2015 Wood Diamond Award

Main Category: Best of
Sub Category: Best Overall

What materials/species were used in this project/item?
Soft maple, poplar, granite, some alder was used in the moldings, recycled oak flooring (reclaimed oak)

Describe, in detail, the project/item’s construction.
This lot held a large building with a basement that use to house Davenport Junior High and then was the first Greer High School only to finally be the building for the School District of Greenville County.Before construction began, we had to remove the old building. We did some salvaging of materials that we used in the project. What I found interesting was that we tried to give the building to several salvage companies. They all wanted us to tear down the building and give them the salvaged wood and brick. In the end we found it much cheaper to crush what was left of the building. The economics was a good decision, but a waste as well.
We spent several months with the design of the home. The home sits in a wonderful historic area of downtown Greer. To be in keeping with the rest of the community, it was important that this brand new custom home have that older cottage feel.
Trying to achieve the exact look that a customer wants and giving them a product of good quality is not always easy. In our small shop, we have the basic shop tools. We rely on our ability as craftsman to achieve the finished product. Most of the details are accomplished by a series of many trips to the shaper, router, the saw table and hand work, as well. We sometimes have to combine several pieces of wood to achieve the profile we are looking for. In general, this is a normal process for my shop. Every project we do is custom and we approach them all as craftsman, carpenters and cabinetmakers.
Once the details of the look of this home was achieved and the lot was rid of the old building, the additional shop was built in the back first (complete with the old school bell from the building). As the shop floor, we used maple flooring taken from the old building. We stripped off all of the carpet glue and residue to make a beautiful floor for the shop. After the shop was completed, we went to work on the home. Each day was remarkable in completing the fabulous old charm look the homeowner was seeking.
From the fabulous custom-built front door with old world charm to the amazing custom pantry and custom pantry door, each detail was thoroughly thought out. The open floor plan gives the feel of today, while the crystal chandeliers reflect yesterday. They welcome you as they hang in the foyer and the dining room. The master bath is white with dark wall contrast to give you that amazing spa feel. The claw foot tub is yesterday’s soaking with a shower for today! The shower is open and walk-in full glass with ceiling showerhead. The custom bar back lit bar is a wonderful addition to the Grand Room. The bar is enhanced with maple stemware hangers.
The library is absolutely breathtaking. Built-in bookcases line the walls adorn with Sherman Williams Black Fox paint for that elegant feel. This room is so warm and relaxing!
Enjoy the Great Outdoors with the Brick Masonry outdoor gas starter fireplace that sits on a dedicated circular section of the backyard. This would not be complete with the stamp of approval from the client’s grandkids. Their little hands were stamped and dated in the concrete by this location.
You can enjoy the beautiful landscaping on the screen porch. The screen porch flooring is made from tiger wood.
The home was finished off with a low brick fence and gate to welcome you to the front of the home. On each side of the gate, the house number and “Class of 1938”, an historical marker that was located on the old school house building that sat on that lot.
To view a virtual tour of the finished project, click the link below:
http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?SK=202&T=3591531

​What is the most unusual aspect or outstanding characteristic of this entry?
The entire project, as described above, was unusual to start with.
Some special items are the large island in the kitchen and the glass doors that set off the kitchen cabinets with lighting. The pullouts in the kitchen were built in our shop, as well as the stem ware holders in the back lit bar in the Grand Room. The heavy moldings with handmade corner touches in the Grand Room and trim through out the home are gorgeous. The 3 ½” recycled oak flooring that is through out the home and the custom built front door.

List any items that were outsourced.
Cabinet finishing
Painting
Custom front door
Granite tops
Ceramic tile
Wiring
Plumbing
Blind corner swing out in the cabinet
Cabinet knobs
Glass doors
Some material components of crown molding
This was a turn key project. All the design, planning and scheduling, as well as all the carpenter work, wood work, cabinets and detailing were done by my 4 employees. Also, all carpenter work, including framing of the entire project, were done by us.To view a virtual tour of the finished project, click the link below:
http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?SK=202&T=3591531
Provide a synopsis of how your business has implemented the category and how your business has changed as a result of that process.
Our company implements the category “Best Of” because we truly care about the client and their needs. Not only do we use our years of custom experience to provide the client with an excellent product, but we have clear communication about the clients expectations. When we are called to provide a product for a client, we take the time to listen and provide realistic feedback for the wants and needs of the client. We always try to leave a finished product with a very happy customer and an amazing product to show off. We are the “Best Overall” with our attention to detail, custom, quality work and satisfied clients.
We have evolved and grown over the years with the needs of the consumer. The owner was the first homebuilder in Greenville, SC to hold the Certified Green Professional Designation. It was something that he aw the consumer would demand in the future and, he wanted to be prepared.
We are natives of the area and this really helps the trust someone gives to you, knowing that you have been in business for over 44 years in the same location.
We feel that we are the “Best Overall” in our business and our product designs.

How being a member of the CMA has benefited you and/or your business.
Being a member of the CMA has given my business the opportunity to be a part of a professional organization where their members take pride in their craft. Not only do they want to do a better job, but be profitable at the same time. It has helped us become more recognized as a professional shop. I am extremely proud to be one member in a group of such good craftsmen.