Hard to believe this transformation – from a dated brick fireplace to a real showpiece!

Before and After Photos
This 70s brick fireplace just was not in keeping with the remodeled family room – something had to give!	A new heart pine mantle tops this real-stone refacing – making a dramatic “mountain lodge” feel to the room!
Project Snapshots
	The transformation begins with a layer of bonding cement as I begin building the stone up to the new mantle.
	Almost halfway – now it’s getting exciting as we can see how striking the finished result will be!

Wheelchair ramp allows access to back porch from kitchen, prevents wheels falling off edge. Securely attached to sliding patio door track.

Project Snapshots
	This special wheelchair ramp allows access to back porch and prevents wheels from falling off the side. Anchors securely to sliding patio door.

The builder left us a blank slate for custom built-in cabinets and shelves.

Before and After Photos
Two big open spaces … what shall we do with them?	Cabinets for toys, shelves for books, videos, TV, DVD, and lots more!

What to do with a mountain of stuff that keeps the garage from being used for cars … and ping-pong?

Before and After Photos
Does this look like YOUR garage? Ellen was eager to have room to play ping pong, and the mountain of stuff had to go.	This sturdy 8×8′ storage loft puts most of the problem up out of the way – neat and safe.
Project Snapshots
	Solid for a ton of stuff, ready to start loading.

This industrial warehouse bathroom floor was a real challenge – especially while all the machinists had to detour to the ladies’ room!

Before and After Photos
The old rotten floor had to come up until the dirt was showing – then new floor joists, flooring, new vinyl tile, trim and caulk the perimeter. These things take time …	They didn’t believe it was the same room when I let them back in!
Project Snapshots
You really had to see this floor BEFORE to understand the miracle that took place. This manufacturing plant in an old warehouse had a bathroom floor that was sinking into the dirt. My challenge: recreate it STURDY and great-looking.	The old floor came out until the dirt was staring back at me. Then new floor joists …
	… and new flooring, then new vinyl sheet tile. Shoe molding and caulk the edges … VOILA!

This downstairs rec room went unfinished for many years, but finally got some cupboards and bookshelves.

Before and After Photos
This finished basement had lots of potential, but nowhere to put things – books and storage.	With generous bookshelf space, cupboards and counter top, things are starting to look promising! Now for paint and carpet …

Many folks have a deck that is avoided because of insects or too-hot sun – here’s one great solution.

Before and After Photos
Here’s the pre-construction look – a 12′x15′ deck off the back of the house.	Cool and usable with lattice on the roof that cuts the hot sun to a fraction. (A few months later, the ivy now makes it shady and private walls as well.)
Project Snapshots
	From the inside … up.

The original steps were narrow, wobbly and too steep, as well as out of proportion to the wide front deck.

Before and After Photos
The original narrow steps were wobbling and rotting away – not very enticing as an entrance to a beautiful home!	The new steps are 8′ wide and rock solid, a nice addition to the large front porch/deck.

This house needed more storage BADLY, and the huge unfinished attic was the place for it. Twelve sheets of flooring later, everything had a place!

Before and After Photos
This is the look of too many attic spaces – crowded with stuff, and no safe place to step in the middle of insulation.	Stuff removed, flooring installed – almost 200 square feet of floor and upper deck storage space!