Published: Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 7:07 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 7:07 p.m.

Two stories sit on a grassy, corner lot that overlooks a pond, just a short walk to the community's pool. Stucco is adorned with decorative window shutters, and tropical landscape fences off the neighbors. Muffled shouts from young children playing can be heard throughout the small gated community.

Two ceramic garden gnomes still stand by the front door, their grins reminding Shaun and Jennifer Carlson of better days.

In the garage, a mountain of white trash bags store the couple's belongings, and a young girl's metal scooter leans against a wooden kitchen table darkened by mold.

Blotches of mold also can be seen throughout the abandoned house.

For the past two years, the Carlsons and their three children have battled constant illness, financial distress and emotional turmoil as mold overtook their home.

We didn't think we could afford a new house. It was a nice step up, Jennifer Carlson said. We thought we were making a good decision, but then very quickly, it all crashed down on us.

For that, they blame builder D.R. Horton, which they claim failed to remediate the mold spores quickly enough.

In a written statement, the national homebuilder stands by its response to the outbreak. The company says it has taken appropriate steps to find a solution and that most of the mold has since been remediated.

We did not develop the lots in Palmer Oaks; however, we are committed to resolving the drainage issue for our homeowners, the company's statement said. The satisfaction of our homeowners is a top priority, and we are committed to superior customer service and providing families with quality homes and neighborhoods in the Sarasota area.

Originally posted here:
Mold forces family to flee home

Terri Hibbard, director of Wings of Grace Relief Center, left, Alison Boutwell, Rebeccah York and Laine Norris, of Forest Lake Baptist Church's Young Married Couples Group, paint a railing as they volunteer at the Wings of Grace Relief Center next to Forest Lake Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.

Jennifer Jackson-Bolden has been dislocated from her Alberta home since the April 27, 2011, tornado felled two trees onto her house. Unable to afford to live somewhere else because she was paying a mortgage on a house she couldn't live in, Jackson-Bolden has lived in multiple places since then. Saturday, she was one step closer to getting her home back.

Screams from saws filled the air as a group of people worked at her house Saturday, tacking up siding, painting trim and laying floors.

Jackson-Bolden's home was one of more than 70 projects volunteers worked to complete Saturday as part of the first Day of Hope, a volunteer service day where people around the community work on cleanup, restoration and maintenance projects at homes and facilities in need throughout Tuscaloosa County.

I was just reaching out to anybody that could help me. This was not something planned. It was something wanted, Jackson-Bolden said. I didn't know it would happen. I just prayed it would happen.

A Day of Hope is a spin-off project of the Hope Initiative created by Mayor Walt Maddox in 2009 as a partnership between the city of Tuscaloosa and the faith community. The initiative's focus is making short-term and long-term improvements in crime-ridden areas in the county.

The Day of Hope is just a way to rebuild Tuscaloosa in areas that are in need of help, said Linlee Karn, coordinator of the event.

Karn said the Hope Initiative plans to do a similar event every year.

Members of more than

50 churches of varying denominations participated in service projects Saturday.

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Tuscaloosa residents unite in a day of help

A recent mugging in Forest Park, a new residential home in the area and restoration of a collapsed building on Jamaica Avenue were among the top issues on the table as the Woodhaven Residents Block Association held its monthly meeting on Sept. 18 at American Legion Post 118 in Woodhaven.

Deputy Inspector Hank Sautner, commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, announced that the neighborhood experienced a pretty good summer, then addressed an incident that occurred around 6 p.m. in Forest Park on Sept. 16.

A jogger was accosted from behind, he said, adding that the woman gave a very good description of her attacker.

According to police, a woman was running near one of the horse trails nor far from the Buddy Monument at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South, when was grabbed from behind by a male. The victim reacted quickly and pulled away, but not until he forcibly removedherear buds, which were attached to her phone. She did not sustain any physical injuries.

He said the victim was able to pick out a photo of the suspect, picked up by one of the parks cameras. A wanted poster is imminent, he said.

The perpetrator is described as a white male in his early 40s, balding with grayish blonde hair. 5 feet, 8 inches tall and around 200 pounds. He was wearing a long sleeve gray shirt and baggy blue jeans.

I am pretty confident we have some decent leads. Hopefully, well get an arrest, he said.

The park has been the site of a series of six sexual assaults over the past two years, Sautner noted, but the latest incident was not of that kind, and he suggested there is nothing that indicates that the same perpetrator was involved in it.

In response to a question from the audience, the commander said noise complaints are our biggest quality-of-life issue. To combat the problem, the precinct tries to find the chronic locations, one of which is off Jamaica Avenue, a commercial hub.

Sautner also introduced a new member of the Community Affairs Unit, Police Officer Eddie Martinez.

