Chickstone Boulders at dusk with 2 LED brass night lights of 3 Watts each on a photocell timer. Lights were installed inside a 8 inch sized custom core drilled granite rocks to camouflage and protect them from physical damage by the garden maintenance people.

A full bottle of vinegar fell out of the refrigerator and the homeowner was not physically able to clean it up for hours, resulting in terrible etching and discoloration of the marble floor. I didn't take any before pictures, thinking even we would not be able to repair the damaged areas. Much to my surprise, not only did we get out all the etching but restored the original color as well! The floor is beautiful once again just like it never happened. We were able to save the homeowner thousands of $$$ in tearing up and replacing the marble kitchen floor.

A full bottle of vinegar fell out of the refrigerator and the homeowner was not physically able to clean it up for hours, resulting in terrible etching and discoloration of the marble floor. I didn't take any before pictures, thinking even we would not be able to repair the damaged areas. Much to my surprise, not only did we get out all the etching but restored the original color as well! The floor is beautiful once again just like it never happened. We were able to save the homeowner thousands of $$$ in tearing up and replacing the marble kitchen floor.

A full bottle of vinegar fell out of the refrigerator and the homeowner was not physically able to clean it up for hours, resulting in terrible etching and discoloration of the marble floor. I didn't take any before pictures, thinking even we would not be able to repair the damaged areas. Much to my surprise, not only did we get out all the etching but restored the original color as well! The floor is beautiful once again just like it never happened. We were able to save the homeowner thousands of $$$ in tearing up and replacing the marble kitchen floor.

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

For exterior, factory manufactured aluminium shingles were installed. Wrapped in one material, the architecture’s outline is unpretentiously high-lighted. These aluminium shingles are 90% recycled/recyclable. No scraping, coating, nor painting is required for the lifetime. It can be pin-point replaced should it get damaged. Aluminium’s physical property to reflect light, coupled with super insulation, provides comfortable interior condition without air conditioning. Additionally, this light-weight material has low carbon foot print for shipping.

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Frank Ooms
Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Austin

Photo: Richard Eriksson, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-2.0 Generic

A Sapele buffet with wine storage (on the back side to protect the wine from UV damage) provides a physical separation between the kitchen and the dining area while maintaining access to the beautiful view beyond the dining room. The furniture piece buffet is supported by bunn feet and is accented with ribbed glass. The wall sconces above the buffet have been painted to match the wall and provide both up and down lighting. To provide continuity to the support post, each post was wrapped in Sapele stained to match the cabinetry. WestSound Home & Garden magazine

LUXURIOUS BRASS WATERFALL FAUCET WITH CLEAR GLASS ROUND DISC Renovators have best engineered bathroom sink faucets you can find with all the features found only in the most expensive Faucets. HIGHLIGHTS - Finest, precision-machined solid brass construction - Protective PVD physical vapour deposition finish - 12 in. H x 7 in. dia. disk x 7 in. H from disk bottom to countertop - Easy grab single lever - Single hole design - Perfect for recessed and above counter sinks - Drain sold separately PACKAGE INCLUDES Modern solid brass joystick style handle Clear glass disc Supply lines Mounting hardware BUILT WITH LOVE Renovators Supply Manufacturing provides a variety of waterfall faucet replacement glass plates for you to play with. The sink is carefully wrapped and packed separately to avoid any damage during the transition. We offer you great value products for your money and a perfect way to spend wisely.

VICTORIAN HIGH TANK PULL CHAIN WHITE ELONGATED BOWL TOILET The old is the trendy now. People have started placing these vintage toilets in their bathroom for a traditional charm. All the materials used to manufacture this toilet are of highest quality - The one that lasts long! FEATURES Light Oak Hardwood High Tank Traditional Tank with a Flat Front Panel White Elongated Grade A Vitreous China Toilet Bowl Protective RENO-GLOSS finish resists stains PERFECT-HEIGHT bowl reduces daily body strain Includes mounting hardware, supply line and angle stop Stainless Steel Rear Entry Pipes with Brass coloured PVD Physical Vapor Deposition Finish Adjustable overall height 70 in. to 74 in. and rough-in 12 in. to 15 in. Wooden Toilet seat is sold separately 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE These are carefully wrapped to avoid any scratches or damage in the transit process. Renovators Supply offers you great value products for your money and a perfect way to spend wisely. We also provide 60 days guarantee with no fee.

