Search results for "Inspect" in Home Design Ideas

Ohio Exteriors removed the existing siding (wood) and inspected the exterior sheeting, renailing where needed. We installed Hardie house wrap. We installed James Hardie 6" lap siding (Timber Bark) with Sandstone Beige Hardie trim. Finally, we removed & replaced the gutters (5" Sandstone Beige to match trim). The house looks AMAZING!

Ohio Exteriors removed the existing siding (wood) and inspected the exterior sheeting, renailing where needed. We installed Hardie house wrap. We installed James Hardie 6" lap siding (Timber Bark) with Sandstone Beige Hardie trim. Finally, we removed & replaced the gutters (5" Sandstone Beige to match trim). The house looks AMAZING!

Ohio Exteriors removed the existing siding (wood) and inspected the exterior sheeting, renailing where needed. We installed Hardie house wrap. We installed James Hardie 6" lap siding (Timber Bark) with Sandstone Beige Hardie trim. Finally, we removed & replaced the gutters (5" Sandstone Beige to match trim). The house looks AMAZING!
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Originally built in the early twentieth century, this Orchard Lake cottage was purchased almost 10 years ago by a wonderful couple—empty nesters with an appreciation for stunning views, modern amenities and quality craftsmanship. They hired MainStreet Design Build to design and remodel their home to fit their needs exactly.
Upon initial inspection, it was apparent that the original home had been modified over the years, sustaining multiple room additions. Consequently, this mid-size cottage home had little character or cohesiveness. Even more concerning, after conducting a thorough inspection, it became apparent that the structure was inadequate to sustain major modifications. As a result, a plan was formulated to take the existing structure down to its original floor deck.
The clients’ needs that fueled the design plan included:
-Preserving and capitalizing on the lake view
-A large, welcoming entry from the street
-A warm, inviting space for entertaining guests and family
-A large, open kitchen with room for multiple cooks
-Built-ins for the homeowner’s book collection
-An in-law suite for the couple’s aging parents
The space was redesigned with the clients needs in mind. Building a completely new structure gave us the opportunity to create a large, welcoming main entrance. The dining and kitchen areas are now open and spacious for large family gatherings. A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances for an enjoyable cooking and dining experience. The homeowners loved the Grabill cabinetry so much that they decided to use it throughout the home in the powder room, (2) guest suite bathrooms and the laundry room, complete with dog wash. Most breathtaking; however, might be the luxury master bathroom which included extensive use of marble, a 2-person Maax whirlpool tub, an oversized walk-in-shower with steam and bench seating for two, and gorgeous custom-built inset cherry cabinetry.
The new wide plank oak flooring continues throughout the entire first and second floors with a lovely open staircase lit by a chandelier, skylights and flush in-wall step lighting. Plenty of custom built-ins were added on walls and seating areas to accommodate the client’s sizeable book collection. Fitting right in to the gorgeous lakefront lot, the home’s exterior is reminiscent of East Coast “beachy” shingle-style that includes an attached, oversized garage with Mahogany carriage style garage doors that leads directly into a mud room and first floor laundry.
These Orchard Lake property homeowners love their new home, with a combined first and second floor living space totaling 4,429 sq. ft. To further add to the amenities of this home, MainStreet Design Build is currently under design contract for another major lower-level / basement renovation in the fall of 2017.
Kate Benjamin Photography

John Worden--Roof Complete Charlotte NC
Mid-sized traditional white two-story brick house exterior idea in Charlotte with a clipped gable roof and a shingle roof
Mid-sized traditional white two-story brick house exterior idea in Charlotte with a clipped gable roof and a shingle roof

