Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The Texas Houseadded a potential wrinkle to Gov. Greg Abbott's special session agenda on Thursday, givingearly approval toa bill that would allow property owners to plant new trees to offsetmunicipalfees fortree removal on their land.

The initial 132-11 vote on House Bill 7, a compromise between builder groups and conservationists,is a replica of legislation from this spring'sregular legislativesession that Abbott ultimately vetoed,saying thebill did not go far enough.His preference: barring cities altogether from regulating what residential homeowners do with trees on their property.

I believe we can do better for private property owners in the upcoming special session, Abbott wrote in his veto notice.

Thursday's vote is yet anothersignal that the House is open to charting its own course on Abbott's 20-item special session agenda. Leadership in that chamber wasn't thrilled to be coming back for another legislative session anyway, after putting a fork in this spring's efforts by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Senate to pass a bill restricting bathroom use among transgender Texans.

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The vote also puts the lower chamber atodds with the Senates efforts to take on local tree ordinances, which exist in more than 50 cities in Texas.

The upper chamber narrowly passed a bill on Wednesday that aligns with Abbott's wishes; under that measure, which is opposed by conservationists and municipal officials, cities couldstill regulate tree-cutting on large-scale residential and commercial projects.

A similar version, authored by Rep. Paul Workman, R-Austin,is stuck in the House Urban Affairs Committee and it could stay there.

Well, since we passed [HB 7], I dont see it as likely that Ill bring it up, said state Rep. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston and the chair of the committee.

State Rep. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont and the author of HB 7, said the bill was the result of months of negotiations between developers, conservationists and city officials.He said his bill and laws that go further to undercut local tree ordinances could coexist.

This isnt a Republican or Democrat bill, this isnt a liberal or conservative bill, this is where people choose to live, Phelan said at a Tuesday committee hearing. They know its there when they decide to live there.

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ButThursday's Housevote on HB 7 stoked concerns from some of the lower chamber's mostconservative Republicans, who say theyfear HouseSpeakerJoe Straus is intentionally obstructing Abbotts special session agenda.Straus has repeatedly said he is conducting business in the House as he would during a regular session.

"I support the 20 items on the governor's call and am disappointed that the speaker has chosen to obstruct by stalling and moving bills that are outside the scope of the call," said state Rep. Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving, who voted against HB 7. He voted in favor of the same legislation during the regular session.

Phelan ackowledges his bill is a compromise but urged the House to act on legislation he said will provide much-needed relief to developers and builders across Texas. The bill must still pass one more vote in the House.

Not everyone got what they wanted, he said.

Read related Tribune coverage:

Dozens of cities and towns in Texas have ordinances aimed at protecting trees. During the special legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott wants to change that. [link]

Before he became governor,Greg Abbottwas asked to replant trees on his Austin property a regulation he has set out to axe during the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature. [link]

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House approves tree removal bill, breaking from Abbott and Senate - Texas Tribune

Snellvilles mayor and City Council updated an ordinance recently making the penalty for unwarranted tree removal by commercial property owners tougher on the purse strings.

The fine for cutting down trees without permission was previously $356 per tree, per day. Under the new measure, violators will pay $995 per tree, per day.

In spite of Snellvilles long-standing ordinances prohibiting the arbitrary removal of trees, we have recently had some violations of those ordinances, Councilman Dave Emanuel said of the ordinance. While some violators plead ignorance, I believe they were in fact subscribing to the philosophy that its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. It may be easier, but it will become a lot more expensive. We will also be updating all business property owners of our revised tree removal requirements and fine amount. Our intent is not to raise revenue, but to preserve our trees.

For the ordinance is to be successful, residents must notify the city if they see suspicious tree cutting at a local business, noted Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender.

Report suspicious tree removal to Snellville Planning Department at 770-985-3513.

