Terracotta may be one of the most aesthetically pleasing types of tiled floor, but as many of our customers will tell you can be particularly difficult to keep clean. This is due to the naturally high porosity of clay, which allows dirt to become very easily trapped. Quite commonly this situation is made worse by a lack of an adequate sealer to block the intrusion of muck. Of course, poor quality cleaning products also make it difficult for property owners to keep their Terracotta tiles clean, and a combination of the two problems can leave these floors looking a lot like this one, located in the kitchen of a house in the beautiful Forest of Dean. The property owner was keen to have me restore some character to her dull Terracotta tiles. It was proving increasingly difficult for her to keep them clean due to the reasons described before, and the grout had also become very dirty. So, the customer turned to me for some professional assistance. While these Terracotta tiles had been sealed previously it had, over time, lost its ability to protect the stone against ingrained dirt. To remove the old excess sealer my product of choice was the heavy duty soil remover and stripper, Tile Doctor Remove & Go, which I applied liberally across the surface and scrubbed in to the tile used a rotary machine fitted with a scrubbing pad. This also helped to remove the trapped dirt and left the stone looking fresher. Once the old sealer was removed – to be replaced with a fresh sealer once cleaning was complete – I was free to focus on the troublesome grout lines with Tile Doctor Pro Clean, an alkaline cleaner that reliably breaks down dirt. When cleaning the grout, I opted to use a handheld grout brush that allowed for more precise, careful application of the product. As per usual, the floor was given a good rinse and left to dry for 24 hours. Upon returning to the property I checked the floor was completely dry, ready for sealing. My process for sealing actually involved the application of two different kinds of sealer; initially I applied a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which has soaks into the pores of the tile and has the added bonus of enhancing its natural colours. Once this had dried I then applied ix coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go, a product which forms a durable layer of protection of the surface of the tiles and at the same time provides a lovely sheen finish. The combination of the two sealers will certainly offer a long-term solution to the ingrained dirt problem, and the appearance-enhancing properties in the products really helped to transform the tiles from dull and dirty to lively and eye-catching. Nonetheless, before departing the property, I also left my very pleased customer with some cleaning advice for the future. Paul Wales Monmouthshire Tile Doctor

Photography An Original When your family thrives on outdoor activities, living on the water is a bonus! The main house and pool house are all about the river views- from the windows expanding floor to ceiling and updated open floor plan, the project team capitalized on bringing a whole new light to this incredible property. Paying homage to the beautiful coastal town of Nantucket, our goal was to bring the love for the island’s classic aesthetic to our clients primary South Shore, MA residence. It wasn’t long after our clients took ownership of the Gulf River property, did they want to change the dated interiors, divided floor plan and tired exterior elements at the main house and pool house. Architect, Hoadley Martinez and interior designer, Christine McGinty were charged with opening the space up to represent a coastal love all while bringing functionality to an active family lifestyle. Our project timeline was nothing short of unique. The homeowners had twenty-three family members arriving on the 23rd of December to enjoy the holiday week. This is an annual traditional for the family so how could we let them down! Our shovel broke ground the first week of September, giving our team sixteen weeks to renovate multiple interior and exterior areas of a 5,500 square foot home. Multiple crews were strategically scheduled daily, keeping areas dedicated to the appropriate process all while keeping the project moving forward efficiently. The existing cabinetry, appliances, moldings and flooring were removed and donated to a local charity. At the main house, working alongside Roomscapes Cabinetry & Design, we extended the existing footprint to include a 12 x 10 mudroom, raised the ceiling in the kitchen to incorporate a coffered ceiling, opened the existing walls up to incorporate a new pantry and sitting room. All mechanical infrastructure, plumbing, HVAC and electrical were updated. The floors throughout were replaced with an 8” Carlisle Wide Plank White Oak. The exteriors shell was stripped down to the sheathing. We increased the size of multiple window openings to capitalize on the stunning coastal views. We used an Alaskan Yellow cedar shingles on both the roof and sidewall as the material properties weather to a beautiful silvery grey. The exterior trim profiles and scale was increased to bring more definition to the architectural elements. The finishing touch were custom copper gutters to add a little extra sparkle! All these hurdles made the project team grow closer and committed to making this magic holiday gathering happen. You could say it was a Christmas miracle!

