Chris-House-Blog
I’ve discovered somewhere that I can get industrial stairs made out of aluminum to replace the rickety old wooden ones we had in our old warehouse. I lucked out when I found out about ErectaStep because their industrial stairs can be configured in a variety of ways with other parts like platforms and handrails and a whole lot more. Parts are easy to switch around because they share the same bolt hole pattern so even a dummy like me can manage it.
So let me tell you what we got. The industrial stairs has a 26” walk surface with slip resistant treads in 9” vertical increments. The ANSI safety yellow powder coat is standard on all of their aluminum stairs. Units ship disassembled for lower shipping costs but are easy to assemble.
I especially like that these components can be put together quickly and easily to gain safe access over pipes, dike walls, and other barriers. Three platforms can be bolted together in a series without tower supports, providing up to 9’ of linear clearance. You have to check out their website. They have their full catalog there where you can order anything that you need. I found that ErectaStep offers the highest quality and their parts are precision made plus they guarantee all of the products they sell. Definitely worth every penny I spent on it.
SafeRack makes flat Aluminum Loading Ramps with a slip resistant walk surface and with telescoping handrails. These are popular for railcar loading or in conjunction with truck loading arms. It reaches wide tank cars without the need for the telescoping extension and the use of the telescoped handrails eliminates gaps on narrow railcars.
Telescoping top handrails come on all models of Aluminum Loading Ramps without the safety cage option. These access gangways are built to stand up to abuse with rugged, oversized parts and feature counterbalanced and adjustable springs which help raise and lower units with minimal effort.
Whether your walkway requires aluminum or stainless steel, the G4Series design and construction keeps your operation running smoothly. When you need a replacement loading ramp or just a simple spare part, our fast response time means your loading rack won’t be down for long.
10 Reasons why buying Real estate in the Dominican Republic is advantageous at this time:
- It’s a good place to live and raise a family.
- It’s got great weather.
- Well organized business community.
- Geographically located near major trade markets in the center of the Americas.
- Abundant non-skilled work force of earnest and fast-learning young people.
- Abundant, qualified managerial staff available.
- It has a large domestic market.
- It has the largest tourism industry in the Caribbean which is a large export market within the country.
- Low crime rate.
- Diversity of investment opportunities.
Real estate in the Dominican Republic is both beautiful and affordable. Check out the listings that West Indies Real Estate has available today!
Have you cut out and collected pictures of great landscaping ideas, but now wonder how to actually put them onto your own property? Have you wanted to capture the vision of a stately French mansion on your property in Houston, Texas? Would you like to know whether the plants you’ve admired in European and New England countryside estates will grow on the Texas coastal plains? If so, you need the services of an experienced residential landscape design professional. A competent landscape designer or landscape architect takes you through the entire design development process, which includes: consultation and program development, analysis of the existing site, conceptual landscaping design, construction documentation and permitting. And then on towards turning the vision in your mind from virtual reality to actual reality. Landscape design and Analysis of the Site An essential part of the initial consultation with your landscape designer or landscape architect is a walk around your property. Here is where you get to share your overall vision, detail your wants and needs and desires. It should be a free-flowing discussion about aesthetics, which includes your likes and dislikes of materials, preferences on arrangements-all the “wouldn’t it be nice if… ” things you’ve been considering. Try to be as specific as you can. For example, you may want a deck to seat a party of ten people or a large lawn area on which your three- and five-year-old can play with your Labrador retriever. This detailed information will be brought together by your residential landscape designer or landscape architect to create a program of uses. The program organizes uses by their relationship to one another, much like the inside flow of your home. In fact, the architecture and flow of your home should relate to the architecture and flow of your landscaping. Understanding these relationships and interpreting them well separates the artist-architectural designer from a landscape horticulturalist-contractor. Residential Landscaping Design The next step in the design process develops out of the meeting notes, site analysis, program of uses, and the design professional’s experience. At this conceptual level, the landscape designer or landscape architect conveys the overall design intent, such as the general use areas and their sizes, swimming pools and other hardscapes, outdoor kitchens and outdoor fountains, lawn areas, and plantings. This phase will also be the time when it is determined which wish list items are possible on the site and which are not. An overall cost study is developed from the conceptual landscaping design as well. Moving Forward with you Landscape Design: Once you have agreed on the overall design intent, sizes of use areas, general material selections and their applications, you are ready to begin the landscaping design development and construction phase. The documentation for this phase can be broken down into three groups: 1) landscaping design drawings for permitting. 