Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. Nina Pomeroy

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. This classic Connecticut home was bought by a growing family. The house was in an ideal location but needed to be expanded. Design Builders & Remodeling almost doubled the square footage of the home. Creating a new sunny and spacious master bedroom, new guestroom, laundry room, garage, kids bathroom, expanded and renovated the kitchen, family room, and playroom. The upgrades and addition is seamlessly and thoughtfully integrated to the original footprint.

We were contracted by a local couple who owns an accounting practice locally that wanted to build their retirement home in a desired neighborhood close to their offices. They had already bought their lot, and purchased their home plans online. The owners of this beautiful home had many of their selections, colors, and other desires already picked prior to beginning the project. One unique feature that was requested was to incorporate a toe ledge into the master shower so that the lady of the house would have an easier time when shaving her legs. Now that is a true customized item that not many ladies would think about when building the home of her dreams. Connie McCoy

Contact Turner Home Remodeling at (408) 809-0211 to talk to your professional general contractors in San Jose for getting your home interiors add new square footage, by the way of home renovation, and room & home addition. We guys are experts in all kinds of home remodel in San Jose that takes into account the need for extra living and dwelling space for growing families in this bay area of California. General Contractors in San Jose for Home Remodeling in San Jose, CA - https://www.turnerhomeremodeling.com/ ZIP Code 95134, ZIP Code 95135, ZIP Code 95136, ZIP Code 95138, ZIP Code 95139, ZIP Code 95140, ZIP Code 95141, ZIP Code 95148, ZIP Code 95150, ZIP Code 95151, ZIP Code 95152, ZIP Code 95153, ZIP Code 95154, ZIP Code 95155, ZIP Code 95156, ZIP Code 95157, ZIP Code 95158, ZIP Code 95159, ZIP Code 95160, ZIP Code 95161, ZIP Code 95164, ZIP Code 95170, ZIP Code 95172, ZIP Code 95173, ZIP Code 95190, ZIP Code 95191, ZIP Code 95192, ZIP Code 95193, ZIP Code 95194, ZIP Code 95196

Located at a prominent corner on one of the few undeveloped residential sites left in Solana Beach, this project is important not only for the homeowner, but for the community as well. A rigorous site analysis laid the groundwork for a design response which took into account the homeowner’s program, input from the neighbors, and the scale of the project and the character of the neighborhood. The end result is a design that is well set into the existing grade, a move which preserves adjacent views and reduces the visual impact of the structure from the street; all while graciously meeting the desires of the owner. The plan is broken into six unique floor plates. The bottom four of which tie together along the gradually sloping site. An intentionally long southern exposure implements the basics of passive solar design: large amounts of glass bring in abundant light and warmth in the winter, while deep overhangs protect from unwanted summer heat gain. Ocean views to the west are selectively framed throughout the house without compromising privacy from the busy street corner. Public functions within the house flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor living spaces. JLC Architecture was responsible for a full architecture and interior package as well as exterior hardscape design.

Example of a wooden u-shaped staircase design in Amsterdam

When it comes to choosing tiles and cladding, it’s hard to match the beauty and timelessness of natural stone. As a natural element quarried in the tropical area of Surabaya, the Indonesian Dolomitic Limestone is known for its durability, high density, high resistance to water and to acidic content of rain and soil. Our products are tested and certified to meet the highest quality of architectural specifications. Our Split Face is 6",4" and 12" x random pieces for easier installation. The Width varies from 4" to 24". Perfect for any interior and exterior project. Grade 1, Natural Dolomitic Limestone for Wall use. It is recommended you purchase a minimum of 10% waste to account for design cuts and patterns. Add Long Term Value to your Project, without any need for maintenance.