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Snellville cracks down on illegal tree removal with hefty fine - AJC.com - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Tree removal over homes and near electrical wires is the most dangerous job performed by a tree service company. Giroud Tree and Lawn offers 10 Tips to help Philadelphia homeowners hire a safe and reliable tree removal service.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) July 31, 2017

When storms strike or a tree dies, homeowners inevitably have to deal the tough decision of hiring a tree removal company. Considered the most dangerous job performed by a tree service company, tree removal requires professionals with the knowledge and equipment to safely remove trees even in the most challenging locations. Giroud Tree and Lawn provides 10 tips homeowners can use to hire a reliable tree removal service to do the job right.

Choosing a tree removal company is a decision that can spell disaster or delight for a homeowner. The following questions will help in selecting a tree removal service that can perform the job safely and fit the homeowner's needs.

1.Experience: What experience does the company have in large tree removals; especially where a tree is positioned close to a house, fencing, or electrical power lines?2.Professionalism: Does company representative arrive on time for his appointment, dressed professionally with Company identification?3.Certifications: Is the Company representative an ISA Certified Arborist? Is the tree removal crew EHAP certified to work around electrical hazards?4.Safety: How will the property be protected from damage during the tree removal? Does the company employ crew members who are Certified Treecare Safety Professionals (CTSP)?5.Best Practices: Will the job be done according to ANSI A300 standards; the best practices in the industry? 6.Insurance: Does the company have a "Certificate of Insurance" that covers worker's compensation, property damage and at least $2,000,000 business liability in case of accidents? 7.Security: Does the Company do criminal background checks and drug test its employees?8.Crew Qualifications: Are personnel trained to work around electrical hazards? Does the company require its crew members to participate in continuing education and training in the latest techniques and safe working procedures?9.Track Record: Does the Company have references that to check for work completed in the local area? What is the company's standing with consumer watchdogs like Angie's List and Better Business Bureau?10.Ethics: What is the Company's policy on handling problems and ensuring the client's complete satisfaction?

"As the video of a challenging removal near power lines on a busy street in Philadelphia shows, tree removal is a science of logistics, weights and angles," explains Rob Nagy, ISA Certified Arborist with Giroud Tree and Lawn. "The most qualified company will have deep experience in all parts of the tree removal operation. Price is always a consideration but it should not trump the company's ability to do the job safely."

Before starting work, tree removal crews who follow best practices will assess the work area. The crew will set up the job to maximize efficiency and prevent property damage. Finally, the crew must evaluate the proximity of the tree and workers to electrical lines. Tree crew members should be specially trained to work safely around electrical hazards. By federal law, a crew cannot work within 10 feet of a live electrical wire.

When the tree removal operation begins, the angles at which limbs are cut and the weight of each tree limb becomes critical. Limbs that look small from the ground can actually weigh more than the family car when they are cut and lowered from the tree. The tree crew must understand how each limb will behave when it swings free from the tree plus the rigging and equipment required to safely lower it to the ground.

Every tree removal has a unique set of challenges, concludes Rob Nagy. "When research on each company's capabilities is done before making a hiring decision, a homeowner is more likely to have the job done safely and be satisfied with the end result."

About Giroud Tree and Lawn Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green . Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health. The company is Accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award every year since 2005. The "Giroud Treework for Charity" program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company's service area. For more information, visit the company website at https://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/07/prweb14548362.htm

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Tree Removal Can Be Dangerous: Giroud Tree and Lawn Helps ... - Benzinga

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Sewer repairs will block one Toledo street today and close lanes on another, the city transportation division announced.

Creekside Avenue will be closed just north of Sylvania Avenue, with no detour route posted, while Phillips Avenue will have lane restrictions between Haverhill Drive and Sylvania, officials said. Both projects are scheduled for completion by days end.

Also today, a Point Place tree-removal project postponed from last weekend will close 108th Street between 290th and 294th streets. That work also is scheduled to take one day to finish.

Go here to read the rest:
Streets blocked by sewer repairs, tree removal - Toledo Blade

Residents upset about the trees being cut down around the Barton Creek Country Club dont have much recourse at the course: the club is within Austins extraterritorial jurisdiction, and neither the city nor, with few exceptions, Travis County regulate what property owners can do with their trees there.

