Simply Suite Renovation
When I first visited Sherry Hockman’s house, I asked her if I could move into her bathroom. Not the house — I asked specifically for the bathroom. Starting with the fact that it is the size of my entire first New York City apartment, the features pile up from there. A large deep soak bathtub invites you to melt your stress under the oversized window and behind tall marble columns. The shower area is large enough for a party à la Holly Golightly; connected to it is the hallway that serves as a drying area for after the shower and which leads to Hockman’s spacious closet, which in turn walks out onto the patio.
Step by step one learns about the exciting surprises these rooms have to offer. The rain showerhead and massage jets in the shower area are heaven on Earth; a sprawling double vanity and makeup area are a girl’s dream come true. Next to it, a sleek coffee bar with cups and a high-tech coffee machine invite you to a soothing drink while getting ready for a night on the town or before soaking in the tub. To me, one of the best ideas Hockman introduced to her design was a washer/dryer combo in her closet. Yes, in her closet. Genius!
To achieve this serene spa atmosphere and luxury feel, Hockman worked with Charles Clark of Majestic Homes and Remodeling. When she decided to renovate the bathroom, she knew she wanted to work with Clark based on positive past experience with him. When asked about the process, Hockman immediately sets out on a shower of compliments (pun absolutely intended here) about Clark. She points out that the entire process was stress-free. “Charles kept us constantly updated and always in control of the project,” she says. “At his suggestion, we had weekly meetings with him, which helped make the project completely free of any anxieties and surprises.”
Clark cautions clients to practice patience during a project. Hockman’s bathroom, closet and patio renovation took five months to complete. “Clients can anticipate that they will tire of the mess created in the midst of any project, especially when the drywall is on the floor and contractors are running in and out of the house.”
Clark also suggests caution when choosing a contractor. Reputation, referrals from former clients and pictures of past projects are a great way to start. He recommends avoiding unlicensed contractors, as they most likely will not be around if something goes wrong with the project. “Good contractors stand by their work.” Clark says. “Watch out for contractors who give estimates on the spot without getting all of the details of the project first. And always ask for a detailed, itemized quote.”
Clark shares that current trends in remodeling include maintenance-free materials that do not require paint or retouching such as composite or aluminum railing. Homeowners also enjoy making their homes current by making small changes that create a large impact. Some low-cost, high impact updates are adding a fresh coat of neutral colored paint, replacing door handles and installing new plumbing and lighting fixtures.
Hockman and Clark’s successful partnership on her remodel project was a result of working together and making her vision come to life as it was tweaked by Clark’s expertise. Obviously it paid off. Does it surprise you I want to move in?
