Issuu

Best of

CLC Landscape Design

HOME BEST &

7 Best of House & Home

Our annual list recognizing the top companies, products and services, as voted by our readers

12 Staying Put

How to make what’s old new again with a home refresh

7 contents

18 Award-Winning Designs for Any Sized Yards

The team at CLC Landscape Design tackles every project with the same passion and attention to detail

20 Ready for Winter

A checklist to get your home prepared for the season ahead

PUBLISHER

Edward P. McCartney

EDITOR

Peter Proko

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Matt Cosentino, Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kristen Dowd

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Hank Alspach

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Brian Mikulski

DESIGNERS

Eileen Pullia, 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, 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 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.

Phone: 610-272-3120 Fax: 610-272-2805

Email: info@housemagazine.com

Visit www.HouseMagazine.com

Featuring WE PROUDLY PRESENT THE 2025 SPOTLIGHTS and SHOWCASES

We are excited to present our tenth annual Best of House

& Home.

As voted by our readers, the following companies and professionals are being recognized for their quality products, expertise, top-notch customer service and reliability. We're also featuring a closer look at these companies in informative spotlights and showcases that shed some light on their dedication. For your next home project, there is no one better than these winners.

ADDITIONS

Magnolia Home

Remodeling Group

855-624-6655

MagnoliaHomeRemodeling .com

APPLIANCES

Kucht Appliances

866-685-8248

Kucht.com

Oberg and Lindquist

201-664-1300

ObergAndLindquist.com

ARTIFICIAL GRASS/TURF

Artificial Grass Turf

Warehouse

201-971-2323

ArtificialGrassTurfWarehouse .com

JM Synthetic Grass

201-220-2609

JMSyntheticGrass.com

AWNINGS

Shook Awnings

818-602-1737

ShookAwnings.com

Window Works

973-535-5860

WindowWorks-NJ.com

BASEMENT

WATERPROOFING

Affordable Waterproofing

856-461-1500

AffordableWaterproofingLLC .com

BATH DESIGN

Ernest & Sons

973-669-3779

MasonryByErnestAndSons.com

Sterl Kitchens

201-866-7999

SterlKitchens.com

Watertight Showers

973-420-8150

WatertightShowers.com

BATHROOM FIXTURES

Geberit

847-358-4848

Build.com/Geberit

BRICK & STUCCO

Riverside Supply

732-257-3434

RSC-NJ.com

BUILDING SUPPLY

Riverside Supply

732-257-3434

RSC-NJ.com

Well Done Building

Products 908-241-4338

WellDoneBuildingProducts.com

CABINET REFACING

Capital Kitchen Refacing 267-390-4823

CapitalKitchenRefacing.com

Kitchen Magic 800-510-4710

KitchenMagic.com

Kitchen Tune Up 201-474-3112

KitchenTuneUp.com

CABINETRY

Closets by Karen 973-427-0510

ClosetsByKaren.com

Infinity Home Supply 201-630-8020 InfinityHomeSupply.com

Kitchen Tune Up 201-474-3112 KitchenTuneUp.com

CHIMNEY CLEANING

All Perfections

Construction 201-879-4176

AllPerfectionsConstruction .com

Chimney Guards NJ 862-333-9555

ChimneyGuardsNJ.com

Doctor Chimney 201-981-8382 DoctorChimney.com

CHIMNEY REPAIR

All Perfections

Construction 201-879-4176

AllPerfectionsConstruction .com

American Construction Roofing & Chimney 201-254-9894

AmericanRoofingChimney .com

Doctor Chimney 201-981-8382 DoctorChimney.com

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY LIGHT INSTALLATION

Christmas Lighting by Outdoor Décor 908-751-9400

We Hang Holiday Lights

609-267-3237

WeHangHolidayLightsNJ.com

CLOSET ORGANIZATION

Closets by Karen 973-427-0510

ClosetsByKaren.com

Closet Factory

908-322-8270

ClosetFactory.com

Innovative Closet Designs, Inc.

