This was major rehab we completed for a client with special emphasis on the exterior. We replaced the worn out siding with James Hardie 8 1/4" lap siding, replaced the roof, rebuilt the existing deck, added a shade arbor and painted everything for good measure. We also did a full cosmetic rehab of the interior.

Concrete is a method for overcoming concrete's natural weakness in tension. It can be used to produce beams, walls, floors or bridge. The transformation of concrete into decorative concrete is achieved through the use of a variety of materials that may be applied in the design of the house.

Living room - traditional living room idea in Los Angeles

Aircon condenser coils are located in the outdoor unit and play an important role in releasing heat from your cooling system. When dust, leaves, dirt, and outdoor debris collect around the condenser, the unit has to work harder, which can lead to weak cooling, overheating, higher electricity use, and faster wear on important components. A professional aircon condenser cleaning service helps remove buildup from the outdoor unit so heat can escape more smoothly. This improves airflow, supports better cooling performance, and reduces unnecessary pressure on the compressor. It is especially useful when your aircon runs for long hours or the outdoor unit is exposed to dust, rain, and pollution. Regular condenser cleaning can help your aircon stay efficient, quieter, and more reliable. It also lowers the risk of sudden breakdowns and keeps the system working comfortably for daily use in homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented. On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent. Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining. Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge? The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic! To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home. Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

Amy Strode Interiors, Mike Ballard Construction, Ken Jobe Flooring, Tom Pfeifer Carpentry, Cody Weakly Painting, Fehrenbacher Cabinets, Restoration Hardware, Lea Matthews Furniture, Rug Merchant

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented. On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent. Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining. Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge? The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic! To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home. Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

“Remodel for the Neighbors” Judkins Park Project featured on “Renovation Nation” television show Description House lift and wholesale remodel of a structure that everyone called a teardown. This is one of four homes built in 1908, in an area where townhomes are on the march, and cottages on the way out. Challenge Everything in the house was ruined. On the outside the asbestos siding was crumbling, and the back addition was turning into a nurse log. There were rickety wooden stairs to get down to the back yard, disconnecting the main living space from the yard. Inside the kitchen floor was extremely weak and rainwater was sheeting down one wall. Inspiration We loved the history of the house and wanted to preserve the fabric of the neighborhood. There was great proportion to house. It had great structural bones with a box ceiling and beautiful inlaid floor. This was a move that you make from the heart, and it drove our decisions. Solution + Innovation We honored the spirit of the historic house, but added modern elements that fit the character, kept the relationship to the street, and the integrity to the other houses in the row. We lifted the house and built a full-height ICF insulated concrete form basement, then set it back down. We built an addition to achieve an interior staircase to connect the upstairs living space with the back yard which only added 8.5 feet in length to the house. We also created a hydronic heating system in the wood floor, making this a low load hydronic house. How is it sustainable? We didn’t tear down the house and instead made the best of what we had to work with. We recycled wood and used forest salvaged wood for the cabinets. We repurposed a laboratory sink as a bath tub, and made stairs out of Garfield High School bleachers that we salvaged from another project. The overall energy usage is exceptional. We skinned the outside with insulation before the new siding went back on. We added solar, best in class windows, and LED lighting throughout. The entire 2200 square foot house uses one 50-gallon water tank, and the house is heated with this one tank.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented. On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent. Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining. Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge? The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic! To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home. Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

This late 1980's home was brought into modern day by way of materials, appliances and a larger, more functional floor plan. The large Peninsula serves as an island, since the kitchen dimensions will not accommodate a large island. The previous layout included a 48" wide island which housed a cooktop, a weak downdraft hood and very little countertop space. The cooking surface being open on all sides was not desired in a home with three young children, and rendered the island unusable for activities other than cooking. The new peninsula layouts allows two cooks in the kitchen simultaneously, while the large peninsula keeps the kids out of the work triangle, but within the same space. During dinner prep, homework is done at the peninsula, allowing parents to do double duty- tutor and chef, at the same time. A warming drawer increases dinner prep ease, by keeping foods warm, allowing for more easily timed dinners. Photos- Briana Benton

Tyler Rippel Photography
Staircase - mid-sized transitional wooden floating staircase idea in New York with wooden risers

“Remodel for the Neighbors” Judkins Park Project featured on “Renovation Nation” television show Description House lift and wholesale remodel of a structure that everyone called a teardown. This is one of four homes built in 1908, in an area where townhomes are on the march, and cottages on the way out. Challenge Everything in the house was ruined. On the outside the asbestos siding was crumbling, and the back addition was turning into a nurse log. There were rickety wooden stairs to get down to the back yard, disconnecting the main living space from the yard. Inside the kitchen floor was extremely weak and rainwater was sheeting down one wall. Inspiration We loved the history of the house and wanted to preserve the fabric of the neighborhood. There was great proportion to house. It had great structural bones with a box ceiling and beautiful inlaid floor. This was a move that you make from the heart, and it drove our decisions. Solution + Innovation We honored the spirit of the historic house, but added modern elements that fit the character, kept the relationship to the street, and the integrity to the other houses in the row. We lifted the house and built a full-height ICF insulated concrete form basement, then set it back down. We built an addition to achieve an interior staircase to connect the upstairs living space with the back yard which only added 8.5 feet in length to the house. We also created a hydronic heating system in the wood floor, making this a low load hydronic house. How is it sustainable? We didn’t tear down the house and instead made the best of what we had to work with. We recycled wood and used forest salvaged wood for the cabinets. We repurposed a laboratory sink as a bath tub, and made stairs out of Garfield High School bleachers that we salvaged from another project. The overall energy usage is exceptional. We skinned the outside with insulation before the new siding went back on. We added solar, best in class windows, and LED lighting throughout. The entire 2200 square foot house uses one 50-gallon water tank, and the house is heated with this one tank.