WatersMark neighborhood resident Debbie Courtney, who lives on the edge of the greens off of the golf course, said she was devastated to see a large oak near her home cut down.

They cut down a 100-year-old oak behind my house, Courtney said. They said it could cause problems with the greens, with fungus and stuff and the roots. Its all about making the turf better I felt a real kinship with this tree, and it wasnt discussed. I dont see the problem for the course; it wasnt that close to the greens. But theyre just whopping them all down.

Courtney is also on the architectural review committee of her neighborhood association, which is very strict about what residents can do with trees on their own properties, Courtney said. But they have no jurisdiction over Barton Creek Country Club.

I think its wrong, resident Sue Lowe said. I do understand having to keep the greens in shape, but they should have warned us. And I feel strongly that if they remove trees, they should replace them.

The club emailed its members a statement from its managing director David Jurcak, explaining that the taking down of the trees was necessary for the wellbeing of the course.

Over time, many of the trees on our golf courses began to impact the intended playability and proper conditions for turf growth, the statement reads. After much consultation and consideration, it was determined that in order to improve the playing experience some trees must be removed. It is simply impossible to grow grass under large canopies of shade.

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Residents bemoan tree removal - Austin American-Statesman

It is highly unlikely that youd find a property quite like this one on the local market today. Complete with 42 acres of lawn and woodlands including a 7-acre parcel, multiple stone terraces, and three distinct dwellings, this Boxford listing affords boundless possibilities. Whether you are an equestrian, a hobbyist, an artist, or simply a lover of nature, this could be your perfect fit. Proudly presented by Diane Zanni of By the Sea Sothebys International Realty, it lists for $1,650,000.

This home radiates an ambiance of solidity and permanence with seamless indoor and outdoor living space in a private and rare natural setting, saysZanni. Where it is rustic in nature, it provides you with the best of both worlds by eliminating the need to head north. Here, you can be on holiday all year long.

Custom built in 1975, the main house has recently received more than $300,000 in updates, resulting in a light and bright main level. The sunken living room is striking with 30- to 40-foot wood ceilings, built-in shelving, glass doors, and a fireplace with an intricately hand-carved surround. In the kitchen, find every amenity one might expect in a home of this caliber, such as granite counters, a center island with prep sink, a generous dining area, and top-of-the-line appliances that include a Bosch dishwasher and Viking stove. What may come as surprise is the absolutely arresting cedar room a $100,000 addition by the current owner. Just a few steps down, this hand-crafted space is simply unparalleled. Wrapped in the finest of woods from around the globe, it features three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows from which to admire the grounds, stunning indirect lighting, and easy access to a working greenhouse.

Sharing this spectacular floor is a master bedroom extraordinaire that features an expansive dressing room, front-to-back stone fireplaces, an attached sunroom with secluded terrace, a tremendous walk-in closet, and an en suite bath with a striking Asian flair. Topping it all off, a curved field stone stairway leads down to a wine tasting room and 5,000-bottle wine repository. The second story of this amazing residence is home to numerous bedrooms and two full baths.

Separate living quarters complete with several rooms, a full kitchen and a bath are located above the heated, two-story garage where a car enthusiast could easily store ten automobiles. A third building with cathedral ceiling would be ideal for a yoga studio or home office perhaps, suggests Diane. Additionally, this potential horse property brings with it a barn, an animal shelter, and a man-made pond.

This home was built to very precise specifications that center around its location. In the summer, all you can see for mile after mile is green. In the fall, it is a glorious, artists pallet, says Diane. It is the serenity of this country estate that beckons to ones sole. This is a vacation lifestyle lived all year long.

An open house at 240 Main St. in Boxford is planned for Sunday, July 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information on this astounding offering, call Diane at 617-529-8844.

