Search results for "Required" in Home Design Ideas

This home, built in 1847, is the oldest included in the Lee County Historic Register. The master bath and kitchen had framing dating to the original build. Both rooms were out of square and plumb. The owners decided to tear out and square up. Had they not, the kitchen, with addition, would have a 5” slope across 25’. The entire home features original heart pine floors. The foyer floor had been refinished so many times that it required stabilization from below. The surface was so thin that it required the services of a specialist to sand before we refinished, saving the original floor. The second floor was added earlier this century and now required a large engineered beam to allow for the kitchen addition. The kitchen windows are now Marvin brand clad wood (TDL). If you look closely, you will see we used a rounded bead on the archway.
The daughter’s bath is contained in a very small space. We built the knee wall. The knee wall had to be beveled to accommodate the walk door swing and access the toilet. Rohl sinks were used in both kitchens and bathrooms, along with unlacquered Newport Brass faucets to allow them to patina to a beautiful and natural aged look. The new kitchen island countertop we installed is Honed Kronos Dolomite with smoked soapstone surrounds.
There is a new “hidden room” above the kitchen featuring a Murphy cabinet door entry.
The second flat roof floor deck, built over 20 years ago, had floor paver tiles that required a custom match. We sliced brick to achieve this.
This home site features a large oak tree. The owners appreciate the sensory enhancements it provides and are determined to preserve the backyard centerpiece. This necessitated an 18” from edge railing setback. The railing features a herringbone design which we rebuilt for proportionality following the edge setback.
This project required a rework of the massive roof valleys feeding the copper conductor boxes which was completed using 10’ PVC sheets, 6” copper downspouts and copper conductor boxes. We also added ½ round copper gutters with copper downspouts. We then added a steel frame with copper standing seam eyebrow roof over the 2nd floor balcony door.
The traditional tongue and groove front porch floor warped and buckled. We replaced it with sassafras wood after rebuilding the framing to accommodate the new flooring.
After extensive Building Science research, we installed 2 dehumidifying fans in the front porch crawl space to keep the porch floor boards smooth.
We found the original 18’X18”X16’ tall original columns had some rot. During repair, we found structural defects. Replacement involved placing the 4x4 iron posts on a concrete foundation. We built new columns of sassafras then wrapped the iron posts.

