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EAST BAY Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Choosing Green Products NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Sustainable Living
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EAST BAY
Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Choosing Green ProductsNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008
SustainableLiving
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N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 O O 8
[ C O N T E N T S ]
THmag.com
30
34
6 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
20 Green Home StandardsGreenPoint Rated and LEED for Homes at a Glance.By Nate Traylor
22 Re-Creating the KitchenThe latest trends in Green kitchen products.By Tracy Fox
24 Eco-Friendly LightingHigh fashion bathrooms can be energy efficient.
26 Hot WaterGet the inside scoop on tankless water heaters for your home.By Tracy Fox
30 A Healthier HomeBuilding green makes your home healthy.
NARI32 Remodeling Green
How to find a Green-certified NARI contractor.By Debbie Mackey, nari
34 Water-Wise GardeningXeriscaping basics for outdoor style.By Tracy Fox
L I V I N G G R E E N
24
38
16
14
12
thmRESOURCE.com East Bay THM November/December 2008 7
12 Motorized Peace of MindEliminate the hassle—and dangers—of corded manual shades with thelatest motorized technology.By Billie London
14 Green to BurnUse only the energy you need withbudget-minded advances in fireplacetechnology.By Gabrielle Saveri
16 Artistry in GlassTurn a shower enclosure into a workof art.By Jean Saylor Doppenberg
18 First Rate RenovationsEco-friendly builders find ways tosave you money in the future.By Heidi Hill
T I P S & T R E N D STRY THESE TIPS TO LIGHTEN YOUR ECO “FOOTPRINT” IN THE HOME.
NAPO40 Green Building Tips
By Amanda Kovattana
NGA36 Houseplants Clean the Air
Live plants are more than decoration.By Kathy Bond Borie
CCIDC38 Go “Green” Without Turning Blue
Lighting options to minimize yourenvironmental impact.By Lynda Gould, IDS, CID, ALA
bonus onlinefeatures
CLICK HERE
THmag.com8 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
[ F R O M T H E E D I T O R ]
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES
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SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES
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WWW.thmRESOURCE.com© 2008. All editorial (headline, subhead, story, captions) published in Today’s Home
is copyrighted and remains the sole property of Today’s Home. All rights reserved.Reproduction or reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.
TODAY’S HOMEis looking for highly motivated
Account Executiveswith 2 years of advertising and marketing experience.
We offer a dynamic environment, excellent growth opportunities, competitiveearnings, and a benefits package. Full- and part-time positions available.
Please e-mail resumes to [email protected].
Volume 8, Issue 6 • November/December 2008
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry
GENERAL MANAGER
Jason Douglas
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Charles RobinsKendra T. Stack
FEATURE WRITERS
Nate TraylorTracy Fox
Debbie Mackey, nariBillie London
Gabrielle SaveriJean Saylor Doppenberg
Heidi HillKathy Bond Borie
Lynda Gould
ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton
WEBMASTER
Chris Ryce
ACCOUNTING
Diane Nasadiuk
The Bay Area’s best resourcefor your lifestyle at home.
Discover the possibilitiesof Green LivingTHE “LIVING GREEN” revolution continues to
grow and has arrived on Main Street. GreenLiving begins at home. Most of the energy-
derived pollution we produce comes as a directresult of the homes we live in—how we heat them,how we cool them, how we keep them lit and full ofthings that make us comfortable. This directly giveseach one of us the opportunity to create change.
The term Building Green encompasses manyproducts and manufacturer techniques. It’s not justabout one single thing, but many pieces combinedin such a way they create a better environment—both inside and outside the home. One of the bestand easiest ways to limit your carbon footprint is toremember the 3R’s—reduce, reuse and recycle. It’snot high tech or glamorous, but it’s very important.
In this issue, we explore many ways that you can contribute to a healthier home,work, and play environments.
Energy efficiency is a buzz-term that is here to stay. In the feature, BuildingGreen Primer, power-saving products speak to your conscience and your wallet.In Remodeling Green, using Green principles can safeguard your home by usingnontoxic materials, using recycled building materials and natural lighting.
We also cover two important rooms in your homes—kitchens and bathrooms.In Feel Good Kitchens, it touches on key areas of the kitchen and the Greenresources to help you with your remodel. In the bathroom, Eco-Friendly Bathroomstalks about lighting and fixtures for energy efficiency with style.
In this issue, some of the top industry associations have contributed articlesregarding Living Green. Build It Green; they help us understand the differentrating systems for Green. The National Gardening Association (NGA) talks abouthow houseplants clean the air inside your home and the California Council ofInterior Design Certification (CCIDC) covers energy efficient lighting options.
Our goal with this special Green issue and our future commitment to our“Living Green” section in our magazines, our online editions and our new onlineResource Guide is to become your best source for all kinds of Living Green ideas,products and services.
We hope you enjoy this issue and join us to be a part of the Green-living movementand discover the many energy and sustainable living possibilities for your home.
Jeff Curry, Publisher/[email protected]
Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor
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THmag.com10 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
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THmag.com12 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
WHEN IT COMES TO WINDOW SYSTEMS, child and pet safety shouldbe a priority (sadly, pull-cords have been known to cause accidentalstrangulation). Nearly every kind of manual window fashion, from
horizontal blinds to pleated and cellular shades, can be retrofitted for safetythrough the use of spring-loaded mechanisms, but there are plenty of cordless,motorized entry level systems to make your living space as chic as it is secure.
Platinum Technology motorized systems from Hunter Douglas offer safety,convenience, accessibility and energy-efficiency—and installation requiresnothing more than manual systems. Powered by a remote control (with areceiver hidden in the headrail or on a satellite eye) these systems boastPowerRise, PowerGlide and PowerTilt technology, respectively, which enabletheir vanes to move in different directions: up and down, left to right, or tiltedlike shutters. Simply point the remote at the receiver eye and press the upor down button to operate the window covering. A proprietary battery-poweredlifting system combines both line-of-sight (using infrared technology) andout-of-sight control (using radio frequency technology).
Honeycomb Duette shades and Silhouette sheer window shadings fallinto the Power-Rise collection, which offer a motorized option that ties intohome automation or Smart Home systems. These give you the capability toactivate multiple shades from one remote via time or sun sensors, so if thesun’s rays become unbearable on Sunday mornings when you want to sleepin, you can set them to a timer (along with other window covering in multiplerooms). Conversely, custom Luminette privacy sheers move from left to right,via Power Glide technology.
The aforementioned products are recommended by the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC).Visit www.hunterdouglas.com for additional information.
MotorizedPeace of Mind
BY BILLIE LONDON
Silhouette® window shadings with EasyRise™ cord loop and PowerRise™ with Platinum Technology.
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Ask about our full line of Hunter Douglas products.Savings apply on up to 10 windows per product. Manufacturer’s rebate. Limits and restrictions apply. ©2008 Hunter Douglas Inc. ® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas Inc.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY SAVINGS EVENT
Luminette® Privacy Sheers(per window / 10 window max)
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Duette®Architella™ Honeycomb Shades (per window / 10 window max)
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THmag.com14 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING A NEW FIREPLACE
for your home, you might want to talk to HaroldSheats, owner of El Sobrante-based Fireplaces PLUS.
For over 30 years, he has been installing a wide range offireplaces and inserts in homes throughout the Bay Area.
“Most people have a traditional, open wood-burningfireplace. Eighty-five percent of the heat from a fire in thisfireplace goes up and out the chimney. A wood, pellet orgas insert can be installed into these units that are energy
efficient,” he explains. “If you have a home without a fireplace, it’s aninvestment, not an expense to have a gas fireplace installed.”
The most eco-friendly product Fireplaces PLUS sells is the gas fireplaceor insert. “It’s called ‘zone heating’ and it saves an automatic 20 percentin energy. You only heat the necessary portion, not the whole house.”
Gas fireplaces, freestanding stoves, and inserts are up to 86 percentmore energy efficient. “If you have a furnace that is eight years old, orolder, your furnace is only at best 60 percent efficient,” Harold says.While most older furnaces use 100,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units—the standard measurement for gas usage per hour), a new gas insert orfireplace uses 30,000-40,000 BTUs at full power.
“With a gas fireplace or insert, you’re burning 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 of the gas,heating a smaller area, and you have the aesthetics of a real fire. Youcan actually heat your home for less money.”
