SPL Living - New Vs Remodel

SPL LIVING

Build New vs Remodel Deciding which to do can be an important decision PHOTOS/TRIPLE POINT DESIGN BUILD

Everyone wants their home environment to be a reflection of their own personal style, and functional for their needs. For some, entertaining spaces are the focal point of the home, while others may value the comfort of a more intimate living space. As design trends evolve and lifestyles alter the need for space, contemplating change often involves weighing the options of building a new home or remodeling and renovating the existing home.

In St. Pete, especially with waterfront homes, there are distinct challenges and opportunities in each scenario. New construction offers a blank slate to create your dream home, but must adhere

to strict guidelines and often must meet zoning and neighborhood requirements. Remodeling or renovating can preserve the character of an existing home while modernizing and expanding, but poses other challenges especially in our historic neighborhoods.

The stress-free path to your new home will most likely begin with the right builder. Here we take a look at two projects that TriplePoint Design Build executed, one new construction and one renovating an existing home. Both are waterfront properties, which require FEMA compliance. With over 35 years in the industry, CEO Neal Fiske specializes in the intricacies of FEMA standards.

SPL LIVING The Jones Project: Whole House Remodel For 15 years, the Jones family loved their beachfront Florida Craftsman single story home. Built in the 1940’s it exuded Florida charm. Their growing family demanded more space, which led them to expand/remodel the small, outdated, one story home. A small lot size meant expanding upward with a second floor, and raising the low ceilings on the first floor.

This required two separate construction cycles, the first of which began with the second floor. And all of the renovations, including a new pool, had to be done within the original footprint of the home.

Owner Dr. Glen Jones says, “We were very fortunate to have a builder that immediately understood our desires and was able to deliver the quality that we demanded throughout the entire process.” The end result for the Jones family was a four bedroom, five bath home with a detached garage, resort style pool, spa and outdoor kitchen. All on a barrier island with views of McPherson Bayou and the historic Don Cesar Hotel.

Dr. Glen Jones and Dr. Margaret Young speak about their remodel experience: What were your special requirements?

Since this is our forever home, we wanted high quality materials and the latest innovations for energy efficiency, technology and audio/visual equipment, with state of the art security.

Of course the kitchen was designed to allow for a professional chef to prepare a gourmet meal, but also convenient enough to make a simple sandwich.

Which rooms are important to you?

Every room has spectacular architectural detail and was thoughtfully planned out.

How do you feel about living in St. Pete?

Financially, moving would have made more sense, however location is everything and our location is second to none. St. Petersburg rocks. The growth and influx of young vibrant people in the last

decade is truly remarkable. The cultural events, art galleries, sports teams and limitless outdoor activities makes St. Pete an ideal place to live and raise a family.

TriplePoint has won the 2019 NARI Contractor of the Year Award, as well as the Local NARI Contractor of the Year Award for this Entire House Remodel.

SPL LIVING

PHOTOS/BARRY LIVELY

The Walker Project: New Construction New to the St. Pete area, Steven Walker fell in love with a piece of property on Big Bayou that held potential challenges in building the new home he was looking for. Not sure of feasibility and building requirements, he consulted with TriplePoint Design Build. Neal Fiske’s expertise in FEMA compliance, zoning and process made him immediately comfortable with the partnership. Says Walker, “I got a great team that was always available to answer questions and problem solve the changes or issues that I had.”

The 2,900-square-foot contemporary home was completed in just over a year, complete with dock and an integrated pool/ lanai. Inside, open airy spaces offer plenty of showplaces for an eclectic art collection. A key concept for Walker was “design with art in mind,” as he puts it. The wine cellar, as well, had to be a novel design with artistic detail. The resulting showcase is a climate controlled, WiFi accessible 12-square-foot space with custom Stact wine storage racks providing label out and cork out storage configurations.

Steven Walker speaks about his build-new experience: What were your special requirements?

The site was paramount. I wanted a water view and the resulting home to take full advantage of the setting. Openness was important and the house literally opens to the back as a result.

Which rooms are important to you?

I wanted each space to be of interest in some way so that visitors and I would linger and feel welcome. I chose TriplePoint because of a reputation for quality and experience with the requirements and challenges of waterfront homes in the area.

How do you feel about living St. Pete?

It’s a truly unique city that seems full of possibility. I love the depth and strength of the visual and performance arts here.

There’s a vibrancy and balance between cosmopolitan life and the natural that I appreciate. A diversity of people and thought combine to bring forth the new and interesting.

SPL LIVING

Landscape and lighting by MK Design

Pool bath wall art by Deb Holliday

TriplePoint Design Build www.TriplePointDB.com (727)302-9116

The TriplePoint Design Team Marieke McKinney Design Liason (elements and finishes) Martha O’Hara Interiors (furniture and lighting) Deb Holliday (specialty painting) 727-434-2092 www.TheFauxZone.com MK Design (landscaping and lighting) 727-647-7088 www.MKDesign.xyz