Looking for the Perfect Gift?

The best gifts are the ones you can appreciate each and every day.  Customized closets give you the gift of organization, luxury and beauty all under the same bow.  Gift certificates are available and installations can be completed at your convenience.  What more could you ask for in the “Perfect Gift”?

Otter Creek makes it easy!   Call for a free consultation at (888) 284-4680.  We can also ship gift certificates directly to you or just stop by our showroom on South Brownell Road in Williston.  Happy Holidays from Otter Creek!

Written by: Josie Palmer Leavitt & Elizabeth Warren

October 19, 2011 Elizabeth Warren presented “A Closet is a Terrible Thing to Waste”, at a luncheon for WBON.  The presentation was designed to give some helpful tips and tricks on organizing closets and talk about closet system options.

Elizabeth Warren from Otter Creek Awnings at WBON luncheon

Custom Closets Organize Your Home

This presentation made you think of more than closet space though!  “Think about an area in your home you wish were more organized. We all have at least one area, right?” Elizabeth asked the group going on to explain that, “it could be the entrance area, a mudroom, garage, workshop area, entertainment area, pantry, laundry area or our bedroom closets.” Elizabeth Warren then continued to explain why organizing could be important in your life,  “we are all juggling a lot and by organizing your home you can reduce stress and save time”.  Several options were discussed in detail from do- it -yourself  to professionally installed custom closet systems.

More Presentations on Organizing Living Spaces

If you are interested in having Otter Creek Awnings come to your event or office to give a presentation over the winter months, let us know.  We are happy to bring breakfast or lunch, and have presentations that range from a 10 minute company (or vendor) presentation to a 25 minutes informational presentation that focuses on helpful tips like the closet presentation.  You can contact me, Josie Palmer Leavitt at jleavitt@ottercreekawnings.com for more information.

Carol, Elizabeth and Todd

Otter Creek Attended the 34th Annual Better Homes Awards Banquet

Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont hosted the 34th Annual Better Homes Awards.  Over 450 construction professionals attended the Banquet this year at the Sheraton Hotel in Burlington where we celebrated all the  entrants’ amazing craftsmanship.

Who's Wearing the Glasses?

Our very own Stu MacDonald was one of the speakers at this event, as he currently holds the position of President for HBRANV.   And of course a group of the Otter Creek team attended the event to support Stu and are active members of the Association as well.

This Year’s Achievement Award Winners

Jim Dousevicz, of  Dousevicz, Inc. received the Lifetime Achievement Award for providing housing opportunities to countless Vermonters.  His commitment to the housing industry has been unparalleled.

Ward Smyth,  of Turtle Creek Builders LTD received the Builder of the Year Award which was very well deserved!  Ward is an active member of the HBRA and was the President of the HBRA in 2010.

Joe Meccia, of Joseph Meccia Builder, LLC received the Remodeler of the Year Award.  He has been helping people remodel homes since 1987.

Jeff Gephart,  of VermontWise Energy Systems, took home the Associate of the Year Award.  His dedication to energy efficiency and green building practices has helped to improve the housing industry in Vermont.

Congratulations to all the winners in the 20+ categories!

Otter Creek Sponsors the September 2011 HBRA Mixer

Otter Creek is an active member of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont known commonly as HBRA.   Todd Warren, owner at Otter Creek,  is on the Executive Board of Directors, he is part of the Remodeler’s Council and Sponsors various HBRA events.

Otter Creek sponsored the HBRA Mixer that was held on September 13, 2011.  Here at Otter Creek, we enjoy having fun and we decided to bring along some Otter Creek Mad Minute games.   The objective was to be timed for one minute, in which you had to successfully put 2 keys into a glass by using another key or you could try to use the Otter Creek Hat brim to move a toothbrush from one toothbrush holder to another.  All participates got to put their business card in a drawing at the end, to win two gas cards.

We look forward to seeing you at some of our various events and you may have an opportunity to participate in some of our fun games!

Welcoming Closet Crafters Stu MacDonald to the Otter Creek Family

Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms & Custom Closets, Inc. announces the purchase of Closet Crafters Inc.

Todd Warren, the Owner and President of Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms & Custom Closets, Inc. announced the purchase of Closet Crafters Inc.  “We are excited and very proud to announce the addition of Closet Crafters to our growing closet division.  This acquisition will provide our customers with an expanded product line and continued expertise in personalized closet design and professional installation,” said Warren.

Key to the acquisition was the addition of Stu MacDonald, former owner of Closet Crafters, to the Otter Creek management team.  Stu will join Otter Creek as a senior manager responsible for the organization and continued growth of Otter Creek’s Closet Division.  “I am excited to be joining forces with Otter Creek.  They have proven themselves as an industry leader and our clients can be assured that they will continue to receive the same high quality products and service that they have come to expect from Closet Crafters over the past 27 years.” said MacDonald.

