We understood the customer's dream to remove an existing closet and several walls. We began with the removal of several structural walls and closet. We found that the previous contractor had incorrectly removed structural wood posts. We secured the structural integrity of the building with wood and steel. We proceeded to expand the opening between the Kitchen and Butler Pantry, which included relocating waste and water lines from the second floor. We upgraded the existing electrical and installed a 440-volt electrical system for the entire home. You can enjoy the illumination of the cabinetry and kitchen, by the pendant lights, recessed lights, under cabinet lights, and curio lights in the glass door cabinets, Note the brick pattern Subway tile from the counter top to the ceiling, in the kitchen and the Butler Pantry. Take special notice of the decorative tile area above the range. The chimney style hood was vented to the exterior. The unique sitting area, near the rear entry, was finished with beadboard paneling and wall cabinets up to the ceiling., trimmed with crown molding. General Contractor / Remodel: E D Enterprises, Inc. Michael Alan Kaskel Photography

We understood the customer's dream to remove an existing closet and several walls. We began with the removal of several structural walls and closet. We found that the previous contractor had incorrectly removed structural wood posts. We secured the structural integrity of the building with wood and steel. We proceeded to expand the opening between the Kitchen and Butler Pantry, which included relocating waste and water lines from the second floor. We upgraded the existing electrical and installed a 440-volt electrical system for the entire home. You can enjoy the illumination of the cabinetry and kitchen, by the pendant lights, recessed lights, under cabinet lights, and curio lights in the glass door cabinets, Note the brick pattern Subway tile from the counter top to the ceiling, in the kitchen and the Butler Pantry. Take special notice of the decorative tile area above the range. The chimney style hood was vented to the exterior. The unique sitting area, near the rear entry, was finished with beadboard paneling and wall cabinets up to the ceiling., trimmed with crown molding. General Contractor / Remodel: E D Enterprises, Inc. Michael Alan Kaskel Photography

We understood the customer's dream to remove an existing closet and several walls. We began with the removal of several structural walls and closet. We found that the previous contractor had incorrectly removed structural wood posts. We secured the structural integrity of the building with wood and steel. We proceeded to expand the opening between the Kitchen and Butler Pantry, which included relocating waste and water lines from the second floor. We upgraded the existing electrical and installed a 440-volt electrical system for the entire home. You can enjoy the illumination of the cabinetry and kitchen, by the pendant lights, recessed lights, under cabinet lights, and curio lights in the glass door cabinets, Note the brick pattern Subway tile from the counter top to the ceiling, in the kitchen and the Butler Pantry. Take special notice of the decorative tile area above the range. The chimney style hood was vented to the exterior. The unique sitting area, near the rear entry, was finished with beadboard paneling and wall cabinets up to the ceiling., trimmed with crown molding. General Contractor / Remodel: E D Enterprises, Inc. Michael Alan Kaskel Photography

We understood the customer's dream to remove an existing closet and several walls. We began with the removal of several structural walls and closet. We found that the previous contractor had incorrectly removed structural wood posts. We secured the structural integrity of the building with wood and steel. We proceeded to expand the opening between the Kitchen and Butler Pantry, which included relocating waste and water lines from the second floor. We upgraded the existing electrical and installed a 440-volt electrical system for the entire home. You can enjoy the illumination of the cabinetry and kitchen, by the pendant lights, recessed lights, under cabinet lights, and curio lights in the glass door cabinets, Note the brick pattern Subway tile from the counter top to the ceiling, in the kitchen and the Butler Pantry. Take special notice of the decorative tile area above the range. The chimney style hood was vented to the exterior. The unique sitting area, near the rear entry, was finished with beadboard paneling and wall cabinets up to the ceiling., trimmed with crown molding. General Contractor / Remodel: E D Enterprises, Inc. Michael Alan Kaskel Photography

