Welcome to AJH Renovations, LLC

At AJH Renovations, we know that every door in your  house opens into someplace special. Whether it’s the door to your child’s room, a cozy space for family dinners or an oasis for yourself, our design/build team is here to help create your special spaces. 

We strive to create unique and high-quality projects that fit your lifestyle and your dreams, and as a design/build firm, we are able to work with you from start to finish to create a space tailored to your needs. We have many satisfied customers throughout Greenville. Our projects range from luxurious kitchen and bathroom remodeling to additions, from basement remodels to attic conversions, from exteriors to whole house renovations.

AJH Renovations is a full service, family-operated design/build firm in Greenville, South Carolina. Co-owned by son and father team Ariel and Chuck Hartman, the company has been remodeling homes in Greenville neighborhoods since its first project, a whole house transformation on North Main St. in 2005.

Looking for something bigger?

We are also home builders! AJH Custom Homes, LLC offers contractor services to clients seeking to build in-fill homes in the Upstate of South Carolina

 Our Work

 When to choose design-build over competitive bid

How the design-build process works

Homeowners are frequently counseled to 'get at least three  bids' when they are considering hiring a contractor for home improvements. The goal, of course, is to get the best price for the work. But a competitive bid situation is not always the best route to take. When should you get multiple proposals, and when should you narrow your search to just one contractor?

There really are only two general situations in which the competitive bid process will provide the homeowner with not only the best price, but also the best project.

1. Very Small Projects

   A tile floor in a powder room, a garden window installed  over the kitchen sink; projects that can be scoped carefully and thoroughly with a brief site visit by the contractor are generally simple enough that several contractors can be consulted without the danger of anything being missed. 

   
   

2. Fully Designed Scope

   If you already have a full set of dimensioned design drawings and a detailed  Scope of Work, you probably cannot go wrong with competitive bids from various contractors. At this point, however, you have already invested a significant amount of money in an architect or designer to develop your dreams into detailed plans and specifications. As long as each contractor follows these, the bid packages should compare as apples to apples.  

Most home renovation projects, however, are the culmination of wants and wishes gathered over years of living in a house. Many are thumbnail sketches of a room addition here, a larger master bathroom there. Often the plans are only partially formed in the homeowners'  minds, or you might have a Pinterest board full of ideas. In such circumstances the competitive bid process may actually result in a more expensive project in the long run, and one that is full of stress and errors. Enter the Design-Build Process. 

Many renovation contractors are builders who specialize in remodeling existing homes. A few, however, add a design component to their services that sets them apart from the others. Design-Build renovation contractors are able to make the all-important step of taking the homeowners' vision and applying it to the existing house structure and available expansion space on the property. Together the homeowners and the Designer-Builder translate desires into dimensions, and magazine photos into a detailed materials specification list. The overall project begins to crystallize on the design drawings, and the optimum utilization of house and property space is made possible by the input of a licensed residential builder during the earliest stages of design. In addition, an experienced renovation designer can assist in determining the 'look' that will best suit not only the layout of the house, but also the neighborhood - be it Craftsman, Victorian, or Transitional, to name a few examples.

It is during the design phase that consideration is given to such things as plumbing fixtures, granite selection, tile patterns and styles, etc. As these items are discussed, priced, and selected the overall cost impact of the project begins to form, leaving little room for contingency or error later on. The homeowner has a complete picture of the finished product - inside and out - before a construction shovel breaks ground.

Finally, the Design-Build Process not only puts all of the design  parameters on paper at the earliest stages of the project, it also hands that information over seamlessly to the builder, a member of the same team that developed the design in the first place. The Design-Build Project may not result in the lowest possible price at the beginning, but it will invariably result in the highest possible economy, and the most efficient and successful project. In the end, this often proves to be the lowest real price as well.

AJH Renovations, LLC offers a four-step Design-Build Process that our clients have found very helpful:

Initial Site Visit, Conceptual Sketch and Ballpark Estimate, Detailed Design Phase, Contract Construction Phase.

Step 1. INITIAL SITE VISIT 

The design personnel of AJH Renovations, LLC will come to your home at the time most convenient for you to discuss the needs and wishes involved in your renovation project. The initial site visit often takes from one to two hours of talking, walking, looking at magazine photos that you have collected, and basically listening. This last item is the most important, because it  tells us how you live life and what your priorities are for the planned renovation. 

To be best prepared for the initial site visit it is helpful to have a file or notebook in which you have collected the photos and ideas that you might like to see incorporated into the design. If you don't have dozens of photos ear-marked or clipped, that's okay; we will listen to your analysis of how your home needs to be improved, and ask questions regarding your preferences and style. Later we will pull this information together into recommendations for such things as tile, granite, cabinet layout, paint colors, and more.