Effective on October 1, 2011 Closet Crafters will move its showroom to Otter Creek’s showroom location on South Brownell Road in Williston, Vermont.

by Elizabeth Warren

I have spent a lot of time at the various home and garden shows this spring, visiting with folks about sunroom projects and discussing outdoor living spaces: awnings, decks, screen rooms, canopies, etc.  One thing many people had in common was that they either had a mental ‘To Do’ list, or an actual one all written out.  I even joked with people about adding a sunroom to their list and even sometimes ask them, “Where is an awning on your list?”

Well, prioritizing a list of home improvements can be quite difficult.  It is something I do at my own house, and find myself often discussing with clients at their homes.  The following tips might be helpful when thinking about your own ‘To Do’ list.

1) Maintenance. Some improvements are necessary like replacing the roof or even windows.  If these projects are left too long they could create damage that would actually cost you more money in the long run.  So maintenance projects really should be the first priority.

2) Small projects. Painting, minor improvements, fixtures, and smaller projects that can fit into your normal budget, I would keep on a separate list and just plug away at them.  Improving things you see everyday can really make a difference in how you feel when you are at home.

3) Lifestyle. Larger and more costly home improvement projects are where people have the hardest time prioritizing.  Obviously you will consider budget, but the most important thing to me is how it will change the way you live in your home.  Renovating a kitchen that you use every single day is a good example.  Adding a sunroom to your home is great too since it often becomes that favorite room in the house to relax.  For some people, professional landscaping is something they would enjoy every single time they drive up to their home.  I actually make decisions about what improvements to do and how much I am willing to spend by the degree I feel it will enhance my life.  And I encourage other people to consider that too!

A ‘home improvement’ is only an ‘improvement’ IF: style meets function within the established budget and the finished project truly enhances your lifestyle. I often make this point to clients as we work together to both solve the original issues of a space and to maximize the user experience in terms of comfort and mood. I kept it in mind as well when planning a recent project for my own home, and I’m thrilled and amazed at the result.

My mission was to update a basement recreation area primarily used by my children, transforming it into a family room that we could all enjoy. The existing space had issues in that it wasn’t very comfortable for adults and it needed adequate storage for games, CD’s and electronics without crowding the area. I decided to paint the walls in a medium tone, tan with a hint of chocolate to it, and to carpet the area in beige with a multicolored fleck. Replacing the doors leading into the space really helped to create an inviting first impression. Little details like new, neatly painted trim and subtle lighting elevate the overall effect.

Yet by far the best change is the entertainment center, a custom storage system from Otter Creek Custom Closets. The unit has a rich, cherry finish and fits precisely from floor to ceiling with crown molding. It’s 14″ deep although wider depths are available, and 8′ long, giving us plenty of storage for books, music and other items without monopolizing the room. A pleasant surprise, this unit retails for $2,579 including professional installation. In contrast, the entertainment centers I found from traditional furniture makers were hundreds or even thousands of dollars more expensive and of course, they were not custom-sized. Like many basements, the height of our ceiling is not standard and we needed a particular length to fit the wall and make the best use of space. Now, we have a built-in entertainment system that looks clean and polished and fits in beautiful proportion to the room.

Initially I was most impressed by how the room looked, but now I am most impressed by how the room functions. We have found it to be a natural gathering place and truly a relaxing spot for both the kids and the adults in the family. Simply creating a space deliberately designed for hanging out, watching a movie or playing games has made such a positive difference in how we spend our family time together, and how much. A home is truly improved when the project meets budgetary considerations while combining style and function that results in greater use and pleasure in the space.

For a free estimate and design consultation on a custom entertainment center unit, contact Otter Creek at 802-864-3009 to schedule an appointment. If you are grappling with other storage needs, call to learn about the possibilities for all types of closets, pantries, mudrooms, playrooms, home offices, craft centers, and more!

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Sometimes I have to stifle the little voice inside my head that gets grouchy under the pressure of hectic holiday schedules and the pursuit of the perfect gifts for the people on my list. Why am I finding myself wrapping presents at midnight (again)? Why don’t we all, as a society, give gifts year-round instead of searching desperately for presents in time for a certain holiday party? ‘Shush,’ I say to the little voice. The concept of giving gifts year-round is attractive and some people do manage it. But the fact is that many of us don’t follow through to surprise a friend with that little trinket on a random day in May or September. Many of us don’t take the time during the rest of the year to send out a greeting to every one of those people on the holiday card list. We’re busy and preoccupied, so we depend on this holiday madness to remind us to make a gesture of appreciation or affection to the people in our lives.

If you’re looking for an extra-special present this year, consider Otter Creek Gift Certificates on sale for 20% off through 12/23/09. Save yourself from wondering “will it fit her?” or “will he read it?”or -dare I mention it-whether your gift is destined for the ‘re-gifting’ pile? Can you picture him reading or napping under the cool, comfortable shade of a retractable awning Striped awning next summer? Keep the grill under the awning for shelter in case of a summer rain shower. Picture her entertaining friends under the new awning where everyone can be comfortable despite the summer heat. Give an Otter Creek Gift Certificate for a custom awning. It’s a gift the whole household can appreciate for years to come.

