Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Whitney Jennings

Whitney Jennings writes for various online publications, focusing on topics in business, technology and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from North Georgia College and State University.

A backed up or blocked septic line or drain is not a pleasant thing to have happen in the home. There are some things you can try if a backed up or clogged septic line or drain occurs in your home. However, you must be very careful and call a plumber if you do not feel comfortable taking care of it yourself.

A clog can lead to mechanical problems and possibly replacement of the entire septic system. Clearing a clogged line is relatively easy...

Foul odors are also an indication of a clogged septic line. If your system is working properly there should be no odors...

A clogged sewer line can present a problem to homeowners. The unpleasant smell associated with a blockage can be almost unbearable. Obstructions...

Clogged pipes and/or blocked sewer lines can pose a serious problem. After all, if the plumbing isn't working correctly, the entire house...

Septic systems hold household waste and can become easily clogged if you flush the wrong thing down the toilet or drains. Once...

If you detect septic system odors, either outdoors or inside your home, there could be a variety of reasons for this. For...

Sewer drains don't often clog, but when they do, they can become quite dangerous. Clogs can cause water to rise up into...

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The Best Ways to Clean Out Blocked Septic Lines | eHow

ANTIOCH -- The work is over; now it's time to play and learn.

After almost two years of renovation, Special Haven is reopening a bigger and better version of its multisensory room for children with special needs.

The nonprofit will celebrate the project's completion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, with a ribbon cutting, Lego playtime with Bricks 4 Kidz, and performances by Elite Dance Studio and magician John Gardenier.

The room is located inside the Intuitive Healing Center, 213 G St.

Assemblyman Jim Frazier, D-Oakley, will be attending Sunday's event.

"Special Haven is filling an ever-growing need for the special needs community in Antioch and the surrounding areas," Frazier said in a news release.

The multisensory room, the first of its kind in East Contra Costa County, now has a lot of activities and specialized equipment aimed at stimulating the senses of those with autism, brain injuries, behavioral issues and developmental delays. It helps encourage learning, improve a child's focus and builds self-esteem, said Christine Schwab, a Special Haven board member.

"It provides access for a very fun and soothing, therapeutic experience," Schwab said.

The $36,000 addition, which was made possible by a grant and training assistance from the Christopher Douglas Hidden Angel Foundation, includes bubble tubing from the floor to the ceiling, a ball pit that includes lighting, a tactile corner, color-changing fiber optics, a stereo system for music and vibrations and a waterbed with speakers underneath.

The Antioch room is unique because it is open to the public, as similar rooms are usually attached to a school or hospital, Schwab said. The cost is $5 for a one-hour session.

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Celebration to be held for reopening of Antioch multisensory room

Homeowner Lynn Foster doesnt search for words when describing the renovation-and-restoration project that on Wednesday won her a Polly Earl Award from the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.

Its about a love affair rather than just a home. I fell in love with this house, Foster said about the top-to-bottom project at her landmarked Mediterranean-style house at 424 Brazilian Ave.

The lake-block house was designed in 1930 by noted society architect Maurice Fatio and christened Tradewinds, the name it bears today.

Foster accepted the award during a private ceremony that was held in conjunction with a meeting of the foundations trustees at the nonprofits headquarters.

The Polly Earl Award, established in 2005, honors small-scale, historically sensitive renovation projects. It complements the foundations Robert I. Ballinger Award, a similar award that honors projects carried out at large estates.

With a home in New York City, Foster, a retired investments executive, bought the house to use as her primary residence in 2011. She then worked closely with her two grown sons to hone ideas for the renovation. One son, John Claflin of Los Angles, is a screenwriter with professional experience designing homes. The other, Richard Claflin of New York, also is a screenwriter.

They turned to architect Patrick W. Segraves of SKA Architect + Planner, who had worked at the property 25 years ago.

We wanted to make the house 21st-century livable while keeping its integrity and charm, said Segraves, who pointed out original features such as the saltbox-style, the pecky-cypress ceiling in the two-story-tall living room and the Cuban-tile floors.

His plan included a 348-square-foot addition at the rear of the main residence that provided enough space on the ground floor for an en-suite third bedroom, which Foster uses as a sitting room, and a larger master bedroom above. Both rooms have views of the pool.

