The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named the National Contractor of the Year (CotY) winners at their annual Spring Business Meeting last week, and Harth Builders, located in Lower Gwynedd, was one of the recipients.

The CotY awards are presented at the Evening of Excellence which recognizes members who exemplify NARI’s promise of Remodeling Done Right™.

Contractors from seven regions nationwide vie for these coveted awards each year. An impartial panel of judges, made up of experts within the industry and associated fields, selected winners based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty and entry presentation.

This year, Harth Builders was honored the National CotY award in the category of
Residential Interior Over $150,000.  The wining project was a kitchen renovation in a 1942 Farmhouse in New Hope.

Harth’s goal was to renovate the old farmhouse kitchen, improving the aesthetics, traffic flow and functionality of the space while staying true to the architectural character of the home.

A number of vintage pieces found by the clients were incorporated into the overall design including a porcelain double drainboard sink which was salvaged and refinished, becoming a focal point of the space as well as the circa 1879 pump handle from a grind stone machine that serves as the leg support for the cherry driftwood live edge peninsula island.

Earthy neutral tones were used throughout the kitchen to create warmth and the cabinets on the island were made with knotty hickory to complete the look.  A variety of materials were used on the counters including quartz on the perimeter and polished river white granite on the island.

Another unique design element is the dog shower that was installed in the mudroom which resulted from the client’s need for a large utility sink to wash their dog.  Instead, Harth developed a dog shower to alleviate the strain on their clients backs.