H-H_Aug2025_ShoreHome by houseandhomemagazine

COMFORTS

PUBLISHER

Edward P. McCartney

EDITOR

Peter Proko

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Matt Cosentino, Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Chelsea Vacourt

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Hank Alspach

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Brian Mikulski

DESIGNERS

Alex Bianco, Jay Urbaniak, Lisa Zollinger

ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR

Darlene Versak

SALES DIRECTOR

Lindsay Gonzalez

SALES MANAGER

Jim Romano

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPER

Chuck McKane

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Nicole Corabi, Kristine Di Nardo, Rochelle Dodge, Darren Slaughter, Lori Vorgang, Amy B. Weiss

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Max Haggerty

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Karmal Pritchett

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Leigh Stuart

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Bob Doran

EXECUTIVE PARTNERS

Gerry Haggerty, Edward P. McCartney

HOUSE & HOME

HOUSE & HOME Magazine, LLC, dba HOUSE & HOME (“H&H”). H&H reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. H&H is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited materials. Furthermore, H&H will assume that unsolicited photographs, as well as ad photographs, are being submitted for possible publication and should they be published, no fee is due the photographer or model unless otherwise agreed upon in advance in writing.

HOUSE & HOME is a news magazine with emphasis on home repair and remodeling. H&H does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does H&H or its staff, editors or writers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publications. Readers are encouraged to notify H&H if they suspect false or misleading advertising.

Before attempting any renovation or repair project mentioned in H&H, readers are advised to consult with professional home repair and renovation specialists for assistance, and to take any and all appropriate safety precautions.

HOUSE & HOME has not independently tested any products or services advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. HOUSE & HOME. makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the consent of the publisher of HOUSE & HOME. Copyright 2012 by HOUSE & HOME. Magazine, LLC, all rights reserved. Subscription available for home delivery at our website, www.HouseMagazine.com, at a cost of $19.95 per year.

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Finely Furnished

Outfitting your Shore home with pieces that are both stylish and durable.

Robert Himmelstein refers to himself as “the first employee” of a family business founded by his father in 1981 that has specialized in furnishing Shore homes for more than four decades. Now the president of Surfside Casual—a fullservice, custom furniture store with locations in Somers Point and Manahawkin—he still derives great joy from helping homeowners complete their dream beach house with couches, chairs, dining tables, bedroom sets and more, whether they come in with their own ideas or need his team’s expert design advice.

“Some of our customers are very talented, and some want us to give them a turn-key [operation],” he says. “It’s really up to the customers’ preference, and both ways are a lot of fun for us. They generally want something beachy, light, airy, fun and durable, and quality is very important, because it has to hold up to the Shore environment but also hold up to heavy summer activity.”

To be sure, furnishing a vacation home at the Shore is different from doing so in a primary residence because of the need for pieces that will stand the test of time and be easily maintained and cleaned. Style, of course, is also important, just like in any house, and should not be sacrificed in the name of durability.

Other concerns include who will be using the house—perhaps the owners will be renting it out throughout the summer or will frequently be hosting family and friends. If so, serious consideration should be given to guest rooms and their comfort factor.

House & Home spoke to several local professionals to learn more about furnishing a Shore home and to gather some helpful tips to make the process easier.

PLANNING AHEAD IS CRUCIAL

While many homeowners have a keen design eye and are able to come up with an overall aesthetic for their beach house on their own, others can greatly benefit from a professional who has years of experience in coastal projects. Shore homes often have tight or awkward spaces that take careful planning ahead of time, from selecting the right pieces for a room to making sure they can actually be delivered into the house.

“We’ll lay out the whole home and offer interior design service complimentary,” Himmelstein says. “We offer custom furniture and unique layouts, and we design it for what they need and around how they’re going to use the home. There’s no question about it, [that is the fun part for us].

“The toughest part is the delivery end. … We try to work with our customers, but sometimes it just doesn’t fit, and that is a very big part of the challenge. We like to help customers early on so that we can help them with staircases and the layout of rooms, and this way we can make things look right in the space available. If we begin early enough, sometimes we can even shorten up walls where the staircases are, so this way it’s easier to make the turns. We might recommend railings instead of solid walls at some of the turn points so we can actually get the furniture in.”

Himmelstein adds that all-weather fabrics previously utilized strictly in outdoor furniture are now being used indoors as well. Surfside Casual also offers slip covers from Four Seasons that have become popular not just because of their look, but also because broken parts can easily be replaced.

