Silva Construction Urges Homeowners to Get Earthquake Retrofitting in Light of Recent Earthquakes

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (https://www.silvaconstruction.com/), a residential and commercial remodeling company serving the south bay area of Los Angeles, is urging homeowners to consider getting earthquake retrofitting in light of two recent earthquakes.

In less than two days, California experienced two of the largest earthquakes in the state since 1999. On July 4th, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Ridgecrest, CA, 100 miles east of Bakersfield, with effects felt all the way to the Los Angeles area. Then the very next day, a 7.1 earthquake struck the same region, causing serious damage to buildings and roads in the area. Because of the large magnitudes of these quakes, seismologists are warning Californians to prepare for even more seismic activity.

Earthquake retrofitting is the process of securely anchoring a home to its foundation, and can save tens of thousands in the event of an earthquake. Homes that are not retrofitted can actually move off their foundation in a large seismic event.

Dave Silva, Executive Director of Silva Construction, stated “We urge homeowners to get earthquake retrofitting done to their homes, to ensure they are really protected during an earthquake. These recent earthquakes remind us that a large seismic event can strike at any time, so it’s vital to think ahead and prepare.”

Dave Silva and David Clarke are owners of Silva Construction, Inc., located in San Pedro, CA. The company has over 40 years of experience in remodeling construction, and serves Southern California’s South Bay area, including Westchester, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, San Pedro, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Harbor City, Lomita, Torrance, and other select areas. Their blog can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/blog3/ and their website can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/. They can be reached at 310-831-6310.

How to Choose Hardware for your Kitchen

By Niko Papaheraklis

Even the small things matter when remodeling or designing your home. Choosing kitchen hardware may seem like a small detail, but it can throw the entire room off if you choose the wrong pieces! Below are some of our tips to help you choose kitchen hardware that will elevate your space.

Choose a theme and stick with it

There are so many different styles of kitchens out there, and they all look amazing! But it’s important to choose a style that fits you and you won’t outgrow in the years to come. Once you choose a theme, make sure you stick with it when it comes to picking out your hardware (or any design element, really.)

2. Keep the finishes cohesive

There are a wide variety of finishes, from brushed nickel to brass; from glossy to matte. While mixing and matching certain hardware can come together really well, it’s important to keep the finish the same to tie everything together.

3. Keep the color of your cabinets in mind

The color of your cabinets can help determine what type of hardware to get, and in what finish. For example, certain shades of brown aren’t very flexible and will only look good with a specific finish. Whereas white or painted cabinets can look good with just about anything.

4. Don’t forget about other appliances and fixtures

Make sure you keep in mind the finish on your appliances, light fixtures and your sink and faucet. Mixing metal finishes can look good when it’s not overdone, but having too many different finishes can throw the entire space off.

At Finecraft Contractors, if you can imagine it, we can build it. Making a space flow well is our specialty, and we love helping you choose these types of elements for your design or remodel! If you have a renovation idea or want to remodel sections of your home, call us at 301-330-9191 and we’ll give you a thoroughly thought out estimate.

George Papaheraklis is the founder of FineCraft Contractors, Inc., located in Gaithersburg, MD. Since 1985, FineCraft has been building houses, additions, kitchens, baths and more for discerning families. Their blog can be seen at https://finecraftcontractors.com/blog/ and they can be reached at 301-330-9191.

FineCraft Contractors Had a Successful Construction Tour at Capitol Hill

GAITHERSBURG, MD: FineCraft Contractors, Inc., (https://finecraftcontractors.com/) had a successful construction tour at a custom build in Capitol Hill in collaboration with Jonathan Kuhn Architects and AIAPV CRAN.

FineCraft is in the middle of constructing a new two-story family home that sits between two existing rowhouses. This type of construction is complex and requires highly experienced and knowledgeable contractors. A construction tour allows them to keep others within the industry informed on the happenings with the project.

On June 13, 2019, FineCraft Contractors had a successful construction tour and spoke about the processes they had encountered so far, and the trials and tribulations that went along with it. They also spoke about structural and environmental challenges encountered, how design and other issues were resolved, and lessons learned.

Jimena L. stated, “FineCraft Contractors is a well rounded professional company in the DC area. Their crew is highly skilled and the staff has superb customer service. Every project we have seen has exceeded our expectations. It is hard to find a building company with such high attention to detail. Working with the FineCraft family makes your experience enjoyable and gratifying.”

Steven Richards and Associates, Inc., a company who collaborated with FineCraft in the past said, “FineCraft does excellent work! Extreme attention to detail. George has a very good eye and is very accommodating. His crew have been with him for a long time. That is very important to me as an Interior Designer. A company is only as good as the people who work for him. I highly recommend FineCraft Contractors.”