Other options include electric, wood burning, and pellet fireplaces.But, with ever-stricter regulations by the EPA, wood is most likely onits way out. In the Bay Area, you cannot obtain a permit to install anopen wood-burning fireplace. Electric fireplaces, although less expenseto purchase, can be prohibitively expensive to operate, and pellet systems,which do not work when the electricity is off, also are more likely breakdown. “A gas fireplace or insert will pay for itself within five to ten years.It’s an investment, not an expense,” Harold notes.
Fireplaces PLUS is Diamond Certified, meaning it has achieved ahigh-level of customer satisfaction, and hopes to help people maketheir homes just a little bit Greener by selling fireplace inserts. “It’senvironmentally friendly because it’s not putting the pollution intothe air that wood does,” says Harold.
For more information, stop by Fireplaces PLUS at 4721 Appian Way,El Sobrante, or call (510) 223-8345. You can also visit them onlineat www.fireplacesplus.com. THM
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THmag.com16 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
ARTISTRY IN GLASSBY JEAN SAYLOR DOPPENBERG
IN TODAY’S NEW AND REMODELED BATHROOMS, GLASSis being elevated to artistic acclaim, with many intricatelyshaped and edged glass types available in imaginative
etched and textured patterns.“Everything we do is a bit like art,” states Aric Wilson,
manager of Wilson Glass Company in Berkeley. In additionto supplying a dizzying array of glass for shower doors andenclosures and other applications, Wilson Glass Companyprovides full installation services, and works with architectsand designers to ensure that a customer’s dream bathroomcomes together perfectly.
This expertise is homegrown. Three generations of theWilson family have been in the glass business since 1956,when Aric’s grandfather started a glass shop in Concord.Aric’s father, Dave, ran a glass business in Berkeley for 25years. Five years ago, father and son teamed up to open theexisting company at the Murray Street location. “My dad andI both grew up in the glass business,” says Aric, “so we drawfrom decades of experience to assist our customers.”
When customers need help selecting their glass showerenclosures, Aric and his team can suggest the right solutionfor their space and their bathroom’s unique look. Some of thepopular types of glass at Wilson Glass Company that makethe most durable shower doors are the crystal-clear Starphireand Rain, which looks like droplets running down the surface.Clear or frosted glue-chip glass is another fashionable choice.It gets its name from the way it once was created—by pouringglue onto the surface of the glass and then pulling the glueoff to remove the top layer of the glass. Today’s glue-chipglass is created using a rolled process and is much smootherthan earlier versions.
“The heavier glass, like the 3⁄8 inch and 1⁄2 inch, is best forshower doors,” explains Aric. “When you combine a heavy artglass with a clean frameless installation, it keeps the feel ofthe bathroom open. There’s no metal blocking the aestheticsof the room, and it looks seamless and sleek.”
Graceful, bent tempered glass can create uncommonshapes for a shower, with or without a sculpted top edge foradded interest. Satin glass is acid-etched and nearly opaque,similar to the sandblasted look, and comes in the heavierdimensions. Slumped glass is a type of unconventional,custom-made glass. It’s created when 1⁄4-inch to 1⁄2-inchglass is heated in a kiln over a mold to melt, or “slump,”it. Once cooled, the glass is placed into another kiln fortempering. Falling Squares is one of the more distinctivepatterns in slumped glass that truly resembles a work of art.
Wilson Glass Company handles installations for customers,but helping out do-it-yourselfers is a big part of the business,
Turn a showerenclosure intoa work of art.
510.843.3334 866.370.00061035 MURRAY STREET • BERKELEY
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too. “We have professional installers, of course, and there are manyinstances where using a professional is the best way to go,” says Aric.“But there are benefits to doing a shower enclosure installation yourself,not the least of which is cost, and many people are handy enough to doa good job.” Rarely does the company get a panicky call from a DIYerstuck midway through the project. “DIY isn’t for everyone, but it’s notdifficult to install heavy glass shower doors,” adds Aric. “If you takeyour time and follow our instructions, you can finish the job just fine.”
Although the crew at Wilson Glass Company is serious about helpingtheir customers select products, humor is also a hallmark of theirservice. They believe in making the glass buying experience enjoyableand down-to-earth, injecting witty remarks liberally into installationinstructions for DIYers and throughout the company’s detailed Web site.
Besides shower doors, the company sells the glass, metal supports,and necessary hardware for building stylish glass railings. These railingscan be used in a number of different rooms in the home, with the abilityto bring in light and texture while adding safety and functionality. Glasscorner shelves, standoff glass, and sliding glass partitions are also availableat Wilson Glass Company for commercial and residential customers,along with miscellaneous glass cleaners and other accessories.
With the right help and expertise, you can find many ways to incorporateglass into your home. From enhancing a room’s light to creating a focalpoint, glass is a versatile way to make art an everyday feeling.
Located at 1035 Murray Street, Berkeley, the Wilson Glass Company showroomoffers a few hands-on examples of shower door glass. The company also recommendsvisiting the Web site (www.wilsonglass.com) to see the inventory in-depth. For moreinformation, call (510) 843-3334 or (866) 370-0006. THM
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THmag.com18 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
ABEAUTIFUL BATHROOM REMODEL MAYseem a big deal, and it can be when itleads to extensive exterior work including
retaining walls, French drains, and comprehensivefoundation repair. El Cerrito homeowners AlanLazere and Toni Mayer found themselves in justthis situation. Fortunately, the contractors theyhad hired for the bathroom could handle it all.
After the fresh look of the updated bathroom,which included cork flooring, Kerrock countertopswith custom tile around the sink, a Kerrock showerpan with a glass surround, and detailed moldingto finish the look, the homeowners started noticingdoors over the garage not closing properly. Theyagain called Above and Beyond Construction,who helped them determine that 50 percent ofthe house’s foundation was sliding down the hill.
The Bay Area’s Above and Beyond Constructionis a Certified Green Business doing full serviceexterior and interior remodeling work for residentialand light commercial, including schools. OwnersAl Osborne and Tammy Long started the companyfive years ago, bringing Al’s 25 years in theconstruction business together with a visionof artisan quality work and Green thinking.
Al and Tammy pride themselves on beingenvironmentally conscious, and both are CertifiedGreen Building Professionals. “Being Green doesn’tjust relate to choices in building materials,” notesTammy, “It’s a way of approaching the entireproject; from salvaging debris to the strategicuse of materials and staging.”
Homeowner Alan also noted that beingGreen meant extra care in protecting the home’slandscaping. “Al has a real good eye,” he notes,as he recalls Al’s vast knowledge of plants,and his creative remodeling ideas for thecouple’s home.
A more than 40-year-old home on a hillside,the foundation needed to be attached to bedrockto stabilize it. Seventy percent of the foundationwas replaced. “It was wonderful to see,” notesAlan. The house was raised 16 feet on whatlooked like Lincoln Logs. And Alan and Tonilived in it throughout the process.
Above and Beyond Construction alsoreplaced a failed retaining wall, giving the couplea backyard with a patio, and a 10 x 20 plantingarea that replaced an inaccessible downwardslope. They also upgraded electrical, installeda new sewer main, surrounded the propertywith French drains, and laid new concrete inthe lower-level garage.
Now finished, the homeowners eagerlyrecommend Above and Beyond Constructionto potential remodelers. “We talked to othercontractors,” Alan notes, “but we just hada better feeling with them.”
To learn more about Above & Beyond Constructionand thinking green, visit the company’s Web site atwww.abconstructionsite.com, or give them a call at(510) 232-4222. The company offers free estimatesand competitive pricing. THM
Eco-friendly builders find ways to save you money in the future.BY HEIDI HILL
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THmag.com20 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
[ L I V I N G G R E E N : B U I L D I T G R E E N ]
QUICK, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GREENPOINTRated and LEED for Homes?Give up?
Unless you’re in the building orenergy industry, you might assumeboth programs are interchangeable,and on that assumption, youwouldn’t be entirely wrong. Notonly do both programs carry similarmissions, and collaborate together,it’s also possible for a home to earna rating from both.
For example, it is anticipated that all LEED certifiable homes willalso qualify as GreenPoint Rated, just as a subset of GreenPoint Ratedwill also be LEED for Homes rated.