Street appeal. One thing we take into account on all of our designs is the streetscape and how it blends with its surrounding. Euphoria Films & Stu McAndrew Photo

Every once in a while, a project comes along that doesn’t just meet expectations—it resets the standard. That’s exactly what happened at Upper Valley project, where the team at GoDesigns El Paso was entrusted with a blank canvas and turned it into a fully integrated luxury retreat, built with precision, purpose, and passion. At the core of this dream backyard is a custom-designed pool and spa, meticulously planned and built together. The pool glows with a Pebble Brilliance finish, its deep, vibrant tones shimmering under sunlight by day and glowing softly under water-lit skies at night. Lightstreams glass tile adds a jewelry-like elegance to the raised spa and the sun shelf, creating rich reflections and textures from every angle. That sundeck isn’t just for lounging—it’s a tactile, thoughtful experience. Designed with Lightstreams glass tile, it’s where kids play, grownups cool off, and everyone can dip their toes and soak their feet in style. It’s as inviting to walk across as it is to sit beside, offering both elegance and functionality. A standout design element is the set of custom stainless steel handrails, elegantly curved and installed with sculptural intent. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also built to last—resistant to corrosion, timeless in design, and made for safety without sacrificing aesthetics. While beauty was key, so was resilience. The entire project was engineered to meet 100-year flood zone requirements—a critical design element in this El Paso neighborhood. GoDesigns accounted for water flow, elevations, and structural integrity, ensuring that every footing, drainage channel, and grade slope works in harmony with nature. And there’s more than water to love here. The oversized mossrock boulder waterfall along the edge of the putting green is both functional and artistic. Designed as a “table rock” feature, it creates soothing sound and visual movement while anchoring the landscape’s natural side. It’s a conversation piece as much as a sensory experience. Just steps away is a personal putting green and a custom basketball half court, both thoughtfully illuminated for day-to-night enjoyment. The putting green rolls true, edged with boulders and sand pits, while the court boasts pro-level surfacing under bright, architectural pole lighting. The surrounding landscape design ties it all together. Carefully chosen plantings bring color, texture, and balance to the clean stonework and turf areas. Strategic lighting highlights not just the beauty of the plants, but also enhances safety, drama, and ambiance across the entire yard—including the fence lines, water features, and sports zones. Every inch of this Upper Valley Project was built for purpose, performance, and passion. It’s a space where families gather, grand kids play, and memories are made—all under the sun and stars of West Texas. This is what happens when GoDesigns El Paso gets to do what they do best: combine timeless design, elite materials, and masterful installation to create outdoor living environments that are not only beautiful, but unforgettable.

How Planning Leads to Successful Construction Construction projects, whether small residential jobs or large commercial builds, require more than just skilled labor and high-quality materials. The foundation of a successful project lies in effective planning. Proper planning ensures efficiency, minimizes risks, and keeps the project within budget and on schedule. Here’s how thorough planning leads to successful construction: 1. Clear Project Scope and Objectives Defining the project scope early on helps prevent scope creep and miscommunication. Establishing clear goals, deliverables, and timelines ensures that everyone involved understands the expectations. This prevents delays and unnecessary changes during construction. 2. Accurate Budgeting and Cost Control A well-planned project includes a detailed cost estimation. This accounts for labor, materials, permits, and unexpected contingencies. Without proper budgeting, costs can spiral out of control, leading to financial strain and potential project failure. 3. Efficient Resource Management Proper planning helps allocate resources effectively, including manpower, equipment, and materials. Scheduling workers and ordering materials at the right time avoids delays caused by shortages or logistical issues. 4. Risk Identification and Mitigation Every construction project comes with risks—weather delays, supply chain issues, safety hazards, or regulatory compliance concerns. Planning ahead allows for risk assessment and the implementation of strategies to mitigate potential problems before they occur. 5. Compliance with Regulations and Permits Failing to secure the necessary permits or adhere to building codes can halt a project indefinitely. Planning ensures that all legal requirements are met in advance, avoiding costly fines and legal complications. 6. Seamless Communication and Coordination A structured plan includes clear communication protocols between contractors, architects, engineers, and clients. When everyone is on the same page, mistakes are reduced, and the workflow remains smooth. 7. Improved Project Scheduling A construction schedule outlines each phase of the project, from site preparation to finishing touches. A well-planned schedule helps keep tasks on track, prevents unnecessary delays, and ensures timely project completion. 8. Higher Quality Workmanship Planning allows for a structured approach to quality control. By setting benchmarks, conducting inspections, and using the right materials, projects meet industry standards and client expectations. 9. Better Client Satisfaction When a project is completed on time, within budget, and meets quality expectations, client satisfaction increases. A satisfied client is more likely to recommend your services and return for future projects. Conclusion In construction, planning isn’t just a step—it’s the backbone of success. From budgeting and resource management to compliance and scheduling, thorough planning prevents costly errors, improves efficiency, and ensures a high-quality outcome. Whether you're working on a small driveway installation or a large-scale commercial project, investing time in planning will always pay off in the long run. Do you need expert concrete construction services that prioritize planning and quality? Contact us today!