George Papaheraklis is the founder of FineCraft Contractors, Inc., located in Gaithersburg, MD. Since 1985, FineCraft has been building houses, additions, kitchens, baths and more for discerning families. Their blog can be seen at https://finecraftcontractors.com/blog/ and they can be reached at 301-330-9191.

Big Trees Inc. Helps Transplant Large Palm Trees

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area, was approached by a new client and was asked to help with a transplanting project involving a number of large palm trees.

The client wanted five of the palm trees moved from a commercial property over to a residence, and to replace a dead palm tree with a new one on the same commercial property.

These 16-foot tall palm trees were treated the day before with anti-shock treatment to minimize the loss of hydration to the trees during the process. They were dug and structured into root balls weighing around 400 - 600 pounds each. Once the five trees were loaded up onto Big Trees’ truck and the single palm tree was transplanted onsite, Big Trees’ heavy flatbed truck and trailer with the loader made its way to Mercer Island to have the palm trees planted throughout a lakeside property.

“The transformation that tree transplanting can make to a property can be astounding. One of the most enjoyable and reoccurring stories we hear about is when loved ones or family friends make it to a property where our large tree installations have occurred, and while the person seeing this environment can’t put their finger on it, they know something significant has happened there! Sometimes they are in the shade of the newly planted tree, and just cannot figure out what is new and different,” said Nancy, owner of Big Trees.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

When Should You Have a Tree Removed from Your Property?

By Nancy Penrose

As you probably already know, trees can provide several benefits to your home and property. They can add value to your home and they can also provide shade in the warmer months.

However, trees can also have their own risks. Eventually, all trees become too old or unsafe to be kept on your property. So, how can you know when it’s time to get a tree removed?

When you see something strange

If you start to notice something strange is happening to your tree, do not wait. Call an arborist immediately for them to take a look and identify the issue. They’ll be able to let you know what the best next step should be. Dying branches should be removed immediately because they can fall at any moment.

Examine the tree from afar

In order to see if there’s anything wrong with your tree in the first place, you’ll need to take a step back and look at the tree as a whole. Look out for any leaning that’s new (a leaning tree can be a sign that it’s dying), inspect the ground around the base of the tree as the roots can tell you a lot about the health of the tree. If the roots look damaged or look like they’re decaying, the tree has lost some structural support and has the potential of falling at any point. Finally, inspect the tree’s trunk. A crack in the trunk can indicate that a tree is no longer structurally sound.

At Big Trees, we will come out and inspect your tree to see if there are any signs of damage or decay. Just contact us today at (866) 313-2333 to get started.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (https://bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at https://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to privacytree.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6vVhNW1XJI and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108.

Silva Construction Gives Tips to Homeowners on a 2nd Story Home Addition

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction, (https://www.silvaconstruction.com) a construction company, is offering to tips to homeowners who are interested in the possibility of a second story addition onto a one-story home.

Dave Silva, co-owner of Silva Construction, stated “Adding a second story or even a third story addition onto a one-story home can capture new views, which will increase the value along with maximizing square footage on a small lot. This type of project could require moving out of the house for the duration of the renovation but you’ll move back into a home that is twice the size. Here are some things to consider.”

• “Making it all work together. A good design will make your new second story look like it fits with the rest of the house.
• “Structural requirements. A second story will weigh much more than your old roof, so engineers will have to calculate how much weight the first-floor walls and the home’s foundation can carry and how to reinforce it to carry the new weight.
• “Stairs. A new staircase usually takes a bite out of your first-floor rooms. It takes good planning and design choice to minimize the bite.
• “Mechanical. When you increase the size of your home, you will have to re-evaluate the likely upgrade your furnace, water heater and electrical panel.
• “Chimneys. When you have a masonry chimney and add a story to your home, you will have to eliminate the chimney or build it up to above the new roof level.
• “Finishes. Often the style of your doors, trim, wall finish, and flooring, will dictate the finishes in the new story. But adding a new story allows you to change those things if you want.
• “Insulation. When engineering plans requires old siding to be removed from the exterior, it also gives you the chance to install new insulation, which is important because many older homes have poor insulation. And upgrading will give you better energy efficiency.”

The team at Silva Construction has done a number of second story addition projects, and can guide homeowners through the process.

David Clarke and Dave Silva are owners of Silva Construction, Inc., located in San Pedro, CA. The company has over 40 years of experience in remodeling construction, and serves Southern California’s South Bay area, including Westchester, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, San Pedro, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Harbor City, Lomita, Torrance, and other select areas. Their blog can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/blog3/ and their website can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com. They can be reached at 310-831-6310.