It can be something as simple as finding a house cleaning service that will use the products preferred, to remodeling the kitchen or bath, or adding a room to the house. All of these services fall under the category of “home improvement,” and all of them, and many more, were voted on by the readers of East Bay Magazine and East Bay Express, helping other readers discover the professionals doing outstanding work.
One improvement falling somewhere on the minor-to-major scale is refinishing hardwood, or, in some cases, softwood floors. The restored beauty of these floors uplifts and enhances a home’s environment. Albini Wood Flooring has a meticulous process, involving an exploratory home visit to view and evaluate floors, then a test period, usually involving three possible finishes, to allow the householder to see what the final results will be before making a choice.
And even if back and front yards are small, if they contain trees, the guidance of a pro tree trimmer keeps the trees healthier and more beautiful year-round. Calling Dan’s Tree Service, a one-man shop based in El Sobrante, results in a visit from Dan Cooley, who’s been caring for trees and plants locally for decades. The benefits of yearly or semi-yearly trimming and pruning, especially of flowering plants, such as roses, and fruit trees, such as figs and pomegranates, is easily visible in their flourishing production as the seasons change.
If solar panels have been under consideration, now would be the time to turn the key before subsidies disappear. Not only are the panels a way to combat climate change, but it can be shocking how much they reduce monthly bills. Multiple installers in the East Bay provide estimates and prior customer references for this important upgrade.
Albini Wood Flooring, 5327 Jacuzzi St., Suite 4N, Richmond. 510.525.4626. albinihardwoodfloors.com.
Dan’s Tree Service, 510.237.1630.
View this year’s readers’ picks for Best of Home Improvement here.
