answered dismissively or not at all. Or worse, the professional they found starts a job and doesn’t finish it, leaving them with a mess.

We understand how busy contractors are, and Custom Craft is no exception. Projects may not be finished as soon as clients would like, especially since we often cannot get started for several months after contracts are signed.

Some firms overpromise and underdeliver timelines to get the gig or overextend themselves so much that they can’t be good communicators. A quality home remodeler, however, will be upfront about timelines and quickly respond to inquiries.

THE SOLUTION:

Recognize Red Flags

Fortunately, with online reviews, professional organizations and communities like NARI and HOUZZ, and by asking those important questions we discussed earlier, you can tell a lot about a home remodeler’s reputation before wasting time and money. Spotting certain red flags like lack of communication, too-good-to-be-true prices, and others is crucial to getting your project done right the first time.

Curious about other red flags to look out for when choosing a home remodeler? Click here to learn more.

We want you to find the home remodeler that’s right for you. Could it be Custom Craft? Contact us to find out!

Bathroom Tile Trends for 2023

by BathroomsNewsRemodeling Tips

Planning to remodel your bathroom soon? Whether you’re updating your hall bath or transforming your primary suite, you’ll want to make sure you’re up to date with the latest tips and trends on all things tile. To fill you in, we interviewed our go-to tile expert and owner of Kulp Tile, Peter Kulp. Here’s what he’s noticed in his projects throughout Montgomery and Bucks County:

Glass towel bar

Tile Shape & Size: Bigger is Better

Tile has been getting bigger over the years, and this trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, while most residential projects still use 12” X 24” tile, Peter has gotten orders for tiles as large as 4’ X 8’ or even 10’ X 5’. Homeowners enjoy larger format tiles for their clean, contemporary looks, fewer grout lines, and sustainability.

These large format tiles aren’t just for the walls but are trending on shower floors as well. Many homeowners are forgoing drains in the middle of the floor for linear drains, which act like troughs on the side of the shower. With this system, the floor no longer needs a concave shape to drain the water, which opens opportunities to use larger tiles.

As far as shape, rectangular tile is much more common than square, and almost all of Peter’s clients request a staggered, brick pattern layout.

Tile Color & Texture: Smooth Moves

According to Peter, white and gray tiles continue to trend in 2023. White tile looks clean and elegant — ideal qualities in any bathroom. Furthermore, white and gray are timeless colors that will never go out of style, meaning homeowners can enjoy the look of their new space for years to come.

Stepping away from the late-90s-early-2000s love of raw texture, today’s homeowners opt for clean lines and smooth surfaces. The look of polished marble is far more desirable in today’s bathrooms than porous materials like the limestone that was once a very popular choice.

When asked about the biggest tile trend in the last decade, Peter says small grout lines are what stick out in his mind the most. As tiles get bigger, grout joints are getting smaller. With these smaller lines, homeowners enjoy faster, easier cleaning and a more even, modern look.

Looking for a different design? We love going the opposite direction with bold, glam grout.

Glass Tile Accent Shower

Niches & Accent Tile: Practical, Stylish Solutions

Niches and accent tiles are key to achieving a one-of-a-kind style in the bathroom. Eye-level, decorative border lines in the shower were once a popular trend, but are becoming less common with the move toward larger format tiles. The small glass tiles typically used in these borders can be difficult to match up with the large, thick wall tiles.

Instead of the horizontal stripe, many Custom Craft clients have requested a vertical tile accent panel behind the fixtures that provides a visual statement as well as a convenient way of accessing the plumbing behind the wall. Shower floors and backsplashes behind the vanity are two other popular spots to get creative with accent tile.

Shower niches are also incredibly popular since they not only offer a focal point but also provide a cosmetically pleasing way of storing soap, shampoo, and more. No longer an eye sore with bulky, bullnose curbs, they are now designed to blend seamlessly into the wall and can be a natural spot to place a decorative mosaic.

Whether you stick with current trends or find your own style, your tile options are only limited to your imagination. Need help deciding what’s best for your space? We’re here for you. Contact us to learn more.

6 Gnarly 1980’s Home Design Trends

by News

As we celebrate 40 years of remodeling Montgomery and Bucks County homes, we’ve been thinking a lot about how dramatically design trends have changed.

