Search results for "Homeowner's expectations" in Home Design Ideas
OKLAHOMA SHUTTERS
Benefits of Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters offer advantages and benefits to homeowners over other window coverings including:
• A permanent addition to a house: While they don't add much to the sale price and don't guarantee a return on investment, the curb appeal helps the house sell faster. The permanency of plantation shutters allows them to be included in appraisals.
• Versatility: Many have the ability to open only halfway if desired. If you want to let in all the light, plantation shutters swing away from the window to grant an unobstructed view.
• Insulation: When all louvers are closed, a good insulating barrier is created, trapping unwanted temperatures and saving you money on your energy bill.
• Easy maintenance: With wide louvers, a simple wipe-down is often all that's needed. Vinyl shutters can be taken off their hinges and sprayed off for a major cleaning.
• Elegance: The classic, yet modern look conveys a permanency like no other window dressing can. Whether painted or natural wood, they all have a look that says; welcome home.
Wood vs. Faux Wood
It's not hard to argue that natural wood is more appealing than vinyl or PVC. However, "faux wood," as it's sometimes called, has some advantages:
• Price -- Faux wood shutters are often lower in price than real wood.
• Weight -- Because some shutters are made "hollow core" (as opposed to vinyl-wrapped medium density fiberboard, MDF), they can be significantly lighter.
• Moisture Resistance -- If you live in an area with high humidity, hollow faux wood or aluminum core will resist expanding and sagging. (MDF core louvers will tend to expand and crack as the material swells with moisture.)
Natural wood is the choice for those who have a very healthy budget or for whom a specific appearance is a must. Among the advantages are:
• Size -- Because wood plantation shutters are made of hardwood, they can be quite a bit larger than plastic or vinyl. Vinyl shutters larger than 29 inches may be prone to sag, so they need divider rails or other supports which can destroy the traditional look of a plantation shutter.
• Natural -- While vinyl or plastic shutters can be painted to match any color scheme, the natural shades and finishes of the various species of wood have something for every look.
• Classic -- While many plastic shutters can be made to look like real wood, the faux wood finishes can vary significantly depending on manufacturer and model. Up close, it can be easy to tell they're plastic. The warmth of natural wood is a classic feel that's impossible to beat.
Popular Plantation Shutter Brands
When you go to purchase your plantation shutters, brands names may offer a good representation of high-, mid-, and low-cost range of what's available. Which one you choose depends on your budget and your tastes. Hunter-Douglas and Norman Shutters produce three lines of plantation shutters in both real wood and faux wood styles. A higher-end product, Hunter-Douglas may be worth the cost for beauty and quality of workmanship. The Window Outfitters and Sunland produce a mid-cost line of shutters. The mid-range pricing may be for those who are balancing aesthetics with a budget. National franchise and or box stores may not offer an in-house expert or designer. Look to local companies that specialize in plantation shutters looking online may offer a low-cost brand for budget-minded DIYers. Available in both faux and real wood, the affordability combines with the visual appeal to make this a very popular choice for plantation shutters. Regardless of which line you go with, be sure to ask about frames. Generally all manufactures offer frame choices and may add to the cost, but they add an unsurpassed beauty and warmth to a room with plantation shutters.
Plantation shutters look like similar to wooden blinds, but there are significant differences. Blinds are often narrow, made of aluminum or vinyl, and the slats tilt based on a gear and pulley mechanism and they hang in the window with cords. By contrast, plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they can be manufactured to swing back onto the wall. Options to are available to build a more contemporary look with a larger view with a “hidden tilt” feature.
Cost of Plantation Shutters
Nationally, the cost of plantation shutters, depending on their size and the material, whether or not they are custom arches and colors or stains, may vary. Most manufacturers want their shutters to be professionally installed to keep the warranty intact which is a benefit to the customer in the long run. They will usually have a limited lifetime warranty.
Cost of Installation
Costs for having plantation shutters installed by a contractor are a bit more predictable. Contractors who have installed plantation shutters before can quickly get accurate measurements and suggest which materials would work best in different rooms. For example, while natural wood may look beautiful in your living room, it might not be so practical in a bathroom where moisture will cause the wood to warp. The size, material, and quality of the shutter will have a significant effect on the cost. Contractors usually go through a shutter supplier and can get various sizes that are not normally available at home improvement stores. Hiring a professional team of knowledgeable suppliers and installers is a good choice.
