"We work hard to accomplish the lifestyle needs of our clients while respecting the historic character of their homes. This award is a wonderful validation of that dedication, and results from the outstanding talents of our entire team," says Charlie Allen, president of the Cambridge-based firm.

The owners of the award-winning bath loved their 1915 Colonial, but hated the cramped layout and jarring 1970s design of its master bath. They requested a functional and soothing oasis.

The renovation process began by expanding the bathroom's footprint several feet in each direction, borrowing space from the master bedroom and dressing area. This created room to accommodate a new double vanity and a separate shower and tub. The existing bath was completely gutted, revealing that all floor joists had been compromised in a previous renovation. With a heavy soaking tub moving in, reframing the floor became the first priority. An elevator shaft runs adjacent to the bathroom, so extreme caution was used during construction to protect the system.

The large tub was placed during rough framing of the new room and repositioned as radiant heating and tile flooring were installed. Because it would be located beneath a window, glass panes were replaced with safer tempered glass. To achieve a spa feeling the room's lines had to be perfectly level – a real challenge in a 95-year-old-house. Deco cabinetry with abundant room for storing toiletries was installed. Pale blue Ann Sachs tile lines the shower stall and tub surround, and the vanity countertop and apron are Axul Cielo marble.

The interior designer on the winning project was Sandra Fairbank of Fairbank Design, Ltd. Other project partners include Metropolitan Cabinets and Countertops and Monique's Bath Showroom.

The award marks the fifth CotY Award won by Charlie Allen Restorations, named Best Restoration Contractor 2010 by Boston Home Magazine.

The Eastern Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry is a not-for-profit trade association committed exclusively to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and providing ethical and quality service to the region's remodeling homeowners. Representing full-service remodeling contractors, design-build firms, architects, designers, subcontractors, product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and those who provide services and products to the remodeling field, NARI stands as the spokesgroup of the industry and an ally to the nation's homeowners.

Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning firm specializing in the seamless integration of modern amenities into period homes while retaining original period details. Charlie Allen Restorations combines expert tradespeople and established project management techniques to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

For more information about Charlie Allen Restorations, please call 617/661-7411 or visit http://www.charlie-allen.com .

Copyright © 2011 MassachusettsNewswire™ and Neotrope®. Massachusetts Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a TM of Neotrope.

"We work hard to accomplish the lifestyle needs of our clients while respecting the historic character of their homes. This award is a wonderful validation of that dedication, and results from the outstanding talents of our entire team," says Charlie Allen, president of the Cambridge-based firm.

The owners of the award-winning bath loved their 1915 Colonial, but hated the cramped layout and jarring 1970s design of its master bath. They requested a functional and soothing oasis.

The renovation process began by expanding the bathroom's footprint several feet in each direction, borrowing space from the master bedroom and dressing area. This created room to accommodate a new double vanity and a separate shower and tub. The existing bath was completely gutted, revealing that all floor joists had been compromised in a previous renovation. With a heavy soaking tub moving in, reframing the floor became the first priority. An elevator shaft runs adjacent to the bathroom, so extreme caution was used during construction to protect the system.

The large tub was placed during rough framing of the new room and repositioned as radiant heating and tile flooring were installed. Because it would be located beneath a window, glass panes were replaced with safer tempered glass. To achieve a spa feeling the room's lines had to be perfectly level – a real challenge in a 95-year-old-house. Deco cabinetry with abundant room for storing toiletries was installed. Pale blue Ann Sachs tile lines the shower stall and tub surround, and the vanity countertop and apron are Axul Cielo marble.

The interior designer on the winning project was Sandra Fairbank of Fairbank Design, Ltd. Other project partners include Metropolitan Cabinets and Countertops and Monique's Bath Showroom.

The award marks the fifth CotY Award won by Charlie Allen Restorations, named Best Restoration Contractor 2010 by Boston Home Magazine.

The Eastern Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry is a not-for-profit trade association committed exclusively to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and providing ethical and quality service to the region's remodeling homeowners. Representing full-service remodeling contractors, design-build firms, architects, designers, subcontractors, product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and those who provide services and products to the remodeling field, NARI stands as the spokesgroup of the industry and an ally to the nation's homeowners.

Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning firm specializing in the seamless integration of modern amenities into period homes while retaining original period details. Charlie Allen Restorations combines expert tradespeople and established project management techniques to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

For more information about Charlie Allen Restorations, please call 617/661-7411 or visit http://www.charlie-allen.com .

Copyright © 2011 MassachusettsNewswire™ and Neotrope®. Massachusetts Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a TM of Neotrope.