The homes we work on today are a lot different than those in our 1982 beginnings — but then again, so are trends in general! Leg warmers. Big hair. Hulk Hogan. The 80s were colorful, loud, and unapologetic. The trends from this era — some of which we miss, and some we wish we could forget — are unique and unmistakable. Here’s a flashback to 6 home design trends from the 80s that might even be in your Montgomery County home today:

Heavy Drapes

Heavy, extravagant drapes complete with matching valances and tiebacks were commonplace in a 1980s family room. Whether in bold colors or graced with ornate embroidery, these window treatments were made to be grand.

Hanging Cabinets

We’re all for more storage space, but hanging cabinets are less than ideal. These 1980s staples were suspended from the ceiling, usually over a peninsula. Unfortunately, they also forced anyone in the kitchen to crouch down or peer around the corner if they wanted to see or speak to someone in another room.

Pastel Colors

Before Memphis style and primary colors took over toward the end of the decade, pastel colors had a moment. Pale pinks, blues, and seafoam greens were found on walls, furniture, bedding, and even wall-to-wall carpet.

formica

Formica Counters

These plastic-topped counters were big in 80s kitchens but had just a *few* drawbacks. Unlike today’s durable materials, they had to be treated delicately. A hot coffee pot or spilled wine could damage them easily, and once a corner was lifted, the whole thing could be peeled apart.

Dark Wood

Dark Cabinets & Furniture

Cabinets, dressers, kitchen tables, and bulky entertainment centers were typically solid wood with a dark stain made nice and shiny (and very well protected) with several layers of varnish. These pieces were sturdy and built to last, but their style wasn’t. We often replace these heavy fixtures with lighter pieces that make rooms feel open and airy.

Brass Fixtures

The gold accents and hardware making a comeback in today’s bathroom and kitchen décor might feel reminiscent of the 1980s, but fixtures in that era were much more bold and brassy. Homeowners during this time enjoyed the ornate, luxurious look — and, of course, the opportunity for some flashy focal points.  

Is your home stuck in the 80s? We can help. Our designers have a sixth sense about which trends will pass the test of time and which fads will quickly fade. If you have 80s décor you need to update, or if you’d like to bring back some (modernized) trends, contact us.

Tasting Room

Chef Chipper’s AAA Catering Tasting Room & Takeout

by News

Hungry for incredible food crafted by exceptional people? Consider AAA Catering. Custom Craft recently attended the  grand opening celebration of Chef Chipper’s Lansdale tasting room and takeout storefront, a space that’s as inviting and amazing as the chef who started it all.  

Store Front

Chef Chipper launched AAA Catering in 2003, intent on delivering decadent dishes for weddings and other celebrations — a service of love that he continues to this day. His endeavors don’t stop at fancy occasions, however. AAA Catering also handles food services for local early learning facilities, bringing healthy meals to thousands of kids all over Philadelphia.  

Tasting Room

Demand for his culinary masterpieces grew, and Chip was inspired to open a storefront with an inviting tasting room for catering trials as well as space for hungry Lansdale locals to pick up everyday takeout. As a lifelong friend of the Foering family, he knew exactly who to call to help bring his vision to life: Custom Craft.

Scissors & Mural

211 W. Main Street in the heart of downtown Lansdale was the perfect location to set up shop. The Custom Craft team, along with Sam Kim from Ambit Architecture, transformed the barren storefront into a beautiful, functional space perfect for elegant tastings and easy takeout. In the tasting room, champagne bronze plumbing fixtures complement the elegant Calacatta Valentin Quartz countertops, and a showstopping live-edge wood table beckons tasters to sit and enjoy. Takeout guests are also in for a visual treat, thanks to the fabulous Lansdale mural in the pickup area.

Boating Party

Of course, the charming mural isn’t the only element of art. Chef Chipper brought a piece of home to the tasting room — The Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, a painting that hung on his family’s kitchen wall throughout his childhood.  

Boating Luncheon

As fellow believers in the power of love, family, community, and excellence, we’re honored to be a part of Chef Chipper’s journey. Stop by AAA Catering soon for a feast of the senses — brought to you by Chef Chipper and Custom Craft.

For more information about Chef Chipper and AAA Catering, visit chefchipper.com.

View the gallery below for photos from the Grand Opening.

