The kitchen is one of the primary parts of the home, where members of the household gather to prepare and share a meal. This idea of sharing makes the kitchen more than a practical space—it is also a place for community. With this in consideration, it comes without surprise that Americans spend $62,158 on average in kitchen remodeling, according to Remodeling Magazine. On more modest remodels, projects where cabinets are left unchanged cost $20,830 on average, according to Zillow. These figures show how much is spent willingly in pursuit of a better kitchen and in turn, a better home experience.

In this list, homeowners will find the best kitchen remodelers that Alaska has to offer. Firms on this list are ranked based on work history, awards and merit, quality of work portfolio, and overall suitability of each company to carry a difficult task of preserving the sanctity of the kitchen and the experience that lies in that area.

12) Strong Construction

37675 Old Sterling Hwy., Anchor Point, AK 99556

Strong Construction is a general contractor famous for timber works and for completing projects in secluded locations. The company is headed by Kevin Strong, who has been serving the Alaskan area for over 30 years. Strong Construction has an elaborate construction process, beginning in the drafting boards—where the company estimates the possible cost—to the post-construction stage, where moving-in, utility, and warranty details are laid out to the homeowners.

Strong Construction’s kitchen remodels often use timber frames, decks, and countertops. This selection channels an atmosphere of luxury and comfort, as the warmth of the wood balances the grandness of stone and brick. This design philosophy is reflected in the featured photo.

11) Accessible Homes

7926 Old Seward Hwy. Suite A4, Anchorage, AK 99518

Accessible Homes has been one of the top names in making Alaskan homes more suitable for people with special needs and the elderly for over 25 years. The company supplies special construction materials and builds projects for special considerations. Despite being known for accessibility and inclusivity customizations, the company also completes equally impressive remodeling projects. In the work featured, Accessible Homes built what appears to be a common kitchen. However, as one looks closely, a low kitchen countertop accommodates people in wheelchairs. This meticulous detail sets the company apart from its competitors. In addition, the company also offers home automation and common home upgrades.

10) Bruce Roberts Company

7801 Schoon St., Anchorage, AK 99518

Bruce Roberts Company is a contractor and remodeler in the Anchorage area, specializing in buildings meant for temperate climates. The company has a residential endorsement from the State of Alaska and the Municipality of Anchorage, which is a unique feat in contracting. The firm puts transparency at the center of its craft. Bruce Roberts Company has a one year guarantee for all services, free consultations, and orientation of the firm’s methods and techniques.

The firm’s experience in the industry of over 30 years ensures competency a number of diverse home styles in Alaska, some of which date back to the 1920s.

9) Sound Contracting

148 Holmgren Place, Girdwood, AK 99587

Sound Contracting is a Girdwood-based general contractor that services the entire state. The firm considers accurate bidding and estimates to be its competitive edge. In turn, the company is often associated with affordable services. Sound Contracting is also known for utilizing cold-climate building techniques for highly efficient homes.

In terms of kitchen remodeling, Sound Contracting fuses traditional and modern elements by using modern renderings of wooden spaces. The dominant use of wood is accentuated with the use of metal and concrete finishes. Sound often enlists the architectural services of Z Architects, a Girdwood-based architectural firm, famous for its residential interior projects. In the featured work, a ranch home in the Alaskan plains is paired with an open layout kitchen. This kitchen gives a comforting vibe to the home secluded in the Alaskan terrain.

8) Homan

12741 Iris Way, Anchorage, AK 99577

For over 40 years, Homan has been providing Anchorage and Eagle River with full-service construction, including additions, remodels, and custom construction. The company has a two-year warranty in all of its projects, one of the most comprehensive warranties in this list. The company is presently headed by Chuck Homan, who also serves the board of directors of the Alaska State Home Building Association (ASHBA). Homan is also a  Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Kitchen remodels handled by Homan are commonly completed in the traditional and Craftsman styles. With the use of an open layout, which makes the home feel more open and connected, the kitchen extends to the adjacent dining area. This design choice makes the home more functional and welcoming.

7) Michelsohn & Daughter Construction

3410 Balchen Dr., Anchorage, AK 99517

Anchorage Home Builders Association (AHBA)’s 2009 and 2016 Alaska Builder of the Year is the husband and wife powerhouse of Paul and Karen Michelsohn. Paul has completed upwards of 300 projects, and Karen is one of the few female builders in Alaska. She is currently the president of the AHBA.

Michelsohn & Daughter has an elaborate step-by-step plan utilized in each project. The company takes advantage of Karen Kassik-Michelsohn’s background in classic architecture in the designing stage; this stage is followed by a feasibility study. After the meticulous planning, the construction will then be in full swing.

Due to the principal’s background in classical architecture, a great number of projects done by the company are completed in traditional and classic styles. Simple and straightforward homes in deep and neutral colors are common to the Michelsohn & Daughter portfolio.

