Davitt Design Build Named NARI 2011 Regional Contractor of the Year For Seaside Makeover in Sand Hill Cove

Davitt Designs extensive experience with meticulously crafted homes and renovations, including many properties on the waterfront for more than 29 years.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named Davitt Design Build its 2011 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY). The coveted CotY Award is the industry's highest praise. NARI represents more than 8,200 member companies nationwide, comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors.

Davitt won in the category: Residential Exterior $100,000 and Over, for their extraordinary work on a waterfront home on Sand Hill Cove Road in Narragansett, RI. Renovating the existing, 1950's flat-roofed home presented several challenges. But from the roof of the original structure, one could see why Colleen and Barry Morris purchased it - a second floor would provide magnificent ocean views.

Knowing that several, complex steps had to be taken in order to create their dream home, the owners sought the help of Davitt Design Build, a Rhode Island-based firm that is well known for their award-winning designs and working with coastal, town and DEM regulations. Davitt's charge: to design and build a larger home, with superior curb appeal, and to incorporate the magnificent views that only a second story could offer.

"We had seen Davitt's work on other waterfront homes. There was no doubt they were meticulous and talented. But we had no idea how much experience they had helping clients overcome zoning obstacles," says homeowner, Barry Morris. "Their level of involvement and understanding of how to navigate the process - and negotiate on our behalf - was unexpected and impressive."
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named Davitt Design Build its 2011 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY). The coveted CotY Award is the industry's highest praise. NARI represents more than 8,200 member companies nationwide, comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors.

"Davitt Design Build incorporates a unique, innovative approach to building, renovating and restoring," says Davitt Design Build president, Matt Davitt. " We fully integrate our architect, building team and homeowner from the very onset of every project to create a team approach, finding ways to ensure that our designs and goals work within the framework of the regulations and/or applying for and following variance applications through the whole process. More often than not, we serve as a mediator between the homeowner and regulators, to find ways to make it all come together. This project was no exception."

For more than 29 years, Davitt's extensive experience with meticulously crafted homes and renovations, including many properties on the waterfront, has allowed them to maneuver seamlessly and expediently through all zoning and permit requirements, which are mandated by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and DEM.

"This home on Sand Hill Cove Road proved to be a great match for our skill set, because of its challenges and location. Our client also requested we keep the first floor interiors, as they were, in order to stay within budget," adds Davitt. "Preserving the first floor finishes while removing the existing roof and adding the second story presented quite the challenge. And we had a 4th of July move-in date, which meant dealing with the harsh winter weather to get it all done on time. To pull it off, we tented and heated the first floor, and precut the roof. It was like an old-fashioned barn-raising. Ultimately we were able to save the first floor finishes along with all the waterside windows and doors."

"The end result was more than we ever hoped for. Our little 1950s cottage has been transformed into a beautifully crafted, 2-story home, with sublime architectural details, big enough for the family, and with a magnificent ocean view," adds Morris. "We couldn't be happier."


Davitt's work can be seen throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For more information visit www.davittdesignbuild.com or call 401-792-9799.