Firefighters swooped down Thursday on another unregulated home operated by Keith Charles, issuing whats called an immediate threat to life order, for fire code violations that included someone sleeping in a basement without an exit.

Under the rare order, a security guard was immediately called to the duplex at 585 Clarke Rd. operated by Charless organization People Helping People and remained there while restoration workers and fire prevention officers fixed several fire code violations.

There wasnt enough smoke alarms in the building . . . there were holes in the walls, and a tenant living in a location where they shouldnt be, deputy fire chief Gary Bridge said.

Essentially, where (the basement tenant) was living was not a suitable place for anybody to be living.

In light of the circumstances that occurred on Monday we take this very seriously.

Charles, reached later that evening, said he was pleased firefighters took action and that he wanted his clients who suffer from addictions and mental health to be safe.

On high alert after a fatal blaze in what city officials are calling an illegal group home at 1451 Oxford St. East where as many as 30 people with addictions and mental illnesses are believed to have been living in a cockroach- and bedbug-infested three storey walk-up with 12 units fire inspectors have been visiting homes on their radar since Monday, Bridge said.

The Oxford St. building was known for repeated fire code violations, and London fire inspectors had visited it and ordered fixes at least 10 times in the past year for violations. City bylaw enforcers and public health officials had also dealt with numerous complaints at the building, including reports of cockroaches, bedbugs, sewage, heating cut-offs and people sleeping in the utility room.

When the blaze broke out, crews were en route to do a fifth inspection in as many days and had already decided to seek an order to close the building. An man whose identity hasnt been released died from injuries he suffered in the fire. A second person was injured. An investigation by police and fire continues.

On Wednesday, the fire department slapped an order to close against the property owner Dharma Meetun and Charles, restricting access to the building until all necessary fixes are complete.

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Another illegal group home operated by Keith Charles in trouble in London

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A cold rain did not put a damper on plans to complete a restoration project that is bringing hope to a south side couple dealing with medical concerns.

More than 40 volunteers from Fifth Third Band and Rebuilding Together Central Ohio began making essential repairs at the home of Teri and Scott Chesonis.

Teri lost her right leg in January after complications of diabetes. Scott is a disabled veteran who is losing his vision.

"They're making things a lot better for my wife to be able to function as a human being again, instead of having to depend upon everything to do things for her. She's going to be able to do a lot more things by herself," Scott said.

"We showed up first thing this morning. Everybody was very motivated and had a smile on their face. They've been working with a lot of energy all day," said Alex Sutliff, of Rebuilding Together Central Ohio. "We're going to be making some changes so that Teri has better access to the bathroom, for example, by putting a roll-in shower that she can access with her wheelchair."

On a chilly, blustery day, volunteers cleaned up their yard, made exterior repairs, spackled, primed, and painted, inside and out.

"We're doing a combination of painting. We're doing some beautification projects, and we're just really excited in helping someone who did so much to help us for this country," said Stephanie Steward, a Fifth Third Bank volunteer.

"They're wonderful. It makes me very grateful. They're taking time from their lives to make my life better," Teri said.

There is still much work to be done, but that has not deterred the spirit of the volunteers, and has left a deep impression on Teri and Scott.

Theorganization has working projects in 14 cities across the nation, investing $190,000, helping residents in need with an army of 400 volunteers. Fifth Third Bank contributed $10,000 locally toward the project, whichis expected to be completed next week.

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Volunteers Work To Repair Veteran's Home

BAY CITY, MI Bay City is filled with historic homes, but there are a few that stand out from the rest.

Patricia Drury's 132-year-old Victorian-era home, 813 N. Sheridan St., just off Center Avenue, isfeatured in the December edition of "Old House Journal," a national magazine that focuses on the restoration of historic homes. The 10-page spread highlights the home's manyantique pieces, as well as itsrich history, including a story about the timeSusan B. Anthony stayed the night there in the early 1900s.

"It's a great honor being in the magazine," said Drury, 85. "It's very unusual that any home like this in Bay City gets this type of recognition. What's so unique about this home is that it's so unchanged. There is almost no alteration to these rooms. It's filled with history."

After purchasing the home for $36,000 in 1982, Drury started researching its history.

Aretired history teacher who taught at Bay City Junior College and later Delta College, Drury said her research of the house introduced her to John Wesley Knaggs and his wife May Stocking Knaggs. The couple built the home in 1882. Through her research, Drury came across portraits of the couple, which hang on the wall in her living room today.

John Wesley Knaggs was a Civil War veteran who lost his arm in battle. He would go on to open an insurance business in Bay City.

His wife May Stocking Knaggs, who was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2002, was a well-known leader in the women's suffrage movement. Described as a "logical and convincing speaker" by the Detroit Free Press, she believed that men and women should be viewed as equals in responsibility and opportunity to vote.

She heavily campaigned for Susan B. Anthony, who actually stayed overnight in the house during one of her trips to Michigan. The room Anthony slept in now has her initials etched into the corners of the door frame. It also features a $4,000 antique bed.

