Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The entrance to your home or your mudroom, if youre lucky enough to have one has a hard job.

It has to welcome you and your guests with an inviting appearance. It also has to withstand whatever weather you track in and provide a place to stow the mounds of coats, boots, hats and umbrellas that come with you in the winter.

Especially in climates with snow, its mandatory to have a transition spot between outside and inside, said Jean Stoffer, an interior designer in Grand Rapids, Mich. But while functionality is paramount, she added, its always possible to make it look good, too.

Designing a space that wont be overwhelmed by all that paraphernalia isnt easy. But there are plenty of tricks that can help, even if youre dealing with a tiny hallway leading into an apartment.

Especially in a small space, whats required is dedication to organization and storage solutions, said Sarah Richardson, an interior designer and TV and YouTube personality, based in Toronto.

Im the sort of person who needs to have a place for everything, and for everything to find its place, said Ms. Richardson, whose own mudroom contains a familys worth of outerwear and accessories, from ski boots to flip flops. There is just so much gear.

Ms. Stoffer, Ms. Richardson and other designers offered advice on how to design an entryway that keeps the mess at bay.

When we design a project, everyones pretty keen on talking about bedrooms and bathrooms, and open floor plan versus divided rooms, but they sometimes overlook the mudroom, said Rafe Churchill, a partner at the architecture and design firm Hendricks Churchill, which has offices in New York and Sharon, Conn. So thats something we always bring to the discussion.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, he said. Do you have children who need access to low cabinets and hooks? Will you need to store sports equipment? Do you have a collection of footwear requiring a wall of cubbies? Do you have pets? Sometimes, people want an area so the dog can sleep there, Mr. Churchill said.

Thinking through how you will realistically use the space before you begin making changes will help avoid disappointment later.

If youre renovating or planning to replace the flooring in an entryway, choose a durable material that will age gracefully.

Ms. Stoffer is partial to porcelain tile because its impervious to the elements. And now porcelain can look like almost anything, she said, including wood and natural stone.

She especially likes porcelain tile with graphic patterns that resemble those found on encaustic cement tile. I would never recommend cement tile in a mudroom, she said, because of its tendency to show wear. And few people can tell the difference.

Ms. Richardson favors natural stone, but chooses hardwearing varieties like granite, slate and some marble. Going with a honed finish as opposed to polished will be less slippery, she said, and wont show scratches as easily.

Hendricks Churchill has also used brick, a tough material whose appearance improves with age. But whatever material you choose, Mr. Churchill recommended adding radiant heating under the floor with an electric heating mat. Radiant heat melts the snow and ice, and dries up any water, he said.

Mats and rugs arent just inviting they also help contain dirt, snow and water. And two are sometimes better than one.

Birgitte Pearce, an interior designer in Montclair, N.J., sometimes uses a two-rug setup to scrub the soles of shoes and boots as people arrive home.

First, she installs a mat or rug in an abrasive material right next to the door. Well suggest either Chilewich mats, which have a really rough texture and can grab a lot of stuff, or Waterhog mats from L.L. Bean, she said. Or when she is renovating a home, shell leave a recessed area in a tiled floor for a coir mat, so it sits at the same level as the tile.

Then, if there is enough space, Ms. Pearce installs a larger rug made from a hardwearing but slightly less utilitarian material, like cowhide or sisal, providing a decorative accent while collecting more dirt.

Another option for a rug is an indoor-outdoor model from a company like Dash & Albert, said Lauren Nelson, an interior designer with Decorist, in San Anselmo, Calif.

Wool rugs also tend to do well in entryways. We do rugs that are all wool, just in darker colors and with a lot of pattern, because they really hide a lot of dirt, Ms. Nelson said. They can be vacuumed and cleaned, and have a cozy feel.

With bags, packages, umbrellas, dog leashes and hockey sticks, the walls in an entry hall can quickly go from pristine to scuffed and dented. Wall paneling can help.

Hendricks Churchill frequently installs vertical V-groove, beaded or shiplap paneling on mudroom walls because the wood stands up to wear and tear better than painted drywall. Even if you paint the paneling, its easier to do a fresh coat of paint every so many years than having to patch and repair damaged Sheetrock, said Heide Hendricks, a partner at the firm.

With or without paneling, Jenny Wolf, an interior designer in New York, recommends choosing paint with some sheen for durability and to make cleaning easier. Definitely use eggshell paint, she said, rather than a matte finish, because you wont damage it with light scrubbing.