We understood the customer's dream to remove an existing closet and several walls. We began with the removal of several structural walls and closet. We found that the previous contractor had incorrectly removed structural wood posts. We secured the structural integrity of the building with wood and steel. We proceeded to expand the opening between the Kitchen and Butler Pantry, which included relocating waste and water lines from the second floor. We upgraded the existing electrical and installed a 440-volt electrical system for the entire home. You can enjoy the illumination of the cabinetry and kitchen, by the pendant lights, recessed lights, under cabinet lights, and curio lights in the glass door cabinets, Note the brick pattern Subway tile from the counter top to the ceiling, in the kitchen and the Butler Pantry. Take special notice of the decorative tile area above the range. The chimney style hood was vented to the exterior. The unique sitting area, near the rear entry, was finished with beadboard paneling and wall cabinets up to the ceiling., trimmed with crown molding. General Contractor / Remodel: E D Enterprises, Inc. Michael Alan Kaskel Photography

This kitchen transformation allowed for more storage space and opened up the kitchen work areas. We removed the kitchen table and incorporated a round peninsula eating area. Doing this allowed for additional storage on the back wall. We removed fireplace and inserted a double oven and built in refrigerator on the back wall opposite the sink. We added panel details on the side walls to match the existing paneling throughout the home. We updated the kitchen by changing the tile flooring to hardwood to match the adjoining rooms. The new bay window allows for cozy window seating. We opened up the front entryway to open up the sight-line through the kitchen and into the back yard. The seldom used front entry closet was changed into a “hidden bar” with backlit honey onyx countertop when doors are opened. The antiqued mirrored glass is reflected from the back of the bar and is also in the paneled doors. Builder Credit: Plekkenpol Builders Photo Credit: Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Creative Communications, LLC

Greenberg Construction Location: Mountain View, CA, United States Our clients wanted to create a beautiful and open concept living space for entertaining while maximized the natural lighting throughout their midcentury modern Mackay home. Light silvery gray and bright white tones create a contemporary and sophisticated space; combined with elegant rich, dark woods throughout. Removing the center wall and brick fireplace between the kitchen and dining areas allowed for a large seven by four foot island and abundance of light coming through the floor to ceiling windows and addition of skylights. The custom low sheen white and navy blue kitchen cabinets were designed by Segale Bros, with the goal of adding as much organization and access as possible with the island storage, drawers, and roll-outs. Black finishings are used throughout with custom black aluminum windows and 3 panel sliding door by CBW Windows and Doors. The clients designed their custom vertical white oak front door with CBW Windows and Doors as well.

This adorable kitchen in Point Loma, CA is now open to the family room, small in spaces but united with a nature-inspired color palette. The kitchen went through an extensive remodel removing walls, raised ceiling, exposing the beam and a new glass door for the back entry and now this small kitchen feel open and spacious. The cabinetry features shaker elements―clean lines, plain trim, and little ornamentation― great for transitional decor. Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with the mosaic marble backsplash. Hidden behind the door panels is a 30” Subzero refrigerator/freezer integrated nicely to keep the kitchen plan, clean and understated. The corner sink is recessed back adding a nice detail but even more importantly a more accessible corner access to the kitchen windows. Accessories and details added to the kitchen cabinets give this chef everything she was looking for with a spice pullout, knife block pullout and rollouts to top off the new cabinets. When space is tight it is a great option for a small family to open up the walls and add a counter where the family can dine. On the walls, neutral gray painted create a soothing atmosphere. Adjacent to the kitchen was a cramped room that functioned as a workout room and laundry room. By changing some wall space, closing in a door and removing a closet the new space has great storage and is more open and functional for a quick workout. In the family room the fireplace was re-tiled with a concrete looking porcelain tile topped off with a rustic beam mantle. Combined with new home furnishings to make the most of a small space this new family room is both functional and a great place for the couple to spend time with each other on a daily basis and to entertain guest and a new space has been created with the feel of a comfortable cozy space for all to enjoy. Contractor: CairnsCraft Remodeling Designer: Bonnie Bagley Catlin Photogtapher: Jon Upson

Creme and tan shading on this bricked bathroom tile is accented with a narrow darker accent stripe. The tiled shelving offers storage and functionality.