Another item to consider before the initial site meeting is your budget. As this is the design phase for your project, it is important to know the financial parameters as well as the physical ones. A 1,200 square foot master bathroom with its own fireplace is nice, no doubt, but it might be outside your budget, too! It is better all around to have a design that is within your budgetary constraints; remember, homeowners almost always make additional changes and purchases during the construction and finishing stages of a renovation - leave yourself some cushion to do this comfortably. AJH Renovations, LLC can help you prioritize design elements to best suit your finances as well as your dreams.

Step 2. CONCEPT STAGE

After the initial site meeting, AJH Renovations will put together a preliminary concept drawing to show how your ideas best fit your space. This process may be as simple as a bathroom remodel or  as complex as a multi-story addition. Depending on the complexity, we might develop a dimensioned 11" x 17" drawing for your review.

If the project is large and complex, a second site meeting will probably be arranged, at which time our first recommendations can be discussed. We will bring transparent drawing paper with us to do overlays - allowing us to move walls, cabinets, and fixtures without having to go back to the drawing board. When the preliminary design has been roughed out, we will do a ballpark cost estimate for the entire construction stage. This estimate is usually within 15% of the detailed costs as long as there are no significant changes in the design.

With the preliminary design and ballpark estimate in hand you have the items provided by AJH Renovations, LLC at no charge. Our 'free estimate' is far more than a number written on the back of a napkin; it is a visible description of your dreams for your home. If everything to this point is in order, we move on to the Detailed Design Phase.

Step 3. DETAILED DESIGN STAGE 

Along with the preliminary design and ballpark cost estimate, AJH Renovations, LLC will provide you with a Detailed Design Contract to review. This contract takes us on to the next and final stage of design. During the Detailed Design Phase we will measure the nooks and crannies, doors, windows, and other significant features of your house. We will generate a set of 24" x 36" dimensioned plan, elevation, details, and site drawings to fully develop the proposed design. These drawings are suitable for bank financing, City or County permitting, and construction. 

As AJH Renovations, LLC is a Design/Build renovation contractor, we provide our design services as an extension of our construction department. Therefore we do not charge the design rates a homeowner will encounter with an architect or interior designer. AJH Renovations, LLC retains proprietary ownership of the design drawings. The homeowner receives as two copies of the design, and agrees not to furnish the design drawings to another renovation contractor.

When the Detailed Design Phase is completed the homeowner has all that is needed to pursue project financing. At this time a fixed bid construction price will be provided along with an industry standard A-107 contract. Now it's time to break ground and begin the renovation!

Contact Us: 864-901-3021 or ajhrenovations@att.net

 Moving Forward & What To Expect

The initial site visit is over, the detailed design is done, and the contract has been signed. The next phase is to begin breaking ground, but even more is involved. What can you expect from AJH Renovations as the project moves forward? We recognize that communication in all phases is key to a pleasant experience and a finished product that matches the homeowner's dreams. To facilitate this ongoing conversation, we use a range of processes and media.

BOTTOM LINE?

The most enjoyable projects are the ones where communication is clear and on-going. We encourage homeowners to contact us at any and every stage of the renovation.

From our founding in 2005, we have always worked to be more than an average builder.  Our focus on renovating rather than building new has lead us to seek out high quality products and innovative solutions for our clients.  Below are some of the products and innovations that give us our motto

Something Uncommon

Product: Schluter systems:  While getting the right color, pattern and layout for your tile is important, how the tile is laid is equally as important.  We use Schluter products under our tile to create a high-tech and water resistant foundation for your tile.  The underlayment also provides a secure backing to prevent tiles from cracking or popping loose giving your tile a longer life.

Something Uncommon:  Many of our clients want a tub and a shower in the master bathroom.  In several of our projects, we have made the most of the available floor space by combining the two into a luxurious spa-shower. 

Product:  Innovations Cabinetry:  One of our most popular products, we use Innovations Cabinetry in kitchens, bathrooms and even mud rooms.  These pre-finished cabinets are a great way to achieve a semi-custom kitchen with out the expense of a custom cabinet maker.  The cabinets come in variety of finishes and styles. 

Something Uncommon:  It seems like mercury glass is everywhere these days, and our kitchens are no exception.  We love the look of mercury glass in cupboard doors or used as a backsplash.

Product: Custom Cabinetry:  If you want a kitchen that is designed just for you, we recommend custom cabinetry.  One of our designers will put together the perfect plan to meet your needs whether it’s extra storage for your kitchen gear or a study spot for the kids.  We can customize everything from storage solutions to counter height.

