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SOUTH BAY/SILICON VALLEY Photo: Eldorado Stone AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010 ideas and resources for your home BayArea.com Music on the Outside Funding Your Project outward style
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  • SOUTH BAY/SILICON VALLEY

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    AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

    ideas and resources for your home

    BayArea.com

    Music on the Outside Funding Your Project

    outward style

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  • A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 O 1O

    [ C O N T E N T S ]

    18

    4 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

    12

    TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    12 First ImpressionsExciting new ways to enhance your home front.By Deborah Burstyn

    NKBA16 Exterior Style

    Architectural appeal of a home should not be underestimated.By Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBP & Randy Grange, AIA, LEED AP

    18 Bring Your Music OutdoorsDesign makes the perfect sound for your yard.By Stuart Lee

    BUILD IT GREEN20 Healthy, Sustainable Siding

    Fiber cement siding adds durability with a relativelylow environmental impact.By Annette Hartsfield

    CCIDC22 Backyard Storage

    Enjoy your yard and gain storage space.By Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP

    O U T WA R D S T Y L E

    20

  • Find more great ideas and resources for your home onTodaysHomeBayArea.com

    ideas and resources for your home

    BayArea.com

    Search the Bay

    Areas ultimate

    resource guide

    for more articles

    of interest,

    links to more

    resources and

    web sites, and

    professionals

    who can help

    you with all your

    home projects.

    Post your company information @ TodaysHomeBayArea.com!Call 925.389.3481 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

    South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 5TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    ON THE COVER

    Photo: Eldorado Stone Cortona ViaBrick.(www.eldoradstone.com).

    8 Simple Financing Finding the right loan for your home Improvements. By Gabrielle Saveri

    10 Uncovering New OptionsNew wallbed designs offer flexibility and beauty.By Patricia Hayse Haller

    24 A Room for all ReasonsContemporary garages are garnering new respect.By Beandra Bey

    26 Healthy SolutionsHeating and air conditioning systems provide manybenefits for a healthy home.

    CLCA28 Bug Bites

    Protect you and your family from mosquitoes.

    24

    10

    Your Private SanctuaryGive your master bedroom a low-cost high-impact makeover.

    www.thmag.com/e-Crackerjack

    Short on Space? Wallbeds help homeowners maximizespace by making rooms multifunctional.

    www.thmag.com/e-Valet

    Bathroom EleganceFurniture Guild creates the antiques of tomorrow

    for today's discriminating homeowner.

    www.thmag.com/e-Splashworks

    Bathroom Remodeling on any BudgetIts a balance between good design, fixtures and space.

    www.thmag.com/e-feature

  • TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com6 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

    EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

    [email protected]

    ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

    (925) 389-3481 [email protected]

    SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES

    [email protected]

    (925) 389-3481P.O. Box 2025 San Ramon, CA 94583

    WWW.TodaysHomeBayArea.com 2010 All editorial (headline, subhead, story, captions) published in Todays Homeis copyrighted and remains the sole property of Todays Home. All rights reserved.

    Reproduction or reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.

    Volume 12, Issue 4 August/September 2010

    PUBLISHER

    Steven Gandy

    ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

    Jeff Curry

    FEATURE WRITERS

    Deborah BurstynRandy Grange, AIA, LEED AP

    Patrica Hayse HallerAnnette Hartsfield

    Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBPGabrielle Saveri

    Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP

    ART DIRECTOR

    Jeff Clinton

    WEBMASTER

    Christina Carey

    ACCOUNTING

    Diane Nasadiuk

    The Bay Areas best resource for your lifestyle at home.

    Todays Homehas openings for part timeSales and Marketing

    RepresentativesWork from home, flexible schedule,

    competitive earning potentialPlease e-mail resumes to [email protected].