Here are some sample prices of the shutters most contractors use for standard-sized windows: In general, plantation shutters should cost approximately $20 to $26 per square foot. Labor costs depend on factors such as the contractor's workload, remoteness of the location, environment, and the contractor's overhead. Labor generally runs about $100 per hour and will be added to the shutter cost.
• 16x20 -- Faux wood $120. Real wood $156
• 24x50 -- Faux wood $160. Real wood $208
• 36x54 -- Faux wood $270. Real wood $351
• 36x60 -- Faux wood $300 Real wood $390
• 42x72 -- Faux wood $420. Real wood $546
• 48x82 -- Faux wood $550. Real wood $715
DIY
Plantation shutters can be purchased and installed by the homeowners. How much they cost will depend on size and material. Faux wood shutter’s cost depends on size and wooden shutter’s cost will depend on size and whether or not they are painted or stained.
• Natural wood is $90-$600 depending on size. Many companies offer standard stained selection but custom color matching may be available from $175 -$250.
• Faux wood will be from $120-$500.
• Additional tools include: Hang Strips $4-$15 and about $4 for mounting hardware. Locks or closures can cost up to $15 for each shutter.
Finally, if you order them online, you can expect to pay $30-$70 shipping per shutter or per set of shutters per window depending on the supplier. Keep in mind that even if you're handy with tools, installing shutters can be time-consuming if you've never done it before there is defiantly a learning curve.
Kitchens Direct, Inc
When we were approached us to tackle the kitchen design for this full house remodel, the homeowner had clear expectations of what she wanted her “new” kitchen to resemble. She hoped to create a late 19th century Soda Fountain Shop in her own home. Through a careful design process, we were able to create exactly the look that this discerning homeowner was looking for without giving up and modern conveniences that are found in today’s upscale kitchens. As a design firm, we were lucky that the remodeling process was extensive enough to allow us the freedom to create a space where this family of five could enjoy the comforts of classic Americana in their very own Soda Fountain Shop.
Kitchen Magic
Inheriting a white kitchen with glazed cabinets was not what this new homeowner expected. She is more of a shabby-chic farmhouse type. While they loved the hearth and tile work, it would be quite an expense to replace this many cabinets. The solution, reface them in a Driftwood and Portobella stain that both offer the rustic look the homeowner was going for. Maintain the new warm palette by replacing the countertops in Cambria Warm for a subtle, yet elegant kitchen design.
Find the right local pro for your project
Phantom Screens UK
An Automated Power Screen played a vital part in the renovation of this character-filled Wimbledon home. Read on to discover the full story of this Phantom Screens install…
This charming property nestled away in Wimbledon, was bought with a fashionable renovation in mind. This was to be a colossal project – a full house refurbishment and modernisation with a phenomenal payoff. The homeowners had spent plenty of time living in America with fly screens on all of their properties. When reimagining the home as their own, insect screens naturally came to top of mind as something they couldn’t happily live without – even the thought of being bothered by bugs was too much to bear.
With a taste for high-quality craftmanship, the homeowners wanted to invest in something durable which will help futureproof the property. After some online research, they found Phantom Screens, a name renowned worldwide for top-quality made-to-measure fly screens, which they were aware of from their time in America.
After sending us some photos of the property and plans of the extension, our team provided them with a rough quote and booked in a home survey. This allowed us to get a clearer picture of our customers’ needs and discuss their fly screen options in broader detail – covering RAL colours, fabric types and more.
After handcrafting the screen in our factory to our customers’ exact requirements, we returned to the property to install it. Find out about what to expect from a Phantom Screens install here.
An Automated Power Screen was installed to a large set of sliding doors on a new extension at the back of the property. The extension became the new hub of the house, connecting to the kitchen on one side and opening out to the back garden on the other, making it the perfect area for socialising with guests.
By opening the doors and deploying the large, automated fly screen, fresh air could now flow through the multi-story home without insects and spiders entering the property. This helps to keep the home feeling hygienic and fresh – banishing stale air out of the upstairs windows.