"It's probably one of the greatest pieces of history that is a part of this house," Drury said on Anthony's stop in Bay City.

Drury learned much of the house's history through a memoir written by Helen MacLennan Rambow, the granddaughter of John and May Knaggs.

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Historic Bay City home where Susan B. Anthony stayed the night featured in national magazine

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The Restoration House of East Tennessee is working on The Village, a community development project withtransitional housing for single-mother families in Knoxville.

To help make the community a reality, theyhave raised $2.2 million, but still need $250,000 more over the next six months.

Daniel Watson, Executive Director, says phase 1 is currently under construction, which includes six units, the complex office and a community center. Once complete, the new village will house 24 units.

He says The Restoration House gets 21 referrals on average each month, but can only handle 5 families at a time. According to Watson, The Village will increase capacity by 500 percent, while reducing cost per family by 49 percent.

The Restoration House provides low-income single mothers and their children with transitional housing in a 2-year self-sufficiency program. Services include team mentoring and family advocacy. It is funded by private donations.

For more information on how you can help, visit their website at TheRestorationHouse.netor you can call (865)200-5406.

You can also follow them through social media: @restore families and at facebook.com/resorationhouse.

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The Restoration House needs help making home for single-mothers families in Knoxville a reality

With the holidays approaching, many homeowners choose to spruce up dingy carpets ahead of the entertaining season. Ground in dirt, stubborn stains, and high traffic patterns can detract from the appearance of your home. A deep carpet cleaning can be an easy solution to these problems.

There are three basic options for residential carpet cleaning; professional cleaning, renting a cleaner from a local retail business, or purchasing a steam cleaner. The cleaning process for all three options is similar. A detergent solution is sprayed over the carpet, and then worked into the fibers. A vacuum removes the detergent solution along with water and dirt from the carpet. Effectiveness, economy, and convenience are factors that should be considered when deciding which of these options best suits your needs.

Hire a Professional

Professional cleaners use a truck-mounted steam cleaning system. First, a professional pre spray breaks down soil, then a chemical emulsifier lifts out dirt without creating suds as the water is heated to 200 degrees, which is the maximum temperature recommended by most carpet manufacturers. Consumers will want to check with their carpet manufacturer if their carpet is still under warranty, as the warranty can be voided in some cases if carpet is not cared for at the manufacturers specifications.

According to Dale Basel, president of Bobs Janitorial, water temperature and recovery are what set professional cleaners apart from do-it-yourself methods.

The vacuum on the truck is much more powerful than the vacuum in rental equipment, and it gets your carpet drier, said Basel. The rental equipment just leaves it in your carpet. This system removes water efficiently for quicker drying times, usually in 4 to 6 hours. The truck system uses its own water and electricity, and the chemicals are non-toxic and safe for children and pets.

Basel also points out that his employees are trained to use the equipment properly, which means less risk of over spraying carpets. Bobs Janitorial often runs coupons in the paper good for cleaning living room, dining room and hallway for $69.95.

Rent a Carpet Cleaner

There are several options around town for renting your own equipment if you would rather do-it-yourself. Sunflower Rental offers a steam cleaner rental price of $20/4 hours or $30/day.

A second option is to rent a Rug Doctor cleaning system, available at area Dillons grocery stores. A small cleaner is $26.99/24 hours of use. Rug Doctor also offers a wide-track version of the Rug Doctor for $29.99/24 hours, which promises to cut down on your cleaning time.

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At Home Living: Preparing for holiday guests with carpet cleaning

Plans to restore Muhammad Ali's boyhood home in west Louisville have hit a snag.

Organizers planned to begin work this week, but not enough money has been raised for the $250,000 project.

Kansas-based 19th Century Restoration plans on gutting the home and transforming it into what it looked like in the 1950s.

They also hope to buy the home next door and turn it into a parking lot and community center.

We need to shine a light on the west end of Louisville, Kentucky, and show the world where Muhammad Ali was built. These are all the little pieces of what made this great man, said Dan Riedemann with 19th Century Restoration.

Organizers are hopeful the project will be finished by Jan. 17, in time for Muhammad Ali's 73rd birthday.

Click here for more information

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Plan to restore Muhammad Ali's boyhood home hits snag

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP A man accidentally drove his car into his own home Thursday.

He was not injured, said Bristol Township police Lt. Guy Sava.

The man, whose name was not released, was unable to hit the brake pedal while going into his driveway at about 1:45 p.m. at 921 Bath Road.

Sava said the man has some physical disabilities and accidentally hit the accelerator and drove into the home.

Firefighters and an ambulance responded, but he was not trapped in the car as initially believed.

Sava said inspectors were trying to determine if the house is structurally sound. No further information was available.

George Mattar, 215-949-4165; email: gmattar@calkins.com; Twitter: @mattarmuses

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Man accidentally drives car into his Bristol Twp. home

The new 40,000-square-foot RH West Hollywood, The Gallery on Melrose Avenue may feature classical columns and a grand staircase, but the retail concept is designed to reflect everyday scenarios at home.