BOTH PROGRAMS:• Require performance across different categories, as verified by
a third-party rating process• Encourage builders to aim for increasingly higher levels of
performance as they gain experience with Green building• Serve the full range of residential new construction in California
However, there are distinct differences to be noted. GreenPoint Ratedis a California grown and community-based program that rates homesperforming above standard state practices (by at least 15 percent).Build It Green, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Greenbuilding in California, manages it.
LEED for Homes, on the other hand, is a national program targetedto the top 25 percent of Green home builders. The U.S. Green BuildingCouncil developed LEED for Homes as a national consensus standard.
GreenPoint Rated offers a more accessible point of entry and greaterflexibility for builders, whereas LEED for Homes has more requirementsfor participation and offers differentiation among top-performing builders.
Though they each have their own standards by which to measureGreen building practices, both have the same goal of reducing the impactconstruction has on our planet and creating healthier homes to live in.
Together, they provide a local support infrastructure with nationalrecognition while bolstering builder participation and the adoption ofGreen building practices.
For more information on either of these programs visit www.builditgreen.org andwww.usgbc.org/LEED/homes. THM
Green Home StandardsGreenPoint Rated and LEED for Homes at a Glance
BY NATE TRAYLOR
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THmag.com22 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
[ L I V I N G G R E E N ]
BY TRACY FOX
IceStone solid surfaces are installedand maintained like natural stone.
Phot
os:I
ceSt
one(
www.
icest
one.b
iz)
Timbron’s eco-friendly products were an integral part of this kitchen remodel.
Re-Creating the KitchenSTATE-OF-THE-ART CONVENIENCES, high-end cabinetry, sleek and sexy
countertops, cooktops with designer tile backsplashes and well-conceivedlighting—this may sound like a must-have list for a gourmet kitchen,
but with a few more considerations, any kitchen can be Green, too.Materials and finishes low in VOCs, energy-efficient appliances, plenty
of natural light, and, essential to any good kitchen design, planning aroundyour lifestyle all work together to create a Green kitchen.
Great Green kitchen products are fast becoming the design trendseveryone is talking about. When comparing Green alternatives for countertops,consider IceStone (www.icestone.biz) recycled glass and concrete terrazzosurfaces. Made from 100 percent recycled glass, IceStone slabs are installedand maintained like quarried stone, and you’ll have the same choice in edgetreatments just like quarried stone as well. Choose from 24 standard colors orcreate a custom look. The panels can be cut into large-format tiles and areideal for kitchen counters, tabletops, floor coverings, and even outdoor uses.
Stonelace Designs (www.stonelacedesigns.com) in Berkeley offersdecorative custom wall finishes, including finishes made with exclusivematerials and metallic glazes. The natural oil and wax treatments, claypaints, lime finishes, Japanese and Venetian plasters, and milk paints addrich color and texture to walls. The company is committed to using low-VOC(or no-VOC) materials and will work with you in the Berkeley studio to createcustom colors and patterns to coordinate with your home’s interior.
Custom mouldings are a must-have in today’s kitchens. Stockton-basedTimbron International (www.timbron.com) is manufacturing decorative
The latesttrends in
Green kitchenproducts.
thmRESOURCE.com East Bay THM November/December 2008 23
wood-alternative mouldings. Comprising 90 percent recycled plastic,the mouldings are of course termite proof, durable, waterproof, and don’tneed to be painted if you want to leave them white. Timbron’s mouldingshave received certification from Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)as an Environmentally Preferable Product.
Cabintery and woodwork take an interesting twist with new Greenpanel options. Kirei Board (www.kireiusa.com) is an engineered panelmanufactured from the stalks of the sorghum plant—a rapidly renewableresource—after harvest. The stalks are then heat pressed to form alightweight durable board that is at once exotic and artistic and ideal forcabinetry, furniture, and wallcoverings. The adhesives used to bind theproduct are low in VOCs, but the panels can be finished and sealed likewood, so homeowners will need to select any aftermarket products usedon Kirei Board.
When an Oregon State University researcher developed glue patternedafter the way mussels cling to rocky coastlines, it was a reminder of howthe very thing we are trying to safeguard in Green building is often theinspiration behind the process. PureBond Plywood by Columbia ForestProducts (www.columbiaforestproducts.com) is a line of formaldehyde-freedecorative veneer panels used for high-end cabinetry and architecturalmillwork. Developing this mussel-mimicking adhesive is a win-win situationto improve IAQ in the home and reduce harmful manufacturing emissions.Homeowners can check with their architects and cabinetmakers on howto incorporate these kinds of materials into your construction project.
As the heart of the home, kitchens should embody a healthful andinviting atmosphere. Combining energy-efficient appliances, beautifulGreen building materials and finishes, and a space-saving layout is agreat way to create the ideal kitchen. THM
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AFTER SPACE HEATING AND COOLING, WATER HEATING IStank-type water heaters installed in most homes today aren’tthe most efficient way to heat water because of the loss of
heat through the tank and the cost of keeping the water hot evenwhen it isn’t being used.
Tankless (aka demand or instantaneous) water heaters don’tproduce these “standby energy losses” because they only heatthe water when it’s needed. Here’s how they work: When you turnon the hot water faucet in your home, cold water flows into thetankless heater and activates either a gas burner or electricelement, which immediately heats the water through the heatexchanger to the desired temperature. When the hot water isturned off, the burner element shuts off.
Tankless water heaters can use electricity, propane, or naturalgas. Some of the gas-fired models can supply more than five gallonsof hot water per minute, so they’re viable options for familiesneeding a whole-house unit. Gas-fired water heaters have astanding pilot light, so be sure to find out how much gas the pilotlight uses. Better yet, models that have an intermittent ignitiondevice will turn off when not in use.
Electric models typically supply one to three gallons of hotwater per minute and because electric models don’t need ventingand can fit in cabinets and closets, they’re ideal to deliver rapidhot water for a remote bathroom or laundry room. No more feelingguilty over the endless minutes it takes for hot water to arrivethrough long runs of pipe from a conventional central water heater.
Tankless water heaters do have limitations based on their sizes(they are smaller than conventional water heaters) and becausethey can only provide hot water at a predetermined rate perminute, but you’ll never run out of hot water. For example,taking an endless hot shower is inviting, but turning the washingmachine on at the same time can stretch a demand water heaterto its limit. This makes sizinga tankless unit in relationshipto the home’s occupants animportant step when choosingthe right system.
Tankless systems are morecomplex than the standardtank-type water heaters, so it’simportant to work with a plumberwho has experience installingthem. Many manufacturers ofthese systems, such as Takagi,require installation by a licensedcontractor or plumber forwarranties to remain valid.
In gas-fired models, exhaustcools quickly, requiring the useof noncorrosive stainless-steelventing pipes. In addition,gas-fired tankless units often
Hot WaterGet the inside scoop on tankless water heaters for your home.
BY TRACY FOX
Noritz N-063S tankless gas water heater unit for residential use.
Phot
o:No
ritz(
www.
norit
z.com
)
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require specific water and gas line sizes that may be different than what iscurrently in your home. Upgrading infrastructure can add costs, more so inremodels of older homes than in new home construction.
In the last 10 years or so, homes have been equipped with 200-ampelectric service. However, larger electric tankless models may require multiplecircuits. Manufacturer Seisco recommends having an electrician calculateelectrical loads in the home for use with the selected model before buying one.
Tankless water heaters, which are always wall-mounted, can be installedon a home’s exterior or interior. In either case, you won’t necessarily have tomount the unit in the garage, where tank type units are most commonly installed.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters canbe 24 to 34 percent more energy efficient than storage tank water heatersfor homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily. For homes that usemore than 86 gallons per day, tankless heaters are only 8 to 14 percentmore energy efficient. Remember, too, that installing an energy-efficientwater heater will provide savings on your utility bills thoughout the lifetimeof the appliance. Some tankless models even qualify for rebates, so checkwith manufacturers to find out if your potential purchase fits the bill.
Homeowners can take simple steps to help make their homes more energyefficient. When it comes to hot water, there’s no need for round-the-clockheating every day of the year. THM
Imag
e:Ta
kagi
(www
.taka
gi.co
m)
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THmag.com28 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
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Components of Energy Star-Qualified New Homes
Efficient Insulation
High-Performance Windows
Tight Construction and Ducts
Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
A Healthier Home
Components of Energy Star–Qualified New Homes
Eco-friendly bamboo stair treads (ecofriendlyflooring.com).