"When I first came to this area to attend college in 1966, I was amazed by the period architecture that can be seen on almost every street. These historic homes are a treasure we all share, and I'm grateful to organizations like the CHC and the SHPC that support and recognize efforts to preserve them," says Allen.

The firm's award from the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission acknowledges work done on the landmark Edward Crane House.

"We first began working on this house in 1998 under the stewardship of its previous owners," says Allen. "When the current homeowners moved in, they refused to do anything less than the right thing for their historic house, and I'm thankful that they have entrusted us with its restoration."

The project recognized by the CHC involved the thorough exterior restoration of a 1923 Colonial Revival house named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

"This home was designed by Lois Lilley Howe, founder of one of the first all-female architecture firms in America," says Allen. "It was a thrill to return it to its original condition."

Steps taken to restore the home's exterior included removing a replacement roof balustrade and constructing a new one at original dimensions (calculated from a photograph supplied by the CHC), rebuilding a deck balustrade at the back of the house (again using historical photography as a guide), and replacing all broken and loose roof slates with matching slate. Following a paint consultation with the CHC, all exterior trim, window wells, decks, and balustrades were sanded, scraped, and re-painted, and stucco was completely removed from the chimney and reinstalled after flashing was replaced and the crown fixed. In addition, original exterior shutters were salvaged from basement storage, re-painted and reinstalled on the front of the house.

Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning remodeling firm specializing in the seamless integration of modern amenities into period homes while retaining original period details. Charlie Allen Restorations combines expert tradespeople and professional project management techniques to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

For more information about Charlie Allen Restorations, please call 617/661-7411 or visit www.charlie-allen.com .

Copyright © 2011 MassachusettsNewswire™ and Neotrope®. Massachusetts Newswire is a publication of the Neotrope News Network and a TM of Neotrope.

“This was a rewarding project for us,” says Allen. “The homeowners not only wanted a thorough, historically-appropriate exterior restoration, but also sought a thoughtful interior renovation that would improve functionality and enhance period detailing.”

The project began in September 2007 and was completed in June 2008. During that time the exterior of the house underwent a transformation that included a new roof, new wood siding where necessary, a new conical turret top, the replication and installation of porch spandrels, and a historically appropriate paint scheme with colors chosen with the help of the CHC. On the interior, the main staircase of the house was opened up between the second and third floors to make contact between floors easier. The original balustrade spindles, handrail and newel posts were replicated and installed on the new stairs. The stair system was stripped and stained to match an original section that was uncovered during the renovation. Additional storage space was added to the home’s entry, the kitchen, which had been remodeled to look like a Scandinavian boat, was opened-up and updated, and a dressing room was introduced to the master bedroom suite.

In the end, the home was transformed into a beautiful house with thoughtful detailing that preserves the architectural and historical integrity of the neighborhood.

Charlie Allen and Trevor Nelson, project manager for CAR, headed the project. Partners included architect Tom Downer of Downer/Associates, designer Peter Steven of Upland Designs, and landscape designer Kevin McLaughlin of Phoenix Park Landscapers.

“We were thrilled to restore this neighborhood jewel,” notes Allen. “To see the project receive recognition from the Cambridge Historical Commission is a great bonus.”

Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning firm offering meticulous craftsmanship, established project management techniques, and exceptional customer service. The company, founded in 1978, specializes in remodeling period homes.

For more information about Charlie Allen Restorations, please call 617/661-7411 or visit http://www.charlie-allen.com.

“Aging-in-place and green renovation are two areas of great importance for the remodeling industry,” says Allen. “Although these two certifications are still somewhat rare, we feel that they will become increasingly important as demand for these services rise. We’re pleased that we are now able to provide expert guidance to homeowners on both of these issues.”

NARI’s Green Remodeling course emphasizes renovation approaches that provide a range of homeowner benefits – financial, environmental, health, and more. Among them are energy conservation techniques, strategies for improving air quality, reducing material waste and conserving resources during the construction process, and using environmentally safe products.

The Aging-in-Place program offered by the NAHB is designed to address the needs of America’s large-and aging-baby boomer population. Participants in the program learn how to consider a homeowner’s future needs when designing a renovation project, whether that means small adjustments like adding a seat and grab bars to the shower and adjusting countertop heights, or larger-scale changes like adding a master suite to the ground floor. In every case, these improvements are done in an aesthetically pleasing manner, avoiding an institutional feeling.

“Today, smart homeowners want a renovation that will work for them for years to come,” says Philben. “And more and more, they are recognizing the long-term benefits of thinking ‘green,’ both individually and for the world at large. Considering these two concepts adds great value to any renovation project.”

Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning firm specializing in the seamless integration of modern amenities into period homes while retaining original period details. Charlie Allen Restorations combines expert tradespeople and established project management techniques to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

The firm’s latest award is for a master bath with adjacent dressing area that was newly built within an 1853 Greek Revival house. Previously a hallway/bedroom, the new space was desperately needed.

“The owners of the home had suffered with an awkward floor plan that placed their only bathroom on the ground floor-downstairs and on the other side of the home from the master bedroom,” says Charlie Allen. “They asked us to craft a master bath that would provide all necessary modern amenities while still complementing the historic character of the home.”

The resulting bathroom features a glass-encased shower with generous rain-shower style showerhead and steam jets placed throughout. A transom window can be opened during a regular shower or easily closed to take advantage of the steam function. White subway tiles line the shower stall, which includes a seating area with handheld showerhead to make tasks like leg shaving easy and comfortable.

The room features two wash sinks, including one in the private toilet closet. An electric towel warmer and radiant floor heating make the room cozy even on cold winter mornings. Abundant storage is provided with a handy closet, accessible both from the bathroom and from the dressing area outside the bath, allowing freshly laundered towels and other necessities to be placed without entering the bathroom.

Although placed against an interior wall, the space is well lit, with clerestory windows and a frosted glass door letting in abundant light from tall windows lining the adjacent hallway/dressing space.

This project was previously named Boston Globe Magazine’s 2007 Bathroom of the Year award and won a 2007 Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award.

The Chrysalis Awards program, begun in 1994, recognizes the nation’s best work in seventeen general categories of residential remodeling, as well as regional and national Remodeler of the Year winners. This year’s winners were selected from more than 536 entries, which were judged by a team of design editors and writers. Entries were judged on overall design, the creative use of space and materials, and the degree to which the project enhanced the original structure.

Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning full service design-build firm specializing in the seamless integration of modern amenities into period homes while retaining original period details. Charlie Allen Restorations combines expert tradespeople and professional project management techniques to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

Each year, Remodeling magazine inducts 50 companies who have set the standard for professionalism and integrity through smart marketing, exemplary business practices, unique design, and extraordinary impact in their community or the industry at large. Big50 remodelers run successful, often growing, companies of various sizes that have taken the lead in raising industry standards.

Remodeling editors, columnists, industry leaders, and the companies themselves make the nominations each year. Following a lengthy evaluation process – which includes interviewing people at the nominated companies, and often interviewing their competitors, suppliers, and subcontractors – Remodeling’s editors select the 50 remodelers who exemplify the very best of the industry that year, and who have something to offer other remodelers in proven practices. Winners are selected in eight categories: business savvy, fine design, industry impact, market wise, movers & shakers, niches, sales and marketing, and teamwork. This year’s awards were presented at a gala dinner at the Remodeling Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. on May 5, 2008. Winning companies are featured in the May issue of Remodeling magazine.

Remodeling magazine, published by Hanley Wood, LLC, is the leading publication in the home improvement industry. Designed to address the specific concerns of residential remodeling pros, the magazine is both a business tool and an industry leader for a market that is projected to top $300 billion in 2009.

Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning firm specializing in the seamless integration of modern amenities into period homes while retaining original period details. Charlie Allen Restorations combines expert tradespeople and established project management techniques to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

Charlie Allen Restorations was tasked with introducing a master bath that would feature both modern amenities and a design that complemented the home’s 19th-century charm.

Working with architect Tom Downer, the Charlie Allen Restorations team eliminated an existing bedroom and crafted a functional and inviting master bath and dressing space in its place. The highlight of the new master bathroom is a large, glassed-in shower that doubles as a steam room. Radiant floor heating and an electric towel warmer add to the room’s appeal-particularly on cold winter mornings. Clerestory windows and frosted glass doors flood the bathroom with abundant natural lighting from adjacent floor-to-ceiling windows.

In the dressing area, large closets, wall cubbies, and custom-designed, furniture-quality armoires were introduced to improve storage for the family. Carefully selected, period-appropriate hardware, doors, base molding, and wide planked, white oak flooring were introduced throughout both areas.

In addition to Downer, other partners on the project include the demolition and disposal firm Mark One, Inc., HVAC specialists Keyes North Atlantic, Puccio Electric, Van Millwork, and the cleaning firm Surfaceworks.

“We’re very proud to have this bathroom recognized by the Boston Globe Magazine,” says Charlie Allen, founder of the award-winning firm. “It’s a great validation of our belief that-with careful planning-new technologies and historic design and architecture can co-exist beautifully.”

Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning contractor specializing in the seamless integration of modern amenities into period homes while retaining original period details. Charlie Allen Restorations combines expert tradespeople and established project management techniques to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

For more information about Charlie Allen Restorations, please call 617/661-7411 or visit http://www.charlie-allen.com.