201-669-4925

ICDNJ.com

CONSERVATORIES

Touchstone Conservations

908-489-3416

TouchstoneConservatories .com

DECK BUILDER

Deck Guardian

908-332-8577

DeckGuardian.com

Deck Remodelers

973-729-2125

DeckRemodelers.com

Magnolia Home Remodeling Group

855-624-6655

MagnoliaHomeRemodeling .com

Modern Home Construction

732-682-9251

ModernHome.llc

DECK RESTORATION

Deck Guardian

908-332-8577

DeckGuardian.com

DECKING SUPPLIES

Sequoia Out Back 215-368-7245

215-918-3325

DeckSupplies.com

Supreme Deck Store

732-742-6364

SupremeDeckStore.com

Zuri Premium Decking by Royal Building Products

800-368-3117

Zuri.RoyalBuildingProducts .com

DECORATIVE

STAMPED CONCRETE

Architectural Concrete Design

866-956-2818

ACDConcrete.com

DEMOLITION

Jefferson Recycling

973-361-7755

Jefferson-Recycling.com

DRAPERIES

Regal Drapes

800-256-5005

RegalDrapes.com

Window Works

973-535-5860

WindowWorks-NJ.com

DRIVEWAYS

George’s & Sons

973-414-6190

GeorgesSonsConst.com

Ted Weiland Construction 201-391-0502

WeilandConstruction.com

ELEVATORS

Total Access 610-738-1214

TotalAccessCo.com

FENCING

Signature Evergreen 201-670-4959

SignatureLandscapeAndStone .com

FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

Berkshire Furniture Home & Design

973-564-9070

ShopBerkshireFurniture.com

Fran’s Wicker & Rattan Furniture 973-584-2230

FransWicker.com

Motorized TV Cabinets 201-852-5059

MotorizedTVCabinets.com

FURNITURE REUPHOLSTERY/ REFINISHING

Mike’s Upholstery 201-941-3370

MikeCustomUpholstery.com

GARAGE DOORS

Door Works 201-528-1935

DoorWorks.net

GARAGE FLOOR RESURFACING

Garage Kings 732-649-1585

GarageKings.com/Central-NJ

Garden State Garage Solutions 908-580-0077

GarageTek.com

EncoreGarageNewJersey.com

Garden State Garage Solutions 908-580-0077

GarageTek.com

Innovative Closet Designs, Inc. 201-669-4925 ICDNJ.com

GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY

Metropolitan Farm 201-767-0244 MetropolitsanFarm.com

GRANITE & MARBLE COUNTERTOPS

Atlas Marble & Granite 973-491-5454

AtlasMarbleAndGranite.com

Colonial Marble and Granite 856-872-4472

ColonialMarble.net

Stone Tech Fabrication 609-984-8818

StoneTechMarble.com

GRANITE & MARBLE RESTORATION

Aldayna Stone Care & Maintenance 973-239-1351

Aldayna.com

Dente Trading 973-857-4050

DenteTrading.com

GENERATORS

Colonial Generators 844-376-9374

ColonialGenerators.com

GRILLS Pelican Ski, Pool & Patio 973-267-0964

PelicanShops.com

GROUT SERVICES/ TUB REFINISHING

Perfect Grout

201-878-8237

Sir Grout 201-340-5919 | SirGrout.com

GUTTERS

AB Roofing 201-421-1835

ABRoofingNJ.com

HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE RENOVATION

Total Access 610-738-1214

Ernest & Sons

973-669-3779

MasonryByErnestAndSons .com

Luigi & Sons 973-669-2550

LuigiConstruction.com

George’s & Sons 973-414-6190

GeorgesSonsConst.com

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Air Group 973-929-2080

AirGroupLLC.com

BlueRay HVAC 973-925-5557

BlueRayHeatingAndCooling .com

ProventAir 914-500-9156

GoProventAir.com

HOLIDAY LIGHTING East Coast Christmas Lights 239-235-6381

EastCoastChristmasLights .com

HOME AUTOMATION

JS Audio Video 908-630-0040

JSAudioVideo.com

HOME THEATERS

Prestige Audio & Video 973-931-9441

PrestigeAudioVideo.com

HOUSE LIFTING

Hale Built House Raising 732-202-6207

HaleBuilt.com

INSULATION

Acorn Home Improvements 973-386-9604

AcornHomeImprovements.com

Master Attic

800-285-4009

MasterAttic.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Abbey’s Kitchens, Bathrooms & Interiors 201-823-2223 973-376-8878

