Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Offers over 850,000: Grand Banchory home flooded with natural light Calendar An icon of a desk calendar. Cancel An icon of a circle with a diagonal line across. Caret An icon of a block arrow pointing to the right. Email An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of the Facebook "f" mark. Google An icon of the Google "G" mark. Linked In An icon of the Linked In "in" mark. Logout An icon representing logout. Profile An icon that resembles human head and shoulders. Telephone An icon of a traditional telephone receiver. Tick An icon of a tick mark. Is Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes. Is Not Public An icon of a human eye and eyelashes with a diagonal line through it. Folder An icon of a paper folder. Folder An icon of a paper folder. Breaking An icon of an exclamation mark on a circular background. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Caret An icon of a caret arrow. Clock An icon of a clock face. Close An icon of the an X shape. Close Icon An icon used to represent where to interact to collapse or dismiss a component Ellipsis An icon of 3 horizontal dots. Envelope An icon of a paper envelope. Facebook An icon of a facebook f logo. Camera An icon of a digital camera. Home An icon of a house. Instagram An icon of the Instagram logo. Linked In An icon of the Linked In logo. Magnifying Glass An icon of a magnifying glass. Search Icon A magnifying glass icon that is used to represent the function of searching. Next An icon of an arrow pointing to the right. Notice An explanation mark centred inside a circle. Previous An icon of an arrow pointing to the left. Rating An icon of a star. Tag An icon of a tag. Video Camera An icon of a video camera shape. Speech Bubble Icon A icon displaying a speech bubble WhatsApp An icon of the WhatsApp logo.

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Grand Banchory home flooded with natural light on the market for offers over 850000 - Press and Journal

Le Sud is one of many neighborhood restaurants in North Center. | Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

North Center, a sprawling and historic neighborhood on the citys North Side, contains the communities of Roscoe Village, St. Bens, and Bricktown, and several major cultural corridors, including Lincoln Avenue and Roscoe Street. Its also home to some of Chicagos best neighborhood restaurants, live music venues, pizzerias, taquerias, Asian restaurants, German beer halls, kebabs, vegan brunches, and more. Here are 16 spots diners wont want to miss.

As of January 3, the city has mandated that those ages 5 and up be fully vaccinated and masked at public places indoors while not actively eating or drinking. For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicagos COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

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Where to Eat and Drink in North Center - Eater Chicago

January 24, 2022 By Marisa Olsen

Over the weekend, Brian Moys Nomai opened its doors to debut at Derby Street Shops in Hingham. Long awaited by the South Shore, shoppers, residents, and visitors now have access to a stellar new American and Asian-inspired cuisine dining option. Nomai transports guests away, to a new and modern culinary experiencea sparkling gem for South Shore food lovers and diners.

The space is large and inviting and the restaurant is named for a crimson-color Japanese maple tree with serrated edged leaves. Throughout the space, four impressively large 18- foot replica Japanese Maple trees are planted and displayed, which almost serve as lighted pillars or beacons throughout the site, leading your eyes upwards to the massive, vaulted ceiling.

Brian Moy grew up in the restaurant business, often working in his fathers Chinatown restaurants, China Pearl and Ho Yuen Ting. Years later, Moy would open up his own venture, creating modern and inventive Asian-inspired restaurants, Shj and Ruckus in Boston. Moys team includes Culinary Director Jason Hua, whom Moy met and befriended at Boston University, and Executive Chef Bradley Yard. Hua most recently has been the Executive Chef and Managing Partner at The Dutch in New York City. Hua was also part of the opening team at Uni. He Studied at the Culinary Institute of America and went to Europe to hone his craft at The Fat Duck and then interned at Jean-Georges in New York City. Yard is hailed most recently from Park City, Utah where he served as Chef de Cuisine of Handle.