His son Stefen, the COO of Surfside Casual, further expounds on Shore trends.

“We have started to see in recent years a more modern coastal style emerging,” he says. “There have been a little less rolled-arm [sofas] being sold and a little more track-arm. We have felt that our client base [is evolving], and as a result we have started to sell a lot more from certain brands, like Bernhardt for example. Our Bernhardt business from this year compared to five years ago is up a few hundred percent, I’m sure.

“It’s the same with outdoor furniture. … We’re one of Polywood’s largest distributors in the country and once again, the amount of black Polywood we’ve sold this year over five years might be up a thousand percent. You’re starting to see down at the Shore people doing black window trim, black railings, and people like to pull it all together and match it with some black furniture, whether it’s Polywood or other darker-toned outdoor furniture.”

Certainly, there is more than just the looks when it comes to outdoor furniture at the Shore, he adds.

“That’s why Polywood is so great, because it can’t rust,” he says. “They use marine-grade stainless hardware, and the material itself actually can’t rust. It defends

Finely Furnished

against the salt air really well, and it helps that it’s a heavier product, for when we get high winds like we did with the hurricane that was just offshore. It’s also incredibly low-maintenance: Customers will basically just powerwash it once or twice a year, and that’s all the maintenance they have to do. Most don’t even cover it during the winter, they just bring their cushions in.”

No matter what type of furniture a homeowner is purchasing for the beach, it’s important to note that the delivery fee will often drive the overall cost of the project up significantly. Working with a local company might keep them closer to their budget.

“Some furniture dealers do a sliding scale, and they might end up charging you $600 in delivery,” Stefen Himmelstein says. “Sometimes when you’re working with an interior designer, you’ll pay thousands and thousands of dollars for the delivery and install. Consumers sometimes see it as a line item, especially if it’s their first time furnishing a home, and they don’t realize that they can explore another dealer that has their own in-house warehouse and delivery service, and that line item will go away.”

SLEEP LIKE A BABY

Sometimes selecting the design elements for a living room or kitchen in a Shore home take center stage, and the outdoor living environment is of course big as well. But the bedrooms—and the actual mattresses people will be sleeping on—should not be overlooked.

“As far as furnishings for your home, to me the most important thing is your mattress,” says Pam Nardone, the owner of Hibernate Bedding. “You’re there to relax, and if you don’t get a good night’s sleep then you’re not relaxing enough.

“To all those beach homeowners, not only should you have a mattress that’s comfortable for yourself, but also if you rent it out, your tenants deserve a nice mattress to sleep on. You can just protect them with a good mattress protector, which of course we sell too.”

Nardone has been serving Shore homeowners for years and has a loyal customer base that she and her team are always eager to educate. Hibernate Bedding offers

platform beds, head boards, pillows, sheets and comforters, but specializes in organic mattresses that don’t come with the harmful chemicals and fire retardants associated with foam mattresses.

“When we first opened the store 12 or 13 years ago, there weren’t many organic options, and now there are,” she says. “You had to spend more money before, but you don’t anymore. I have organic mattresses that are lower-priced than a Stearns & Foster. We have mattresses at all price points, so if somebody has a very limited budget, we can help them. We also have beautiful mattresses for someone who has a luxurious home and wants a luxurious mattress to go with it.”

Give us an idea of how many people you anticipate sitting at it—if you want a 6foot bar but eight people sitting at it, that’s not going to work. Also in the wish list, you can tell us if you want a refrigerator, a wet sink, drawers, if wine storage is important to you, if bottle storage is important to you, if you want cabinets. Tell us the overall function of the bar, because we can put any kind of cabinetry behind it or adjustable shelves. The wish list is really where it starts, and from there you go on to creating the look of the bar with wood species and finish colors.”

Royal Billiard & Recreation also has around 100 bar stool samples in its showroom, so customers can stop by and find

FUN AND GAMES

The Shore is all about relaxation and enjoyment, so capping off a beach home with a bar or even games for guests of all ages helps to complete the space. That’s where a company like Royal Billiard & Recreation can be of assistance.

Audra DelConte, whose parents founded the store in Colmar, Pennsylvania, in 1982, says that they deliver often to clients looking to liven up their Shore home. That includes a selection of premade bars—the Philadelphia Eagles version is quite popular—as well as custom bars at a higher price point but with more individuality to them.

“What we do is generally ask anybody looking for a [custom] bar to create a wish list, and within that wish list are the dimensions and the layout,” DelConte says. “Do you want it L-shaped, do you want it to be straight or do you want a U shape?

which will work best for look and comfort.