Every year, the same thing happens. The first real snowfall arrives, demand for de-icing materials spikes overnight, and the businesses that waited too long find themselves scrambling for supply at the worst possible moment. Facility managers, property owners, contractors, and municipalities all depend on a steady supply of salt and ice melt to keep their properties safe and operational through winter. The ones who plan ahead sail through. The ones who don't pay more, wait longer, and take on real risk. Sourcing de-icing materials well is not complicated, but it does require thinking ahead and understanding the options. The choices you make about what to buy, how to buy it, and who to buy it from have a direct effect on your costs, your reliability, and your ability to keep people safe when conditions turn dangerous. This article lays out what matters. Why Your Choice of Supplier Matters More Than You Think It is easy to treat de-icing material as a commodity, something you grab whenever you need it without much thought about where it comes from. That works fine until the moment it doesn't, usually in the middle of a storm when everyone needs supply at once and the casual sources have run dry. At that point, the relationships you built before the season become the difference between staying stocked and being stuck. Reliable supply is the whole game in winter operations. A property that runs out of ice melt during a storm faces safety hazards, liability exposure, and disruption, none of which can wait for a back-ordered shipment. This is why establishing relationships with dependable rock salt suppliers before the season starts is one of the smartest moves a facility manager or contractor can make. It locks in supply, often locks in better pricing, and removes a major source of mid-winter stress. The lesson here is to treat sourcing as a planning decision rather than a last-minute errand. The businesses that come through winter smoothly are almost always the ones that secured their supply chain early, chose suppliers who could actually deliver when it counted, and never had to gamble on finding material during a shortage. Reliability bought in advance is far cheaper than scarcity paid for in a crisis. Bagged or Bulk: Matching the Material to the Job One of the first practical decisions is whether to buy de-icing material in bags or in bulk, and the right answer depends entirely on the operation. Each format has clear advantages, and many operations end up using both for different purposes. Bagged material offers convenience, control, and easy storage. It is simple to handle, easy to distribute to different locations or crews, straightforward to store without special equipment, and convenient for spot application by hand. It suits smaller properties, businesses without bulk storage, and situations where portion control and tidiness matter. Bulk material, on the other hand, tends to make sense for large operations that go through high volumes, where buying in quantity lowers the per-unit cost and the operation has the equipment and space to store and handle it. The tradeoff is between the convenience and flexibility of bags and the volume economics of bulk. For many operations, the right approach is a mix: bulk for the high-volume core of the work and bags for flexibility, spot treatment, and locations where bulk handling is impractical. The key is to match the format to how the material will actually be stored, moved, and applied, rather than defaulting to one or the other out of habit. Thinking this through in advance avoids both the waste of over-buying bulk you can't handle and the expense of relying entirely on bags for a large operation. Rock Salt Is Not Your Only Option Rock salt, or sodium chloride, is the workhorse of winter de-icing for good reason. It is effective, widely available, and cost-efficient, which makes it the default choice for most operations most of the time. But it has limits, and understanding the alternatives helps you choose the right material for the conditions you actually face. The most important limitation is temperature. Rock salt becomes less effective as temperatures drop, and in genuinely cold conditions it can struggle to do the job at all. This is where alternatives come in. Calcium chloride, for instance, works at much lower temperatures than rock salt and acts quickly, which makes it valuable when conditions are severe or when fast melting matters. Operations that face hard freezes or need dependable performance in extreme cold often keep calcium chloride for sale on hand for exactly those situations, using it alongside rock salt rather than instead of it. The practical approach is to understand the conditions your property faces and stock accordingly. For many operations, rock salt handles the bulk of the work while a faster, colder-rated material like calcium chloride covers the extreme days when ordinary salt falls short. Matching the material to the temperature and the urgency of the situation is what separates an operation that stays ahead of winter from one that is constantly reacting to it. Securing Your Supply Before the Season Knowing what to buy is only half the equation. The other half is