New Artisan Home Tour launches today

Starting today through Sept. 20, the general public will have a unique opportunity to experience one-of-a-kind, artisan homes during the new Artisan Home Tour.

Presented by The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) and sponsored by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, the new Artisan Home Tour will feature 10 of Kansas City’s finest custom homebuilders, each highlighting a wealth of impeccable interior and exterior design, craftsmanship, state-of-the-art building processes and specialty products.

Among the 10 featured builders are Michael and John Menghini of Covenant Homes, and Chris and Roy Ragland of Homes by Chris.

“Before you can build someone’s home you have to first build their trust, and trust only comes through personal integrity and professionalism at every step,” said Michael Menghini, president of Covenant Custom Homes.

That trust has been nurtured for over two decades as John Menghini Sr. and son Michael have specialized in the conceptualization, design and construction of some of Kansas City’s most unique, high-end residences.

On the Tour they are featuring the Treviso, Tour No. 9 in Overland Park at 16105 Century St. This new 11/2-story plan encompasses four-bedrooms, four full bathrooms and a powder room, and a four-car garage with windowed decorative garage doors.

Curb appeal at this daylight lot, transitional-style home is highlighted by a stylish stone and shingle elevation, lush landscaping, an inviting lanai and a spacious backyard with wide open green space.

Inside, visitors will find a dramatic two-story entry, a fabulous custom paneled dining room, a custom beam ceiling with a “linear stone” fireplace in the great room, a stunning stone stairway landing wall, and beautiful hand-scraped hardwood floors on the main floor and second floor hallway.

The kitchen features a custom wood ceiling design above the island, a six-burner range, a built-in refrigerator, a butler’s pantry cabinet with decorative glass doors, and a second built-in refrigerator in the rear service area.

The main-floor master suite comes complete with a sitting nook, a stylish bathroom with a floating soaker tub, a master laundry center and an oversized dressing room/closet, while the upstairs level features three bedroom suites, a large laundry room and a media/game room.

“We start with a blank sheet of paper and end with a unique, personalized and well-functioning home that will provide much more than mere shelter for generations to come,” said John. “To accomplish this, we stand firm in our dedication to providing high quality craftsmanship, great attention to detail and superior customer service every step of the way.”

For over a decade Homes by Chris owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Chris and Roy Ragland, has been an award-winning designer/builder in the Kansas City area. Together they specialize in building impressive, yet affordable spec and custom homes which expertly marry the exterior and interior living areas with superior quality energy efficiency, aesthetics, functionality and design.

“Our homes have a woman’s touch,” said Roy, a nod to his wife’s passion for interior design and detail including decor, appliance selections and final finishes, “but are built with great attention to garage size, grading, foundation and roofing materials,” referring to his skills in covering everything “from the foundation to the roof.” Together, he said, “We build the complete package, seen and unseen.”

Tour No. 3 on the Artisan Homes Tour at 10431 NE 106th Terrace, Kansas City, North is infused with Homes by Chris’ sophisticated style inside and out. It features four-bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms, a barrel ceiling entryway with striking parquet hardwood flooring, detailed light fixtures, and aluminum-clad Pella windows throughout.

The main floor has a master’s suite with his-and-hers vanities and a separate makeup area in the bathroom, plus an additional guest suite, with the remaining three bedrooms downstairs, each with their own private bathroom. Entertainment and relaxation options in this home include a game room area with sliding barn doors, a billiards area with a beautiful full bar and secret door leading to the suspended garage, a wine cellar with built-in cabinets, and a walkout patio and spacious, landscaped lawn.

“I feel very strongly that homes should function for the families that live in them,” explained Chris. “This is why we place great emphasis on using a streamlined approach to space and design, while also incorporating each family’s story into the walls of their home. Of all the things that can be added, personality is one which just comes naturally when it aptly matches the family’s lifestyle.”

The other Artisan Custom Home Builders and Artisan Home Cities are:

▪  Craig Eymann, Ambassador Construction, Leawood.

▪  Russ Groshans, Casa Bella Construction, Parkville.

▪  Don Julian, Don Julian Builders, Parkville.

▪  Jim Lambie, Lambie Custom Homes, Leawood.

▪  Jeff Robinson, J.S. Robinson Fine Homes, Overland Park.

▪  Brian Rodrock and Jeff Gifford, Rodrock Homes, Overland Park.

▪  Kit and Gerry Starr, Starr Homes, Lee’s Summit.

▪  Patrick and Bob Willis, Willis Construction, Village of Loch Lloyd.

This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "New Artisan Home Tour launches today."