Abbeys.com

The Decorating Store 908-688-9416

TheDecoratingStore-TME.com

Window Works

973-535-5860

OutdoorDecorServices.com

East Coast Christmas Lights

844-705-XMAS

EastCoastChristmasLights .com

Supreme Deck Store

732-742-6364

SupremeDeckStore.com

GARAGE ORGANIZATION

Encore Garage of New Jersey 732-409-7707

TotalAccessCo.com

HARDSCAPING DESIGN

CLC Landscape Design 973-839-6026

CLCDesign.com

WindowWorks-NJ.com

KITCHEN DESIGN

Ernest & Sons 973-669-3779

MasonryByErnestAndSons.com

Infinity Home Supply

201-630-8020

InfinityHomeSupply.com

Kitchen Tune Up 201-474-3112

KitchenTuneUp.com

Magnolia Home

Remodeling Group 855-624-6655

MagnoliaHomeRemodeling.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

CLC Landscape Design 973-839-6026 CLCDesign.com

K & C Land Design 908-769-7283

KAndCLandDesign.com

TLC Landscaping 201-321-2421

Tarleton-Landscaping.com

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

CLC Landscape Design 973-839-6026 CLCDesign.com

D. Panetta Contracting LLC 973-659-9374

DPanettaContracting.com

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives 973-370-8481 OutdoorLights.com

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

TLC Landscaping 201-321-2421

Tarleton-Landscaping.com

MAILBOXES

You’ve Got Mail

866-946-8300 YGMailboxes.com

MATTRESSES

Hibernate Bedding 908-766-5450 HibernateBedding.com

MASONRY SERVICES

All Perfections Construction 201-879-4176

AllPerfectionsConstruction .com

Fernandez & Sons

Masonry Landscaping 973-267-2300

FernandezNSons.com

George’s & Sons

973-414-6190

GeorgesSonsConst.com

MOSQUITO/TICK CONTROL

Viking Pest Control 848-251-0751

VikingPest.com

MUDJACKING/ CONCRETE LEVELING

Quality 1st Basement

Systems

732-697-0557

Quality1stBasementSystems .com

MULCH/STONE/SAND

NJ Gravel & Sand

732-938-5252

NJGravelSand.com

NATURAL STONEWORK

Pugliese Pools

800-428-7946 PugliesePools.com

MURPHY BEDS

Closets by Karen 973-427-0510 ClosetsByKaren.com

ORNAMENTAL METALWORK

New Jersey Railing Works 973-281-3208 NJRailingWorks@gmail.com

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Fran’s Wicker & Rattan Furniture 973-584-2230 FransWicker.com

Pelican Ski, Pool & Patio 973-267-0964 PelicanShops.com

Sequoia Out Back 215-918-3325 DeckSupplies.com

OUTDOOR KITCHENS

D. Panetta Contracting LLC 973-659-9374

DPanettaContracting.com

Ernest & Sons

973-669-3779 ErnestSonsInc.com

George’s & Sons 973-414-6190 GeorgesSonsConst.com

OUTDOOR STRUCTURES/PATIO COVERS/PERGOLAS/ GAZEBOS Deck Remodelers 973-729-2125 DeckRemodelers.com