2) landscaping design drawings to convey final design intent and material selections for you and the installation contractor 3) landscaping design drawings, called construction documents, with specifications for materials, specifications for their installation and installation methods. These drawings may be accompanied by a full package of additional drawings to include an existing site survey, tree disposition and elevation plan, tree preservation plan, demolition plan, swimming pool plan, landscape drainage systems, irrigation systems, hardscape plan including outdoor kitchen and outdoor water fountains, landscape planting plan, landscape lighting plan, and construction details for the above plans. As for permits, each city has its own unique requirements for landscape plan approvals. The norm is a submittal of the entire permitting package to be approved or rejected by a committee board. For this reason, it is important to hire a landscaping company that is fluent in these areas, one who knows what vital information to include, such as lot coverage ratios, engineered drainage plans, pool fencing layout and specifications. It is equally important to omit unnecessary information that could create confusion or send up a red flag that would keep the project from getting approved. A knowledgeable residential landscape designer or landscape architect helps win approval as quickly as possible. Garden Design and the End Results Whether your project is a simple landscaping design that only encompasses landscape planting or is a complex construction package, it is vital that you hire a landscape designer or landscape architect that is competent in the skill sets detailed here. For your satisfaction, it is also important to distinguish between off-the-shelf landscaping design and a designer who can reflect your unique style. Always ask to see a portfolio and visit the website to determine if the landscaping company under consideration has the sense of style you appreciate and is one who can design a landscape that complements your home and lifestyle. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you utilize a landscaping design company that not only does the design work, but also performs project management and landscaping installation. There is a world of difference between someone who has great ideas and another person with great ideas who also knows the availability and best use of local materials, local contractors and their methods of construction, overall cost and budget development, and can then maintain the finished product. In short, you want a landscape designer or landscape architect who can deliver a landscape design solution that flourishes in the Houston climate over the long term.
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Ah, now here is a favorite topic! My very favorite!
Innovations in landscape construction technology have brought about an entire industry’s flowering. Say what you will about gorgeous designs configured with wondernew computer programs, all splashy and easy to read, forced on poor landscapers by Draconian architects whose tolerance for ignorance is often quite small. Personalities can be nearly predictable. Ungrateful bastids. Who do they believe paved the way for such exotic things?
I’m mostly kidding, but I often like to ‘pick back’. It’s a fault. Let’s just call it a cheap form of revenge and leave it there. I’m good with that. I’ve met some unbelievably fascinating LA’s, so I’m being a hard case with cause. And some humor. Harry Haggard, are you listening?
Those “on the ground” know. This is not especially cast out because I have some bone to pick with anyone in the industry whatsoever, from designer to client. In the end, many are those in the Landscape Architecture field who appreciate modern innovations and what they can accomplish. My point is this – the advent of field innovations in figuring things out – on the installation end – has lowered prices and has made what was formerly impossible, far more possible. Indeed, I am convinced these innovations have opened doors which had no dream of access prior to their discovery.
Here, for example, from a video from a business I have worked around for years, from Portland to Seattle to Reno – and especially Ren0 – Parsons Rock Walls – is what is possible. Note the machine that does pretty much 100% of the work, with its knuckling fittings and how it moves a virtual 360 degrees while carrying 6,000 pound boulders. These guys actually do perform great work, by the way. Their legacy is all over the cities mentioned – extremely hard to miss. The clip is long and it is a bit of pimping for them, but it gets interesting, machine-wise. Which is the point.
These innovations in hydraulic coupling and rotating technology have lowered the price of wall-building astoundingly and – for sure – made even their very usage far more attainable.
We once had the front yards of 45 homes to landscape in northern British Columbia. It was going to require adding about 1,500 yards of soil, owing to the entirety of the existing land being Glacial Schist. We owned a back hoe with a rear “dipper” or bucket. But, lordy, how to level it all? Since the housing project was contracted by the Canadian National Rail Company and coming as it was on rail cars, stopped to tilt and dump next to our homes, we had a few advantages. We put our heads together with a welder friend and here’s about the closest proximity to what we arrived at:
Except ours was 6″ x 6″ bar, 16 feet wide (!) and had small cylindrical and rounded 1″ spikes on the bottom at 4 inch intervals to stir the soil as it graded. And no bucket – we adapted it so that it would attach directly to the boom itself. (Recent innovations, by the way, in “knuckling”, like above, provide an even more appealing rotating possibility, now up to a full 360 degrees.)
Other innovations just fly off the top of one’s head:
Sod Cutters – now 4 wheel drive and no longer those precarious machines which were incredibly heavy and which broke backs from those trying to steer them over uneven ground.