Use your vertical space as much as you possibly can, Ms. Richardson advised.

Consider where you can install shelves to hold baskets and hats all the way up to the ceiling. And: hooks, hooks, hooks, she said. Add as many hooks as possible, at a variety of heights, so that anyone and everyone can reach them. No matter how many hooks you have, every single one of them will get used.

Adding hooks to wood paneling is relatively easy, but adding them to drywall is more challenging, because screws have a tendency to pull out. As a workaround, Hendricks Churchill sometimes creates custom peg rails by securing a horizontal board to wall studs and then screwing hooks into the board.

An alternative to hooks is a coat tree, which can be placed in a corner. Rather than using separate hooks and shelves, Ms. Wolf sometimes uses a large wall unit that combines the two. Some units also include a mirror, combining three functions into a single piece.

Hooks and coat trees are great for holding in-season outerwear, but they probably wont hold everything you need to store. To contain off-season gear and cut down on visual clutter, having at least some closed storage is important.

In entryways without a closet, or with only a small one, many designers build custom cabinetry with big doors, to hide coats, and small cubbies for shoes and baskets of mitts. If youre not ready for a full-blown renovation, free-standing furniture can work almost as well.

An antique armoire can serve the same purpose and might even make it feel a little more interesting, Ms. Pearce said. You can always retrofit the inside, with some shelving or by adding an extra rod.

Consoles and credenzas with doors and drawers can also hide shoes and smaller accessories.

Equipping your entryway with multiple baskets will help keep things organized. Baskets can be sized to fit in dedicated cubbies, stored in a closet or under a console, or simply left out along a wall or in a corner.

One organizing strategy is to dedicate individual baskets to specific types of items: one for hats, one for gloves, one for pet accessories. Another option is to assign baskets.

Each member of our family has a basket that is labeled, Ms. Richardson said. There is a tag that has the persons initials on it, so my kids dont have to wonder where their stuff is.

In her home, Ms. Pearce uses a rolling utility cart from Ikea, which she stores in a closet. Everybody has their own level of that cart for winter accessories, she said. So everybodys organized.

Wet shoes and boots are more troublesome. Left on the floor, they create sock-soaking puddles, but it can be difficult to find boot trays that arent an eyesore. Hendricks Churchills solution: copper boot trays, bought in custom sizes on Etsy.

The copper is shiny when its new, but it quickly mellows to a beautiful patina over time, Ms. Hendricks said. The more muddy boots you put on it, the more beautiful the finish becomes.

Finally, consider an umbrella stand to prevent draining umbrellas from leaking across the floor. Ms. Pearce uses a tall ceramic crock in her home and usually looks for vintage stands for clients.

Its not just utilitarian, she said. Its among the first things people see when they come in your house, so it should be reflective of the rest of your home.

For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @nytrealestate.

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How to Design an Entry That Keeps Your Winter Mess at Bay - The New York Times

Location: The unit is situated directly behind the primary house and accessed by a gravel alley in a historic waterfront district. Once known for its large fishing community of Scandinavian settlers, Ballard is now a hip, desirable spot to live. This neighborhood is flat, which is not a common Seattle condition, Prentis adds. Generally, the city is relatively hilly, so building a DADU in this particular section is a little more easily accomplished.

The before: Prentis tore down a rotting garage to make room for the new structure.

The inspiration: Being from the Southwest, the clients wanted a space that the sun would blaze into as much as possible and remind them of home, Prentis explains. The roofline was modified to make a large, south-facing skylight possible.

Square footage: 800 square feet

Budget: Approximately $260,000

Pine wood wall panelingcarries through to the bedroom.

A double-height bathroom with a spa-like tub provides the clients a serene spot to soak.

Main ingredients

Exterior: Nu-Ray Metals standing seam metal siding and tight knot cedar

Door: LaCantina Doors Aluminum Multi-Slide Door. It is a large line item, Prentis admits. But they will never regret investing in it because it pulls off the look they wanted.

Skylights: Fakro Center Pivot Roof Windows. Theyre very energy-efficient skylights that operate more like windows, which gives the loft more of a hangout vibe, Prentis says.