Fifthroom 724-444-5300 FifthRoom.com

My Deck 908-713-1000 MyDeck.com

Pelican Ski, Pool & Patio 973-267-0964 PelicanShops.com

PAINTING

Mera Painting & Home Design

973-885-1160

MeraPainting.com

PAVERS/RETAINING

WALLS

D. Panetta Contracting LLC

973-659-9374

DPanettaContracting.com

NJ Gravel & Sand

732-938-5252

NJGravelSand.com

Riverside Supply

732-257-3434

RSC-NJ.com

PAVING/ASPHALT

Charlie’s Paving 908-799-3062

CharliesPavingInc.com

Ernest & Sons

973-669-3779 ErnestSonsInc.com

Ted Weiland Construction 201-391-0502

WeilandConstruction.com

PEST CONTROL

Viking Pest Control

848-251-0751

VikingPest.com

PLUMBING SUPPLY

Geberit

847-358-4848

GeberitNorthAmerica.com

POOL DESIGN/ INSTALLATION

CLC Landscape Design

973-839-6026 CLCDesign.com

D. Panetta Contracting LLC 973-659-9374

DPanettaContracting.com

Swim-Mor Pools & Spas

800-794-6667 SwimMor.com

POOL DESIGN-3D

D. Panetta Contracting 973-659-9374

DPanettaContracting.com

POOL RENOVATIONS & REPAIR

Anthony & Sylvan Pools 877-SAY-SWIM

AnthonySylvan.com

D. Panetta Contracting LLC

973-659-9374

DPanettaContracting.com

Swim-Mor Pools & Spas

800-794-6667 SwimMor.com

POOL SERVICE

Stardust Pools

732-691-4038

Stardust-Pools.com

POOL SUPPLIES

Pelican Ski, Pool & Patio

973-267-0964

PelicanShops.com

Stardust Pools

732-691-4038

Stardust-Pools.com

POOLS/FIBERGLASS

Pool Designs

609-257-2279

PoolInADay.com

POOLS/GUNITE

EverClear Pools & Spas LLC 973-998-6886

EverClearPoolsNJ.com

Stardust Pools

732-691-4038

Stardust-Pools.com

PRIVACY SCREENS

Signature Evergreen 201-670-4959

SignatureLandscapeAnd Stone.com

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Sterl Kitchens Co. Inc. 201-866-7999

SterlKitchens.com

RAILING STAIRCASES

New Jersey Railing Works 973-281-3208

NJRailingWorks@gmail.com

REMODELER/BUILDER

Magnolia Home Remodeling Group (855) 624-6655

MagnoliaHomeRemodeling.com

Victory Home Remodeling 908-676-6248

VictoryHRG.com

VT Home Improvements 973- 489-7899

AAACityContractors.com

ROOFING

AB Roofing 201-421-1835 Abroofingnj.com

All Experienced Construction 201-749-7627 AllExperiencedNJ.com

ROOFING-CEDAR SHAKE

All Perfections Construction 201-879-4176

AllPerfectionsConstruction.com

ROOFING MATERIALS

Strawder Family Innovations LLC 908-603-6266

TheRidgePro.com

SEALCOATING

Ted Weiland Construction 201-391-0502

WeilandConstruction.com

Pleasant Run Structures 973-997-2400

PleansantRunStructures.com

SHOWER DOORS

Innovative Closet 201-669-4925 ICDNJ.com

SIDING

Imperial Home Improvement 201-397-0232

Imperial-HomeImprovement .com

Matute Home Improvement 973-261-3885

MatuteRoofing.com

Prime Roofing 201-969-5181

PrimeRoofingSiding.com

SOLAR ENERGY

AB Roofing 201-421-1835

ABRoofingNJ.com

New Jersey Clean Energy 866-657-6278

NJCleanEnergy.com

SPAS & HOT TUBS

Pelican Ski, Pool & Patio 973-267-0964

PelicanShops.com

Stardust Pools

732-691-4038

Stardust-Pools.com

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

STONE, NATURAL STONE PAVERS AND VERNEER

NJ Gravel & Sand 732-938-5252 NJGravelSand.com

TILE

Sir Grout

201-340-5919

SirGrout.com

TOILET FIXTURES

Geberit 847-358-4848

Build.com/Geberit

TREE SERVICE W Tree Service & Landscaping 973-307-4972 WTreeConstruction.com

WATER DETECTION SYSTEMS Aquahalt 732-631-3225 WaterAutomation.com

WATER FEATURES/ PONDS K & C Land Design 908-769-7283 KAndCLandDesign.com

WINDOW TREATMENTS/ BLINDS/SHUTTERS Blindworks 908-654-9555 BlindworksNJ.com

The Main Street Workroom 201-487-1626 TheMainStreetWorkroom.com

Window Works 973-535-5860 WindowWorks-NJ.com

Ziegler’s Window Treatments 201-880-7408 ZieglerAndSons.com

WINDOWS & DOORS

Acorn Home Improvements 973-386-9604 AcornHomeImprovements.com

Global Home Improvement 866-735-1121 GlobalHomeInc.com

Window King 201-907-1505 WindowKing.biz

WOOD MOLDING/ TRIMWORK

H.J. Opdyke Lumber Co. 908-996-2241 Opdyke.com

American Construction Roofing & Chimney 201-254-9894 AmericanRoofingChimney.com

Modern Home Construction 732-682-9251 ModernHome.llc

Wayne Tile Company 973-883-7962 WayneTile.com

TILE & GROUT SERVICES

Perfect Grout 201-878-8237 GroutPerfect.com

Home Trimwork 215-613-4100 HomeTrimwork.com

Staying Put Staying Put

Fewer people in the United States are moving from house to house these days. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of the country’s movers has been on a steady decline, from 16.8% in 2016 to 11.8% last year.

