In this project the homeowners wanted to achieve a larger shower, better storage and more vanity space, as well as retain a tub. They also wanted a better integration of the master bath & bedroom. The preferred aesthetic was a warm, comfortable, spa-like space. This quickly led to the concept of a Japanese bath. As the design work began, there was a necessity to bring a soothing sound of flowing water into the bath. The spa feel was further enhanced with the incorporation of teak vanities, stone tile, a Japanese soaking tub and Shoji screen inspired door to the water closet. This relaxing theme flowed into the bedroom with a consistent color scheme and Asian influenced hardware on the cabinetry. FotoGrafik Arts

Captivated by the waterfront views, our clients purchased a 1980s shoreline residence that was in need of a modern update. They entrusted us with the task of adjusting the layout to meet their needs and infusing the space with a palette inspired by Long Island Sound – consisting of light wood, neutral stones and tile, expansive windows and unique lighting accents. The result is an inviting space for entertaining and relaxing alike, blending modern aesthetics with warmth seamlessly.

Captivated by the waterfront views, our clients purchased a 1980s shoreline residence that was in need of a modern update. They entrusted us with the task of adjusting the layout to meet their needs and infusing the space with a palette inspired by Long Island Sound – consisting of light wood, neutral stones and tile, expansive windows and unique lighting accents. The result is an inviting space for entertaining and relaxing alike, blending modern aesthetics with warmth seamlessly.

This Outdoor Living Space Display features various outdoor living services we provide. We featured water features, hardscapes, masonry, landscapes, outdoor audio, and landscape lighting. The main idea was to create a space where we could showcase our specialties for the public’s viewing pleasure. We encourage visitors to stop by and interact with this grand display. Night time viewing is also encouraged as the entire feature is lit up in the evening. In the future we plan to incorporate additional features to this project. At some point we hope to add an outdoor kitchen area as well as a fire-place. Upon entering the property, first thing to catch your eye is a fairly large-scale water feature. The water feature consist of an ecosystem pond. The water starts to flow from a spillway bowl fountain. The spillway pours into the bog filter. The water then flows down various cascading waterfalls. The waterfalls and pond were constructed out of 2 different types of boulders. We did this to show various options available. There is a gigantic boulder fountain that is incorporated into the pond as well. There is a skimmer in the pond the show functionality. The pond then flows over a zero edge waterfall into a large basin. Atop the basin is 3 fountains. 2 bubbling urn fountains as well as fire bowl fountain. The patio area incorporates different styles and colors of pavers. Along with different styles of boarders. There is 2 seating walls on either side of the patio area. Each seating wall has a mixture of stone and brick veneer and topped with flagstone caps. There is a very unique shed next to the patio area. Surrounding the patio are we installed an outdoor audio system as well. This system cranks out some serious sound. Stop by and have a listen! The entire project area is outfitted with landscape lighting. We incorporated up-lights, wall lights, path lights, and a couple of spot lights. The entire water feature also has underwater lighting installed. Landscaping was installed around the project to finished it off. If you’re in the Lancaster area be sure to stop by and check it out!!! Visitors are always welcome.

This Outdoor Living Space Display features various outdoor living services we provide. We featured water features, hardscapes, masonry, landscapes, outdoor audio, and landscape lighting. The main idea was to create a space where we could showcase our specialties for the public’s viewing pleasure. We encourage visitors to stop by and interact with this grand display. Night time viewing is also encouraged as the entire feature is lit up in the evening. In the future we plan to incorporate additional features to this project. At some point we hope to add an outdoor kitchen area as well as a fire-place. Upon entering the property, first thing to catch your eye is a fairly large-scale water feature. The water feature consist of an ecosystem pond. The water starts to flow from a spillway bowl fountain. The spillway pours into the bog filter. The water then flows down various cascading waterfalls. The waterfalls and pond were constructed out of 2 different types of boulders. We did this to show various options available. There is a gigantic boulder fountain that is incorporated into the pond as well. There is a skimmer in the pond the show functionality. The pond then flows over a zero edge waterfall into a large basin. Atop the basin is 3 fountains. 2 bubbling urn fountains as well as fire bowl fountain. The patio area incorporates different styles and colors of pavers. Along with different styles of boarders. There is 2 seating walls on either side of the patio area. Each seating wall has a mixture of stone and brick veneer and topped with flagstone caps. There is a very unique shed next to the patio area. Surrounding the patio are we installed an outdoor audio system as well. This system cranks out some serious sound. Stop by and have a listen! The entire project area is outfitted with landscape lighting. We incorporated up-lights, wall lights, path lights, and a couple of spot lights. The entire water feature also has underwater lighting installed. Landscaping was installed around the project to finished it off. If you’re in the Lancaster area be sure to stop by and check it out!!! Visitors are always welcome.