It’s important to make sure that all trees on your property are healthy and in good condition. This means hiring professional tree trimming services to maintain your trees yearly in order to keep them looking beautiful and healthy. In late winter or early spring is the best time to trim your trees. Doing so will help to improve the new growth that happens later in the spring. But fruit bearing trees and damaged trees can benefit from careful pruning in the summer. It takes an expert to skillfully trim trees during the summer without damaging them or causing harm and our team at Five Star Tree Services is just a call away to help you with your tree trimming needs!
Why Trim Your Trees?
By trimming your trees annually, this will not only open up your landscaping, which allows more sunlight to get to your property, but there are many other benefits.
These can include:
-Keep Trees Healthy and Promote Growth
When you trim your trees in the spring, before they start producing buds, this helps to stimulate more new growth, which helps to keep trees in excellent condition. This can be especially important for saplings as it encourages them to fill out nicely and in a controlled and structurally sound way. If you are not maintaining your trees properly, they can become too dense, which causes a bunch of problems. One being that it restricts the amount of sunlight getting to all the leaves and it reduces the amount of nutrient circulation needed to support the tree.
Professional tree pruning properly aids in tree growth and its overall aesthetic. Cutting off unneeded or unwanted branches allows other parts of the tree to grow easier. Ridding the tree of these extra branches also stimulates more leaf and fruit production.
-Increased Safety
Your landscape is affected when you neglect to take care of your trees, along with everything else on your property. If you have any dead trees remaining on your property, not only are you putting yourself at risk of injury, but you are putting your family, neighbours, pedestrians, and guests at risk as well. Dead or damaged branches can also be a hazard as they could fall at any time and impact with anyone standing too close to it, or it can fall on your house, which is another issue altogether, if it causes damage. Luckily, you are able to avoid all of this by simply having regular trimmings that will keep your trees healthy. You also need to make sure that all branches close to power lines are cut. This especially, should only be done by a trained professional in order to avoid potential electrocution.
-Increase Production of Fruit
If you are lucky enough to have a fruit bearing tree, it is especially important to have it professionally trimmed before and after it fruits. Doing so helps to improve its overall health and ability to bear fruit by getting rid of unhealthy branches. New fruit also develops and spurs for bearing fruit for the following year.
-Manage Spreading Diseases
Tree branches that are damaged tend to be prone to diseases which are able to spread to other plants and trees in your yard. Branches that are dead also have the potential to easily fall with any wind and especially during a storm. Severely damaged branches can even fall without reason. When you get your trees trimmed and pruned regularly, this prevents these things from happening. It also prevents spreading disease to other trees. Any disease branches should especially be trimmed if they are close to where kids play, people walk, or by doors.
-Increase the Value of Your Property and Overall Appearance
Continuous maintenance and trilling will improve the aesthetic of your property. It controls clutter and opens up the space of the landscaping. Meaning that the curbside appeal to your property increases. This is especially important if you are planning to sell your house, which will actually raise the value of your property. The first step in enhancing the appearance of your property is properly taking care of your trees. The first thing people see when they pull up to or go past your house is the trees. By simply pruning your trees you can make a good impression on potential buyers and your neighbours as well.
-Safeguarding Your Property
Owning a house is the biggest investment you will probably ever make. Making the effort to maintain and increase its value by keeping it in good condition should be your first priority. By trimming your trees regularly, you will be protecting your investment. Not to mention this also allows you to enjoy a nicely manicured property.
Why Professionals Are Essential
Professionals help to improve the health and overall condition of your trees. Trying to trim or prune your trees when you don’t know how can be detrimental. This is why hiring a professional, who has the right knowledge and tools, is better than trying to do it yourself.
-Cost-Effective
Think of it as a short-term expense for a long-term return on your investment. Allowing professional arborists to do your tree maintenance can potentially help to negate the costs of injuries attained from DIY home improvements related to trees, replacements and repairs.
-Skilled and Experienced
Real tools required for trimming a tree need to be handled properly and by the appropriate people. If a regular person were to try and use these tools, the end result could be injury and property damage. This is especially true for any trimming required around power lines. All professionals will have the right experience and skills required to wield these tools in a safe way. This minimizes the likelihood of hazards, injuries, and life-threatening incidents.
-Proper Tools
Heavy-duty chainsaws, ladders, and protective gear are all needed to safely and properly trim a tree. When you hire a professional, they have all the required tools and more. Meaning that you won’t have to go out and buy these tools yourself. As a professional, they also make sure that their tools are reliable and well-maintained in order to efficiently get the job done well.
-Insured
Professionals are also always insured with liability insurance when doing jobs to cover any damages or injuries attained while working. They are able to also provide a guarantee for the safety of your property and belongings while they are doing a job for you.
How Five Star Tree Services Can Help
Although trimming your tree might seem like an easy job, it’s always best to trust the professionals. Proper execution of the task requires the right skills, experience, and knowledge. Our team at Five Star Tree Services have all of this and more! Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to enlist us for all your Toronto Tree Trimming needs!

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each.
The enduring appeal of hardwood
Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice.
Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces.
Flooring for commercial spaces
Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere.
Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces.
The rise of engineered hardwood
For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications.
Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs.
Matching flooring to the space and use
Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs.
This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction.
The value of quality installation
For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use.
Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself.
Making the right choice
Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals.
Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come.
The bottom line
Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.
Find the right local pro for your project