Windows: Andersen Windows & Doors E-Series with dark bronze aluminum exterior and fir interior

Flooring: Radiant concrete slab

Walls: Pine plywood panels and Sheetrock. We used the wood panels to define a lower realm and to give some scale to the high ceiling, Prentis explains. Its an eight-foot line that tracks around the room, so youre in a warm, wood living zone, and then up above you, the light flows in and bounces around the white walls.

Cabinetry: IKEA bases and custom pine plywood fronts with cutout pulls

Countertop: IKEA EKBACKEN

Biggest splurge: The form of the building is not straightforward, which inherently adds complexity and cost to a small project, Prentis reveals. Theres not an economy of scale to balance out a unique gesture.

Sneakiest save: By taking on the role of general contractor, the homeowners saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The best part: The overall form of the project is a strong resolution of what these clients wanted to do, so I appreciate its funky figure, says Prentis.

What Id never do again: I would employ similar moves again, Prentis reflects. Occupying the space is really enjoyable, so I have no regrets.

Final bill: Approximately $260,000

A giant sliding door unites the DADU with the clients treasured garden.

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This Warm and Bright Accessory Dwelling Unit Was Built to Highlight the Garden - Architectural Digest

Improvements and repairs are needed by homeowners and landlords alike, so if you can paint, lay a floor, assemble furniture and install new fixtures, your business has every chance of expanding.

Nevertheless, new handyman ventures can take a while to get off the ground, and similarly, it can be a challenge to find extra work when youve already built up a client base. Here are a few economical and easy ways of getting a competitive edge and boosting your turnover.

Get your marketing strategy on point

When looking at who your services are needed by, its important not to miss out on any prospective clients. You may believe that elderly homeowners with a good income are your target customers, but not all younger people are experienced enough with DIY to feel confident in using their skills at home.

Similarly, its often thought that older houses need the most attention (and to a certain extent they do) but dont forget more recent builds. Even owners of beautiful new homes will require help to create a bespoke interior and exterior look which appeals to their taste. Once youve got an audience in mind, drop flyers through letterboxes and advertise on social media to get the word out.

Excel in at least one area

Whether you are a trained carpenter, an experienced landscape gardener, or you can lay floors perfectly, your skills can become highly profitable. The most successful businesses are adaptable and can diversify as required, but marketing your expertise in a particular field can encourage customers to trust you.

That is particularly true if you have already carried out other types of work and they are pleased with the result. Once youve got a few niche jobs under your belt, be sure to ask customers for a review on your website or social media page. It can build trust and motivate new customers to pay more for your services as a specialist.

Ensure you are protected by the right insurance policy

It might not be top of your list when things are going to plan, but if you have an issue with property damage or a third-party injury, insurance is crucial. Different states have different laws regarding getting small business insurance, so check out what you need carefully, or go with an experienced provider. Next Insurance offers tailored policies for handyman business with several plans to choose from. Their cover will keep you financially secure and cushioned from legal or medical bills in case of a claim against you.

Start planning for the future

With advertising and insurance taken care of, youre all set to make concrete plans for the future. The best way to tackle this particular challenge is to consider where you want your business to be in five years.

When thats clear in your mind, create goals and interim targets that you can work towards achieving. Think about the number of clients youd like to have, the amount of money youd like to make each year, and how many hours you are prepared to put in every day. Try to regularly review your progress and make adjustments to your original plan as required.

Look at what the competition is doing

Even if youve been in the business for a few years, checking out the competition is a great way to pick up tips and tricks you arent yet aware of. Find out what other people are charging for the services you offer, how they are advertising and the area they cover. At the same time, networking with other people in related or similar trades can really pay off.

By establishing a rapport with landlords, architects, and real estate agents, you may enjoy more referrals. Also, by connecting with larger, busier handymen, you may get the chance to mop up the jobs they dont have time to do.

Price your services carefully

Choosing how much to charge clients can be a significant issue when it comes to growing a business. You want to set a price thats fair to you and them but determining precisely what that is can be difficult. If youre struggling, there are formulas that can help you work out exactly what it costs you to provide a service.

These factor in the cost of preparing the work area, your expenses, the time taken and the materials used. Models like this will also add on the taxes youll pay on each job, so you dont get taken by surprise at the end of each business year.

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Successfully Expanding your Handyman Business | The South Pasadenan - The South Pasadenan

Following its fall launch, Hotworx is planning a February grand opening for its Augusta Woods studio. (Courtesy Hotworx)

Now open

1. The 24-hour infrared fitness brand Hotworx will hold a grand opening for its new Augusta Woods studio Feb. 26 following the location's soft launch in November.