Winter is always tough on your home. This past winter was no picnic with the snow and cold. By the time spring (really) arrives, your chimney has put up with months of freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and the constant freeze-thaw cycle that quietly does damage you can't always see from the outside. That's why a spring chimney inspection isn't just a good idea, it’s essential to have your chimney checked before storm season begins. Here’s why:
Water Is Your Chimney's Worst Enemy
Here's something that most homeowners don’t know: chimney leaks cause more damage to masonry chimneys than fire does. Think about that a moment. While everyone worries about creosote and chimney fires — and rightfully so — water is silently doing just as much, if not more, damage.
Unlike the rest of your home, which is sheltered by your roof and eaves, your chimney stands fully exposed above the roofline. It takes on rain, wind, snow, and every freeze-thaw cycle winter throws at it, all while absorbing moisture into its porous masonry materials. That water expands and contracts, causing cracks, structural stress, and integrity loss that accumulates over time. The worst part? Chimney leaks are often subtle and slow-moving. By the time you notice water damage inside your home, the problem has usually become more serious, and expensive.
What a Spring Inspection Actually Catches
A professional spring chimney inspection, such as Superior Chimney’s, goes well beyond a quick visual check. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician will evaluate your entire system — inside and out — looking for the most common sources of chimney leaks and damage, including cracked chimney crowns, deteriorated brick and mortar joints, damaged or missing chimney caps, faulty chimney flashing and roof leaks, chimney slab gaps, and flue gas condensation from improperly sized chimney liners.
Any one of these issues left without a proper inspection, heads into spring storm season is an open invitation for water damage. And as Superior Chimney has discussed, masonry water damage is a progressive problem — the longer it goes unrepaired, the costlier the fix becomes.
What You Can Do Right Now
The good news is that most chimney water damage is preventable. The key steps are:
• have a professional-grade chimney cap installed if you don't already have one
• repair or replace a damaged chimney crown
• address any deteriorated brick and mortar
• fix leaky flashing and
• consider having your chimney professionally waterproofed. Waterproofing alone can save you significantly on future repair costs.
What’s Next?
Superior Chimney always includes a free 14-Point Certified Written Inspection with photo documentation via email with every chimney sweep. This helps you to know exactly what condition your chimney is in and what, if anything, needs attention.
Don't wait, have your chimney checked before storm season begins to reveal a problem that's been building all winter.
Schedule your inspection today at 877-244-6349.

Ohio Exteriors removed the existing siding (wood) and inspected the exterior sheeting, renailing where needed. We installed Hardie house wrap. We installed James Hardie 6" lap siding (Timber Bark) with Sandstone Beige Hardie trim. Finally, we removed & replaced the gutters (5" Sandstone Beige to match trim). The house looks AMAZING!

2 years on ornamental fertilization (tree and shrub) and lawn pest control program with bi-annual irrigation sprinkler inspections to keep proper watering practices.

