This tiny home is located on a treelined street in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver. We helped our client create a living and dining space with a beach vibe in this small front room that comfortably accommodates their growing family of four. The starting point for the decor was the client's treasured antique chaise (positioned under the large window) and the scheme grew from there. We employed a few important space saving techniques in this room... One is building seating into a corner that doubles as storage, the other is tucking a footstool, which can double as an extra seat, under the custom wood coffee table. The TV is carefully concealed in the custom millwork above the fireplace. Finally, we personalized this space by designing a family gallery wall that combines family photos and shadow boxes of treasured keepsakes. Interior Decorating by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

A 100-year-old farmhouse in Central Maryland was totally renovated and now sports a brand new RHEINZINK roof that gives it an authentic old-world look and feel. The property, which was originally a dairy farm, has been in the owner’s family since the 1920’s. The renovation involved gutting virtually the entire house and keeping only the frame. The asphalt roof, which had started leaking, was replaced with approximately 4,700 sq. ft. RHEINZINK’s PrePATINA graphite-grey Double Lock Standing Seam Panels. Fabrication and installation of the RHEINZINK panels was done by Hardin Construction, Union Bridge, MD. According to Craig Hardin, president, “The owner contacted me and said he wanted a roof on the house that would last for generations. We considered various metal material options but quickly settled on RHEINZINK because of its low to no maintenance and the color. The graphite-grey develops a nice patina that complements the house and makes the roof look like it’s always been there.” “Another factor that steered us toward RHEINZINK was their European detailing techniques,” Hardin said. “You don’t see any other metal roofs around here that have the kind of detailing and seaming techniques like this one.” Prior to doing the job, Hardin attended a how-to workshop at RHEINZINK America headquarters in Woburn, MA. The workshops, led by technical training manager Lou Rondeau, provide practical instruction in the installation of RHEINZINK roofing, façade and gutter systems. “These are hands-on sessions,” Rondeau said, “and they can really contribute to the craftsmanship of installers.” Hardin explained his approach to the project. “We’re a small company and I’m personally involved in the actual installation. Unlike larger companies with large crews that have to move fast, we really take the time to pay close attention to the detailing and finish work. This project is really distinctive in that regard,” Hardin said. In addition to the main roof, the RHEINZINK panels were used on the front porch, a screened-in back porch and a small, freestanding outbuilding. The stone outbuilding once enclosed a cold water spring where the dairy farm’s milk was stored. It now welcomes visitors to the property. The RHEINZINK distributor on the project was Sheet Metal Supply, Mundelein, IL.

New windows and doors, clear heart western red cedar siding, and a coordinated 3-part color palette freshened up the look of this mid-century ranch home. The goal was to reinforce the homes heritage and clean lines.

This bedroom and full bathroom are part of an adventuresome project my wife and I embarked upon to create a complete apartment in the basement of our townhouse. We designed a floor plan that creatively and efficiently used all of the 385-square-foot-space, without sacrificing beauty, comfort or function – and all without breaking the bank! To maximize our budget, we did the work ourselves and added everything from thrift store finds to DIY wall art to bring it all together. A partial double closet bar adds a little extra space while still leaving room for longer hanging clothes.

"We are specialists in commercial and residential roofing, providing timely and efficient roofing services in Foley. Our team is highly trained and has access to modern roofing equipment. They also use some of the latest techniques that leave you with an appealing and optimally functioning roof. While most roofing contractors focus on reducing their cost and providing the lowest price solutions, Southern Roofing Systems strives to provide its customers with high-quality services at affordable prices. We ensure to choose the highest-quality roofing material for our projects. You can confidently bet on a roof installed or repaired by us to serve you longer. Our top-notch services have put us on the map as one of the best roofing companies in Foley. Our vast knowledge in roofing and cumulative years of experience has produced remarkable craft in our field. We acknowledge that a roof is a vital investment, and our mission is to help our customers preserve that investment. Southern Roofing Systems of Foley is built on honesty, and we strive to run our operations professionally and dependably. We understand the significance of reliable customer services, and we ensure to provide all our clients with the best of these services. We proudly serve Mobile, Tillman's Corner, Semmes, Saraland, Satsuma, Theodore, Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, and our services include everything from commercial roofing to residential, and roof replacement to roof repair. Our full list includes Commercial Roofing, Residential Roofing, and Roof Repairs. Additional services include Roof Insurance Claims Services, Metal Roofing, Shingle Roofing, Storm Repair and Emergency Roof Repair, Tile Roofing, Slate Roofing, and Flat Roofing, to Roof Flashing repair and inspection. If you are in Foley and need any of these services, choose Southern Roofing Systems. Give us a call, and we will immediately schedule a quote."

