Love Your Home Again

Gary Knowles sure knows his strengths – and fortunately for homeowners with a yearning for a new look either inside their residences or outdoors in their yards, it shows. His forte: making sure your house reflects your personality and tastes – with your input, of course.

As the owner of Forte Residential Inc., a design-build remodeling firm, Gary says it’s essential to clarify what “design build” means. Many people associate this term with interior design, but that’s a common misconception; many folks also think when they want to remodel, they must hire an outside design source. Again, not so. Simply put, Forte Residential takes the third party out of the home-remodeling equation by offering all the services needed for a high-quality remodel in-house under one roof. “We are virtually a one-stop shop when it comes to remodeling,” Gary says.

When you’re ready to remodel – with or without existing plans – Gary offers a complimentary consultation during which you describe your goals. Next, Forte Residential delivers a design sketch and fee quote. When you decide to proceed – depending on the extent of the work ordered – either a design contract or a full design/construction contract is drawn up. The firm partners with structural engineers to review and approve designs prior to construction.

One key benefit of using Forte Residential’s design-build services instead of an outside design source is keeping costs within budget. “Often, the plans of outside sources may be perceived as too grandiose for even high-end homeowners,” Gary says. “We initially ask clients what they want and what’s their budget to ensure our plans are realistic from the beginning.”

With jobs all over the area – ranging from Lake Norman to Union County and everywhere in-between with an exceptionally strong base in south Charlotte’s Piper Glen residential enclave – Forte Residential is proud of satisfied clients’ rave reviews. “Our main objective is to do what it takes to make a homeowner happy,” Gary says. Apparently, the unwavering commitment to outstanding customer service exhibited by Forte Residential’s expert staff is creating a buzz among local homeowners.

What are today’s remodeling trends? Gary is seeing a slowdown in home theaters and much more along the lines of indoor recreation rooms – in-home “sports bars,” if you will – complete with big-screen TVs, billiards, and bars. Wine cellars are also popular, along with bonus “flex” spaces for multiple uses. Forte Residential goes outdoors, too, to design living spaces complete with fireplaces and plush or cozy seating for dining, entertaining and simply relaxing. “We do any kind of project from interior additions to kitchen remodels to whole-house renovations, along with detached garages, pool houses, you name it,” Gary says.

Creating the home of your dreams can be easy with the right contractor.

Forte Residential Inc. is located at 8431 Old Statesville Road, Suite 4, in Charlotte. Call 704-494-4334 or visit www.forte-residential.com for more information.