As for recreation, pool tables and shuffleboard tables are in high demand at the Shore. Outdoor options are available with marine-grade materials and specialized fabric, but most homeowners are looking for indoor tables, and Royal Billiard & Recreation can make recommendations for size and length based on the layout of the room.

“All of our tables, whether shuffleboard or pool table, come in so many different wood species and finishes,” DelConte says. “Often, a Shore home will do a lighter finish or a gray finish. There are all different variants of colors available, and different sizes for different room measurements.

“We also do at the Shore a fair amount of combination pool table and dining table. You can get a dining top for a pool table

Photo courtesy of Royal Billiard & Recreation

and bench seating or individual seating to put around it. Then you take the dining top off and you have a pool table. That’s been a fairly popular way to go at the beach homes.”

Other popular items include arcade games, foosball, card tables, air hockey and dartboards.

“We have a really popular arcade game that has 60 of the oldest retro games on it, like Pacman, Galaga and Frogger,” DelConte says. “That is so popular, and a lot of people will take them to their beach homes. Outdoor ping-pong is also huge, because that’s really an easy addition. Most of them fold up and roll away if you want to bring it in during the winter months or put it under a covered patio. There are some beautiful outdoor ping-pong tables now, and some can convert into outdoor dining tables.”

STRIKE NOW

Although the summer season is winding down, fall is a great time to think about picking out new items for next year. It might make sense financially, too.

“We offer free storage: We’ve got two large warehouses that support our business,” Stefen Himmelstein says. “A lot of brands have fall price increases; that’s pretty common, especially with the outdoor companies. They all do that

across the board—basically the end of the summer is the end of their year, so here comes the 2026 price list. So we tell our customers, come buy at 2025 prices. We’ll actually put out the money and store it at one of our warehouses, and then when you’re ready in the spring, give us a call and we’ll deliver it to you.”

Whatever time of year, choosing a third-generation family company like Surfside Casual means customers get a team that is committed to fulfilling their wishes. Founder Larry Himmelstein and his wife Dot are still involved in the business in their 90s, and Stefen has helped push the brand forward with a focus on modern technology.

“I’m very proud of [the company], I’m very appreciative of all their hard work, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with my family every day,” he says. “At the end of the day, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

RESOURCES

Hibernate Bedding

Bernardsville, N.J.

(908) 766-5450

HibernateBedding.com

Royal Billiard & Recreation

Colmar, Pa.

(215) 997-7777

RoyalBilliard.com

Surfside Casual Furniture

Somers Point and Manahawkin, N.J. (609) 927-4000

SurfsideCasualFurniture.com

Photo

Building

the Original Bones

When these homeowners turned to Amiano & Son to remodel their entire home it was the perfect job for the company’s lead designer Sophia Amiano. While still keeping the home’s original bones intact, Amiano was able to reimagine each space by including several key features. Some of these updates included larger windows for better ocean views and shiplap on the ceiling blended with raw wood beams to add luxury while maintaining a coastal vibe. To further add unique character to the home, she also added focal points throughout like a wood tiled arch in the bathroom.

ask the

expert N

Del Val Pools & Spas

OWADAYS, BUILDING A POOL AT THE SHORE IS MORE THAN AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR PROPERTY VALUE: IT’S AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HOME. We spoke with Bryan Hull, co-owner of Del Val Pools & Spas, to learn more about the unique approach that needs to be taken when adding a pool to your Shore home’s outdoor living space and how the company can help make your dreams a reality.

DEL VAL POOLS & SPAS IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE PREMIER POOL BUILDERS AT THE JERSEY SHORE. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THAT UNIQUE SPACE?

The third generation of the Hull family is building pools, and many of our clients in this part of the state have homes at the Jersey Shore and many asked us to help with those properties as well.

From Long Branch to Cape May, older homes and commercial buildings are coming down and larger, modern homes are taking their place. New homes require a swimming pool for marketability, and the current hottest upgrade for an existing home is to build a pool.

HOW IS BUILDING A POOL AT THE SHORE DIFFERENT FROM BUILDING A POOL IN OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE?

Pools at the Shore tend to be more intricate, must be integrated into tighter lots and for the most part are custom designs. Pools built for homes facing the bay are built on soil that was filled from other construction thrown into the marshes by contractors of the 1950s and 1960s as a way to expand buildable land. It was a time before the Department of Environmental Protection and the Coastal Area Facility Review Act. In many cases, it’s simply several feet of sand thrown over top of thick organic decay must of us know as “muck.”