AT A GLANCE:

42 acres

First-floor master en suite bath

Heated8-plus car garage

Barn and accessory buildings

LISTED BY:

Diane Zanni

By the Sea Sothebys International Realty

617-529-8844

http://www.bytheseasir.com

||||

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Boxford property affords unsurpassed craftsmanship, versatility - The Salem News

Photo: Contributed Photos

The English Tudor house at 58 Andrews Drive in the Tokeneke neighborhood comprises stone, stucco and half timbering on its exterior faade.

The English Tudor house at 58 Andrews Drive in the Tokeneke neighborhood comprises stone, stucco and half timbering on its exterior faade.

The formal living room features a hand-carved stone fireplace mantel originally from Cambridge, England, exposed beams on the ceiling with decorative brackets.

The formal living room features a hand-carved stone fireplace mantel originally from Cambridge, England, exposed beams on the ceiling with decorative brackets.

Throughout the house, including the living room, there are numerous architectural details including decorative brackets and stained glass medallions.

Throughout the house, including the living room, there are numerous architectural details including decorative brackets and stained glass medallions.

In the living room there are two sets of French doors to the sunroom and a Juliet balcony on the second floor.

In the living room there are two sets of French doors to the sunroom and a Juliet balcony on the second floor.

The large sunroom has a slate floor, wood paneling on two walls, two walls of fieldstone and three skylights.

The large sunroom has a slate floor, wood paneling on two walls, two walls of fieldstone and three skylights.

Throughout the house, including the living room, there are numerous architectural details including decorative brackets and stained glass medallions.

Throughout the house, including the living room, there are numerous architectural details including decorative brackets and stained glass medallions.

The master bedroom suite is one of four bedrooms in this house.

The master bedroom suite is one of four bedrooms in this house.

The entrance foyer has a wide-planked wood floor and provides access into the sunken living room.

The entrance foyer has a wide-planked wood floor and provides access into the sunken living room.

The paved driveway is lined by stone walls, and it leads to the 2,912-square-foot house and its two-car attached garage.

The paved driveway is lined by stone walls, and it leads to the 2,912-square-foot house and its two-car attached garage.

The manicured backyard of this 1.4-acre property has open lawn, tall trees, and mature landscaping.

The manicured backyard of this 1.4-acre property has open lawn, tall trees, and mature landscaping.

On the Market: Majestic Tudor in Tokeneke School district with historic features

DARIEN Tudor Revival and English cottage-style houses were described in the 1928 Builders Home Catalog as a beautiful composition of shapely architectural forms, varied wall surfaces, projecting casements and rich, decorative detail.

On the website http://www.antiquehome.org, which includes the information about the home catalog, it continues that these styles were An outgrowth of the Queen Anne style favored for its storybook charm and design versatility, the Tudor Revival style was popular in many areas of the US from 1915 to about 1940. Such houses have a steeply pitched, cross-gabled roof, and decorative half timbering is common in the gable and second story on the exterior.

That description fits the English Tudor house at 58 Andrews Drive in the Tokeneke neighborhood. The bottom half of the exterior faade comprises stone while the top is adorned with stucco and half timbering. It was built in 1939 and has 2,912 square feet of incredible architectural features, not the least of which is an impressive hand-carved stone fireplace mantel originally from Kings College, Cambridge, England in the sunken formal living room. Every one of the eight rooms has diamond-shaped leaded glass casement windows, the ones on the first floor have medieval stained glass medallions.

The house sits on a knoll of a 1.4-acre level and gently sloping property. Its paved driveway, which leads to the two-car attached garage, is bordered on both sides by stone walls. The house has a slate roof and a slate path leads from the driveway to the front entrance, the door of which has a decorative leaded glass window. From the foyer step down into the living room. In addition to the fireplace it has a vaulted exposed beamed ceiling, built-in bookshelves, wide-planked pegged wood floor, and bay window.

The stained glass medallions in the living room depict various family crests. In the formal dining room there are four window medallions, each depicting what appears to be one of the seven dwarfs. At the end of each of the multiple living room ceiling beams there are decorative, hand-carved brackets; they also depict crests. There is an interior Juliet balcony on the second floor that looks down into the living room.