The chosen mesh for this automated screen was 18:14 black, a breathable fabric which provides total insect protection without impacting your views. The metalwork of the screen was painted in the customers’ chosen colour of RAL 7032 Satin, so as to blend in seamlessly with the door frames.
A bespoke frame was provided by Maxlight, which was required as the screen needed to only cover two of three glass door panels. Maxlight’s frame allowed the screen to sit in front of the door frame rather than attached to it, so the glass panes could slide behind the screen.
Additional benefits to this Automated Power Screen include helping to remove steam, smoke, and smells from the kitchen. As well as this, the screen mesh provides a level of privacy from onlooking neighbours, and a slight UV block.
The 55% UV block helps reduce excessive heat build – something that will be hugely advantageous during stuffy heat waves. Power Screens can come in thicker meshes designed to keep the heat and harsh glare out – we call these Solar Screens.
Our customer is now able to reap the benefits of their Automated Power Screen all year round – keeping insects and harmful bacteria outside and enjoying the luxury lifestyle of indoor/outdoor living.
Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN UNDER $40,000
A young family expecting a child just bought their first home, a 1964 colonial in Annandale, Virginia. There were many areas they wanted to renovate, but with the woman of the house being a professional chef, the kitchen was first and foremost.
The existing kitchen was dark and dated. Upon entering the room, all of the appliances were aligned on the far wall, near the doorway to the adjacent dining room. While the original kitchen had a lot of open floor space, it had disconnected workspaces, limited counter space to prepare foods, and was generally dysfunctional.
The new owners wished to create a kitchen that would not only serve as a space to efficiently prepare meals, but also as a mini office area where the chef could have access to cookbooks and a desk for recipe writing. Additionally, it needed to be a welcoming, central part of the home where the family could expect to have many informal meals over the years. The chef desired to have more cabinet space while also adding newer, larger and additional appliances to the footprint, such as a second oven.
The addition of a large (approximately 4 feet by 7 feet) center island increased both the form and function of the room. The turned-legs and glass-faced curio cabinets that greet visitors offer a strong statement. The island maximized efficiency and was equipped with cabinetry and accessories on every side (e.g., spice cabinet, microwave cabinet, double trash can holder) and would even include an overhang on the side by the windows to serve as a breakfast bar. The large island is covered with a white macauba granite, creating a beautiful and expansive prep space.
On the far wall, an airy garden window replaced the flat metal-framed sink window. Below the window sits a large white farm-style sink. The dishwasher and double oven were installed to the right. To the left, a large 29 cubic foot French-door, bottom freezer refrigerator.
The selected maple cabinetry is frost white with pewter glazing. Coupled with the island’s espresso black finish, it creates a great yin-yang contrast and balance to the room. The bright cabinetry, garden window, added recess lights, under cabinet lights, embedded lights under the mantle hearth, and inside cabinet lights with dimmer switches enable this room to be as bright as desired.
The Zen flare to this classic French Country kitchen is complete with the addition of the Sumatran black standing pebble backsplash. These easy to clean stones add great texture and stunning contrast.
The homeowners are extremely satisfied with this new kitchen and are now looking forward to getting the rest of the house renovated.
Smart Remodeling LLC
" The project involved removing a section of the load-bearing wall to open up the kitchen and adding a stylish island for additional functionality. We installed new countertops and cabinets, offering a wide range of elegant materials. A dedicated pantry area was also included to optimize storage. The end result was a beautiful and efficient kitchen that exceeded the homeowner's expectations.
Renovisions
This master bath ‘Renovision’ came with three main requests from the homeowner: more storage, a larger shower and a luxurious look that feels like being at an upscale hotel. The Renovisions team accomplished these wishes and exceeded the clients expectations.
Request number 1: more storage. The existing closet was reconfigured to accommodate better storage for towels and bath supplies making it both functional and attractive. The custom built pull-out hamper was perfect. The long vanity and center tower offers much more cabinet space and drawer storage compared to what they had, especially with the increased vanity height.
Request number 2: A larger shower. Working within the existing footprint we were able to build a shower that is nearly a foot deeper as space was available. Creating a large rectangular cubby provides plenty of space for shampoos and soaps. The frameless sliding glass shower enclosure keeps the space open and airy while allowing the beautiful Carrera-look porcelain wall tiles to be the focus of this master bath.