ENERGY EFFICIENCY. IT’S A BUZZ TERM NOT LIKELY TO GO OUT OFstyle anytime soon. Phrases like climate change, greenhouse gases,and environmentally friendly are also here to stay. If you’ve heard any
of these expressions, you already know something about the impetus behindGreen building or, as many folks refer to it, sustainable design.
Power-saving products speak to your wallet and conscience because theydecrease energy use and lighten the demand for fossil fuels. Cutting costs isonly part of the equation, though. After some of the more obvious reasons—healthy lifestyle, air and water quality, and energy sources—what drives youto build Green?
Before getting started, ask yourself one or all of these questions:
• Is this product made from a renewable resource?• Does it have a long and useful life cycle?• Will it make me or my family sick?• If I pay more up-front costs to buy this product, will it lower utility bills?• Does it give my home an improved resale position?
You may suffer from allergies or asthma and require high-quality indoorair. Perhaps you have a passion for nature and want to preserve old-growthforests. Maybe you find less-expensive recycled products appealing. Whateverreason may be at the top of your list, these are some of the many causesinfluencing people to build Green.
Living a Green life is about making incremental choices when theopportunity presents itself. For example, during a bathroom remodel, youmight buy recycled glass tiles but decide certified wood (harvested fromsustainably managed forests) is not within budget.
[ L I V I N G G R E E N ]
THmag.com
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Benefits of Energy-Efficient HomesIn the Bay Area, there are several developers building Energy Star homes
(energystar.gov) to meet higher environmental standards. Although developersmay not necessarily use renewable resources or nontoxic products to build thehomes, the structures are part of the Green building continuum because theycost less to operate, which means less greenhouse gas emissions.
Ninety percent of all energy consumed in this country is produced byburning fossil fuels—a limited and nonrenewable resource. This creates airpollution, acid rain, and global climate change. Air leakage accounts forbetween 25 and 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling ina typical residence. Tight construction or reduced air infiltration is one ofthe most important factors in lowering utility bills.
Energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, high-performancewindows, and improved insulation are features to look for in a new homeor to consider when remodeling an older home. When buying a new home,ask the builder what specific steps the company took to reduce air leakage.
Windows typically comprise a large percent of a home’s exterior wall area.Request copies of the window’s rating label (which should be an Energy Staror National Fenestration Rating Council [NFRC] label) to ensure you’re gettingthe best technology. Think about it; if you buy a home with low-performingproducts and materials, you’ll be left holding the bag or more aptly, drainingthe money bag because of increased energy costs.
Green homes don’t sacrifice beauty or comfort. On the contrary, they aremore comfortable, cost-effective, and healthier places to live. THM
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THmag.com32 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
HEARING THE TERM GREEN MEANSsomething different to just about everyone.Some of us think of recycling cans, while
others believe it’s a comprehensive approach tobeing environmentally responsible, includingenergy efficiency and conservation, efficient useof resources, recycling of demolition material,and using renewable energy sources. Consideringthese factors when beginning a remodeling projectcan also pay off in health benefits and economicsavings over time for you and your family.
Using Green principles when remodeling hasa variety of benefits. You can safeguard your homeby utilizing nontoxic materials to help maintainindoor air quality, reducing allergy and asthmatriggers. Using recycled-content building materialshelps preserve natural resources more efficiently.Other Green principles encourage taking advantageof natural lighting to save energy and boostpositive moods, and recycling constructionand demolition waste.
Once you’ve made the decision to do a Greenproject in your home—whether it’s simply makingthe best use of natural light, ensuring that your
hours) to its members, followed by a very thoroughand difficult certification examination. NARI’sCertified Green Remodeling Professional traininglooks at the house as a complete system and howeach area works together; for example, learninghow indoor air quality is impacted by materialselection, incorporating energy conservation anduse, and selecting sustainable and renewableproducts. The course also incorporates generalbuilding science principles in designing waysto derive the most Green benefit for the comfortand health of families, as well as the preservationand regeneration of the environment.
Consumers can locate a NARI Certified Green RemodelingProfessional contractor by going to www.narisj.org or calling(408) 559-4996. Anytime you have a remodeling project,use a qualified professional who is a member of NARI.Consumers can also call the NARI national hotline at(800) 611-NARI or visit the Web site at www.nari.org andrequest a free copy of NARI’s How to Select a RemodelingProfessional brochure. NARI is a professional associationwhose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code ofethics and have passed a stringent screening process. THM
HOW TO FIND A
GREEN-CERTIFIED
NARI CONTRACTOR.
RemodelingGreen
BY DEBBIE MACKEY, NARI
cabinets are reused by someone who needsthem, or using every Green principle and materialknown to man—how do you go about selectinga trustworthy remodeling professional to helpyou derive the greatest Green benefit?
Several organizations focus on training andeducating industry professionals about Greenbuilding, including the National Association ofthe Remodeling Industry (NARI). NARI offersa 12-week Green remodeling course (24 class
[ L I V I N G G R E E N ]
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XERISCAPING WAS BORN out of thedroughts and water crises in the West,and the principles are still widely used
today—efficient irrigation, sound landscapedesign, the use of native plants, soil amendments,and limiting use of turf grass. “From a historicalpoint of view, xeriscaping may hold a negativeconnotation, bringing red lava rock and cactito mind,” says Anthony Garza, supervisor ofhorticulture and grounds at UC Botanical Gardenat Berkeley.
Today’s popular term, water-wise gardening,has evolved in both name and practice with thehelp of organizations like UC Botanical Garden.Why is water-wise gardening so important to BayArea residents? California is one of five Mediterraneanclimate zones, with one key difference. “If youlook at the patterns of rainfall in the Bay Area,
BY TRACY FOX
we just went six to seven months without rain, andCalifornia is really one of the driest Mediterraneanregions of the world,” explains Anthony. Put thisway, it’s a little easier to see California as she trulyis—on the dry side.
Water-wise gardening involves relativelydry-growing or drought-adapted plants (includingnon-native plants) in a low-maintenance setting tohelp conserve water. Understanding the basics ofxeriscaping will help you create landscaping withminimal use of our often-scarce water supply.
SMART IRRIGATIONAn efficient irrigation system is a key part
of xeriscaping. Experts like Anthony suggesthydrozoning, which is simply grouping plantswith similar water requirements together to usewater in the right amounts in the right places.
Although this influences the design of an irrigationsystem, you don’t need an automated system oranything fancy. For example, placing plants thatlike more water and protection closer to your homemeans they are easier to access with a hose ona more frequent basis. Hydrozoning also takesadvantage of microclimates. As you move awayfrom the home toward the street, choose plantsthat tolerate more heat and wind with less water.
NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE PLANTSPeople think of California native plants
as always being drought adaptive, but thoseplants that hail from our many forests maynot successfully adapt to summer-dry climates.You can create a water-wise garden with bothnative and non-native plants as long as what youselect can thrive in our dry seasons. Homeowners
Xeriscaping basicsfor outdoor style.
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[ L I V I N G G R E E N ]
Water-WiseGardening
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can also use a classic palette of Mediterranean plants like lavender androsemary, but there are thousands of plants that will work for water-wiselandscaping. If you want to expand your plant repertoire, ask your localnursery to show you the plants from other dry growing regions like Australia,New Zealand, and Mexico.
THE SCOOP ON DIRTIn a water-wise garden, the soil plays a key role. Clay soils, the
predominant soil type in the Bay Area, have advantages and disadvantages. Theyhave a lot of moisture-retention capacity and nutrient exchange, but they alsohave poor drainage. Anthony points out it is more important to improvedrainage by adding organic matter such as compost, along with some type ofgrit such as pumice, volcanic rock, or even roofing gravel. “It is really theorganic matter and the grit that will improve the soil,” he says. It typicallyisn’t necessary to test the soil if you are amending the soil properly. However,you can purchase over-the-counter test kits that will tell you the amounts ofnitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, and the pH, in your soil.
