Discussing the Project

We invite you to meet with our team to get details about what your general goals are. Are you looking to update a room in your house? Add an outdoor living space? Build from the ground up? We talk about your initial thoughts on the project and learn more about your lifestyle in terms of how you envision the space being used on an everyday basis.

Goals and Priorities

We love getting to know our clients. An initial consultation typically involves an array of questions so we can better understand your specific goals and what you hope to achieve with this project.

• Full-time home?
• Second home / 30A vacation home?
• Does sustainability top your list?
• Is floor space a priority?
• Need extra storage solutions?
• Looking for efficiency or natural light?
• Better traffic patterns?
• Focusing on curb appeal?

We often work with clients to rank these in order of importance so that goals that potentially conflict with each other can be worked out. Our team helps guide this prioritization exercise, combining our expertise with your interests.

Design Brainstorming

When it comes to the possibilities of design, the options are endless. The 30A area is known for its distinct architectural styles and various neighborhoods have specific requirements homes must meet. We work with you and our design partner to consider options that make you happiest while meeting your needs and goals.

Learn About Us

Get to know our work and work style by viewing past projects, hearing from clients via testimonials and reviews and learning about our project management system. We provide clients with detailed updates, photos and an extensive tracking document to share progress. Our team works with a variety of trusted subcontractors and trade experts to create the best product.

Initial Budget

Final budgets are agreed upon after careful planning and decision-making for every element that goes into building a home. During an initial consultation, we work to estimate what a project of your scope would likely cost. Our system allows us to break down every detail so you can see exactly what makes up the total and where you might want to make adjustments.

The team at Galvas Construction is knowledgeable and passionate about our work. We don’t take our tasks lightly and know that we’re not just building a house for our clients, we’re building stories.

For more information about Galvas Construction, contact us here. 

Mix materials in the same color palette.

Select a single color family and keep the overall main shade consistent while mixing in various textures and styles. Complement the cabinets and countertop with a similar neutral shade and add interest with unique finishes or accents. Notice the bold shape of the backsplash in this Galvas Construction project.

Keep it simple.

If the rest of the home leans toward a minimalist style, continue the look in the kitchen as well. This home features a streamlined design without fuss or clutter. The backsplash is quite simple but still makes an impact in the room, with its contrast color and texture that is noticeably different from the wall and cabinet space that flanks it.

Don’t be shy.

When a room involves as many eclectic elements as this one, the backsplash can easily be dethroned as the centerpiece of the room. By selecting a strong material that commands attention, the backsplash becomes a way to connect all visible elements. Countertops can also dictate the color and style of the backsplash, as it did in this Galvas Construction project where metallic tiles were used to mirror the sleek appliances and cool shade of the counter surfaces. Consider using brushed stainless steel, antique brass or glass tiles for more attention.

Combine styles.

Patterns can play a big role in how the tile comes together and the overall feel of the result. In some kitchens, more than one backsplash may be visible at a glance. For this Galvas Construction project, the main kitchen backsplash uses small neutral tiles in a mosaic pattern while the wet bar employs a distinctly different metallic style. They don’t compete with each other and work together to give a warm, cozy feel.

Finally, here are a few tips to ensure your kitchen backsplash project is as smooth as possible.

• Make an inspiration board. Use Pinterest or an old-fashioned swipe file to see how different materials and colors look together.
• Consider sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork and recycled glass, which come in an array of sizes.
• Be sure to check ahead to ensure plenty of your selected tile is readily available. Specialty tiles can often take longer to receive, based on stock levels and demand.
• Consider wear and tear. Inquire about how often and how easily the material needs to be cleaned. Determine if grout and tile warrant sealing to stay fresh and clean longer.

For more information about Galvas Construction, contact us here. 

Cheery and colorful, this bunkroom includes stacked bunk beds as well as single-level beds spanning a window space. Each bed has its own lighting within arm’s reach and nearby storage space to keep the look clean and fresh.

This room has a clean white color palette made fun with pops of orange.

This grown-up bunkroom includes a sleek design with a high-contrast color palette and luxurious bedding to create an upscale yet cozy feel.

