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.

John Neitzel
Family room library - large transitional open concept carpeted and gray floor family room library idea in Miami with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This living room is calming with the neutral colors but eye-catching with the use of dark woods in the shutters and chairs. The painted white fireplace gives it a modern-updated look. The stained shutters come in a variety stains and are a perfect solution for specialty shaped windows. Our shutters are flexible in design and let you decide how you want your shutters to operate and allows you to enjoy more view than ever before with louvers as large as 4.5” (plantation shutters). Our wood shutters have a satin coating, protecting them from common spills and making cleanup as simple as dusting with a soft, dry cloth. We have several types of shutters to match your needs and budget. We have FREE in-home consultation and FREE showroom appointments. You can also stop in our showroom anytime during our normal business hours. Our professional Design Specialists are never pushy and believe in putting the client’s needs first. Give us a call today to get started on your shutter project today. 317-273-8343 Showroom: 1159 Country Club Road Indianapolis, In 46234 M-F 9am-5pm *Evenings & Saturdays by Appointments

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

DARIS BROWN, WRITER If you think choosing the right shingle color is hard, you are not alone. With an endless array of colors to choose from, getting started can be difficult. But don't worry – we’ve got a great system to help you pick the perfect shingle color. If you are ready to look at shingles in a way you probably never have before, our three-step process can help you choose the color that works best for your home. Choosing By Style Before you can start flipping through a collection of earth-tone samples, you need to determine which shingle style best fits your home — and your price range. You don’t want to waste time falling in love with a beautiful shade of brown (let’s say hickory) if it’s not available in a style you like. Most homeowners are not aware that shingles come in different styles, including three-tab, architectural and slate-look. Three-Tab: These shingles have a traditional, flatter look and are considered the most affordable. They also are available in a wide range of colors. Slate: These asphalt shingles, as the name reveals, are meant to mimic the look of slate but offer the easy care and affordability of asphalt. They come in a variety of colors. Architectural: Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural shingles are manufactured with aesthetic appeal in mind. Layered to resemble wood shake, they are thicker and provide a more dimensional, interesting look than traditional three-tab shingles. Choosing By Features By comparing the available features, you can systematically narrow down your options to determine the best shingle available. Here are a few features to consider: Class 4 Impact Resistance – Do you live in an area of the country that experiences regular hailstorms? Class 4 impact resistant shingles deliver superior impact resistance to help protect your home during hail season. Algae Resistance – How humid is your region? Do you see roofs all around you with black streaks? Shingles manufactured with Scotchgard Protector help resist those ugly black streaks caused by algae. High Wind Rating – Do you get nervous anytime a strong wind blows? Shingles with high wind resistance, up to 130 mph wind speed coverage, are designed to stay put – and look good in the process. Comprehensive Warranty Protection – Do you want to feel secure with your investment? For maximum protection and warranty coverage, have a full roof system installed and receive an enhanced Premium Protection Period for total peace of mind. Extensive Color Palette – Are you tired of plain black shingles? Get ready for an explosion of color, as there are many different options available. Woodland Green, Desert Shake, Burnt Sienna and Pristine Oyster are a few of the many great colors you can explore. Choosing By Color By choosing shingle style and features first, you can significantly narrow your list of colors. Now go through your shortened list and pick the best color for your home. You could match the shingle color to your shutters or door. If you want to enhance your home, lighter-colored shingles can help make it look bigger. Finally, opposites attract. If you have a light-colored home, you can go with a dark roof, and vice-versa for a dark-colored home. The contrast will help your entire home pop. Don’t be afraid to spread out your sample boards and make a side-by-side comparison to help with your selection process. Likewise, don't hesitate to lean on the advice of your roofer. Years of experience and thousands of homes roofed make them a valuable resource for homeowners trying to choose the best shingle color. Choosing By Heart While many homeowners will go straight to color, taking a methodical approach often provides better results. Take a step back. Decide what style you truly like and what features are available, and the best color for your home will fall right into your lap. Visit AtlasRoofing.com for a quick start to your shingle selection process. Atlas offers a broad range of beautiful designer colors and styles, which makes it easy to find an exceptional shingle to boost your home’s curb appeal.

