The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood. Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit. These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees. Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership. Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality. The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months. The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design. Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family. Project Goals Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs. Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs. Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts. Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive. Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm. Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable. Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting. Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes. Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes. Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

Side view of a custom peninsula reef aquarium integrated into the open-concept layout of this contemporary New Jersey home. The peninsula-style design allows the aquarium to function as both a living reef ecosystem and an architectural divider between multiple areas of the home while maintaining open sightlines and natural flow throughout the space. The clean integration and multi-sided viewing angles create a strong visual focal point within the interior environment. Projects like this require careful coordination between aquarium design, structural planning, cabinetry integration, lighting placement, plumbing layout, and long-term maintenance accessibility prior to fabrication and installation. Custom aquarium design, fabrication coordination, installation, and ongoing maintenance by Aqua Creations.

This installation at a care home in the heart of Devon captures so many of the things that Vistafolia® is proud to offer. The green wall adds a beautifully realistic feature to an otherwise uninspiring brick space. Plants can have a soothing effect on those around them especially where real green walls are concerned: lack of sunlight can be prohibitive to growth and ongoing maintenance can prove to be painstaking. Step forward Vistafolia®, with a maintenance free solution that gives all the beauty of a green wall, without the hassle.

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood. Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit. These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees. Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership. Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality. The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months. The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design. Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family. Project Goals Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs. Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs. Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts. Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive. Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm. Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable. Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting. Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes. Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes. Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

-Ongoing maintenance services, including routine care for plants, trees, turf, and irrigation systems
Patio photo in San Francisco

Exterior home photo in Nashville

Inspiration for a landscaping in Nashville.

Custom built-in aquarium installation shown during the construction and setup phase prior to final aquascaping and livestock integration. This stage of the project captures the aquarium immediately following installation and system startup while surrounding finish work and final reef layout were still in progress. Projects like this require careful coordination between aquarium fabrication, waterproofing, cabinetry integration, plumbing systems, lighting placement, and overall construction sequencing. Documenting the installation process is an important part of large custom aquarium projects, helping coordinate contractors, fabricators, and trades throughout the build process. Custom aquarium design, fabrication coordination, installation, and ongoing maintenance by Aqua Creations. www.AquaCustomFishTanks.com

We were contacted by a homeowner in his mid-80s who decided it was time to retire his ladder. He was interested in a micro mesh gutter guard that would eliminate the need for ongoing maintenance. He already had 6-inch gutters, so we simply gave his gutters a tune-up by cleaning, resealing and resetting them so they would drain properly towards the downspouts. This home is located in Upper Arlington, Ohio

This vinyl privacy fence installation in Delray Beach provides homeowners with a durable and low-maintenance fencing solution designed for privacy and long-term performance. The project included a full backyard enclosure using high-quality PVC fence panels engineered to withstand South Florida weather conditions. Vinyl fencing is one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking for privacy, security, and a clean modern appearance without ongoing maintenance. Elite Fence and Gate installs vinyl fences, aluminum fences, wood fences, and custom gates for residential properties throughout Delray Beach and surrounding Palm Beach County communities.

Due to its deteriorating condition, the asphalt roll roofing on this ADU required replacement before the Fall rains. Asphalt roll roofing generally lasts only 5-10 years, leading to ongoing maintenance challenges. The original 1×10 sheathing showed significant sagging in several spots, resulting in standing water not suitable for asphalt. Additionally, there was a complete absence of ventilation after improper installation of R-21 fiberglass insulation, leaving no air gap between the sheathing and insulation. A noticeable hump along the center of the roof indicated that the load-bearing wall had been supporting that section since construction, contributing to light sagging between the walls. The old roof was completely removed down to the joists, revealing a solid base for the new installation. The central hump was eliminated by shaving the high point along that line. 2×6 beams were ripped in half then nailed on top of the existing joists, creating a 1.5″ gap for insulation and providing strong attachment points for the OSB sheathing, which was secured with screws to prevent any potential issues with nail heads popping through over the roof’s expected lifespan of over 50 years. The EPDM membrane was then adhered using glue and contact cement along the edges of each sheet, with the ends folded over the roof edges and secured with termination bars. Drip edge flashing was added and taped to ensure a water-tight seal, and EPDM-safe caulking was applied over the seams for additional protection. Finally, all exposed wood was primed and painted. The new roof features a 60mil commercial-grade EPDM rubber membrane, offering a lifespan exceeding 50 years, in stark contrast to the 5-10 year lifespan of asphalt roll roofing. Using two sheets of EPDM for installation streamlined the process, resulting in one single seam across the entire roof, compared to the asphalt roll’s dimensions of 3 feet wide by 33 feet long, which created 8 vertical seams and 9 horizontal seams—significantly increasing the risk of leakage and failure. Wrapping the rubber over the edge of the roof effectively addressed concerns about water infiltration at the edges, an issue prevalent with the asphalt and drip edge interface. Another benefit to removing the splitting 1×10 decking and replacing it with OSB sheathing is the increase in structural integrity, moisture resistance, longevity and consistency. The project successfully transformed the ADU’s roof from a maintenance-prone asphalt roll system to a highly durable 60mil EPDM rubber membrane. By addressing critical structural issues, including sagging sheathing and inadequate ventilation, the team ensured that the new roof not only offers superior water resistance and longevity but also meets higher performance standards for insulation and durability. The replacement process eliminated common weak points, such as numerous seams and poor edge sealing, which were vulnerabilities in the old roofing system. The result is a streamlined, secure installation that provides peace of mind and long-term value, with a lifespan extending well beyond the original roof.