Laser technology now acquaints us with construction levels which can be operated by one person. To try and locate a half inch increment in a 100′ long plane can be done by pushing a button and walking to hold up a stick which returns the signal and beeps solidly when level. So easy a Cave Man can do it! These same lasers are now attached to graders and informed automatically when to gouge or fill to make a perfect plane. Don’t tell anyone, but modern exhibitions have unmanned graders and even bulldozers producing perfect earth work with the help of lasers.
Placing brick pavers has become a bizarre bag of tricks. At the Hong Kong airport, whose runways are entirely composed of brick pavers – and we are talking square miles and hectares – the machine of choice looked like this:
This one takes an entire layer of bricks, holds them together nice and tightly, and lays them down, approximately 50 at a time. Imagine the savings and also imagine the new possibilities implicit in being able to attack huge tracts in mere days instead of months.
The scale of landscaping is somewhere substantially smaller than, say, road building. Yet so many of the same principles apply. Increasing innovations made by sharp in-the-field installers have made steady increments in lessening prices and creating opportunities for newer waves in design. Water pumps alone have virtually revolutionized “pondless” waterfall systems and the newer and perhaps most interesting take-off – Bubble Rocks. The newer pumps’ durability is frankly off the charts.
Indeed, one of the most thrilling developments in landscaping – at least concerning “Hardscapes” – concerns the development of better and more versatile Diamond Blades and edges. The afore-mentioned “Bubble Rocks” are all bored by cylindrical plungers who bore their ways downward through fascinating and gorgeous stones and which allows water to be pumped up through them. For any aficionado of the real color of rock – this is a decided thrill.
My personal favorite machines are fairly obvious ones. In no hierarchy whatsoever, I absolutely adore the skid steer (or Bobcat as has become a near-common name) machine. I have loaded and carried 10,000 yards of soil on one job alone with one of these. Here’s one at work without me in the cab – a rare occurrence.
Secondly, the Excavator – and in particular the modern miniature – the Mini Excavator – are both shown in this picture where they played an irreplaceable role -
The world of machines has reduced the time it takes to make a landscape from the dirt up. Having said that, it has also enabled newer ideas to emerge from a strictly designing aspect. This synergy is essential in understanding why I feel Landscaping as an art is entering – or has entered over the last 20 years – a completely new flowering of possibility and of artistic expression.
From new innovations in lighting and transformer technology, pioneered by my good friends at Unique Lighting (who, I might add also developed their own techniques from field work and who were curious enough to apply this knowledge to actual artistic style) -
To the swimming pool-makers, who incorporate paving into the overall ambiance by utilizing the newest breed of modern adhesives and waterproofing-
All these things combine to make this world even fuller with wonders and which represent the artisitic and craftsmanship achievements and potentials of a fascinating combination of talent, dedicated to a principle of improving our lives.
Photo by Ocean City real estate
Burlington City is located in Southern Burlington County New Jersey. Burlington City has several historical sites of interest. Burlington has quite a unique history behind it. A particular place of interest in Burlington is the Riverbank area of the city. Many historical moments and activities of special interest have taken place on these grounds.
213 Wood Street is located a few blocks from Riverbank and has a deep historical meaning to many locals. The Revell House is the famous site located on Wood Street and dates back to the mid 1600’s. Revell House is the county’s oldest residence and was purchased and occupied by George Hutchinson in 1685. Hutchinson was a wealthy Quaker and he used this house as an office from 1696-1699. In addition, according to Benjamin Franklin’s own journal, at this location Ben Franklin sold gingerbread and he was given supper by a woman on his journal to Philadelphia. Benjamin nicknamed this location the “gingerbread house”.
Heading a bit to the left of Wood Street will place you on 46 Riverbank, which is historically named “Grubb Estate”. Henry Grubb owned this building and he operated the first tavern in Burlington City. In addition, Grubb’s family invented a successful brewery, tannery and brickyard. It is said that a tunnel was built directly under this location in order to transport and hide slaves from a life of torture.
Continuing down Riverbank you will eventually arrive at address 202. This location was the early 19th century home of Judge Edward Shippen. For many years this site was used as a summer retreat to escape the poisonous confine of Philadelphia. In addition, Edward Shippen’s daughter Peggy married Benedict Arnold on this site. The waterfront area originally got its name from Green Bank, the estate of Governor William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin and the last royal governor of New Jersey. Father and son were in direct opposition concerning political and traditional views.
