This nook was the perfect spot for a built-in desk! Using the same dark blue, satin gold pulls, and white quartz table as the kitchen, this desk fits in seamlessly with the rest of the renovated areas. Sleek and contemporary, this beautiful home is located in Villanova, PA. Blue, white and gold are the palette of this transitional design. With custom touches and an emphasis on flow and an open floor plan, the renovation included the kitchen, family room, butler’s pantry, mudroom, two powder rooms and floors. Rudloff Custom Builders has won Best of Houzz for Customer Service in 2014, 2015 2016, 2017 and 2019. We also were voted Best of Design in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 which only 2% of professionals receive. Rudloff Custom Builders has been featured on Houzz in their Kitchen of the Week, What to Know About Using Reclaimed Wood in the Kitchen as well as included in their Bathroom WorkBook article. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area. This business, like most others, developed from a friendship of young entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference in their clients’ lives, one household at a time. This relationship between partners is much more than a friendship. Edward and Stephen Rudloff are brothers who have renovated and built custom homes together paying close attention to detail. They are carpenters by trade and understand concept and execution. Rudloff Custom Builders will provide services for you with the highest level of professionalism, quality, detail, punctuality and craftsmanship, every step of the way along our journey together. Specializing in residential construction allows us to connect with our clients early in the design phase to ensure that every detail is captured as you imagined. One stop shopping is essentially what you will receive with Rudloff Custom Builders from design of your project to the construction of your dreams, executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsmen. Our concept: envision our client’s ideas and make them a reality. Our mission: CREATING LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST AND INTEGRITY. Photo Credit: Linda McManus Images

Blanchard Mountain Farm, a small certified organic vegetable farm, sits in an idyllic location; where the Chuckanut Mountains come down to meet the Samish river basin. The owners found and fell in love with the land, knew it was the right place to start their farm, but realized the existing farmhouse was riddled with water damage, poor energy efficiency, and ill-conceived additions. Our remodel team focused their efforts on returning the farmhouse to its craftsman roots, while addressing the structure’s issues, salvaging building materials, and upgrading the home’s performance. Despite removing the roof and taking the entire home down to the studs, we were able to preserve the original fir floors and repurpose much of the original roof framing as rustic wainscoting and paneling. The indoor air quality and heating efficiency were vastly improved with the additions of a heat recovery ventilator and ductless heat pump. The building envelope was upgraded with focused air-sealing, new insulation, and the installation of a ventilation cavity behind the cedar siding. All of these details work together to create an efficient, highly durable home that preserves all the charms a century old farmhouse. Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services Photography by C9 Photography

Do you need a bedroom set for your young child or teenager? Would you like the convenience of a guest room without using a lot of your valuable living space?The this is what you've been looking for. On the sliding-door cupboards are two display shelves and a mirror. When opened, the cabinet reveals a twin-size bed, a compact wardrobe and a bookshelf! There’s a complete living/sleeping area in a very small amount of floor space! This unit is a perfect choice for a studio apartment where every square foot counts. It is also perfect for a child’s bedroom. It can be kept closed and used for play and study, then drop the bed at night for sleeping! Everything from books to clothing all fits neatly in this organized little space! It’s easy enough for a child to operate, with new generation gas shocks that make opening and closing simple. The wall bed unit comes in either all-white high-gloss laminate or white with teak wood-grain laminate, perfect for boys or girls, and fits with most décor colors. Wall beds are sturdy, made to last, using certified, thick laminated chipboard, heavy-duty hardware, and strong aluminum bed frame with solid wood slats. You can have exactly what you need with this Parete Leto wall bed!

A refinished entry in Wynnewood, PA with hardwood floors, carpeted stairs, wainscoting and custom radiator covers. Photos by Alicia's Art, LLC RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you n your next project.

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

Does your home computer room, family room, or office need to double as a guest room? Would you like to find an alternative to the uncomfortable sleep sofa or working in a cramped corner of a guest bedroom? Here’s a way to have the best of all worlds. This wall bed has a queen-sized bed neatly stored inside a cabinet that can create an extra wall in your home, or can fit against an existing wall in just 17 ½”x64 ½” of floor space! This collection comes in either a light, natural woodgrain or a high-gloss white laminate finish, which will blend with almost any home color scheme and design. Our wall beds are designed with longevity in mind, using certified, thick laminated chipboard, heavy-duty hardware, and strong aluminum bed frame with solid wood slats. You can even open and close the bed with one hand with our ergonomic new generation gas shocks mechanism! Easy-Elegant Ergonomic! You really can have it all!