Request number 3: a luxurious look. Turning their once boring, builder grade bathroom into an upscale hotel-like space was challenging, however, not a problem for the Renovisions team and their creative ways of resolving design snags along the way. Re-locating the doorway to the bathroom was one way to create a more spacious flow in and out of the space. Having the right design to start was half the battle – installing the beautiful products right the first time to ensure a proper fit and finish worthy of the upscale feel is the other half. The delicate tile detail in the shower cubby is the ‘jewelry’ in the room – the soft curves of this 2-tone wave design tile adds a dramatic feel and enlightened mood this client loves.
Overall, the homeowner was happy with every solution-based approach to all requests – their once dated builders bath is now bright, open and airy with a soft grey wall color adding to the soothing feel of this master bath.
CAP Carpet & Flooring
CAP Carpet & Flooring is the leading provider of flooring & area rugs in the Twin Cities. CAP Carpet & Flooring is a locally owned and operated company, and we pride ourselves on helping our customers feel welcome from the moment they walk in the door. We are your neighbors. We work and live in your community and understand your needs. You can expect the very best personal service on every visit to CAP Carpet & Flooring and value and warranties on every flooring purchase. Our design team has worked with homeowners, contractors and builders who expect the best. With over 30 years combined experience in the design industry, Angela, Sandy, Sunnie,Maria, Caryn and Megan will be able to help whether you are in the process of building, remodeling, or re-doing. Our design team prides itself on being well versed and knowledgeable on all the up to date products and trends in the floor covering industry as well as countertops, paint and window treatments. Their passion and knowledge is abundant, and we're confident you'll be nothing short of impressed with their expertise and professionalism. When you love your job, it shows: the enthusiasm and energy our design team has harnessed will bring out the best in your project. Make CAP Carpet & Flooring your first stop when considering any type of home improvement project- we are happy to help you every single step of the way.
Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association
PA Landscape Group INC http://www.palandscapegroup.com
Project Entry: Yellow Breeches Residence
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Hardscaping-Residential $60,000-$120,000
Award Level: Bronze
Photo Description:
At this Yellow Breeches Residence our hardscape project went hand in hand with an addition to the back of the house, not uncommon. However, the new addition was designed in such a way that it created one opportunity to integrate an outdoor kitchen and living area into the design. With the pool already in place and the location of the house against a mountain side, after the addition was built it would cut off all access to add out living space in the future. So with careful thought and planning we set out to make sure that nothing was forgotten, from a kitchen area for congregating and preparing meals, to creating adequate patio space for entertaining, to assuring that the area was drained properly. The materials for the project were staged 6 months in advance of them being installed while the addition was being constructed and drainage work and base preparation for paving happened before the construction for the addition started.
The homeowners’ goal was to add an outdoor living space that had an updated feel, while still feeling as if it fit behind this mountainside home. The blending of the refined look of the Unilock Umbriano paver with the border of natural river stone was our way of meeting their request. Gravel-lock was applied to the gravel border so that it could act as spill over patio space when entertaining large groups.
Boulders where used to retain grade where needed and keep with the natural feel. Accent boulders were added to the slope to blend existing with the new. Natural slab step where used as the transition between the upper patio space and pool surround.
LED low voltage lighting was used to accent the plant material and structures as well as make the space usable for the evening hours. The lighting was installed up the mountainside to stretch out the landscape at night and give the landscape depth.
In the end the project exceeded the homeowners’ expectations and it is the most used room in the house we are told.
Photo Credit: Dimitri Ganas
Renovisions
These Hanover, MA clients came to Renovisions as they wanted a local design-build company to rework and expand their small and outdated 1980’s colonial kitchen.
We collaborated and created an expanded 12’x15’ addition space to accommodate a newly designed kitchen which is now 21’x15’. Before we began with the construction process, proper structural engineering presented a challenge as the property was built on ledge. As expected, we determined that several concrete supports were necessary and needed to be built to support the expanded structure.
Our plan included both creative aesthetic and functional layout modifications to transform this ordinary kitchen into a spacious, well-lit, highly functional, stylish and welcoming space to cook, gather and entertain. The bump-out allowed for more functional cabinetry and a dining table which before was placed in a corner of the previous cramped kitchen. Now, there is a wide open space from the adjacent living room and a clear path to a 5’ French door opening to the pool deck. The homeowners also elected for us to extend a new roof over their existing deck creating a nice shaded space to entertain guests.
