Saunders Real Estate Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Atlanta

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.

This recently completed three-sided fireplace surround provides a light and airy transition from the kitchen to the adjacent living space. The blue-grey Pacific Ashlar slate veneer supplied from K2 Stone creates the illusion of traditionally defined rooms while maintaining an open concept theme. The unique green veining of the Bianco Perla quartzite surround compliments the neutral, nature-inspired tones of the décor.

Who doesn't love a bold backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom? Utilizing Cast Glass for your backsplash versus traditional tile creates a unique accent - whether or clear glass or fused with color, the texture makes a bold statement. Featured texture is "Fault Ravine" on low iron glass.

This Poolside Kitchen & Entertaining Area includes an outdoor kitchen, unilock paver flooring in the kitchen and dining area, walk to fence gate and conservatory stoop, natural stone step from the sunroom, stone veneer from the conservatory egress window to the the back of the home from kitchen to the sunroom and wrapping around the sunroom, stone veneer on the kitchen cabinets facing outward and stucco on the back side around the egress window, 36″ grill in stainless steel, single side burner, wine caddy, two double access and one single stainless steel doors under the cabinets, and low voltage lighting to down light the counter tops from the pergola structure. This project also includes supply and installation of a pergola over the kitchen island constructed of oiled douglas fir.

At I'm The Man Services, we had the pleasure of transforming an ordinary backyard corner into a feline paradise designed for play, relaxation, and adventure. This thoughtfully crafted cat oasis features a multi-level enclosure with climbing ramps, perches, scratching posts, and plenty of vertical space for endless exploration. Durable yet stylish rope-wrapped steps add a playful touch, giving curious kitties the freedom to climb and roam. The outdoor area is landscaped with lush artificial turf, providing a soft, low-maintenance surface that’s easy on paws and easy to clean. Natural light filters through the clear corrugated roofing, ensuring a warm, sunny environment while keeping cats protected from the elements. The enclosed garden bed offers a slice of nature with carefully chosen plants and rocks, giving cats a safe taste of the outdoors. Every detail, from the secure wire mesh to the sturdy construction, ensures both safety and fun—so owners can relax while their furry friends live their best lives. This cat oasis is more than a play space; it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can bring joy and enrichment to both pets and their owners. At I'm The Man Services, we believe every project should make tails wag—and this one definitely does!

The West Town GreenStar Retrofit is a historic landmarked two-flat in Ukranian Village that was converted to an efficient, healthy, and modern single-family home, while keeping interior and exterior historic character details. Special emphasis was put on indoor air quality and indoor-outdoor connections. The design focuses on non-toxic materials, good ventilation, low energy and water use, and the biophilic health advantages of light and views of nature. The kitchen, work, and family zones have views of the sun-filled south garden, an oasis in the urban environment containing native plants and fruit trees, rain garden, vegetable garden, chicken coop, apiary, and a patio. Outdoor connection and daylighting are also optimized through the skylight on the top level which spills light down the staircase. The energy strategy began with thorough retrofit insulation and air sealing, and included high performance windows and doors, solar thermal (hot water) and solar photovoltaic (electricity production) systems which support electric vehicle (EV) charging and high-efficiency smart lighting and appliances. HVAC is supplied by a combination of radiant heat, mini-split heat pumps, and a conditioning energy recovery ventilation system (CERV).

Blending high + low, modern + traditional, colourful + calm, organic + industrial. A lower level family room incorporates a children's play area using organic + natural materials. Plants, children's original artwork + a play teepee complete with campfire adorn this space.

Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Boston.

This award-winning Platinum Smart-Heat™ series sets the benchmark against which all other outdoor heaters are measured, with nothing else that comes close in terms of technology, design, power, and efficiency. Designed with low-clearance, semi-enclosed spaces in mind, the award-winning Platinum Smart-Heat™ Electric & Gas series offers minimized light emissions and dedicated recess kits that allow these stand-out outdoor heaters to blend seamlessly into any environment. Available in both black and white, the elegantly understated Platinum Smart-Heat™ series combines superb style with sensational heating without compromise, delivering 25% more heat with a much smaller footprint than the best of any other competitors outdoor heaters. Featuring corrosion-proof 304 stainless steel chassis’ and Schott tinted ceramic-glass screens, these compact yet powerful outdoor heaters can be subtly placed practically anywhere with our dedicated wall, ceiling, and flush-mounting options. 
Blending beautifully with any environment, they also virtually fade from mind, with set-and-forget simplicity and complete heating control delivered by single switch activation and smart control compatibility.

Through The Garden installs in-ground fiberglass pools, as well as the coping and paver pool decks around them. Now capable of complete installation, we work with River Pools to supply and install the best quality, low-maintenance pools.

Inspiration for a traditional full sun backyard landscaping in Boston.

The Classico Patio Roof is our flagship, and for good reason. The Classico is an uncompromising take on the traditional wood-framed patio roof. It uses aircraft-grade aluminum for high strength, a baked-on finish for low maintenance, nylon head fasteners for beautiful design, and even decorative post covers and state-of-the-art engineering to ensure your new patio is as strong as possible. The Classico patio roof incorporates sculpted posts, header, truss ends, post covers, and even full-length trusses to provide the highest strength and most elegant patio money can buy. Plus, it’s still about half the price of a traditional wood-framed roof. Available with or without screen walls.