    Search forTodays Home

    AIR CONDITIONING & HEATMechanical Air Service808-913-4822www.mechanicalairservice.com

    ARTIFICIAL TURFHeavenly Greens866-724-8873www.heavenlygreens.com

    AUTOMATED SHADING SYSTEMSScreen Solutions408-374-8156www.screensolutionsonline.com

    CABINETS & CLOSETSValet Custom Cabinets & Closets408-370-1041www.valetcustom.com

    CREDIT UNIONNational 1st Credit Union888-672-6073www.national1st.org

    GARAGE STORAGEPremier Garage866-497-2880www.premiergarage.com

    GARDEN ORNAMENTSGiannini Garden Ornaments650-873-4493www.gianninigarden.com

    GRANITE AND CABINETSZMC Kitchens & Baths866-497-2880www.zmcproducts.com

    HOME THEATERHi-Def Audio Video408-294-6632

    INTERIOR DESIGN Jeanese Rowell Design650-323-1065www.jrdesign.com

    INTERIOR DESIGN Crackerjack Creations408-241-4044www.crackerjackcreations.com

    KITCHEN & BATH GALLERYSplashworks408-279-5202www.splashworkskb.com

    KITCHEN DESIGN CENTERRics Kitchen & Bath510-733-5543www.rics-kitchen-bath.com

    KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOMKitchen & Bath Showplace408-554-1552www.kbshowplace.com

    LANDSCAPE DESIGNMasterpiece Garden & Design925-937-2253www.masterpiecegarden.com

    LUMBER & MILLWORKJackel Enterprises800-711-woodwww.jackelenterprises.com

    OUTDOOR FURNITURE & BBQComplete Backyards408-748-8100www.completebackyards.com

    PAINTINGRhino Shield408-266-7048www.rhinoshieldca.com

    PATIO ROOFING SYSTEMSScreen Solutions408-374-8156www.screensolutionsonline.com

    PAVING STONESBlack Diamond Landscape & Designs800-942-1955www.blackdiamondlandscape.com

    REMODELING CONSTRUCTIONCASE Handyman Remodeling408-323-5300www.sanjose.caseremodeling.com

    REMODELING CONSTRUCTIONS.E.A. Construction650-287-4202www.seaconstruction.com

    SCREENS AND SHADES Screen Solutions408-374-8156www.screensolutionsonline.com

    SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURESCalifornia Shower Door 800-675-6225www.calshowerdoor.com

    SPASSpa Outlet 408-654-8010www.coastspas.com

    SWIMMING POOLSLifetime Pools650-494-7070www.lifetimepools.com

    WALLBEDSWallbeds n More408-761-4732www.wallbedsnmore.com

    WINDOWS & DOORSArgonaut Window & Door408-376-4018www.argowin.com

    WINDOW TINTINGSolar Control Glass Tinting Co.800-999-3828www.solarcontrolcompany.com

    List your business, call 925-389-3481

    RESOURCE GUIDE

  • South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 7TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    H O M E O F F I C E S W A L L B E D S S E W I N G C E N T E R S C L O S E T S G A R A G E S

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    A N D 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

    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

    S I N C E 1 9 7 3 L I C E N S E # 7 8 2 2 1 7

    25% O F F L I S T P R I C E L I M I T E D T I M E O N LYS O M E R E S T R I C T I O N S A P P L Y

  • TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com8 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

    IF YOURE LOOKING to do home improvementsthis summer, give Santa Clara-based National 1st Credit Union a call. National 1st specializes in mortgage loan products to help you meet yourhome remodel goals. National 1st offers a HomeEquity Line of Credit (HELOC) and a fixed-ratesecond mortgage. Both offer competitive rates, plusyoull have the security of knowing your loan iswith a financially sound local financial institution.

    One of the most popular home improvementloans is the Home Equity Line of Credit, which hasno closing costs, loan amounts up to $200,000 orup to 75% of your homes appraised value (less any other mortgages.).

    According to Laura Lacombl, Vice President ofHuman Resources and Marketing at National 1st, aHome Equity Line of Credit is a great way to utilizethe equity in your home to pay for home improvements.The National 1st HELOC is easy to use. It has aten-year draw period, which allows members toadvance the funds when needed. Our members reportthey have used the HELOC loan for kitchen remodels,a new roof, a new swimming pool for the backyard,or a room addition because of a growing family.