Does your home computer room, family room, or office need to double as a guest room? Would you like to find an alternative to the uncomfortable sleep sofa or working in a cramped corner of a guest bedroom? Here’s a way to have the best of all worlds. This wall bed has a queen-sized bed neatly stored inside a cabinet that can create an extra wall in your home, or can fit against an existing wall in just 17 ½”x64 ½” of floor space! This collection comes in either a light, natural woodgrain or a high-gloss white laminate finish, which will blend with almost any home color scheme and design. Our wall beds are designed with longevity in mind, using certified, thick laminated chipboard, heavy-duty hardware, and strong aluminum bed frame with solid wood slats. You can even open and close the bed with one hand with our ergonomic new generation gas shocks mechanism! Easy-Elegant Ergonomic! You really can have it all!

Example of a mid-sized classic guest medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in DC Metro with beige walls and no fireplace

To prepare your fireplace and chimney for winter, schedule a professional inspection and chimney cleaning. The temperatures are just about right to either fire up those logs or turn on the gas fireplace. Either way, you don’t want to miss out on a cozy night in front of the fireplace. But why is it important to prepare your fireplace and chimney for winter? That’s what we going to talk about today, everything from the damper, to chimney cap to what to look out for and what to repair now. The team at Superior Chimney is ready to share practical tips for getting ready for the cold to start. Why is it Important to Prepare the Fireplace for Winter? Your fireplace works hard during the winter. Using your fireplace just on the weekends or everyday while you relax causes system stress behind the scenes regardless. While providing you warmth and comfort, the fire in the fireplace creates a byproduct called creosote, which is sticky and gives off a smokey smell. All winter long, this will be slowly building inside of the chimney walls. Now that’s what’s going on inside your home. Outside, your chimney endures the elements every day with the snow, ice, freezing rain, and critters looking for a nice warm place to settle. All these things add up putting stress on the chimney structure. Getting this done now will give you peace of mind and helps your system run efficiently. This way, heat stays in your living room where you want it. Start with an Annual Chimney Inspection The most important step to take now is to get a certified chimney inspection before you light your first fire. A certified technician can identify creosote buildup, cracked flue liners, damaged masonry and blockages that are hard to see from inside and outside the home. The National Fire Protection Association standard for chimneys, fireplaces, and vents calls for chimneys to be inspected at least once a year and cleaned as needed for safe operation (NFPA 211). The Chimney Safety Institute of America gives the same guidance, recommending that fireplaces, chimneys, and vents be inspected annually by a certified professional (CSIA). Ventilation is a Breath of Fresh Air for Your Home Proper ventilation allows your home to breathe. Your home relies on vents connected to the fireplace and natural gas appliances to carry harmful gases such as carbon monoxide safely outdoors. During the winter, snow and ice can pile up around the vents. When that happens, pollutants have a harder time leaving the home. Signs of a Blocked Chimney Vent A blocked vent can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. If symptoms go away once you or your family leave the house, that’s a sign of a blocked chimney vent, and it needs to be addressed right away. Be sure your carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and located on every level of your home. Keep the Cold Air Out of Your Fireplace Pay attention to the chimney effect, also called the stack effect, during winter. Warm air inside your home rises to meet the colder air outside. That cold air can rush down the chimney and into your home. This pressure imbalance can also pull smoke back into the room when you light a fire. Keeping the damper closed whenever the fireplace is not working, is one of the best ways to stop cold drafts from entering your home. Have You Tried to Preheat the Chimney Flue? What? What is that? When you are ready to light the fireplace, warming the flue can help smoke travel up the chimney flue and out of your home. Light your gas starter without wood in there for a few minutes or a small bundle of kindling if you don’t have the convenience of a gas log starter. This will warm the air and cold chimney walls within the chimney flue so when the fire starts, it will go up and out of your home (Priming the system). Never roll up a sheet of newspaper, or any paper, and hold it up toward the open damper! The New Critter Home? For many animals, a chimney looks like a warm and safe place from the cold and freezing temperatures. Squirrels, raccoons, birds, bats, possum and other small creatures may try to nest inside. How do you know if a critter made its way in? If you hear scratching, chirping, or the sounds of moving around in the chimney, or a foul smell call a certified chimney professional to inspect the chimney flue. A technician can safely remove the animals and check for any nesting material or structural damage it left behind. Sometimes an animal can die inside the chimney. Typical first signs can be a strong