When your pipes burst, a toilet overflows, or you notice suspicious dampness, you need more than a plumber—you need an emergency plumber in Atlanta you can trust. Meet Atlantis Plumbing, a family-owned, trusted local company serving the greater Atlanta area with fast, friendly, and reliable plumbing services 24/7. Decades of Experience Rooted in the Community Established over 60 years ago and now with thousands of satisfied customers, Atlantis Plumbing has built a reputation on steady, dependable service. Their licensed professionals bring years of experience to every job, giving you peace of mind when you're dealing with urgent, unexpected plumbing disasters. 24/7 Availability When You Need It Most Emergencies don't wait for business hours—and neither does Atlantis. With around-the-clock service, including live operators ready to take your call, they ensure help is just a phone call away. Whether it’s the middle of the night or a busy weekend, Atlantis is on call and on site fast. Upfront Pricing and Honest Communication A plumbing emergency shouldn't add financial stress. Atlantis offers transparent, upfront pricing so you're never blindsided. Before any work begins, they'll provide a clear estimate—no hidden fees, no surprises. Speed Meets Expertise Emergencies demand swift action—but not at the cost of quality. Atlantis strikes the perfect balance: rapid response paired with the skilled, licensed professionals who understand the complexity of modern plumbing systems. Fully Equipped to Handle Any Crisis From burst water lines to sewer backups and leaking water heaters, Atlantis’s team carries the tools and know-how to address your emergency promptly: • Water leaks: Quick diagnosis and repair, including high water bill analysis. • Clogged drains and sewer issues: Advanced solutions ranging from snaking to hydro-jetting or camera inspection. • Sewer repair & replacement: Trenchless methods available to minimize disruption. • Water heaters: Repair or replacement—gas, electric, or tankless. • Polybutylene pipes: Experts in identifying and replacing this outdated material. • Gas leaks: Safe, professional response (after gas company clearance). Trusted Service with a Personal Touch Emergencies are stressful. Atlantis eases the burden with professional, courteous technicians who get the job done with respect and care for your home. Their approach is old-fashioned in the best way—friendly, honest, and dedicated to customer satisfaction. Multiple local voices have recommended them as the one plumber they’d always call. It's that level of trust that assures homeowners and businesses alike in times of crisis. Comprehensive Coverage Throughout Metro Atlanta Whether you're in Atlanta proper or surrounding areas—like Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, or Lawrenceville—Atlantis covers it. Their reach spans Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Dekalb, Cherokee, and more, ensuring emergency plumbing help isn't far when you need it most. Value Beyond the Emergency Atlantis doesn’t just put out fires—they help prevent them. With services like free high water bill analysis and long-term maintenance options, they add value that stretches well beyond the immediate fix. They offer senior and military discounts, plus financing with approved credit—helping ease the financial burden of unavoidable plumbing repairs. Hiring an Emergency Plumber: Why Atlantis Stands Out 1. 24/7 live support—get help when it counts. 2. Licensed, experienced plumbers—quality you can rely on. 3. Transparent pricing—know what you're paying. 4. Quick, efficient responses—fast relief without sacrificing standards. 5. Wide range of services—from leaks to sewers to water heaters. 6. Easy scheduling and flexible payment options—designed for your convenience. Sample Emergency Scenarios & How Atlantis Helps Your Basement Is Flooding at 2 AM A frozen pipe has burst, sending water everywhere. You call Atlantis. Their team answers immediately, dispatches licensed plumbers within the hour, stops the leak, assesses the damage, and begins cleanup and pipe repair—all before breakfast. Sewer Backup During Dinner Party Your main sewer line backs up, and your guests are greeting more than your cooking. Atlantis arrives pronto, uses a camera inspection to pinpoint the blockage, resolves it with hydro-jetting or replacement, and gets everything draining again—without using your yard as a trench. Unexplained Spike in Your Water Bill You notice a huge spike in your bill—but no visible leak. Atlantis sends a tech for a free high water bill analysis, finds a small underground leak, and repairs it promptly—saving you money on unnecessary wastage. Water Heater Fails on a Winter Morning No hot water on a chilly morning? Atlantis arrives, diagnoses the heater issue, and either repairs it or replaces it with a similarly warranted unit—serving gas, electric, or tankless systems with equal confidence. Outdated Polybutylene Pipes Start Failing You suspect your home has older polybutylene piping prone to leaks. Atlantis offers specialized inspection and replacement options, bringing your plumbing system back up to modern safety and reliability standards. Final Thought In crisis situations, you don’t want to waste time or money. Atlantis Plumbing delivers fast, knowledgeable, and compassionate emergency plumbing services across Atlanta. With fair pricing, skilled professionals, and full-service capabilities—from leak detection to sewer repair to water heater replacement—you’re not just hiring a plumber. You’re hiring peace of mind. When plumbing emergencies strike, remember: Atlantis Plumbing is standing by, 24/7, ready to restore order to your home or business.

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area

A depressing dark wooden kitchen gets a major face lift! As you can see from the before pictures, the kitchen was quite dark. Even during the daytime the lady of the house had to turn on the lights to work there. An exterior pergola on a much lower level prevented light from coming in the house and though the pergola was a favourite spot to seat in the summer the humidity in the air made it unbearable and the access to it was not very practical. So in essence the family had no real seating room either. My goal... to create a functional kitchen filled with light and an adjacent seating area. My challenges...the pergola was very low and, not enough space for a seating room...... So.....I came up with something I have never done before nor did I think possible. Using specialised equipment I lifted the existing pergola up all in one piece, without breaking it apart, then I raised the floor covered by the pergola to the level of the house and made an opening from the house to the pergola...Mission accomplished! Lots of light now coming in and more than enough space for the family seating area