Remodeling during a pandemic has had its challenges for companies and customers alike, but family-owned and -operated Amiano & Son Design-Build has adapted to the current environment and is busier than ever, giving owners the home  of their dreams, while implementing  extra safety precautions at the same time. A design-build company in  business for over 50 years, Amiano & Son is your consultant, designer and contractor all in one. They have a 3,500-square-foot showroom in Tabernacle filled with endless materials  and just opened a second location in Long Beach Island, serving residents along the Jersey Shore.

House & Home spoke with Joseph Clymer, director of sales and design, and Sophia Amiano, design-build specialist, on how Amiano & Son has adapted during the pandemic, how important functionality is to the home and the safety precautions they are taking.

How has Amiano & Son adapted during the pandemic?
JC: We have implemented multiple safety precautions in our showroom locations as well as our job sites. In our showrooms we have multiple hand sanitizer stations, constantly clean commonly used surfaces and run an air purifier. On our job sites we utilize floor covering protections—we have always directed our field crew to wear masks, gloves and booties when entering people’s homes, especially during heavy construction or demolition. We are being extra cautious by providing hand sanitizer and taking temperatures on a regular basis. These measures are to ensure both Amiano personnel and clients are safe and stay well.

SA: We are still conducting some appointments over Zoom, but people have opened up to letting us back in for   their first appointment or coming in for de- sign meetings. I think the comfort level that was somewhat lost in the beginning is definitely regained so to speak.

What are some of the advantages of your design-build company as a one-stop shop?
JC: Our showroom locations are an essential part of the true design-build process. Instead of bringing our clients shopping at multiple locations we bring all of the material options to them in one location.

How are you adding functionality to people’s kitchens and bathrooms?
JC: We are always trying to create different and innovative ideas for kitchens and baths. For example, if the client has an existing dining room that is hardly used, we will recommend removing the existing wall and expanding the kitchen into the   existing dining room space. This allows a more open concept and most likely a large island, depending on the final dimensions. Bathrooms are all about the shower. Designing a custom shower to enhance every individual’s needs and storage options is the best way to make sure they get the space of their dreams. We design using shower benches, niches and multiple shower heads.

SA: Many people want more counter space for cooking in the kitchen and they want more storage in the bathroom. We install full height linen closets which gives them plenty of storage. A lot of homeowners also want to expand their showers and take out the garden tub which makes the bathroom feel more functional.

Are people looking for more functionality in other parts of the home as  well with parents working remotely and kids going to school virtually?
JC: Yes, given current events we are all spending more time at home. For some people it is the most time they have ever spent at home. We are finding that smart home technology and easier accessibility to receptacles are in high demand. Most common is the kitchen island, you can never have too many receptacles installed, especially USB receptacles.  

Are you noticing any trends among your clients?
JC: We noticed a trend that many people who primarily live in New York or North Jersey are re- modeling and revamping their existing houses to accommodate more of their everyday lifestyle. They are doing this with the expectation to be living in the house on a more everyday basis. We  are currently working on a project near our Barnegat Light location on Long Beach Island. We are converting an existing 6,000-square-foot bed and breakfast into a single-family home. It is a very exciting project!

Amiano & Son Design-Build
1637 Route 206 | Tabernacle, N.J.
708 Broadway | Barnegat Light, N.J. | (609) 268-5923 | AmianoAndSon.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 21, Issue 2 (September 2020). 
For more info on House & Home magazine, click here. 
To subscribe to House & Home magazine, click here. 
To advertise in House & Home magazine, call 610-272-3120.