Moy is excited to bring his first suburban concept to Hingham. Nomais menu is fresh, exciting, and eye-catching, tempting you to try every dish and return time and again. The menu is designed to be sharable with small plates and larger entrees with a goal of being communal. Items are organized by raw bar, snacks, appetizers, vegetables, noodles and rice, fish, meat, and dessert. Think of homemade silky tofu, created by Brians dad with black truffle; a juicy, tender Rib Eye with triple-fried French fries; a secret fried chicken; orange chicken wings with Kogi, a fermented rice seasoning; fresh sashimi; and other Asian-inspired flavors and playful foods, such as Char Siu crescent rolls with black pepper and mozzarella cheese. Thoughtful, inventive cocktails such as Winter Strawberry in Japan with Haku Japanese vodka and Iichiko Shochu or a Gogo 75 with gin, sake, pear, kiwi, yuzu, and champagne are lovely ways to start your dining experience before you delve into wine, beer, sake, and an extensive Japanese whiskey list. Justin Park of the Hawaiian Bar Leather Apron serves as the Creative Bar Director.

The restaurant seats 130 guests, and Moy plans on having an outdoor patio in the warmer season. The restaurant is lofty and inviting as well as urban and cool, with a large u-shaped warm wooden bar, minimalist booths, a dining room, back bar, and semi-private dining room. The space is vaulted with pale white oak wooden planked ceilings and round lantern-inspired light fixtures, which float about the room. A large, round centerpiece chandelier anchors the back of the restaurant space, above the arresting Nomai trees. The walls are composed of modern and contemporary black and gray brick and a gritty and industrial plastered speckle, making Moys tasteful eye of curated collected art pop. The space was designed by Boston design firm, Sousa Design Architects.

Brians personal love for art and fashion are visible throughout, adding a personal element to Nomai. Sought-after American artist KAWS collectible art, as well as fashion, and his favorite cookbooks sit prominently on open wooden shelves. A large and impressive Shepard Fairey is displayed proudly on a wall, which shows off the famed artists signature mural-esque style of work of his wife. Moy also brought along a souvenir from his beloved Boston restaurant, Shja mythical monkey creature that is thought to be frisky and mischievous, and fond of alcohol. (Perfect for us.) The monkey theme is echoed by a portrait of a Shj monkey by local artist Marcus Sebastiano in the back of the space, and on the custom wallpaper in both restrooms. Patrons will get a kick out of the wallpaper, featuring cheeky monkeys, sipping out of vodka bottles, enjoying dirty martinis, and may even potentially spot a red bra camouflaged in the jungle greenery. How could you not have fun at Nomai? We certainly did, and we cant wait to return.

Nomai94 Derby St, Hingham, MA 02043(781) 385-7983Currently open for dinner service nightly

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Nomai's Welcome Debut to the South Shore - Hingham Anchor

A $22 Million Versailles-Inspired Mansion Owned by Mervyns Department Store Founder Sells in 11 Days (Private Atherton Estate)

Even by Bay Area standards, the whiplash-fast sale of a Versailles-inspired mansion in the countrys most expensive zip code is incroyable.

Listed just 11 days ago for $22 million, the 2003 Atherton home went into contract on Monday, according to Redfin. Given the quick sale, the property may have sold for more than the asking price.

Mervin Morris, founder of Mervyns department stores, bought the property, on a bit more than one acre, in 2000 for $6.5 million, according to public records. Since he planned to tear down the home built in 1964 by Joseph Eichler to build his new French chateau-style home, he offered previous owner, interior designer Sue Olson, not just $1 million above her asking price, but also any materials she wanted to salvage.

The redwood siding was set aside for an Eichler home on the Stanford campus, she told the Almanac News at the time, and she planned to recycle as much as she could.

Morris bulldozed the rest and hired architect Andrew Skurman, who has offices in San Francisco and Paris, to create a bespoke home inspired by Ile-de-France in Versailles, according to the listing notes.

Parquet wood floors and intricate millwork are among the French-country features, as well as the mansard roof with arched dormers. In the center of the U-shaped homes limestone entry courtyard sits a statue of an escargot.

The main level has more than 7,000 square feet and includes a great hall with a wet bar hidden in an armoire, an 18th-century French fireplace mantel and 13-foot-high vaulted ceilings accented by a lantern-style fixture that Morriss wife, Rosyln, bought on a trip to Paris with Skurman, the architect said in a video tour of the home. Typical ceiling heights on the ground floor in Atherton are only 10 feet high, he said.

Referring to the hallways as galleries, and pointing out the voluptuous door mouldings and several octagonal rooms, he also acknowledged areas where his design could be updated. The new owner could remove a small wall between the kitchen and the formal dining room, which has upholstered walls and a customized closet for silver serving pieces, to make one big living-dining area, he said.