Off the living room there is a large sunroom accessed through two sets of French doors. It has a slate floor, wood paneling on two walls, two walls of fieldstone, three skylights, and a door to the backyard. French doors with the same diamond-shaped leaded glass open into the dining room. A multi-paned cafe-style door provides entry into the kitchen, which has a hardwood floor, ceramic tile on the lower walls, double porcelain sinks, and a built-in wine rack. The first floor also has an office, which could serve as a bedroom if necessary. It has a full bath.

ABOUT THIS HOUSE

STYLE: English Tudor

ADDRESS: 58 Andrews Drive

PRICE: $1,739,000

ROOMS: 8

FEATURES: water community, 1.4-acre level and gently sloping property, generator, professionally landscaped, deer fencing, flagstone terrace, balcony, skylights, one fireplace, stucco walls, stone walls, front and rear staircases, sprinkler system, proximity to Pear Tree Point Beach and Tokeneke Park, convenient to town and train, two-car attached garage, slate roof, pull down attic stairs, unfinished basement, four bedrooms all en suite, four full baths

SCHOOLS: Tokeneke Elementary, Middlesex Middle, Darien High School

ASSESSMENT: $1,179,080

MILL RATE: 16.16 mills

TAXES: $18,594

On the second floor, the master suite has a dressing room and full bath. Another bedroom is also en suite. Then step down into a third bedroom that has a rear staircase down to the kitchen and mudroom area.

Outside, the property has open lawn, mature landscaping, and a large stone patio for relaxing and entertaining. It is encircled by wrought iron railings. Trellises on the back of the house are covered with wisteria vines. Adding to the privacy of this property, besides is landscaping, is the configuration of the property, which abuts Delafield Island Road. That means no one will ever build behind this house.

This property is convenient to downtown, Tokeneke Elementary School, Tokeneke Park, and the train station.

There will be an Open House on Sunday (July 30), 1-3 pm.

For more information or to make an appointment to see the house contact Heather Raymond of Deirdre McGovern & Team/William Raveis Real Estate at 203-252-8645 of heather.raymond

@raveis.com.

Read more:
On the Market: Majestic Tudor in Tokeneke School district with historic features - The Darien News

On Saturday Buus and his wife, Tina, opened Affordable Flooring in Farmington. The storefront, located at 18350 Pilot Knob Road, is an expansion of Total Image Flooring, the in-home flooring sales business Buus started in 2010 after 15 years of working with his father in the carpet installation business.

It was Buus father who got him interested in the flooring business in the first place. Buus grew up watching his dad install carpet. Theres a story about him going along on a job when he was 2 years old and sitting in a bucket of glue. He started working with his dad at the age of 14.

Buus tried some other jobs after high school. He drove school buses and spent about eight months working in a welding shop. But there was something about carpet that kept drawing him back.

Dad did it, Buus said. A lot of boys just follow Dad around.

Buus has worked full-time with his father for the past 15 years. Hes known for most of that time he eventually wanted to go into business for himself, but an unexpected family situation helped move things along. Mason and Tina have a 20-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, but they recently became foster parents of two younger boys, ages 6 and 10 months. They hope to eventually adopt the boys.

That means some changes in the familys life. They wanted to make sure they could be around as much as possible to take care of the boys. To that end, their new shop has a nursery. Tina, who will run the storefront on a day-to-day basis, will take care of the kids there. Theres also a spot where the family can eat dinner together if theyre not able to get home to the kitchen table.

The couple started looking for a space for Affordable Flooring about a year ago. They needed something that would work for the business, but it also had to be local.

The numbers had to make sense. That was the biggest thing, Buus said. It was trying to stay close to home. We didnt want to have to travel a couple towns over.

They signed the lease on their north Farmington space a month ago and have been busy ever since getting things ready. On Saturday, they celebrated their grand opening with family, boxes of delivery pizza spread out on a table while people milled around and talked.

Theyre excited to see the reaction to the new space. The pre-holiday season is typically busy for flooring installers as people get ready for the arrival of family.

Right now we know we can do it, Tina Buus said. Once were up and running we can do it as long as Farmington likes us.