making sure you can actually get it when you need it, which means securing your supply before winter arrives rather than after it has already started. Timing is one of the most underrated factors in winter operations. The logic is simple. Demand for de-icing materials is highly seasonal and spikes sharply during storms, when everyone needs supply simultaneously. Prices and availability both move against the buyer at exactly those moments. By contrast, planning ahead, estimating your needs and arranging supply before the season, puts you in a far stronger position. Working with established rock salt suppliers ahead of time means your material is accounted for before the rush, often at better pricing and with the confidence that it will be there when the first storm hits. This kind of planning also lets you think clearly rather than react under pressure. You can estimate your seasonal needs based on your property and past winters, decide on the right mix of materials and formats, and arrange storage in advance. Operations that do this consistently spend less, worry less, and never find themselves making frantic calls during a storm. The effort of planning ahead is modest, and the payoff in reliability and cost savings is substantial. Storing and Handling What You Buy Securing supply is not much use if the material degrades before you can use it, which makes proper storage and handling an important and often overlooked part of the equation. De-icing materials are sensitive to moisture, and poor storage can turn a good supply into a clumped, hardened mess that is difficult to apply. The fundamentals are straightforward. Keep material dry and protected from moisture, since salt and ice melt readily absorb water and can harden if exposed. Store it in a way that suits the format, whether that means a proper bulk storage area or a dry space for stacked bags. Keep it accessible, so crews can get to it quickly when a storm hits and time is short. And handle it with the right equipment for the format and volume, which protects both the material and the people working with it. None of this is complicated, but neglecting it can undermine even a well-planned supply. Good storage practices protect the investment you made in securing supply early. There is little point in arranging your materials ahead of the season only to have them degrade before use. Treating storage and handling as part of the overall plan, rather than an afterthought, ensures that the material you secured is actually usable when the moment comes. It is the final link in a supply chain built to perform under winter conditions. Estimating How Much You Actually Need One question trips up operations of every size: how much de-icing material to buy. Order too little and you risk running short during a storm. Order too much and you tie up money and storage space in material you may not use. Getting the estimate reasonably right is a meaningful part of sourcing well. Several factors shape the answer. The size and type of the areas you treat, sidewalks, lots, entrances, and drive lanes, set the baseline for how much material each application consumes. The local climate matters too, since colder regions and those with frequent snowfall go through far more material than milder ones. Application frequency depends on how often storms hit and how quickly surfaces need to be cleared, which varies with the kind of property and the expectations of the people who use it. And the type of material plays a role, since different products are applied at different rates. Past experience is often the best guide. Operations that track what they used in previous winters, adjusted for the size of the property and the severity of the season, can estimate their needs with reasonable confidence. For newer operations without that history, it helps to plan conservatively and to work with a supplier who can replenish stock reliably, so that a low estimate does not turn into a mid-storm shortage. The goal is not perfect precision but a sound, slightly cautious estimate paired with a dependable supply relationship. That combination lets an operation keep enough material on hand to handle the season without over-committing to volume it cannot store or use. Thinking this through before winter, rather than guessing during it, is one more way that planning ahead pays off when the snow starts to fall. The Bottom Line Sourcing de-icing materials well comes down to a few straightforward principles: plan ahead, choose reliable suppliers before the season, match your materials and formats to your actual needs and conditions, and store what you buy properly. The operations that follow these principles move through winter with confidence, while those that improvise pay more and take on needless risk. Winter is predictable in one respect: it arrives every year, and demand for de-icing material spikes the moment it does. The businesses that prepare for that reality, rather than being surprised by it, are the ones that keep their properties safe, their costs controlled, and their operations running no matter what the season throws at them. A little foresight before the first snowfall pays off through every storm that follows.

