The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood. Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit. These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees. Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership. Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality. The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months. The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design. Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family. Project Goals Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs. Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs. Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts. Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive. Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm. Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable. Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting. Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes. Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes. Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood. Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit. These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees. Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership. Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality. The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months. The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design. Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family. Project Goals Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs. Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs. Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts. Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive. Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm. Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable. Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting. Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes. Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes. Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior design.

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last. Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything. The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases. Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it. The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal. The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years. Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts. Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation. Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season. Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build. Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system. Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred. In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment. Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following: Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential. Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows. Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure. Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent. Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

The grey trend has evolved in the last twelve months. Nowadays browns, beige and a touch of grey are in demand. Greige is the new buzzword. Heavier hand scraped or contoured products, the rage that started around 2005 has taken a back seat in most areas, while a softer wire brushed "ceruse effect" seen mostly on White Oak has been remarkably strong showing no effects of becoming “dated” like the others mentioned. Ceruse Color Possibilities There are numerous color combinations to the "cerused" process with the most popular being white or off white. This design trend in hardwood flooring can have darker gray white oak with a mild ceruse off white effect. There are limitless possibilities in either a prefinished hardwood floor or with what we can create for you in a custom on-site finished hardwood floor. If something suits your fancy, contact us and we can work on creating just the look and sense of style you are looking for.

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Wall color: Benjamin Moore Pale Smoke. Basket: Pottery Barn Perry Paper Holder in Havana Weave. Accents: white mirror with white wall-mounted towel hanger with chrome hangers

Photography by John Gibbons This project is designed as a family retreat for a client that has been visiting the southern Colorado area for decades. The cabin consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms – with guest quarters accessed from exterior deck. Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). The project is assembled with the structural and weather tight use of shipping containers. The cabin uses one 40’ container and six 20′ containers. The ends will be structurally reinforced and enclosed with additional site built walls and custom fitted high-performance glazing assemblies.