Chermak Construction Inc.

This project began with friendship. We had just completed another local remodel and were recommended by word-of-mouth. The home was a typical 1950s-era rambler with small rooms, narrow hallways, and a sunken living room. Our homeowner wanted an open and contemporary space that would accommodate aging in place. By removing an existing slate floor entry, railings, a living area planter, a wall between the kitchen/living room, and the fireplace, we were able to open up the main living area. The sunken living room was raised to be level with the rest of the home. In addition to this new living/kitchen/dining space, we repurposed existing rooms to create a home office, craft room, remodeled bath, and luxurious walk-in-closet. The home was updated with hardwood flooring, lever-style handles on all doors, new appliances, easy-to-maintain countertops, and new windows. Our homeowner loves that her “new home” is so open and bright!

Meet the Builder

Howard Chermak, CGR, CAPS

Howard Chermak started Chermak Construction with one customer in June 1980. He soon learned that partnerships and collaboration were a lot more fun than working alone. He also discovered a strong commitment to customers and their families. His philosophy has been to provide a full-service construction company with exceptional employees that thrive in a personable atmosphere. The company directly reflects his commitment to quality and concern for the needs of customers. 36 years in the construction business in Greater Seattle, Bellevue, and Edmonds benefits clients at every phase of the home remodeling process.

“I take pride in my company’s professional, yet personal approach to the construction business. This creates an environment for successful projects and happy clients.”

— Howard Chermak

Lakeville Homes

A midcentury split-level home is often viewed as a building lot. In this case, it was seen as a framework and as potential. A largely cosmetic renovation gave this Mercer Island home a new identity, greater functionality, and a bit of wow factor! The home is contemporary and chic, with clean lines and bold graphics to keep things interesting. The latest in technology is part of the equation in the form of appliances, specialty lighting, and even plumbing fixtures.

Irons Brothers Construction Inc.: Seattle

This 1951 midcentury contemporary kitchen was updated by opening up the walls, relocating a doorway, and reducing south-facing window heights to regain territorial mountain views. The new design created an unobstructed and stylish open concept kitchen for cooking, entertaining, and family gatherings. Features include: new cabinetry integrating two different lines, appliances, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, flooring, and updated lighting.

Sockeye Homes

This nationally award-winning, 5,000 square foot contemporary, open-concept home showcases incredible lake views, incorporates a variety of textures and illumination, and integrates the exterior living spaces into the predominantly white interior finishes.

The Japanese Nichiha exterior siding provides a contemporary feel with low maintenance. The existing 1950s home has been transformed into a modern showstopper!

Gaspar's Construction

This 70s house with great bones missed the mark with a choppy layout and by obscuring a fantastic view. We opened the floor plan and the entire back wall to the water view. Between the 21-foot sliding door and a sleek combination of wood and painted cabinets, there’s no way to miss the intention. It is now a space that is both calm and vibrant, ready to accommodate a party for 40 or a quiet fireside dinner for two.

Richard Landon Design

A three-bedroom rambler with street views becomes a two-story contemporary, featuring a new 14-foot high center section and treetop views—even though the home is surrounded by neighbors! Inventive solutions are seen throughout: downspouts run through ingenious "struts" around the perimeter; remote-controlled shades are concealed above windows; and kitchen and bath details by a Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer, including a one-of-a-kind kitchen sink.

Sockeye Homes: Site 2

This open concept kitchen/living room design was made possible by removing a load bearing wall and installing structural beams. An entertainment dream, features include an automated TV elevator, the latest in entertainment/sound systems, a wine storage and dispenser, and an automated ceiling island hood.

Unique modern accents complete this breathtaking kitchen and great room remodel. Don’t miss the special touches including a glass bead and ribbon flame fireplace, unique kitchen cabinet storage ideas, a floor-to-ceiling ledge-stone fireplace surround, a custom cable railing and stunning metallic/glass tile work.

CRD Design Build: Kirkland

This kitchen remodel opens the home and invites company to stay. New stainless steel appliances, clean lines and a large island make this kitchen a center for family living and entertaining. The old layout was a small, boxy design that left the kitchen isolated. Now, the built-in desk, ample storage and easy deck access make this home the optimal in family functionality. Contemporary and fresh, this home has a renewed energy that effortlessly marries efficiency and luxury.

City Builders Inc.

This 70s home needed updating. Starting with the kitchen, living room, dining room, and great room, we creatively removed some load-bearing walls and restructured framing. Then came very original solutions for two boring fireplaces. In the existing space we re-designed the functionality and established a more spacious layout. Custom Ribbon Sapeli contemporary cabinets, hardwood floors, fabulous countertops, and new appliances helped us reinvent this amazing kitchen. A must see!

CTA Design Builders Inc.

With just two bedrooms and one bath, this modest 1950s tract house was space enough for this couple to keep their life uncomplicated between their many outdoor adventures. But these lovers of pared-down efficiency and its inherent design beauty realized their home needed work. Capitalizing on its mid-century modern potential, walls and fussy trims were removed. The house now breathes large with light-filled, contemporary, hip spaces and edgy details. The mere 1,336 square feet function beautifully and feel spacious!

Sockeye Homes

Named the Northwest Idea House of the Year, this extraordinary home features five bathrooms, an open floor plan, and an on-site design showroom.

Featuring a Northwest Contemporary style with a Japanese flair, this is also a design/Built Green demonstration home. The Japanese Onsen spa is tied to a waterfall entry feature. Other special features include a 24-foot Nana Wall indoor/outdoor design and grand open floor plan living area, which are aesthetically interesting while being functionally and environmentally advanced.

SAVVY Cabinetry by Design & Metropolitan Finish Co.

The whole house remodel of this beautiful 1960s waterfront home in magnolia includes a new, modern kitchen, living room, master suite and powder room. It features millwork, doors, custom closets, floor coverings and finishes. The 15 foot fireplace, formerly bland and dated, now adds new vibrancy to the residence. Keeping the original footprint of the home, this remodel reveals new functionality and charm.

JWS Design Inc., Benton Development Inc. & Inexteriors Inc.

Original construction and finishes were still intact when the new owner took possession of this 1981 home. Our challenge was to update and open up the 2,200-square-foot living area to better suit modern family lifestyles. A new great room concept with an open living, dining, and kitchen area created an upscale, yet comfortable main floor. The new orientation of the family and den area provides useable and efficient work and play spaces. The style is comfortable, warm, and modern.

Tenhulzen Remodeling Inc.

This post-modern 60s equestrian ranch house is being reorganized from the inside out to become significantly more functional and energy-efficient. The butterfly roof system was extensively repaired, insulated, expanded and finished with a warming tone to add a feeling of cozy warmth to the home. Natural light floods through new, energy-efficient trapezoid windows. Stone, wood, and mosaic glass is reflected in professional fixtures such as cable rails and glossy cabinetry that rise from the hand-sculpted pre-finished maple floors. Phase one of three is complete.