For more information about Galvas Construction, contact us here. 

Start With the Floorplan

Not only is determining the size of the space an important first step, but also the exact location relative to the home. Perhaps placing the outdoor kitchen next to the carriage house makes the most sense for entertaining guests or perhaps the view from the main living area means the outdoor kitchen moves to the side. If hosting friends and family in the space for meals is frequent enough, it may make sense to keep the space close to the main kitchen to avoid long trips between the two when carrying food or cooking items. It’s also important to consider where any grill smoke or exhaust will go when in use, so that wafting toward the main home can be avoided. Be conscious of how certain building materials will be affected by weather when deciding what to incorporate. Some stone (like marble) becomes slippery when wet while others might not stand up to grease splatters or food stains.

Choose Appliances Carefully

Not only do the size of selected appliances dictate how the space will be designed and laid out, but so does the quality. Aim for the best possible model your budget can accommodate that will stand up to the indoor/outdoor weather and elements. Materials like stainless steel and ceramic are fairly low-maintenance and are tough enough to endure wind, rain and sun. Standard outdoor kitchen items include a stove/grill (either gas, charcoal or both), a sink and a refrigerator, with sizes varying depending on the homeowner’s intended use for each. For example, a small wet-bar-sized sink may be plenty for someone who only needs to rinse items, but a full-size sink may be best for larger cooking projects and cleanup.

Storage & Prep

Just as you would consider cooking habits and need when planning an indoor kitchen, the same rules apply when designing an outdoor kitchen. Each cook has varying preferences for preparing a meal and these must be taken into account here as well.  Does a large prep space requirement mean more outdoor counter space is needed? Yes. Does one need extra storage space to hide clutter like dishes, utensils and grilling materials? Yes. Will guests need counter space to eat and drink or will a separate table be available? Imagine how the space will be used, how many will be entertained at once and what surfaces will be needed.

Take Note From Indoor Comfort

Since weather plays such a large role in outdoor living, be sure to account for Mother Nature. Plan to include shelter from the sun or rain in the form of a roof overhang, pergola or simply by incorporating spacious patio umbrellas. The summer heat may call for breezy overhead fans to keep the space cool and comfortable, while winter months might require the addition of a firepit, fireplace or a chic outdoor heater.

Set the Mood

Lighting and ambiance play a huge role in defining how the outdoor space looks and feels. Determine electrical needs for fans, lanterns, café lights, perhaps a soft glow along a footpath or even an television. Not only do the right lighting selections set the mood but also allow homeowners to cook and enjoy the space after the sun goes down. In addition, our clients often opt for built-in elements for a more custom look including stone benches, fireplaces or firepits and custom outdoor flooring. Add furniture, side tables and plenty of cozy cushions to fine-tune the desired look.

For more information about Galvas Construction, contact us here. 

Small spaces can pack a punch in the style department and bathrooms are no exception. Contractors report that an increased number of homeowners are incorporating free-standing bathtubs into their design, a move that has become more affordable than in years past. A strong bathtub for soaking can become the centerpiece of a bathroom, particularly for leisure homes that often feel more like a boutique hotel or spa. On the other end of the spectrum, homeowners are eliminating tubs in favor of high-end showers with luxe finishes and multiple water elements – even those whose pressure and temperature can be controlled by the touch of a button. In these cases, the larger the better, with showers experiencing growth in square footage with wall-to-wall materials for the perfect walk-in shower atmosphere.

Focus on the Floor

At first, this may not seem like a high priority for a room whose purpose involves specific facilities and functions, but creating a unique floor is a way to evoke a sense of warmth and personality. In fact, statement bathroom flooring has been steadily making waves on homeowners’ priority list. While some opt for engineered wood or stone that can be warm or cool to the touch (depending on preference or season), others are sourcing materials that have personal meaning, for example reclaimed wood from a century-old building or luxurious imported materials from a country the homeowners visited in their travels.

Gray Matters

While bright white and glowing warm shades have dominated in the past and are still popular, shades of gray are making quite the case for inclusion in bathroom design. It was recently named the fastest-growing shade for bathrooms by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. The color is simple and sophisticated – essentially a neutral – with the flexibility to add complementary accents and mix with other colors in the home. Gray tile is available in ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone, offering versatility and style in all ranges.