    Lacombl says the advantage to doing businesswith National 1st Credit Union rather than a bankis the competitive loan rates and exceptional service.We make good business decisions. We make sure

    that our members really understand the loan productthat theyre selecting, and that they will have paymentsthey can live with, she says.

    Additionally, because it is a local financialinstitution, National 1st prides itself on workingclosely with its members. You can walk into ourbranches, and you will receive answers to yourquestions from a friendly credit union representative,says Lacombl. We are a local financial institutionand we dont outsource our service, meaning whenyou call the credit union you can be confident thatyoure speaking with us directly.

    National 1st Credit Union has been servingSanta Clara County since 1968. With superiorproducts and services like the Home Equity Line of Credit, Lacombl believes that National 1st offers what people are looking for in a financialinstitution: competitive rates, exceptional serviceand convenient online account access.

    For more information or to open an account withNational 1st, call or come into one of their branches.National 1st Credit Union, Santa Clara branch: 2999San Ysidro Way, Santa Clara. Call (408) 524--4500or (888) 672-6073. Almaden Branch: 5353 AlmadenExpressway, #80 (next to TJ Maxx), San Jose. Call (408) 524-4500 or (888) 672-6073, or visitwww.national1st.org. THM

    Finding the right loan for your home improvements.BY GABRIELLE SAVERI

    Simple Financing

  • A Home Equity Line of Credit or SecondMortgage from National 1st can make your dreams come true!

    Loan amounts up to 75% of your equity

    Loan amounts up to $200,000 Low competitive rates No appraisal fees* Tax deductible interest** Flexible terms No annual fee

    For more information on ourmortgage products, visit usonline at www.national1st.org or come into any National 1st branch.

    Email: [email protected] Phone: 408.524.4500 888.672.6073

    At National 1st Credit Union, youll find:

    2999 San Ysidro WaySanta Clara, 95051

    *Free appraisal is for online valuation only. If the online valuation is insufficient you mayrequest a full appraisal at your expense. **The interest paid on the portion of the credit exceeding the property value is not taxdeductible for Federal income tax purposes. Please consult a tax advisor regarding thedeductibility of interest. Please present this ad when funding your HELOC or Second Mortgage with National 1st CreditUnion and your $100 Home Depot gift card will be awarded. Offer expires August 31, 2010.

    Local branch locations:

    5353 Almaden ExpresswaySan Jose, 95118(located next to TJ Maxx Home Goods)

    PLUS,when you

    fund a HELOC or SecondMortgage with National 1st

    you will receive a

    $100 Home Depot Gift Card!

    South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 9TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

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  • TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com10 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

    IN TODAYS ECONOMY, MAKING AN EXISTING HOME WORK FORa changing lifestyle often makes more sense than eithermoving up or moving down. And whether your family isgrowing or shrinking, a wallbed is a great way to gain spacewithout losing equity.

    A lot of our customers are people who dont want tomove, but need to add multi-functional rooms, says EricLynch of Wallbeds N More. We are specialists in doing that and have something to fit every need or budget, fromdo-it-yourself to full custom sophistication, says Eric.

    Simply put, a wallbed turns one room into two by pullingdown when you need a bed and disappearing into a 17" deepcabinet when you dont. Put one in the nursery and dotinggrandparents will always have a place to stay. Install a wallbedsystem with shelves, cabinets and a desk to transform your

    grown childs former bedroom into a flexible home officeand guest room. Even a tiny alcove can be made useful byadding a hidden bed that transforms in an instant from workto sleep surface and back again without ever clearing thedesk or stripping the bed.

    With over 10 wallbed configurations on display in theirCampbell showroom as well as in-home consultation services,Wallbeds N More has become the go-to destination forcreating multi-functional rooms. But over the years, saysEric, we had a lot of customers asking for a specific sizedcabinet or for options like glass, lighting or custom finishesand we couldnt always meet every need.

    That dilemma has disappeared with the introduction ofCustom Designs by Wallbeds N More, a new line offeringnearly infinite combinations of bed and cabinet configurations,

    BY PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER

    UNCOVERING NEW OPTIONSNew wallbed designs offer flexibility and beauty.