Inspiration for an exterior home remodel in Nashville

A 20-year partnership creates a green space that is ever-evolving. Many of our clients continue a partnership with D. A. Dunlevy long after the initial design and build is finished. This elegant Potomac residence started the journey with stone walls and ornamental plantings being installed in 1999. Since then, we have provided ongoing landscape maintenance, as well as adding new elements that fit in organically with the original design. Most recently, D. A. Dunlevy designed and built a flagstone patio and fire pit, and put in additional plantings to expand the gardens. This project is a perfect example of how an outdoor space can change and mature over the years, and how implementing new design ideas can keep things fresh for the homeowners.

Living room view of a custom reef aquarium integrated directly into the architectural layout of this contemporary oceanfront residence. The aquarium was designed to create a shared visual experience between the bathroom and surrounding living areas while maintaining clean sightlines and seamless integration within the home's overall architectural design. Multi-room installations like this require careful planning between structural integration, waterproofing systems, lighting placement, plumbing coordination, and long-term maintenance accessibility. The finished system functions as both a living reef ecosystem and a custom architectural centerpiece within the residence. Custom aquarium design, fabrication coordination, installation, and ongoing maintenance by Aqua Creations. www.AquaCustomFishTanks.com

Modern Front Yard Transformation | Vancouver, BC This Vancouver front yard was completely reimagined to create a welcoming and architecturally inspired entrance that complements the home's modern aesthetic. The design combines large-format concrete slabs, natural flagstone pathways, custom landscape stairs, and low-maintenance ornamental plantings to create visual interest throughout every season. Strategic spacing between the pavers was softened with decorative groundcover plantings, helping blend contemporary hardscaping with natural landscape elements. The result is a clean, functional, and highly customized front entrance that enhances curb appeal while requiring minimal ongoing maintenance. Project Features: • Large-format concrete slab walkway • Natural flagstone pathway • Low-maintenance landscape design • Ornamental grasses and feature plantings • Modern curb appeal enhancement • Residential landscape construction Serving Vancouver, Langley, Surrey, White Rock, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and the Fraser Valley. Looking to transform your outdoor space? Contact Showcase Landscaping Inc. to discuss your next landscape project. #ModernLandscapeDesign #VancouverLandscaping #LandscapeDesign #LandscapeConstruction #FrontYardLandscaping #ModernGardenDesign #HardscapeDesign #ConcretePavers #FlagstonePathway #LandscapeContractor #CurbAppeal #OutdoorLiving #LuxuryLandscaping #ResidentialLandscaping #LandscapeArchitecture #VancouverHomes #HouzzPro #GardenDesign #CustomLandscaping #ShowcaseLandscaping

From the owner afterwards: Outstanding ! Jonnah & Kyla came out to walk around my property and LISTENED to my concerns and ideas, making suggestions that made sense. I gave them a wish list and a set budget and they came up with a plan before the end of the day. The end result is exactly the vision that I had in mind. Years of weeds completed cleared; my flower beds look brand new. Special shout out to Joe who worked steadily and carefully and was so good natured and dedicated throughout the project. I’m so looking forward to my next list of wishes and will be signing up for ongoing maintenance, too. Everything I hoped for and more…