Trees and slopes, oh my! Discover how we designed an effective solar system on this shaded and rolling property that not only exceeds production estimates but maintains the aesthetics and beauty of this gorgeous home and landscape. We work hard to get our customers what they want. This project required 44 modules. The roof area was constrained by trees, and the ground was constrained by a steep slope, property line setbacks. Additionally, we did not want to interrupt the views from the house across this lovely country property and into the woods. Our solution, split the system up by using approx. 1/3rd of the modules on the roof with microinverters (due to shade possibilities), and the remaining 2/3rds on the ground. We kept the ground array at a low slope* to better conceal it from view. It was remarkably successful and has been exceeding production estimates. *Tilt or slope of an array is not nearly as critical as orientation. 42*, roughly equal to our latitude, is good for a better average monthly production. A steeper slope will give you increased winter production, and a lower slope will give you greater summer production, which is really the best choice. Why? The ideal angle of incidence at which the sun hits a module is 90*. At our latitude, on winter solstice Dec.21st, the sun is roughly 22.5* degrees above the horizon. At summer solstice it is approximately 70* above the horizon. Therefore, when the days are longer in the summer, a lower sloped array will be closer to 90* to the sun, and since the days are longer, the collection time is greatly increased.

Dynamic Garage Door specializes in Tuscan Architectural beautification in the Newport Beach, CA through our custom designed and hand made architectural shutters, garden gates and garage doors. This Newport-Mesa Tuscan home was exquisitely decorated with a combination of custom gates, decorative shutters and balcony barn door style shutters all handcrafted out of authentic, century-old reclaimed barn wood specifically harvested for this custom project. Beginning with the balcony shutters which actually slide from side to side like a real barn door we worked a charming rustic shutter design that would typically be seen in the Tuscan Riviera. We opted for sliding shutters as the balcony spacing limited the swing action of even bi-folding shutters. Incorporating real barn door hardware railing and crowing it behind the faux reclaimed wood beam made an excellent statement while adding functional shutters that can be shut close for comfort during the summer morning when the sun beats down into the master suite. The four shutter leafs are decorated with real hand forged dummy straps that were hammered and crafted by hand to achieve that gorgeous rustic charm typical of Tuscan architecture. The reclaimed barn wood from a century-old barn gives off a timeless appearance that increase in characters as the years go by. Because rustic barn wood has already aged beautifully over hundreds of years, the next century will only increase its authentically gorgeous appearance. The culmination of this project has been a meticulous collaborative input of our in-house head designer and the clients themselves. Although the completion of this project is lengthy and intricate, the results speak volumes and the wait simply justifies the outcome. The rest of thew windows on this Tuscan home have been accessorized with rustic barn wood as well and accentuated with our custom designed and handmade dummy iron hinge straps. Our dummy hardware is so authentically done in the same tradition used for hundreds of years in Europe to create shutter hardware that looks authentic and functional although it is only decorative. The details of our custom shutters is evident in the slightest of details including the bolts used to hold the shutter straps in place. Each of the shutter also has a decorative ring pull with a hand-hammered back plate which enhances the appearance of true functional shutters and defining that authentic Tuscan look. The beauty of this Tuscan home is visible throughout the entire property including the garden gates, garage doors and entry door. Again, for the garden gates, we went with rustic barn wood carefully crafted to preserve the original surface that has aged over hundreds of years but building the gates on galvanized steel frames that will ensure structural durability for the next few hundred years. The gates are highly secure, sound and can definitely hold back a crowd with authentic rustic charm. Don't be fooled with the simple-looking gate design. It is quite intricate with its 45 degree angle cuts around the perimeter of the trim which deviates water away from crevices that would otherwise make the gates vulnerable to the accumulation of moisture from the elements, sprinkler system or simply air humidity since the home is located near the ocean. Each one of the garden gates is equipped with European style mortise lock mechanisms and roller catches. Dynamic Garage Door gates are not your typical garden gates, they are truly made with quality and durability in mind as well as aesthetic attention to detail. Everything, from the hardware used, the core steel frame and overlay material used is hand selected and approved individually for maximum beauty and timeless appreciation. At Dynamic Garage Door, we specialize in multiple facet projects that include garden gates, driveway gates as well as barn doors and shutters. It is very important because these are the accessories that can make or break the beauty and continuity of your home's architectural style and authenticity. Increase your curb appeal and home value with Dynamic Garage Door's gates, shutters and automatic custom garage doors. Our in-house designers would love to speak with you today! Design Consultation Center: (855) 343-3667