odor, trouble venting smoke, seeing flesh flies or maggots. Any situation, you will want to call Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349 for help. You may want to consider a tightly fitted stainless steel chimney cap with mesh sides is the best long term solution. It keeps wildlife out while still allowing smoke and gases to escape freely. What are Common Chimney Repairs Your chimney stands tall and is exposed to the weather all year long. In winter, snow builds up on the chimney crown and rain always finds its way into small crack in the chimney masonry. Anytime you have spalling or cracked bricks with or without missing or deteriorating mortar, you have a problem brewing with the chimney structure. When water from rain or snow freezes, it expands and widens the cracks. This process is known as the freeze and thaw cycle. Water that enters the chimney can mix with creosote. That’s what creates a musty, smoky smell. A persistent odor from your fireplace is often an early sign that moisture is getting inside, so prompt repairs help protect your home. Don’t Forget the Chimney Flashing Metal step flashing seals the joint where your chimney meets the roof. Over time, it can loosen, rust, or pull away from the chimney. Have a certified chimney professional inspect the flashing each year to confirm it remains watertight. Adding a waterproofing sealant to the masonry and a crown repair when needed gives your chimney lasting protection through the wettest months. The Chimney from Bottom to Top Each year when your chimney inspection is performed, the certified chimney technician will automatically check the firebox all the way up to the damper and out to the exterior chimney itself. The chimney technician will be looking for cracked or missing firebricks, gaps in the mortar joints, and loose pieces within the chimney walls especially if you do not have a chimney liner. The chimney technician is searching for hairline cracks, damaged bricks, ineffective damper, damaged or missing chimney cap to name a few on the 14-point inspection. Because it is difficult for a homeowner to inspect on top of the roof or inside of the chimney as well as know exactly what to look for, it is best to have a trained, certified technician to do it for you. The technician will show you and the office staff will email you pictures so you have an understanding of what the technician has found. Keep Fire Safety Essentials Nearby A few simple tools make a fire experience safer for family, pets and guests. Keep a sturdy metal fireplace screen in front of the opening to catch sparks and embers. Place a fire extinguisher rated for household use in a safe, dry space. If you can have it near the fireplace, even better. Be sure to talk to family members or anyone else living in your home so they know where it is. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly throughout the heating season. Keep rugs, furniture, holiday decorations including Santa stockings at least three feet from the fireplace. This space gives you plenty of room to ensure the fire stays in the fireplace. When it is time to clean out the ashes, wait until they have cooled down… at least until the next morning. Shovel them into a metal container with a tight lid and keep it outside away from your home. Preparing a Gas Fireplace for Winter Gas fireplaces need attention before starting it up too. Have a certified chimney technician check the burner, pilot assembly, gas connections, and venting system before you turn it on for the season. The chimney technician will continue to conduct a thorough cleaning and inspection from bottom to top according to the 14-point inspection. As a homeowner, clean the protective glass front that’s attached or separate from the fireplace only once the unit is cool. Look for any soot buildup, which can be an indication that a burner or vent is experiencing a problem. Frequently Asked Questions How often should a chimney be inspected? CSIA (the Chimney Safety Institute of America), NCSG (the National Chimney Sweep Guild), NFPA (the National Fire Protection Association) and IRC (International Residential Code) all specify a chimney inspection at least once a year. Cleaning is then scheduled based on how much buildup the technician finds. Why does my fireplace smell bad in winter? A strong odor can point to creosote mixed with moisture, a downdraft caused by the stack effect, or an animal in the chimney flue. A certified inspection can pinpoint the cause quickly. Should I close the damper when the fireplace is off or cooled? Yes, once the fire is completely out and the ashes are cool. A closed damper keeps warm air inside and cold air outside. What is the best time of year to have my chimney cleaning? Right now! Scheduling before the first cold snap gives you more appointment options and time for any repairs. Do I need a chimney cap? A chimney cap is critical to the function of your chimney. It keeps out rain, snow, debris and animals while allowing smoke to go up and out of your home properly. Every chimney needs a chimney cap for the same reasons every home needs a roof! Get Your Fireplace Winter-Ready With Superior Chimney A well maintained fireplace is one of the coziest parts of winter. With a yearly inspection, clear vents, a sturdy chimney cap, and sound masonry, you can enjoy every fire without unnecessary worry. Now that you know how to prepare your fireplace and chimney for winter, contact Superior Chimney today to schedule your inspection and sweeping, and enjoy a warm and comfortable season by the fire.

