When we got together with Closet Factory to offer this incredible contest to our readers, there was much discussion about all the professionals we’d need on board to create the ultimate dream closet. But choosing Robert Koelbel as the general contractor didn’t take much discussion at all. Polly Lestikow, president of Closet Factory Colorado, had worked with Koelbel on many projects and knew he was the man for the job.
“I’ve known Bob for years and he’s always very professional and knows how to run a job site so that everything is done on time and on budget,” says Polly.
There’s a reason Bob is good at what he does: experience. Founder of Robert Koelbel Homes, Bob has been building and remodeling homes for more than 40 years. And although a closet remodel may be a small job for Bob, he is approaching it with as much gusto as he does when building a multi-million-dollar home.
“A house is a family’s largest ongoing investment,” says Bob, explaining his philosophy. “To be selected is to be trusted; to be the steward of someone’s home is a privilege.”
Koelbel’s chief responsibility is to organize all the subcontractors who contributed to the project: electricians, dry-wallers, painters, flooring installers…and so on. A remodeling project involves many sets of hands, and it’s no small feat to keep things moving along. “Our job,” says Bob, “is to coordinate all of the vendors in a sequential manner so that we can avoid any delays.”
And so with Koelbel’s project superintendent, Steve Kinghorn, at the helm, construction begins. All the old racks and shelves are being removed, as is a small wall and the window seat. With a clean slate, Destiny Electric will rewire and prepare the ceiling for eight new recessed lights (and a few additional outlets).
With the electrical work done, South Valley Drywall repairs, patches and preps the walls for paint and wallpaper, while the entry is framed for a new custom door from Sun Mountain Door.
Next, Rocky Mountain Painters moves in to give the ceiling and trim a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White paint.
Things are moving along! Stay tuned as the closet continues to take shape, and be sure to look for the big reveal in the January/February 2012 issue of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine.
