The 800 square-foot guest cottage is located on the footprint of a slightly smaller original cottage that was built three generations ago. With a failing structural system, the existing cottage had a very low sloping roof, did not provide for a lot of natural light and was not energy efficient. Utilizing high performing windows, doors and insulation, a total transformation of the structure occurred. A combination of clapboard and shingle siding, with standout touches of modern elegance, welcomes guests to their cozy retreat. The cottage consists of the main living area, a small galley style kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and sleeping loft above. The loft construction was a timber frame system utilizing recycled timbers from the Balsams Resort in northern New Hampshire. The stones for the front steps and hearth of the fireplace came from the existing cottage’s granite chimney. Stylistically, the design is a mix of both a “Cottage” style of architecture with some clean and simple “Tech” style features, such as the air-craft cable and metal railing system. The color red was used as a highlight feature, accentuated on the shed dormer window exterior frames, the vintage looking range, the sliding doors and other interior elements. Photographer: John Hession

For this home renovation project in Lafayette Hill, PA, we replaced the home's existing aluminum siding, asphalt shingles, and failing windows while building up a new rear porch portico. This renovation was geared towards maximizing energy efficiency and durability while creating an open relaxing space in the back.

Replacement of failing cross-tie retaining wall with Belgard wall. Metal railing was removed and refabricated to fit back onto new wall. Irrigation was adjusted and yard was repaired with new sod, pine straw, and plantings. Wonderful look on a gorgeous home and corrected some major issues with drainage and secured existing yard

Stone Retaining Wall and Stair, Dry Laid. Stone was reused from the original wall, which was uneven and failing. Additional stone took great effort to source; quarries for the existing stone have long closed. An historic aesthetic was crucial. Garden proper was built in 2018; wall rebuilt in 2019.

This kitchen used to be dominated by golden oak cabinetry. The owners started to think about remodeling their kitchen after the existing wall oven / cooktop combo started to fail. The homeowner used Houzz to save photos she liked of different kitchens. Interior Trends Inc. brought those ideas to life and they now have a beautiful and functional kitchen! Photo by Interior Trends Inc.

This project started as poorly designed patio cover from the late 90's or early 2000's. The contractor anchored the entire cover to the fascia of the house and failed to provide adequate waterproofing to keep water out of the key structural members. The structure was rotting so bad the cover had settled several inches and needed to be propped up. We removed the aluminum wraps and existing beams, cut the existing fascia back so the beams could anchor to the wall and not the fascia, we then raised it back to the original height and reframed it with new beams, posts, and additional ceiling joists, and then installed Hardie wraps and soffits and painted everything.

Original concrete retaining walls were failing and needed to be replaced to stabilize the raving and maintain the existing table land. Angular Wisconsin granite boulders were selected to recreate the retaining walls, allowing for a more natural arrangement, softened with texturally varied and subtly colored plantings.

Concrete can be made to look like any substance. Tile, stone, wood, brick, etc. With unlimited color options, Ky-Kan Coatings can transform any room in your home or business using lightweight, beautiful concrete.

Stone Retaining Wall and Stair, Dry Laid. Stone was reused from the original wall, which was uneven and failing. Additional stone took great effort to source; quarries for the existing stone have long closed. An historic aesthetic was crucial. Garden proper was built in 2018; wall rebuilt in 2019.

We just recently completed a project for a home owner in Whitehouse Station that consisted of 2 garages. The first garage, as shown in this post, was the existing 2 car garage that was attached to the main house. As you can see it was coated with an epoxy that was peeling and flaking off. We grinded all the failing epoxy off the surface and applied our polyaspartic concrete coating in a 1/4″ Scottish Blue trout chip finish. We also applied the same finish to there newly build detached three car garage.

Simple kitchen gets a sprinkle of glamour. We like to think of this simple kitchen remodel as an elevated white shaker kitchen. We incorporated old and new into this space. The plan was to keep the existing appliances and then due to the age of the existing appliance which were failing in the old kitchen, we upgraded with a wolf flush induction cooktop, a cove dishwasher that we paneled and subzero columns. The finishing touch was the elegant chandelier and island in quartzite. The result is a kitchen that is loved by the family and by us! . . .

Inside we ripped out the existing failing kitchen and flooring, tied in the adjacent flooring into the kitchen and installed an entirely custom kitchen with very large island which moved the sink and dishwasher unit giving the kitchen more usable counter space and a better over all flow and function. Bathroom renovation consisted of a revamped vanity with new top and sinks, custom built mirror unit and lighting. Bedroom remodel and finishing the basement with vinyl flooring and new drywall. we also finished the downstairs 2 pc bathroom. Outside we replaced ripped-out failing stairs and overgrown shrubs. removed the windows and restored the garage to a usable space with a new garage door and proper separation from living space above. we built a new retaining wall and privacy fence with a gate.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Simple kitchen gets a sprinkle of glamour. We like to think of this simple kitchen remodel as an elevated white shaker kitchen. We incorporated old and new into this space. The plan was to keep the existing appliances and then due to the age of the existing appliance which were failing in the old kitchen, we upgraded with a wolf flush induction cooktop, a cove dishwasher that we paneled and subzero columns. The finishing touch was the elegant chandelier and island in quartzite. The result is a kitchen that is loved by the family and by us! . . .

Simple kitchen gets a sprinkle of glamour. We like to think of this simple kitchen remodel as an elevated white shaker kitchen. We incorporated old and new into this space. The plan was to keep the existing appliances and then due to the age of the existing appliance which were failing in the old kitchen, we upgraded with a wolf flush induction cooktop, a cove dishwasher that we paneled and subzero columns. The finishing touch was the elegant chandelier and island in quartzite. The result is a kitchen that is loved by the family and by us! . . .

Simple kitchen gets a sprinkle of glamour. We like to think of this simple kitchen remodel as an elevated white shaker kitchen. We incorporated old and new into this space. The plan was to keep the existing appliances and then due to the age of the existing appliance which were failing in the old kitchen, we upgraded with a wolf flush induction cooktop, a cove dishwasher that we paneled and subzero columns. The finishing touch was the elegant chandelier and island in quartzite. The result is a kitchen that is loved by the family and by us! . . .

Simple kitchen gets a sprinkle of glamour. We like to think of this simple kitchen remodel as an elevated white shaker kitchen. We incorporated old and new into this space. The plan was to keep the existing appliances and then due to the age of the existing appliance which were failing in the old kitchen, we upgraded with a wolf flush induction cooktop, a cove dishwasher that we paneled and subzero columns. The finishing touch was the elegant chandelier and island in quartzite. The result is a kitchen that is loved by the family and by us! . . .

Simple kitchen gets a sprinkle of glamour. We like to think of this simple kitchen remodel as an elevated white shaker kitchen. We incorporated old and new into this space. The plan was to keep the existing appliances and then due to the age of the existing appliance which were failing in the old kitchen, we upgraded with a wolf flush induction cooktop, a cove dishwasher that we paneled and subzero columns. The finishing touch was the elegant chandelier and island in quartzite. The result is a kitchen that is loved by the family and by us! . . .

Simple kitchen gets a sprinkle of glamour. We like to think of this simple kitchen remodel as an elevated white shaker kitchen. We incorporated old and new into this space. The plan was to keep the existing appliances and then due to the age of the existing appliance which were failing in the old kitchen, we upgraded with a wolf flush induction cooktop, a cove dishwasher that we paneled and subzero columns. The finishing touch was the elegant chandelier and island in quartzite. The result is a kitchen that is loved by the family and by us! . . .