Some will look at it as a necessary evil that must be done in order to maintain a healthy household, and for them simply getting the job done in a timely manner under budget, and with little hassle as possible, is enough. Others, however, will view it as a chance to improve and upgrade their dwelling into a place they are proud to show off, or just for the satisfaction of having the home of their dreams. The latter of the two types of people almost always initiate the proceedings, and to them, my hats off, because enjoying your home can say a lot about a person.

As luck would have it, a friend and I stopped by Specialty Home Hardware in Camarillo as he was in the process of “upgrading” his bathroom; and believe me when I tell you his upgrades were more than just swapping out a sink. His wife had envisioned her bathroom as a place that was not only functional, but when you left you would be sure to tell your friends about how beautiful it was. Maybe she’s just keeping up with the Jones’s, but either way, my buddy was on the hook to make her happy.

The first thing you notice when you walk into Specialty Home is the unbelievable amount of product in the showroom floor. This place was a virtual kitchen and bath heaven where your every remodeling wish could come true it seemed. We talked fi rst with a salesman who sat down with us and went over all of the details my friend had questions about, and more. Since not all of us are interior designers, Specialty Home took care of leading him in the right direction and referred him to a designer, since he was without a clue as to what he wanted. After the design process was through, it was a simple matter of picking the right items to bring it all together.

The owner of Specialty Home Hardware, Michael Sudman, knew years ago that there was a need for kitchen and bath store in the county that could attract local business by not only stocking a large amount of product, but also by offering such a wide variety of tubs, sinks, vanities, etc., that homeowners would no longer have to simply make due with what was just “available”. Having been in the plumbing biz for a lot of years and working for such notable companies as Carter Hardware in New York, and Deco Brass in the Valley, he knew it was what he was born to do. Sudman opened the 4500sq foot Camarillo location in 2005 and with access to over 500,000 types of product, easily filled the showroom. Acting as corporate headquarters, Sudman created a showroom filled with out of the ordinary pieces which are easily mistaken for artwork rather than appliances and such. Sudman’s showroom will literally take your breath away if you are in the market for an above standard sink or tub; and if you are searching for an item such as a vanity, you will be more than surprised when you realize that Specialty Home Hardware has the largest supply of vanities in stock in all of Southern California.

So what happens when you build a business as good as Specialty Home Hardware that is continuing to thrive and grow? That’s easy, you build two more and you make them even better than the first, well, that’s exactly what Sudman did this year.

Opening on May of this year, a 15,000sq foot Ventura location was opened to act as the new corporate headquarters. If you thought the Camarillo location had a lot of product, just think of what over 25 beautiful tubs looks like in the middle of the floor. If you don’t feel like imagining it, let me just tell you, it’s quite a sight. Also joining the fun is the newest location right next to the freeway off Kanan rd. Another 5000sq foot building is equipped in all it’s showroom glory just as Camarillo, but with now even more.

Back to my friends remodel and how it all ended. Once all of the details were worked out, and him and his wife made a final decision on what their dream bathroom was to look like, Specialty Home Hardware recommended a contractor that they know and trust to complete the project. When it was all said and done, he came in under budget, got it done quickly, and still managed to have the bathroom his wife has wanted all her life. I’m a sucker for happy endings, and Specialty Home Hardware helped to make this story end just as it should.

And yes, my friend is now in the middle of remodeling his kitchen; with a little help from Specialty Home Hardware.