"We had just had a baby. It was a tense time, but everything went smoothly, and most importantly, on schedule. They used the best materials and brought in terrific people."
- Doubled house size - West Lane – Ridgefield, CT
"We want to express our appreciation for the excellent performance of the Clark Construction team in restoring our home. They were able to make all the necessary fixes while retaining its historical integrity of our home, and not changing its appearance. Even for very small projects we are treated with the same attention as major ones."
- Repeat Client - Topstone Road, Redding, CT
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Everyone told us what a nightmare this would be and looking back we couldn't have asked for a better "nightmare“. One of the best things: it wasn't totally disruptive ... we were told what to prepare for and when."
- Master Bath and Family Room Addition - Rolling Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT
"They went the extra mile to ensure that the job was done to our satisfaction. There were several reasons that I knew this job would be done right, and I am more than happy to be a positive reference as to the quality and professional job completed."
- Built-ins and Interior Remodeling - Shields Lane, Ridgefield, CT
"Clark Construction quickly allayed our fears, taking us though the proposals very professionally, step by step. Everything was perfectly coordinated and finished on time."
- West Lane, Ridgefield, CT
"They came on time and got the job done with quality craftsmanship. The building inspector even said 'you don't see work like that anymore'. I recommend them highly ... they've been wonderful."
- Addition - Marchant Road - Redding, CT
"(After a repair)... It's this kind of stand behind your product follow through that means almost more than the original job --- and certainly helps to ensure a loyal following."
- Master Bath - Blackman Road, Ridgefield, CT
"Clark Construction was referred to us and we've been using them again and again for things big and small, and we've recommended them to our friends."
- Repeat Client: West Lane, Ridgefield, CT
"It has always been a pleasure to deal with Clark Construction over the years and this experience has surpassed even those excellent experiences; as usual we’re delighted with the results. Congratulations on retaining such competent and professional employees."
- Repeat Client: Great Room Addition, Master & Hall Baths, & Basement - Wicks End Lane, Wilton, CT
"Your attention to every tiny detail throughout the job, especially during the final stage was amazing. We enjoyed working with all members of your team. The “stop-bys” and frequent phone calls keeping us informed during construction were appreciated."
- Repeat Client: Kitchen, then Baths, then Livingroom - Marcadon Road, Redding, CT
"We truly enjoyed working with the Clark Construction team. Your team was an excellent group to work with and we plan to use them again for all our home projects. Each person was friendly and answered a zillion questions, but best of all each took pride in doing their piece of the remodel. You have developed a fine team of real professionals. Thank you."
- Three Season Room and Porch - Forest Drive, Ridgefield, CT
"I know you told me to be patient and everything would work out. Sometimes it was hard, but you were right. Everything is perfect. I am ecstatic."
- Repeat Client: Kitchen Addition, Screened Porch, Master & Hall Baths - Range Road, Wilton, CT
"Another well coordinated/executed job. Very pleased with the latest Clark Construction assignment. Two in a row."
- Repeat Client - Revere Place, Ridgefield, CT
"Thanks for all the work you did. I just love the bathroom floors. I appreciate your promptness in completing all the projects."
- Repeat Client: Structural Repairs, Floors, then Skylights - Mimosa Circle Ridgefield, CT
"Our Project Supervisor was fantastic. My wife regularly commented that she didn't need to worry about what was happening at the house or about who was at the house because he was around. He kept us informed, stayed ahead of decisions we had to make, and managed our questions and concerns promptly all the way through."
- Master Bedroom Suite Addition and Garage - Lynlee Lane, Wilton, CT
"Our Project Supervisor's organization was tremendous. While managing it all, he always remained calm, which kept us comfortable! The workers at the house were all very respectful and were a pleasure to deal with. Work began every day when it was supposed to and went until the job was done. This was clearly beneficial to finishing our project in the time it was completed."
- Master Bedroom Suite Addition and Garage - Lynlee Lane, Wilton, CT
"Our Project Manager was fabulous to work with! He did a fantastic job keeping us up to date, informed and helping us to understand the modifications that were needed along the way. He is knowledgeable, professional, and very responsive when I was trying to reach him."
- Two Bathrooms, Two Fireplaces - Buckingham Ridge Road, Wilton, CT
"We would clearly recommend your company to anyone wanting to do a professional renovation without the hassle of micromanaging every element of the process that comes with this type of work. You have made it very easy to go from concept to project completion without any headaches. Congratulations for excellent work and professionalism once again."