Miami, for centuries since its discovery by early explorers, has lured new residents to its shores with the promise paradise in the Tropics. Located on the South Bank of the Miami River, and following the traditions of Tropical Living, this home designed by KI Architecture and Armando Montero R.A. LEED AP, incorporates design ideas that promote healthy living and mitigate Climate Change and Sea Level Rise threats in one of the most vulnerable areas in the Country. Miami and South Florida are often at the center of the Hurricane Track Forecast Cone and seasonal King Tides often flood streets. The resilient design ensures that disruptions due to natural disasters are minimized. The house structure and adjacent outdoor areas are raised above potential and future flood levels. The structure is hardened and protects the home from wind damage, and is capable of withstanding 180+ mph winds, and the home is designs to function off the grid using photovoltaic energy and other green strategies. Other incorporated sustainable strategies include capturing and re-using rainwater, treating sewage on site and reclaiming grey water to irrigate rooftop gardens and landscape, Roof tops not used for PV panels serve as green roofs and recreational decks that allow home vegetable farming even during flooded conditions. The house is also designed to maximize the well-being of the occupants by increasing the quality of air, water, natural lighting, and materials to create an environment that promotes physical and mental health.

Recently I was called to a house in the very small town of Marton in Warwickshire which is known for its proximity to the medieval “Marton Bridge”, which lies just to the north, crossing the River Leam. The entire downstairs flooring of my client’s house consisted of Quarry tiles apart from one room where the tiles had been covered by screed and then linoleum. Quarry tiles are a classic hard wearing tile used for both internal and external commercial and residential flooring due to its ability to withstand heavy usage. Reception areas, outdoor patios and porches, for example, are commonly tiled using Quarry. My client wanted to restore the covered floor back to its original state so that it would match the rest of the downstairs. Realising that this would be a complex and physically demanding task, my client decided to call in Tile Doctor to carry out the restoration. Removing the Linoleum covering was a relatively straightforward process, so I was able to do this relatively quickly. The main issue concerned removing the screed, which is far more difficult to remove, requiring a lot of physical scraping. Thus I opted to call in some extra manpower in the form of the Nottinghamshire Tile Doctor, Steve Carpenter. With the two of us armed with scrapers we set about removing the screed, taking extra care not to damage the Quarry tile underneath. Once Steve and I had scraped off as much of the screed as physically possible, I applied a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove & Go, a stripper with cleaning properties that is particularly effective at breaking down coatings such as adhesives, plasters and sealers. The product was left to dwell for ten minutes before I worked it into the stone with a scrubbing pad. After cleaning the tiles, I noticed a layer of grout haze on the surface of the exposed Quarry tiles, so I applied Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up to remove it. Once the cleaning process was complete I gave the floor a thorough rinse with clean water, before soaking up the resulting residue with a wet-vac machine. The first day of work was a gruelling 12 hours long, but I was very pleased with the results and left the floor to dry overnight. On day two I returned to finish the job by sealing the newly uncovered Quarry tiles, but not before using a damp meter to check that they were completely dry. Any excess moisture left on unsealed tiles can potentially effect the performance of any sealers that are applied. I sealed the tiles using Tile Doctor Colour Grow, an impregnating, colour-enhancing sealer which gave the surface an aesthetically pleasing shine, as well as durable protection against dirt and wear for the future. After two long days of work the job was done and the transformation was fantastic and highly rewarding to see, the house now has a fantastic looking Quarry tiled floor running throughout the entirety of the lower level. Mick Gayton Warwickshire Tile Doctor

VICTORIAN HIGH TANK PULL CHAIN WHITE ROUND BOWL TOILET The old is the trendy now. People have started placing these vintage toilets in their bathroom for a traditional charm. All the materials used to manufacture this toilet are of highest quality - The one that lasts long! FEATURES ADA and ANSI Compliant Toilet Old Fashion Antique Gravity Flush Upscale Design White Round Vitreous China High Tank and Toilet Bowl Protective RENO-GLOSS finish resists stains PERFECT-HEIGHT bowl reduces daily body strain Includes mounting hardware, supply line and angle stop Stainless Steel Rear Entry Pipes with Brass coloured PVD Physical Vapor Deposition Finish Adjustable overall height 74 in. to 78 in. and Rough-in 12 in. to 15 in. Wooden Toilet seat is sold separately 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE These are carefully wrapped to avoid any scratches or damage in the transit process. Renovators Supply offers you great value products for your money and a perfect way to spend wisely. We also provide 60 days guarantee with no fee.

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.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

The owners of this home came to us with a plan to build a new high-performance home that physically and aesthetically fit on an infill lot in an old well-established neighborhood in Bellingham. The Craftsman exterior detailing, Scandinavian exterior color palette, and timber details help it blend into the older neighborhood. At the same time the clean modern interior allowed their artistic details and displayed artwork take center stage. We started working with the owners and the design team in the later stages of design, sharing our expertise with high-performance building strategies, custom timber details, and construction cost planning. Our team then seamlessly rolled into the construction phase of the project, working with the owners and Michelle, the interior designer until the home was complete. The owners can hardly believe the way it all came together to create a bright, comfortable, and friendly space that highlights their applied details and favorite pieces of art. Photography by Radley Muller Photography​ Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services Interior Design by Spiral Studios​