Pools built for oceanfront homes face a whole other series of challenges. Houses right on the ocean are built upon loose sand deposited by changing tides, winds and storms. There’s no bedrock, no clay and no geological formations to hold a pool structure in place. With each catastrophic storm, efforts are made to rebuild the same coastline, and

berms, or seawalls, are built to stave off an invading ocean. Many berms after the storms were hastily constructed with storm debris, parts of houses, chunks of road and washedout cars covered with sand.

HOW DOES THE TECHNICAL

POOL CONSTRUCTION PROCESS DIFFER WHEN BUILDING A POOL ON ONE OF JERSEY’S FAMOUS BARRIER ISLANDS?

Hydrostatic pressure is always a concern. Did you ever dig a hole in the sand at the beach and hit water? Same principle for digging a big hole to construct a pool: We must keep the water out. Pumps must be run continuously while we drive 12-inch diameter, three-story, pressure-treated pilings into the sand—one piling for every 16 square feet of pool cut down to just below the surface. Anchored to these pilings are steel rebar runners that formed the base of a cage frame with rebar forming perpendicular cross points every 12 inches. The rebar runners are drilled through the top of the wood pilings and then filled with concrete to create structural grade beams to withstand varying water table or hydrostatic pressures. Hydrostatic relief valves are installed when the pool cage is shot with gunite to form the shell. These valves allow for equalization of water pressure inside and outside the shell as the form cures.

WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE CONTEMPLATING A POOL FOR THEIR HOME AT THE SHORE?

Don’t start with telephone conversations or emails. Start with an in-person

meeting at the site. Walking around is essential for evaluation of the topography. An existing home or new lot should be visited in person, and history of that land is very important. Email me at Bryan@DelValPools.net or call our office at (856) 629-2999 to schedule an on-site visit.

Bryan Hull, Partner

summerSHOWCASE

SWIM-MOR POOLS & SPAS

Renovations NewPools Stylish

Give your old pool a new look with the latest features, functions and materials. Add the hydrotherapy spa that you always wanted or simply replace the worn plaster, tile and coping, a full range of options is available.

Put some tropical escape back into your suburban sprawl. This perfect oasis is no mirage but the ideal transformation of your yard to the spot where everyone gathers to enjoy.

Stun your neighbors and attain a level of sophistication that you have always dreamed of. Your yard is now ready for everything from cocktail parties to barbecues and birthdays.

Swim-Mor Pools & Spas is a familyowned and -operated business started in 1967 that proudly carries on a tradition of quality in our products. We have an experienced staff that utilizes some of the latest technology to you. Visit contact one of our three convenient locations for a consultation about building your ideal pool.

OUTDOOR LIVING

The Art of Autumn

Seasonal Style

With cool temperatures, drop off in pesky insects, autumn provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. The changing of leaves is also an indication that the holiday season is just around the corner. This season is the perfect time to dazzle up your outdoor space, creating the perfect peaceful dise or hosting destination for family friends.

your backyard into masterpiece fit for every season—just holidays.

by CHELSEA VALCOURT

Hardscaping and landscaping can work hand-in-hand to create an outdoor oasis perfect for embracing all this season has to offer. Intentional design includes considerations from color palettes and blooming seasons to materials and more, and paves the way for the backyard of your dreams.

In addition, planning ahead and taking care of maintenance and repairs concurrently with other projects can ensure everything is handled in a cohesive and timely manner.

“Using pavers to create, update or add, and choosing landscaping elements that will bloom at the desired time the following year is a great way to maximize the beauty of the autumn season,” says Nick Erman, the co-owner of Evergreen Pros. “Before closing your pool, renovate the pool, pool pavers and patio at that time.”

Backyard design goes beyond sitting areas and the pool. With

the right ideas, it’s possible to transform your backyard into an outdoor space fit for living, eating, peace and more.

“You can also create an outdoor living room so you can use this space throughout the year,” he continues. can be accomplished by adding such as outdoor kitchens, televisions This is also a great time to include with a firepit or fireplace to use in multiple seasons.”

By bringing traditional indoor elements to the outdoors, you can extend the utility of your yard well into the fall and winter months—taking in the beauty each season brings. These additions also make for more enjoyable hosting opportunities as they allow the host to both serve food and be a part of the action rather than sweating over an oven in another room.