The main floor also has four en suite rooms, three of which are set up as bedrooms and one as an office, and a powder room with a separate primping area. The second floor has an 800-square-foot guest/staff quarters with an en suite bedroom and separate living area.

The largely one-floor layout makes sense, given that Morris was 80 when he bought the home. He died at 101 last summer. His wife of more than 60 years died in 2016 and public records show the home has remained in family trusts since that time.

It also has a separate four-car garage with an electric vehicle charging station, which Skurman said could be converted to a guest house with a smaller garage, given that the estate has room for more cars on the concentrically patterned cobblestone motor court.

Unlike many homes at this price point in the South Bay, the home lacks a pool. It does have a large recessed spa off its limestone back patio, as well as a sculpture garden, a rose garden and a flower arranging room.

The expansive outdoor space can be accessed throughout the main level viawhat else?French doors.

This is the house for a Francophile, Skurman said.

Contact Emily Landes

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A $22 million Versailles-inspired Atherton mansion sells in 11 days - The Real Deal

Heres an idea that will light up the LED light bulb: home remodeling plans that save energy and money. Despite the upfront investment, investments in green remodeling often wind up paying for themselves. They can also improve home value. Here are a few of the best green remodeling projects to embark on.

In an at-times brutally cold environment like Chicagoland, the quality of your homes insulation can mean the difference of hundreds of dollars. Attic air sealing is a common way to invest in this, but look into insulation for light fixtures, outlets, and switches, which can sabotage otherwise effective insulation plans. Outright replacement of windows with Energy Star-certified glass can be pricey, but depending on the age of your current windows, can absolutely pay for itself within a few years. A federal tax credit for insulation is available to help bring down the cost.

From laundry machines to refrigerators to water heaters, energy efficient options are bountiful in 2022. The Energy Star label is generally a strong indicator that youre on the right track, but for prioritizing investment, consider some research into the best bang for your buck to start off with.

This could be the winter to invest in a smart thermostat, the best of which provide many customizable options to make the most, as in, least, of your HVAC needs. Program your smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperature at certain times. Remote control from your smartphone provides maximum flexibility, and is a great pure measure of convenience.

For the truly ambitious green remodelers, the allure of solar paneling is hard to resist. In the right situation, solar panels can cover a large portion or eliminate your monthly electricity bill, but they also come with a steeper upfront installation cost. Many factors must be evaluated to determine if this will pay off for you, including: the amount of sunlight your home receives, the size and orientation of your roof (south- and west-facing roof panels generate more energy in the Northern Hemisphere), and any available incentives, rebates, or tax credits that may be available in your area. While the upfront cost is steep, it has become more affordable in recent years, and financial incentives for them are steadily increasing solar panels are worth a look.

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4 Green Remodeling Ideas - The Real Deal

Investing in Historic Preservation

Homes that have stood for hundreds of years lend themselves to a slow process of restoring one feature at a time.

The previous owners of the Costas Andover home did most of the restoration work on the farmhouse in the 1990s, rewiring, plumbing and insulating the house before restoring the plaster walls. The Costas expanded the living space in the barn, restored the exterior and increased the energy efficiency of the house. The couple spent $600,000 to $700,000 on their projects.

We added a tavern room in the barn with paneling that a woodworker found and installed for us from the interior of a 1780s house, Mrs. Costa said. The original floor of the attic in the principal house was in good condition, so we removed that and installed it in the tavern room, too.

The exterior of the property needed work, so the couple hired painters to slowly remove peeling lead paint to preserve the old growth wood underneath, Mr. Costa said.

We installed a geothermal heating system because the house had used 4,000 gallons of oil a year for heat, Mr. Costa said. Now we burn zero oil, and the house is completely comfortable year-round. We add steam humidification for the winter.

Owners of historic homes rely heavily on the expertise of contractors who specialize in antique properties, said Steven White, a real estate agent with William Raveis Real Estate in Marblehead.

Experienced restoration experts do their best to retain what they can of the original structures and materials, Mr. White said. If they cant retain something, theyre usually able to replicate it, often by using salvaged materials.