Inspiration for a large timeless master beige tile and porcelain tile travertine floor doorless shower remodel in New York with raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls and a pedestal sink

A couple hired us as the professional remodeling contractor to update the first floor of their Brookfield, WI home. The project included the kitchen, family room entertainment center, laundry room and mudroom. The goal was to improve the functionality of the space, improving prep space and storage. Their house had a traditional style, so the homeowners chose a transitional style with wood and natural elements. Kitchen Remodel We wanted to give the kitchen a more streamlined, contemporary feel. We removed the soffits, took the cabinetry to the ceiling, and opened the space. Cherry cabinets line the perimeter of the kitchen with a soft gray island. We kept a desk area in the kitchen, which can be used as a sideboard when hosting parties. This kitchen has many storage and organizational features. The interior cabinet organizers include: a tray/cutting board cabinet, a pull-out pantry, a pull-out drawer for trash/compost/dog food, dish peg drawers, a corner carousel and pot/pan drawers. The couple wanted more countertop space in their kitchen. We added an island with a black walnut butcher block table height seating area. The low height makes the space feel open and accessible to their grandchildren who visit. The island countertop is one of the highlights of the space. Dekton is an ultra-compact surface that is durable and indestructible. The ‘Trilium’ color comes from their industrial collection, that looks like patina iron. We also used Dekton counters in the laundry room. Family Room Entertainment Center We updated the small built-in media cabinets in the family room. The new cabinetry provides better storage space and frames the large television. Laundry Room & Mudroom The kitchen connects the laundry room, closet area and garage. We widened this entry to keep the kitchen feeling connected with a new pantry area. In this area, we created a landing zone for phones and groceries. We created a folding area at the washer and dryer. We raised the height of the cabinets and floated the countertop over the appliances. We removed the sink and instead installed a utility sink in the garage for clean up. At the garage entrance, we added more organization for coats, shoes and boots. The cabinets have his and hers drawers, hanging racks and lined shelves. New hardwood floors were added in this Brookfield, WI kitchen and laundry area to match the rest of the house. We refinished the floors on the entire main level.

... DIY Tips continued 6. If you have a Bullfrog Spa (A or R series), while you drain the water in the hot tub, open all lower valves on your JetPaks to allow water to drain from each of these. Once drained, close the JetPak valves; 7. Use a wet vacuum or shop vacuum to vacuum the plumbing lines; on wet vacuums, use the blow setting first and then the suction setting; 8. Loosen them and disconnect the unions on the pumps and remove the plugs from the pumps; 9. When bone dry, clean the hot tub interior; 11. Add hot tub anti-freeze in the filter line; 12. Reattach the access panel; 13. Remove filter cartridge(s) and clean. Do not reinstall; ...more www.besthottubs.com

We received an inquiry from a client in Lindow End near Wilmslow Golf Club in the Cheshire stockbroker belt. They were restoring their home and were unhappy with the state of the Quarry tiled hearth under their log burning stove. We arranged a site visit to survey the tile and grout and provide a quote for restoring the appearance. The village is situated in what’s known as the ‘Cheshire Golden Triangle’ which is one of the most sought-after places to live in the UK after London. As a result, we often find ourselves in this area working on some very nice properties, so it wasn’t long before we were able to call in and survey the tiles. As you can see from the pictures the hearth was quite dirty and the grouting had discoloured from years of use of the wood burner. The work here was a minor part of their restoration which had included significant building work. We agreed a price to carry out the work, which should only take a day and were able to return the following week. Our first job was to cover the newly sanded and sealed wooden floors with dust sheets, so we didn’t mark them as we came in the front door to the lounge. We always try and make as little mess as possible and we are always as careful as possible. We then sprayed Tile Doctor Pro-Clean on the fire hearth tiles. This is a multi-purpose tile and grout cleaner which would make light work of the dirty tiles. The product was left to soak into the Quarry tile and grout for about twenty minutes before being scrubbed in. The hearth was a small area, so this was done by hand and then washed down with clean water. The dirty residue was removed using a wet vacuum then the tiles where wiped down with a clean micro fibre cloth. We then dried off the tiles using a little encouragement with a heat gun to speed up the drying process. Speed drying the tile and grout in this manor would allow us to complete the work in one visit. Once the tiles and grout lines were dry it was clear that years of dirt and soiling had stained the grout, so although no much cleaner it was clear more work would be needed to give the grout a fresh and consistent appearance. To address this issue with the grout we selected to apply a Sandstone Tile Doctor Grout Colourant. This is applied with a small brush and brushed it into the grout lines. It is quite a precise job but any colourant that goes onto the tiles is removed with a baby wipe before it dries. This process really transformed the look of the grout, the colourant also forms a barrier over the grout which will protect it going forward and make it easier to clean. The Quarry tiles were then given a coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating colour enhancing sealer. This brings out the best in the quarry tiles and adds protection against future staining which will be needed given its location. The client was very happy with the finish, in fact the hearth looked like it had been newly tiled, the impact of the recoloured grout was that striking. Sometimes the smallest jobs can be the most rewarding. Andrew Robb East Cheshire Tile Doctor