## Professional Wallpaper Installation Lincoln Park Project
Wallpaper installation Lincoln Park requires expert techniques for this stunning greystone renovation. Lincoln Park's architectural heritage includes beautiful greystones, vintage condos, and historic buildings that demand specialized installation approaches respecting original craftsmanship.
## Materials and Products Used
We utilized premium vinyl wallpaper with fabric backing for durability. Additionally, commercial-grade adhesives from Benjamin Moore ensure long-lasting application. Furthermore, we applied specialized primers designed for vintage plaster surfaces common in Lincoln Park homes.
## Four-Step Installation Process
First, complete removal of existing wallpaper and surface preparation. Second, repair any wall imperfections and apply appropriate primer. Third, precise measurement and cutting with careful pattern matching. Finally, professional installation with seamless application and detailed finishing.
## Chicago Home Challenges
Chicago's harsh winters create expansion and contraction issues requiring flexible adhesives. Moreover, older Lincoln Park buildings often have uneven plaster walls needing extensive preparation. Additionally, potential lead paint concerns in vintage homes require certified safe work practices.
## Results and Quality Standards
Perfect pattern alignment across all seams creates seamless appearance throughout the space. Furthermore, moisture-resistant materials ensure longevity against Chicago's humidity fluctuations. The finished installation enhances the home's architectural character while providing modern durability.
## Professional Tips
Always test adhesive compatibility on small areas first. Moreover, control room temperature and humidity during installation for optimal results. Additionally, choose wallpaper appropriate for Chicago's climate conditions.
See more work and request free estimate at windypainters.com.
## Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does wallpaper installation Lincoln Park typically take for one room?
A: Most single rooms completed within one to two days including preparation, removal, and professional wallpaper installation Lincoln Park application.
Q: What wallpaper types work best in Chicago's climate conditions?
A: Vinyl and fabric-backed wallpapers offer superior durability against humidity and temperature changes affecting wallpaper installation Lincoln Park projects.
Q: Can you install wallpaper over existing painted walls in older homes?
A: Yes, with proper surface preparation and primer application, wallpaper installation Lincoln Park works excellently over previously painted surfaces.
Q: Do you handle complete wallpaper removal before new installation?
A: Absolutely, comprehensive wallpaper removal and surface preparation included in all wallpaper installation Lincoln Park project estimates and services.
Q: What preparation is required for vintage Lincoln Park home wallpaper installation?
A: Surface cleaning, repairs, lead paint testing if applicable, and proper primer application essential for successful wallpaper installation Lincoln Park.
Q: How do you ensure perfect pattern matching across large walls?
A: Expert measuring, cutting, and installation techniques guarantee seamless pattern alignment throughout every wallpaper installation Lincoln Park project we complete.
Q: What warranty coverage do you provide for wallpaper installation work?
A: All wallpaper installation Lincoln Park projects include comprehensive warranty coverage protecting your investment and ensuring long-lasting beautiful results.
Q: Can wallpaper installation work in Lincoln Park condos and smaller spaces?
A: Yes, we specialize in all housing types including condos, requiring precise wallpaper installation Lincoln Park techniques for optimal results.
Q: How do Chicago weather conditions affect wallpaper installation timing and materials?
A: We schedule wallpaper installation Lincoln Park during optimal conditions and recommend climate-appropriate materials for Chicago's challenging weather patterns.
Q: What makes Windy City Painters different for wallpaper installation Lincoln Park projects?
A: Local Chicago expertise, understanding of neighborhood architecture, and proven wallpaper installation Lincoln Park experience delivering exceptional quality results.

Wooden Classicism
Nesbitt House – Seaside, Florida
Architect: Robert A. M. Stern
Builder: O.B. Laurent Construction
E. F. San Juan produced all of the interior and exterior millwork for this elegantly designed residence in the influential New Urban town of Seaside, Florida.
Challenges:
The beachfront residence required adherence to the area’s strict building code requirements, creating a unique profile for the compact layout of each room. Each room was also designed with all-wood walls and ceilings, which meant there was a lot of custom millwork!
Solution:
Unlike many homes where the same molding and paneling profiles are repeated throughout each room, this home featured a unique profile for each space. The effort was laborious—our team at E. F. San Juan created tools for each of these specific jobs. “The project required over four hundred man-hours of knife-grinding just to produce the tools,” says Edward San Juan. “Organization and scheduling were critical in this project because so many parts were required to complete each room.”
The long hours and hard work allowed us to take the compacted plan and create the feel of an open, airy American beach house with the influence of 1930s Swedish classicism. The ceiling and walls in each room are paneled, giving them an elongated look to open up the space. The enticing, simplified wooden classicism style seamlessly complements the sweeping vistas and surrounding natural beauty along the Gulf of Mexico.
---
Photography by Steven Mangum – STM Photography