The studio, located at 25640 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. D, Tomball, features several saunas available for hot, virtually instructed isometric and high-intensity interval training workouts including cycle, yoga, pilates and barre. Free workouts are available for new customers. 832-776-0099. http://www.hotworx.net/studio/tomball-augustawood

Both companies are highly complementary and synergistic. We are pleased to capitalize on this unique business opportunity to create a more diversified firm that will expand our extensive offerings and geographic footprint to a broader clientele base, Corporate Housing Associates owner Diane Berry said in a statement.

The new company, which launched Dec. 1, now offers a range of corporate housing solutions including domestic and international relocation services, property management, and other location and real estate support. The business remains based at 26411 I-45 N., Spring. 281-210-3434. http://www.chahomenow.com

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Fitness, banking, repairs: 4 recent business updates around The Woodlands area - Community Impact Newspaper

Editors note: This is a weekly series focusing on the importance of buying local.

Five months ago, Brian McMahon did handyman-like things as a hobby.

Then everything changed at the end of August when he took over his aunt and uncles business Ace Handyman Services. The company serves the south Pittsburgh area.

McMahon, long an entrepreneurial spirit, is a full-time businessman with a base in Monongahela and craftsmen in Washington, Donora and Monongahela.

(Being a handyman) myself is still a hobby, McMahon said. I do things at home and I do some other stuff. As for our business, I allow and count on our craftsmen to do the work they are skilled in doing.

Previously, McMahon had an online vehicle detailing operation, which he started in ninth grade while attending Trinity Area School District, and later a health and fitness online venture.

Even in the seventh grade, he sold gum in the middle school for a quarter and made $150 in a week before his enterprise was shut down by the assistant principal.

McMahon utilizes longstanding business acumen and the hand skill and knowledge of leading a staff to make a go of things.

He is enjoying his new role.

The joy and satisfaction of the customer is really fulfilling, McMahon said.

Its been great. The best part about this is I can focus on my skill set and our craftsmen can focus on theirs. You dont have to be a handyman to run a handyman company.

McMahon employs four craftsmen and two office managers.

We do a bunch of dry wall, minor plumbing and electrical jobs, and building stairs, he said.

McMahon said the company has worked with churches, remolded bathrooms and basements for homeowners and others.

Weve built six ramps for patients who wanted to come home and needed some things to function normally in their home, McMahon said. Weve done two bathroom rebuilds related to this. We had to take a tub out and replace with a walk-in shower, equipped with bars.

We look at most any job, if requested. No job is too small for us.

By definition, a handyman is a skilled laborer who provides basic home repairs.

Anyone can call themselves a handyman, although most who do so are skilled with repairs and home projects such as interior or exterior painting, electrical projects, remodeling and plumbing.

The other tasks a handyman can perform include assembling furniture, repairing fences, repairing broken doors or replacing trim, hanging lights, hooking up appliances, and much more.

Handymen may have flat fees for certain services or charge an hourly rate. Handyman rates are often lower than those of a contractor, as they dont have the same specialization.

Some states have no limit on the work a handyman can perform, while others do. For example, Californias Building and Professions Code small operations permits handymen to provide work similar to that of a contractor (floor installation, painting, etc.) provided the total cost of labor and materials does not exceed $500.

A handyman can be another resource for minor home repairs at a lower cost than a licensed contractor, however, for more complex and expansive projects, it can be more responsible to hire a specialized contractor.

Honestly, this has been super, McMahon said. Some of the remodels are nice because it gives us the opportunity to connect with our customers and thats really nice.

People look for a handyman to do a job that a bigger contractor wouldnt be interested in for various reasons. They call it the handyman lane.

Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Chris Slota at 724-225-1326 or by email at chris@belocal.net. Discount cards are available at the Observer-Reporter and Almanac office, 122 S. Main St., Washington.

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Be Local: Area professionals ready to help around the house - Observer-Reporter

The European window and door eco-system represented byEuroWindoor, ARGE, European Aluminium, EPPA, ES-SO, and Glass for Europejoined forces to call on National Governments to putWindow replacement at the core of national Resilience and Recovery Plans.