- Repeat Client: Master Bath, MasterBedroom, Hillcrest Court, Ridgefield, CT
"You have a wonderfully professional organization and always follow through on what you promise. Please feel free to use our names with any prospects you may have."
- Kitchen and Master Bedroom Suite Modifications, Meeting Grove Lane, Norwalk, CT
"Thank you for putting together the "A" team for our project and introducing us to the Clark Construction process that made our remodeling job comprehensive and inclusive."
- Master Bath - Clearview Terrace, Ridgefield, CT
"Accolades to Gary for sticking with our drainage problem. He stuck with it, trying various methods to identify the source of water coming into our basement. He proposed some solutions, and we now have a dry basement. He communicated well with me all along the way; I always knew what was going on."
- Repeat: Kitchen, Master Bath, Hardwood Floors - Cobbler's Lane, Ridgefield, CT
"From hardware to tile to paint to wood type, their design instincts are the best I have ever experienced and their ability to make a master bedroom into a masterpiece is not an exaggeration. We could not have been happier with all aspects of the final design. "
- Master Bath, Cobblers Lane, Ridgefield, CT
By definition, remodeling a house is much more eco-friendly than building a new one. Remodeling involves upgrading and improving what you have, rather than developing a fresh new site using fresh, new materials. So "green renovation" is better for the planet, but is it better for your budget? Well, if you plan it well and plan it early, then yes. An eco-friendly approach can be cost-effective.
It’s never too early to start thinking about the environmental aspects of your remodel. In fact you could use the green factor to help you select a remodeling firm.
Sit down with prospective designers and remodeling professionals and ask them upfront about their credentials when it comes to energy efficiency and resource conservation. Ask to see examples of their work and to explain what makes it environmentally friendly.
Experts will know more about the toxicity and sustainability of certain products, as well as how to take advantage of natural light and heat, reduce consumption, and lower energy costs. Green remodeling projects need a team that sees the whole thing as a positive and fulfilling challenge, not a challenge to find shortcuts.
Unlike blank-sheet new builds, green remodeling involves planning ahead while looking back because you start with an existing building. Existing buildings always have history. It may be a shaky, drafty, leaky, energy-wasting, environmental disaster. It may just be an old house in need of TLC and a few modern touches and efficient materials.
Either way, you have to check what needs rectifying and repairing before you start remodeling. There’s no point creating fantastic new rooms under a roof that has no chance of keeping the heat in. No one wants an actual rain shower in their new spa bathroom. Remedial action can lengthen your timescales and increase your costs so be sure that your remodelers’ quotes have taken this into account and that they have investigated fully. Little things can always emerge mid-project, but fundamental showstoppers should not pop up out of the blue.
If you’re knocking down rooms, walls or whole buildings, think about what you’re going to do with all that debris. Even if you’re only redoing a roof, floor or driveway, you’ll still have tons of demolition waste. Think about what you’re going to do with it. Think recycle, reuse or repurpose.
Can you use the brick from an old fireplace in a new garden path or patio? Can you use concrete chunks, broken bricks and other masonry rubble for foundation back filling or landscaping? Can you sell or donate any materials to local non-profit projects or salvage yards? Rent a wood chipper to create landscaping mulch from any dead wood, branches or trees you’ve had to clear. Once you start looking for them, the opportunities to go green are everywhere.
Ask you builders to use materials certified as green by organizations such as the Greenguard Environmental Institute, the Forest Stewardship Council or Cradle to Cradle. These materials will have undergone stringent tests for environmental impact. Ask your remodeler about the pros and cons of eco-friendly floor and wall coverings, for example cork or bamboo instead of carpet or hardwood, linoleum (made from linseed oil) in place of vinyl (made from harmful dioxin and phthalates) and low or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds are toxic) paints and sealants. Put in formaldehyde-free cabinetry to avoid releasing environmental toxins. Better yet, go for wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which will be sustainably harvested.
Seek out 'pre-loved’ items such as doors, handles, windows and tiles with a rustic antiqued ‘salvage yard charm’ that can add a unique touch to your project.
A remodel is a great opportunity to reduce your environmental footprint and your utility bills.
It may take you a little bit more thought now, but when your build is done and you’re sitting in your cozy new room, you’ll be glad you did. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you’ve created a space that’s beautiful, comfortable and responsible. At Clark Construction we like to think of the homes we build as part of a long-lasting legacy we all leave – for our families, our communities and our environment.