Ask Bill Simone if he is having a pleasant summer, and the answer is a resounding yes. For good reason. A longtime resident of Calabasas, Simone is president of Custom Design and Construction, which has just been named one of the top 50 remodeling company's in America by Remodeling magazine. According to Paul Deffenbaugh, Editor-in Chief for Remodeling, "judging for this highly prized award is based on high standards of customer service, quality workmanship and management excellence. The significance of being ranked in the top 50 can be seen in the fact that today there are more than 800,000 such firms throughout the country."

That's just one piece of good news. Another involves a project in which Custom Design & Construction remodeled a cramped, old fashioned, inefficient work area into a striking ultra modern gourmet kitchen. The transformation was so dramatic that, in nationwide competition among more than 600 remodelers for the coveted Chrysalis Awards, Custom Design & Construction earned first place honors in the under-$40,000 category for kitchen design.

Earlier this year Custom Design & Construction earned Chrysalis Awards as Western Remodeler of the Year and Remodeler of the Year for the State of California. The Chrysalis program is sponsored by Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse and Professional Remodeler magazine.

Situated in a 46-year-old South Bay home, the kitchen was restrictively small, measuring only 8' X 13'. To overcome this obstacle Simone, who holds two degrees in architecture from Iowa State University, designed an archway entrance accentuated by impressive classic columns. The entrance was created by opening the wall separating the kitchen and living room. Also, the original kitchen door was closed, allowing for extended cabinets and a doubling of countertop space. When the job was completed, Custom Design & Construction had quadrupled the storage space in this award-winner. And there is no way to measure the added beauty. Advanced-design recessed ceiling lights have been installed, along with gracious shaker style custom cabinets with under-cabinet task lights. An enlarged window now bathes the kitchen in lovely natural light. And contemporary elegance is reflected in distinctive limestone flooring.

In addition to operating an award-winning company ranked among the 50 best remodelers in America, Simone also works on behalf of the remodeling industry and the homeowners it serves. He chairs the Southern California Remodelers Council of the National Association of Homebuilders and is a director of the Building Industry Association of Southern California's Los Angeles East Chapter.

Simone has also compiled a consumer awareness report, which examines the most critical mistakes made by homeowners when selecting a remodeling contractor and during the remodeling process. Suggestions for avoiding these mistakes are also presented. Entitled "Six Secrets to Successful Remodeling," the report is available free of charge. To order a copy or to discuss a remodeling project with Simone, call (310) 815-4815. He may also be reached by e-mail.