Rat Island, it's a 2.5-acre land mass off the coast of City Island in the Bronx. This eco-boutique resort is part of the greater Long Island Sound only 30 minutes away from Central Park. The project consists of a group of floating cabins / house-boats along the outer edge of the island.. Large windows offer water or inland views. The design intends the island to be carbon-neutral and sustainable. The island also includes a small marina with a 2-arm floating pier system for 12 boats and a potential arrival for the NYC water taxi. There is an old existing canal that cuts through the South side of the island which will be used for access of small boats and canoes arriving directly into the island and under the main building.

The new kitchen included JSI Essex Castle Grey solid wood cabinets with soft close doors and drawers with Brushed Nickel hardware. We installed a back splash in Silverton Glass in the color Smoke and raven color grout. We also finished the outside edges in Antracite Schluter edging. The countertops in the Kitchen, Bar and Island are Misterio Polished-Pental Quartz. The dining room countertop is Eternal Serena Quartz Silestone. The Kitchen Sink is a Kraus Kore Workstation with a 33" Apron Front 16 Gauge Stainless Sink Single Bowl with a Moen Align pre-rinse spring pulldown kitchen faucet stainless steel. Bar Faucet- Moen Align 1.5 GPM Single Hole Pull Down Bar Faucet with Reflex and Duralast Technology. Bar Sink - Kraus Kore Workstation 17" Undermount 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Single Bowl. Island Sink- Kraus Kore Workstation 23" Undermount 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Single Bowl with a Moen Align Pull-Down Spray faucet. We also added Insinkerator Digital Instant Hot Water Tank and Filtration System. Installed two InSinkErator ESSENTIAL XTR N/A Evolution 3/4 HP Single Phase Garbage Disposals with SoundSeal and MultiGrind Technology. For the Kitchen lighting we installed BELDI 1933-H Peak Ceiling Pendant Fixtures with consisted of four lights over island, one over sink. and in the dining Room we installed 4 ea. Classic Brushed Dark Gray Modern Lantern Drum Mini Coastal Pendant Light LED Compatible. For the flooring in the Kitchen, Dining room, Entrance way and Bathroom we installed Floor Source Savoia; Woodland Series; Black; 6"x39" Glazed porcelain wood look tile with Charcoal gray grout. Included in this project we renovated a Bathroom and laundry station off the kitchen. The Bathroom has JSI Essex Castle Grey solid wood construction with soft close doors and drawers. The countertop is Enchanted Rock Quartz. For the lighting we installed 2 Kovacs Alecia's Tears Single Light 32" Wide Integrated LED Bathroom Vanity Light with Frosted Glass. Vanity sink is Badeloft Undermount ramp sink with a Doux Chrome Two-Handle High Arc Faucet by Moen. We finished the bathroom with 3 frameless Gatco mirrors.

The project consisted of a new stone and slate-roofed residence on an island off Darien overlooking Long Island Sound. Several existing barn structures were also restored on the five-acre property. This award winning home was featured on the cover of the Perfect Home Series book published October 2006 and was a finalist in the AIA CT Alice Washburn Awards competition. Barry A. Hyman

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

Feast your eyes on our new Outdoor Living Display. The feature is located at our Creative Center on New Holland Pike in Lancaster, PA. This is the finished Product. We have documented the entire build from start to finish. Previous videos were shot in time-lapse during the duration of the build. Links to previous videos are at the bottom of the page. The Display feature incorporates a little bit of the services we provide. We featured different aspects of outdoor living. The first thing to catch your eye is a fairly large-scale water feature. The water feature consist of a ecosystem pond. The water starts to flow from a spillway bowl fountain. The spillway pours into the bog filter. The water then flows down various cascading waterfalls. The waterfalls and pond were constructed out of 2 different types of boulders. We did this to show various options available. There is a gigantic boulder fountain that is incorporated into the pond as well. There is a skimmer in the pond the show functionality. The pond then flows over a zero edge waterfall into a large basin. Atop the basin is 3 fountains. 2 bubbling urn fountains as well as fire bowl fountain. The patio area incorporates different styles and colors of pavers. Along with different styles of boarders. There is 2 seating walls on either side of the patio area. Each seating wall has a mixture of stone and brick veneer and topped with flagstone caps. There is a very unique shed next to the patio area. Surrounding the patio are we installed an outdoor audio system as well. This system cranks out some serious sound. Stop by and have a listen! The entire project area is outfitted with landscape lighting. We incorporated up-lights, wall lights, path lights, and a couple spot lights. The entire water feature also has underwater lighting installed. Landscaping was installed around the project to finished it off. If you're in the Lancaster area be sure to stop by and check it out!!! Visitors are always welcome.