Something Uncommon: We love to turn dead space under the stairs into something useful! A little desk tucked under the stairs just off the kitchen is the perfect place to drop the mail or supervise homework while you make dinner.

Many homeowners mix and match Innovations cabinetry with custom pieces to get the look and features they want in each room.  Some choose a custom kitchen, but use Innovations Cabinets in the bathrooms.  Others choose an Innovations kitchen but use custom storage in their laundry or mud room.  Ask our designers about the right solution for you!

Product:  Steel beams and engineered lumber:  Many people are impressed with our ability to provide open floor plans without any columns to support the ceiling and floors above.  We work with a structural engineer to design the best solution for open floor plans and other projects requiring a unique solution.  Oftentimes a steel beam can be used to bridge a larger span than regular joists will allow.  This lets us get rid of structural columns that can be difficult to decorate around, and offer you a truly open floor plan.

Something Uncommon: This steel beam will be used to open up a living room a post-war era house. We opened the galley kitchen to the living room without a support column in sight.

Product: Reclaimed Wood: When we pull wood out of old houses, we try to give it a new life instead of throwing it away. We love to use old wood for ship-lap accent walls, countertops and tables. Reclaimed wood is a great way to preserve the heritage of an older house while giving it a fresh look.

Something Uncommon: This kitchen has a coffered ceiling made with reclaimed wood. The hood vent is also made from old ceiling joists that have been smoothed and made just for this kitchen.

Contact us: 864-901-3021 or ajhrenovations@att.net. Follow Us on Instagram: @ajh_renovations_llc.

Lead-based paint & EPA Renovate Right

AJH Renovations, LLC is certified only for purposes of Section 402 of TSCA.

Many homeowners do not know exactly how old their house is, or whether they need to be concerned with the possibility of finding lead-based paint during the course of the renovation project. Use of lead-based paint was outlawed in the United States in 1978. Additionally, EPA rules now require contractors working in older homes to obtain lead-based paint certification and follow certain procedures to contain and dispose of contaminated materials during construction. AJH Renovations is certified by the EPA to work on projects that have lead-based paint.

At the start of your project, we will direct you to the EPA’s “Renovate Right” booklet outlining what to do if lead-based paint is found in your home, and what our responsibilities are as your contractor. Next, we’ll do some research to determine how old your house is, and whether it needs to be tested. If it looks like your house was built prior to 1978, we will test various surfaces in the rooms to be renovated to determine if lead-based paint is present in your house. If the tests are negative, we will proceed with the project as usual.

If the tests are positive, we will alert you, and make a plan to properly handle the demolition of the areas containing lead-based paint. Our crew is trained to properly seal off the affected area. They will proceed with the lead-based paint demolition according to the EPA rules. Afterward, we’ll clean up the area and do a series of cloth tests to make sure the lead dust was properly cleaned from the site.

Whether your house has deeper issues like lead-based paint, or just needs a face-lift, rest assured that our many years remodeling old homes has equipped us to guide you and your house through the process.

Contact Us

AJH Renovations, LLC

215 E. Belvue Rd.

Taylors, SC 29687

864-901-3021

ajhrenovations@att.net

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We solve problems through design

AJH Renovations, LLC, is a member of Greenville's HBA and a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business. The Upstate company has been family owned and operated by son and father team, Ariel and Chuck Hartman since its inception in 2005.

Ariel Hartman (Managing Director): Love of construction came early to Ariel. While in his teens, he participated in a number of mission construction projects with his Greenville congregation, Fellowship Bible Church; as he describes it, he "caught the construction bug" and has had it ever since. In the following years he gained experiential knowledge of the renovation business through private projects, especially in the burgeoning North Main area of Greenville. He studied Construction Management at Greenville Tech, earning his business license and founding AJH Renovations, LLC, at the age of eighteen. Since then he has enjoyed the varied challenges of giving new life to Greenville's historic houses, creating custom homes that continue the spirit of their community, and always growing with a growing industry.

Chuck Hartman (Managing Director): After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1984, Chuck pursued a decade-long career in engineering that took him west to the Oklahoman oil fields. In 1989, a position with O'Neal Engineering brought him to the Upstate of South Carolina with his wife and son, Ariel, but in 1996 he turned his focus to a full-time pastorate. Engineering continued to run in his veins, however, and the founding of AJH Renovations in 2005 gave him the chance to unite his love of history with his love for design. From talking with clients to working at the drawing board, he enjoys bringing together client needs and Greenville's historic styles to create the ideal custom home - whether that involves an addition, a remodel, or a new house.