Developing effective plans to replace inefficient windows is a key element of a sustainable and green recovery. Window replacement allows to generate long-lasting energy savings and move towards climate neutrality, while making a noticeable difference in peoples quality of life and supporting the recovery of a crucial sector of the EU economy.

Setting dedicated measures in National Recovery Plans for replacing inefficient windows is a wise and easy step to make EU buildings more energy efficient and to limit C02emissions., says Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe.Long-lasting energy savings could be quickly achieved, if national recovery and renovation plans were effective at supporting the uptake of high-performance windows equipped with the right glazing combination.

To achieve the ambitious climate targets of the European Commission, higher renovation rates of at least 2% are necessary in the building sector. With the replacement of windows in the building envelope, we follow the principle of efficiency first,says EuroWindoor Secretary General Frank Koos.Energy renovations can only be triggered with financial incentives and the gradual introduction of binding minimum standards for energy efficiency.

Installing high-performance windows responds to todays consumers expectations of more comfortable, healthy, and healing indoor space.New windows combined with smart functionalities such as dynamic solar shading, dynamic glazing, solar control glass, are essential for peoples comfort in energy efficient and healthy buildings, concludedAnn Van Eycken, Secretary General of ES-SO, European Solar Shading Organization.

DownloadWindow replacement at the core of national Resilience and Recovery Plans

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Window replacement at the core of national resilience and recovery plans - Glass on Web

Its possible that, like most people, you think your windows look just fine. But windows, like anything else in a home, have an expiration date and you can reasonably expect yours to last about 20 to 25 years before you begin to think about replacing them.

There are other ways to know when theyre reaching the end of their usefulness and when you should consider calling a professional. For instance, when you begin to feel cold air wafting in, or hear whistling winds around the frame, it could mean your aging windows are letting drafts into your home.

At that point, it can be nightmarish for your heating bill in the wintertime, since your furnace will have to compensate for all the extra cold air making its way into the house. Youll also start to see steep utility bills in the summer months when the air conditioner has to work harder than it should. With all the extra money youll be expending to manage the situation (not to mention time and frustration!), it would be better spent in a solid investment in new windows.

Another potential sign that its time to replace your windows: faulty mechanisms. If windows are difficult to open and close or an absolute workout! it means something is not right. Yes, your lock should be sealing to prevent air from escape, but it shouldnt be next to impossible to jimmy a window open. If it is, it may be time for new windows!

Excessive condensation and buildup of moisture can also be a sign of aging windows. If your windows are frequently fogging or frosting up, its a sure sign that theyre not doing their job as well as they once were. And if your windows are double-paned, you can tell your seal is cracked and your windows need replacing if moisture is frequently collecting on the outermost pane.

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Occasionally new windows will fog up too but that means theyre doing what theyre supposed to be doing and keeping the cold air out. The difference is, with new windows the condensation should remain on the outside. But when the condensation appears to be on the inside, then its cause for homeowner concern.

If youre concerned about controlling moisture levels in your home, you can always install vent fans or employ a dehumidifier. But keep an eye on any condensation on your windows in case it turns out to be a sign they arent energy-efficient and need to be replaced by a professional.

Another thing to notice is whether theres too much noise traveling into your living space. This is particularly a problem with older, single-pane windows which offer little by way of soundproofing your home. With time and age, youll start hearing more and more subtle noises outside and it may drive you to distraction. Replacing single-pane windows or any older window letting in excess noise will not only reduce your energy bills by keeping out outside air, but it will increase your homes livability by keeping outdoor ambient noise where it belongs: outdoors.

There are more visible, aesthetic signs that you should be thinking about replacing your windows. If theyre warped, foggy, damaged, or cracked, then they arent able to do the job theyre meant to do of protecting your family from wind, cold, weather conditions and UV rays. Window frames, too, are prone to damage and rot, since theyre exposed to so much moisture on a regular basis. Examine yours closely to see if theyre deteriorating or if theyre growing mold. Replacing your windows can only improve the curb appeal and market value of your home, so its worth considering if you have any doubts at all about the longevity and serviceability of your current windows.

