Basement Refresh & Moisture-Resistant Upgrade This basement was showing signs of failing paint and moisture wear, so we tackled it the right way — no shortcuts. ✔️ Scraped and removed failing paint ✔️ Thorough TSP wash for proper surface prep ✔️ Repainted masonry walls with Sherwin-Williams Loxon (designed for basement and masonry conditions) ✔️ Removed old utility sink and installed a new, clean utility sink The result is a brighter, cleaner, and more durable basement space built to hold up long term.

Example of a classic dining room design in Philadelphia

Susie Fougerousse / Rosenberry Rooms
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Raleigh

Standard annual or mechanical Chimney cleaning for gas and wood burning fireplaces typically works to remove any type of buildup as well as checking for the structural integrity of the chimney. Maintaining an annual chimney cleaning will meet the national safety standard set by the NFPA, CSIA, IRC and NCSG, helping homeowners avoid chimney fires and blockages. Why does safety matter? Did you know that there was a chimney fire in Marengo in January? Or a chimney fire at a Peotone home at the end of March? Or a log cabin fire caused by the chimney in June? That’s just a few that happened in the past 7 months. Why Does a Chimney Cleaning Matter? Chimney sweeps also known as chimney cleanings, fireplace cleanings, or fireplace sweeps. Regardless of what you call it, it still means the same thing. Chimney cleaning for gas and wood burning fireplaces serve 3 key purposes: confirming structural integrity removing flammable deposits and obstruction-free assurance. Homeowners with gas or wood burning fireplaces benefit from each of these safeguards. The National Fire Protection Association addresses this directly through NFPA 211, a widely recognized fire safety code. The standard states that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents require inspection at least once a year for soundness, free from deposits, and correct clearances, with cleaning, maintenance, and repairs to be done whenever needed. This annual requirement applies equally to gas and wood burning fireplaces. Organizations including the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, International Residential code and the National Fire Protection Association each reference this standard as the requirement for home fire safety. Free 14-Point Certified Written Inspection Every chimney sweep completed through Superior Chimney includes a complimentary 14-point certified written inspection along with photo documentation delivered to you by email. This documentation gives homeowners a clear visual record of their chimney system. The written report covers the condition of the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, firebox, chimney crown, and chimney cap, among other components examined during a standard visit. Photo documentation captures each area so homeowners can review the findings independently of the technician’s verbal summary. Written inspection reports allow families to track the condition of their fireplace chimney system over time. Chimney Cleaning and Structural Integrity A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician, such as Superior Chimney technicians, visually examines the chimney from the top opening to the firebox below, gaining a full evaluation of the interior. When chimney rods and brushes pass through the chimney system, loose pieces of fire clay tile, damaged tile joints, or crumbling brick sometimes fall down into the fireplace. This debris can mean there is an integrity problem. By knowing this is a problem, will protect families and their homes. Now it’s time to take care of it and call in a certified chimney technician. Fireplace Cleaning and Creosote Removal Creosote, is the technical name for soot. Soot forms as a natural byproduct of burning wood. Smoke traveling upward through the chimney and leaves deposits of creosote along the interior walls. With every fire, a little more gets built up. The issue with creosote is that it is highly flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fires nationwide. Removing the buildup through regular chimney cleanings keeps a fireplace serviceable for continuous use throughout the spring, fall and winter seasons. Standard and mechanical chimney cleanings pay close attention to the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and firebox in a single service visit. Superior Chimney performs each fireplace chimney inspection using a no-mess process that protects the home during service. This keeps soot contained within specialized equipment rather than the living room. An Obstruction Free Chimney Several conditions create blockages within a chimney system. Bird, squirrel, bat and raccoon nesting material, feces, and debris frequently accumulate inside an unprotected flue, especially during spring and summer months when the fireplace sits unused. Excessive creosote accumulation or a collapsed chimney liner can restrict proper airflow. Homeowners that address obstructions with a chimney inspection will be able to maintain proper draft and ventilation with their gas or wood burning fireplace. This will reduce the risk of smoke backing into the home. Gas Chimney Cleaning Compared to Wood burning Chimney Cleaning Gas and wood burning fireplaces share the same annual chimney inspection requirement. Whether you are burning wood, gas or a “pile of shirts” there is still heat and flame that requires worthy firewalls to protect the home from heat transfer. Fire worthiness and checking the firewall integrity is priority. Wood burning fireplaces generate creosote that builds along the flue liner with every fire. Gas fireplace systems accumulate lighter deposits along with potential venting obstructions, since gas appliances rely heavily on venting for safe combustion byproduct release. Each system accumulates different residues that need attention. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician from Superior Chimney adjusts the specific cleaning approach based on fuel type. However, the same core safety elements apply: structural integrity, deposit removal, and clear airflow. What Happens During a Chimney Cleaning? A typical chimney inspection begins with a walkthrough of the fireplace and the chimney on top of the roof, allowing the technician to record any visible concerns the homeowner reported in advance as well as any new findings. The certified technician then covers the immediate hearth area with protective material before setting up specialized equipment designed to contain creosote throughout the cleaning and inspection. Chimney rods and brushes pass through the flue liner to loosen and remove creosote deposits along the smoke chamber, smoke shelf, and damper. The certified technician inspects each section closely for loose or crumbling firewall, cracked joints, or other signs of weak structural damage. A final walkthrough of the firebox and chimney completes the visual inspection. Photo documentation captures each component, and the certified written report is sent to the homeowner by email. This consistent process gives homeowners the documentation they need to compare year to year. Chimney Cleaning Safety Standards The table below summarizes the organizations that set national chimney safety standards, along with their specific requirements for fireplace chimney sweeps. NFPA211 National Fire Protection Association Annual inspection for soundness, deposit buildup, and correct clearances; cleaning and repairs completed as needed CSIA Chimney Safety Institute of America Certifies technicians through testing on chimney and venting system knowledge NCSG National Chimney Sweep Guild Establishes trade standards and best practices for chimney sweep professionals How Often Should You Schedule a Chimney Cleaning and Inspection? CSIA recommends scheduling chimney cleaning and inspection annually by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. This recommendation applies to gas and wood burning fireplaces, regardless of how frequently a household uses the fireplace and especially in freeze/thaw geographic areas. Regular chimney sweeps save lives, since a clean fireplace chimney rarely catches fire. CSIA encourages homeowners to rely on Certified Chimney Sweeps, as these technicians undergo regular testing on the complexities of chimney and venting systems throughout their careers. Frequently Asked Questions What is included in a chimney sweep? A chimney sweep includes the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and firebox, removing creosote while checking for obstructions and structural concerns throughout the chimney system (NOT the ashpit). How often should gas and wood burning fireplaces receive chimney sweeps? CSIA, NFPA, IRC and NCSG guidelines each call for chimney sweeps at least once a year for gas and wood burning fireplace systems. Why does creosote removal matter for fireplace safety? Creosote is highly flammable and builds along the interior walls of a fireplace chimney with every fire, creating conditions that lead directly to chimney fires when left in place over time. Creosote is unburned particles from the combustion chamber. Who should perform a fireplace chimney sweep? CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technicians complete fireplace chimney sweeps after passing regular testing on chimney and venting system knowledge, meeting the certification standard recognized across the industry. Does a fireplace chimney sweep remove animal nests and debris? No, a fireplace chimney sweep addresses soot and creosote, while significant nesting material, feces, or collapsed liner debris often calls for dedicated obstruction removal alongside the standard service. What does the free 14-point inspection include? The complimentary 14-point certified written inspection documents the flue liner, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, firebox, crown, and cap through photo evidence delivered directly by email for homeowner records. Choose Superior Chimney for Your Certified Chimney Inspection All service technicians completing chimney sweeps through Superior Chimney hold National Certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), reflecting the training standard recommended by fire safety organizations nationwide. Scheduling regular chimney sweeps to clean gas and wood burning fireplace systems protects a home from fire risk, preserves the structural integrity of the chimney, and keeps airflow clear for proper, continuous use throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule a chimney inspection at 877-244-6349.

