It's a relief to let someone else keep your hot tub clean and working well.
Inspiration for a hot tub remodel in New York

Photo credit to Randy O'Rourke
Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, solid surface countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, black appliances and an island

We started with a step off the porch and onto a sloping backyard that was unusable and we transformed it into a larger, useable outdoor living space by adding a circular seat wall with built in LED low voltage lighting, a natural gas burning fire pit, 790 sq feet of Tremron pavers, custom build walls that were sunken to add a cozy atmosphere. We build a veranda style step down allowing access all across to the patio from the existing porch. we installed Low Voltage LED lighting to the steps to allow visibility at night. We graded the entire back yard to allow the kids a great spot to play football and soccer, while maintaining a proper drainage system for storm water runoff. We also fixed all of the disrupted sod areas with 8000 sq ft of Bermuda sod and built natural areas full of plant material for privacy and aesthetics.

We started with a step off the porch and onto a sloping backyard that was unusable and we transformed it into a larger, useable outdoor living space by adding a circular seat wall with built in LED low voltage lighting, a natural gas burning fire pit, 790 sq feet of Tremron pavers, custom build walls that were sunken to add a cozy atmosphere. We build a veranda style step down allowing access all across to the patio from the existing porch. we installed Low Voltage LED lighting to the steps to allow visibility at night. We graded the entire back yard to allow the kids a great spot to play football and soccer, while maintaining a proper drainage system for storm water runoff. We also fixed all of the disrupted sod areas with 8000 sq ft of Bermuda sod and built natural areas full of plant material for privacy and aesthetics.

The cooling system for this project presented challenges, but we were able to find ways to make it work. The duct is hidden behind some of the racks, which allows us to maintain the proper temperature and humidity. Read more: https://www.winecellarcoolinglosangeles.com/wine-cellar-construction/glass-wine-cellar-cooling-systems-orange-county/ M&M Cellar Systems 1551 East Gage Ave. Los Angeles, California 90001 +1 (323) 578-3330

This pool deck was a lot of fun (and work) to install. The sidewalks were poured and stamped first, taking extra care to maintain the proper slope and elevation to make the water run away from the pool but also away from the house. The sidewalk is pinned to the patio with rebar dowels in plastic sleeves to allow for horizontal shifting, but no vertical movement. Expansion foam and caulk prevent chipping on these joints. The borders are poured integrally with the pool deck; they are hand stamped and chiseled in. Lots of patience and attention to detail. I am fortunate to have a great crew.

Our glass wine cellar doors are tempered and dual-paned to prevent moisture build-up. Together with the insulation on the walls, floor, and ceiling, the door helps maintain the proper humidity, preventing the development of molds in the long run. The glass door is framed with Laminated Veneer Lumber and Alderwood — hardwoods that don’t distort easily. Lastly, we customized the door with an automatic seal at the bottom, so it's immediately activated once you close the door. Learn more about this project here: https://www.customwinecellarslosangeles.com/high-capacity-residential-wine-room/ Custom Wine Cellars Los Angeles Los Angeles, California 90001 +1 (323) 825 – 9846 https://www.customwinecellarslosangeles.com/

A shower glass installation typically involves the placement of tempered glass panels in a shower enclosure, replacing traditional shower curtains or other non-glass materials. These glass panels may be frameless or framed, and can feature a variety of finishes and patterns to suit different design preferences. In terms of installation, a shower glass installation typically involves the custom-cutting of the glass panels to fit the specific dimensions of the shower enclosure. The panels are then mounted using specialized hardware or adhesives designed for glass installation, which may require professional installation. The installation process may involve anchoring the glass panels to the wall or floor to ensure they are secure and level. Shower glass installations offer several advantages over traditional shower materials. They are easy to clean and maintain, as they do not require frequent replacement like shower curtains or liners. Additionally, they create a sleek and modern look that can enhance the overall aesthetic of a bathroom or shower space. It's worth noting that shower glass installation requires proper ventilation and drainage to prevent the buildup of moisture and minimize the risk of mold or mildew growth. For this reason, it is important to consult with a professional installer to ensure that the installation is done correctly and that proper ventilation is maintained. Overall, a shower glass installation is a popular choice for those seeking a modern and stylish look for their bathroom or shower space. With a range of design options available, it's possible to find a shower glass solution that perfectly suits your needs and enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

We started with a step off the porch and onto a sloping backyard that was unusable and we transformed it into a larger, useable outdoor living space by adding a circular seat wall with built in LED low voltage lighting, a natural gas burning fire pit, 790 sq feet of Tremron pavers, custom build walls that were sunken to add a cozy atmosphere. We build a veranda style step down allowing access all across to the patio from the existing porch. we installed Low Voltage LED lighting to the steps to allow visibility at night. We graded the entire back yard to allow the kids a great spot to play football and soccer, while maintaining a proper drainage system for storm water runoff. We also fixed all of the disrupted sod areas with 8000 sq ft of Bermuda sod and built natural areas full of plant material for privacy and aesthetics.