Light Blue painted cabinets welcome one into this spacious and cabinet filled multi-purpose Mudroom and Laundry room. Framed beaded board panel cabinet doors and drawers add charm to this busy yet elegant space. Nickel finish vertical pulls through out give an added accent to the painted surface, while coat hooks disappear until they are needed. Carrara marble counter top with subway tile back splash adorn the Laundry area. Flagstone floors lead one out to the French style side door. The half round transom's beauty is further accentuated by double cylinder hanging pendant light fixture. This home was featured in Philadelphia Magazine August 2014 issue with Tague Lumber to showcase its beauty and excellence. Photo by Alicia's Art, LLC RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you on your next project.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless guest medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in DC Metro with beige walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional kids' beige tile, gray tile and stone tile slate floor alcove bathtub remodel in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

It’s always a treat to work with homeowners that have a clear idea of how they want their kitchen to look and be used. These homeowners wanted their kitchen to have an old fashion look to it, so we left the cabinet brackets exposed and the cabinet knobs were left unfinished. The kitchen has a long breakfast bar, perfect for when the homeowners have family and friends visit. -Allison Caves, CKD Caves Kitchens

Does your home computer room, family room, or office need to double as a guest room? Would you like to find an alternative to the uncomfortable sleep sofa or working in a cramped corner of a guest bedroom? Here’s a way to have the best of all worlds. This wall bed has a queen-sized bed neatly stored inside a cabinet that can create an extra wall in your home, or can fit against an existing wall in just 17 ½”x64 ½” of floor space! This collection comes in either a light, natural woodgrain or a high-gloss white laminate finish, which will blend with almost any home color scheme and design. Our wall beds are designed with longevity in mind, using certified, thick laminated chipboard, heavy-duty hardware, and strong aluminum bed frame with solid wood slats. You can even open and close the bed with one hand with our ergonomic new generation gas shocks mechanism! Easy-Elegant Ergonomic! You really can have it all!

A lovely bedroom with raised panel oval framed doors. Closet doors have double French style raised panels. Patterned carpet with small repeat works beautifully with the richness of details in the room. This home was featured in Philadelphia Magazine August 2014 issue to showcase its beauty and excellence. RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you on your next project.

Elegant soft white maple cabinetry with slate brushing provides an ample amount of space for storage, including small glass cabinets for display. The bright, lighted back splash complements the kitchen, making the counter tops and appliances stand out. - Allison Caves, CKD Caves Kitchens

The custom built natural cherry cabinetry detailed with walnut peg accents provide the homeowners with plenty of storage space while maintaining a seamless look. The open shelved cabinet is a great place to hold cookbooks or decorative pieces. The top section was designed and crafted to hold bottles of wine. The homeowners wanted their kitchen to be a place of comfort and accessibility and Caves Millwork acheived that want by providing plenty of storage. -Allison Caves, CKD Caves Kitchens

Best twin wall bed-murphy style cabinet multi-functional, ergonomic, compact-home or commercial use.Does your home computer room, family room or office need to double as a guest room? Would you like to find an alternative to the uncomfortable sleep sofa or working in a cramped corner of a guest bedroom? Here’s a way to have the best of all worlds. This style wall bed has a bed neatly stored inside a cabinet that can create an extra wall in your home or can fit against an existing wall in just of floor space. The front of the cabinet has a display shelf wide enough for pictures and decor accessories and the top of the cabinet is wide enough for books, plants, accessories or collectibles. This collection comes in either a light, natural wood-grain or a high-gloss white laminate finish which will blend with almost any home color scheme and design. These wall beds are designed with longevity in mind, using certified, thick laminated chipboard, heavy-duty hardware and strong aluminum bed frame with solid wood slats. You can even open and close the bed with 1 hand with ergonomic new generation gas shocks mechanism. Easy-elegant-ergonomic. You really can have it all. When closed the cabinet creates an extra wall, complete with shelf. So, you can add home decor accessories to the top of the cabinet and the shelf. When open, you have a bedroom.

Does your home computer room, family room, or office need to double as a guest room? Would you like to find an alternative to the uncomfortable sleep sofa or working in a cramped corner of a guest bedroom? Here’s a way to have the best of all worlds. This wall bed has a queen-sized bed neatly stored inside a cabinet that can create an extra wall in your home, or can fit against an existing wall in just 17 ½”x64 ½” of floor space! This collection comes in either a light, natural woodgrain or a high-gloss white laminate finish, which will blend with almost any home color scheme and design. Our wall beds are designed with longevity in mind, using certified, thick laminated chipboard, heavy-duty hardware, and strong aluminum bed frame with solid wood slats. You can even open and close the bed with one hand with our ergonomic new generation gas shocks mechanism! Easy-Elegant Ergonomic! You really can have it all!