This is an example of a landscaping in Los Angeles.

It’s warm in Southern California, and that’s exactly the feeling Andy and Liz sought to maintain inside their new Tuscan-style home as they embarked on a modern interior makeover. After all, the couple had two small children and a dog to consider. Empty and austere simply wasn’t a good fit for the young family whose interests include photography, art and lots of Lego’s. Andy, an engineer, became intrigued with Cantoni after driving past the Irvine location on his daily commute. It wasn’t long before he and Liz decided to venture into the Los Angeles showroom, and that’s where they met Bernadette. By all accounts, the trio made for great collaboration, and the project that began in February 2012 is still a work in progress today. “We were impressed by Bernadette,” says Andy. “We liked her and her work, and she won us over.” The project began with pictures sent and an in-home walk-through where measurements were taken. The couple knew they wanted furnishings for the living, dining and family rooms, as well as the media room and a study. They were open to art and accent pieces, and hoped to incorporate natural elements into the mix. Bernadette set to work. “It was fun touring our LA showroom and listening to Liz and Andy discuss their likes and dislikes. One thing was for sure,” she adds, “the Laguna Sectional was going in their theater room even if we needed to knock out a wall!” UpstairsPhase I of the job is complete (as you can see from the stunning images), but instead of parting ways, Andy and Liz decided to have Bernadette help re-imagine the master bedroom and kitchen, next. The ongoing nature of this project illustrates a trend we see with most of our clients: we build trusted, long-term relationships. It’s not about the transaction, but about great design, the design process, and the ability of our talented staff to help clients create the lifestyles they want. As always, there’s plenty to love about the products seen in our feature stories. To help you shop the look, we’re introducing a Featured Products page via a link to the images in each story. We’ve also redesigned our site to make sourcing and finding that just-right piece a breeze.

This is a shaker style kitchen, sprayed Cloud White on solid maple doors. The solid maple legs of the island house electrical outlets. The 10' x 5' island had to be custom made to account for a 2 1/2" slope in the floor of this reclaimed farmhouse. Tile back splash and finishing touches have since been completed.

