Posted: June 18, 2010

By Staci Dennis

Correspondent

An old house and a perfect location in Virginia Beach meant business to Hunter Adams and Jay Trinder.

The co-presidents of Trindco Premium Countertops saw the abandoned house on 22nd Street as a way to break into the Oceanfront area with their countertop selections, which they describe as high-end yet affordable.

"We had always tossed around the idea of opening a showroom in Virginia Beach," Adams said. "We wanted something a little closer to home, and a place to serve our customers who live in this area."

Trindco is based in Suffolk and was founded in 1987. The offices and showroom there will remain open, and the new location at 201 22nd St. will be a second showroom and office area.

But there was more to opening another location than just business. Adams and Trinder are both locals and wanted to do their part to help renovate the Oceanfront area.

"This house sat here for 10 years untouched," said Trinder, 37. "There was a lot more work in fixing it up than we expected."

The duo worked with contractors to bring the house up to code, which including reinforcing the foundation, widening the doorways, upgrading the floors, installing all new drywall and heat and air units.

They finished the interior with a new kitchen and bathroom, offices and two showroom areas.

The exterior was also repaired and painted. Landscaping was added as well as a parking area.

In total, the showroom and office area is about 1,400 square feet. The upstairs, which is available for rent as private office space, has a full bathroom and 1,200 square feet. That area has been renovated as well.

"This is such a great location, with a lot of traffic that passes by," Adams said. "Finishing this house really brings up the overall look of this corner location."

The process started two years ago when Adams and Trinder were looking for a house.

When they found the house on 22nd Street, which was built in 1926, they had to get permits and other documents to start construction.

"It's been a really long road to get here," Trinder said. "It will be nice when it's open and functioning."

In total, Adams and Trinder said they spent about $250,000 on the renovation, not including the purchase of the house and land.

"We are looking forward to having a local presence," Adams said. "It's a great opportunity to show off our outstanding countertops."