Completed in 2012, the yearlong renovation increased the size of the house to nearly 4,000 square feet of living space, inside and out. Overseen by contractor Benno Chip Janssen III and project superintendent Dave Elhage of Janssen Construction, the renovation replaced every window and door with mahogany-framed, impact-resistant versions.

Link:
Polly Earl Award honors owner for renovation of 1930 Fatio house

Sitting on a bench beneath an enormous 70-year-old magnolia tree in Norfolk, Va., I gazed across the waters of the Lafayette River. The huge cranes and derricks of busy Portsmouth and Norfolk harbors dominated the far shore. When the tree whose shade I was enjoying was planted, though, the view would have been far different, more bucolic, with tree-lined banks, extensive wetlands and sandy strands.

Behind me, the rambling Hermitage Museum has undergone an equally impressive transformation.

Details: Norfolk

Originally a five-room summer residence built for William and Florence Sloane in 1908, the house over the years was added to, remodeled and literally turned 90 degrees to accommodate the growing art collection of Florence Sloane, a transplanted New Yorker who came to Norfolk with her husband, who owned several nearby knitting mills. The house eventually became the family home, where the Sloanes raised their two sons. Today, the mansion contains one of the finest Asian art collections in the Southeast, as well as American impressionist paintings and a sculpture collection.

Its a hidden gem, said curator Colin Brady, who greeted my wife, Carol, and me at the front door on our recent visit.

Wed just driven up the entrance road that winds through the estates 12 acres of gardens, walks, woods and fields in a residential area of Norfolk. The drive gave us a sense of the place. The house is a 42-room Arts and Crafts structure built in the Tudor style, with Gothic- and Tudor-inspired rooms. In addition to the museum and gardens, the estate includes a Visual Arts Studio, where art courses and workshops are available to the public, and a Studio Artist Cottage, offering studio space to guest artists.

Florence Sloanes collection, which spans 5,000 years of art, started in 1901 with her sisters gift of a Japanese bowl. For the next 50 years, Florence would dedicate her life to the thoughtful acquisition of art, showcasing it in her ever-expanding and evolving home. And that collection remains here today, complete under one roof.

Brady took us first to the drawing room, done in Gothic revival style, with a hand-carved rood screen and a pipe organ, a Steinway piano and the family silver. Built in Philadelphia in 1922 and transported to Norfolk by rail, the room felt like something out of Elizabethan times with its oak paneling, half-beam ceiling, plaster walls and walnut floor. Mrs. Sloane wanted her house to be 500 years older than it actually was, Brady said. And thats certainly the feeling it conveys.

Evidence of Florence Sloane is everywhere. A handle placed unusually low on the drawing room door tells a story of its own. Standing only 4 feet 10 inches, Florence required latches that corresponded to her height. In the large painting of her with her Russian wolfhound, Zonoza, that hangs in the central gallery downstairs, the artist rendered the dog shorter than it really was so as not to accentuate Mrs. Sloanes diminutive stature.

The dining room is a hand-carved wood masterpiece. Artisan Charles Woodsend took three years to construct this room, which felt to me like the interior of a wooden sailing ship. The walls and ceiling are hand-cut wood. The large wooden table and other furniture are also hand-carved. A blue Persian carpet designed by Sloane graces the floor.

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Norfolk’s Hermitage Museum, home to an impressive art collection

SOUTHAVEN Boiling Point restaurant owners were boiling all right Tuesday when they discovered their popular restaurant virtually awash with water from burst pipes during the recent deep freeze.

"I found water at the front door," Boiling Point co-owner Chris Wilhite said Wednesday as clean-up crews from ServePro and Bedrock Construction surveyed the damage. "A frozen pipe burst in the kitchen area and the water was eight to ten inches deep when we came in the front door. We had total devastation in our office."

The water was not just contained to the kitchen. Flooding occurred extensively throughout the restaurant. Wet sheetrock and warped trim will have to be replaced.

A sign at the front door admonished would-be customers that the restaurant was "closed due to flooding."

"Luckily, the restaurant will be all right," Chris Wilhite said.