The island, which serves as the central gathering spot. is eye catching with contrasting dark cocoa colored cabinets and stunning natural looking Cambria quartz countertops. Large, easily accessible deep drawers provide much needed storage for pots, pans and lids as well as expansive countertop space for everyday prep and family get-togethers.
Overall, the clients were thrilled with their Renovision and cannot wait to throw a party to show off their stunning kitchen.
“There is not a single choice we aren’t happy with; it is so us! I love all of the storage and I have a feeling we are going to do a lot of entertaining this summer.”
“Dear Cathy and Ed, We are abundantly grateful for the entire Renovisions Team that have provided us with a beautiful kitchen and porch to enjoy. We will continue to make family memories for many years to come with this new addition. From the first time we met with you at the showroom, we were confident that high quality workmanship would go into our new construction. Mike, Brad, and Tom were very trustworthy and worked very hard every day they were on the job site. They were very flexible and always put the homeowners safety first. They even offered a bit of comic relief! Every night the site was cleaned meticulously, never leaving tools or sharp edges of any sort in the open space. We were also very pleased with the help offered when designing and choosing cabinets, tile and other finishes. Liz was always very helpful and patient to answer questions when we came by the showroom. We are extremely pleased with all the choices and on a daily basis we enjoy the warmth and amazing space it provides.
We recently hosted a retirement party for 70 people and it never felt crowed! We relax under the covered porch in the morning for coffee, the afternoon for lunch and to watch the grandkids in the pool. And of course in the evening while we read or catch up on emails. It is an amazing space! Thank you all again, for your hard work and passion for your craftsmanship. We will be in touch soon to set up a date for you all to drop by to see the finishing touches and to enjoy refreshments.”
- Paul & Beth H. (Hanover)
Advance Design Studio, Ltd.
When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens.
The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles.
The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled".
Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible."
When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money."
Designer: Scott Christensen
Photographer: Joe Nowak
Phantom Screens UK
An Automated Power Screen played a vital part in the renovation of this character-filled Wimbledon home. Read on to discover the full story of this Phantom Screens install…
This charming property nestled away in Wimbledon, was bought with a fashionable renovation in mind. This was to be a colossal project – a full house refurbishment and modernisation with a phenomenal payoff. The homeowners had spent plenty of time living in America with fly screens on all of their properties. When reimagining the home as their own, insect screens naturally came to top of mind as something they couldn’t happily live without – even the thought of being bothered by bugs was too much to bear.
With a taste for high-quality craftmanship, the homeowners wanted to invest in something durable which will help futureproof the property. After some online research, they found Phantom Screens, a name renowned worldwide for top-quality made-to-measure fly screens, which they were aware of from their time in America.
After sending us some photos of the property and plans of the extension, our team provided them with a rough quote and booked in a home survey. This allowed us to get a clearer picture of our customers’ needs and discuss their fly screen options in broader detail – covering RAL colours, fabric types and more.
After handcrafting the screen in our factory to our customers’ exact requirements, we returned to the property to install it. Find out about what to expect from a Phantom Screens install here.
An Automated Power Screen was installed to a large set of sliding doors on a new extension at the back of the property. The extension became the new hub of the house, connecting to the kitchen on one side and opening out to the back garden on the other, making it the perfect area for socialising with guests.
By opening the doors and deploying the large, automated fly screen, fresh air could now flow through the multi-story home without insects and spiders entering the property. This helps to keep the home feeling hygienic and fresh – banishing stale air out of the upstairs windows.
The chosen mesh for this automated screen was 18:14 black, a breathable fabric which provides total insect protection without impacting your views. The metalwork of the screen was painted in the customers’ chosen colour of RAL 7032 Satin, so as to blend in seamlessly with the door frames.
A bespoke frame was provided by Maxlight, which was required as the screen needed to only cover two of three glass door panels. Maxlight’s frame allowed the screen to sit in front of the door frame rather than attached to it, so the glass panes could slide behind the screen.
Additional benefits to this Automated Power Screen include helping to remove steam, smoke, and smells from the kitchen. As well as this, the screen mesh provides a level of privacy from onlooking neighbours, and a slight UV block.