Studio 1049
Mid-sized cottage stone front porch idea in Jacksonville with a roof extension

A couple hired us as the professional remodeling contractor to update the first floor of their Brookfield, WI home. The project included the kitchen, family room entertainment center, laundry room and mudroom. The goal was to improve the functionality of the space, improving prep space and storage. Their house had a traditional style, so the homeowners chose a transitional style with wood and natural elements. Kitchen Remodel We wanted to give the kitchen a more streamlined, contemporary feel. We removed the soffits, took the cabinetry to the ceiling, and opened the space. Cherry cabinets line the perimeter of the kitchen with a soft gray island. We kept a desk area in the kitchen, which can be used as a sideboard when hosting parties. This kitchen has many storage and organizational features. The interior cabinet organizers include: a tray/cutting board cabinet, a pull-out pantry, a pull-out drawer for trash/compost/dog food, dish peg drawers, a corner carousel and pot/pan drawers. The couple wanted more countertop space in their kitchen. We added an island with a black walnut butcher block table height seating area. The low height makes the space feel open and accessible to their grandchildren who visit. The island countertop is one of the highlights of the space. Dekton is an ultra-compact surface that is durable and indestructible. The ‘Trilium’ color comes from their industrial collection, that looks like patina iron. We also used Dekton counters in the laundry room. Family Room Entertainment Center We updated the small built-in media cabinets in the family room. The new cabinetry provides better storage space and frames the large television. Laundry Room & Mudroom The kitchen connects the laundry room, closet area and garage. We widened this entry to keep the kitchen feeling connected with a new pantry area. In this area, we created a landing zone for phones and groceries. We created a folding area at the washer and dryer. We raised the height of the cabinets and floated the countertop over the appliances. We removed the sink and instead installed a utility sink in the garage for clean up. At the garage entrance, we added more organization for coats, shoes and boots. The cabinets have his and hers drawers, hanging racks and lined shelves. New hardwood floors were added in this Brookfield, WI kitchen and laundry area to match the rest of the house. We refinished the floors on the entire main level.

A couple hired us as the professional remodeling contractor to update the first floor of their Brookfield, WI home. The project included the kitchen, family room entertainment center, laundry room and mudroom. The goal was to improve the functionality of the space, improving prep space and storage. Their house had a traditional style, so the homeowners chose a transitional style with wood and natural elements. Kitchen Remodel We wanted to give the kitchen a more streamlined, contemporary feel. We removed the soffits, took the cabinetry to the ceiling, and opened the space. Cherry cabinets line the perimeter of the kitchen with a soft gray island. We kept a desk area in the kitchen, which can be used as a sideboard when hosting parties. This kitchen has many storage and organizational features. The interior cabinet organizers include: a tray/cutting board cabinet, a pull-out pantry, a pull-out drawer for trash/compost/dog food, dish peg drawers, a corner carousel and pot/pan drawers. The couple wanted more countertop space in their kitchen. We added an island with a black walnut butcher block table height seating area. The low height makes the space feel open and accessible to their grandchildren who visit. The island countertop is one of the highlights of the space. Dekton is an ultra-compact surface that is durable and indestructible. The ‘Trilium’ color comes from their industrial collection, that looks like patina iron. We also used Dekton counters in the laundry room. Family Room Entertainment Center We updated the small built-in media cabinets in the family room. The new cabinetry provides better storage space and frames the large television. Laundry Room & Mudroom The kitchen connects the laundry room, closet area and garage. We widened this entry to keep the kitchen feeling connected with a new pantry area. In this area, we created a landing zone for phones and groceries. We created a folding area at the washer and dryer. We raised the height of the cabinets and floated the countertop over the appliances. We removed the sink and instead installed a utility sink in the garage for clean up. At the garage entrance, we added more organization for coats, shoes and boots. The cabinets have his and hers drawers, hanging racks and lined shelves. New hardwood floors were added in this Brookfield, WI kitchen and laundry area to match the rest of the house. We refinished the floors on the entire main level.

