Q.
I have fun with my little sprinkler, but how can I have BIG fun
in my backyard?
A. Summer brings all means of backyard fun (scrubbing patio furniture
and pulling weeds, for example). Believe it or not, there’s
even more fun to be had! Why not play tennis or roller hockey and
enjoy a refreshing swim? Backyard Entertainment (1200 Cochran Mill
Road, Library, 412/653-7699, www.funbackyards.com) installs swimming
pools, putting greens and SPORT COURT Game Courts. The Courts feature
the OrthoCush system for more “give” and less stress
on the knees and ankles when playing tennis, basketball and other
sports. For 40 years Cheswick Pools & Patios (Route 28, Cheswick,
724/274-6400) has been a legend in Pittsburgh pools (where Chessie
the purple elephant lives, remember?). Cheswick specializes in
custom-designed in-ground pools, both open and closed. It also
features above-ground pools, pool accessories and supplies, quality
patio furniture and custom play sets.
Q. How can I get a new bath and not get soaked?
A. If your shower or bath is yuck and muck, and a completely new
model is not in your budget, Bath Fitter is an ideal solution.
Bath Fitter (214 Pleasant Drive, Center Township, Beaver County,
800/645-6317, www.pittsburghbathfitter.com) installs a custom-molded
acrylic tub and shower surround directly over your old tub and
walls in one day. No tiles, plumbing or floors are disturbed, and
the unit has no caulking, seams or joints.
Don’s Glass & Mirror (12619 Perry Highway, Wexford, 724/935-0099, www.donsglass.com)
is an expert maker of custom shower enclosures in a variety of shapes and sizes,
including steam showers. Don’s also does mirrors for bathrooms and other
rooms of the home, and several types of windows.
Q. I want a home that’s new—maybe one
with a view?
A. There are terrific new neighborhoods on all sides of the city. In Squirrel
Hill, Summerset at Frick Park (www.summersetatfrickpark.com) is that collection
of beautiful homes you’ve seen growing high on the hillside just to the
left of the Squirrel Hill Tunnels as you head inbound. Pittsburgh’s first “new
traditional” neighborhood will boast 710 single-family homes, townhomes
and apartments set in three interconnected neighborhoods. The homes feature traditional
architecture, porches, sidewalks and the beauty of Frick Park.
Ryan Homes (south/west: 412/922-5700; north/east: 412/741-8288, www.ryanhomes.com)
is the sixth-largest homebuilder in the United States and has several communities
in Southwestern Pennsylvania, including in Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland
counties. There are single-family-home communities and townhome communities at
a variety of price points and with hundreds of options available. All have views
of their peaceful surroundings.
Q. Nothing warms me like natural gas. Can my gas company do even more for me?
A. Who better to trust with natural gas products and services than a natural
gas company? (ten points if you said, “No one!”) Equitable Gas’ HomeWorks
(412/553-5700, www.equitablehomeworks.com) sells products for the home, including
natural gas grills, lamps and patio heaters; offers home services, including
plumbing, duct cleaning and energy audits; and has line-protection programs for
in-house lines, water lines and others.
Q. My mess is causing me stress. Can I possibly get more hang-ups?
A. A place for your stuff and your stuff in its place—that’s just
what you need. Two superb local companies can provide you with professional organization
solutions for every room in your home, including your garage. California Closets
(10899 Perry Highway, Wexford, 724/935-7066, www.californiaclosets.com) has units
ranging from laminate reach-ins to wood-tone walk-ins and the new Suite line
of furniturelike storage. Closet-Tier (2727 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill, 800/315-3213,
www.closettier.com) offers adjustable, removable systems that can be installed
by the homeowner or the company.
Q. Should I take my kitchen for granite?
A. Absolutely! Synthetic surfaces for counter tops have come a long way, but
there’s nothing like the cool feel of the real deal—natural stone.
Mont Granite (302 W. Steuben St., Ingram, 877/347-7171, www.montgranite.com)
is a wholesale distributor of more than 300 varieties of granite, marble, limestone,
slate, onyx, travertine and engineered stone. Its enormous showroom displays
rows of slabs in an amazing variety. You can’t buy direct, but you can
shop and then call your pro to order.
Wood is another natural favorite. Mountaineer Woodcraft (1917 Locust Ave., Fairmont,
W.Va., 304/363-2255) creates custom wood cabinets constructed of all hardwoods
and plywood (no particleboard), dovetailed drawers, and a hard, durable, easy-to-clean
finish.
Q. Who can help my yard and garden really grow on me?
A. Our area has beautiful flowers and plants from all over the globe. But there’s
something to be said for those that began right here at home. The Audubon Society
of Western Pennsylvania (Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road,
Fox Chapel, 412/963-6100, www.aswp.org) has a Center for Native Plants that encourages
homeowners to plant native species in their yards. Many plants seen in our region
were brought here by European settlers, and because they have no natural enemies
here, these plants often overtake native species. When gardeners plant native
species, they will notice increased activity in their yards by insects and birds.
Plant sales are held in May and September, and on most Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to
1 p.m. Call for information.
The staff at George Girty Landscape Design (412/835-3245, www.girtyland.com)
believes that a yard should be an extension of a home, something in which the
homeowners can participate and truly enjoy. Girty works with the homeowners to
develop a master plan that reflects the owner’s taste, and implements it
in a cost-effective manner. George Girty has landscaping degrees from Penn State
and teaches landscape design.
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