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Blossom Cafe

Sustainability and Style in Skippack’s New Coffee Shop

by News

The charming village of Skippack, PA, is home to many incredible restaurants, chic boutiques, and fantastic celebrations. Until fairly recently, it only lacked one thing — a gourmet coffeehouse. Now, thanks to Blossom Café and Custom Craft, the Skippack area has a wonderful place for coffee, community, and carbs.

Blossom Cafe

Blossom’s owner, Michelle Buckman, sees opening the shop as giving back to the town that’s given so much to her. It hasn’t been an easy feat, however. She was determined to serve excellent coffee and baked goods, but beyond that, she hoped to build a place where people could comfortably gather while taking in the quaint village. She was especially set on the shop feeling organic — like it had always lived inside Skippack’s beloved flower shop, Floral & Hardy. She had plenty of ideas on how to make the space beautiful and inviting, but only one name to bring it to life: Custom Craft.

Michelle Buckman

Lowell Steinberg, owner of Floral & Hardy

with

Michelle Buckman, owner of Blossom Cafe

Our team built a stylish and sustainable oasis inside Floral & Hardy that complements, rather than competes with, the floral shop. Similar elements were threaded through each store to keep it feeling cohesive, and very little of the florist changed. In fact, they were able to stay open during construction with minimal disruption — a feat all the more impressive considering that Blossom was built from Floral & Hardy’s old counter. This meant refurbishing the existing one into the perfect coffeeshop and building an entirely new and bigger counter for flower arranging and purchasing.

Blossom Cafe

We furthered the organic and natural feel by installing a quartz counter and brick-like tiles on the walls, while Michelle added stylish touches like a moss frame and a reclaimed wood menu holder. Sustainability is particularly important to Michelle — Blossom’s serveware is largely compostable and the shop features repurposed materials where possible.

Blossom Cafe
Michelle has worked with Custom Craft on many projects in her home, so she knew we’d deliver fine craftsmanship and unmatched service on this passion project. She’s thrilled with the final look and feel of the shop and excited to see what its future holds. If you’re in the area soon, pop by for a quick sip — or stop and smell the roses while enjoying a sweet treat!
Blossom Cafe

Click the link below to follow Blossom Cafe on facebook, or click the cup of coffee to check out their website!

COVID-19 Update: Our Design Center Prevention Measures

by News

As you may be aware, we have re-opened our Design Center at Custom Craft! We have a COVID-19 prevention plan in place until further notice, developed according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Our employees have been thoroughly trained on this protocol to ensure the safest possible environment for our clients and guests.  

Custom Craft Design Center Prevention Measures

    • Design center visits will be by appointment and limited to one group at a time.
    • Everyone is required to wear a face mask in all common areas, follow hand-washing guidelines, and maintain social distancing. 
    • Deliveries will be managed outside or on the entry porch, and delivery personnel will not be permitted inside the design center.
    • We’ve increased the rigor and frequency of our cleaning protocol, including sanitization of all workstations, surfaces, products, touch screens, etc in all rooms before and after use.
    • Employees who are sick or have exhibited symptoms will not be permitted to work until after they’ve quarantined and have met the CDC’s guidelines.
    • We ask that if you are sick or exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you remain home and seek medical care. 

While we are still taking design consultations virtually, if you’d like to schedule a meeting at our in-person Design Center, or if you have questions on our protocols, please contact us!

An Update from Custom Craft on COVID-19: We’re Here If You Need Us!

by News

As we work through the uncertainties of this global pandemic and its profound impact on our community and the world, our commitment to the health and safety of our customers, team, and families remains our top priority. Because of this – and in compliance with local officials – we are still open, but are operating under special circumstances. 

Despite these changes, our core values of customer satisfaction, quality, integrity, teamwork, and sustainability remain strong. We are dedicated to serving you to the best of our ability during this difficult time. We’ve been a family-run business since 1982, and we proudly made it through the 2008 recession. We’ll recover from this, too! All of us will, together. 

Please read on for an update on the precautions we’re taking, how to contact us, and how we’re helping the community. 

Precautions 

To comply with social distancing, we have paused all active production sites, and our entire team is working remotely. Any communication regarding existing projects will continue through BuilderTrend, our online project management platform. 

All meetings and consultations will be held virtually (more on that below). We’re here to answer any questions you may have about an existing project, or a project you’d like to plan for the future. You can contact us here. 

