2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER Built in 1980, this single family home in Fairfax Station desperately needed remodeling. The homeowners cited lack of space, old appliances, dark cabinets and not enough natural light coming in as just a few of its problems. Design solutions to their problems included adding space via a two-foot bump out behind the breakfast area to make room for a larger table and more seating, and moving a wall out 18” to create a wider kitchen. This second move allowed one wall to house the kitchen’s pantry, double oven and refrigerator. Stainless steel professional-grade appliances also include an electric cooktop and range hood. The added space accommodated a center island which provides more storage, houses a built-in microwave and incorporates display cabinets for the owner’s prized china. Both the island and perimeter cabinets are topped with an exotic dark granite counter. A custom-made hutch matches the cabinetry perfectly. The new open concept design lets guests move freely between kitchen, dining area and family room. A triple window in the dining area and double window over the sink area meet the owner’s requirement for bringing in more natural light.

2011 CAPITAL COTY AWARD HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER Built circa 1980, a young couple with three children originally purchased this home for their growing family. After four years of karate, soccer, piano and other activities, however, the home was becoming too small to meet their needs. Problems started upon entering the front foyer. A 25-foot long dark hallway separated the family room and the kitchen, ending in a tiny powder room stuck in the middle of the layout. The kitchen was especially isolated, a cramped L-shaped design with a box bay breakfast bump out that was literally falling apart. The new design started with the core of the problem—the maze and separation created by the long hallways. First, the 25’ load bearing wall separating the foyer from family room was totally taken out and replaced with a long supporting beam. A French door replaced a small door and window leading to a screen porch . This action allowed lots of light to get into family and foyer. Then, the powder room was removed and the partition wall between the kitchen and family room was taken down. This created a large open concept design and greatly increased the size of the kitchen. The box bay was demolished and replaced with new walls and a large window. The plumbing for main sink and dishwasher got relocated into this box bay allowing a total transformation of the space. Now there are cabinets and counters on all sides. The doorway to the dining room was reconfigured to allow a butler area on its left. While the right side was occupied with new 36” gas range top with a decorative wood hood above it. The refrigerator, microwave/oven and pantries—the space’s tall elements—occupy one wall.. A large Island with a prep sink and beverage center for the kids occupies the center of the layout. Capable of seating up to four, family and friends can now keep the cook company. A large built-in desk area lets the kids do their homework so the parents can supervise while they prepare meals. Light cabinetry with a touch of caramel glazing and exotic granite countertops by our designers contributed to this kitchen’s elegant design. The contrasting distressed island’s darker finish matches the dinette set and other furnishings. New hardwood floors were installed throughout the first floor for a seamless look, while recess, pendant and task lighting make the space even brighter. Importantly, there’s plenty of space for parents and kids to hang out together. The kitchen is truly the heart of their home.

Did you forgot your keys inside your car and as a result, you cannot open the door? Don't fix it on your own if you don't have the proper knowledge and skills to avoid wasting time and money. We know that you are stress from head to toe. We can offer you immediate emergency action. We want to safeguard your valued belongings just as much as you do, that is why we do our best to provide you the ideal security that fits you. Our customers continued patronage and suggestions are a vital part of our growth. It is why we always give our best shot. We've got you on-call mobile locksmith technicians who can respond immediately to your emergency needs. They can work on quickly and efficiently assessing the problem and advise the best service. We make sure we're consistently giving excellent customer satisfaction. We will never leave until we are finally done doing our job. We have a proven track record providing quality service at an affordable amount. We make sure to deliver excellence on all of our services. We make sure to get the job done, the right way. We take great care to ensure that they will ultimately serve you. We are actually dedicated to providing excellent services and to respond in an emergency situation. Whenever you need questions regarding your locksmith problems, our prompt and honest customer service can provide the answers. Our services can be availed at reasonable prices. Drop us a call today! Key Cutting Monterey Park CA Car / Door Unlocking Monterey Park CA Car Key Replacement Monterey Park CA Lost Car Keys No Spare? Monterey Park CA Locked Out of Car / Home? Monterey Park CA Car Lock Out Monterey Park CA Lock Change Monterey Park CA Car Remote Programming Monterey Park CA Combination Locks Monterey Park CA Call Us: (626) 346-9192 Visit Us: http://626carkeychip.com/locked-out-of-car-home

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.