The impact of temperature drop on the chimney can impact the structure and functionality of the chimney. As we have been experiencing in Chicago winters, temperatures have gone from 50 degrees down to 21 degrees during the day, with temperatures falling even further at night. What can you do as a homeowner to watch for, and when to bring in a certified technician from Superior Chimney.
External: Impact of Temperature Drop on the Chimney
Anytime there is a rapid temperature change, it causes the bricks, stones and mortar to expand and contract. These durable materials are still susceptible to thermal shock, especially when it gets wet from ice, rain or melting snow. Because of the drastic change in temperatures, this can cause hairline cracks to begin, and if it goes unnoticed, larger cracks in the masonry will form.
External: Freeze-Thaw Damage
Mortar, bricks and stones are porous materials, meaning that air and water enter the materials. Sometimes, it leaves or dries out, and other times it stays longer. When the temperatures drop below 32 degrees, any of the trapped water freezes and then expands. This can cause small cracks to start, deterioration of the mortar or spalling which is the flaking of the bricks to occur.
External: Ice Build Up on the Chimney Cap or Chimney Crown
When temperatures are 50 degrees and it rains, water accumulates everywhere, including the highest point on your house, the chimney. The chimney cap and chimney crown are always exposed to the harshest elements. When it rains and temperatures drop during the day or night, freezing occurs and can create ice buildup. This can cause the chimney crown to crack or the chimney cap to loosen.
Internal: Chimney Flue Lining
The temperature swing also affects the chimney flue liner. Some chimney flue liners are made from clay. These are especially susceptible to crack forming from the swing in temperatures. But what also happens whether you have a gas or wood burning fireplace is the formation of condensation which can occur when there is fast cooling after the fire in the fireplace is put out or turned off.
Bring out the Sun!
Well, yes, the sunshine melts the ice and snow, but when temperatures go down at night, what remains wet, will refreeze again. The repeated process places stress on the masonry, bricks and stone.
Chimney Inspections Work
A chimney inspection can help with both safety and preserving the structure of the chimney. When a chimney technician conducts an inspection, they will search for cracks in the bricks and mortar, any spalling or deterioration from the thermal shock and freeze thaw cycle. These areas will be marked for repairs if it gets any worse and before it becomes too expensive to repair.
We can’t forget the biggest intruder in the home: water. The chimney technician will also be checking for water leaks from the chimney flashing, the chimney crown, chimney cap or the efflorescence which is the white material that shows up on the chimney or fireplace.
These are just a couple of key areas that a chimney inspection completes. There are numerous other areas, and this can be found on Superior Chimney’s 14-point inspection guide.
Contact us today, and we’ll set you up for a chimney inspection with photo evidence so you have peace of mind with the safety and security of your home.

This property located in Historic Brookhaven, a charming in town neighborhood in Atlanta recently sold. The collaborative efforts of many of our trade relationships including Designed2Sell were needed to successfully take this home to market. The seller left a few pieces of art and the piano. All other furnishings were provided for by the staging company. Total repaint, new carpet and a pre-inspection "To Do" list completed before listing helped to position the home to it's best advantage.

This property located in Historic Brookhaven, a charming in town neighborhood in Atlanta recently sold. The collaborative efforts of many of our trade relationships including Designed2Sell were needed to successfully take this home to market. The seller left a few pieces of art and the piano. All other furnishings were provided for by the staging company. Total repaint, new carpet and a pre-inspection "To Do" list completed before listing helped to position the home to it's best advantage.

Example of a large minimalist formal and open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Los Angeles with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

D-Trac Construction was contacted to address condensation issues within the walls of the bathroom area related to un-sealed attic and wall penetrations. Corrective actions included full removal/replacement of blown-in attic insulation, sealing all vapour barrier penetrations, inspect and install pot light hats, demolition of tile tub surround, removal/replacement of vapour barrier/insulation, application of antimicrobial agent, drywall repairs and installation of new tile tub surround.

After Landmark Pro Max Def Pewter Shingle Vent Hip Vent
5 Inch Norwegian PewterGutters and Spouts
Example of a classic exterior home design in Cleveland
Example of a classic exterior home design in Cleveland

This property located in Historic Brookhaven, a charming in town neighborhood in Atlanta recently sold. The collaborative efforts of many of our trade relationships including Designed2Sell were needed to successfully take this home to market. The seller left a few pieces of art and the piano. All other furnishings were provided for by the staging company. Total repaint, new carpet and a pre-inspection "To Do" list completed before listing helped to position the home to it's best advantage.

Final Drone Photo of completed project
Roof Cost: $10,000+
Customer Cost: $1,000
Shingle: Owens Corning Duration
Shingle Color: Estate Gray
Free Upgrade: Architectural Shingles, Code Upgrades (Chimney Cricket. Drip Edge, Ice & Water Shield

This property located in Historic Brookhaven, a charming in town neighborhood in Atlanta recently sold. The collaborative efforts of many of our trade relationships including Designed2Sell were needed to successfully take this home to market. The seller left a few pieces of art and the piano. All other furnishings were provided for by the staging company. Total repaint, new carpet and a pre-inspection "To Do" list completed before listing helped to position the home to it's best advantage.
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