Example of an eclectic pool design in Philadelphia

Example of an eclectic home design design in Los Angeles

Catherine Wanek
Tuscan bedroom photo in San Luis Obispo

A ground floor remodel creating larger, more functional rooms without increasing the property's actual size. Meadowlark incorporated custom cabinetry solutions that not only added to the flow of the rooms but also added storage and purpose.

Maintaining a pest-free home requires attention throughout the year. Seasonal changes affect pest behavior, and understanding these patterns can save homeowners from costly damage and health hazards. In this guide, we will explore practical strategies for spring pest prevention tips, ensuring your property stays protected through every season. From spotting early signs to implementing proactive measures, these steps empower homeowners to take control before infestations occur. Understanding Seasonal Pest Patterns Pests adapt to changing weather, and knowing their patterns helps prevent infestations effectively. Spring: Awakening Pests Spring signals the end of winter dormancy for many pests. Rodents, ants, and termites start seeking food and warmth. Effective spring pest prevention tips include: ● Cleaning gutters and removing debris ● Sealing cracks and gaps in exterior walls ● Inspecting wood piles and compost areas ● Monitoring early signs of termite activity Pro Tip: Conduct a termite inspection or a professional evaluation to catch infestations early before they spread. Summer: Peak Pest Season Warm temperatures accelerate pest breeding cycles. For a comprehensive summer pest prevention guide: ● Maintain lawns and trim vegetation away from homes ● Check window and door screens for tears ● Store food in sealed containers ● Inspect water sources that attract mosquitoes Do You Know? Mosquitoes can lay eggs in a teaspoon of water. Eliminating stagnant water is crucial to reducing their population. Fall: Preparing for Winter As temperatures drop, pests search for warm indoor spaces. Key actions include: ● Inspecting for winter rodent entry points ● Sealing attic vents, crawl spaces, and foundation gaps ● Cleaning storage areas to minimize hiding spots ● Checking chimney and fireplace openings Quick Fact: Rodents can enter homes through openings as small as ¼ inch. Seasonal Pest Checklist for Homeowners Creating a structured seasonal pest checklist simplifies preventive measures and ensures nothing is overlooked. Season Key Actions Spring Inspect for termites, seal exterior gaps, clean gutters, and check compost Summer Repair screens, trim vegetation, remove standing water, and secure food Fall Seal entry points, inspect attic/crawlspace, clear debris, and prepare storage Winter Monitor indoor activity, keep firewood away from walls, and maintain traps Inspection & Maintenance Tips ● Schedule annual pest inspections by professional Virginia pest control consultation to detect hidden problems ● Keep a log of pest sightings and treatment dates ● Regularly replace weather stripping and caulk cracks Note: Even small preventive steps, when consistently applied, drastically reduce infestations. Common Pests and Their Seasonal Behaviors Understanding how different pests behave each season helps homeowners take timely action to protect their property. ● Ants and Termites: Ants emerge in spring seeking food, while termites become active and can damage wood unnoticed. Early detection is critical. ● Rodents and Mice: Fall and winter increase rodent intrusions. Block all entry points and keep food sealed. ● Mosquitoes and Flies: Summer creates the ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes. Eliminate standing water and use physical barriers like nets. ● Spiders and Other Insects: Seasonal shifts cause spiders to move indoors. Regular vacuuming and decluttering reduce hiding spots. Eco-Friendly Prevention Methods ● Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth ● Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to reduce pest populations ● Plant pest-deterring plants near home boundaries, like marigolds or lavender Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Adopt an IPM approach by combining physical barriers, monitoring, and environmentally safe treatments. This minimizes chemical use while maintaining a pest-free home. Quote: “Prevention is the most effective form of pest control.” – National Pest Management Association Seasonal Pest Prevention Tools ● Snap traps and humane rodent traps ● Sticky traps for insects ● Outdoor perimeter sprays (eco-friendly) ● Moisture meters to detect early termite or mold problems Pro Tip: Keep tools organized and accessible to act quickly when pest activity is noticed. Planning: Annual Pest Calendar Month Recommended Action March-April Spring pest prevention tips: Inspect, seal, clean gutters June-July Summer pest prevention guide: Screens, standing water, food storage September Seasonal pest checklist: Seal entries, declutter, prep storage November Winter rodent entry points: Monitor indoors, maintain traps Key Takeaways ● Seasonal awareness prevents infestations and property damage ● Consistent inspections and maintenance are essential ● Simple eco-friendly measures can significantly reduce pests ● Use a structured checklist and calendar for effective prevention Conclusion Homeowners who stay proactive and follow spring pest prevention tips, along with year-round monitoring, ensure their properties remain safe and comfortable. Using a summer pest prevention guide, checking winter rodent entry points, and maintaining a seasonal pest checklist ensure your home remains safe and comfortable. Remember to combine inspections, physical barriers, and environmentally friendly methods for the best results. FAQs Q1: How often should I perform a termite inspection? A1: Conduct inspections annually, especially in spring, to detect early signs of termite activity and prevent extensive damage. Q2: Can pests enter my home during winter? A2: Yes, rodents and insects seek warmth and shelter indoors. Sealing entry points and monitoring for activity is crucial. Q3: What is the most effective eco-friendly method for pest prevention? A3: Using natural repellents, encouraging beneficial insects, and eliminating water sources effectively reduces pest populations without chemicals. Ensure your home is ready for every season. Schedule a professional Virginia pest control consultation or a termite inspection in Suffolk, VA, today and stay ahead of potential infestations.

