When velocity is down, savvy builders and contractors focus on results, like those from high-end, profitable projects that solicit oohs! and ahs! These are the type of kitchens and baths that make homebuyers drool. And whether your client is a new homebuyer or a remodeler, it's the kitchen and master bath that sell the home. So, meet a remodeler in the San Franciso Bay Area and a builder in Greenwich, Conn., who both share what it takes to deliver the sizzle. ALLIANCE CUSTOM BUILDERS

Bay Area, California

Chris Chapek

alliancecustombuilders.com

415-893-0408

"Repeat details... offset things by a good degree to make it look intentional.

In the Bay Area, Design & Remodeling specialists-Alliance Custom Builders of Novato, Calif.-has been doing big-budget ($200,000 ñ $400,000), high-end remodels for unique, architect-designed homes that produce stunning results with custom details. In the bath, Alliance uses hand-fabricated stone touches to produce one-of-a-kind installations. In the kitchen, it is all about the details from custom lighting to cabinetry. To give scale to the kitchen, there is a stainless trim to both unify the space and give a finished look-but it is also a light bridge for uplighting and downlighting. The cabinets used in the project were XU laminate (by Wood Mode) and 9-feet high. Durable and modern looking with streamlined grain, the laminate allows and makes future replacement of just a drawer or cabinet easier.

GREYROCK HOMES

Greenwich, Connecticut

Jerry Effren

greyrockhomes.com

203-853-1600

"People want a bathing experience. And a good-sized shower. Have it all.

Valley Ridge in Greenwich, Conn., is the latest offering of Greyrock Homes, builders of award-winning homes in Connecticut since 1979. This 10-unit gated, detached condo community offers elevators standard and highly amenitized kitchens and baths from $2.2 million. The community is designed for a wide spectrum of buyers from trade-down boomers to young families. Low-maintnenace living includes the HOA removing snow. Amenities match with upscale products including Viking or La Cornue ranges in the kitchens and BainUltra in the master baths. Effren says the details like 12-foot ceilings and hand-scraped kitchen floors and glass shower enclosures matter. "Think it through to the finish and make needed changes as you go. Because kitchens and master bath suites sell homes.

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