Entry Tip, Formatting Suggestions and
Category Insights
FORMAT SUGGESTIONS
Digital Entry Format
Digital entries must be submitted on a disc and mailed with the
Transmittal Form and entry fees.
If you have already submitted a digital entry into another
competition, Chrysalis will accept your entry in that format
without changes required.
IF YOU ARE CREATING A NEW DIGITAL ENTRY, HERE IS THE SUGGESTED
FORMAT:
Organize your entry into three folders.
Text:
Maximum 3 pages (pdf or Word document)
Before Images:
Maximum 10 images
After Images:
Maximum 10 images
Images and files should be labeled to identify the content.
Individual images must not exceed 10Mb.
Binder Format
Chrysalis does not disqualify entries due to format, but for
those of you who would like a suggestion about how to present
your materials, here is one idea.
After the cover page, insert a large format photo of the best
“after” shot on the first right-hand page, just to lead off with
a “wow” photo.
After that, insert the pages with your text about the project.
The text should be as concise as possible to be sure the judges
will read it all.
After the text, begin your “before” and “after” photos. If the
photos are large, put the “before” on the left page and the
corresponding “after” on the right. If they are smaller format,
put the “before” on the left side of the page and the “after” on
the right. If you’re going vertical, put the “after” on top and
the “before” on the bottom.
If you are including floorplans (which is always a good idea),
put them at the end of the entry.
Keep the number of photos reasonable. If you’re addressing
multiple rooms in an entry, focus the photography on the most
dramatic rooms. “During construction” photos are not necessary
unless they display a significant challenge that was overcome.
“Before” photos serve to help the judges understand the scope of
the project, but you are not required to have one “before” for
every “after”.
CATEGORY INSIGHTS
1. Kitchen Remodel:
Understand that the kitchen is all the judges
will look at. While other rooms adjacent to the kitchen may be
in the photos, the kitchen itself is what matters.
2. Bath Remodel: This is a straightforward category.
Our only format suggestion would be to have your photography
show as much of the room as possible in as few shots as
possible. Small rooms are tough to photograph due to size and
lighting issues, so consider this as you put your entry
together.
3. Addition: Additions can be either horizontal add-ons or
second story additions. They can also be sunrooms.
4. Residential Interior:
A project that is done within the existing walls of the
original structure that does not include the addition of any
heated or cooled livable space to the home.
5. Residential Exterior:
Alterations to the exterior of a residential
building that do not include the addition of heated or cooled
livable space to the home.
6. Detached Outbuilding: Structures that are not attached to the main
home. It can include pool houses, detached garage, potting shed,
guest house, and we've even had a dog house win this category.
7. Outdoor Living:
This category can include porches,
decks, outdoor kitchens, hardscape, pools, or any combination of
things that create a beautiful and practical outdoor living
environment.
8. Residential Specialty Item:
This includes any project, or part of a project, that is not
included in it's own Chrysalis category. Examples would be:
entryways, cupolas, wine racks, fireplaces, stairways, cabinetry
or shelving.
9. Whole House Remodel: This can include either or both
exterior and interior remodeling. Involving multiple rooms. Our suggestion is that it should
include at least one key room such as a kitchen or bath, but
that is not a requirement.
10. Residential Historic Renovation:
Typically, the entries in this category represent the
remodeling of a home built before 1930 to update it for 21st
century living.
11. Commercial Remodel:
This is a very broad category. Keep in mind that our judges
are not influenced by the sheer size of a project, but by the
creativity displayed.
12. Basement Remodel
ASK US FOR HELP:
We are always available to answer questions. We
are happy to provide suggestions about category selection or
entry format. If you submit your entries early, we can even look
them over to see if there is anything we would suggest related
to format. Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible.
Call me, Ken Kanline, at 888-263-5687, or you can email me at
info@chrysalisawards.com.