When Ross & Elaine Trewhella set out to build the home they had long been planning in picture-perfect Rosemary Beach, Fl, they knew selecting the right general contractor would mean a comfortable process, less worry and, ultimately, a dream come true!

The first chapter in this story began as the Trewhella’s, of Houston, TX, selected Rosemary Beach as the site of their new secondary residence. Since the couple out-of-state, relying on solid recommendations from their architect helped them narrow the field for their prospective general contractors. Of the handful of builders under review, Galvas Construction, Inc. stood out from the crowd. “We cost-bonded almost immediately,” says Ross. “John talked to us about the process, met us at the property to have a look and gave us a very reasonable quotation.”

Ultimately, the appeal of the value Galvas Construction offered along with knowledge and trustworthiness helped the Trewhellas progress to chapter two.

Throughout the build process, the clients relied on Galvas Construction to keep them informed from miles away.

“The team was always very approachable and friendly and John was on board with our suggestions and needs. He took our comments into consideration, giving us honest feedback and what evolved was an open relationship with strong two- way communication.

The Galvas Construction team addresses potential changes regularly, communicating often via phone and email. Ross Trewhella says he was thankful for this dialog. “Because of our discussion, we were kept aware and it all worked out reasonably. It wasn’t like getting a huge bill at the end. It’s important that there is plenty of communication with regard to materials and cost. If we ever suggested something out of scope, John let us know how that would impact our schedule and budget ahead of time.”

As the Trewhellas home began to take shape, the couple’s dream went from imagination to real walls and beams. According to Ross, there was a key moment during the build that the couple found most memorable. “When the roof went on and we saw it take shape, it seemed real. Before that it was block work. It took its final form and that was probably the most exciting for us.”

As the couple settles into their picture- perfect beach home on Scenic Highway 30A, they’re thankful the process went as well as it did. “John checked in on the house frequently on our behalf. Because of the two-way dialog and being very approachable, we built a great relationship. I trusted what John told me and, in turn, he did what he said he was going to do. ”

For the Trewhellas, working with a friendly, experienced, trustworthy team at Galvas Construction peace of mind and a dream come true. Story by story.

For more information about Galvas Construction, contact us here. 

1. Make sure the contractor you choose has a proven record of good communication.  You will never be able to access a busy professional 24/7, but you should be able to get the answers to your questions or concerns from your contractor or a member of his staff in a timely manner (typically within 72 hours).  When you do your initial interview with a potential contractor, ask them what their typical reply time is.

2. Financial solvency is something easily proved.  The decision to hire a contractor who is struggling financially could prove to be detrimental. The last thing you want to do is find yourself in the middle of a project, only to discover your builder can’t finish the project due to lack of financial stability.  Ask around or ask them to produce references that can attest to their ability to pay in a timely manner.  Usually this is the truest indicator.

3. Make sure when choosing your contractor that they are completely transparent in their billing practices.  If costs differ during the build from what the estimate was, they should be able to and be willing to provide documentation for those costs.  You should not expect a contractor to produce every invoice that crosses their desk, but if there are ever any concerns, an upstanding builder will be more than happy to put your mind at ease.

4. Any builder (unless just starting out) should have a solid portfolio of their work. Ask to tour any homes they still have access to and check for meticulous workmanship, impeccable finishes, and beautiful touches. A quality builder can build any style home, but for the true artisan, the devil is in the details.

5. Any contractor worth their salt will have repeat business and be held in high regard by their clients. No build will ever be perfect, but the contractor’s ability to problem solve and keep things on track (both time and budget wise) will establish that contractor in the client’s eyes as a great investment. Ask any potential contractor how many repeat clients they have.  Check their websites for Client Testimonials. Most clients become more like family and they would be glad to discuss with you why they not only picked their contractor, but why they would pick them again.

Using these tips as a guideline is sure to make your process of building that dream home much smoother.  Galvas Construction constructs beautiful dream homes all up and down the breathtaking 30-A Corridor and we would love the opportunity to bid your job and get to know you.