The “Ship Shield Marker” is within close proximity of 202 Riverbank. Shield Marker is located inland on the west side of Wood Street and was originally established on December 10, 1678. Legend says that on that faithful night the river froze and passengers were forced to walk ashore on the cold ice and snow. The Shield of Stockton was the first ship to navigate the Delaware River from the Atlantic Ocean to Burlington New Jersey. Burlington has quickly become the third largest port in the world.
About five minutes from Riverbank, you will find the oldest firehouse in Burlington. The “Endeavor” was built in 1795 and established by John Hoskins Jr. At that time each firefighter was required to carry a bucket, ladder, and ax. The Endeavor is located on 19 East Union Street, Burlington, New Jersey.
The very first pharmacy was established by William Allison and is located on 301 High Street in the heart of Burlington City. The Pharmacy stands on its original location and has a quite an interesting history behind it. In 1731 poet John Greenleaf denounced slavery from the doorstep of the pharmacy. In addition, Isaac Collins lived in this building from 1770-1778.
Additional information and tours of these historic sites are available by calling (609)-386-0200.
Outer Banks NC is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Carolinas. It contains miles and miles of spectacular beaches, which attract guests here year after year. Visitors and residents can partake in activities from water sports to shopping. Ocracoke Island NC vacation rentals will allow you to enjoy everything about the area.
Outer Banks NC vacation rentals are available in several locations with different amenity options. Some amenities are non smoking, hot tub, pet friendly, internet, and handicap accessible just to name a few. You can choose from homes, town houses, condos, and more! Location options are beachfront, ocean side, on golf courses, and anywhere else you could think of. Outer Banks would be a perfect vacation getaway for you and your family. Don’t miss your chance, NC vacation rentals go fast.
If you’re gonna be on the Outer Banks around December 12, you may enjoy the 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration. It will take place at Currituck Heritage Park at 5pm. Families can enjoy caroling and drinking hot chocolate.
In today’s blog I would like to share a little of my Realtor knowledge and define Short Sales and discuss them a little bit to help you understand them better. A Short Sale is a real estate transaction where the seller’s proceeds are not enough to cover the mortgage, liens and closing costs. In addition, the seller does not have the necessary funds to cover these expenses themselves. This is an important difference in that sales close everyday where the seller has to come “out of pocket” to cover these costs and these sales do not fall under the definition of Short Sale. For more info on short sales and some of the available Hilton Head Island vacation rentals check out my real estate website. RandysRealEstate.com
I have been trying to find the perfect retirement community in North Carolina. Being such a diverse region, there are a lot of options out there, but I am leaning toward the oceanfront communities on the South end of the coast. The Brunswick County area covers this region and features beautiful neighborhoods such as Ocean Ridge Plantation and Winding River Plantation. I have traveled there now a couple times and I think the Brunswick County area is the optimal place for a retirement community in North Carolina. Whether you’re focused more on amenities like prestine championship golf courses, or you just want to get away from it all, check out the retirement communities in NC. I have found Doug at Carolina Plantations real estate very helpful in my saerch for Retirement communities in NC. Get in touch with him on his website or feel free to email me directly or leave a comment on here if you want me to share some of my own thoughts and findings about these communities.
Thanks for stopping by my new blog and good luck if you are also on the same hunt for a retirement community in NC!
Here are some descriptions from a few of our faves:
39 Rue de Jean -
Wicked Good French meals
Restaurant Description
39 Rue de Jean is a refined French café and bar offering the best in classic Brasserie cuisine. The creations of our culinary team pay homage to the classic brasserie cuisine that inspired vehemently loyal Parisians. Guests of 39 Rue de Jean enjoy indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails and a predominantly French wine list blended with a selection of our steward’s favorites.
While you are in the area eating, you might check out North Charleston real estate
Bocci’s Italian Restaurant - Excellent Italian restaurant
All About Bocci’s
In our kitchen at Bocci’s, the feasting of past generations is re-created. Hand-pulled mozzarella and fresh grated Parmesan cheese, pastas made on premises, homemade sauces, and bread baked daily are all traditions which, in true Italian custom, reflect our love and commitment for simple, good food.
The Lowcountry Is A Great Venue To Live, Work, and Eat!
This review brought to you by:
North Charleston real estate
From the golf course fairway to the Palmetto Grill, you will enjoy your time at the Coosaw Creek Country Club, Charleston SC. Golf Magazine says the course is a “Must Play.” You’ll see why when you experience the rolling fairways on this challenging course.
Take a look at our Coosaw Creek Real Estate for information on Charleston real estate in the area.