A ground floor remodel creating larger, more functional rooms without increasing the property's actual size. Meadowlark incorporated custom cabinetry solutions that not only added to the flow of the rooms but also added storage and purpose.

Our client desired a diversely landscaped environment with natural stone and an expansive deck across the rear of the home. The existing landscape consisted of randomized plantings and the client desired to transplant all of the plant material throughout the rear of the property. The current plant palate reflects the client's love for having a diversity of plants. Extensive landscape lighting was used for accenting both hardscape and soft scape features. We created increased privacy from the adjacent neighbor and fenced the rear of the property. Simplistic water features were also desired by the client. The client drove many of the "wants". The client did not want to use masonry retaining walls, so strictly boulders were used to hold back soil and create different spaces in the rear landscape. The deck steps were a challenge due to the HOA not allowing them to protrude from the side of the home. Part of the property was an RPA (Resource Protected Area). Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.

A ground floor remodel creating larger, more functional rooms without increasing the property's actual size. Meadowlark incorporated custom cabinetry solutions that not only added to the flow of the rooms but also added storage and purpose.

Our client desired a diversely landscaped environment with natural stone and an expansive deck across the rear of the home. The existing landscape consisted of randomized plantings and the client desired to transplant all of the plant material throughout the rear of the property. The current plant palate reflects the client's love for having a diversity of plants. Extensive landscape lighting was used for accenting both hardscape and soft scape features. We created increased privacy from the adjacent neighbor and fenced the rear of the property. Simplistic water features were also desired by the client. The client drove many of the "wants". The client did not want to use masonry retaining walls, so strictly boulders were used to hold back soil and create different spaces in the rear landscape. The deck steps were a challenge due to the HOA not allowing them to protrude from the side of the home. Part of the property was an RPA (Resource Protected Area). Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.