Wife Christina tried to be optimistic.

"We're still assessing damage," Christina Wilhite said. "Our plan is to be open by the weekend. The restaurant could be open by Friday. It may be a limited menu."

Wilhite joked it could be a "catfish special."

Catfish, of course, can swim.

Kim Derryberry, owner of Bedrock Construction in Hernando, said her business spent Tuesday and Wednesday across DeSoto County as they helped to repair damage caused by frozen pipes. "We've been busy."

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Frozen pipes sideline Boiling Point

Published: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, 4:56a.m. Updated 14 hours ago

The last chapters are being written in a saga that began when the Coursin Street flyover ramp was built from Lysle Boulevard into the Regional Industrial Development Corp. of Southwestern Pennsylvania's Riverplace City Center of McKeesport.

Ramp construction took out part of the parking lot at one of the Eat'n Park chain's oldest restaurants and prompted a deal to keep the diner in McKeesport, which involved investments by Homestead-based Eat'n Park Hospitality Group and county, state and federal governments.

It's really a commitment of us reinvesting back in the McKeesport community, Eat'n Park spokeswoman Becky McArdle said. We've been here for over 62 years, so we're really excited to continue to be here for another 62.

Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County approved $500,000 in December 2011 to facilitate the renovation and expansion of the restaurant's parking lot and other improvements along Lysle Boulevard.

More funding was obtained through a federal Community Development Block Grant, while Eat'n Park committed more than $1.1 million.

While Eat'n Park officials await action from the county about the outdoor renovations and expansion, interior improvements are nearing completion.

Group vice president for design and construction E. Andrew Dunmire said on Wednesday that everything was redone, from the floors to the ceiling. The soup and salad bar was expanded and moved from the right side of the entrance to the center of the dining room. A podium was placed at the entrance to help employees seat customers faster.

A few seats were removed to make more space for larger parties and families, with round conversation tables and reupholstered booths.

Other upgrades include new registers, kiosks and a bakery case. Restrooms will be renovated within a few weeks.

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Plans finally come together for McKeesport restaurant

Home > Environmental Training Courses > Surface Water Quality Courses > Pond Design

April 18, 2014 8:30am-5:00pm (Check-in time: 8:00am)

This one-day class is meant for pond owners, pond managers, landscape architects, engineers and anyone involved with the design, management or maintenance of ponds. This course is structured to help you make the proper decisions regarding the appearance, function or up-keep of your pond. Starting with design, learn how to build a pond, including the construction of embankments and dams and the selection and installation of liners. You will also learn how to create and maintain a stable shoreline, create and aquascape littoral benches, and optimize habitat for fish and aquatic wildlife.

"Pond Design is a helpful course because it provides practical recommendations based on factors including product and installation costs, likely failures, and recommended maintenance."

In terms of the long-term maintenance of ponds, whether constructed for stormwater, irrigation, fishing or aesthetic purposes, learn how to:

Properly select, use and apply aquatic pesticides to control invasive aquatic weeds and algae;

Make use of non-pesticide, environmentally friendly techniques to control invasive aquatic weeds and algae;

Design and implement a dredging project, including the proper navigation of the environmental rules and regulations; and,

Correctly select, size and install various types of aeration systems

Additionally, discover new ways to maximize the aesthetics and wildlife attributes of your pond using aquascaping and bioengineering techniques! This innovative approach combines landscaping and evolving engineering solutions to correct eroded shorelines, create and maintain stable and attractive vegetative shorelines, and integrate native, non-invasive, easy to maintain, and attractive plant species into the design of new ponds or the retrofit of existing ponds. Featured topics will include:

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Pond Design, Management and Maintenance ~ Rutgers NJAES Office ...

St. James, New York (PRWEB) January 09, 2014

Longos Landscaping and Masonry, the premier Long Island-based designer and builder of custom landscape & hardscape for homes and businesses, is keeping track of the developments in the area of eco-friendly fire pits for those homeowners looking to avoid burning wood. As detailed in a report on CBS News San Franciscos website, the San Francisco area has experienced over 20 Spare the Air days already this winter, the possibility that similar government action could come into effect in the Long Island region as the move toward green living continues. Spare the Air days involve the banning of burning of wood in fireplaces and fire pits due to heightened air quality concerns. Similar bans are beginning to spread throughout the United States and in Europe.