"All of the lifestyle spaces are designed to approximate residential scale," explained Sausalito-based architect James Gillam during a recent tour of the new showroom.

Unlike some furniture stores, bedroom, living room and bathroom vignettes are not installed in separate categories. Here, bedrooms merge into adjacent bathrooms, just as they might in a home. The objective, Gillam said, is to help homeowners visualize how the pieces will work in their own living spaces.

Our vision is to create an environment that blurs the lines between residential and retail, interiors and exteriors, offline and online, and celebrates the creative spirit of West Hollywood and the Los Angeles Design District, Restoration Hardware Chairman and Chief Executive Gary Friedman said in a statement.

Although the gallery setting concept may be new, the trademark Restoration Hardware goods remain: masculine tufted leather sofas and club chairs, elegant monochromatic linen furnishings and opulent lighting among them. Additionally, the store will feature a Ben Soleimani rug showroom, an interior design studio and a Bellocq organic tea atelier.

Perhaps the Melrose Avenue store's most striking detail, however, is its third-floor rooftop garden. The 10,000-square-foot space, shown above, resembles a park with its grove of olive trees, decomposed granite walkways, concrete fire pits and raised paver stones. The tranquil space, which is furnished with comfortable outdoor seating, is open to the community as a public space and will be available for special events.

RH West Hollywood, The Gallery on Melrose Avenue, 8564 Melrose Ave., Open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Valet parking. (310) 652-0323.

lisa.boone@latimes.com

Twitter: @LisaBoone19

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Restoration Hardware opens RH West Hollywood gallery on Melrose

Orlando, Florida (PRWEB) October 28, 2014

Work on Arthurs home began on September 15th and was completed mid-October. Universal Roof & Contracting partnered with ABC Supply, who generously donated the shingles and much of the renovation materials. The scope of work includes a new roof (including carport) and complete decking replacement. New safety lights and structural supports were installed while curb appeal was enhanced with complete exterior painting, yard clean up and restoration. The interior of the home received insulation, extensive ceiling and drywall repair, and ceilings were revived with a fresh coat of paint.

Arthur lives in a modest single-story cinder block home by himself. A former taxi dispatcher, Arthur is no longer able to work due to his disability. He depends on his social security and the support of those around him. During what was to be a simple corrective retinal eye surgery, advanced glaucoma was discovered and led to complete blindness within months. Completely blind since 2013, Arthur gets a ride to a small neighborhood park about a mile from his house where he attends an outdoor church. He takes classes twice a week to help him with everyday tasks he can no longer do because of his disability. He has a bubbly, optimistic attitude and is always quick to laugh.

Our family, here at Universal Roof & Contracting, has always contributed to the improvement of the lives and circumstances of those around us, says Jared Mellick. From food donations to veteran benefit programs, family members and employees alike have partnered over the years with community projects to impact our area residents in a positive way. Now, as a growing company, we've established the Universal Contracting Community Works division with hopes to accelerate our efforts to see restoration, healing and progress come to the lives of residents in the communities we touch through prayer and the purposeful work of our employees and associates.

Universals staff is driven by a principle from Proverbs 21:26: ...the righteous give and do not hold back.

2014 Universal Contracting Community Works Building Projects Include:

About Universal Roof & Contracting

Jared Mellick and his father, Ken Mellick are the owners of Central Florida's premier construction company, Universal Roof & Contracting, a family-run business which has been serving homeowners in the Greater Orlando area for more than 20 years. Universal Roof also recently expanded their services into the city of Jacksonville. Services include free roof inspections, free no-obligation roof estimates, roof repair, roof replacement, new roof, exterior siding, windows, and home improvement, including kitchen and bath remodeling. Jared and Ken also host a local radio home improvement and construction talk show on popular Orlando talk radio station WDBO (FM 96.5) and WOKV (FM 104.5) in Jacksonville called "In the House with Ken & Jared.

For more information on Universal Roof & Contracting and its services visit http://www.universalroof.com

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Central Florida Disabled Mans Home Gets a New Roof and Exterior Renovation Thanks to Universal Roof & Contracting

Hi everyone, I hope you're all having a great week. I'm so excited to introduce you to a new shop that's opened up here in Whitby. It's called Penney & Co. and is owned and operated by the one and only Michael Penney!

Anyone who reads House and Home magazine or watches Sarah 101 will recognize Michael. He'sa decorator, stylist, former magazine editor and now a shop owner!

Hereis his new shop front, how awesome is this colour and display?

Penney & Co. carries a varity of new and vintage items, large and small.

Love this display of simple milk glass.

Blue and white is one of my favourite colour combos and these ceramic stools would look great in my family room.

Beautiful vintage piece.

Blue and white again, it looks so rich.

You can buy one of Michael's sofas or update your own with one of these feather-filled cushions. Anyone who knows my blog knows how much I love cushions and I couldn't walk away without getting one. I wish I had gotten a couple now!

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Restoration House