Virtual Design Consultations 

Given that we are spending so much time in our homes right now, you may find that the time is right to start planning your next home remodeling project. Our designers are readily available to start that process with you! They are holding virtual consultations via video (Zoom, FaceTime, etc). You can discuss your needs, walk them through your home, and map out your vision together. 

Because we believe in thoughtful design, we have an extremely thorough planning process before construction even begins. By getting started now, we’ll be able to hit the ground running once it is safe to resume on-site production.

Your At-Home Design Center

At Custom Craft, we’re proud of our Design Center, as you can experience all material samples in one place (in 3D!), rather than making multiple trips for specialty granite, tile, cabinetry, plumbing supplies, floor, and lighting. Because of the coronavirus, our in-person Design Center is temporarily shut down, so we’ve decided to bring this experience directly to your home! Once we understand your budget and your vision, we’ll create an “At-Home Design Center” for you. We’ll gather all of our recommended finishes and materials into a to-go box, which we can drop off on your doorstep, or you can pick up directly. This will enable you to still make design decisions and keep your project moving despite the circumstances. 

The Future

When operations do normalize and we receive approval from the government to proceed with active production, rest assured that we will continue to provide a safe environment for you. Our employees will follow all guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) as outlined below:

  • If you are sick, are showing symptoms of respiratory (or other) illness or have been in close contact with someone that you know is sick, please stay at home and seek medical care.
  • Wash your hands upon arriving at work, either in the office or at the job site, for at least 20 seconds under hot running water and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Discard tissues in a garbage can and clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Disinfect surfaces including door handles, workstations, and other frequently touched objects.

We will be monitoring the CDC for any additional precautions to take. 

As we always do, we will use BuildClean’s dust control system, which enables us complete control over the dirt and dust when we’re in your home. This is a product we’ve used for many years, but we recognize that it will be even more important in light of the current climate. 

When the time comes for production to resume, we request that you please communicate any changes to the health of your family (or home), our designated work zone, or the agreed upon plan/schedule in a timely manner. 

Our Community

Some of the healthcare workers on the frontline of the coronavirus are members of our families here at Custom Craft, and we know that many of you can likely say the same. It hits home for all of us! We have donated masks as a small gesture of our support and appreciation for the sacrifices they’ve made to protect the health and well-being of the community. 

We’re continuing to explore new ways that we can help those who need it most right now. We’ll be in touch on how you can get involved, and certainly, if you know of any opportunities or have ideas on how a company like ours can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

We sincerely thank you for your patience, understanding, and support during this difficult time. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with updates as needed. In the meantime, we wish you and your families lasting health and safety.

custom craft design center open house

Custom Craft Celebrates New Design Center with Open House

by News

Many Thanks To All Who Attended Our Open House

custom craft design center open house

On Thursday, September 26, 2019, the Custom Craft team welcomed a crowd of more than 150 clients, trade partners, family and friends to our new Design Center for an Open House. Although the primary purpose of the event was to showcase our new space, we took the opportunity to add some festive, educational, and philanthropic elements to the occasion. 

The theme for our Open House was Remodeling in 2020 and Beyond. Throughout the evening, speakers from local companies offered presentations on topics ranging from cabinetry trends, to innovations in appliances and home technology. Special thanks to our friends at AMS, Kieffer’s Appliances, and World Wide Stereo for their informative presentations. 

Our Open House festivities included an array of tasty food and beverages, as well as promotional item giveaways. Guests took home Custom Craft reusable tote bags, mugs, and pens.  Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for an opportunity to win a variety of prizes. A total of $350 was raised through this effort. Custom Craft matched the funds and made a $700 donation to the Wes Rose Fund benefiting the ALS chapter of Greater Philadelphia. 

Thanks to all who joined us at the event. We hope you enjoyed the occasion as much as we did. Please scroll through the event photos below.  And, as always, please think of Custom Craft the next time you or a friend have a need for home remodeling services.  

Custom Craft DBR - Design Center

Visit us at our new office in Lansdale

by News

Custom Craft Has Moved!

It’s official!

We are open for business in our new location at 1111 Forty Foot Road in Lansdale, Pa. We are planning an open house event for the fall to show off our new space. Be on the lookout for an invitation to that event soon. In the mean time, take a sneak peek at photos of our new space below.