Photo Credits: BML Media
Mid-sized trendy l-shaped porcelain tile open concept kitchen photo in Dublin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, black backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The stoop had pulled away from their house by about 2 inches and the driveway, which was completely cracked throughout, showed signs of sinking about 6 inches and caused water to run across their walkway in the rain; however, many of their neighbors also noted that they were having similar problems with their stoops and driveways. : Since re-pouring the concrete presented us with the best opportunity for success, we began by re-grading the dirt so that it would have the proper pitch away from the garage and installed 2 inches of compacted crushed run material, before tying the rebar into the existing garage footer. From there, we built a 4-foot by 4-foot rebar grid throughout the driveway, and completed the process with properly-cured 4000 psi concrete. The stoop also required a complete replacement, so after removing the original stoop and discovering that it was not properly tied to the home, we built a new foundation with concrete blocks before drilling rebar into the house and concrete slab. From there, we filled the block cells with concrete before pouring a 2-inch concrete cap on top. To finish the project, we installed a selection of beautiful field stone and created a sturdy footer for the perimeter stone to sit on. To finish, since water control was also a problem due to the fact that the actual home sits lower than the curb, we decided to install a 12-inch by 12-inch landscape drain box at the corner of the walkway to divert all of the water from the driveway into this box. From there, in an effort to make sure the ground water would not compromise the integrity of the driveway, walkway, and stoop, we also connected the down spout into the underground drain system.

The dryer vent. Who is thinking about cleaning the dryer vent when we clean them every time we do laundry, right? Let me share with you what I discovered this weekend. I spent some time outside this weekend trying to do two things at one time. 1. Enjoy some of the sunshine 2. Spring Clean. Spring Cleaning As Spring cleaning is well underway, it seems like the leaves never went away from the Fall. In every corner of the home, there’s a pile of leaves wet and stuck to the ground. However, on the back side of the home, the leaves made its way from one side to the other. I knew this was going to take a while. As I reached the half way mark, I remembered that a family member was inside washing a load of laundry. I could hear the low sound of the dryer running. But wait…the flap is barely moving. Dryer Vent Cleaning #1 Benefit Let’s first discuss the #1 benefit of a dryer vent sweep. You get done with your laundry faster and your dryer unit lasts longer. If the dryer vent isn’t cleaned once per year, the hot moist air remains in the dryer and venting system. It takes longer for the dryer to complete its job. And…not very good for the life of your dryer unit either. Infrequent dryer vent service shortens the life of your dryer unit as it needs to work harder and longer to dry your clothes. The moist air can also get trapped in your clothes and leave a musty smell. All that work, and you’re right back where you started. Dryer Vent #1 Problem to Solve The issue of dryer vents is a real one. According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 13,000 home dryer fires are reported each year. 34% of those fires are caused by lint. Now that’s not to say that you don’t clean your dryer vent. You do. But lint has a mind of its own. Some light and fluffy lint gets past the lint trap and accumulates in the duct that leads to the outside. More Problems with Dryer Vents Because we want you to be fully armed with information, here are some additional problematic signs that can cause a dryer vent fire. Clothes are too hot to touch. Remember, there’s a cool down before you take the clothes out. When that’s still too hot, that’s a sign the dryer vent is clogged. The room with the washer and dryer, it’s also too hot. The dryer vent flap or slats outside isn’t working properly. If you also notice in the picture, lint and debris begin to make its way out of the slats or flap. That’s pretty full. Smell the dryer sheet. If you notice it doesn’t smell like the dryer sheet, there’s a clog. What Can a Homeowner Do? To begin, to check your dryer vent outside. Is it working properly? Is there anything overflowing outside? Next, throw in a load of laundry. Does it smell musty? A little or a lot? Is the dryer overly hot in the cool down? Is it running longer than it used to? If you get a slight yes to a full blown yes, then it’s time to get it cleaned by Superior Chimney. Give us a call at 877-244-6349 to schedule up your spring dryer vent cleaning. Smell like fresh spring!