LAWN ALTERNATIVESMost people want
some grass turf in theirlandscaping plans,but often use grassvarieties that needa lot of water or placea lawn in a locationthat’s difficult toirrigate without wastingoverflow water (e.g.,a steep hill or asmall patch betweena sidewalk and street).Anthony recommendsCalifornia meadowsedge (Carex pansa),which is a creepingevergreen grass thatgrows only four to sixinches high and canbe mowed as much asyou prefer or as littleas four times a year.Although this type oflawn is more expensive to plant than sod, you’ll get your money back fromlower maintenance, water, and fertilizer costs.
GETTING STARTEDHomeowners interested in xeriscaping, whether designing a yard from the
ground up or just incorporating individual elements for a slower conversion,will find a wealth of resources available locally. Agencies like East BayMunicipal Utility District (www.ebmud.com) and Bay Area Water Supply &Conservation Agency (www.bawua.org) offer publications and classes. Mostprofessionals doing landscape design can create solutions using xeriscapingprinciples, and area nurseries and botanical gardens, including UC BotanicalGarden (www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu), can offer advice and show youplants that fit our climate.
For Bay Area homeowners, xeriscaping makes sense in terms of waterconservation and doing things right for where and how we live. THM
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[ N G A ]
WHETHER IN NATURE OR IN BUILT SPACES, plants improve ourquality of life. The color green by itself has a calming, stress-relievingeffect. Japanese garden design focuses on contemplative green
spaces. Green office décor has been found to reduce absenteeism causedby illness. But live plants go a step further: they actually improve the airwe breathe. They remove carbon dioxide (which we expel) and release oxygen(which we breathe in). They suppress mold spores. They even have thecapacity to remove some indoor pollutants from the air.
Certain houseplants have an ability to absorb toxins such as formaldehyde,which is contained in many building materials and household cleaningproducts. Benzene and trichloroethylene are other toxic chemicals found inindoor air that can be absorbed by houseplants through their leaves and roots.The pollutants are eventually broken down in the soil by microbes surroundingthe roots.
Some of the best houseplants for improving indoor air are easy tofind at greenhouses and garden centers:
• Many palms, such as areca, lady, and bamboo• Rubber plant• Dracaenas such as ‘Janet Craig’ and Dracaena marginata• English ivy• Boston fern• Corn plant• Spathiphyllum• Golden pothos• Weeping fig• Schlefflera
Kathy Bond Borie is a horticulturaleditor at the National GardeningAssociation. For over 30 years, theNational Gardening Association hasworked to strengthen the essentialconnection between people, plants,and our environment. The NGA providesinformation, inspiration, and fundingto educators, community organizations,and gardeners of all ages throughpersonal outreach and its information-packed Web site: www.garden.org. THM
Houseplant Tips• The more airtight your home or
office, the more indoor pollutantscan build up in the air, and themore benefit houseplants canprovide.
• Place two or three full-sized plantsper a 100-square-foot space.
• If you don't have enough room forthat many large plants, focus onplacing plants where you spendthe most time, such as near yourbed and desk.
Houseplants Clean the AirLive plants are more than decoration.
BY KATHY BOND BORIE
THmag.com38 November/December 2008 THM East Bay
HOW CAN YOU GO “GREEN” WITHOUT TURNING BLUE?Everyday, we are bombarded with ever growing messagesabout how to save the planet, but where do we begin?
One of the easiest, top-of-mind ideas is to switch out theincandescent light bulbs in our homes with compact fluorescentlight bulbs (CFLs). However, there are special features offluorescents that are important to consider before making theswitch. There are also environmentally friendly non-fluorescentoptions to consider.
The quality of CFLs has vastly improved these last few years.No longer the glaring, blue-colored light of years past, thesebulbs are now available with a light output that is very close tonatural sunlight. Critics of the movement to replace regular bulbswith fluorescents cite concerns about the bulb's disposal dueto the mercury inherent in its construction. While the amountof mercury in a fluorescent bulb is minimal, the issue still needsto be addressed. When the bulbs require replacement, disposalshould be in a sealed container or double plastic bag. Careshould be given to avoid breakage. The CFLs may also betransported to an approved collection center and recycled.
Other options exist for a homeowner wanting to make aGreen lighting choice. A great example is National Geographic’snew Solar Hybrid L.E.D. Outdoor Light. The patent pendingdesign combines the technology of solar power with L.E.D.sand CFLs to make a suped-up energy efficient light. The solarpanel on the top powers four long-lasting (up to 50,000 hours)L.E.D. lights. A light sensor automatically switches the L.E.D.son at dusk for continuous operation until dawn. This is an idealno-fuss outdoor lighting solution. In addition, a compactfluorescent bulb can be turned on if more light is needed.
A quality dimmer switch added to a lighting circuit willreduce energy use. As the light is dimmed the energy consumptionis also lowered. In addition, a dimmer set at 50% of its rangecan increase the life of the lightbulb by up to 20 times!
The use of an occupancy sensor switch will also reduceenergy. These smart switches turn off the lights in a room aftera predetermined period of time when the room has beenunoccupied. This type of switch allows for an energy efficientuse of incandescent-powered fixtures and is ideal for bathrooms,bedrooms and laundry rooms.
As the Green movement has progressed so has the lightingindustry to meet the objectives of homeowners who want toreduce their carbon footprint. You can find plenty of energy-efficient options that offer style and self-expression in additionto minimized environmental impact.
Lynda Gould IDS CID ALA, is an Interior Designer for Lamps Plus www.lampsplus.com.For a list of Certified Interior Designers in your area or to view the CID Pages(a visual directory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM
BY LYNDA GOULD, IDS, CID, ALA
[ C C I D C ]
Lighting options tominimize your
environmental impact.
Go “Green” Without Turning Blue
F O R M O R E R E A S O N S G O T O W W W . V A L E T O R G A N I Z E R S . C O M
V I S I T U S N O W A T T H E F O L L O W I N G S H O W R O O M L O C A T I O N S :
C A M P B E L L 1 1 9 0 - J D E L L A V E N U E 4 0 8 . 3 7 0 . 1 0 4 1
L O S A L T O S 3 5 9 S T A T E S T R E E T 6 5 0 . 9 4 1 . 7 7 6 1
B U R L I N G A M E 2 4 7 C A L I F O R N I A D R I V E 6 5 0 . 3 4 4 . 0 7 2 9
D A N V I L L E 6 0 2 S Y C A M O R E V A L L E Y R O A D , W E S T 9 2 5 . 3 6 2 . 8 8 3 8
D E S I G N S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E E N T I R E H O M E
H O M E O F F I C E S • W A L L B E D S • M E D I A C E N T E R S • C L O S E T S • G A R A G E S
C U S T O M F U R N I T U R E
S I N C E 1 9 7 3 • L I C E N S E # 7 8 2 2 1 7
R E A S O N 6 T O V I S I T V A L E T O R G A N I Z E R S :
B AY A R E A ’ S M O S T C O M P R E H E N S I V E S H O W R O O M S
C O M E G A T H E R I D E A S A N D S E E O U R P R O D U C T Q U A L I T Y
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[ T I P S & T R E N D S ]
THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSEis to insulate and seal yourhouse to cut energy use for
heating and cooling. Green mindedconstruction companies are nowoffering an energy audit and thesealing/insulating as a package.
Manage phantom loads. Installdouble pane windows, fluorescent lighting, and energy star appliancesto reduce your energy use.
Low flow showerheads, low flushtoilets and drip watering systems in adrought resistant garden save on water.
Consider updating your home heatingand cooling system. Popular in Europeand now available in the US, mini-splitheat pumps are ductless thus cuttingdown on leaks. Trade air conditioning fora whole house fan and a well-insulatedattic. Consider generating your ownenergy ie: with solar panels.
Many materials have a high"embodied" energy. For instance cementproduction is high in embodied energybecause of the electricity necessary toheat limestone to 1500° to convert it
to cement. Then it is often transported long distances using diesel fuel.Materials made from locally sourced, non-toxic materials such
as agriculture waste (straw bales) or adobe brick do double duty byproviding a well insulated home.
Seek sustainablyharvested lumber thatis certified. Or try SIPs(structurally integratedpanels) which use far lesslumber and are factorybuilt for better insulation.
And if you decide tosimply get rid of excesspossessions to better fitin your existing home,that may well be theultimate Green choice.