The owners of this property approached LB LounsBury Group to request information on an addition to their corner lot property and re-finishing of their existing home, which would accommodate their growing family. Upon conversations that determined budgets and schedules and the necessary permit approvals, LB LounsBury Group began construction. This involved the tearing down of the small existing rear addition to the original house. Finishes throughout the house were aged and outdated. Electrical and mechanical systems were in need of upgrades, basement apartment had low ceilings and limited light distribution. LB LounsBury Group lowered, underpinned and added radiant heat to the basement floor, created a legal basement apartment with 7ft. + ceilings, built the new 1000 sq. ft. addition around the tree root, protecting the natural element existing in the property. By the use of a helical pile, we cantilevered the addition to allow for the desired size. We installed new electrical and mechanical systems, built new staircases and installed a 14 ft. x10 ft. feature window in the new addition to allow natural light to penetrate the home. A new roof was built and siding was added to the addition for a profession finish look. Upon completion of the project, we assisted our clients with their move back into the home. The property was then estimated to have 2700 sq. ft. not including a basement apartment, and was evaluated to have increased in value by 40%.

The owners of this property approached LB LounsBury Group to request information on an addition to their corner lot property and re-finishing of their existing home, which would accommodate their growing family. Upon conversations that determined budgets and schedules and the necessary permit approvals, LB LounsBury Group began construction. This involved the tearing down of the small existing rear addition to the original house. Finishes throughout the house were aged and outdated. Electrical and mechanical systems were in need of upgrades, basement apartment had low ceilings and limited light distribution. LB LounsBury Group lowered, underpinned and added radiant heat to the basement floor, created a legal basement apartment with 7ft. + ceilings, built the new 1000 sq. ft. addition around the tree root, protecting the natural element existing in the property. By the use of a helical pile, we cantilevered the addition to allow for the desired size. We installed new electrical and mechanical systems, built new staircases and installed a 14 ft. x10 ft. feature window in the new addition to allow natural light to penetrate the home. A new roof was built and siding was added to the addition for a profession finish look. Upon completion of the project, we assisted our clients with their move back into the home. The property was then estimated to have 2700 sq. ft. not including a basement apartment, and was evaluated to have increased in value by 40%.

As a manager of a building or property, you quickly learn the art of mediation. One minute you may be working with a vendor to keep the building’s operating system running efficient and smooth; the next moment you may be calming a tenant down after finding the change in the system disrupted his office’s workflow. Give and take; it’s the only way to make sure every day runs perfectly. Overall, you have two goals to strive for in everything you do. 1. Keep the building running properly, upgrading systems as appropriate, and striving to do all you can on a pre-established budget. 2. Keep the building occupants happy, with as little disruption as possible. While some changes are minor, barely registering on a building occupant’s mind, with HVAC challenges, that’s rarely the case. If a HVAC contractor is replacing an air handler, for instance, and disconnects one and moves to the next unit, it may cause major disruptions to sensitive areas of a building. And if the occupant wasn’t prepared for the disruption, you can have a mighty unhappy customer on your hand. Anytime you are working on HVAC projects throughout your building, there are strategies you can put into place to keep things running smooth. Communicate with occupants Communication is key to any good relationship, and as a property manager, this rule is a great place to start. If you will be working with the HVAC equipment, block out the timeframe for work to be done, and understand the potential consequences of the process. Then communicate this process with every point of contact you have throughout the building. The more detail you can provide, the less surprises you’ll have throughout the process. You can also work with your building’s occupants before the process begins, finding out if there are better timeframes than others. Establish a realistic schedule As a property manager, its easy to provide your expectations for the HVAC project at hand, and request that the proposal be written in such a way that work is completed on your timeframe. Unfortunately, many contractors want your business and will agree to anything upfront in order to win the bid, knowing full well the work will take longer than specified. Instead of projecting your timeframes into the proposal process, ask for HVAC project bids to establish realistic schedules of how long the process will take, and what areas of your property will be most effected throughout the schedule. This will help you avoid crises between you and the contractor, and you and your tenants. Plan for the whole system If one small piece of your HVAC system is weak, its easy to fix that one small piece. But how will that impact your overall system? Will it cause weak spots in different parts of the building – maybe a corner office will have reduced air flow, and therefore be colder in the winter and warmer in the summer? When retrofitting new pieces with older existing systems, its easy to reduce the efficiency of your entire system. Before agreeing to certain repairs, make sure you understand how it will impact your entire system overall. An easy way of handling this problem is by working with the same HVAC contractor again and again, He will understand your system’s potential, and know when to make repairs, and when to replace. Have points of contact available for immediate assistance In many cases, problems arise because connections can’t be made. Can the HVAC contractor get a hold or you or another person that can make decisions at a moments notice if a problem arises? Do you have access to decision makers throughout the building that may be impacted by this change? Many projects have been put on hold simply because a person in authority can’t be found to give the go-ahead to move forward. If you have access to these people during the time of the project, you’ll be able to complete the project in record time. Test Finally, if you can test things in stages, or test when the potential for problems is the smallest, you reduce the chances of bigger emergency issues falling into your lap. If you’ll be installing a new terminal unit, can you make the switch on a Saturday morning when the building is largely unoccupied? If you’re replacing a large system, can you replace and test in phases so the entire project isn’t released at once? Most issues can be avoided with just a little strategy from the beginning. If you’ve never had a HVAC maintenance team to help you stay on track with your building’s heating and cooling, now may be the time to find out how easy a team approach makes the process.