Additionally, more families aren’t just choosing to live in their homes longer: They’re spending more time there. This homebody trend began with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown, and has not only persisted but also grown over the past five years. Consumer analytics platform CivicScience found that the proportion of adults with a decreased desire to leave their home hit 35% earlier this year, which is higher than the 29% reported in 2020.

Home improvement companies are ready to make what’s old new again for clients who want a refresh of their home.

The problem is, deciding a house is a forever home—or at least a forever-for-awhile home—does not automatically turn it into a dream home. In fact, spending more time in your space may highlight the things you want to change. Does the kitchen look tired? Is the bathroom too bland? Do these floors need restoring? Is it time to update the woodwork?

For those looking to stay in their current home long-term but are still eager for a refresh, House & Home spoke with local professionals to discuss the many ways you can spruce up your home’s interior and make it the perfect place to spend your time.

A SMART INVESTMENT

When staying long-term in a home, it makes sense to invest in quality craftsmanship.

“It adds value and personal character to the house,” explains Pavlo Danylchenko of Signature Woodcraft. The custom interior woodworking business brings beauty to a home, from adding wainscoting to a hallway, to building a mantle around a fireplace, to constructing a custom staircase in a foyer. The company fields a lot of requests for mudroom cabinetry, too, as well as custom shelving and bookcases throughout a home.

“We’ve been doing this for a very long time,” Danylchenko continues. “We know how to do it and it’s very easy for us.”

Adding charm with details is a great way to refresh a tired space, according to Rich Lauletta of Haddon Flooring. The company specializes in luxury hardwood, engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring—the latter a popular choice because of its durability, Lauletta says—and also offers custom wainscoting and eye-catching accent walls, which have been growing in popularity.

Staying Put

“They really brighten up a room,” Lauletta says. “It’s a ‘wow’ factor. One couple told us they couldn’t help but smile when they walk past it. Someone else told us the accent wall made the room their happy place. We love doing them and hope we can spread joy through them.”

They’re also practical and long-lasting, Lauletta adds, with the wood and high gloss paint used being much more durable than a regular painted wall.

Durability is a key reason to use professionals when refreshing your space: They know how to make things not only look great, but also last for years to come.

AN UPGRADED LIFESTYLE

“Many homeowners love their homes but feel their kitchen or bath no longer reflects their lifestyle or taste,” says Steven Livingston of Kitchen Tune-Up Bloomfield. “Kitchen Tune-Up specializes in breathing new life into existing spaces—without the disruption or cost of a full-gut remodel.”

There are a range of tailored solutions from Kitchen Tune-Up, including the cabinet refacing that gives a brand-new look to existing solid cabinet boxes, new custom cabinetry, and upgrades such as countertops,

tile, hardware and smart storage solutions.

“These options allow homeowners to modernize their space and increase value while staying comfortably in the home they love,” Livingston says.

Kitchen Tune-Up Greater Bergen’s Todd Finkenstadt adds that the company offers options at every investment level.

“If you plan to stay in your home longterm and want a meaningful refresh, Kitchen Tune-Up offers a range of services, from quick updates to complete kitchen transformations to help you love your kitchen again,” he notes.

Another way to upgrade a space without overhauling the entire room is by replacing shower doors and mirrors—accents that should, quite literally, shine.

“Primarily, we’re going to be working in the bathroom,” says Scott Kingsland of Glass Castle. “Shower doors are more modern, heavier glass, less metal. We also offer different mirror options—beveled, custom cut.”

The safety of full-glass shower doors shouldn’t be a concern, according to Kingsland, as it’s tempered safety glass ranging in thickness between three-eighths of an inch to a half-inch.

“You could literally hit them with a hammer and they wouldn’t break. They’re that strong, and definitely very durable,”

he affirms.

From a longevity standpoint, coatings applied to the glass during the manufacturing process, such as Showerguard, not only come with a lifetime warranty but also seal the inside portion of the shower “so every time you clean it, everything comes off and it looks brand new. You can have a shower door that’s 15 years old and it’s still going to be as clear as the day installed,” Kingsland says.

Although most of Glass Castle’s offerings are focused on the bathroom, they have also been adding mirrored walls to basement gyms and, for higher-end customers, glass fronts for wine rooms to showcase the space.

