Beach Cottage Renovations
BY ED MURPHY Everybody knows that great summer lawns begin in the fall. Are you aware the same wisdom applies to summer cottages? With that in mind, Amity Construction & Design encourages you to enjoy every minute of this summer’s sun, sand and swimming. At the same time, look around your cottage or summer home and ask yourself a few questions:
If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” now’s the time to contact the experts at Amity to plan the fall/winter work that will transform a tired, outdated bungalow into a stunning summer showplace. Whether it’s a subtle renovation, new custom kitchen, space-expanding addition or a complete tear-down and rebuild, Amity has the knowhow and creativity to take your project from concepteptual design through permitting and construction and even final decorating.
During its 30 years as a premier builder of custom homes, additions and commercial projects, Amity has developed the skill set and reputation that has made it a shoreline favorite. Another reason is a formula that cottage owners can truly appreciate: “Plan now, enjoy next summer.”
Because many cottages have older, restrictive layouts with small rooms, clients often seek expanded family space and usability. Working with homeowners, Amity develops creative solutions that not only meet client needs, but stay within budget. The answer often is a new, modern, open floorplan that creates ease of movement and room for family gatherings and entertaining. Sometimes it fits into the home’s current footprint; other times an addition is needed, and there are instances when a complete transformation is required – where a singlestory ranch becomes a classic two story colonial. In some cases you find the perfect location, but the house is not so perfect and a complete “redo” is in order.
If a cramped kitchen is the problem, Amity has the solution. Custom kitchens are an Amity specialty, and their design staff will work with you to create a kitchen loaded with style, room and functionality. Keep in mind, all of the custom cabinetry Amity installs is built right here in Connecticut. They also do new “exterior kitchens” and living spaces as well.
Energy efficiency and maintenance issues are often concerns, especially with older cottages. Amity has found ways to utilize the latest technology to add efficiency and longevity while maintaining the home’s original charm. Amity offers many highperformance building products that will keep the energy in where it belongs, along with vinyl products that not only have the look and feel of classic wood shingles, but are maintenance free and designed to stand up to the rigors of sun, salt, wind and sand.
So why start now?
Amity Construction and Design President, Russ Smith explains that any major construction project requires the proper planning and proper permits from the town. These can include height and boundary restrictions, along with septic issues. Securing the proper permits is part of the process and must be incorporated into the timeline.
So while you remain at the beach, basking in the sun, Amity will research all issues and come up with creative solutions that meet your expectations and are compliant with all required regulatory processes.
“We handle all this for you,” says Smith. “We know how to interpret regulations, we know the questions to ask, and we know how to work through zoning and sanitary issues.”
With the preliminary work and permitting stage completed, construction begins in the fall, when the cottage is no longer in use. All work will be completed before you return next summer. To schedule an appointment, call 860.434.5500, visit them on the web at www.AmityCD.com or stop by their Showroom and Design Center in the Old Lyme Marketplace on Halls Road.