The 55% UV block helps reduce excessive heat build – something that will be hugely advantageous during stuffy heat waves. Power Screens can come in thicker meshes designed to keep the heat and harsh glare out – we call these Solar Screens.
Our customer is now able to reap the benefits of their Automated Power Screen all year round – keeping insects and harmful bacteria outside and enjoying the luxury lifestyle of indoor/outdoor living.
CAP Carpet & Flooring
CAP Carpet & Flooring is the leading provider of flooring & area rugs in the Twin Cities. CAP Carpet & Flooring is a locally owned and operated company, and we pride ourselves on helping our customers feel welcome from the moment they walk in the door. We are your neighbors. We work and live in your community and understand your needs. You can expect the very best personal service on every visit to CAP Carpet & Flooring and value and warranties on every flooring purchase. Our design team has worked with homeowners, contractors and builders who expect the best. With over 30 years combined experience in the design industry, Angela, Sandy, Sunnie,Maria, Caryn and Megan will be able to help whether you are in the process of building, remodeling, or re-doing. Our design team prides itself on being well versed and knowledgeable on all the up to date products and trends in the floor covering industry as well as countertops, paint and window treatments. Their passion and knowledge is abundant, and we're confident you'll be nothing short of impressed with their expertise and professionalism. When you love your job, it shows: the enthusiasm and energy our design team has harnessed will bring out the best in your project. Make CAP Carpet & Flooring your first stop when considering any type of home improvement project- we are happy to help you every single step of the way.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers
Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!
Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association
Ruppert Lanscape http://www.ruppertlandscape.com
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Residential Maintenance $60,000-$120,000
Award Level: Silver
Project Description:
Brittany Hills is an age qualified community consisting of 126 single homes located on 46 Acres of rolling countryside in Chester County, PA. The landscape contractor is responsible for all aspects of grounds maintenance including: mowing, edging, weeding, perennial care, leaf clean up, pruning and snow removal. Expectations are high on this site and many of the homeowners are very passionate about the landscape and its care. And while the contract is with the property management company, site personnel must also be responsive to the 126 homeowners that are also the customer. The rolling hills and surrounding woodlands add ambiance to the community, but also challenges, with wildlife and leaf removal and encroaching weeds and plants from these native areas.
Photo Credit: Rick Wood
Sunset Beach . DAWN FADER . Real Estate
Sunset Beach Home New to Market! Home Features over 2425 heated sq. ft, 3 Bedrooms, Home Office, 4 Bathrooms, Gulf Views, Pool & Spa, 3 Car Garage. Home features all of the upgrades that you would expect of a Newly Constructed home including hard wood flooring, 10 ft. Ceilings, Crown Molding, Plantation Shutters, Gas cooking, Iron Staircase, beautiful stone surfaces, jetted garden tub, 3 private Balconies plus patio. This home has style of it's own to set it apart from the ordinary including an Onyx Fireplace, copper & stone sinks, glass double doors throughout.Home has elevator shaft in place. The current owner opted for extra storage space with the option to add an elevator in the future. 2 DOGS ALLOWED! (MAX WEIGHT 50 LBS) 30 Day Rental Minimum. Property is located on the South End of Sunset Beach, directly across from the Beach and directly across from Blind Pass Waterway. This home feels more like a Single Family Home than a Condo due to square footage, privacy, location & amenities. Garage could accommodate a boat. Public boat ramp is located just 2 blocks away from the property. Enjoy all that Sunset Beach has to offer without sacrificing the space and amenities that you would expect in a luxury home. Home is available for quick sale. Monthly maintenance includes Flood, Wind, Homeowners Insurance, Gas for cooking, Pool & Spa, Landscaping, and condo Maintenance. Visit www.8408BayshoreDr.com for Photographs, Virtual Tour, Property info, Floor Plans & More. Call Dawn Fader (727) 687-2522 for a personal tour.
Stone Action
This kitchen was fabricated by Lapptops and the cabinets were done by King's Woodwork!
http://lapptops.net/
This kitchen features Calacatta marble with a polished finish on the island. The surrounding countertops are absolute black granite with a honed finish. This kitchen is so clean and bright!