We started with a step off the porch and onto a sloping backyard that was unusable and we transformed it into a larger, useable outdoor living space by adding a circular seat wall with built in LED low voltage lighting, a natural gas burning fire pit, 790 sq feet of Tremron pavers, custom build walls that were sunken to add a cozy atmosphere. We build a veranda style step down allowing access all across to the patio from the existing porch. we installed Low Voltage LED lighting to the steps to allow visibility at night. We graded the entire back yard to allow the kids a great spot to play football and soccer, while maintaining a proper drainage system for storm water runoff. We also fixed all of the disrupted sod areas with 8000 sq ft of Bermuda sod and built natural areas full of plant material for privacy and aesthetics.

A shower glass installation typically involves the placement of tempered glass panels in a shower enclosure, replacing traditional shower curtains or other non-glass materials. These glass panels may be frameless or framed, and can feature a variety of finishes and patterns to suit different design preferences. In terms of installation, a shower glass installation typically involves the custom-cutting of the glass panels to fit the specific dimensions of the shower enclosure. The panels are then mounted using specialized hardware or adhesives designed for glass installation, which may require professional installation. The installation process may involve anchoring the glass panels to the wall or floor to ensure they are secure and level. Shower glass installations offer several advantages over traditional shower materials. They are easy to clean and maintain, as they do not require frequent replacement like shower curtains or liners. Additionally, they create a sleek and modern look that can enhance the overall aesthetic of a bathroom or shower space. It's worth noting that shower glass installation requires proper ventilation and drainage to prevent the buildup of moisture and minimize the risk of mold or mildew growth. For this reason, it is important to consult with a professional installer to ensure that the installation is done correctly and that proper ventilation is maintained. Overall, a shower glass installation is a popular choice for those seeking a modern and stylish look for their bathroom or shower space. With a range of design options available, it's possible to find a shower glass solution that perfectly suits your needs and enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

This powder room features shimmering blue fish-scale mosaic tile, a brass pendant light, and an oval brass-framed mirror. A compact white floating vanity with brass fixtures and marble flooring complete the jewel-toned, elegant space.

The family who owned this 1965 home chose a dramatic upgrade for their Coquitlam full home renovation. They wanted more room for gatherings, an open concept kitchen, and upgrades to bathrooms and the rec room. Their neighbour knew of our work, and we were glad to bring our skills to another project in the area. Choosing Dramatic Lines In the original house, the entryway was cramped, with a closet being the first thing everyone saw. We opened the entryway and moved the closet, all while maintaining separation between the entry and the living space. To draw the attention from the entry into the living room, we used a dramatic, flush, black herringbone ceiling detail across the ceiling. This detail goes all the way to the entertainment area on the main floor. The eye arrives at a stunning waterfall edge walnut mantle, modern fireplace. Open Concept Kitchen with Lots of Seating The dividing wall between the kitchen and living areas was removed to create a larger, integrated entertaining space. The kitchen also has easy access to a new outdoor social space. A new large skylight directly over the kitchen floods the space with natural light. The kitchen now has gloss white cabinetry, with matte black accents and the same herringbone detail as the living room, and is tied together with a low maintenance Caesarstone’s white Attica quartz for the island countertop. This over-sized island has barstool seating for five while leaving plenty of room for homework, snacking, socializing, and food prep in the same space. To maximize space and minimize clutter, we integrated the kitchen appliances into the kitchen island, including a food warming drawer, a hidden fridge, and the dishwasher. This takes the eyes to focus off appliances, and onto the design elements which feed throughout the home. We also installed a beverage center just beside the kitchen so family and guests can fix themselves a drink, without disrupting the flow of the kitchen. Updated Downstairs Space, Updated Guest Room, Updated Bathrooms It was a treat to update this entire house. Upstairs, we renovated the master bedroom with new blackout drapery, new decor, and a warm light grey paint colour. The tight bathroom was transformed with modern fixtures and gorgeous grey tile the homeowners loved. The two teen girls’ rooms were updated with new lighting and furniture that tied in with the whole home decor, but which also reflected their personal taste. In the basement, we updated the rec room with a bright modern look and updated fireplace. We added a needed door to the garage. We upgraded the bathrooms and created a legal second suite which the young adult daughter will use, for now. Laundry Its Own Room, Finally In a family with four women, you can imagine how much laundry gets done in this house. As part of the renovation, we built a proper laundry room with plenty of storage space, countertops, and a large sink.

