Renovation of the Month 
June 2009
True Craftsmanship
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Much care went into restoring and enhancing the original architecture of this 1920s house, built in the popular Craftsman style of its time – quarter sawn wood being one of its hallmarks – and the interior remodel was designed to match. Quarter sawn is a style of woodcutting that is more costly because it is a method that requires greater labour than the standard cut, but also yields results of a higher caliber. It better reveals valued characteristics of wood (typically oak) such as greater strength, durability, and is easier to match the grain from separate pieces for carpentry.
The 16 × 20 addition expands the house to include a new master bedroom on the top floor, a 3rd level library loft area and an additional bathroom. On the main floor, it extends the kitchen that flows into a new family room, which opens out to the backyard.
The boosted comforts of the home promises many years of cherished residence and the extensive craftsmanship makes for a one-of-a-kind house built to last for generations.
About the Builder
Bill Meek is a soft-spoken, down-to-earth kind of guy. Straight forward. Articulate. No hidden agendas. Quality. His company, W.C. Meek Design & Construction is that way, too. Meek began his residential, design/build contracting business as a university house painter. He learned the importance of finishing jobs to perfection; attention to detail. He also built upon his knowledge of design and architecture through post secondary education and hard work. Meek started his construction business in the Leaside and Beaches area ten years ago, and still stands by his “Build in theory, before you build in Reality” standard, meaning clients need to know costs from the beginning of the project — not just the ballpark or cost per square footage methods. “Projects must be built on paper first—so they are not built on unexpected dollars later." W.C. Meek builds with lasting craftsmanship, believing that quality takes time and dedication.
Renovator:
W.C. Meek Design and Construction Ltd.
Date Completed:
May 2008
Services Performed:
- two storey addition (Master bedroom and bathroom)
- custom built quarter sawn moulding, cabinetry, and floors
- marble and limestone in bathrooms and corian counter top in bathroom and kitchen
- complete gut, redesign and build of kitchen
- refinished staircase
- tinted brick to match original brickwork
- installed new light fixtures throughout
Budget:
N/A
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