Along with the hustle and bustle of back to school, holiday shopping and Thanksgiving feasts, there’s a need for calm. Water features can help to bring the soothing sounds of crackling creeks and soft waves to your own backyard.

“Any water feature with moving water will absolutely complete any landscape or backyard project. Imagine sitting on your new patio or deck and hearing the sounds of water while you are grilling, relaxing or even entertaining. A water feature will definitely be the focal point of any garden,” says George Mi-

halchick, owner of Ponds By George. “These features will be enjoyed all year long. The flowing water in warmer weather will then transform into amazing ice sculptures flowing down the rocks.”

There is no one perfect backyard; each project is as special as each homeowner. The best way to start any project is to consider your own lifestyle and intentions. Whether you’re a social butterfly, enjoy family gettogethers, looking to start a garden or just looking for a peaceful place to put your feet up, your backyard should be a reflection of your interests.

A Transition Period

During this time of change, it is important to consider the impact of falling leaves. Leaving water surfaces open allows leaves to fall inside, clogging up filters, water features and promoting stagnant water. Placing netting over these surfaces helps to ensure their longevity and lessen the cleaning needed—allowing you more time to enjoy your space.

“When fall officially arrives, and the trees start losing their leaves, we often recommend netting your pond,” says Mihalchick. “Once all the leaves have fallen, begin your fall pond care by removing any netting. Pond netting should be

stored indoors to keep it safe from wear and tear due to heavy snowfall and ice.”

Looking Ahead

While New Year’s is still a while off, it is never too early to start thinking about your ambitions for next year. Whether you hope to host more gatherings, spend more time outdoors or finally accomplish that yard project, the fall is a great time to get started.

“Plan now,” advises Erman. “Start by meeting with your contractor and developing a 3D design so that you can see it come to life before any excavating begins. This way your home will have all the permits and design prepared for an early start in the spring and be ready in time for Memorial Day weekend.”

