Transforming Frustration into Fulfillment: A Client's Dream Home Journey with Girka Design Build

When Mark and Lisa relocated to Venice, Florida, they were excited to turn their new house into a home that reflected their lifestyle and growing needs. Like many homeowners in Sarasota County, they saw potential in their coastal property — especially the dated kitchen and the lack of a third bathroom for guests.

What started as a straightforward plan to expand their kitchen footprint and add a third bathroom quickly turned into a nightmare of no-show contractors, unanswered emails, and inconsistent advice.

“We were overwhelmed. Every contractor we spoke to either ghosted us or made us feel like our project didn’t matter.” — Lisa

Just when they were ready to give up, Mark came across Girka Design Build, a design-build contractor based in Venice, FL known for its professionalism, transparency, and full-service approach.

That’s when everything changed.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation That Changed Everything

From the first phone call, Mark and Lisa knew they had found a different kind of contractor.

At Girka Design Build, we believe that remodeling should feel exciting, not exhausting. Our team scheduled an on-site consultation within a week. We showed up on time, listened to their vision, and took careful measurements of their existing kitchen and underutilized guest room where the new bathroom would be added.

“Nick and the team made us feel heard. They didn’t talk over us. They walked us through what was possible, what made sense, and what to expect.” — Mark

We reviewed goals such as:

• Expanding the kitchen into an adjacent storage area

• Creating an open-concept layout for entertaining

• Designing custom cabinetry for better function

• Adding a third bathroom with guest privacy in mind

• Keeping costs transparent and timelines realistic

Step 2: A Design That Brings the Vision to Life

After the consultation, our design team began working on a layout and concept that addressed every item on their wish list.

We provided:

• 3D renderings to visualize the new kitchen and bath

• A finish guide with materials, colors, and hardware options

• A line-item budget that reflected real-world pricing

• A clear remodeling timeline from demo to final walkthrough

With the expanded kitchen design, we recommended:

• Taking down a partial wall to open the space

• Installing Kith Kitchens cabinetry from our Tidewater showroom

• Upgrading appliances and countertops

• Adding a large island with bar seating and built-in storage

For the new bathroom:

• We reworked the existing floor plan to add the bathroom behind the kitchen

• Used space-saving fixtures and clever storage solutions

• Included upgraded tile and lighting for a spa-like feel

Step 3: Permitting and Project Kickoff

Once Mark and Lisa signed off on the design, we handled every part of the planning and permitting process. As a licensed design-build contractor in Venice, FL, we know the ins and outs of local permitting in Nokomis, Englewood, and North Port as well.

No waiting around. No confusing paperwork. No chasing subcontractors.

We scheduled:

• Permit submissions and inspections

• Demo and framing crews

• Cabinet orders and appliance deliveries

• Regular client check-ins and site visits

"We were never left in the dark. Girka Design Build gave us a detailed schedule and stuck to it. Every Friday we got an update and walkthrough."

Step 4: Construction and Real-Time Coordination

With design and permits approved, our team broke ground. The old kitchen came down, and framing began on the new bathroom addition.

We coordinated trades including:

• Demolition and haul-away

• Plumbing and electrical rough-ins

• HVAC rerouting for new space

• Framing, drywall, and insulation

• Cabinet delivery and installation

• Tile, paint, and final finishes

Lisa appreciated that we used dust control systems to protect the rest of the house. Mark was impressed by the cleanliness and professionalism of every trade on site.

"We never had to babysit. Everything was taken care of."

Our in-house cabinetry partner, Tidewater Cabinetry, ensured that Mark and Lisa's custom Kith Kitchen cabinets arrived on time and fit the new layout perfectly. No guesswork, no backorders.

Step 5: Final Walkthrough and Reveal

About 10 weeks after demo, we held the final walkthrough. The new kitchen was stunning: open, airy, with a large island and seating for six. The third bathroom blended seamlessly with the home’s coastal aesthetic.

Mark and Lisa’s feedback:

• "We finally have space to entertain without stepping on each other."

• "Guests can now use the bathroom without going through our bedroom."

• "We should have called Girka first."

We reviewed all warranty information, offered touch-up support, and provided professional photography of the space for their records.

Why Project Management Made the Difference

Mark and Lisa’s story is one we hear all too often: good people with a vision, derailed by unresponsive contractors or incomplete services.

Our approach:

• Full-service design-build

• One point of contact

• Professional project management

• Seamless integration of design, construction, and cabinetry

That’s what makes Girka Design Build different.

"You’re not just hiring a contractor. You’re hiring a partner."

Start Your Remodeling Journey Today

If you’re tired of waiting for callbacks and getting half-answers from contractors who don’t show up, Girka Design Build is here to help.

Whether you’re looking to expand your kitchen, reconfigure your layout, or add much-needed functionality to your home, we make the process clear, honest, and stress-free.

📅 Book your design consultation today and discover the difference of working with a remodeling team that takes care of everything for you.

Girka Design Build — Serving Venice, Nokomis, Englewood, North Port, and beyond with remodeling excellence you can count on.