Custom Craft DBR - Design Center Custom Craft DBR - Design Center Custom Craft DBR - Design Center

Scenes from the 2018 Custom Craft Holiday Party

by News
We recently gathered together with team members, trade partners, and their families at Boyd’s Cardinal Hollow Winery in West Point for our annual holiday dinner. Guests enjoyed delicious food and beverages, and some spirited board game competition. Photos of the event can be viewed below. This year marked many milestones for Custom Craft, with a move into a new office space, multiple awards won, new team members added and more. Our holiday dinner was an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to the people who helped make these accomplishments possible. Whether you are a team member, trade partner, client, or other friend of the company, please know that your continued support is appreciated. From our family to yours, we wish you all a joyous holiday season and a healthy, happy new year!  
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new custom craft office in lansdale pa

Our New Office Space is Nearly Finished

by News

Progress Continues on New Custom Craft Office

new custom craft office in lansdale pa

Our craftsmen have been busy renovating the building at 1111 Forty Foot Road to prepare for our impending office move. Recently we completed the exterior grading, and the exterior walls were cleaned and prepped for paint. James Hardie siding was installed on the rear addition, and the nearby porch roof and ceiling trim was finished and stained. We passed all the rough mechanical township inspections (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC) which enabled us to make progress on the interior renovations, including insulation and finishing up drywall. In summary, our team has made great strides and we are counting down the days until we move in. Stay tuned for more updates, as well as information on the grand opening event we are planning for Spring 2019.

custom craft craftsman newsletter summer 2018

Read the Summer 2018 Craftsman Newsletter

by News

Learn About a Fabulous First Floor Renovation in our Latest Newsletter

custom craft craftsman newsletter summer 2018

In the latest edition of the Craftsman Newsletter, we share the story of a dramatic first floor renovation recently completed for homeowners in Blue Bell PA. You can view the complete project photo gallery here.

We also highlight an innovative coffee making system that we installed in our client’s kitchen. Plus, we introduce the newest addition to the Custom Craft team and give an update on our impending office relocation.

Simply tap or click on the newsletter thumbnail image to view the newsletter PDF.

As always if you have any questions about the content of our newsletter, please give us a call to chat at 610-584-0665.

blog

Custom Craft Designers Visit AD Design Show in NYC

by News

Visit to the AD Design Show Yields Sore Feet and Design Inspiration

blogBack in March, Custom Craft Designers, Julie Novak Stafford and Brittany Murray, visited the 17th Annual AD Design Show in New York City. This perennial event showcased the latest in residential design products, and offered a look at emerging design trends from brands large and small.

Our attendees were dazzled by elaborate displays of home related products, from accessories, to art, appliances, flooring, lighting, tile, counter tops, hardware, home tech, and room furnishings. The event also featured giveaways, tastings, book signings, seminars, culinary demonstrations and more.

It’s a good thing our design duo wore comfortable shoes to the show, because the AD Design Show was vast, encompassing exhibits from over 400 companies. Suffice to say, Julie and Brittany returned from the experience tired, but brimming with ideas to incorporate into future projects.

CC-Christmas-17

Happy Holidays from Custom Craft

by News

CC-Christmas-17
We recently celebrated the holidays with our team members, business partners, as well as their respective families at Moyo Yoga in Skippack. The festivities were the result of a successful team effort that included contributions from Barb Durante, as well as George and Mary Foering. Throughout the evening, there was much jolliness and consumption of holiday cheer. But if you were to ask any of the children who attended, they would likely say that the highlight of the event was discovering a wrapped present with their name on it under the Christmas tree. Suffice to say, a good time was had by all.

We hope your holiday celebrations are equally as merry. From the Custom Craft family to yours, best wishes for a joyous holiday, and a new year filled with blessings of good health and all of the comforts of home.

_DSC5955 Dr Kristen web crop

Kristen Foering is now practicing Dermatology in Lansdale

by News

_DSC5955 Dr Kristen web cropWe are pleased to share that our favorite dermatologist, Kristen Foering, MD, MTR (aka Mike’s better half) has moved to a new medical office. She can now be found working at the dermatology practice of Allan Mineroff, MD, PC on Broad Street in Lansdale, PA.