At Mr. Danes Marblehead home, contractors were able to match windows and find roof shingles to complement the existing architectural shingles and meet the requirements of the historic preservation commission. The Danes replicated the plants in the garden to match historical records, replaced and stained the clapboard exterior, and reconfigured the kitchen and den for easier flow when entertaining. Mr. Dane said they spent approximately $700,000 over many years on renovations.

Our biggest project was the third floor of the house, which needed major structural repair, Mr. Dane said. It took us four years to renovate and reconfigure the space and repair the 18-inch-wide pine floors. We exposed the wood beams that support the roof and were allowed to add skylights because they arent visible from the street.

Thirty years ago, the Steines invested about $150,000 on an addition for their Connecticut home and replaced their roof twice during their ownership.

Weve invested as much or more money than we expect to retrieve when we sell the property, said Mr. Steines.

Their first project was to replace their asphalt roof with a cedar roof and to replicate the original 12-over-12 windows for a unified exterior.

We researched the pieces that we wanted to look authentic and found people who could make items that look as close as possible as the original items, said Mrs. Steines. When we added the addition, we used new materials rather than faux antique, but we wanted it to match the original design features, so we made sure to have the wide plank floors the same width as the planks in the original part of the house.

The Steines also found original moldings from the same period as their home to replace the interior trim around the windows and doors.

The beamed ceilings had been painted and stained, so we had those cleaned up, Mr. Steines said. We have three working fireplaces and the center chimney had to be taken down and rebuilt brick by brick.

The investment of time and money into preserving a historic home has a value that can be hard to quantify, Mr. Steines said.

When you own a house like this, you get the sense youre just passing through, Mrs. Costa said. Its a privilege to live here but its also a responsibility to respect the property and its past.

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Honoring New England's History by Reviving Its Grand Colonials - Mansion Global

Ace Mold Remediation Irving, is a Texas restoration company that brings many years of experience to every mold removal project that it takes on. Thats why the veteran mold removal technicians at the company realize that the key to executing a successful mold remediation project is doing a thorough inspection to start the process. This is because the same conditions that are causing the mold growth in one home may be completely different than what is causing a mold issue in another. That means each mold remediation job has to be custom planned around the particular circumstances regarding the mold growth in each home. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to mold removal. A proper inspection helps the company come up with a mold remediation plan that will not only eliminate even the most stubborn mold growth in a home but also ensure the homeowner that the mold problem will not come back.

A company representative went on to talk about how they go about doing mold remediation inspections. He stated that once they get a call asking for help, they will go to a customers home and first identify the areas in a home where mold growth is taking place. Their techs are experienced enough to find any mold thats growing in plain sight and also that which is hiding in less obvious places. The company representative also stated that you cant have mold growth in a home unless there is a moisture problem. Thats why the second step in the mold inspection process is to identify the moisture source that is contributing to any mold growth around a home. The moisture source may be as obvious as a flooding incident or a big leak or something much more subtle such as some rooms in a home having too high of a humidity level. He added that their mold removal techs are excellent at not only identifying areas of a home where mold growth is taking place but also pinpointing the moisture source and guiding the homeowner on the steps to take to eliminate it. Once the mold inspection is complete, Ace Mold Remediations tech will then go over with the customer the results of the inspection and then get back to that customer with a cleanup plan and an estimate for the mold removal task. Reviews left on the companys Google Maps Business Listing at https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7673566344472554918 attest to how well the techs at Ace Mold Remediation Irving are when it comes to doing thorough mold inspections and then using those inspections to design a successful mold remediation plan.

According to the company representative, its also very important to be proactive in getting any mold growth problem in a home handled right away. He says, Mold can be hazardous to your health, so you should get an inspection ASAP if you suspect mold or smell something funny in your home! Protect your familys health and safety. It can be especially troublesome to those in a home that are allergy sufferers, have asthma or other upper respiratory problems, and you certainly dont want young children breathing in mold spores over a long period. It was also pointed out that while most people recognize mold as being an allergen, some forms of mold are pathogenic and can become the source of both mild and serious infections. The company representative also pointed out that in addition to the health problems caused by mold, nuisance fungi growth can also cause much damage around a home that can lead to expensive repairs and item replacements. The long-term presence of mold on such surfaces as wood and drywall often necessitates complete replacement and mold also can ruin fabrics & upholstery and the items that are found inside any boxes that it is present on.

