SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
WINDOWS / DOORS
Homeowners are veering toward
natural, clean looks this year, focusing on
bringing the beauty of the outdoors into
the home. Bright, airy rooms are trending
in all areas of the home, from living rooms
to bathrooms—the more natural light,
the better. By lowering energy costs and
brightening up your day, homeowners are
designing with daylight in mind.
• Transforming windows to doors: If
you’re looking to lighten and brighten
up a room, do it with natural light.
Adding windows or creating larger,
more expansive windows will not only
bring in more of the outdoors, but can
also change the look of a room. Large
windows that were once a custom
option are now available in mainstream
models, with some that can expand up
to 24 feet wide.
• Allowing the fresh air in: ‘Tis the
season for spring cleaning! When
you’re working in the garage this
spring, you may find it helpful to have
a retractable screen door for the garage.
Whether you are doing projects, or
using the space as a place to hang out,
garage screens keep fresh air in and
bugs out.
• Smart windows with auto tinting:
Gone are the days of having blinds to
dust, with the introduction of auto-
tinting windows. Newer on the market,
smart windows are equipped with
sensors that can read room occupancy,
sunlight, and weather conditions to
tint your windows appropriately. While
they are still a somewhat costly option,
manufacturers are marketing them
as a way to save up to 20 percent on
monthly energy bills.
• Going solar: The cost of going solar
has dropped every year since 2009,
providing more homeowners with the
option of harnessing solar energy to
power their homes. Solar installations
are increasing in Pennsylvania, but
solar currently produces less than one
percent of net electricity generation,
according to the state Department
of Environmental Protection. The
main type of technology used to turn
sunlight into energy is photovoltaics
(PV). You’ll see PV devices in fields
or on the rooftops of homes where
panel cells absorb sunlight and create
an electric field that allows electricity
to flow into the home. Individual PV
cells, each producing up to two watts of
power, are connected to form different-
sized modules to fit any home’s needs.
The module is then connected to
an electrical grid, converting direct-
current electricity into alternating-
current electricity that is used to power
your home. Although Pittsburgh
may seem to be often cloudy, there is
enough sun to make investing in the
technology worthwhile.
• Landscape design,
installation, and
maintenance
• Excavation
• French drains and
Downspouts
• Land Clearing
• Hardscapes
• Water Features
• Low Voltage
Lighting
• Yard / Sod
installation
• Spring and Fall
Cleanups
• Leaf cleanups
• Aeration
• Snow and Ice
Management
THINKING OF MAKING THE
INVESTMENT?
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE
TIPS:
1. Shop around – As you would for
any big purchase, shop around for
quotes. Your first contractor may not
offer you the best price for materials
and installation.
2. Do your research – There are many
different options of solar panels for
your home. Assess your electricity
needs to determine how many
panels would provid e you with
what you need. Whether it be solar
panels installed in your yard, or solar
shutters on your windows, there are
several options available.
3. Look for savings – Tax credits and
incentive programs are available for
those looking to lessen their carbon
footprint.
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412-913-1962
www.mjdonaslandscaping.com
RCMECHANICAL LLC
HEATING • COOLING • RADIANT
DRIVEWAY SNOW MELT
INDOOR
Mixed materials are making their way
into kitchens and bathrooms, thanks
to a variety of new finishes available for
appliances, countertops and fixtures.
What were once rooms tucked away
and never mentioned are now becoming
gathering places for entertaining and
spa-like sanctuaries sought after for
relief from a long day. The kitchen and
bathroom are really feeling the love this
season, with punch and pizazz being
added to personalize the spaces.
Bathroom
Bathrooms continue to gain
importance as a space used for relaxation
and meditation. Bathroom sizes are larger
than they once were, bringing in more
room for added features such as soaker
tubs and extended shower stalls. No room
to expand the bathroom walls? Opt for
an illusion of space with large tile sizes on
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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
24 HOUR SERVICE
NO OVERTIME CHARGE
FREE SECOND OPINION
412.851.HEAT
CELL 412.965.1051
RESIDENTIAL SNOW PLOWING
Catering to Exposed Aggregate Driveways
USING POLYPLASTIC SNOWBLADE,
NO HARM TO FINISH
PA 128882
BETHEL PARK
❘
SPRING 2018
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