The addition was envisioned to go west-ward. Unfortunately that direction goes downhill. This sunken living area / conversation pit solves three problems at once: 1) The owners asked that the new space be only partially connected to the house’s main living area, so parties could feel a sense of separation, without disconnection. 2) Stylistically, the owner leaned into more groovy / 1970’s / anti-modern aesthetics for the addition. 3) The Grooving Room is our take on the conversation pit / sunken living room, designed specifically for this house. This groovy typology solves the three problems above, and gives us an opportunity to embed a spirit to the new home. The steps appear on the right, and wind gently inward into the space, along color-filled planes of light and plants. Once seated, and surrounded by three walls of nature and color, I feel inclined to just sit and watch the outdoor light pass the time. Far out, man.

Inspiration for a huge timeless beige two-story stone exterior home remodel in Other with a clipped gable roof

We realize how much we need the help of a locksmith only when we misplaced our keys, locked car or home door with keys inside, or break our locks. Thus, we understand their purpose and role in easing our daily functions. Locksmith experts and locksmith services with 24/7 availability are required by almost all home and business owners as per their security needs. Availing the best services from a trusted locksmith service provider is the best way to go. Our locksmith company is committed rendering excellent locksmith services any time of the day including weekends and holidays. We are always available for any locksmith needs you have, no need to worry about your lost keys as we are here to help you through the day. High-quality services are what we guarantee you, starting from rekeying your lock. We are devoted in providing the best service you need. All your concerns will be addressed by our prompt and friendly customer agents, while our highly skilled locksmith professionals will always be ready to rescue you from your technical problems. Indeed, there are no tough issues they can't handle because of their experiences in this industry. Our company can provide the appropriate solution for the locksmith problem you are currently facing. With this, you can have the best partner to rely on when locksmith issues occur. Locksmith South El Monte CA Locks and Keys South El Monte CA 24 Hour Locksmith South El Monte CA Emergency Locksmith South El Monte CA Industrial Locksmith South El Monte CA Residential Locksmith South El Monte CA Commercial Locksmith South El Monte CA Automotive Locksmith South El Monte CA Call Us: (626) 986-0171 Visit Us: http://626cardoorunlocking.com/south-el-monte

We realize how much we need the help of a locksmith only when we misplaced our keys, locked car or home door with keys inside, or break our locks. Thus, we understand their purpose and role in easing our daily functions. Locksmith experts and locksmith services with 24/7 availability are required by almost all home and business owners as per their security needs. Availing the best services from a trusted locksmith service provider is the best way to go. Our locksmith company is committed rendering excellent locksmith services any time of the day including weekends and holidays. We are always available for any locksmith needs you have, no need to worry about your lost keys as we are here to help you through the day. High-quality services are what we guarantee you, starting from rekeying your lock. We are devoted in providing the best service you need. All your concerns will be addressed by our prompt and friendly customer agents, while our highly skilled locksmith professionals will always be ready to rescue you from your technical problems. Indeed, there are no tough issues they can't handle because of their experiences in this industry. Our company can provide the appropriate solution for the locksmith problem you are currently facing. With this, you can have the best partner to rely on when locksmith issues occur. Lock Change Commercial Azusa CA Lock Change Residential Azusa CA Lock Installation Azusa CA New Car Keys Azusa CA Panic Bar Fresh Installation Azusa CA Rekey Azusa CA Residential Lock Out Azusa CA Safe Lock Out Azusa CA Keyless Entry Locks Azusa CA Car Transponder Keys Azusa CA Call Us: (626) 986-0171 Visit Us: http://626cardoorunlocking.com/keyless-entry-locks