The Light Channel Mill Work LED features the Soft Strip Premium 2 (SS2P) 12 Volt inside a slim aluminum extrusion. The fixture uses 18.40 watts per 96 inches at 12 VDC. Features a 90 degree white diffuser lens that projects a clean line of light inside a 3/4 inch wood board and eliminates LED dots. Includes 4 spring clips per foot. Fixtures can be continuously linked end-to-end with plug-in in or flexible connectors for maximum of 300 inches before refeeding the power. At only 2.3 watts per foot, each foot of Light Channel contains 36 warm white (3000K) LEDs per foot, 80+ CRI, 115 lumens for good color rendering. The fixtures are powered by a 60 watt power supply, which is dimmable with an electronic low voltage dimmer. Quick ship lengths include 12, 24, 36 and 48 inches. Rated for indoor applications only. Sold in 2 inch increments up to 144 inch inches. ETL listed. Includes 5 year warranty. Made in USA.

The Living Room was fully paneled with a picture moulding at the top. Raised panels were custom cut to fit the layout supplied by the Architect. The low walls with the half columns separate the Living Room from the Entry and are paneled to match the Living Room.

At the outset, this project began with the transformation of a 2-car attached garage. The goal was to create a mudroom, an exercise room, and a breezeway to seamlessly connect the spacious detached garage with the main part of the house. Additionally, the project involved partial roof removal and the addition of a new front entry. But then came an unexpected twist – scope creep. We found ourselves veering away from the initial client-supplied architectural plans. After numerous consultations with the clients and several iterations of the design, we arrived at a significantly improved plan for the remodel and addition. Our journey commenced with the demolition of almost the entire former 2-car garage, making space for a new, oversized 3-car garage measuring 40′ x 28′. This garage was strategically placed between the existing house and the large detached garage. We introduced a custom low-sloped flat roof, designed to address historical drainage issues. To mitigate water pooling, we created a custom concrete step at the back corner of the garage, equipped with a sturdy metal grate that sits flush with the step. We also installed a PVC drainage system, commencing at the step and running beneath a newly designed patio, ultimately draining into the yard. These measures have significantly reduced water accumulation around the house. The new garage boasts several features, including Longboard aluminum siding, custom full glass garage doors, interior drywall finished to a level 4, an abundance of can lights, an epoxy floor coating, vinyl base trim, a new forced air garage heater, and more. The clients also requested a designated space for their three kids and their friends to enjoy, thus giving birth to the “Kid Zone.” We partitioned a section of the existing oversized garage, resulting in a space measuring approximately 22′ x 32′, brimming with entertainment possibilities. To enhance control over the temperature in the Kid Zone, we collaborated with our licensed HVAC partner to install a cold weather mini-split system. One of the most significant challenges was the modernization and consolidation of the home’s main electrical systems. We reconfigured and combined 6-7 different electrical panels into just two. One panel serves the main house, while the second is dedicated to backup power from a generator. These panels, along with the boiler for the in-floor heating system, are housed in a newly constructed mechanical room within the Kid Zone. Inside the main house, we completed various tasks, such as removing the ceiling in the hallway from the new garage to address prior water damage, improve insulation, and rework electrical and HVAC systems. We also replaced the ceiling from the front door to the base of the stairs, adding new can lighting and enhancing insulation. Skilled drywall specialists then installed and finished new drywall to a level 5 standard. The exterior of the house underwent a complete overhaul. Before installing new roofing on the entire house and garage, we modified an existing flat roof by adding custom lumber and plywood to enhance the pitch, preventing future ice dams. A new rubber roof was expertly installed on the oversized 3-car garage, and the flat roof section we re-framed. Our meticulous exterior team removed old white aluminum soffit, fascia, and gutters, replacing them with new framing to accommodate Longboard soffit material. This task was particularly challenging due to the age of the house and the non-standard wall and roof framing. Our skilled exterior subcontractors ensured a perfect fit. Near the pool area, we discovered severe rot and decay from years of water intrusion. After informing the homeowners, we ordered and installed five new commercial-style block framed windows and a custom 8′ high Anderson patio door. This involved careful removal and replacement of window headers from the outside to avoid disturbing the finished part of the house. We reframed the large openings to fit the new windows, and our skilled trim carpenters installed new walnut casing, base, and window sills. In total, we replaced around 900 lineal feet of soffit and installed approximately 32 squares of aluminum siding. The entire house was meticulously prepped, repaired, and painted according to the client’s chosen color. Throughout the project, we incorporated numerous custom touches and unique design elements, some of which you can see in the pictures. Our team also addressed various unforeseen challenges, from soil issues to rot and decay repair, roof leaks, drainage problems, electrical and HVAC complexities, and much more. At Xpand Inc., we take pride in making it all happen, turning your remodeling and renovation dreams into reality.

The Light Channel Mill Work LED features the Soft Strip Premium 2 (SS2P) 12 Volt inside a slim aluminum extrusion. The fixture uses 18.40 watts per 96 inches at 12 VDC. Features a 90 degree white clear lens provides a clean line of light projection. Includes 4 spring clips per foot. Fixtures can be continuously linked end-to-end with plug-in in or flexible connectors for maximum of 300 inches before refeeding the power. At only 2.3 watts per foot, each foot of Light Channel contains 36 warm white (3000K) LEDs per foot, 80+ CRI, 115 lumens for good color rendering. The fixtures are powered by a 60 watt power supply, which is dimmable with an electronic low voltage dimmer. Quick ship lengths include 12, 24, 36 and 48 inches. Rated for indoor applications only. Sold in 2 inch increments up to 144 inch inches. ETL listed. Includes 5 year warranty. Made in USA.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

This is an example of a rustic full sun backyard stone landscaping in Boston.