From their recently remodeled home in their favorite private community, Port Royal Plantation, the Giordanos can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Port Royal Sound. But they say even better than the views are the neighbors and friends on whom they often depended when they were part-timers. “Hilton Head is such a wonderful community,” said Lorraine. “The concern and outpouring we experienced during our stressful times was overwhelming. People called us to make sure we were okay and to offer their help after the 9/11 crisis.”

Although the home, originally built by T.D. Peeples Construction Company in 1990, was in good condition, the Giordanos knew they needed more space to entertain family and guests. So they re-contacted T.D. Peeples Construction to begin their remodeling project. Since they love to cook, Hank and Lorraine started their updating with the kitchen two years ago. Simply removing two walls and adding a six burner Viking gas stove made a big difference. Opening up the kitchen space gave the Giordanos the updated ambiance they wanted. According to Tom Peeples (yes, our mayor, the builder), “Kitchens then master bathrooms are the most often remodeled rooms. Our company has experienced a steady diet of room additions, that’s for sure.” Homeowners in the older plantations such as Port Royal, Sea Pines and Hilton Head Plantation are mostly interested in updating or adding on.

However, Peeples did acknowledge that his company does no less than two teardowns a year, some of which occur inside plantations. With homeowners having less undeveloped lots to choose from for new building projects, remodeling existing homes has certainly become a trend. Peeples said, “It’s a good thing.” However, if residents become interested in a property with remodeling in mind, they should calculate the cost carefully as the 50 percent rule will come into effect. Due to federal flood regulations and guidelines, property owners may only increase the value of their home (not including the land) up to 50 percent of its appraised value. Otherwise, flood insurance becomes inaccessible. The Giordanos transformed an existing deck into more living space while doubling the size of their dining room and adding a sunroom. They also added classic interior half-columns to accentuate and define the living space. Since they love to grill and entertain outside, they rebuilt the deck off to the side. In doing so, they made sure to build around a beautiful live oak tree. Lorraine said, “She was worth saving.” Peeples Construction recommended putting wire mesh behind the lattice under the deck, which is something the Giordanos highly recommend to other homeowners. “Critter guard is a must-have here,” said Lorraine. “The squirrels can do a lot of damage.”

These long distance homeowners felt “well taken care of” by Peeples Construction and were happy to take the construction company’s advice. In May 2002, before the project got under way, Peeples called all the subcontractors in at one time for a planning meeting. Things started happening in July, and the unveiling took place in October. The Giordanos, who were sent digital photos of the project along the way, were extremely pleased to see their existing hardwood floors were refinished to match the new flooring. They were also glad to have some additional space in a guest bedroom and the adjoining guest bath, including a bay window and more closet space. “Dean Huntley, of Plantation Interiors, was indispensable to this project,” Lorraine added. “With us not being here full-time, we couldn’t have done it without her.” Another unexpected source of support and comfort that turned into a friendship came from Pat and Peter Gangloff of Caretakers, a local property maintenance company the Giordanos hired to take care of their home in their absence.And that’s how it is on Hilton Head Island. Neighbors watch out for neighbors, and companies and their workers go the extra mile. The more people you meet, the more hypnotic the feeling. Visitors beware! ™