If the city welcomes them the way they hope, they might eventually be able to let Buus father retire from installing and run the shop for them. A family business come full circle.

Read more from the original source:
Flooring with a focus on family in Farmington - Farmington Independent

LAKEPORT, Calif. The Lakeport branch of the Lake County Library located at 1425 N. High St. will be closed Aug. 1 through Aug. 5 while new carpet is being installed.

While Lakeport Library is closed, patrons will still have access to library services at Redbud Library, 14785 Burns Valley Road in Clearlake, Middletown Library at 21256 Washington St. and Upper Lake Library at 310 Second St.

Patrons can also go online to renew books, check their library account, and download eBooks, audiobooks, and movies from the library Web site at http://library.lakecountyca.gov.

Patrons will also be able to return their checked-out items at the outdoor book return at the Lakeport branch.

The Lakeport Library will be open for limited service the following week, Aug. 8 through 12.

During that time certain areas of the library will be off limits to the public, but patrons will be able to enter the lobby and pick up requested materials from the library circulation desk.

The library plans to reopen in full when the installation is complete on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m.

County Librarian Christopher Veach announced the closure to facilitate safe and efficient installation of new carpet.

The library has received financial assistance from USDA Rural Development to replace the current carpet, which is more than 30 years old, for health and safety reasons.

The closure will affect some of Lakeport Librarys regularly scheduled programs and events.

Storytime in Library Park at 10:15 a.m. Friday will happen as usual.

Events that usually happen at the library, such as the library book club and Lego Club will be postponed to the following week once the carpet installation is complete.

Residents can sign up to receive notification about library events via email at the library Web site, http://library.lakecountyca.gov .

For more information call the main branch of the library at 707-263-8817.

Original post:
Lakeport Library to be closed Aug. 1 to 5 for carpet installation - Lake County News

By Cheyenne Derksen SchroederStaff Writer

LINDSBORG The Lindsborg Community Library is overdue on a handful of renovations expected to begin soon.

The library, located at 111 S. Main St. in Lindsborg, will start renovations with new carpet in August and new windows in the fall.

The carpet we have currently is original to when the library was a wellness center. It was put in 1988, said, Suzanna Swenson, library director. Were replacing it with carpet tiles, so if theres ever a problem, we can replace that spot and not the whole area. This will cover a majority of the library, as most of the space is one large room.

Ironically, the librarys theme this summer is Build a Better World. Patrons have engaged in activities like Lego Club and Library Makers programs, which range from sensory tasks for young patrons and circuit-building for older readers.

With our summer reading program for children, weve encouraged them to think of ways they can build a better world. Weve heard ideas like building birdhouses or recycling, or different ways to build a better community even in Lindsborg, Swenson said. Its an excellent theme to encourage community service and volunteering. I think the our renovations help build the excitement and gain momentum for applying the theme.

The library will be closed from Aug. 10 to 23 for carpet installation and a few other projects.

Were looking for volunteers to move books and bookcases beforehand, and were also looking to get some volunteers to help paint while we still have the old carpet. Theres a few walls that could use some refreshing. Since were already getting the bookcases out of the way, might as well take care of that at the same time, Swenson said. A lot of the walls are cream-colored, and that shows a lot of wear. Wed like to paint while we still have the old carpet so we dont have to worry about getting paint on the new carpet.

In the meantime, the library is raising funds to replace three windows in the non-fiction section.

We have four windows that have failed. One had cracked the whole way through, but an anonymous donor came forward and that one has been replace. Were raising funds for the remaining three, Swenson said. The windows are not scheduled because were waiting on funding. We have about $700 raised so far after only three weeks and thats been very encouraging.

The library is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

To volunteer or donate, contact the library at 785-227-2710, in person, or online at http://lindsborglibrary.org.

Contact Cheyenne Derksen Schroeder by email at cderksen@mcphersonsentinel.com or follow her on Twitter at @MacSentinel.

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Lindsborg library looks to overdue changes - McPherson Sentinel