Free ebook, CREATING THE IDEAL KITCHEN Download now → http://bit.ly/idealkitchen The hall bath for this client started out a little dated with its 1970’s color scheme and general wear and tear, but check out the transformation! The floor is really the focal point here, it kind of works the same way wallpaper would, but -- it’s on the floor. I love this graphic tile, patterned after Moroccan encaustic, or cement tile, but this one is actually porcelain at a very affordable price point and much easier to install than cement tile. Once we had homeowner buy-in on the floor choice, the rest of the space came together pretty easily – we are calling it “transitional, Moroccan, industrial.” Key elements are the traditional vanity, Moroccan shaped mirrors and flooring, and plumbing fixtures, coupled with industrial choices -- glass block window, a counter top that looks like cement but that is actually very functional Corian, sliding glass shower door, and simple glass light fixtures. The final space is bright, functional and stylish. Quite a transformation, don’t you think? Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Erika Bierman Photography
Inspiration for a mediterranean patio vertical garden remodel in Los Angeles

Photo: Lucy Call © 2015 Houzz
Home office - contemporary home office idea in Salt Lake City

Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s galley porcelain tile, gray floor and shiplap ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Easy indoor container garden.
Inspiration for a small contemporary drought-tolerant landscaping in San Francisco.

Example of a trendy patio design in New York

Inspiration for a large transitional yellow two-story vinyl gable roof remodel in Boston with a tile roof

Westside Restoration Las Vegas - water and flood damage after photo
Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Las Vegas

Your roof is arguably one of the most important elements of your entire home exterior. It serves the incredibly important function of protecting your home from the elements, but it is also a large portion of your home’s aesthetic design. The right material or design of shingle can really accentuate the color and décor of your home. Beyond that, what your roof is made of will affect its lifespan and ability to keep your property safe from the elements. Having a quality Twin Cities Roofing Contractor in your corner to help when you need roofing services is a valuable asset. From roofing repairs to replacements and installations, we are the professionals you can count on. At Blackbrook Construction, we have the tools and training to service your roof with expert proficiency in a timely fashion. Our top priority is your satisfaction and our commitment to service excellence can be seen in our workmanship. We also offer free estimates and will gladly send a technician to your home to consult with you on your roofing options. This is why we are the Twin Cities’ top choice for roofing contractor.

Siding is a fantastic way to take total control over the look of your home. Twin Cities Siding is made from various materials goes over the exterior of your home and covers it in its entirety. While there are many types of siding materials, one of the most popular is vinyl siding. This is because vinyl is extremely durable, weatherproof, termite proof and affordable. With the many color options you simply decide which style of siding you like best, and then have it installed and almost overnight your home looks like a new house. Blackbrook Construction is the siding expert in the Twin Cities area. We have the right tools and the proper training to quickly and efficiently install the siding of your choice. With siding from Blackbrook Construction you’ll add curb appeal to your home at an affordable cost, which is why we are the Twin Cities’ number one choice for siding contractor.

A friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her chimney needed structural repairs before she could safely use it again. Chimney repairs are any work done to restore the structural and weatherproof condition of a chimney. This can include mortar joint repair, brick replacement, crown repair, flue repair, and cap or flashing replacement. Most Chicagoland homeowners discover the need for chimney repairs often times after winter, when the freeze and thaw cycles have already done its damage. Uncovering the symptoms early is the best way to keep chimney repairs down. Let’s discuss how that can be done. Why Chicagoland Weather Is Especially Hard on Chimneys Chicagoland has some of the most polarized weather. One day it’s a blizzard and the next week hot, humid and 100 degrees. That swing in weather conditions and temperatures are the real reasons why chimney repairs are needed. When moisture from humid and rainy days’ soak into brick and mortar and then freezes, it expands. As it begins to thaw, the materials contract. Repeat that cycle dozens of times in a single Illinois winter and even solid masonry in the chimney starts to crack, spall, and separate from the joints holding it together. This is called the freeze thaw cycle. We’ve talked about it many times over the years, and it continues to be the single biggest reason homes need chimney repairs more often than homes in milder climates. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the leading nonprofit certifying body for chimney professionals in the United States, notes that water intrusion is one of the most damaging and most preventable problems. If the problem is left to mature, it affects more than the appearance. It compromises the structure itself. What Do Chimney Repairs Involve? Not every chimney problem requires the same fix. Chimney repairs generally fall into a few categories. Understanding the difference, helps homeowners have a more informed conversation with the expert technician. Mortar joint repair or tuckpointing. This involves removing deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, matched to the original color and texture as closely as possible. Brick replacement. When individual bricks have spalled, meaning the face has cracked or popped off from trapped moisture, those bricks are removed and replaced. Crown and cap repair. The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. Cracks both big and small let water directly into the chimney flue. Chimney crown repair is often one of the most urgent forms of chimney repairs. Flashing repair. Flashing is the barrier where the chimney meets the roofline. Loose, damaged or poorly installed flashing is a common source for water leaks. The roof gets the blame as it is the largest piece that covers the house. However, it certainly can be the overlooked chimney. Flue and liner repair. Cracked flue tiles or damaged liners affect how safely a chimney vents smoke and combustion gases. When to Know a Chimney Needs Repair Most chimney damage shows up as small, easy to dismiss way. Let’s take a look at the following list. Be sure to print this out and keep it handy so if/when something happens, you know what to look for. • Water stains near the fireplace or on the ceiling • A brownish stain on the wall around your fireplace, or a stain on the ceiling near an exterior chimney. This means water is getting in somewhere it should not. • Crumbling or missing mortar • If you can see gaps between bricks, or mortar that flakes off when you touch it • A leaning or visibly shifting chimney • A chimney that appears to pull away from the house, even slightly, could indicate a structural issue • White staining on the brick (efflorescence) • Chalky white residue left behind as water evaporates out of the masonry. It is a visible sign that moisture is moving through brick • Rusted damper or firebox components • Metal parts inside a fireplace that are rusting are a strong indicator that moisture is present • Debris in the fireplace • Small chunks of brick, mortar, or tile landing in the firebox What are the Various Types of Chimney Repair? This is a compiled list of chimney repairs so you can be aware of what to look for. If you have any questions, contact us directly at 877-244-6349. Homeowners who schedule chimney repairs at the first sign of trouble typically spend far less than those who wait until water damage reaches the interior of the home. This is a great reason to contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349. Why an Annual Inspection Matters More Than People Think The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year, whether or not the fireplace gets used. This recommendation exists because damage does not take a break just because a chimney sits without any use. According to data stated by the CSIA, chimney related fires still contribute to tens of thousands of residential fires across the United States each year, and a large share of those incidents can be traced back to deferred maintenance. An annual chimney inspection is what catches the small mortar crack or the hairline crown crack before it turns into a repair bill. Hiring the Right Company for Chimney Repairs Not every company who offers chimney repair work has the certified training to diagnose a problem correctly. CSIA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and it requires technicians to study chimney physics, venting systems, and fire codes. After the studies, the new technician needs to pass an exam and agree to a professional code of ethics. When you call, be sure to ask: Are your technicians CSIA certified, and can I verify that certification? Will you show me photos or video of the damage before starting work? Does the estimate distinguish between cosmetic repair and structural repair? At Superior Chimney, we welcome these and other of your questions. How Chimney Repairs Affect Insurance and Resale A chimney in poor condition can complicate a home sale or an insurance claim. Home inspectors routinely report on visible mortar loss, leaning chimneys, or missing chimney caps. Some insurers will request proof of repair before renewing a policy on an older home. Addressing chimney repairs proactively protects more than curb appeal. It protects the sale timeline and the claims history associated to the property. Frequently Asked Questions How often should a Chicago area chimney be inspected? At least once a year, per CSIA and NFPA guidance, regardless of how often the fireplace is used. Can chimney repairs be done in winter? Some interior repairs can happen in cold weather, but most masonry repair requires temperatures consistently above freezing. Spring and fall are the most common repair times in the Chicago area. Is tuckpointing the same thing as chimney repair? Tuckpointing is one type of chimney repair, focused on replacing deteriorated mortar joints. Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repairs? It depends. Sudden damage from a storm may be covered, while gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance typically is not. So Finally… Taking care of your home includes a chimney. Just because you don’t see it every day, doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. Be sure to get a chimney inspection done once per year by a certified and credible company such as Superior Chimney to take care of the issues. Contact us today by calling 877-244-6349.

Your roof is arguably one of the most important elements of your entire home exterior. It serves the incredibly important function of protecting your home from the elements, but it is also a large portion of your home’s aesthetic design. The right material or design of shingle can really accentuate the color and décor of your home. Beyond that, what your roof is made of will affect its lifespan and ability to keep your property safe from the elements. Having a quality Twin Cities Roofing Contractor in your corner to help when you need roofing services is a valuable asset. From roofing repairs to replacements and installations, we are the professionals you can count on. At Blackbrook Construction, we have the tools and training to service your roof with expert proficiency in a timely fashion. Our top priority is your satisfaction and our commitment to service excellence can be seen in our workmanship. We also offer free estimates and will gladly send a technician to your home to consult with you on your roofing options. This is why we are the Twin Cities’ top choice for roofing contractor.

Siding is a fantastic way to take total control over the look of your home. Twin Cities Siding is made from various materials goes over the exterior of your home and covers it in its entirety. While there are many types of siding materials, one of the most popular is vinyl siding. This is because vinyl is extremely durable, weatherproof, termite proof and affordable. With the many color options you simply decide which style of siding you like best, and then have it installed and almost overnight your home looks like a new house. Blackbrook Construction is the siding expert in the Twin Cities area. We have the right tools and the proper training to quickly and efficiently install the siding of your choice. With siding from Blackbrook Construction you’ll add curb appeal to your home at an affordable cost, which is why we are the Twin Cities’ number one choice for siding contractor.

Water Damage Restoration in Newark, NJ

On a flagstone patio/deck overlooking woodlands, a carefully placed Japanese maple provides a focal point. ©Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.

Water Damage Restoration in Elizabeth, NJ

Carpeted living area monitored during water mitigation, with drying equipment operating nearby to reduce excess moisture.

Bathroom - bathroom idea in Toronto

Inspiration for a transitional backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Toronto with a roof extension and a bbq area