Keeping your home safe is one of your essential responsibilities. That is because you will not appreciate someone walking into your home and making away with your property. There are various ways of improving home security, and from links such as https://www.officialtop5review.com/home-security-cameras/, you can find the perfect surveillance camera for your home. It is, however, good to know that other than the surveillance cameras, you will need a plan B just in case, and your plan B can be; Getting a dog Dogs have been serving humans for thousands of years helping out in many ways but most importantly, security. Digs have high smelling and hearing senses that can help you locate a burglar within your home who has managed to go past your cameras unseen. Note that a dog will not only find the thief but also protect you and your property by attacking the burglar. The good thing with dogs is that they can secure your home and prevent ant robbery even if you are not there. Getting better locks There are all kinds of lock in the market today, from the old locks that were built by locksmiths to technology influenced digital locks. You should be capable of selecting the right locks because, like any other product in the market, there are both good and bad locks. Note that a digital lock can also be faulty, especially if you purchase your system from the wrong developer. Most digital locks can be integrated and can be synchronized to work with the alarm and surveillance cameras as well. You will also need to change your locks after a while to prevent someone from mastering how to access your home. Making the house look occupied all the time Burglars will not find it convenient breaking into a house that is occupied. In most cases, they are interested in the valuables and don’t want to be interfered with. That is why most of them will come in the night when everyone is asleep or wait until no one is around. However, if you keep your home lively like it is always buzzing with activities, burglars will want to keep away for fear of getting caught. Conclusion Other security measures that have been used by many people include using alarms that are motion sensors. It is although proper to know that security systems can have their weaknesses hence for a more secure home, you will require to implement more than two security measures.

Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Denver

This condo is in an industrial redevelopment district in Jersey City, right across from Manhattan. Before, the dated wooden cabinets and black granite was not in synch with the modern loft look. Ceilings were low (7'2"), light was weak. The peninsula/breakfast bar under stairs was awkward, and the laundry jut out, making the entrance too narrow and claustrophobic. First, we raised the ceiling 7 inches, and straightened the sight lines, widening the entry to the condo. We then put down white hardwood floors, white acrylic cabinets from IKEA, Caesarstone quartz counters, and Bosch appliances. The laundry was brought into the kitchen. We also added a second 1 foot wide 9 foot long counter space with cabinets underneath, making this a galley kitchen. We used stainless legs and uppers to make the 2nd row of cabinets, which kept the kitchen from feeling narrow. We extended the kitchen into the living room, extending it 5 ft longer, and making it open concept and functional. The floating staircase was covered to keep it sanitary. Finally, we used a large format tile as backsplash, making clean up a breeze and put in LED undercabinet lights. The most expensive part of the project was raising the ceiling and straightening the entrance, which cost about $10,000. We splurged on Bosch 800 appliances, top of the line flooring (Mohawk Architexture), countertop (Caesarstone), tile (Porcelanosa), and doors (Ringhult IKEA) but managed to stay under $20,000 otherwise. The kitchen was part of a full renovation designed by the owner, and undertaken by Nazco Interiors.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zelmar-Kitchen-Designs-More/136528272620

Dave Bramlett Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean partial sun backyard landscaping in Phoenix with a fire pit for spring.

Client desire: Bring back the original splendor of the master bathroom in her 1905 four-square mansion, including a low profile bathtub for her mother, a separate shower for herself, and plenty of storage. Design challenges: The bathroom had been part of a poorly constructed 1960’s addition with a narrow passage and a substandard foundation resulting in a room that was always too cold. The original part of the house had a foot of concrete for the sub-flooring so we were unsure about the ability to move fixtures. The window size and location had to remain fixed due to architectural details on the outside of the home. Solutions: We removed the addition subfloor to repair the weak footings and added closed cell insulation. We widened the passage and added a floor to ceiling armoire and shallow base cabinets with a curved end for storage. Inside one of the base cabinets we concealed a new larger radiator and we added in-floor heat. Functionality and flow were improved by switching the placement of the vanity and bathtub. The arched doors throughout the house were the inspiration for the curved glass shower door, arched medicine cabinet, and curved cabinetry. The antique wall sconces were purchased by the homeowner on her quest to find lighting in keeping with the era of the home. But the pièce de résistance is the beautiful Carrera marble and basket weave tile flooring achieved by a master tilesetter who worked meticulously to create the perfect result from my design.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in San Luis Obispo