Wellman General Contracting & Home Improvements, located in Gaithersburg, has been remodeling homes for happy clients across the DMV for more than a decade. We spoke with designer Sharifa Wellman about the services her company provides. From kitchen remodels to drywall, Wellman is well versed in home improvements.
1. What type of work does Wellman General Contracting & Home Improvements specialize in?
We're a build design company specializing in kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling. We take care of all interior home remodeling needs, as well as window and door installation. Wellman General Contracting & Home Improvements utilizes our own master plumbers and electricians. We start with the estimation process with one of our experienced estimators, which then moves into the design and conceptualization phase with one of our in-house interior designers. We use computer aided drawings to recreate the potential new living space. After working with the designer, the next phase is to make the client’s dream living space a reality.
2. How long has the company been in operation?
The company has been in business since 2007. However, Duane Wellman comes from a long line of builders and stonemasons — he’s a fourth-generation contractor. My family was also in the construction business. My grandfather, alongside other family members, owned and operated a demolition company from the late 1960's until the early 90's.
3. How do the design tool visualization options on the website help in the planning process?
These tools empower homeowners to envision their dream spaces before the construction even begins. There are mock kitchens and bathrooms where clients can put together preliminary ideas to get a general idea of what certain colors and finishes look like in the space. They can plug in cabinets, countertops, tile, paint, etc. It helps ensure that the final result aligns perfectly with our client's visions.
4. What sets Wellman Apart from others in the industry?
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to providing a personalized design experience. The DMV region is known for its diverse and dynamic communities. We embrace this diversity by tailoring our services to the unique needs of each homeowner. We believe in co-creating spaces that reflect the unique personality and style of each homeowner.
We have a showroom with approximately 5000 sq. ft. of inventory to choose from -- no need to pay a designer to come in with you, because we already have designers onsite! As a design-build firm, we're a one-stop shop -- we handle every step of the process from the initial consultation, to design and construction, to the final reveal. We believe you can't rush the process; we take the time at each step to consider every detail.
5. What is something you consider as an important part of kitchen remodeling that is often overlooked or not taken as seriously as it should be?
The obvious go-to would naturally be cabinets or countertops, right? Well, I am going to say lighting. I can't stress enough how important lighting is, not only in a kitchen, but in homes in general. The kitchen requires more lighting than other areas of the home. The importance of good lighting should never be overlooked when designing a kitchen. The designer must not only consider the type of lighting installed, but where the lighting is placed. Lighting is very important in a kitchen to provide the necessary visibility when cooking and preparing meals. It also provides and enhances the overall esthetic of the space and sets the mood. Recessed lighting is a great, solid option. When the proper size and amount of them are installed, it ensures the space has enough light. What use is it to have great cabinets, countertops, and a beautiful backsplash, if you don't have the proper lighting to see or enhance it?
When we design a kitchen, We always look to layer the lighting. There will be ceiling lights, recessed or flushed, etc. Undercabinet lighting is great for ambient/accent lighting. Pendant lighting is great over islands as not only accent lighting, but to illuminate the area for prep work. It establishes the nice decorative islands as centerpieces of any luxury kitchen.
6. Are there any predicted 2024 kitchen trends?
This past decade, grey was the new beige. Over the past 3-4 years we've been seeing a lot of blue tones. We've seen it in paint colors as well as kitchen cabinets. When designing, I'm not seeing many full kitchens in blue, but islands and tile work are bringing more blue into the space. The second half of 2023 and going into 2024, we're seeing the resurgence of earth tones working their way back into our clients living spaces. "Greige" is the color to look out for. It is a color that is a combo blend of grey and beige. Taupe in a sense but with an affinity towards more of a grey but will blend well with earth tones. Multiple shades of Green are making their way into the cabinet rotation as well.
Another thing I was surprised to see but welcomed it wholeheartedly was the migration towards the brushed gold finish in the metals used in kitchen and bath in 2023. 2024 will definitely see more of this as well as mixed metals.
Wellman General Contracting & Home Improvements services Frederick County, Montgomery County, and Washington, D.C.