This is an example of a coastal porch design in Minneapolis.

Evergreen successfully completed this comprehensive kitchen renovation on Coronado Island, one of the most stunning destination in Southern California, transforming the space into a modern, functional culinary hub that balances aesthetic appeal with technical precision. The renovation required careful structural planning, beginning with the removal of existing cabinetry and assessment of electrical and plumbing systems. We relocated water supply lines and drainage to accommodate the new island configuration, ensuring all connections met current building codes. The electrical system was upgraded to support modern appliances, including dedicated 220V circuits for the range and additional outlets strategically placed for small appliances. The centerpiece island incorporates integrated appliances, requiring precise cutouts and reinforced support structures. We installed a dishwasher with proper venting and water connections, while maintaining seamless cabinetry lines. The ventilation system was redesigned to handle the open-concept layout, with a powerful range hood that ensures proper air circulation. Flooring installation utilized engineered hardwood with proper moisture barriers and expansion gaps, essential for kitchen environments. The white quartz countertops were templated on-site for perfect fit, with careful attention to seam placement and undermount sink installation. In the other side, the color palette combines crisp white perimeter cabinets with a contrasting dark island, creating visual depth. Three oversized pendant lights provide both task and ambient lighting, while recessed LED fixtures ensure even illumination. Black fixtures and hardware tie the modern aesthetic together, while natural wood tones add warmth to the contemporary space.

Effectively maintaining your landscape and trees take a good amount of time and effort. Often, homeowners will delay trimming or pruning their trees out of laziness or simply because they don’t know how to correctly care of their trees. But, you should know that tree trimming should be at the top of your to-do list for many reasons. Pruning, proper maintenance, and fertilization are all critical if you want the trees in your yard to thrive to grow strong. For homeowners that are unable to handle the tasks on their own, our professional tree trimming service can help. Five Star Tree Services has put together a list of the top three reasons why you need to trim your trees on a regular basis. Healthier Trees Regular tree trimming will keep your trees in their best health while also promoting growth. Sometimes trees may have dead or broken branches, removing them prevents decay and can even prevent an infection from spreading. If you leave damaged or rotting branches on your tree, it can spread the condition to other parts of the tree or even to other trees in the area. When you prune your tree on a regular basis, it also promotes the growth of new leaves and branches. Reducing the thickness of the leaves and branches also opens up the inner part of the tree to the sun. Furthermore, air circulation is critical for a healthy tree and regular trimming ensures that your tree always has access to the fresh oxygen it needs to thrive. The healthier your tree is the better quality oxygen it will produce for the surrounding area. Improve Property Value Well-kept trees greatly improve the aesthetics of your home. Decaying branches or trees that are overgrown are not only unsightly and dangerous, but they can also have a negative impact on the curb appeal of your house. If your house is on the market, seeing an unkempt yard with untrimmed trees can leave potential buyers with a negative perception of your property. Keeping your trees trimmed and neat show that you care about your home and how it looks. Work hard for your property and it will turn the best profit when you finally sell. Prevent Environmental Damage Tree branches that are rotting or weak pose a safety hazard to your home and your family. Dead limbs or even overburdened are more likely to fall off of the tree and strike your home. There have been plenty of reports of dead or overly heavy branches suddenly falling on people as well. Trees that grow close to power lines also pose a threat if they are not trimmed on a regular basis. Limbs can grow too high or too long causing them to brush against the power lines. This may trigger a fire or even a power outage. Sick trees with limbs that are diseased are more likely to cause the entire tree to tip over. This can cause damage to your home, vehicles, or even a person if they are unlucky. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help If you are not sure about how or when to trim your trees, Five Star Tree Services is here to help. We offer a wide range of Toronto Tree Trim Services and pruning services for both commercial and residential locations. Our passionate team of tree care experts will keep your property safe and ensure that your trees are beautiful and can continue to grow in a healthy state. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more information about the services we offer.

The pool’s infinity edge was not well designed and did not function properly. Betz was able to resolve this by improving the water recirculation and installing a properly functioning auto leveller to maintain a constant level along the spill wall. Infinity pools are beautiful but, require special knowledge and techniques to ensure they work properly.

The pool’s infinity edge was not well designed and did not function properly. Betz was able to resolve this by improving the water recirculation and installing a properly functioning auto leveller to maintain a constant level along the spill wall. Infinity pools are beautiful but, require special knowledge and techniques to ensure they work properly.

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last. Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything. The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases. Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it. The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal. The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years. Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts. Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation. Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season. Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build. Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system. Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred. In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment. Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following: Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential. Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows. Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure. Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent. Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.