NightVision 25 window film on center window - exterior view
Example of a classic living room design in Other

Manila Pest Control Services by J&J is one of the most reliable pest control services in Manila City, Metro Manila. Our Goal is to be the # 1 Pest control company in the Philippines, we are aiming to exceed all of our clients expectations and deliver a 5-star customer service. Our certified Pest control technicians are always ready to help you! Every home is a place of rest and relaxation for the whole family. It is where we spend quality time and do whatever we want. The problem is, no matter how much we clean our homes, unwanted guests continue to pop up. Cockroaches, rats, ants, mosquitoes, we all want our homes rid of these pesky intruders. At Manila Pest Control Services by J&J, we help you deal with these annoying creatures and provide comprehensive treatments for pest infestations. Our team specialize in General Pest Control, Ant Control, Mosquito Control, Cockroach Control, Termite, and Rodents Control. We promise to find the root of your pest control problem and cut it off once and for all.

What is an ADU: Accessory Dwelling Units: An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” is a institutional-sounding name, but it’s the most commonly-used term across the country to describe this type of housing. While the full name is a mouthful, the shorthand “ADU” is better. ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit, as there are detached ADU, attached ADU, second story ADU (above garage or work shop), addition ADU, internal ADU. IMPORTANT: There’s simply too few permitted ADUs to make a real difference in the housing stock. But, even if they aren’t going to solve all a city’s problems, they may help homeowners solve some of their problems. The most common motivation for ADU development is rental income potential, followed by the prospect of flexible living space for multigenerational households. We at FIDELITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS, providing a single point of contact to homeowners interested in this product, from conceptual stage including plans, city legwork, project managing of the construction stage including assistance with material purchase and other coordination, all the way to completion. (this project showcases a detached ADU, 400 SQ.)

I was asked to take a look at restoring a Victorian Tiled Floor in the Cumbrian town of Barrow in Furness where the floor had been covered in black bitumen; the bitumen was so thick it was difficult to gauge the condition of the floor underneath. I did a test clean which came out well but I had to explain there could be tile damage and other hidden problems so very difficult to quote for however we agreed a date and price and I came back a couple of weeks later to do the job. Removing Bitumen form Victorian Tiles Removing the bitumen from the floor without damaging the tiles underneath was a slow process involving spraying on a strong solution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go, letting it soak in, applying steam and then carefully scraping off the bitumen. The floor was treated in this manner a small area at a time and a wet vacuum was used to rinse and remove the resulting slurry. This process took up the whole day and was completely successful at removing the bitumen, before finishing I gave the floor a thorough rinse with clean water and used the wet vacuum to dry the floor was much as possible before leaving. Sealing a Victorian Tiled Floor I had used a lot of water cleaning the floor so I agreed with the owner to leave the floor for a few days before sealing it so it could thoroughly dry out. When I did return I used Tile Doctor Colour Grow to seal the tiles, the customer had wanted a satin finish but having weighed up the options including the fact that there was a damp problem in the house I felt Colour Grow which is a penetrating and breathable sealer would have the best longevity. The customers were very happy with the results and before leaving we discussed aftercare cleaning, with sealed surfaces you have to be careful not to use acidic products as this can reduce the life of the sealer.