Search "calacatta" or "black", see variations of this marble & granite, or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com
Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you:
Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack.
Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale.
Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer.
When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options.
If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward.
You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab.
Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.
Understanding Marble:
Marble is a porous, high-maintenance surface.
Be prepared to see some scratches. Marble is a softer stone. However, marble is still so beautiful with the scratches! If you’ve ever gone to Italy, you can see the beautiful marble on floors and many restaurants. It’s a classic lasting look. Even with scratches.
If you don't mind the extra work, they are a beautiful addition. Marble has a multifaceted ability to work with so many different design styles. If you're a homeowner looking for a wipe-and-go countertop, though, you'll probably want to skip this one.
It's cost-effective, depending on the type of marble you buy. Carrara marble (a grayer version with softer veins from Carrara, Italy) is one of the least expensive natural countertop materials on the market, mainly because it's readily available. Calacatta marble, which offers a whiter surface and more dramatic veining, and the price tag goes up.
Marble is heat-resistant — which is great — but you still need to be careful. Marble is heat resistant. Despite its ability to withstand high temps, you never want to place a piping hot pot on for risk of discoloring or burning the surface. We recommend always using a pot holder anyways.
We don’t want to dissuade you from using marble. In fact, I personally have a marble island in my kitchen. Stone Action solely wants you to be informed so that you’re choosing the right material for your project.
We hope you personally come check out our marble or other stone selection!
See more marble or other types of Stone Action’s stone selection:
http://www.stoneaction.com
CAP Carpet & Flooring
CAP Carpet & Flooring is the leading provider of flooring & area rugs in the Twin Cities. CAP Carpet & Flooring is a locally owned and operated company, and we pride ourselves on helping our customers feel welcome from the moment they walk in the door. We are your neighbors. We work and live in your community and understand your needs. You can expect the very best personal service on every visit to CAP Carpet & Flooring and value and warranties on every flooring purchase. Our design team has worked with homeowners, contractors and builders who expect the best. With over 30 years combined experience in the design industry, Angela, Sandy, Sunnie,Maria, Caryn and Megan will be able to help whether you are in the process of building, remodeling, or re-doing. Our design team prides itself on being well versed and knowledgeable on all the up to date products and trends in the floor covering industry as well as countertops, paint and window treatments. Their passion and knowledge is abundant, and we're confident you'll be nothing short of impressed with their expertise and professionalism. When you love your job, it shows: the enthusiasm and energy our design team has harnessed will bring out the best in your project. Make CAP Carpet & Flooring your first stop when considering any type of home improvement project- we are happy to help you every single step of the way.
Showing Results for "Homeowner's Expectations"
Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association
Ruppert Lanscape http://www.ruppertlandscape.com
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Residential Maintenance $60,000-$120,000
Award Level: Silver
Project Description:
Brittany Hills is an age qualified community consisting of 126 single homes located on 46 Acres of rolling countryside in Chester County, PA. The landscape contractor is responsible for all aspects of grounds maintenance including: mowing, edging, weeding, perennial care, leaf clean up, pruning and snow removal. Expectations are high on this site and many of the homeowners are very passionate about the landscape and its care. And while the contract is with the property management company, site personnel must also be responsive to the 126 homeowners that are also the customer. The rolling hills and surrounding woodlands add ambiance to the community, but also challenges, with wildlife and leaf removal and encroaching weeds and plants from these native areas.
Photo Credit: Rick Wood
Kitchen Magic
Inheriting a white kitchen with glazed cabinets was not what this new homeowner expected. She is more of a shabby-chic farmhouse type. While they loved the hearth and tile work, it would be quite an expense to replace this many cabinets. The solution, reface them in a Driftwood and Portobella stain that both offer the rustic look the homeowner was going for. Maintain the new warm palette by replacing the countertops in Cambria Warm for a subtle, yet elegant kitchen design.
Kitchen Magic
Inheriting a white kitchen with glazed cabinets was not what this new homeowner expected. She is more of a shabby-chic farmhouse type. While they loved the hearth and tile work, it would be quite an expense to replace this many cabinets. The solution, reface them in a Driftwood and Portobella stain that both offer the rustic look the homeowner was going for. Maintain the new warm palette by replacing the countertops in Cambria Warm for a subtle, yet elegant kitchen design.
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