Every once in a while, a project comes along that doesn’t just meet expectations—it resets the standard. That’s exactly what happened at Upper Valley project, where the team at GoDesigns El Paso was entrusted with a blank canvas and turned it into a fully integrated luxury retreat, built with precision, purpose, and passion. At the core of this dream backyard is a custom-designed pool and spa, meticulously planned and built together. The pool glows with a Pebble Brilliance finish, its deep, vibrant tones shimmering under sunlight by day and glowing softly under water-lit skies at night. Lightstreams glass tile adds a jewelry-like elegance to the raised spa and the sun shelf, creating rich reflections and textures from every angle. That sundeck isn’t just for lounging—it’s a tactile, thoughtful experience. Designed with Lightstreams glass tile, it’s where kids play, grownups cool off, and everyone can dip their toes and soak their feet in style. It’s as inviting to walk across as it is to sit beside, offering both elegance and functionality. A standout design element is the set of custom stainless steel handrails, elegantly curved and installed with sculptural intent. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also built to last—resistant to corrosion, timeless in design, and made for safety without sacrificing aesthetics. While beauty was key, so was resilience. The entire project was engineered to meet 100-year flood zone requirements—a critical design element in this El Paso neighborhood. GoDesigns accounted for water flow, elevations, and structural integrity, ensuring that every footing, drainage channel, and grade slope works in harmony with nature. And there’s more than water to love here. The oversized mossrock boulder waterfall along the edge of the putting green is both functional and artistic. Designed as a “table rock” feature, it creates soothing sound and visual movement while anchoring the landscape’s natural side. It’s a conversation piece as much as a sensory experience. Just steps away is a personal putting green and a custom basketball half court, both thoughtfully illuminated for day-to-night enjoyment. The putting green rolls true, edged with boulders and sand pits, while the court boasts pro-level surfacing under bright, architectural pole lighting. The surrounding landscape design ties it all together. Carefully chosen plantings bring color, texture, and balance to the clean stonework and turf areas. Strategic lighting highlights not just the beauty of the plants, but also enhances safety, drama, and ambiance across the entire yard—including the fence lines, water features, and sports zones. Every inch of this Upper Valley Project was built for purpose, performance, and passion. It’s a space where families gather, grand kids play, and memories are made—all under the sun and stars of West Texas. This is what happens when GoDesigns El Paso gets to do what they do best: combine timeless design, elite materials, and masterful installation to create outdoor living environments that are not only beautiful, but unforgettable.

The space is now vibrant and functional. The incorporation of simple and affordable white subway tile mounted vertically, creates a sense of "height" in the bathroom. The custom cabinetry was key. This custom vanity offers ample drawer and closed storage in the condo sized hall bathroom. Meanwhile, the custom linen cabinet, which is recessed into the wall, increases the storage options without losing any main floor space. Another perk...the bottom compartment of the linen cabinet houses the litterbox - a great feature for our client to conveniently hide it when entertaining guests. Even the furry members of the family are taken into account during our design process. Photo: Virtual 360NY

Your windows and doors are a leading culprit of heat loss for your home. They can account for hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energy costs throughout the year. Luckily, it’s easy to reduce heat loss by choosing the right window treatments to cover your windows and your glass doors.

The Rainbow house is a three storey 3,500 sq.ft residence located on a mountain perch, in Skyridge, Squamish’s newest residential development. The home was site specific, taking into account natural daylighting, strong winds local to the area, and the spectacular views of Howe Sound and various mountain ranges. The home incorporates large overhangs via cantilevered glulam beams, covered outdoor living areas, winter and summer zones, and juxtapositions living spaces based on views and lighting. The home has been conceptualized to be built out of the ground as it follows the grading of the site, stepping down across the lot, and by using natural, local materials. The final product will be a leader in the “West Coast Modern” design aesthetic.

CAPITAL DESIGN: Ionic Order (Roman) - Scamozzi Capital CAPITAL MATERIAL: PolyStone® Fiberglass Composite CAPITAL SIZE: 10" x 4-7/8" x 16-3/8" PROJECT LOCATION: New Haven, Connecticut PROJECT COMMENTS: Consulting with Chadsworth, the architects chose a Scamozzi column capital, which was nearly an exact replica of the severely damaged originals at the main entrance. The house was originally built in 1895. Like much of the house, which had been neglected for many decades, the original capitals ultimately proved to be held together by 150 years of paint. The capitals are a key feature of a strongly symmetrical facade, and the architects were grateful to remain true to the original design intent. This house is a late and rare example of very strict Georgian revival done in the East Rock neighborhood. The original house owner, Moritz Spier, was a warm-hearted coal merchant known to have carried the accounts of hundreds of families through the many economic downturns of that period. The house had few owners, and its highly detailed interior woodwork has thankfully remained unpainted. Because of its large foyer and wide open central staircase, the geometry of the house helped it survive a trend of partitioning large houses into Yale graduate student apartments. The Scamozzi capitals utilized for the renovation of this historic home were (8) of Chadsworth's PolyStone® fiberglass composite capitals. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: ROBERT NARRACCI, EXTERIOR, RESIDENTIAL, RENOVATION