Amanda Kovattana is a professional organizer www.jdorganizer.com in San Carlos anda member of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of NAPO (National Association ofProfessional Organizers). Professional Organizers help individuals and businessestake control of their surroundings, their time, their paper, and their systems for life.To find a NAPO organizer in your area, visit www.napo-sfba.org. THM
Green Building TipsBy Amanda Kovattana
N A P O
Company Page
20/20 dB 15
3rd Generation Floors 19
Above & Beyond Construction 19
Acanthus 15
All Things Interior 19
Armkea Cabinetry 42
Black Diamond Landscaping Design 29
Borg Redwood Fences 41
California Shower Door Corp. 21
Chateau Cool Stone 43
Classic California Spaces 9
Diablo Valley Cabinetry 31
Direct Appliance 2
Everlasting Marble & Granite 15
FireplacesPlus 15
Hubbard Iron Doors 28
Hunter Douglas 13
Interiors Door & Closet Co. 11
ADVERTISER INDEX
Company Page
J.L. Custom Tile & Stoneworks 41
Lane Home Furnishings 9
Liquid Coating Design 4
MAH Development 25
Our Garden Nursery & Water Gardens 35
Peninsula Building Materials 37
Pool & Landscape Development 41
Premier Garage 3
Sincere Hardware Supply 23
Suit Outlet 4 Men 25
Sunshine Construction 33
Sunshine Glass Additions 44
Swanstone 25
Uncommon Spaces, Inc. 21
Valet Organizers 39
Wallbeds “n” More 11
Western Tile Design Center 27
Wilson Glass 17
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Berkeley1701 University Avenue
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915-D MAIN STREET • PLEASANTON • (925) 249-9025By appointment only.
Chateau Cool Stone – known for creating unique designs in stone, stucco, and plaster, now offers the latest in Provencal wallfinishes, such as real Exterior Provencal stucco (crack resistant), Provencal plasters, and unique Venitian Plaster finishes.
Home exteriors display our custom stone entries, stone window surrounds, carvings, and other Old World features.Stone Coating on concrete, ceilings, mantels, and wine cellars are all custom designed to make each home interior unique.
To achieve a special European theme for your project,please visit our 4,000 sq. ft. showroom located in downtown Pleasanton.
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ONE OF THE EASIER AND MORE ECONOMICAL
ways to spruce up your home’s exterioris to upgrade your entry with a door
that reflects your style. Today, entry doors comein thousands of combinations that allow you topick something unique and special.
“There are a few things you want toconsider when selecting a new entry door,”explains Dave Ickert, President of Viking Door& Window. “The most important is how muchexposure to rain, sun & wind the door willget—if is not well protected from the elements,a fiberglass door would be a better choice than a solid wood door.” Otherconsiderations may include painted versus a stained finish, the style of yourhouse and your neighborhood, your budget, and how long you plan toremain in the home.
Dave considers JELD-WEN’s IWP doors to be the best. “I’ve worked withthem for over 30 years,” says Dave. “Not only are they very reliable, but theyoffer a wide variety of styles and wood species and the ability to prefinish—frankly, the finish on their doors is like furniture—it’s second to none.”
Jeld-Wen/IWP has the ability to make a complete entry system includingthe doors, sidelights, transoms and the frame. They offer many differentoptions including size, shape, glass style and patterns, hand carving, staincolors, and grilles. Jeld-Wen/IWP offers both solid wood or fiberglass doorcollections. While the wood collection is available with more options, thefiberglass doors come with a limited lifetime warranty regardless of theexposure to the elements.
To help visualize all of these choices, it’s best to visit the Viking Door &Window showroom in San Jose. It is the largest known showroom focusedon doors and windows, with over 23,000 square feet of office showroomyou can see and touch a vast array of interior and exterior doors, windows,door hardware, molding and mantels.
Viking Door & Window handles the entire process for you frombeginning to end. They provide consultation to help you select the perfectdoor and then visit your home to take measurements. Each door is custommade to the customer’s specifications. “A nice feature with JELD-WEN/IWPdoors,” says Dave “is that they assemble and test all components in thefactory to verify accurate and tight tolerances. Once the door system istested it is disassembled and transported to Viking for re-assembly in theirshop. Some other companies don’t provide what we call ‘fully integratedsystems’.” Viking also offers professional installation and field servicetechnicians who provide additional after-sale support.
Door to a NewYouBY MELINDA PEACOCK
Create the exterior look you have always wanted for your home.
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If the facelift of your house goes beyond theentry door to new windows, there are some excellentoptions here as well. “My recommendation forwindows,” says Dave, “is Andersen Windows.They have a well-proven track record for qualitywindows dating back to 1903. In fact, I thinkso highly of them that I have Andersen windowsin my own home.” Andersen offers windows withhigh-performance low-E4 glass. This glass cutsenergy bills, reduces harmful UV rays, reducessound penetration, is easier to clean, and reduceswater spots by 99%. In addition the glass carriesa 20-year warranty. “No one else offers this highperformance low-E4,” explains Dave. Andersenwindows come in both custom sizes and a widevariety of standard sizes, including quarter roundand half round. They also have high transparency“TruScene” insect screens that allow more lightand ventilation than standard screens.
Fall is the perfect time to spruce up the exteriorof your home. Create a fantastic look with a newentry door and windows that are uniquely you.
Visit the Viking Window & Door office showroom at2099 South 10th Street in San Jose. A wide varietyof products can also be found on their website atwww.vikingdoor.com, or call (408) 294-5546. THM
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BY HEIDI DOERFERT
full-service contractor. “We’re not just a sticks and bricks contractor.From floor plans and design to repairs and renovation to customerservice, you will get the highest quality work,” says Michael.
The two most popular rooms to remodel are kitchens andbathrooms. Since these are normally the most used areas ina home, they are also the rooms that will give you the mostreturn on your investment. Another popular trend are whatMichael calls developing flex spaces. “Flex spaces are areas thatare either re-purposed for another use, such as turning a formalliving room into a media room, or utilizing an under usedspace for a playroom, office, or craft room.” Before you begina remodeling project, think about how you will best use thespace. For instance, do you need more preparation area inyour kitchen or maybe a new floor that hides dirt a bit better?In the bathroom, are you frustrated with that cramped showeror need double sinks to keep the peace in the morning rush?
Empty nesters in Sunnyvale wanted to stay in the housewhere their children grew up and knew all their neighbors,but wanted to say goodbye to their 1960s era bathrooms.In the guest bathroom, MAH created a traditional look withcrisp, white cabinetry, marble countertops, and crown molding.In the upstairs, hall bathroom MAH went with a more neutralcolor palette. Rich, cherry cabinets and travertine countertopscreated a warm and inviting space. In the master bath, the closetwas relocated to the bedroom and that extra space was usedfor a large, walk-in shower. “MAH was excellent. I was extremely
Transform your house intothe home of your dreams.
DevelopingFlexSpaces
IF THIS DIFFICULT ECONOMY IS PREVENTING YOU FROM MAKING THE
move up to your dream home, don’t despair! You can giveyour current home a boost with a new remodeling project,
increasing its value and your enjoyment of the space. MichaelA. Howl, president of MAH Development, says remodelingover moving has its advantages. “It can be less expensivethan moving; you can stay in your neighborhood where you’reestablished and familiar; and you can customize your existingliving space to meet your specific lifestyle needs.”
Michael has 20 years experience in building custom homesand remodeling existing ones. He prides his company on being a
MAH Development.com
Remodeling - Room Additions - Custom Homes & DesignOutdoor Kitchens & BBQ Pavillions
Contractor’s License #913049
(925) 580-1673
Exceeding our Customers’ Expectations Daily!impressed with their clean up on the job every day. They werevery professional in their work and followed through,” sayshomeowner John.
A Martinez bachelor had Michael and his team update one ofhis bathrooms and he was so pleased, he asked them to remodelhis outdated kitchen and update the entire interior finishes of thehome. The homeowner had begun to start the remodel himself,but quickly became overwhelmed. That’s when Michael’s twodecades of experience came to the rescue. “This client had waterdamage and being full-service, we were able to fix the problembefore we began the project. We want to do everything 100percent. We don’t cut corners,” says Michael. Laminate countertopsgave way to granite slab in gray tones. MAH extended the islandfor more prep space and storage and added extra cabinetry.“We opened up the wall leading from the kitchen to the livingroom to bring in more natural light,” he explains. “Another thingwe did which can really bring a home up-to-date, is remove allof the popcorn ceilings, replace all of the doors and baseboards,and trade fluorescent lighting for new canned lighting.”