The staircase underwent a complete renovation, starting with structural reframing to ensure proper alignment, support, and safety. New treads and risers were installed, featuring rich wood flooring on each step for a clean, modern finish. The remodel includes the installation of a custom handrail system, combining elegantly crafted posts and balusters with a smooth top rail, all painted to complement the home’s updated interior design. The surrounding flooring area and bedrooms were renovated, with new baseboards installed along the staircase walls for a seamless transition and refined look. Drywall repair and paint patching were performed throughout the stairwell area to achieve a smooth surface and consistent finish, matching the existing wall texture and color. The completed project presents a cohesive, stylish, and structurally sound staircase that enhances the overall aesthetic and flow of the home.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

Feast your eyes on our new Outdoor Living Display. The feature is located at our Creative Center on New Holland Pike in Lancaster, PA. This is the finished Product. We have documented the entire build from start to finish. Previous videos were shot in time-lapse during the duration of the build. Links to previous videos are at the bottom of the page. The Display feature incorporates a little bit of the services we provide. We featured different aspects of outdoor living. The first thing to catch your eye is a fairly large-scale water feature. The water feature consist of a ecosystem pond. The water starts to flow from a spillway bowl fountain. The spillway pours into the bog filter. The water then flows down various cascading waterfalls. The waterfalls and pond were constructed out of 2 different types of boulders. We did this to show various options available. There is a gigantic boulder fountain that is incorporated into the pond as well. There is a skimmer in the pond the show functionality. The pond then flows over a zero edge waterfall into a large basin. Atop the basin is 3 fountains. 2 bubbling urn fountains as well as fire bowl fountain. The patio area incorporates different styles and colors of pavers. Along with different styles of boarders. There is 2 seating walls on either side of the patio area. Each seating wall has a mixture of stone and brick veneer and topped with flagstone caps. There is a very unique shed next to the patio area. Surrounding the patio are we installed an outdoor audio system as well. This system cranks out some serious sound. Stop by and have a listen! The entire project area is outfitted with landscape lighting. We incorporated up-lights, wall lights, path lights, and a couple spot lights. The entire water feature also has underwater lighting installed. Landscaping was installed around the project to finished it off. If you're in the Lancaster area be sure to stop by and check it out!!! Visitors are always welcome.

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.

Scott Buley, HTT&T, High Tech Turf & Trees, Rain Garden Nursery, LandscapeMakeover.biz. Again a simple, affordable water feature, nestled between larger complementary stone, and embraced by both native and consistent ornamental foliage. This client wanted it by their living room window, and front door to enjoy the sound of falling water. Clever placement and multiple organic complements help it "blend" in.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

The new kitchen included JSI Essex Castle Grey solid wood cabinets with soft close doors and drawers with Brushed Nickel hardware. We installed a back splash in Silverton Glass in the color Smoke and raven color grout. We also finished the outside edges in Antracite Schluter edging. The countertops in the Kitchen, Bar and Island are Misterio Polished-Pental Quartz. The dining room countertop is Eternal Serena Quartz Silestone. The Kitchen Sink is a Kraus Kore Workstation with a 33" Apron Front 16 Gauge Stainless Sink Single Bowl with a Moen Align pre-rinse spring pulldown kitchen faucet stainless steel. Bar Faucet- Moen Align 1.5 GPM Single Hole Pull Down Bar Faucet with Reflex and Duralast Technology. Bar Sink - Kraus Kore Workstation 17" Undermount 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Single Bowl. Island Sink- Kraus Kore Workstation 23" Undermount 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Single Bowl with a Moen Align Pull-Down Spray faucet. We also added Insinkerator Digital Instant Hot Water Tank and Filtration System. Installed two InSinkErator ESSENTIAL XTR N/A Evolution 3/4 HP Single Phase Garbage Disposals with SoundSeal and MultiGrind Technology. For the Kitchen lighting we installed BELDI 1933-H Peak Ceiling Pendant Fixtures with consisted of four lights over island, one over sink. and in the dining Room we installed 4 ea. Classic Brushed Dark Gray Modern Lantern Drum Mini Coastal Pendant Light LED Compatible. For the flooring in the Kitchen, Dining room, Entrance way and Bathroom we installed Floor Source Savoia; Woodland Series; Black; 6"x39" Glazed porcelain wood look tile with Charcoal gray grout. Included in this project we renovated a Bathroom and laundry station off the kitchen. The Bathroom has JSI Essex Castle Grey solid wood construction with soft close doors and drawers. The countertop is Enchanted Rock Quartz. For the lighting we installed 2 Kovacs Alecia's Tears Single Light 32" Wide Integrated LED Bathroom Vanity Light with Frosted Glass. Vanity sink is Badeloft Undermount ramp sink with a Doux Chrome Two-Handle High Arc Faucet by Moen. We finished the bathroom with 3 frameless Gatco mirrors.

Savvy homeowners already know that Belk Builders is the Charlotte area's trusted source for quality siding replacement, including Hardie Plank, window replacement and roof replacement. However, we are also a top-quality resource for many additional exterior remodeling and upgrade projects. Our expertise goes beyond the surface as issues with the condition of what is underlying to complete a project that is structurally sound or requests from the homeowner may encompass more than your typical siding, window or roofing replacement. We have the knowledge, training and experience to complete almost anything that comes our way. A recent project in Huntersville, NC, stands as proof of our diverse expertise in all things exterior. This project consists of a screened porch to sunroom conversion using upscale windows and featuring a heated tile floor facade. Photos courtesy Belk Builders.