Two Dexter Homes Featured in Remodeling Tour

Two prominent Dexter homes will be featured in this year's National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Tour of Remodeled Homes from noon-6 p.m. this weekend.

This eighth annual tour showcases the top remodelers in southeast Michigan and features recently completed projects with walk-throughs and an opportunity to meet with local architects.

The tour will feature a home at 8820 Jackson Rd., which is currently occupied by

Owner Jeff Brown said the company purchased the home two years ago after moving out of its former home located at 3126 Broad St.

"The house was in poor shape, and we bought it and converted it into our offices," Brown said."We added new outdoor siding, electric, plumbing and heating and remodeled the kitchen and two bedrooms."

Brown said he's excited that the home is featured on the NARI tour.

"I think if you look at the before and after pictures of what we've done, you'll see it's really impressive. It goes to show that if you have the time, money and a vision, you can turn something old into something really nice."

Brown said Dexter Builders has clients throughout the Interstate 94 corridor—from Chelsea to Ypsilanti—and takes pride in working with customers looking for "green" and modern remodeling techniques.

"We work with the customer and offer a wide range of versatility and care with our jobs," he said.

Another home featured on the tour is located at 8120 Huron St. The home is a private Italianate-style historic building constructed in 1860 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Michael Klement of Ann Arbor-based Architectural Resource said the company completed its remodel of the home in two phases. The project included a breezeway connector, two-car garage with an in-law suite above and a breezeway connecting the suite to the main house.

"Our challenges were to complete this project in a seamless fashion that both respected and complimented the original structure while following the guidelines set forth by the Office of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior on remodeling historic buildings," Klement said. "The guidelines require any remodeling has a clear delineation from the original structure."

Klement said although all of his projects create their own challenges, working on a historic home was especially challenging.

"The homeowners are keenly aware that they are stewards of this historic building and took great care and consideration when they approached us about this project," Klement said. "The homeowners did not want to be known as the people who messed up the beautiful home by the river."

Klement said he is excited to see the home featured on the NARI tour.

"This is a rare opportunity for people to come and visit a project of this caliber," he said. "The homeowners were very generous to invite the community into their home."

Klement said the home has been featured in Remodeling Magazine and the national best-selling book, In-laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats: Your Guide to Turning One House Into Two Homes. It also has received numerous awards, including the Detroit Home Designer Award.

Tour tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at any home on the tour as well as at the NARI tour website.