Blue-ribbon remodeling projects revealed

Businesses in the remodeling industry compete every year for top honors in a contest that recognizes excellence in everything from kitchens for less than $40,000 to house projects costing up to $1 million.

Members of the Tampa Bay chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry learned recently which of their 2009 jobs took blue ribbons. The trophies are a point of pride for the contractors and a helpful indicator for homeowners in search of top-notch professionals for jobs they're planning.

Members of the Atlanta NARI chapter judge the entries.

The NARI is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to professional conduct, continuing education and training, and fair and ethical treatment of homeowners. Tampa Bay's is the only chapter in the state. Most of the members work throughout the Bay area.

And the first-place winners are:

Jamco Unlimited Inc. of Palm Harbor, for residential kitchens less than $40,000 and for commercial specialty;

David Allbritton Building Contractor of Clearwater, for residential kitchens, $40,000 to $80,000; and residential baths, $30,000 to $60,000;

Mueller Remodeling Inc., Seminole, for residential kitchens, $80,001 to $120,000; residential interiors, $100,000; and residential additions more than $100,000;

Blue Diamond Builders Inc., Largo, for residential baths under $30,000

TriplePoint Design Build, St. Petersburg, for residential baths more than $60,000; and entire house, $500,001 to $1 million;

McClure Carpentry Inc., Tierra Verde, for residential interiors less than $100,000; residential exteriors less than $100,000; and entire house less than $250,000;

Emerald Contractors, Inc., Tarpon Springs, for residential additions, $100,000 to $250,000;

AAA Services of Central Florida Inc., Largo, for residential exteriors, $100,000 and above;

Jeffery M. Wolf General Contractor Inc., St. Petersburg, for residential exteriors specialty;

Strobel Design Build, St. Petersburg, for entire house, $250,000 to $500,000;

Greaves Construction Inc., Tampa, for residential historical renovation/restoration;

Jeffery M. Wolf General Contractor Inc., St. Petersburg, for residential universal design;

Van Selow Design Build, Seminole, for commercial interior;

Special honors:

Hall of Fame - John Marzulli, Emerald Contractors;

Associate of the Year - Rick Cashman, Florida Forest Products, Largo;

Remodeler of the Year - Doug King, West Coast Remodelers & Construction Inc., Tampa.