We recently completed this beautiful bathroom renovation, including a large shower with bench seat and sliced pebble floor, white and grey color pallet, double sink vanity with drawers, and large storage cabinet.
By eliminating a tub, we were able to give the homeowner a much larger shower. The sliced pebble floor is more comfortable to stand on, than the uneven full pebble option.
This blog post has been 25 years in the making – even though 25 years ago not many people had written or heard of a blog. It was March of 1998 when we ventured into business, with hopes and dreams still intact, and jitters that are now just a memory. At the time, the only Google was Barney and most phones had a cord that kept us in place.
As Captain Obvious would say, “A lot has changed,” and we’ve certainly had to adapt to changing times – which brought us new products, new skills to develop, and many opportunities to learn and grow. Some times were tough, and we got through them together, but more often the times were good, and through it all we did our best to count our blessings.
We’ve met many wonderful people along the way – teammates, clients, and suppliers. Customers kept us coming back for more projects, we watched children grow up, and were there as needs changed and spaces were reimagined. We’ve worked with many talented tradespeople too and appreciated their depth of knowledge and commitment to their craft.
We won’t presume to know what the future will bring, but we plan to keep remodeling – it’s what we know, and what we do best. After all – maybe if this blog was written next year, it would be done by Chat GPT- things change! But the most important message we have is “Thank You!” We couldn’t have done it without the support of so many people through all these years. We mark this milestone with good thoughts of all the people who have been a part of our lives for so many years. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ron Riker
R&M Construction Co.
An outdoor living space in the back yard can be a great addition to your home. Many of our clients think, at least at first, that the answer is a deck. For many people that’s what they need for lots of space, with outdoor seating, fresh air, and cooking close at hand. But sometimes a deck is too much of the great outdoors. Things like too much sun, or a rain shower can break up a party or move your relaxing evening indoors. A roof over the deck can help tame the elements and allow you to leave a table and chairs under its protective cover. Something to consider is that it may also affect your home on the inside by lessening the light in some rooms.
Another idea is to start with a deck and add a roof later to ease the effect on the budget. This can work well if the roof is planned from the start. If planning for the roof isn’t done as part of the design, the type of foundation, and location of footers needed for a deck may not work well to support a roof. This can make it expensive and disruptive to add to the foundation, since some of the work on the deck will have to be redone.
It’s always best to consider options in the planning process to make sure what you build will best serve your needs and budget now, and into the future. It’s 26 degrees and windy as I write this, but we’re looking forward once again to Spring. What are your plans for the great outdoors?
It was time to replace this older pressure treated deck. The deck required too much maintenance, and we found the structure was no longer safe. We built a new deck to meet code requirements, and used Trex composite decking with a contrasting railing for a good look and many years of low maintenance enjoyment.
Custom decks are one of R&M’s specialties. Nothing is more rewarding than helping homeowners create a Dream Space in the Backyard. One that can allow them to extend their entertaining and living space from inside their home into the backyard. The ideal deck should fit the esthetic style as well as structure of the house. It should also fit the personality, preferences, and needs of the owner. The deck should be constructed with easy-to-maintain materials that allow use year-round as much as possible. We also believe it should be built to the highest of standards for years of worry-free use.
Corona Virus Notice
May 11, 2020
We are happy to report that we are back at work as of May 1. We are doing our best to follow the guidelines and restrictions Governor Wolf has in place during this health emergency. We are glad to be back at work again, and as always, our focus remains to work safely and as productively as conditions allow. We are mindful of those who can’t yet return to work and the people whose livelihoods put them at increased risk yet continue to serve. We are especially thankful for our clients who continue to support us through this pandemic.
As you can imagine, our schedule looks quite different after being away for five weeks. We’ll work through this though and should have a better idea soon of what things will look like going forward. Our suppliers are working to get back to normal, and we are fortunate to have relationships with good people built over many years.
These are trying times that call for patience and understanding as we all continue the precautions required to keep us safe. While so much is out of our control, we also have opportunities to help others – with food for the local food bank, checking in safely with those who may be lonely, and support for restaurants offering take out and other local businesses. We’re all stressed, and still need to be kind to the people we meet. We have faith that we will get through this together!
With all good wishes for health and prosperity,
The R & M Construction Co. Team
The owner of this older home in Upper Providence Township wanted to make some substantial changes to improve the appearance and function of the home.
The porches were rebuilt to add a feeling of welcome.
The side porch steps were moved to point to the driveway, in a direct line to the door. Both porches feature composite and PVC materials for great appearance, durability, and low maintenance, with black railing providing a classic touch. The new concrete walkways serve the porch and the rear deck.
The floor plan of the house left the kitchen closed off from the living room, and the small dining room didn’t function well to provide enough seating. We wanted to open the space to allow for comfortable family gatherings, with the cook being part of the group, rather than tucked away in the kitchen.
We always use a professional to specify the beam required to support the structure above when we remove a bearing wall. Safety is always the most important part of our work.
The kitchen became a focal point, and truly the heart of this home.
The old breakfast nook wasn’t an inviting space, and it’s now better used for additional and very convenient pantry space.
Baking is one of the owner’s hobbies, and this kitchen is ideal for it, with the double wall ovens and large island providing a great workspace. Don’t you just look at this and think, “Christmas cookies!”
The open floor plan is perfect for family gatherings now, with lots of room to mingle. The cook will always be in the midst of the fun!
This home in Charlestown Township needed an updated kitchen. The large island is a focal point for entertaining, and the material selections make for a very inviting space. Great lighting, new flooring, and beautiful appliances round out the picture.
This is a great old farmhouse in East Coventry. The kitchen is in an addition that was added to the back of the house some years ago. We removed the bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room to open the space and supported the floor structure for the large island. We added some nice modern touches like the heated floor, great lighting, and up to date appliances. It keeps the farmhouse feel with the glass front cabinets, farmhouse sink, and traditional cabinet style. The bathrooms are elegant and functional, with the same clean design that brings comfort and style to this home.
The best part about a basement remodel, is that you really have so many possibilities to make it whatever kind of space you want. From an extra living area, family area, office, fitness room, man cave, home theater, child’s playroom, bedroom, or storage facility, the possibilities are limitless. A finished basement can provide a great foundation and protect your home investment. Energy efficiency plays a big part as well, as the coolest part of a home, your basement can be that cool-off spot during the hot weather. A finished basement significantly increases your investment in your home and it can also make a great asset when thinking of selling your home.
The best part about a basement remodel, is that you really have so many possibilities to make it whatever kind of space you want. From an extra living area, family area, office, fitness room, man cave, home theater, child’s playroom, bedroom, or storage facility, the possibilities are limitless. A finished basement can provide a great foundation and protect your home investment. Energy efficiency plays a big part as well, as the coolest part of a home, your basement can be that cool-off spot during the hot weather. A finished basement significantly increases your investment in your home and it can also make a great asset when thinking of selling your home.