Or, how about a gift certificate for Otter Creek Custom Closets? It’s the perfect gift for anyone who likes to be organized (or who wants to try to be organized someday).  Even for the person who loves fashion and needs a place to put all their treasures.   Best of all, closets are something we all use every day, year round, all the time. It’s practical and yet it feels like a luxury to open the door to a beautiful, neatly appointed custom closet. Give an Otter Creek Gift Certificate and let your loved one personalize their space with our custom closet designer. Don’t forget that our closet and storage options Pantry include pantry features too, if your culinary wonder would like to maximize space for gadgets, small appliances and food supplies.

Otter Creek makes it easy for you give the perfect gift: this holiday season Otter Creek gift certificates are 20% off through December 23, 2009. Stop by our showroom on South Brownell Road in Williston or call us to order over the phone. Avoid the crowds and standing in lines; enjoy more free time for the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Happy Holidays from Otter Creek!

You would think that things wouldn’t be so hectic during this time of year at Otter Creek Sunrooms.  After all, the holiday season has arrived and most of our sunroom construction projects have been completed for the year.  But as a design specialist, this is also the season when I consult with “The Planners,” the folks thinking ahead and planning next year’s outdoor living areas: decks, awnings, and sunroom projects for the spring.

I really enjoy working with The Planners.  I always try to take as much time as customers need to work through the design and planning process of every project. It is not unusual for a potential client’s initial consultation at their home to be followed by Sunroom Interior subsequent visits at our showroom or back at the site to review design ideas. Yet there is an urgency in the spring and summer months to reserve one of the remaining spots in our construction schedule. In December and January, The Planners and I have the luxury of a relaxed pace to design the details, knowing that we are working well in advance to schedule for a spring installation. I enjoy this relaxed pace and even feel that I’m able to get to know people better, which is one of my favorite parts of what I do.

The Planners also get the additional benefit of discounts that are not available during the hectic spring and summer.  Our company appreciates the ability to schedule spring projects over the winter and we gladly extend a discount in gratitude for that consideration.  But the best advantage to using the winter months for planning a project is that as the first installations of the year, these homeowners will not miss even one warm day enjoying their new outdoor living areas complete with sun room, deck or awning for the entire outdoor season!

If you’re contemplating improvements to your outdoor living area for next spring, give us a call or visit the form on our web site to request a free estimate and design consultation. It isn’t too early to research your options and establish your preferences, and it may be just the thing to look forward to during those cold days of February.

by Carol Carruth & Elizabeth Warren, edited by Megan Houston

It’s a common theme in today’s world: how to do more in less time. The desire to manage time and schedules most effectively, to meet obligations and still relax once in a while, influences the realm of home design and décor in terms of organization and efficiency in closets, offices, pantries and more. Not too long ago, homes were built without much thought to closets and storage. At Otter Creek we work with clients in their existing homes as well as new construction, and we’ve seen everything from closets without enough depth to fit a shirt hanger, to no closets at all. But the current trend in homebuilding allots 1%-2% of the construction costs to closet and storage systems, or $3,000-$6,000 for a $300,000 home.

The benefits of this investment are clear, since busy people do not have time to deal with disorganized homes. We all want to grab what we need — when we need it — without having to dispatch a coordinated search party. No one wants to be late for work because two matching shoes eluded us again. Compartmentalized storage systems allow us to see everything at a glance, reducing stress and anxiety and getting us out the door on time.

Here’s another benefit: custom closet systems store so much more than a traditional rod and shelf that many people are able to give up the dressers in the bedroom. Wouldn’t you rather have a comfy sitting area, a nice cozy armchair or perhaps a writing desk in the bedroom instead of a boring bank of drawers? Enlist the help of an experienced professional closet designer and enjoy an average gain of 30-50% more storage capacity, using adjustable shelving, multiple hanging heights, drawer units, and accessory storage options to create spaces that accommodate the specific wardrobe of your lifestyle.

These days, organization at home also includes the home office. Now that most households contain at least one computer, many homeowners dedicate a full room for office space, customized with the appropriate size and number of file drawers and shelves. In other homes where space is at a premium, transform an alcove or reach-in closet into an efficient office with a built-in desk and wall unit fitting the space precisely. Some families even incorporate other needs like arts and crafts centers or even a gift wrapping area.

People who love to cook and spend a lot of free time in the kitchen often come to us for help with pantry storage. If there isn’t a designated pantry space, wall units can be created with pull-out trays for canned goods, pull-out rattan baskets for perishables, racks designed for trays and cookie sheets, wine racks, stemware holders, spice racks and multiple drawer sizes.

Garage systems and mudrooms are also important for home organization. Durable materials like heavy duty dovetailed drawers with aluminum edges and slat walls with an array of hooks, bins, and magnets to accommodate all kinds of tools and gear in the garage. We find that mudrooms are especially efficient when designed with personal spaces for each family member. When each person has their own area for coats, shoes, backpacks, and other personal belongings, the space stays neat, organized and functional. Built-in benches are a favorite with our clients for added for convenience and extra storage underneath.

Custom closet and storage trends are all about creating a place for everything to store items more efficiently and attractively. Maximize the spaces you use every day and reap the benefits of your investment in time saved and less stress.