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Forest Park attack tops WRBA meeting agenda

The story of the Crawford House in Belle Isle is a sad little tale that is about to come to an end, one way or another.

It will take a minor miracle to pull off a happy ending.

The clock is ticking toward December, when the city of Belle Isle plans to demolish the 105-year-old home to make way for a charter school playground.

If we were talking about Winter Park instead of Belle Isle then I'd sit back and watch the big checks start rolling in to save the historic home.

Winter Park preservationists have swooped in to rescue two homes in the last 14 years from destruction.

The community raised more than $1 million to move and restore Casa Feliz in 2001, and last year $650,000 was collected to move and begin restoration on the Capen House.

It's far from certain that the Crawford House will get that kind of love.

Belle Isle's population of 6,500 is about a quarter of the size of Winter Park's.

That means fewer deep pockets to pay for moving and restoring the home in a new location.

The good news is that, at just 1,500 square feet, the Crawford House is dwarfed in size by the two Winter Park mansions and likely would need less money.

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Race on (again) to save Pine Castle home

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, delivers a speech during a conference at the National Auditorium in Mexico City, on September 5, 2014. (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Image)

Apparently, it's not so great having Mark Zuckerberg as a neighbor.

The Facebook founder has ticked off his San Francisco neighbors with a "massive construction encampment" at his Dolores Heights home, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla have reportedly employed 40 to 50 construction workers to remodel their $10 million house for more than a year. Because it certainly wasn't big enough to begin with, workers are reportedly adding a new wine room, rooftop deck and a basement garage.

What did they do with the "old" wine room? Because if no one is using it ...

Workers are also tearing up sidewalks to install fiber-optic cables for the house.

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivers the keynote speech at the f8 Facebook Developer Conference Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014, in San Francisco. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

"One neighbor privately complained to us about the steady noise and hassle getting out of a driveway," the story says. Another area homeowner reportedly described the renovated property as "a fortress."

Then again, it's Mark Zuckerberg. He has to do something with all that money no one is using.

Zuckerberg apparently bought four houses surrounding his home last year, for an estimated $30 million. Which gives him a lot of clout when it comes to new people moving into the area.

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Mark Zuckerberg ticks off San Francisco neighbors

Cleveland, Ohio (PRWEB) September 23, 2014

Restoration Local, a leading provider of water damage repair and restoration in the United States, is offering tips on recognizing water damage in your home. With a watchful eye and a little bit of knowledge, water damage issues can be avoided or taken care of before they become major repairs.

Foundations that crack due to low-quality materials are common problems in older homes, but may be found in newer homes as well. Remember that any crack can allow groundwater into your foundation; and in no time, you have issues with dampness, humidity, and mold. This creates a weak foundation as well as possible health issues. Make sure your home is built on a firm foundation.

A sagging roof is another culprit when it comes to water damage. Roofs can sag under too much weight from water , ice, snow, or debris, and even from too many layer of shingles piled one atop the other. A sagging roof presents not just the potential for water damage, but also injury to persons who may be in the wrong place when the roof finally gives.

Sloping floors mean water problems, especially in turn of the century housing. The slope may mean the difference of five inches or more of water from one side of the home to the other. Sloping floors may also be an indicator of the weakness of the homes supporting structures. Be sure that floors are properly leveled curing construction and repair.

Improperly sealed windows and doors may be the result of the house settling, and as such may allow cool air or heat to escape, driving up your electric and heating bills, as well as allowing access to your homes interior by water.

Your homes siding may also fail, which eliminates protection from the elements. You want to use high quality, durable siding on your home.

Lastly, if you find mold or water stains on ceilings and walls, then you already have a water or flooding problem. The longer it remains, the more damage it will do.

Restoration Local is one of the leading providers of water damage restoration and mold remediation services in the US, with providers in 30 states, 24/7 availability, and same day emergency service. They are certified by the Clean Trust (IICRC) and Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

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Restoration Local Provides Tips On Recognizing Water Damage In Your Home

Rejuvenate - Home Restoration Product Line
Rejuvenate - Home Restoration Product Line that is being broadcasted on TV throughout USA.

By: Preston Styles

Originally posted here:
Rejuvenate - Home Restoration Product Line - Video

ABBOTSFORD, BC (PRWEB) September 22, 2014

Phantom Screens is excited to announce the launch of a restoration project of The Ford House, a neglected 1906 Arts & Crafts bungalow in Mobile, Alabama. The Phantom Screens team, led by its CEO C. Esther De Wolde, will work with Mobile-based Lipford Construction to transform the house into a space that not only maintains the architecture and style of the home, but also offers luxuries and amenities expected by modern homeowners.

Starting in September 2014, this 2,293 square-foot home will be restored from top to bottom.