ON TOP OF TRENDS

When it comes to trends in the homespace, a lot of the shift is on finishes, whether it’s the front of a cabinet or the hardware of a shower door.

According to Finkelstadt, homeowners are asking for warm, natural finishes and slim shaker cabinets, which “blend natural warmth, modern simplicity and low-maintenance practicality.”

“We’re seeing homeowners lean into warmth and texture—natural woods, matte finishes, and soft whites balanced with statement hardware or bold islands,” agrees Livingston, adding that storage efficiency is an-

other major focus. “Hidden charging drawers, pull-out pantries and built-in organizers are topping most wish lists.”

The biggest industry trend that Kingsland has seen in recent years has been thicker glass and less metal on shower doors, with a wider option of finishes.

“Twenty years ago it was chrome and brass. Then brushed nickel was introduced,” he says. “Today, matte black is popular. Satin brass, satin gold finishes are all pretty popular, too.”

Finishes have changed in woodworking, too, as Danylchenko says, “Paint is trendier right now. It’s rare we do stained jobs.”

STARTING THE PROCESS

When it comes to booking a job for a home facelift, a simple phone call typically begins the process. Most companies offer free in-home consultations to get the ball rolling, too.

“We can show them a bunch of options, different samples where they can put it right in the space to really get the feel of what it would look like when it’s done. We also do visualization tools where we can take a picture of their space and show them a rendering of what it would look like with a custom accent wall or new floors,” Lauletta says.

Even when the customer knows what they want, Dan-

ylchenko says it’s important for the professionals to bring in their own knowledge to make the space as functional and aesthetically pleasing as possible.

“We always provide our own drawings of the projects of how exactly it’s going to look,” he says.

Kitchen Tune-Up uses its own proprietary design quiz to help uncover each client’s style and preferences, according to Livingston.

“It all begins with an inhome consultation, where we collaborate with homeowners to craft a design they’ll love for years to come,” he says. “During the visit, we review the space, discuss functionality and layout, and then translate that into a detailed design plan. From there, we guide clients step-by-step through every component of the remodel—incorporating 3D renderings where applicable for custom kitchens to help them visualize the finished space with complete confidence.”

When a client starts the home upgrade process, they may know exactly what they want, or they might know that they need a refresh but aren’t quite sure how to go about it. In either case, local businesses are ready to work with customers to find their perfect solution.

“We help make it a happy place to spend their time,” Lauletta says.

RESOURCES

Glass Castle

Lawrenceville, NJ: (609) 312-5619

Neshanic Station, NJ: (908) 402-1057

GlassCastle.com

Haddon Flooring

Serving South Jersey (856) 654-0005

HaddonFlooring.com

Kitchen Tune Up North Jersey

Steven & Takia Livingston (Bloomfield, NJ)

Todd & Ruth Finkenstadt (Glen Rock, NJ) (201) 474-3112

KitchenTuneUp.com

Signature Woodcraft

Serving New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware (267) 736-9740

SignatureWCraft.com

WHow to make sure your home is properly prepared for the season.

Ready for Winter

ith winter fast approaching and frigid temperatures not far behind, many folks have undoubtedly already begun the countdown until the warmer weather arrives next spring. But just because we have traded in our swimsuits and towels for sweaters and blankets, it’s important that homeowners don’t simply slip into hibernation, but rather make sure their property is well-positioned to survive the season’s harsh conditions.

By Peter Proko

issue and a massive headache.

Whether having your roof, gutters or siding inspected, ensuring your windows and entry doors are properly sealed, having your chimney serviced or tending to your landscaping, there is no shortage of areas to address before Old Man Winter rears his head.

House & Home spoke with some area experts to gain advice on what boxes you should be marking off from your winterizing checklist. No matter what your home’s needs may be, taking a proactive approach can be the difference between a small

Why is now an ideal time to take stock of the exterior of your home and identify potential issues?

Late fall is hands down the smartest time to walk the perimeter of your house with a critical eye. A lot of the leaves are down, so you can spot siding that’s cupped, cracked or pulling away from the wall. You can also spot curled or missing roof shingles. You’ll want to look for daylight peeking through window or door gaps that will become expensive heat

leaks once temperatures drop. A quick visual check now can prevent small issues from becoming larger issues in a couple months.