“I would highly recommend this contractor,” says homeownerRichard. “ MAH was very helpful with suggestions on materials,colors, and design. They cleaned up each day and the projectwas completed early. The workers couldn’t have been friendlier.”
To find out how MAH Development can transform yourhouse into your dream home, call (925) 580-1673. To viewa portfolio of their recent remodeling projects, visit thewebsite at www.MAHDevelopment.com. THM
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Here is a list of questions for considerations.
#1: Can you get this tub into your bathroom without enlargingone or more doorways? There are brands that have modelsthat will fit through virtually any doorway.
#2: Is your present hot water heater large enough to fill the tub?You may have to replace it. You may need a larger tank ora second tank.
#3: What will keep the water from a hand held shower, whichmost tubs have, from getting on the floor in front of your tub?
#4: Recognizing that the higher the seat the lower the water ison your upper torso, can you get up and down from the“non ADA” (lower seat) models?
#5: What if the door leaks? Is that water contained somehow?What’s the warranty and where do the replacement partscome from?
#6: Can you get a Doctors prescription that would possibly giveyou a tax write-off?
#7: How long will it take for the tub to fill and drain, while yousit there naked?
#8: If the door on the tub swings in, as nearly all do, is thatawkward as you sit down and try to get your knees outof the way, to allow the door to swing closed?
#9: Do you want a tub with jets (hydro-therapy) or a lessvigorous system called an “air tub” that merely blowsbubbles or neither, or both systems, i.e. a “combo”?
#10: Are there any made in America? Are they made withgleaming, easy to clean, cross-linked thermal-formed virginacrylic, like other more normal shaped designer tubs?
At Tubz, you will find five different door-tubs on display, with twomore expected soon. Our motto for the past 25 years has been “Youwouldn’t even buy a new pair of tennis shoes without trying them onfirst, so come put your tootsies in our Tubz.” While that applies towhatever shape or size tub you might be looking for, it seems especiallyappropriate advice for this “serious” investment in the comfort andwell-being of you or your loved one.
Tubz Fremont is located at 4840 Daveport Place, (510) 770-8686.Tubz Oakdale is located at 441 W. Greger Street, (209) 845-9115. TubzSacramento is located at 830 National Drive, Suite 120, (916) 575-9100.Hours of operation: All three stores are closed on Friday and Saturday.For more information, visit tubz.net. THM
Aquassure tub with its large, chair height sliding door.
BY TOM HARRISON
The popularity of door tubs continues to grow.Is A Door To A Tub A Tub To Adore?
THE SIMPLE ANSWER, FOR SOME, IS DEFINITELY YES. WHILE THE CONCEPT OF
a tub with an access door is not exactly a new one, in the last threeyears, there has been an explosion of interest in them. Blame it on
the geriatric generation, the parents of the baby boomers—or the olderbaby boomers themselves.
The demand for door tubs is being met by a growing number ofmanufacturers. Most of you have seen the ads by Ed McMahon for themost advertised and probably the most expensive brand of door tub, butthere are many others now. In our free market society it’s called “the lawof supply and demand” and the demand is growing.
As you might expect, with any new product, there are facts andfeatures you’d do well to understand before committing to any one brandor model.
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DO YOU HAVE GREATER ASPIRATIONS FOR YOUR HOME? PERHAPS
you’ve been dreaming of a tiled verandah to take inthe setting sun on warm evenings. Or maybe you’ve
got a nagging feeling that your old Victorian is beginning to lookdistinctly dilapidated and you’d like to recapture its original glory.
Making any changes to your home can be a very involvedprocess, so it’s helpful to have a few tips to get you started.
For substantial projects, and even for smaller ones, don’ttake a shot in the dark when it comes to hiring a contractor.Talk to people who’ve had work done and find out what theirexperience was like. Perhaps you’ll hear about San Jose’s G.R.D.,Inc, a company specializing in construction and restoration thathas been earning lots of kudos from customers.
GRD’s owner Max Malihi has worked in the field for overtwenty years and his company’s large customer base is builtprimarily on word of mouth recommendations. “The clientsand I, we stay in touch. The customer base of my businesscomes from referrals,” says Max.
Homeowners should also look to hire one company for thewhole project instead of haphazardly compiling a team of plumbers,electricians, and carpenters from the Internet. GRD covers all
bases. “We provide architecture engineering, electrical work,plumbing, all aspects of the project,” says Max. Max is a statelicensed general contractor certified in fire, water, and stormdamage restoration, indoor air quality maintenance, andmold remediation.
“Homeowners should know the people who will be workingon their home and should look for a company that has a steadycrew from day to day,” says Max. “The way we operate, the samecrew will work the project from start to finish, and so thehomeowner doesn’t have to deal with new people every day.G.R.D., Inc is licensed, insured, and bonded,” says Max.
If you’re considering a construction or restoration of yourhome look for a contractor with expertise in matching the oldwith the new. “You have to have a talent to match the new productto older house, while preserving the original appearance,” says Max.
And, last but not least, when hiring a contractor, you wantsomeone who enjoys his or her work. Asked what brought himto this line of work, Max says, “This is my passion.”
For more information about G.R.D., Inc. call (408) 268-6000 orvisit their showroom at 6055 Meridian Avenue, #160 in San Jose. THM
BY FIONA GOW
Selling Points for a Good ContractorA San Jose construction company offers advice on what
homeowners should look for in a contractor.
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FACTORY SHOWROOM2008 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara 95050Mon–Fri 8–5, Sat 10–2
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[ I N S I D E S T Y L E ]
BE PREPARED” SHOULD BE THE MOTTO FOR HOMEOWNERSconsidering remodeling. Selecting a contractor known for thequality of their work is invaluable. Timely communication by the
remodeling team throughout the project is also essential. But thoroughpreparation in advance may be the surest path to enjoying a remodel.
Since 1994, California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers of SanJose has been working with homeowners in the Santa Clara Valley.Allyn Johnson, President of the firm, is proud of his work and hisapproach. “Our craftsmen are highly skilled and we have a singularpassion—doing every project professionally, on time, and on budget.”
One of the conversationshomeowners should have withany contractor being consideredfor remodeling is about permits.“Too often, homeownersbelieve the permit process iscomplicated, costly and notreally necessary,” says Allyn.“Unfortunately, this mistakenimpression can have seriousconsequences.” It is generallyeasy and inexpensive to get theover-the counter permits neededfor kitchen and bath remodels.
Why Pull Permits? Remodelingwithout required permits meansthere is no proof of complianceto current building code.Passing the permit inspectionshelps protect the homeowner.No proof of compliance canaffect a future refinancing,sale, or insurance claim.
Do it right is Allyn’s motto. As a full-service firm, California Bathroom &Kitchen Remodelers handles all the details from planning and design toconstruction and installation. Allyn and his crew work closely with eachclient to select appropriate features and finishes—from the customcabinets and countertops to the fixtures and flooring. Every detail gets theattention it deserves from California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers.
Preparation in advance makes the difference.BY JAN MASTERS
Enjoy Your Remodel Project
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Knowledge is power. Knowing upfront what to expect during the projectand Allyn’s tips for living through the remodel go a long way to makingthe remodeling experience enjoyable for homeowners. A large binder ofunsolicited client testimonials attests to the success of his approach.
California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers, Inc. office and showroom are locatedat 1261 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 204, San Jose. Call (408) 360-9700 for an appointmentor visit the web site: www.cabr.net. THM
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BY LISA WINER
Attention to Details[ I N S I D E S T Y L E ]
ALL DAY, EVERY DAY—DESIGN 101 IN SAN JOSEis a full-service interior design company with theexperience and knowledge to turn a conventional
home into a homeowner’s dream. With a 7,000-ft. showroom,Design 101 is one of the largest South Bay design firms,and is “with our clients and our projects for the long-haul,”says owner Julie Cavanaugh.
The company is especially known for its detailed approachto design. Full interior design services include conceptualdesign for new and remodel construction, space planning,furniture and fabric selection, flooring of all types, paintand wall treatments, lighting design, product selection,and material specification.
The furniture gallery showcases KRAVET furniture, formerlyavailable to the trade only, and hundreds of different furnituremanufacturers in every style with thousands of fabric possibilities.New interiors are complemented with custom window treatments,custom bedding, upholstery, mirrors and accessories.