6) Creative Kitchen Designs

750 W Dimond Blvd. Suite #110, Anchorage AK 99515

Creative Kitchen Designs is the product of Hollie Ruocco’s 30-year experience in the kitchen and bath industry. Ruocco started the business when she was in the United Kingdom. She brought the practice with her when she moved to Anchorage, and formed a small team. Ruocco is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and is one of the pioneer members of its Alaska chapter. She also served as the president of the chapter.

The company portfolio has a wide range of style, spanning from contemporary to ranch style. However, personal taste and preferences of clients are the priorities of Creative Kitchen Designs. This kitchen in the picture serves as a primary example of the company’s regard for personality. This estate in Kenai River is built to maximize hospitality and communal experience. The ceiling vault, open layout, and massive windows make this kitchen appear to be connected to the rest of the home and the outside environment simultaneously.

5) Hawkinson Construction

7700 Old Hillside Way, Anchorage, AK 99516

For over 50 years, Hawkinson Construction has been a luxury home builder and remodeler in Anchorage. Hawkinson provides a detailed cost estimate for every project. This management style has gained the firm an excellent reputation among its clientele across the state.

The company’s remodeling portfolio is a collection of well-made wooden projects. The foundation of most Hawkinson projects is in the timber frame and wooden accents. In the featured project, a treehouse is paired with this minimal kitchen. This design takes advantage of the geometric layout of the home, as the kitchen connects naturally with the dining area and hallways.

4) Taylored Restoration

8535 Dimond D Cir. Suite A, Anchorage, AK 99515

Taylored Restoration is a restoration and remodeling contractor that has been in business for over 47 years. The company may be known primarily for its restoration practice, but the company also completes noteworthy remodels. Taylored Restoration ranked 61st in Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 Remodelers in 2010. Taylored Restoration has a full-size showroom to better illustrate and plan the remodeling process for its clients.

Basic kitchen upgrades are provided by Taylored Restoration; this includes cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and tile. When the company is enlisted for a project, budgeting is put on the forefront. It is one of the key factors discussed in the initial consultation, followed by a detailed estimate that comes with a fee subsequently credited to the project.

3) Trailboss Solutions

3330 C St., Suite #100, Anchorage, AK 99503

Scott Allen founded Trailboss Solutions after serving as the President and CEO of KIC Associates. With over two decades of industry experience, Allen has led the company to prominence. Trailboss offers a wide range of construction services, from historical restoration to healthcare facility construction to residential construction and remodeling. Despite the all-around company proficiency, the company shows exemplary performance in the residential industry. The firm has been named one of Qualified Remodelers‘ Top 500 Contractors for three consecutive years and has also been commended by Alaska’s Best Kitchens.

Trailboss has completed kitchen remodeling projects in a creative interplay between contemporary and Craftsman styles. The company frequently uses light-colored wood in the design accents and floorings. The visual and atmospheric warmth of wood makes warms the kitchen and makes it more welcoming.

2) Treeline Construction

6511 Brayton Dr., Anchorage, AK 99507

Treeline Construction is one of Alaska’s premier home building and remodeling firms. The firm evolved from landscaping to be a full-scale general contracting firm. Treeline and its extensive history were given a full feature in Anchorage Daily News’ Making It series. The company aims to be in touch with the local community through its “Price Match Guarantee” policy, which makes the company match or beat the asking price of other contractors in the projects.

Fourth generation Alaskans Jeannine and Derrick Jabaay continue the family legacy and business. The two lead the company’s 40-person team in creating superlative woodwork and craftsmanship. Remodeling with Treeline is a personal experience, as the company tries to include the client in every step of the construction. In the initial steps of the project, the company asks clients to create a wish list. Later on, the company creates renderings and proposals to be presented to the client. Construction will proceed only when everything has been approved by the client. We also selected the firm last year as the #1 Best General Contractor in Alaska. They were also fully featured in the Alaska Home Magazine Spring 2019.

1) Grayling Construction

7133 Arctic Blvd. Suite #3 Anchorage, AK 99518

Hailed as one of Remodeling Magazine‘s Big 50 in 2012, Grayling Construction is at the forefront of Alaska’s remodeling industry. The firm was awarded the AHBA Golden Hammer – Best Remodel, as well as AHBA’s Builder of the Year, in 2012. The awards speak to the firm’s understanding of needs specific to Alaska remodeling; Grayling understands the Alaskan environment and lifestyle, leading to the company goal of making its clients happy.

The company uses premium materials in all of its projects. The firm frequently uses carbonized bamboo and Nuvalto granite. An open layout and LED design are also often included. This sensibility to premium materials sets Grayling apart from the competition. Rare granite and non-native wood completely upgrade a kitchen’s form and atmosphere.

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