Named after the Ford family who owned the home for many decades, the home hasnt been lived in for many years and needs extensive repairs. Featuring countless original details such as oak floors, deep front porches, and stained glass transoms, the home has been noted by experts as one of the best examples of Arts & Crafts style bungalows in Mobile.

"Truth is I fell in love with the South more years ago than I care to remember," says Esther De Wolde. I've long dreamed of taking a neglected home and restoring it to its former glory. When this opportunity came up, I couldn't help but jump at it! Not only can I check something off my bucket list, but we can create an amazing showcase for Phantom Screens products. Calling this project Southern Romance really says it all it lets us tell the story of a true Southern home and all that it represents.

Working with Danny Lipford of nationally syndicated Todays Homeowner with Danny Lipford, the Phantom Screens team will journal the ups and downs of the restoration process in a series of thirteen web TV episodes, and share it on a special website dedicated to the project. I am very excited to be part of Southern Romance project, says Danny Lipford, owner of Lipford Construction plus president and host of Todays Homeowner. We look forward to helping Phantom Screens restore this home to what it used to be. It truly holds the potential of being a spectacular home of its time period we are honored to be part of the process to make it happen.

Combining vintage style with modern comforts, The Ford House will once again be a welcoming home thats full of life and Southern charm. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 2015. Please visit http://www.experiencephantom.com to get the latest information about the Southern Romance project, see exclusive pictures, plus be the first to know when a new web TV episode is ready to air.

About Phantom Screens: Phantom Screens is North Americas leading provider of retractable screens. Phantoms screens offer insect protection, solar shading and enhanced privacy for doorways, windows, and large openings such as outdoor living spaces, and lift & slide door systems. Phantom retractable screens are designed to pull or lower into place when required and retract out of sight when not in use.

Every Phantom screen is backed with a Limited Lifetime Warranty for added peace of mind. Since its beginning in 1992, the Phantom brand has been synonymous with quality, innovative product development, and superior customer service. According to independent market research, 97% of Phantom customers rate their overall Phantom experience from good to outstanding.

Phantom Screens is a Registered Provider with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA/CES), and a member of the NAHBs Leading Supplier Council. For more information about Phantom Screens retractable screen products, or to find an Authorized Distributor or Dealer near you, please go to http://www.phantomscreens.com or call 1-888-PHANTOM

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Phantom Screens to Restore a Heritage Home to Its Former Glory

Tour Pearl S. Buck's home in Bucks County, Pa., and you'll feel as if you've discovered a treasure as prized as an oyster's pearl.

Layer after layer of Buck's story will peel away and inspire you as you go room to room, walk the grounds and visit her grave.

A best-selling author, Buck was the first American woman to win both the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes for literature.

But her work went far beyond the printed page.

Buck counseled presidents, mothered a brood of children (one birth child, seven adopted children and at least 10 foster children), changed the lives of thousands more children and fought for racial harmony through cultural understanding.

The daughter of missionaries, she used her vast knowledge of China, where she lived for 40 years, to bridge major gaps in understanding between the East and the West.

Beloved and admired, she also accepted keys to more than 30 cities, collected 13 honorary degrees and was featured on a postage stamp.

She deserves as much admiration as other Bucks County luminaries, including Henry Chapman Mercer, James A. Michener and David Burpee.

"We worry young people will not know who she is because 'The Good Earth' is gone from most school reading lists," said Janet Mintzer, chief executive officer of Pearl S. Buck International, referring to Buck's famous novel about the lives of a Chinese peasant family.

Buck, who died in 1973, was born in West Virginia 122 years ago, grew up in China and lived for nearly 40 years at Green Hills Farm in Hilltown Township near Perkasie.

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Pearl Buck home will inspire those who visit

Are you a fan of midcentury modern? Drawn to classic elegance? Does the handcraft of global dcor grab you?

There was an era when experts said to pick just one, but now we can mix and match or go all in. Each season brings updated versions of successful pieces, plus an interesting array of new looks.

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Unlimited access to SantaFeNewMexican.com and PasatiempoMagazine.comon your computer, smart phone and tablet.

Unlimted access to SantaFeNewMexican.com and PasatiempoMagazine.comon your computer, smart phone and tablet PLUS 7-Day home delivery of The New Mexican.

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Unlimted access to SantaFeNewMexican.com and PasatiempoMagazine.comon your computer, smart phone and tablet PLUS Weekend home delivery of The New Mexican.

*Must reside within SFNM home delivery area. THESE RATES DO NOT APPLY IN PLACITAS, RIBERA, ILFIELD OR VILLNUEVA. PLEASE CALL 800-873-3372 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Fall 2014 home dcor: An ensemble production