Air Conditioning & Heating Efficiency Ratings Gas furnaces. Gas furnace efficiency, or AFUE, indicates the percentage of fuel burned that is converted into heat for the home.

Appliance Repair Refrigerator Problems Broken ice maker. Often, the issue is not the ice maker but a faulty water valve, and you can actually create more damage by attempting to repair or replace an ice maker yourself.

Awning & Shade Solutions Advantages of Awnings Additional living space. Because they provide protection from certain elements, awnings are an excellent way to increase the amount of your home’s livable space.

Basement Remodeling & Additions Planning The Project To form an idea of what you want your basement or addition to become, list the functions you’d like the space to serve as well as what would be required to make that possible. Then, find examples of finished rooms that serve those purposes.

Bathroom Conversion Tub-to-Shower Conversion Walk-in showers are easy to clean, and most importantly, they are safer than large, deep bathtubs. Stand-alone showers are typically either custom enclosures or manufactured stalls.

Bathroom Remodeling The Remodeling Process Bathroom remodels are very complex, and many homeowners prefer to hire one company for all aspects of the project. The project’s requirements determine which construction steps are taken, but common steps include: Demolition.

Cabinets – Custom Selecting your Cabinets Custom cabinets are made to fit an existing space. These cabinets take time and skill to build, but they are high quality and a good choice for areas with nonstandard dimensions.

Carpet, Upholstery & Rug Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Methods Before cleaning the carpet, the technician will perform a thorough vacuuming. This initial deep clean is an essential preparation step in the cleaning process.

Carpet Sales & Service Types of Carpet Berber. Berber is a type of loop-pile carpet commonly used for stairs and high-traffic areas.

Chimneys & Fireplaces Chimney Cleaning Overview The purpose of a chimney cleaning is to remove any creosote, animal nesting materials, and other flammable debris that has accumulated in the chimney. A chimney sweep will use a variety of tools, such as vacuum cleaners and wire brushes, to remove debris and make the inspection process easier.

Closet & Garage Organizers Why Hire a Professional? Engaging the services of a professional closet and garage organizer and designer will help you find the best solutions for your home.

Concrete – Decorative Concrete Floors One of the simplest decorative options for concrete floors is translucent acid staining, which permanently changes the color of the concrete from its natural gray to warm earth tones. Dyeing is another option for those seeking a more exotic look.

Concrete – Driveways, Sidewalks & Patios Driveways Residential concrete driveways are usually designed to be at least four inches thick, as thinner driveways are more apt to crack. They must also manage water properly; water should never puddle on the surface or run along the sides of the driveway because this can erode the driveway’s

Concrete Leveling & Mudjacking Signs of a Problem When the soil supporting a concrete slab settles or washes away, the concrete may crack and sink. Uneven concrete is relatively easy to see; identifying areas that could crack in the future may require a keener eye.

Countertops & Stone – Custom What to Consider Materials. Stone, laminate, and solid surface countertops each offer a specific look and feel.

Deck Building & Maintenance Deck Design Types Multilevel. Multilevel decks divide different areas of the deck through a change in elevation.

Disaster Restoration Smoke and Fire Damage After the fire is extinguished, the remaining structure and the contents within are often damaged from exposure to water and smoke. Smoke can cause extensive damage to the home and valuables, and its remediation requires the services of a skilled technician.

Drain & Sewer Cleaning & Repair The Drain System Sinks, toilets, and other household plumbing fixtures each have a drain. Every fixture drain is connected by a branch drain line to the main waste and vent stack, which in turn leads to the main sewer line, usually located near the lowest point of the house.

Drainage Systems Symptoms of Poor Drainage Standing water. If large puddles remain on the lawn more than 30 minutes after a rainstorm ends, your yard probably has a drainage issue.

Driveways – Asphalt Asphalt Advantages Asphalt is easily shaped, flexible and durable, and often very cost effective to install. Because asphalt is designed to give without losing any strength, it will withstand many years of freeze-thaw cycles without compromising appearance or durability.