RESOURCES

Artificial Turf

Artificial Grass Turf Warehouse

201-971-2323 artificialgrassturf warehouse.com

Awnings

Marygrove Awnings 800-AWNINGS marygrove.com

Basement

Waterproofing/Mold Removal/Foundation

Repair

’58 Foundations 610-822-9849 58foundations.com

Baths

Blissful Baths & Home

609-604-6507 blissfulbaths.com

Bedding

Hibernate Bedding

908-766-5450 hibernatebedding.com

Builders/ Remodelers/ Contractors

Amiano & Son Design-Build 609-268-5923 amianoandson.com

Brindisi Builders

877-284-5353 brindisbuilders.com

Gehman Design Remodeling 215-513-0300 gehmanremodeling.com

Jersey Shore Modular Homes

609-467-3136 jerseyshoremodular.com

Nastasi’s Carpenters & Builders

856-466-5156 nastasibuilders.com

Cabinet Organization

Shelf Genie

609-595-4342 shelfgenie.com

Oliver Custom Home Builders

609-929-4499 olivercustomhomebuilders.com

Clock Repair

Antiques and Clocks

856-786-3444 antiquesandclocks1@gmail.com

Closet Organization

Closets By Design 888-500-9215 closetsbydesign.com

One Day Doors & Closets of Delaware Valley 856-485-4006 onedaydv.com

The Tailored Closet of South Jersey 856-495-1112 tailoredcloset.com

Concrete,Decorative Architectural Concrete Design

877-843-4373 acdconcrete.com

Concrete, Resurfacing

New Castle Artisan 856-725-3333 newcastleartisan.com

Conservatories

Touchstone Conservatories 908-SUNROOM touchstoneconservatories.com

Custom Cabinetry/ Molding

The Cabinet Tree Design Studio

856-888-2220 cabinettree.com

The Cabinet Shop 609-463-0400 cabinetshopnj.com

Home Trimwork 800-888-4467 hometrimwork.com

HOUSE &HOME Shore Resource Directory

Decks

Deck Craft Plus, LLC

610-273-3317 deckcraftplus.com

Deck Guardian

908-332-8616 deckguardian.com

Deck Remodelers

973-729-2125 deckremodelers.com

Sequoia Out Back

215-918-DECK (3325) 866-650-DECK (3325) sequoiaoutback.com

Elevators

Abby Lifts

888-845-5438 info@abbylifts.com

Total Access Elevators and Lifts

800-651-5666 610-738-1214 totalaccessco.com

Fencing/Gates/Iron Work/Railings

Progressive Fence & Railing

609-449-8079 progressivefenceandrail.com

Superior Fence & Railing

609-727-3708 superiorfencenj.com

Fiberglass and Polyurea Decks, Siding and Railings

Ocean City Fiberglass 609-938-6205 ocfiberglass.com

Flooring/Carpet/ Rugs/Hardwood/ Vinyl/Tile A & J Flooring Outlet

856-227-1753 ajcarpet.com

American Flooring Direct 609-597-7551 americancarpet1.com

Artisan Floors & Interiors

609-770-6080 artisanfloorsandinteriors.com

Filling Marble and Tile

609-593-3386 fillingmarble.com

Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring

856-769-2490 matteokitchens.com

Seashore Floors

609-967-0400 seashorefloorsllc.com

Flooring/Floor Refinishing

American Flooring Direct 609-597-7551 americancarpet1.com

Furniture/ Accessories

Blue Ridge Furniture 717-445-6596 blueridgefurniture.com

Country Lane Furniture 717-867-5701 countrylanefurniture.com

Hibernate Bedding 908-766-5450 hibernatebedding.com

Nastasi’s Furniture 856-854-3198 nastasisfurniture.com

Oskar Huber Furniture and Design 609-494-8127 oskarhuber.com

Townehaus 856-581-0378 townehaus.com

Game Rooms

Royal Billiard and Recreation 215-997-7777 royalbilliard.com

Garage

Distinctive Garage 609-602-2270 distinctivegarage.net

Garage Floor Coatings

Premier Garage of South Jersey 856-495-1212 premiergarage.com

Generators

Colonial Generators 844-376-9374 colonialgenerators.com

Grills/Fireplaces & Inserts/Outdoor Kitchens

Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-650-DECK (3325) sequoiaoutback.com

Hardscaping/ Natural Stone/ Pavers/Retaining Walls

Architectural Concrete Design 866-956-2818 acdconcrete.com

Evergreen Pros 609-214-8552 evergreenpros.com

Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-650-DECK (3325) sequoiaoutback.com

The Paver Doctor 856-210-6843

Heating/ Air Conditioning

Shore Guys Heating & Air 609-228-9640 ShoreGuysHVAC.com

Home Audio/Home Automation/Smart Home Audio/Video

Elite Smart Homes 856-315-9147 elitesmarthome.com

Shore Sound & Cinema 609-645-1300 s2cinema.com

Indoor/Outdoor Lighting

Billows Lighting and Design Center 856-252-0682 billowslightinganddesign.com

Bright Light

610-992-1790

609-465-4478

brightlightdesigncenter.com

Interior Doors

One Day Doors & Closets of Delaware Valley 856-485-4006 onedaydv.com

Kitchen/Bathroom Design-Build

AAA Hellenic Marble 610-344-7700 aaamarble.com

Amiano & Son Design-Build 609-268-5923 amianoandson.com

HomeTech Renovations

215-646-7477 htrenovations.com

Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring

856-769-2490 matteokitchens.com

The Cabinet Shop 609-463-0400 cabinetshopnj.com

Kitchen Cabinet Renovation

Capital Kitchen Refacing 267-907-3591 capitalkitchenrefacing.com

Kitchen Magic

800-510-4710 kitchenmagic.com

Shelf Genie

609-595-4342 shelfgenie.com

Landscaping Design/ Water Features

Cousins Garden Design 856-981-3100 cousinsgardendesign.com

Elite Landscaping

856-753-1944 800-582-6598 elitelandscaping.com

Evergreen Pros 609-214-8552 evergreenpros.com

Mike’s Hardscapes

Gill’s Landscaping 856-223-9770 gillslandscaping.com

856-939-8489 mikeshardscapes.com

The Paver Doctor 856-210-6843

Marble/Granite/Tile

AAA Hellenic Marble 610-344-7700 aaamarble.com

Coast Tile & Marble Supply 609-646-9346 coasttile.net

Colonial Marble & Granite

866-307-6200 colonialmarble.net

Filling Marble and Tile

609-593-3386 fillingmarble.com

Imperial Marble & Granite, Inc.

610-521-0130 imgstone.net

Sir Grout of New Jersey 609-325-2343 sirgroutcentralnj.com

Stone Tech Fabrication

609-984-8818 stonetechmarble.com

The Cabinet Shop 609-463-0400 cabinetshopnj.com

Mobility Scooters

AllRite Mobility

856-321-0122 allritemobility.com

Moving Companies

Great Moving Inc.