"We took bids from seven or eight companies to remodel our kitchen and bathroom. We had a whole list of improvements we wanted, from 'must-haves' to 'might be nice someday'. We selected TaylorPro Home Services for several reasons, but foremost among those reasons was that the owner, Kerry Taylor, provided us with a detailed breakout of labor/material costs for every option. Nearly every other contractor bundled up the costs of our optional tasks into a single number, which made it quite difficult to select the best options based on our priorities and budget. Kerry's highly detailed proposal wasn't the least expensive we received, but it was organized, thorough, and competitive. The second reason we selected TaylorPro was the demeanor and experience of Kerry himself. It was refreshing to talk to someone who actually gets his hands dirty rather than yet another designer with his head in a computer. (God bless the designers, though -- we had helpful conversations with many!) Kerry has a good design aesthetic, make no mistake, but it was clear that when problems inevitably popped up, Kerry would know how to address them. He is calm, personable, and competent. In other words, he is just the sort of person you want to work with. We can't forget to mention the TaylorPro crew. The first thing you notice is how youthful they are. Not a single gray hair among them. Yet after watching them work awhile, you begin to notice how extraordinarily skilful they are. It doesn't matter what is on the day's agenda -- electrical, paint, plumbing, drywall -- these guys tackle it all and do it exceedingly well. They aren't just putting in their time and collecting a check. They take terrific pride in the work they do, a quality that seems more and more difficult to find these days. They are pleasant to be around and I never heard a cross word among them. They took pains to keep the noise and dust to a minimum. They cleaned up at the end of every day, even those days when they put in extra hours and were obviously very tired. This is easily the best work crew we've ever had at our house. We should also mention that the subcontractors that TaylorPro uses are top-notch. The folks who laid down our new tile floor (Jeff) had every bit as much expertise and integrity as TaylorPro. They did an excellent job on both the flooring and the tile backsplash. These two elements receive compliments from everyone who visits our remodeled kitchen. (We wish Jeff would put his company on Angie's List so that we could give him the recognition he deserves!) In addition, the fellows who fabricated our Caesarstone countertop were also great craftsmen. They did a beautiful job. When we noticed a small blemish a few days after the countertop was installed, they came out immediately and corrected the problem. Nice! In summary, TaylorPro has lived up to all the glowing recommendations here on Angie's List. Our experience with TaylorPro is right in line with the others. They stayed on task, they communicated well, they stayed on budget, and they gave us more than we had any right to expect. We don't know a better compliment to give Kerry and company than this: when it comes time to remodel the upstairs bathrooms, we won't need to solicit seven or eight bids. We'll just call TaylorPro. " ~ Lysa & Mark W, Clients Photos by: Kerry W Taylor

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a homeowner in possession of a leaking roof must be in want of repairs. And though it makes for a fun Jane Austen allusion, an unreliable roof is a serious problem. Water can cause a great deal of damage in a short time, so this homeowner wisely called us in to help. The roof of this custom-designed home was leaking in myriad locations, so our team removed the existing roof decks to access and repair the exterior trouble spots. The new deck was constructed atop a Bison pedestal system; in fact, we custom-designed the deck in panels that can be lifted for seasonal roof sweeping and simpler maintenance. The various roof decks were rebuilt with both reclaimed decking and new ipe decking. Our team also removed several faulty parapet walls and replaced them with a mixture of stainless steel cables and ipe railings. Finally, we took steps to prevent future drainage problems by applying a sealcoat to the exterior stucco and creating a copper drip-edge too. Leaking roofs are no laughing matter, but thanks to Houseplay, this story — like Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — had a happy ending. Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

Hi, I’m Jordan. Before spending 20 years working for industry giants like Pulte, Lennar, Centex, and Beazer, I proudly served our country in Desert Storm/Desert Shield with the US Airforce. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Technology from Purdue University, and in 2002 I became the youngest VP of Construction that Pulte ever had. I was instrumental in building 40k+ homes and learned a lot from those experiences. I had the privilege of working directly with the external Building Science group to create industry manuals and became an expert in Building Envelopes. I take a diagnostic approach to problem-solving by understanding, identifying, developing a solutions roadmap, and coordinating the right team of specialists. I consider myself a realist when working within budgets and always respect the resale value of any work we perform.