A couple hired us as the professional remodeling contractor to update the first floor of their Brookfield, WI home. The project included the kitchen, family room entertainment center, laundry room and mudroom. The goal was to improve the functionality of the space, improving prep space and storage. Their house had a traditional style, so the homeowners chose a transitional style with wood and natural elements. Kitchen Remodel We wanted to give the kitchen a more streamlined, contemporary feel. We removed the soffits, took the cabinetry to the ceiling, and opened the space. Cherry cabinets line the perimeter of the kitchen with a soft gray island. We kept a desk area in the kitchen, which can be used as a sideboard when hosting parties. This kitchen has many storage and organizational features. The interior cabinet organizers include: a tray/cutting board cabinet, a pull-out pantry, a pull-out drawer for trash/compost/dog food, dish peg drawers, a corner carousel and pot/pan drawers. The couple wanted more countertop space in their kitchen. We added an island with a black walnut butcher block table height seating area. The low height makes the space feel open and accessible to their grandchildren who visit. The island countertop is one of the highlights of the space. Dekton is an ultra-compact surface that is durable and indestructible. The ‘Trilium’ color comes from their industrial collection, that looks like patina iron. We also used Dekton counters in the laundry room. Family Room Entertainment Center We updated the small built-in media cabinets in the family room. The new cabinetry provides better storage space and frames the large television. Laundry Room & Mudroom The kitchen connects the laundry room, closet area and garage. We widened this entry to keep the kitchen feeling connected with a new pantry area. In this area, we created a landing zone for phones and groceries. We created a folding area at the washer and dryer. We raised the height of the cabinets and floated the countertop over the appliances. We removed the sink and instead installed a utility sink in the garage for clean up. At the garage entrance, we added more organization for coats, shoes and boots. The cabinets have his and hers drawers, hanging racks and lined shelves. New hardwood floors were added in this Brookfield, WI kitchen and laundry area to match the rest of the house. We refinished the floors on the entire main level.

FRONT YARD: - Removed rip rap, existing pavers, and a large tree - Graded and prepped for a driveway extension and new walkway - Installed 1,000+ sq ft of Belgard Pavers (driveway + walkway to gate + front door entry) - Upgraded irrigation: trenching, PVC lines, new valves, and bubblers - Added new plantings BACKYARD: - Cleared 19 tons of granite + removed 1,100 sq ft of existing grass - Installed 1,476 sq ft of ultra-lush 80oz Daytona synthetic turf - Built a 14' custom BBQ island with travertine counters + stone veneer - Added 100 ft gas line, dual risers, and grill cut-out for a Green Egg - Installed Alumawood Pergola - Laid down 1,200 sq ft of 'Pearlescent' travertine decking in a 3-piece pattern - Added citrus trees, Italian Cypress, flowering vines, and more - Finished with landscape lighting

After two years of fighting with a failing pond liner, the resident decided to replace the liner in the pond. This 150’ x 115’pond sat above and flowed into a larger pond which was lined with PVC liner. We were replacing this with a 45 mil epdm fishsafe rubber liner. This presented a problem: there is no way to adhere the new rubber liner to the existing PVC liner in the lower pond. The solution was to pour a cement 18” wide x 2’ deep footing next to the wier damn between the two ponds in order to connect the two liners together. The old liner was placed on the top of the footing and a water-block sealant was used. The new rubber liner was placed on top and another layer of sealant along with stainless steel bars were laid atop the two materials in order to press them together to maintain a water-tight junction. A drain tile system was installed beneath the liner to relieve ground water pressure and vent off any gasses. Water tight seals also had to be provided for multiple plumbing penetrations through the liner. Non-woven geotextile planting media bags were used to prevent erosion around the perimeter of the pond. As the pond was landscaped with lawn and perennials, these had to be removed and preserved and maintained throughout the project in order to return them upon completion of the lining. All trenching work and removal of plant material was done by hand in order to maintain the surrounding landscape; great care was taken throughout the project in order to protect existing hard and softscape, so that upon completion, the area appeared almost exactly as it had been before work began. Photo by Larry Carnes