Snowberry / Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus
Photo: Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

photo credit GREGORY M. RICHARD COPYRIGHT © 2013
Arts and crafts exterior home photo in Other
Arts and crafts exterior home photo in Other

The garage becomes part of the garden by the use of a natural espalier... Grewia Occidentalis.
Photos by Caitlin Atkinson
Photo of a small transitional drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit for summer.
Photo of a small transitional drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit for summer.

Black chokeberry / Aronia melanocarpa
Inspiration for a landscaping in Minneapolis.
Inspiration for a landscaping in Minneapolis.

This was one of those special projects in which we were able to build not only a incredibly insulated and efficient home, but were also able to incorporate a bunch of custom woodworking, metal work, stone work and historical details into the project. We adhered to “Efficiency Vermont’s’ rigorous High Performance Home standards in the construction of this project. In addition, this was a Duplex and as a result required extra attention to special code requirements surrounding multi-family construction. We also tried to recreate the exterior details to match with the historical period of early Vermont.

This was one of those special projects in which we were able to build not only a incredibly insulated and efficient home, but were also able to incorporate a bunch of custom woodworking, metal work, stone work and historical details into the project. We adhered to “Efficiency Vermont’s’ rigorous High Performance Home standards in the construction of this project. In addition, this was a Duplex and as a result required extra attention to special code requirements surrounding multi-family construction. We also tried to recreate the exterior details to match with the historical period of early Vermont.

Uploaded to Houzz with written permission.
This is an example of a landscaping in Other.
This is an example of a landscaping in Other.

This Waukesha bathroom remodel was unique because the homeowner needed wheelchair accessibility. We designed a beautiful master bathroom and met the client’s ADA bathroom requirements.
Original Space
The old bathroom layout was not functional or safe. The client could not get in and out of the shower or maneuver around the vanity or toilet. The goal of this project was ADA accessibility.
ADA Bathroom Requirements
All elements of this bathroom and shower were discussed and planned. Every element of this Waukesha master bathroom is designed to meet the unique needs of the client. Designing an ADA bathroom requires thoughtful consideration of showering needs.
Open Floor Plan – A more open floor plan allows for the rotation of the wheelchair. A 5-foot turning radius allows the wheelchair full access to the space.
Doorways – Sliding barn doors open with minimal force. The doorways are 36” to accommodate a wheelchair.
Curbless Shower – To create an ADA shower, we raised the sub floor level in the bedroom. There is a small rise at the bedroom door and the bathroom door. There is a seamless transition to the shower from the bathroom tile floor.
Grab Bars – Decorative grab bars were installed in the shower, next to the toilet and next to the sink (towel bar).
Handheld Showerhead – The handheld Delta Palm Shower slips over the hand for easy showering.
Shower Shelves – The shower storage shelves are minimalistic and function as handhold points.
Non-Slip Surface – Small herringbone ceramic tile on the shower floor prevents slipping.
ADA Vanity – We designed and installed a wheelchair accessible bathroom vanity. It has clearance under the cabinet and insulated pipes.
Lever Faucet – The faucet is offset so the client could reach it easier. We installed a lever operated faucet that is easy to turn on/off.
Integrated Counter/Sink – The solid surface counter and sink is durable and easy to clean.
ADA Toilet – The client requested a bidet toilet with a self opening and closing lid. ADA bathroom requirements for toilets specify a taller height and more clearance.
Heated Floors – WarmlyYours heated floors add comfort to this beautiful space.
Linen Cabinet – A custom linen cabinet stores the homeowners towels and toiletries.
Style
The design of this bathroom is light and airy with neutral tile and simple patterns. The cabinetry matches the existing oak woodwork throughout the home.
40