Customers that have taken advantage of Ace Mold Removal Irvings experienced mold remediation services have written reviews that have expressed a high level of satisfaction with the results. Brian John stated, This mold removing company did a great job eliminating decades of moldy insulation from the attic. They went above and beyond to ensure that the areas were cleaner, and the quality test that came back was cleared of mold. I Would recommend them. The many glowing reviews the company has received were also the subject of a recent press release that can be seen here at https://www.pressadvantage.com/i_story/48745-ace-mold-remedation-company-in-irving-tx-gets-excellent-reviews. More information on the companys prompt and efficient mold removal services can be obtained by calling them, sending them an email, or by visiting their website.

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For more information about Ace Mold Remediation Irving, contact the company here:

Ace Mold Remediation Irving

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Proper Mold Inspections in Irving TX Leading to Many Successful Mold Removal Projects - Digital Journal

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In 2001, John Tardy found himself without a job. Despite 15 years of construction expertise and experience supervising over 700 workers over three companies, his boss closed his business.

I was offered other jobs, but I told my wife, Jeanine, I didnt want to work for anyone else. I wanted to work for us, recalled John.

So Jeanine decided to open JVN Restoration Inc., a Women Business Enterprise (WBE), named after the couples three sons, John, Vincent and Nicholas.

I went through 10 different credit cards. Nobody would give me a loan, because I wasnt even in business long enough, added Jeanine. So, obviously, if I didnt have a house, I wouldnt have the business. We would have risked everything.

When JVN Restoration Inc. opened in February 2002, the business started small: a desk, computer and phone in the Tardy garage, plus a rented space in a warehouse.

The new business specialized in fire and water damage removal, mold remediation, asbestos and lead paint removal, and complete home construction. It was an easy transition for John, who tapped into his vast construction experience. Jeanine, however, put her nursing background aside and learned about the behind-the-scenes intricacies of a completely new field rife with rules, regulations and paperwork. In addition, she pursued all the licenses needed to work in the field.

My kids were going back to school, and now I had to put 100% effort into making the company succeed, said Jeanine, the owner. I had to learn to do it all, from estimating the job, to filing it, and all of the field operations that go along with each project. So, I just called people and asked a lot of questions.

While the new business had the experience, the next step was to secure work. The duo contacted connections, worked off referrals, and spent time making cold calls.

We would do anything from soup to nuts. We took anything that we could get, and thats what built up the company. To this day, we will do a small minor project to a multi-year project, said John, the senior project manager.

The duo recalled how they received an overnight call after a storm damaged the glass storefront from the JC Penney at the Quaker Bridge Mall in Trenton, N.J. Without hesitation, Jeanine told John to load the truck with plywood and board up the windows. Stemming from that act alone, the couple said that JVN Restoration Inc. still receives projects from the retailer for other locations in the area.

Its just about building relationships and working hard at it. A lot of our clients tell us, The reason why we call you all the time is because I know I can go home at night, I know my job will get done, and I dont have to worry about it, said John.

Jeanine laughed, adding: But its a lot of work. Its been many years now, but we dont stop working. Even when we go away, were working. Were always on the phone. I guess thats good for the success of the business.

Its those connections and quality workmanship that put the company on the brink of its 20th anniversary next month. The Tottenville business handles between 400 and 600 projects annually, but some noteworthy local jobs include: Gerald Peters and Pandora, both located inside the Staten Island Mall in New Springville; The Boulevard shopping center, New Dorp; South Beach Psychiatric Center, and Staten Island University Hospitals Ocean Breeze campus.

When exploring the borough, its hard not to encounter a JVN Restoration project. That especially holds true on the East Shore, which suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy.

After Hurricane Sandy, we probably helped over 150 people get back into their house. We also helped a lot of those businesses get back on their feet, said John.

Jeanine added: Its wonderful that we can do that. Hopefully, thats what were there to do, which is to help. And thank God that were able to help people. You want to do something. You cant just sit back. We were out of commission here, too. Our whole warehouse flooded. So, we took the business, we moved operations to the house, and we worked off a generator.