Not only does this move reduce Kristen’s commute time, it also helps Mineroff Dermatology increase their capacity. Kristen is currently accepting new patients. If you or anyone you know is in need of a skin cancer screening, or other consultation, please contact Dr. Foering at 215-362-5555.

remodeling news for montgomery county pa

Luxurious Master Bathroom Makeover

by News

remodeling news for montgomery county paIn this issue of The Craftsman Newsletter, we share details about a master bathroom that we transformed for homeowners in Blue Bell, PA. From the tile floor featuring radiant heat to the spot-free glass shower enclosure, following high-quality trends, our clients are thrilled with their new bathroom. In fact, they love it so much that they have already asked us to come back and update their hall bath with a similar beach house look. Read more about this luxurious master bathroom makeover.

Would you like to learn more about this master bathroom renovation? Give us a call at (610) 584-0665. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

cc-summer-2016-craftsman-ne

Read the Latest Craftsman Design-Build Remodeling Newsletter

by News

Read About a Craftsman Design-Build Remodeling Project in Abington

cc-summer-2016-craftsman-neIn the latest edition of our Craftsman Newsletter, we share the story of a classic Craftsman kitchen renovation for “empty nesters” living in Abington, Pa. Tap on the image to learn more about this gorgeous design-build remodeling project.

Also in this issue:

  • Read about the latest trend in double drawer dishwashers
  • Congratulate Matt and Karen Hill on their recent nuptials
  • Learn how we cleverly resolved a clients dilemma for hosting large gatherings
builder trend software

Now using BuilderTrend technology to serve you better

by News

builder trend softwareWe are pleased to announce that we have implemented BuilderTrend software. This cloud-based software application offers many benefits for our team members, vendors, and clients.

BuilderTrend is a construction project management software with features to cover each stage of the project life cycle. Because it is cloud-based, it can be accessed from any location with internet service. The BuilderTrend developers have also created an app for their software which can be used on any mobile device.

One of our favorite features in BuilderTrend is the scheduling tool which adjusts and notifies the necessary parties automatically whenever schedule changes are made. The software allows tasks to be assigned easily to various team members or vendors. A daily log tracks work progress and can be shared with all parties, including photos documenting the work that was completed. It also has real-time commenting features and private messaging.

In short, BuilderTrend is a powerful home remodeling planning and communication tool that we are confident will help our company operate more efficiently than ever before.

custom craft home remodeling newsletter

Check out our latest renovation project

by News

The Craftsman Newsletter Has Been Renovated

custom craft home remodeling newsletter One of the ways we keep in touch with our valued clients is through our quarterly newsletter, The Craftsman. Recently, we redesigned the newsletter, taking it from a two-page, to a four-page format. This renovation has allowed us to share more photos and details about the remodeling projects, home improvement trends, and company news items that you enjoy reading about.

To read the newsletter, click on the newsletter thumbnail. If you don’t currently receive this newsletter, and you would like to be added to the mailing list, email us your name and mailing address.

And the first Royce Yoder Pottery Giveaway winner is…

by News

Royce Yoder Pottery Giveaway #1: Set of Four Mugs Valued at $100

We have selected the first winner in our Royce Yoder Pottery giveaway. Watch the video below to see if your name was selected. If you didn’t win this time around, remember we will be giving away three more pieces of Royce Yoder original, hand-thrown pottery. If you haven’t had a chance to register yet, visit: the contest registration page and complete the form. Good luck!

matt harrar

Join us in welcoming Matt Harrar to the Custom Craft team

by News

matt harrarWe are pleased to announce that we have added a new member to our team: Matt Harrar. Matt joins us in the newly created role of Estimator. As the Estimator for Custom Craft Contractors, Matt will participate in design development, create project estimates, assemble proposals, manage the online project management software, place orders for lead materials, and assist the production staff with implementing our clients’ visions.

Matt comes to us with a decade of construction industry experience, as well as a degree in accounting from Ursinus College. His combination of relevant work experience and education will serve him well in this position. Matt will play an integral part in ensuring that all of our projects are delivered on time and within our clients’ budgets.

What you may not know about Matt is that he is an avid fisherman. In particular, he enjoys catch and release, fresh water fishing. Matt is also a pet parent to a Beagle mix named Rosie. Rosie enjoys accompanying Matt on his fishing trips and was even present when Matt landed a 30 lb King Salmon on Salmon River in New York.

Please join us in welcoming Matt to the Custom Craft Contractors family. We are happy to have him on board.