News & Info
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A Passion for the Past — Victorian Home's Renovation is in the Details
 HOME Magazine: When you walk into Garden Gate, Stacy and Jim Book's Carpenter Gothic Victorian home in Darien, you won't find obvious collections of antiques on display or a stuffy, don't-touch atmosphere. Instead, there are photos of family and friends in nearly every room and hallway--even on the screen saver slide show playing on the kitchen computer; a friendly dog who wants nothing more than to greet each visitor with a big kiss and a homeowner eager to welcome another guest. Read More >>
History Lessons — How one family restored a grand Victorian: preserving period details while creating a relaxed living space
 Moffly Media's AtHome Web Site: There are houses that get bought in typical Realtor-shows-clients-around-town fashion. And then there are the houses that are watched, coveted, and snapped up the moment they come to market. The Book family’s 1856 Victorian in Darien is one of the had-to-have-it variety. “We fell in love with this house; it’s just such a neat, old place,” says Stacy Book, who admits that she and her husband often drove by, eyeing the place while they were still living in Rowayton.
The elegant Victorian, named Garden Gate, has an impressive history, including being featured in 1939 House Beautiful. But when the Books purchased the house, it needed major repairs and renovation to make it compatible for a busy family of four. Read More >> |
Warm Weather Projects That Deliver Enjoyment Year Round
 OUTDOOR LIVING: People are doing more at-home entertaining. Turn the outdoors into an extension of your indoor space with a stone terrace and paths, pergola, awning, outdoor fireplace, built-in BBQ or a hot tub.
STORAGE: Free up space in your house or garage. Let us help you make the most of your space by reviewing your storage needs and providing solutions like additional shelving or a shed to solve your storage problems.
GO GREEN: It's easy with a greenhouse, potting shed or planting room, complete with a deep sink and shelves, and storage for all your tools.
Fall Projects – Start Thinking Now
 It can take a couple of months to go from idea to plans to approvals. If you start now, you will be ready to begin when you return from summer vacation.
Have a child going off to college or one who has moved out? Don't know what to do with the new-found "empty" room? Turn that space into a Den, Library, Home Office, Media Center, Exercise Studio or Craft Room. Live your dream! Read More >>
SWS Builders Offers Home Energy Audits
 Nobody likes to waste energy... or money. That's why SWS Builders has formed an alliance with one of the most trusted specialists in home energy audits for testing a home's air quality, safety, and energy efficiency.
Please email info@swsbuilders.com or call SWS Builders at 203-324-2276 if you would like more information about any of these tests, or to schedule a whole house audit.
SWS Builders Wins 2008 HOBI Award
Best Antique Home Restoration
 Stamford, CT, November 3, 2008 — SWS Builders has done it again. It was honored with its second HOBI Award for outstanding residential construction and project management. The residential builders won the 2008 HOBI for BEST ANTIQUE HOME RESTORATION. The award is for SWS Builders’ faithful restoration of a historic 1856 Gothic Victorian in Darien that reclaimed the home’s original grandeur while artfully incorporating 21st century conveniences.
The year-long restoration project entailed rigorous attention to detail to preserve the authenticity of the Victorian period, including locating resources for unusual windows, moldings, and plaster trims. Every aspect of the project had to appear original to the mid-19th century structure, while the mechanicals had to be upgraded for modern living and technology. All 11 rooms in the 7,100 sq ft house were affected by the restoration.
Read More >>
SWS Builders Wins HOBI Award for
Outstanding Special Purpose Room
 Stamford, CT, October 19, 2005 — Residential remodeler SWS Builders, LLC has been awarded the prestigious HOBI Award in the category of Outstanding Special Purpose Room for their entry, “Great Room Over Garage.”
The project is a replica of a Queen Anne style Victorian barn converted into a Great Room with a garage below. The Great Room includes a kitchen, bath, bedroom, and stone fireplace. While the living space gives the illusion of antiquity, it contains all the comforts of any modern home.
Read More >>
Preserving Historic Homes Has its Rewards
Westporters Involved in
Award-Winning Restoration
 Westport News, November 7, 2008 — SWS Builders has been honored with the 2008 HOBI award for the Best Antique Home Restoration. This is the construction firm's second HOBI Award for outstanding residential construction and project management.
The award is for SWS Builders' faithful restoration of a historic 1856 gothic Victorian in Darien that reclaimed the home's original grandeur while artfully incorporating 21st century conveniences.
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