For their accomplishments, Jeanine and John Tardy are being honored with a Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award, which they will receive in the Established Businessperson category. The awards which are presented by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Advance honor the memory of Louis R. Miller, a businessman and West Brighton resident who was also a community leader.

JVNs portfolio of work is tremendous, but many will say that the heart and soul of Jeanine and John are just as big, if not bigger. The duo will often make donations whether its labor, services, or contributions to worthy people, organizations and causes around the borough.

For example, the business was one of several construction companies that assisted in the renovations at the Kruser-Finley House, a Dutch farmhouse in Historic Richmond Town that was built in 1790 and damaged by fire in 2014.

When the historic St. George Theatre was undergoing repairs, JVN was tasked with the project. Coincidentally, Jeanine danced at Mrs. Rosemarys Dance Studio for the late Rosemary Cappozalo, the founder of the studio and theater. The landmark theater was so grateful for the assistance, it honored the Tardys during its annual Laughs on the Links: Golf, Tennis, & Bocce Outing in 2018.

We became more involved with them. After that, we became more proactive in going to the theater. It makes you start doing some things that you normally wouldnt have done on a regular basis, said Jeanine.

The duo was also honored in 2019 by the JCC of Staten Island for the support of that organization and the Sunrise Day Camp, which is operated by The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island. The camp is the worlds first full-summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, provided completely free of charge.

Along with Michael Caridi, we helped the JCC receive new computers during the pandemic. We donated money toward that. Over the years, weve helped them out a lot, said John.

With nearly 20 years in business, creating an all-encompassing list of those who have benefitted locally from their generosity is difficult.

We overspend our donations. That much I can tell you. Our budget is blown off the roof, laughed Jeanine. John is worse than me in that he cant say no. I tell him we need to go over this because he just says yes to everything.

John explained: Its all about giving back to the community. I believe in karma. If I can do it, Ill do it. Even if I couldnt, Id still try and do something. And thats how we are.

Many will say a key to a long marriage is believing in and trusting your spouse. But, for Jeanine and John Tardy, they prove the same can be said for a solid and successful business.

Its that admiration and respect for each other that could explain why the couple has been married for 34 years and is ready to celebrate 20 years together at JVN Restoration Inc.

I wouldnt be here today if it werent for her, said John.

Jeanine added: We work well together. We argue and fight here, but we dont take it home. Thats why weve lasted so long. If it wasnt for all of my hard-working, dedicated employees and great teamwork, JVN Restoration Inc. would not be celebrating our 20th year anniversary.

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Recipients of the Louis R. Miller Awards are recognized as effective business leaders and for their outstanding contributions to the local community. Awards are given out in four categories: Emerging, Established, Master, and Not-For-Profit. The honorees will be recognized during the annual Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 16. For tickets, visit http://www.sichamber.com or call the Chamber at 718-727-1900.

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Current occupation and title: Jeanine Tardy, owner of JVN Restoration Inc.; John Tardy, senior project manager of JVN Restoration Inc.

Hometown: Pleasant Plains

Community involvement: The Environmental Contractors Association; the Bucks Business Network; Staten Island Economic Development Corp.; Staten Island Chamber of Commerce; Jewish Community Center; Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund; YMCA; Northwell Health

Some of my life goals include: To be young enough to retire to enjoy life together and travel with family and friends.

The best part of my job: Helping everyone in a favorable way.

The most difficult part of my job: When disaster strikes and people are devastated, trying to convince them that things will get better.

My life philosophy: It is what it is, stay positive and deal with it.

I am most proud of: Our family and the growth of JVN Restoration Inc., one of the largest WBE environmental companies in New York.

The quality I like best about myself: Always trying to find the positive side of people.

Personal interests and hobbies: Playing golf together and traveling.

I laugh at: When my family gets together and how the grandchildren bring out the best in them.

I am really good at: Trying to find solutions to everyday problems.

I admire: When people can actually communicate verbally and not be stuck in their phone.

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John and Jeanine Tardy honored for their hard work and generosity - SILive.com

Paul F. P. Pogue / Ask Angi| Tribune News Services

Kraus Department Store in Erie helps homeowners find fixes

See inside Kraus Department Store, a landmark on Erie's Parade Street for 135 years.