Recently completed a tile roof repair project in Westlake, TX for a homeowner experiencing roof leaks and storm-related tile damage. The repair involved identifying broken and displaced roof tiles, inspecting the underlying roofing system for water intrusion, and restoring key areas of the roof to help extend the life of the existing tile roofing system while maintaining the home’s appearance and protection. Our team carefully replaced damaged tiles, repaired critical flashing areas, addressed waterproofing concerns around roof penetrations and valleys, and inspected the underlayment for signs of wear or moisture intrusion. Because tile roofing systems require specialized installation techniques, extra attention was given to preserving surrounding tiles and ensuring the repaired sections blended seamlessly with the existing roof. Tile roofs are common throughout Westlake and other luxury neighborhoods in Austin because of their durability, energy efficiency, and upscale appearance. However, severe hail, high winds, foot traffic, aging underlayment, and shifting tiles can eventually lead to leaks and structural damage if not addressed early. Common warning signs include cracked tiles, slipping tiles, water stains on ceilings, debris in valleys, or visible roof leaks after storms. For homeowners searching for tile roof repair in Westlake, clay tile roof leak repair, roof tile replacement, luxury roofing contractor Austin, or storm damage roofing services near Westlake, professional inspections and timely repairs can help protect the home while avoiding larger roofing issues in the future.

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

Exterior, brick, lime, limewash, painted brick, architectural finish

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

I think that many carpenters today consider nails and screws to be what holds a structure together. As a result, I think that many structures today are held together by little more than nails and screws. I often see knee braces bolted to the side of a post for a pergola when they should be positioned between the post and beam to take the load directly. Fasteners should not be load-bearing! They should be used to pin a piece of lumber into a position that allows it to shoulder the load directly. Nails and screws are fast. When used appropriately, they can keep costs down by reducing the time it takes to build something. But they are not the answer to everything. Joist hangars do little to stop a deck from pulling away from a house, just as nailing from the side is not a replacement for putting a post directly under a beam. On more than one occasion I've solved a challenging framing problem by employing lap-joints. I've used lap-jointed framing to build curves without having to bend wood, and in the example shown I've used them simply to avoid having to look at an unsightly beam underneath a raised section of deck. I cut notches half way through my beam where the joists will go, then I cut a corresponding notch into each joist that allows it to fit into the notch in the beam. This allows the joists to cantilever 'through' the beam, which gives me a number of advantages. Using this technique, I can build deck frames tight to the ground without having to rim the structure with joist-hangared beams. I can also use the cantilever to sculpt the edge of the deck into nearly any shape. As the lumber is locked in from every direction, it is also a far stronger joint than a joist-hangared butt-end, as it resists pulling away, and it is stronger than joist-on-beam because it does not allow for any twisting or 'flopping' of the joists. The beam and joist are locked together, and they each replace the missing pieces of one another, so there is no strength lost in either member. -Tyler Collins, Operations Manager

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

This large-scale luxury roofing project in Bradenton, FL involved the installation of a premium composite slate roofing system designed to deliver the high-end look of natural slate with superior durability and performance in Florida’s harsh climate. The property features a complex roof design with multiple elevations, hips, valleys, and dormers, requiring precision installation and advanced waterproofing techniques. Our team utilized aerial lift equipment to safely and efficiently execute the installation across all roof sections. Scope of Work Full tear-off and replacement of existing roofing system Installation of high-performance synthetic underlayment system (Enviroshake) Ice & water barrier and flashing integration at all critical areas: Valleys Dormers Roof-to-wall transitions Installation of composite slate roofing system (architectural synthetic slate) Custom fabrication and installation of: Ridge caps Hip caps Starter courses Precision detailing around: Dormers and windows Steep pitch transitions Multi-plane intersections Final sealing, fastening, and system integration per manufacturer specs System Highlights Composite Slate (Synthetic Slate Roofing) Lightweight vs. natural slate High wind resistance (ideal for Florida storms) Impact-resistant and long lifespan Luxury aesthetic without structural load concerns Advanced Waterproofing Full underlayment coverage with sealed seams Enhanced leak protection at all penetrations and transitions Complex Roof Execution Multi-level design with intricate geometry Tight, clean lines across hips, ridges, and valleys Seamless blending of elevations and roof sections Results The finished product delivers a high-end slate appearance with significantly improved performance and longevity. This system is engineered to withstand Florida’s extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and UV exposure—while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.