Once youve decided to replace your windows, its important to shop around for a company that you feel comfortable with. Youll find numerous window options at your disposal: double-hung windows, sliding windows, garden windows, awning windows, bay and bow windows, hurricane windows, casement windows, picture windows, and so many more. Black windows are another trend that is popular in Texas that doesnt seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

There are pros and cons of every style. Double-hung windows are among the most common and are available nearly everywhere, as well as easy to open and close unless their springs wear out and require replacement. Casement windows, which open horizontally and are among the best at keeping out unwanted drafts, but can potentially be broken off by inclement weather. Awning windows are one of the best at protecting against intruders, but dont always let in a cool breeze as well as other types.

Whatever you decide, youll want to speak with a professional to help assess whether your windows are due for a replacement and then decide what kind of replacement to look into!

Once you do, a simple renovation like replacing your windows will become a feature of your home that you can enjoy for decades to come.

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How to tell if your windows need replacing - mySA

LAKE SUPERIOR, MI - After a harsh winter storm blew out a window in the very remote Stannard Rock Lighthouse in Lake Superior, a team from the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder recently hitched a ride on a Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City to make the icy repair.

Teams had been worried the missing window could threaten the electronics inside - and even the working light - at the historic lighthouse that sits off the eastern shore of Michigans Keweenaw Peninsula.

Built 24 miles from the Upper Peninsula shoreline, Stannard Rock is considered the lighthouse farthest from shore in the contiguous United States. That has earned it the grim moniker as The Loneliest Place in the World.

The Coast Guard is sharing with MLive readers their photos from last weeks helicopter and repair trip.

Stannard Rock sits 24 miles from the Upper Peninsula mainland, making it the farthest from shore of any lighthouse in the contiguous United States.

Petty Officers Craig Campomizzi and John Ziemba, part of the Aids to Navigation Team aboard the Duluth-based cutter Alder, made the Jan. 26 trip out to Stannard Rock with help from the Traverse City-based chopper crew.

The weather wasnt the most conducive at single-digit temperatures and frequent snow squalls, but thanks to the keen skill and professionalism of the air crew, they were able to make five hoists using a rescue basket to get Petty Officer Ziemba, myself, and our gear safely onto the icy structure, Petty Officer Campomizzi told MLive. While Petty Officer Ziemba ensured the light was operating within specified parameters and the structure was sound, I got to work boarding up the missing window until the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy can get out there in the spring to affect a permanent window replacement.

Built in 1883, the Stannard Rock station is well-known among Great Lakes lighthouse lore lovers. Its exposed crib - or base structure - is considered one of the Top 10 engineering feats in the U.S., according to the National Park Service. And it was built to mark a huge underwater reef that was considered one of the most dangerous obstacles to shipping in Lake Superior. The top of a large underwater mountain was found to sit just 4 feet from the surface of the water in some spots.

As such a remote lighthouse, Stannard Rock was considered one of the stag stations, where male keepers and assistants could work, but could not bring their families like they could at other assignments.

Heres a little more history to give you a feel for this place, courtesy of a recent social media post from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Marquette: The old keepers told terrible tales of life on the Rock. Violent northwest storms sent 30-foot waves smashing into the tower and spray cascading over the lantern room 110 feet above the Lake. Louis Wilks from Marquette holds the record for consecutive time spent on the Rock 99 days. No other keeper even approached this remarkable feat. The men were rotated off the Rock, three weeks on and one off. In 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard took over the lighthouse and overwhelming loneliness remained a problem.

The broken window that put the electronics inside Stannard Rock Lighthouse at risk.

The lighthouse was automated in 1962, a year after a fatal fire and explosion that left survivors stranded at Stannard Rock for days until they were noticed by a passing ship. In 1971, the lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It remains a working aid to navigation and can be seen by boat, airplane or - last weeks case - a winter helicopter ride.

There is a lot of interesting history that accompanies this lighthouse and its very rewarding to be able to get out to, the loneliest place on the continent to help out another agency on behalf of the U. S. Coast Guard, Campomizzi said.

Air Station Traverse City gave a shout-out to its helicopter team for making the trip possible: Our crew from Air Station Traverse City hoisted the ATON team, along with their gear, down to the lighthouse allowing them to ensure the light was in good working order and to board up the broken window. Great job on a successful mission!

A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City pilot aboard the Jayhawk helicopter used to take an ATON team out to Stannard Rock to fix a window and check the lighthouse.

READ MORE

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Coast Guard flies out to fix remote Michigan lighthouse known as the Loneliest Place in the World - MLive.com

A sheet of transparent new material at a University of Maryland lab looks like it might be plastic. But its actually woodand it could eventually be used to make energy-efficient windows or even see-through buildings.

