If the pathway is to be in the lawn area, you will dig down and set the flagstone with the crown of the grass. If the pathway is to be set where there is loose ground, you will place 2 inches of crushed gravel, top coat with fine sand and secure flagstone on top of sand.

With proper programming of the irrigation controller, you can in many cases run the stations 1 after another for 20-25 minutes, then have the irrigation controller go into a rest period for 30-45 minutes. This will allow for the well to recover. You may find that you may be watering every other day, but this will force the roots of your plant material and lawn down deep. Also when you program the irrigation controller make sure it is not running during the high usage times for your home.

Proper watering application will vary from yard to yard. Deep watering is always best. If you are able to sustain the deep water in and around the plants and lawn, you will not have to water 1 full inch every watering. The main objective is to avoid stressing the plant material and lawn by not watering in the summertime. It is wise to monitor your watering as you can also stress your plant material and lawn by over watering. We are dealing with a natural resource and must do our best to conserve at all times.

Refreshing of the bark every other year will help maintain the physical color and appearance of the bark. Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to refresh the bark sooner then every other year.

Cosmetic changes to your kitchen, such as replacing counter tops, cabinets, and flooring, generally do not require a building permit. If your remodel project includes structural changes or modifications to your plumbing or electrical system you will likely need to obtain a permit. Be sure to contact your local building department if you have any questions on what permits would be required for your project.

First of all the structure (fascia) must be solid and rain gutters mounted properly. Rain gutter hangers need to be on no more than 2' centers in our environment. If the structure is sound and gutters properly installed, we'd recommend heat tape or heat cable to alleviate snow and ice damage. The heat cable must run down the downspout, and in the gutter at minimum. Some people place the heat cable on the lower edge (1-2') of the roof as icing can occur at that point due to most soffits not being insulated and melting ice and snow running off the heated portions of the home.

Another solution is to make sure the attic is very well insulated, reducing the amount of melting snow and ice that freezes in the gutters.

Of the three choices given, the general contractor seems the most efficient first choice. After a homeowner does their homework on a contractor's background, business ethics and past projects, they can comfortably choose a general contractor that they feel is trustworthy and can communicate with (contracts signed with the scope of the work detailed within, proof of insurances, proof of licensing or registration, etc.). Most of the work to be performed per the scope of the question will deal with adding onto or attaching to an existing structure - a general contractor with experience in remodeling may be further criteria to consider and meet.

The project is then planned, organized and completed through this one contact person; the plans may be developed through the general's office or through the services of an architect if the general foresees the need; attaining a permit for the construction and scheduling of inspections as the project proceeds is also the responsibility of the general; and all aspects of the actual construction are performed under the supervision of the general. Should landscaping be required or requested by the homeowner to enhance the new addition, the general contractor would have access to a landscape company that he/she works well with and can attest to their quality of work.