The skill of the staff at Design 101 is exemplified bya remodel done in Menlo Park that won a 2007 AmericanSociety of Interior Designers Award of Excellence. Design101 started with a charming little bungalow on “sort of anondescript but very nice residential street.” It wasn’t untilJulie was hired that she realized what a spectacular propertyshe would be working with.
The property was very long, with a beautiful outdoor areaand a gorgeous pool. The space was very serene, lush, and
quiet, says Julie. Julie made a decision to try to executea new space plan that incorporated all the major livingareas in a manner that “you would be able to see all theway through the space to the lushness of the property.”
She created an expansive, but subtle,great room, by combining the kitchen witha living space. The project featured uniquetouches like bamboo cabinetry and concretecountertops. achieved throughout thehouse with a common color palettebased on the colors of the kitchen.
The construction process wentsmoothly because the staff at Design101 “understands the process and theimportance of finishing a project on timeand within budget,” says Julie. Experience,attention to detail, and concern for theircustomers help the firm alleviate theanxiety and demands of an interior designproject. What more could a homeownerask for?
For more information, call (408) 873-1100 or visitthe Web site at www.design-101.com. The designshowroom is located at 1821 Saratoga Avenue, Suite101, Saratoga, at the corner of Lawrence Expressway,and is open Monday through Saturday. THM
An award winning full-service interior design company.
A Kitchen with Your PersonalityCreating a functional space that fits your lifestyle.
DESIGNER AND CO-OWNER OF CABINETS & DESIGNStudio, Debra Fouts, says that she “gets excited whenpeople ask for something different.” She got very
excited when the owner of a Corte Madera condo built in the1980’s came into the showroom looking to redo her kitchen.The challenge: to create a space that reflectedthe uniqueness of her client while providing a functional,state of the art cooking experience.
At Cabinets & Design Studio, the design processalways begins with a discussion of how the client uses theirkitchen, what they like about their current space and whatthey would like to change. It also includes a discussion ofthe client’s tastes and preferences, something Debra feels isimportant to incorporate into the design of each new space.“In this particular project,” Debra remembers, “my client’sresponse to these questions were: I love to cook and usemy kitchen, there is nothing about the existing space thatI like and I want to change it all”… a dream come true fora kitchen designer.
“The original kitchen had been built on a shoestringbudget and there was nothing about it worth saving,” says
Debra. “The original cabinets were stained plywood, thecounters were white tile, the lighting was one dimensionaland the appliances years past their prime. The existing floorplan made it difficult to do anything in the space, there wasinsufficient storage or counter space and the room was voidof any personal character.”
After working with her client, Debra created a design,which produced a modern, functional kitchen that was atrue reflection of her client’s aesthetic. The owner, who isof Asian decent, had a large collection of Japanese dishwareand loved Japanese furniture. Debra suggested bringingthese design elements into the space. “It was a wonderfulexperience” Debra recalls, “working with a client that wasenthusiastic about every suggestion I made.”
Asian influences were brought into the space by utilizingcherry cabinetry built by Crystal Cabinets along with customdesign elements created by a talented local cabinetmaker.The slab doors on several cabinets were replaced by doorsbuilt to emulate those found on a traditional Japanese tansuchest. Open shelving next to the range and above the sinkwere custom built to display both dishware and a collection
Before
A Design toFit All Budgets
Lee Greenlund & Debra Fouts invite you to call for a complimentary consultation.
DE S I G N EX P E RT S F O R 30 YE A R S
707. 584 .2727 • 415 .459 .800 1TWO LOCATIONS
3715 Santa Rosa Avenue, Suite A3, Santa Rosa999 Andersen Drive, Suite 165, San Rafael (Across From Rafael Lumber)
[ I N S I D E S T Y L E ]
of antique teapots. “All custom woodwork wascompleted using “old-world” joinery with ebonyand cocobolo wood accents”, mentions Debra.“It’s these features that give the space acompletely unique quality.” To complete thistraditional look, black iron cabinet hardware waspurchased from Soku Hardware in Japan Town.
Given the limited space available in thecondo, it was fortunate that Debra was able torework the floor plan to include an island. “Theisland created a large, uninterrupted work/prepsurface for the Asian style cooking preferred bythe homeowner” says Debra, while also improvingthe traffic flow in the space. The island alsoincluded additional freezer space on one endand a wine cooler at the other.
The appliances selected for the kitchen includeda Viking refrigerator and range—both of whichprovided the client with the functional quality thatwas important to her while promoting the modernfeeling that she very much desired.
Installing honed Absolute Black granite forthe counter surfaces helped reinforce the designtheme while providing an easy to maintainfunctional work surface. A custom-glazed-tile
backsplash was installed up the wall behind thehood to provide an easy to clean and dramaticsurface material while also adding warmth tothe space.
To complete the design of the space,Debra also reworked the lighting. “Lighting isan important part of each kitchen I design,” saysDebra. “In this kitchen, in addition to providingoverall ambient lighting, we wanted to provideunder-cabinet task lighting, decorative lightinginside several of the cabinets as well as decorativelighting over the island.” The pendants wereselected to reinforce the Asian theme.
All in all, Debra feels that this was one ofher most successful projects. “Working with thishomeowner was pure pleasure. Together we createda space that met her functional needs as wellas her emotional needs. It is a space she loves.That is how I know I have done my job.”
For more information, contact Debra Fouts in the San Rafaelshowroom at 999 Andersen Dr. Suite 165, at (415) 459-8001or (415) 250-9397 or Lee Greenlund in the Santa Rosashowroom at (707) 584-2727; visit the Cabinets & DesignStudio Web site at www.cabinetsanddesignstudio.com. THM
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[ I N S I D E S T Y L E ]
BY JENNY JEDEIKIN
IN THECLEAR
HOMEOWNERS SEEKING TO TRANSFORM THEIR BATHROOMSinto modern day personal spas, no longer have to stick totraditionally shaped showers when it comes to design and
construction. Thanks to California Shower Door Corporation—in business in San Francisco since 1935—customers are free tobreak the mold when creating their luxury showering experience.
This year CSDC’s ability to reinvent the “rain box” was put totest when they were approached with an unusual request from aclient in San Francisco’s Noe Valley, who had designed her ownunique shower. “A woman came to us who wanted us to build aneight-foot-high completely enclosed shower which had all odd anglesand extended into the center of the room,” says CSDC President andCEO Thomas Nolan. “She had been told by other companies that itcouldn’t be done because of its enormous size and odd shape.”
But California Shower Door found a way to create exactly whatthe customer wanted, using their patented “Majestic” enclosures—
800.675.6225calshowerdoor.com1795 Yosemite Avenue • San Francisco
Finished, Framedand
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the only shower enclosures guaranteed to be 100 percent waterand steam tight—and custom-built thick frameless glass doors.The resulting shower, which doubles as a steam room, contains anoperable glass transom window—to let steam out—a slanted cracked-glass ceiling and is five feet wide. “This particular shower does nothave a standard angle anywhere,” says Nolan, “so essentially wehave constructed a box out of glass.”
Aside from its unusual shape, one of the most strikingfeatures of the shower is the decorative cracked glass roof.“We used a piece of glass which goes through a processthat breaks it,” explains Nolan, “but essentially holds ittogether in the same place, and you get this cracked glasseffect, which is beautiful when the light comes throughfrom above.”
In addition to luxury custom-built shower doors like theone pictured here, CSDC also does standard-size doors andprovides glass for stairway banisters, countertops, and roofsystems. Serving the entire Bay Area from Healdsburg toCarmel on any given day, the company has been knownto ship custom made orders all over the world.
Fully employee-owned since 2003, CSDC takes pridein its employee track-record; over half of the employeeshave worked at the company for over ten years. “Employeeownership develops a great sense of pride for everything weaccomplish and benefits everybody,” explains Nolan whoseown career at CSDC began 27 years ago when he was stillin high school. “I started working here when I was onlysixteen in 1981, and now I’m President and CEO; It’s oneof those ‘only in America’ stories, which is kinda cool.”
Contact California Shower Door Corporation by calling (800) 675-6225,visiting their showroom at 1795 Yosemite Avenue, San Francisco or bygoing to their website at www.calshowerdoor.com. THM
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