Mid ‘80s Standard Home Revamped into Current Day Wow!

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - July 10, 2014 - PRLog -- According to Chapel Hill home owner Ofri Leitner, she and husband Carl pondered at length on just what they wanted to do with their 1986 ranch home of just under 1,600 square feet. They loved their location and were certain they wanted to keep their Timberlyne address, but they greatly needed more space for themselves and their two young children. They discussed the function of the needed space, and computer-savvy Carl put their ideas into a plan in a CAD software program.

“Once we had a solid idea of what we wanted, Carl went online to find a builder,” says Ofri. “We contacted three, met with two, and decided on Chad Collins of Collins Design-Build, Inc. Chad was very detailed and comprehensive in the estimate he gave us. He was also very down to earth and approachable. We definitely got the feeling that he would be open to involving us in the building process… We weren’t so sure about that with the other builders we talked with.”

“I was impressed with the fact that they had given so much thought as to what they wanted,” adds Chad. “They showed me the plan Carl had sketched, which was for an addition of 1,000 square feet. This was almost 40% more living space than they already had. I made some suggestions and took the plan to an engineer to ensure its structural stability. It was an exciting project for me, because the Leitners were open to green, sustainable, and accessible practices, and they wanted the addition to blend in with their original home so that neighborhood passers-by wouldn’t even realize new space had been added. It was a challenge that I knew I could accomplish well, and also one that I was sure I would enjoy being a part of.”

The Collins Design-Build team got started on the project last summer and finished in October. The result of their efforts was a lovely new master bedroom with a vaulted ceiling, private sitting area, and a wonderful walk-in closet with built-in cabinetry; a master bath with a separate water closet, a double-headed shower, and stunning tile work; an inviting sunroom; an office nook; and a playroom with a loft for the kids to use as their very own retreat.

“It feels like we doubled our space,” Ofri comments. “We love it!”

The Leitners also loved that Collins Design-Build was so unobtrusive throughout the renovation process. Only one (decaying) tree was removed from the yard and all of the shrubbery surrounding the home stayed intact. Durable fiber cement siding was used on the addition and was also used to replace the existing wood fiber siding, and roofing shingles were installed/replaced with 25-year warranted architectural shingles. These products provided a seamless look to the home’s exterior. Inside, the flooring of an existing hallway was replaced with site-finished oak hardwoods to match the ones installed in the new sunroom/office nook/ master bedroom, providing a look of interior continuity.

The home’s crawlspace and attic were insulated with spray foam and completely sealed by the Collins Design-Build team to make  the home as energy efficient as possible while also preventing the development and spread of pollens, allergens, and organic growths throughout the house. Even the support beams used in the addition were green… Engineered i-joists disliked by termites were utilized throughout construction.

“The sustainable products Chad used added higher value, and we’re saving money on utility bills as a result of their installation,” says Ofri. “We wanted a sustainable home and Chad delivered it. We’re very pleased, and we absolutely recommend Chad and Collins Design Build.”

An area native, NC Licensed General Contractor, National Association of Home Builders Master Certified Green Professional^TM, and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Chad is one of less than 50 Accredited Master Builders in the state. He achieved this professional designation after numerous hours of coursework via the NC Builder Institute. Chad has been an active member of the building industry since the early 1990’s. He joined the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties in 2005. Chad was soon named HBA Recruiter of the Year and he subsequently chaired various HBA committees. Chad is a Licensed Home Inspector and he is a Licensed Lead Abatement professional. In addition to industry awards in recognition of excellence in home building and remodeling, Collins Design-Build has twice been named Building Company of the Year via the HBA’s Triangle Sales and Marketing Council MAME (Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence) Awards. The company has also received a Best Green Built Home STARS Award from the NCHBA. Currently, Chad serves as Vice President of the NCHBA, and he is building one of Durham’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) residential projects. LEED is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. To receive LEED certification, projects must satisfy pre-requisites and earn points to achieve various levels of achievement.

“My experience allowed me to move smoothly through the Chapel Hill building permit phase and the environmental watershed issues I encountered,” says Chad. “Education is key in these arenas as well as numerous other areas. I’m proud to say I make industry education a priority. If I wasn’t knowledgeable when I met with the Leitners, I wouldn’t have been able to make their addition/renovation green, sustainable, and accessible. I’m happy I could help them. Every project is inspiring and I look forward to each one.”

For more information on Chad and Collins Design-Build, visit www.collinsdesignbuild.com, call 919-422-2818, or email chad@collinsdesignbuild.com.