Standing seam low slope metal roofing contrasting with wood and cement plaster finish. Garage door admits light both day and night.
Inspiration for a large modern multicolored one-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in San Francisco with a shed roof

playroom
Bedroom and small mid-century modern boy medium tone wood floor and brown floor kids' bedroom photo in Charleston with white walls

Demi Damash Deluxe Medallion 18" X 18" Bronze-High Polish, bronze latte mosaic blend grid (blend of metal,stone,glass) (also available in stone only field) Mosaics can be customized to meet your specified size requirement. Available in any metal/any finish www.metalcoattileandsigns.com

Inspiration for a large coastal family room remodel in New York

Photography by:Jon Hohman
Example of a mid-sized transitional guest carpeted bedroom design in Dallas with gray walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master white tile and subway tile marble floor and white floor walk-in shower remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Scott Braman Photography
Patio - craftsman patio idea in DC Metro

Not all garage doors are created equal. Dynamic Garage Doors are custom designed for each individual project. Our full custom design and manufacturing abilities allow us to create unique custom garage doors that naturally blend into each home's authentic architectural style. This Mid Century style carport was converted into a fully functional garage but presented a problem when it came time to retrofit it with a custom wood garage door. Since the ground was pitched at a sloping angle it required the need of a custom designed asymmetrical garage door that would compensate for the huge gap at the bottom of the garage door opening. Taking careful measurements was of essence to handcraft a garage door that would fit perfectly into the awkwardly shaped garage opening. Once everything was calculated to perfection our designers came up with a minimalistic Mid Century style garage door design that would complement the home's architectural elements. The answer was a fine-lined garage door design with horizontal tongue and groove slats in solid mahogany that were carefully stained to simulate and match the home's existing ipe wood accents. We opted for ipe-stained mahogany in lieu of real ipe to save the client on the custom garage door cost while still delivering a garage door that will last a lifetime and look like a naturally blended architectural element of the home. Enclosing the carport and adding a Dynamic Garage Door re-purposed and graduated a simple carport to a fully functional garage with a working automatic garage door. Investing in a custom garage door for this sloping carport will prove to return the investment at time of resale. Not to mention, of course, the curb appeal enhancement it gave the home.

Photo of a mediterranean backyard stone formal garden in Santa Barbara.

The SW-131S is the smallest sized oval freestanding and symmetrical modern type bathtub in its series. It is designed to look unique and simple, yet stylish. All of our bathtubs are made of durable white stone resin composite and available in a matte or glossy finish. Its height from drain to overflow will give plenty of space for two individuals to enjoy a comfortable relaxing bathtub experience. This tub combines elegance, durability, and convenience with its high-quality construction and chic modern design. This sophisticated oval designed freestanding tub will surely be the center of attention and will add a contemporary feel to your new bathroom. The SW-131S is a single person bathtub and will be a great addition to a bathroom design that will transition in the future. Item#: SW-131S Product Size (inches): 63 L x 31.5 W x 21.7 H inches Material: Solid Surface/Stone Resin Color / Finish: Matte White (Glossy Optional) Product Weight: 333 lbs Water Capacity: 92 Gallons Drain to Overflow: 13.4 Inches FEATURES This bathtub comes with: A complimentary pop-up drain (Does NOT include any additional piping). All of our bathtubs come equipped with an overflow. The overflow is built integral to the body of the bathtub and leads down to the drain assembly (provided for free). There is only one rough-in waste pipe necessary to drain both the overflow and drain assembly (no visible piping). Please ensure that all of the seals are tightened properly to prevent leaks before completing installation. If you require an easier installation for our free standing bathtubs, look into purchasing the Bathtub Rough-In Drain Kit for Free Standing Bathtubs.

This basement was designed to be a welcoming space for guests to visit and hang out. The new wet bar anchors the space and provides the perfect spot for a bite to eat and a pint of beer. To lighten up the space we installed all new lighting, painted all the panelling, and added custom built-ins. Other custom touches include a lighted window box made for the homeowner's Apothecary sign and a closet for a kegerator.

The kitchen of a new remodel mid-Century modern style home in Los Angeles California include custom High-gloss walnut wood cabinetry to the exposed ceiling with Natural wood feature, pure white Caesar stone countertops, backsplash textured ceramic tile 12"x4" high-gloss pure white going all the way up to the ceiling wrapping around the midcentury window above the cabinets. under cabinet lighting, Blanco anthracite diamond single sink , and Thermatron stainless steel appliances including 36" gas cook top and Thermion 30’ combination OF microwave, oven ,warming drawer and a wonderful Jenn air coffee system.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Home theater - eclectic home theater idea in Dallas

Spindly, asymmetrical chandelier with leaf and vine motif. Handcrafted of steel and polyresin. Hand-painted, distressed, "Persian White" finish. Uses six 60-watt bulbs. Includes ceiling canopy. Direct wire; professional installation required. 32"Dia. x 28"T. Imported. Boxed weight, approximately 17.3 lbs.

1950s bathroom photo in San Francisco