201-581-0459 greatmoving.com

Outdoor Furniture

Barlow Tyrie Outdoor Furniture

800-451-7467 btusastore.com

Oskar Huber Furniture and Design

609-494-8127 oskarhuber.com

Sequoia Out Back

215-918-DECK (3325) 866-650-DECK (3325) sequoiaoutback.com

Tropicraft by Pavillon du Soleil

610-645-5400 tropicraftpatio.com

Outdoor Structures/ Sheds/Pergolas/ Sunrooms

Barnco Woodworks LLC

856-767-6887

856-241-7660

barncoamishbuilders.com

The Louvered Roof Company

610-310-0429 louveredroofcompany.com

Touchstone Conservatories

908-SUNROOM touchstoneconservatories.com

Painting, Wallcoverings

Artistic Impressions & Decorative Painting 215-397-8962 artisticimpressionspa.com

Star Painting and Wallcovering, Inc. 610-409-7980 215-628-2331 starpaintingandwall covering.com

Plumbing

Eddie B Plumbing

856-303-8150 eddiebplumbing.com

Pool Renovation/ Repair

Acryfin Coastal Coatings

732-927-6224 acryfincoatings.com

Swim-Mor Pools & Spas 800-794-6667 swimmor.com

Pool, Spa/Hot Tub Design & Installation

Del Val Pools & Spas 856-629-2999 delvalpoolsandspas.com

Evergreen Pros. 609-214-8552 evergreenpros.com

Pool Designs 609-324-9900 poolinaday.com

Swim-Mor Pools & Spas 800-794-6667 swimmor.com

Ted’s Pools 610-359-1301 tedspools.net

Railing/Staircases Lomonaco's Iron Concepts & Home Decor LLC. 856-740-1071 liciron.com

Roofing/Siding/ Gutters

All Perfections Construction 201-636-7610 allperfectionsconstructionllc.com

Dave Adams Roofing & Solar 609-889-5000 daveadamsroofing.com

Expert Roofing 833-329-0912 expertroofingcompany.com

Global Home Improvement 866-735-1121 globalhomeinc.com

Grand View Roofing & Exteriors 856-305-9883 gvexteriors.com

Hynes Construction 610-896-6388 hynesconstruction.com

Paramount Home Solutions 856-602-6600 paramounths.com

Preferred Home Improvement 215-264-9989 preferredhome improvements.net

Reaction Exteriors 484-571-7100 reactionexteriors.com

Seashore Construction Corp 800-326-5211 seashoreconstruction.net

Shower Enclosures/ Frameless Doors

Glass Castle 609-531-0303

908-751-4481 908-428-4244 glasscastle.com

Stair and Wheelchair Lifts/Ramps

Abby Lifts 888-845-5438 info@abbylifts.com

Stone Repair/ Restore/Polish

Tri-State Stone Doctor (855) 780-6379 tristatestonedoctor.com

Stone Veneer Riverside Supply Company 732-257-3434 rsc-nj.com

Water Features/ Ponds

Ponds by George 215-396-7500 pondsbygeorge.com

Water Leak Detection

AquaHalt by water Automation 732-631-3225 aquahalt.com

Windows/Doors

Global Home Improvement 866-735-1121 globalhomeinc.com

Rosenello’s Windows, Siding & Roofing 215-244-3993 rosenelloswindows.com

Window Tinting/Film

Jersey Shore Window Tinting 800-985-8468 jerseyshorewindowtinting.com

Window Treatments

Blind Builders, Inc. 215-322-5855 blindbuilders.com

Blinds Shade & Shutter Factory 215-398-6886

blindsshadeandshutter factory.com

Grander Garages

Garage makeovers continue to be popular as homeowners prioritize both functionality and appearance

by PETER PROKO

PROFLIFT GARAGE DOORS

There was a time when a home’s garage was an afterthought, a lesser-used extension of the house that was mainly utilized for either parking a vehicle, housing tools and lawn equipment, or storing decorations and other overflow items you didn’t want taking up space in the home’s interior. But the evolution of the residential garage has come a long way and now the space is being tailored to suit any number of a homeowner’s needs and desires.

At the top of many wish lists is the goal to become more organized and have better storage solutions, whether it’s shelving and cabinets to help get things off the ground or perhaps a customized workbench area to keep one’s tools tidy and easier to locate in times of need. Others are looking to turn the garage into another living space, perfect for entertaining family and friends, watching the big game or creating a welcomed escape for the kids.