Nothing is as inviting as a roaring fire pit in the cool evenings of spring, early summer and fall on Long Island. Over the last few years fire pits, chimineas and even outdoor fireplaces have become more common in backyards across Long Island. While many burn composite logs that are readily available in a variety of stores, many more opt for the more natural warmth and effect of real wood. However, as with any organic item that may be burned, the smoke and ash caused by burning wood can be detrimental to air quality and contribute to concerns about the potential for acid rain from the fire by-products entering the atmosphere.

The most prevalent alternative is the use of natural gas or bio-fuels as these are abundant in nature and do not cause the deforestation that occurs when trees are cut down for firewood. Natural gas and alternative fuel fires require a refillable tank that is usually put somewhere inconspicuous but easily reached for refueling. Fires fueled by natural gas and bio-fuels are easier to start and extinguish, do not create floating ash and cinders that can drift off on a breeze and possible cause other fires and also do not put off the same fumes and residue. The last aspect is especially important in neighborhoods where houses are closer together and neighbors may not want to deal with fumes or floating, flammable debris.

The Longo Landscaping & Masonry team are experts at installing fire pits and backyard fireplaces and are able to advise clients on all aspects and alternatives to these backyard staples. Their expert staff can recommend alternatives fuel fire pit options, discuss the work involved in installing them and provide estimates for costs and work times. They strongly recommend that DIY-ers leave the installation of alternative fuel fire pits and backyard fireplaces to professionals who are certified in not only installing these intricate systems but also in ensuring that there are no leaks that could cause potential problems in the future. It is also strongly recommended that anyone looking to install any type of permanent fire pit or outdoor fireplace consult with local safety and government officials to understand what legal requirements may be needed prior to installation.

Longos Landscaping & Masonry, a Long Island family-owned company since 1980. Longo's Landscaping & Masonry Inc. is committed to excellent masonry and landscaping projects. Specializing in Landscaping & construction, Masonry, Driveways, walkways, stoops/steps, patios, retaining walls, waterfalls & ponds. With over 20 years of experience, we pride ourselves in making your homes in Suffolk and Nassau County of Long Island area more appealing. Each Landscape design is specifically done to our clients needs to increased property value or simply, just a gorgeous outdoor landscape that can make your property the best on the block. Find us on the web at http://www.longoslandscaping.com/ or call at 631.862.8605 for more information or to arrange for a quote.

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Recent Bans On Fireplace Use Due To Pollution Concerns In San Francisco Have Homeowners Considering Eco-Friendly Fire ...

24 hr Plumber Calgary 587-887-1880
24 hr Plumber Calgary 587-887-1880 http://calgaryplumberemergency.com Trying to find professional Plumbers who know what they #39;re doing and won #39;t charge you a...

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24 hr Plumber Calgary 587-887-1880 - Video

Plumbing problems are common in subzero weather, but master plumber Sam Stukel of Plymouths Horton Plumbing and Remodeling has some tips for homeowners.

A little trickle of water through faucets helps, said Stukel, who manages commercial plumbing at Horton and adds I do just about everything. Water coming through doesnt freeze.

In manufactured homes, heat tape is used on plumbing. When Horton crews visit manufactured homes with plumbing problems, often they find skirting pieces missing.

Siding can blow off the home, he said. That little bit of airhole can freeze pipes. It doesnt take a lot to freeze them up.

He was in a Plymouth Township Lake Pointe home Tuesday where the main bathroom was 25-30 degrees cooler than the hallway. Stukel recommends not dialing your themostat down too much in this weather.

The heats got to crank up to combat it, he said.

He had 35-40 more calls to get to late Tuesday afternoon.

We are just cranked up, Stukel said.

Horton Plumbing, in business since 1988, doesnt usually see that volume. Every five years or so you get a bad one, Stukel said.

Horton crews have visited mainly homes in this cold snap, along with a couple of dental practices. It is good for the plumbing business.

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Plumber: Heed tips to avoid frozen pipes