The owners of this property approached LB LounsBury Group to request information on an addition to their corner lot property and re-finishing of their existing home, which would accommodate their growing family. Upon conversations that determined budgets and schedules and the necessary permit approvals, LB LounsBury Group began construction. This involved the tearing down of the small existing rear addition to the original house. Finishes throughout the house were aged and outdated. Electrical and mechanical systems were in need of upgrades, basement apartment had low ceilings and limited light distribution. LB LounsBury Group lowered, underpinned and added radiant heat to the basement floor, created a legal basement apartment with 7ft. + ceilings, built the new 1000 sq. ft. addition around the tree root, protecting the natural element existing in the property. By the use of a helical pile, we cantilevered the addition to allow for the desired size. We installed new electrical and mechanical systems, built new staircases and installed a 14 ft. x10 ft. feature window in the new addition to allow natural light to penetrate the home. A new roof was built and siding was added to the addition for a profession finish look. Upon completion of the project, we assisted our clients with their move back into the home. The property was then estimated to have 2700 sq. ft. not including a basement apartment, and was evaluated to have increased in value by 40%.

The owners of this property approached LB LounsBury Group to request information on an addition to their corner lot property and re-finishing of their existing home, which would accommodate their growing family. Upon conversations that determined budgets and schedules and the necessary permit approvals, LB LounsBury Group began construction. This involved the tearing down of the small existing rear addition to the original house. Finishes throughout the house were aged and outdated. Electrical and mechanical systems were in need of upgrades, basement apartment had low ceilings and limited light distribution. LB LounsBury Group lowered, underpinned and added radiant heat to the basement floor, created a legal basement apartment with 7ft. + ceilings, built the new 1000 sq. ft. addition around the tree root, protecting the natural element existing in the property. By the use of a helical pile, we cantilevered the addition to allow for the desired size. We installed new electrical and mechanical systems, built new staircases and installed a 14 ft. x10 ft. feature window in the new addition to allow natural light to penetrate the home. A new roof was built and siding was added to the addition for a profession finish look. Upon completion of the project, we assisted our clients with their move back into the home. The property was then estimated to have 2700 sq. ft. not including a basement apartment, and was evaluated to have increased in value by 40%.

The owners of this property approached LB LounsBury Group to request information on an addition to their corner lot property and re-finishing of their existing home, which would accommodate their growing family. Upon conversations that determined budgets and schedules and the necessary permit approvals, LB LounsBury Group began construction. This involved the tearing down of the small existing rear addition to the original house. Finishes throughout the house were aged and outdated. Electrical and mechanical systems were in need of upgrades, basement apartment had low ceilings and limited light distribution. LB LounsBury Group lowered, underpinned and added radiant heat to the basement floor, created a legal basement apartment with 7ft. + ceilings, built the new 1000 sq. ft. addition around the tree root, protecting the natural element existing in the property. By the use of a helical pile, we cantilevered the addition to allow for the desired size. We installed new electrical and mechanical systems, built new staircases and installed a 14 ft. x10 ft. feature window in the new addition to allow natural light to penetrate the home. A new roof was built and siding was added to the addition for a profession finish look. Upon completion of the project, we assisted our clients with their move back into the home. The property was then estimated to have 2700 sq. ft. not including a basement apartment, and was evaluated to have increased in value by 40%.