Additionally, the garage has increasingly become the main entryway into the home, and so to avoid tracking in dirt and other debris, garage floors are being finished with resinous coatings that are extremely easy to clean and enhance durability and the overall appearance. What’s more, the right garage door can add the perfect finishing touch, help boost curb appeal and add to your home’s value.

Unsurprisingly, garage makeovers are only increasing in popularity as homeowners are prioritizing the ability to transform the space from dirty and dingy to a well-designed area that is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.

To get a better sense of what homeowners are looking for with these in-demand makeovers, House & Home

spoke to some experts in the field who shared their insights and discussed the ways to help breathe new life into your garage.

What’s the process like when a homeowner is looking to revamp their garage? How do you determine which custom cabinet and storage solutions are right for them? The biggest factor is what they are going be storing. If they’re just doing lightweight stuff like Christmas decorations and that sort of thing, that’s one issue. If they’re doing a lot of paint cans, remodeling tools … that sort of thing … it’s another situation. When we put our projects in, we build them from simple to spectacular. So a customer can get just basic storage in the closet, or they can get something that’s spectacular if they want to show off their 1957 Corvette.

—Charles Palko, general manager, Closet Factory Philadelphia

What are some of the more common requests clients have asked for recently?

They want a workbench in there and they want cabinets. [Homeowners] like having cabinets by the door that they can use as a drop-off zone for groceries, packages, etc.

And since many are using the garage as their front door now, they like to have a bench near the [interior] door where they can sit down and take their shoes off. And then they want a cabinet right next to the bench so they can slide their shoes into it instead of bringing them in the house [and tracking in dirt from the garage].

No matter what their request, they want it to be very functional.

—Aaron Lewis, owner, Closets for Less of Bucks County

Grander Garages

Typically when a homeowner contacts me, I will ask questions to find out what their needs are and what their goals are concerning storage, organization and what type of budget they may have in mind. Then I will set up a consultation to meet at their home.

[In addition to finding storage solutions], we have converted garages into workout spaces as well as home offices. We have also turned the space into a man cave or kids play area—[the homeowner] really has unlimited options.

—Clyde Pettit, owner, Distinctive Garage

People tend to focus on updating the inside of the garage, but should they also be looking at updating the garage door at the same time?

A garage door can actually make a difference in your home’s value. A recent study showed that garage doors have

at least 100% return on investment when you go to sell your home. And when you think about it, especially with doors that face the street, they add to the curb appeal. So instead of thinking about it as just something that goes up and down, think about it as also an extension of your front door. People put a lot of value in what their front door looks like and they should also consider putting the same amount of value into what their garage door looks like.

—Fadi Baaklini, owner, ProLift Garage Doors

With so many options, how can you help a homeowner choose the right door for their style of home?

So one thing we can do, especially if somebody is between doors, is we can take a picture of their house and then send them pictures of what the new garage doors would look like based on whatever design

or style of home they have. It gives them a pretty good idea of what it would look like if they chose a woodgrain door, or if they wanted to go from an existing woodgrain to a red or green colored door. It really helps bring what they are envisioning to life versus just seeing it on paper and trying to imagine it in their head.

—Fadi Baaklini

Aside from making the garage cleaner and more organized, is it important to homeowners to make the garage look and feel more polished like the rest of the house?

It’s very important. When I was younger, my garage was a garage; we stored stuff in there and we used the front door to access the house. Now people are using the garage as their main entrance, they want to be able to pull their cars in and they want speckled floors in there to help make it look prettier.

—Aaron Lewis

With the garage now being the preferred entryway into the home and folks being cognizant of not wanting to drag in dirt from the garage into the house, what are some of the preferred options when it comes to floor coatings?

We carry two types of flooring, the most common is Citadel Polyurea Floor coatings, which are an epoxy type floor with an endless selection of colors. We also offer SwissTrax interlocking garage floor tiles in 19 different colors and can do many decorative designs in the floor. This is a perfect option if the garage concrete floor is in disrepair and epoxy isn’t the best choice.

—Clyde Pettit

The flooring option we use is called polyaspartic. It’s very durable against salt, water and UV rays from the sun. So it will not fade and is excellent for its ease of cleaning. … Most jobs are a one-day job where we’d typically schedule

the floor on a Friday and then start putting cabinets in on a Monday. That gives time for the polyaspartic resin to cure over the weekend. You could walk on it, but you shouldn’t drive on it for 24-48 hours.

—Charles Palko