Greg Wohlford, Erie Times-News

In 2022, home improvement contractors are expecting to be busier than ever. With the U.S. labor shortage and supply chain issues still in play as we enter the new year, planning ahead and preparing for your big projects is wise. The further ahead you can get on a contractor's schedule, the smoother your project is likely to go. Booking early gives you additional time for planning and design and more room for contractors to line up materials and labor. Here's a rundown of some major home projects and their costs, so you can start planning, budgeting and hiring right now.

National average: $13,000-$38,000

Remodeling your kitchen, the heart and hearth of your home, is one of the most rewarding projects a homeowner can take on. It can also be among the most costly and intimidating, so connecting with a reliable kitchen designer and contractor early on is a good idea. As a bonus, it has an excellent return on investment for your resale value.

The kitchen is often the home's social center, so think about how you want it to interact with the rest of the home when you're entertaining.

Home projects: Consider these DIY jobs carefully while waiting for professionals on big tasks

National average: $36,000-$66,500

Installing a swimming pool can add luxury like no other addition to your house. Pools offer many years of enjoyment, and an in-ground model can enhance your home's value.

When hiring a swimming pool installer, take great care to research them and solicit multiple bids. A pool is a significant investment that may take several weeks to install, but if you start in the spring, you'll be splashing by summer. It's worth it to take extra time to get the right professional.

National average: $5,500-$11,600

Early summer is an ideal time to do a roofing job in most climates, since spring rain has stopped and late summer's heat and humidity haven't set in. A new roof is one of the most visible and expensive home improvements you can make. You'll want to carefully select your material choices and contractor, because you'll be living with this change for decades. Protect your investment by verifying licensing, bonding and insurance, and only hiring vetted local pros.

Material cost is the biggest impact on your final price. Slate is the most expensive option, followed by copper, aluminum, and steel. Slate and steel are some of the most robust materials you can buy, while copper and aluminum are long-lasting but easily dented.

More: Getting a bigger house: Should you expand or buy?

National average: $12,000-$33,000

In real estate, you can't technically factor a basement into a home's square footage. But a good basement renovation can make your home more attractive to buyers and increase resale value. Follow this rule when making your basement remodeling decisions: Finish the basement to fit your hobbies or lifestyle if you expect to live in your home for a long time. Kicking off a basement remodel in the fall will give you a comfortable place to hunker down with your hobbies come winter. If you're planning on selling your house soon, go with products and finishes that appeal to the broadest range of buyers.

2022 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Ask Angi: Start the process early when home improvement project planning for a new year - GoErie.com

Design Tech Remodeling, a residential design-build firm based in Mequon, announced today that it has been named the winner of the Best of Milwaukee award from the Shepherd Express.

Nominated in several categories, Design Tech Remodeling received first place for Best Kitchen Remodeler. This award is significant as it reflects the peoples choice in the greater Milwaukee area based on Design Tech Remodelings award-winning, high-quality design, and customer service. In addition to the Best Kitchen Remodeler award, Design Tech Remodeling was also a finalist for Best Bathroom Remodeler.

We are thrilled and very appreciative to have received this award, said Nicole Raffensperger, CKBR, owner and Lead Designer. We wish to thank all of you who voted for us making this award possible, she added.

The Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee poll allows readers to tell the world what they love about Milwaukee every year. The residents select the best of what the Milwaukee area offers in dining and drinking, shopping, health, education, home improvement, politics, and more.

This award shows how pleased our customers are with our work and how they feel about us overall, says Masha Wagner, owner and founder of Design Tech Remodeling.

About Design Tech RemodelingDesign Tech Remodeling is a family-owned award-winning kitchen, bathroom, master suite, and basement design/build remodeling firm providing the Greater Milwaukee area with over 25 years of experience. Skilled designers, carpenters, and contractors guide homeowners smoothly through their remodeling projects, from conceptual design and finish selections to the final product. Design Tech Remodelings standard of excellence ensures innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. NARI Certified Professional on Staff. Design Tech Remodeling; Building a Better Tomorrow for You and Your Family.

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Design Tech Remodeling: Wins the 2021 Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee Kitchen Remodeler Award - Wisbusiness.com