—Mike Chapman, owner and president, Chapman Windows Doors & Siding

What are some of the key areas that you try and make homeowners aware of with regard to winterizing their home?

When it comes to winterizing your home, the key is to stop heat loss. The U.S. Department of Energy says that drafts can waste 5-to-30% of

energy use. Take time to inspect your house.

Repairing or replacing windows, doors, siding or your roof can help you reduce heat loss and stop larger problems from developing. In the long run, these proactive fixes stop rot, mold and structural decay that can lead to larger repairs or replacements down the line.

—Mike Chapman

How important is it to have your roof assessed before winter weather arrives, especially if it’s on the older side? Having your roof inspected

before winter is especially important if it’s older or showing signs of wear. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can worsen small problems like cracks, curling or missing shingles, leading to leaks and costly damage. An inspection can catch these issues early, ensure proper ventilation and insulation, and reduce the risk of ice dams and leaks. It also helps extend your roof’s lifespan, keeps your home safe from structural problems and provides documentation for insurance purposes. In short, a pre-winter roof check is a simple step that can save money

and prevent headaches during the harshest months.

—Jake Domanski, sales manager, G. Fedale Roofing & Siding

What are some basic tips to help prepare your landscaping for the season?

Some tips would be to cut back growth on any perennials and prune or cut off any dead branches on any shrubs or plants. Also, make sure to clean the leaves off your property. Oftentimes, people will allow leaves to sit on their property throughout the winter, and this results in signifi-

cantly more damage to the lawn in the spring. I would also recommend a winterized fertilizer for your plants and your lawn as well.

With regard to plant material, any plants that may

have died, it’s best to remove them. You don’t have to plant any replacements now, you can certainly do that in the spring. But dead plants— whether there are some issues with fungus or insect problems—if left alone, the issues can spread and result in more problems throughout the property.

Also, be mindful of pests in the area, deer in particular. You can cover plants around the property that aren’t deer resistant with burlap and use some of the repellents that you can buy at local stores.

—Chris DeMato, owner, Rock Bottom Landscaping & Fencing

What should you look for with regard to hardscaping maintenance?

People will sometimes wait on repair work for hardscaping, like maybe a masonry step or a brick paver, and that’s not a good idea. Water will settle

under a sunken area of brick pavers or a cracked piece of concrete, and that water will freeze and expand, resulting in much more damage to your porch, steps or patio. And with brick pavers, you want to make sure your grout or polymeric sand is filled in as this can result in the same type of problem for your patio or walkway.

People see these areas in need of repair at the end of the season and think they’ll just address it in the spring, but we recommend the customers [address them immediately].

Chris DeMato

How important is it to have your chimney inspected and/or serviced?

Having your chimney cleaned and inspected annually is very important, even if you don’t use it, because the freeze and thaw cycles in the wintertime can cause cracking in the ma-

sonry and lead to water intrusions inside the home.

A chimney inspection is not something a homeowner can typically do. Because our equipment is specialized, it would be difficult for a homeowner unless they could get on their roof to really look for and see things.

—Leon Ochal, founder, Chimney Scientists

What are some of the most common concerns you encounter with chimneys?

A lot of people don’t even realize they have a chimney for their heating system. A huge portion of our business is preparing chimneys for your heater. So I would say for your average homeowner, just being aware that they have a chimney for their heater is good to know. And then, if they have never had that looked at, it’s maybe time to hire a certified chimney professional to do a camera in-

If you live in a house that was built before 1980 there’s like a 98% chance that you have a chimney for your heating system. And most people are not aware of that. So it’s best to have someone look at it before it collapses on itself and carbon monoxide backs into the basement.

—Leon Ochal

Is there anything specific you have to do with regard to gutters to make sure they are in good shape to handle the winter weather?

Before winter, it’s important to make sure your gutters are ready to handle snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Properly maintained gutters help prevent ice dams, water damage and extra stress on your roof during the winter months. Start by thoroughly cleaning them of leaves, pine needles and debris so water can flow freely. You’ll also want to

check that your gutters are properly sloped toward downspouts and that all sections are securely fastened, as heavy snow and ice can pull loose gutters away from the house. Make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from the foundation to prevent freezing near your home, and inspect for any cracks, holes or damage that could worsen in cold weather. Adding gutter guards can also help reduce debris buildup and make maintenance easier.

—Jake Domanski