Compared to glass, wood has lower thermal conductivity, and its lighter, stronger, and more environmentally friendly, says Liangbing Hu, a materials science professor at the University of Maryland and one of the authors of a new study of the material. The idea is to employ the material in buildings. With a window made from transparent wood instead of glass, for example, a building would take less energy to heat and cool. Because of the structure of the wood, the windows could also reduce glare from the sun while allowing in natural light.

Researchers have experimented with transparent wood in the past, but the new method is more sustainable. Other methods usually soak the wood in a chemical compound called sodium chlorite to remove lignin, part of the wood that gives it structure. But this can weaken the wood, and it produces waste that is hard to recycle. Hu and his team tweaked the process so it doesnt fully remove the lignin. By brushing hydrogen peroxide over the wood and leaving it under a UV light, they removed only the parts of the lignin that give it color. The result is transparent wood that can be coated in epoxy.

Its just one of a number of ways scientists and engineers are rethinking how we can use this renewable resource in construction. Skyscrapers made entirely out of wood are gaining popularity in cities around the world. And scientists recently discovered a technique to grow wood in a lab, opening up the possibility of using wood without having to chop down a forest.

The transparent wood is 50% stronger than previous transparent wood and could even be used to build load-bearing walls in a building. It could also potentially be used in other ways, such as layers used in solar cells. A new spinoff company called InventWood is working to commercialize the technology.

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Impact This see-through wood could replace glass windows - Fast Company

According to IBISWorld, nearly 15 million windshields are replaced in the U.S. each year, generating some $5 billion in revenue for more than 16,000 businesses.In Phoenix alone, there are nearly 400 auto glass repair companies not surprising, as Arizona leads the nation in windshield replacements.

The competition for this business is fierce among the national chains, independently owned, local businesses, franchises, auto repair shops, car washes, and mobile-only businesses. The cost of entry to the market is minimal;Entrepenur.com and various franchise operations quote start-up costs as $2,000 $10,000 with the ability to operate your business from your home, in a mobile-only model, on a full or part-time basis.

Many, in fact, most of these companies feature Cash Back Offers to attract customers. This article addresses these offers, how they work, and how to select an experienced, reputable glass repair company that provides quality materials and service a companythat partners with and is trusted and respected by the major insurance providers and their clientele.

Obviously, there is a cash back component to the offer. In Phoenix, google cash back windshield replacement, and the amounts range from $100 $500! But buyer beware. If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is. Disreputable companies are notorious for windshield replacement scams. Some of their tactics:

One important rule is to get your agreement in writing and read the fine print! Although these scams may not cost you directly,insurance losses are passed along as increased premiums to everyone.

The first step of your due diligence process is to ensure the company you select is experienced, reputable, and trustworthy. The Windshield Replacement Cash Back Offer by SunTeccomes from a locally owned and operated, company with more than twenty years online in the Arizona market auto glass business.

How SunTecs Windshield Replacement Cash Back Offer Works

Suntec knows the price range insurance companies are willing to pay for a new windshield from years of experience.As a trusted partner, SunTec handles the entire process, bills and reclaims the money from the insurance company, and rebates a portion of the funds back to you.

What determines the amount of your cash back?

SunTecs expert technicians can assess any glass situation and determine if a repair or replacement is required, always in accordance with the appropriate Arizona Statutes. If possible, your technician will always recommend a more economical repair if chips are smaller than a dime and cracks smaller than a quarter provided theyre not too deep or near the edge of your windshield.

The SunTec Cash Back Promo includes expert, full-service window replacement by our hand-selectedtechnicians,famous for their knowledge, work ethic, and reliability.

In addition to cash back and full-service window replacement, SunTec will meet or beat any valid offer. If youve been comparing offers for the best cash back windshield replacement in Phoenix, check out SunTec.

We have found that not all insured customers are interested in cash back, so we also offer Free Gift Cards to restaurants, groceries, and movie tickets to local businesses. If you prefer this option, simply advise our representatives, and a coupon/promo booklet will be sent out to you within fourteen days after the windshield replacement service has been completed.

We hope this article has helped explain the nuances of cash back promos, what to look for, and what to avoid in auto glass replacement offers. Informed consumers always make our best customers.

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Cash Back Windshield Replacement in Phoenix What You Need to Know - IMC Grupo