  • The largest display ofwallbeds in the Bay Area!

    Make one room into two!

    CUSTOM DESIGNSALSO AVAILABLE!

    WallbedsNMore.com

    Other Locations:San Ramon (925) 895-2406 Burlingame (650) 888-8131

    NEW LOCATIONNovato (415) 827-1876

    1350 DELL AVENUE CAMPBELLShowroom Open by Appointment

    (408) 761-4732

    ROOM WITH A VIEW, $695Homeowners need design advice without

    feeling the pressure to buy, says Sandy Wulf,

    owner. The session includes 3 hours in your

    home answering decorating questions

    and providing room-by-room specific design

    ideas/products with below retail shopping

    sources. The fee includes a color portfolio

    of all information.

    www.crackerjackcreations.com

    408.241.4044

    BROCHURE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

    347 Locust Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831-768-3880 FAX: 831-768-3883

    Create a Tuscan paradise in your home with Real Wood Box Beams, custom fireplace mantles, trim & moulding, and custom wood flooring.

    Lumber, Milling, Products

    1-800-711-WOOD

    www.woodboxbeams.com

    South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 11TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    architectural styles,wood finishes, andcolors. Made inCalifornia, thewallbed comeswith a low-profilebox spring and afull range of add-ons, includingcabinets, shelvesand wardrobes. The alder and maple wood cabinetscome with five different facing and a variety of crownmolding options to create any look from traditional tomodern. And customers can choose from a host ofstandard stains, higher-end toned finishes even full-custom color-matching.

    This new line adds a whole level of personalizationthat we couldnt offer before, says Eric.

    To find out how Wallbeds N More can help you make the most of your space, call Eric at (408) 761-4732 or visit www.wallbedsnmore.com. THM

  • YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE to make a good impression.So if those little cosmetic tweaks just arent doing it foryou anymore, it may be time for a more dramatic facelift.Upgrading and modernizing your look will definitely give youmore appealcurb appeal, that isfor your home.

    Theres never been a better time to improve the outside ofyour home because:

    Construction and material costs are still about 25%30%lower than they were just a few years ago. But act fast. Withlower interest rates and home prices rebounding, demand maydrive costs up again soon.

    Upgrades and improvements that are energy efficient willlikely qualify for hefty state and federal government rebate andincentive programs.

    Summers ideal for exterior home projects. Risks of raindelays are past and the warm temperatures speed up by thedrying process for paint, cement and other materials.

    As the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close,theres a new modern look in home design thats both chic

    Exciting new waysto enhance yourhome front.

    BY DEBORAH BURSTYN

    [ O U T W A R D S T Y L E ]

    First ImpressionsQuarry Stone Sunset Terra-cotta.

    12 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

  • and popular. It is geometric with an emphasison natural hues and textures. Think FrankLloyd Wright with Asian influences. This sleek design trend offers exciting options for improving your homes exterior adding toyour homes value as well as to your everydayenjoyment. Here are some exciting new trendsto boost your homes curb appeal with anupdated look:

    VERTICAL GARDENS: Imagine yourhomes exterior faade as an integral part of the landscaping with plants as living walldcor blending in with the canopies of treesoverhead and smooth stone underfoot. Thisexciting trend, first launched in Paris andRome and now often featured in projects by HGTVs Jamie Durie, was the focus of arecent show exhibit at the American Institute

    of Architects in San Francisco. Vertical gardens also were the highlight of the recent San Francisco Flower and GardenShow. When installed properly by a knowledgeable landscapeprofessional, the green panels are hydroponic, requiring no soil and no or very little water, thus making them lightweight.This enables designers to paint the wall with a strikingcomposition of plants with a rhythm of lush natural texturesand hues. Sometimes called living walls, a vertical panel ofliving plants makes a striking visual entry way statement.

    CA S T I N S T ON E : Every material in todays home ischosen for its tactile allure. Stone in its many varieties excelsin sense-pleasing options. Stone stays cool in summer and >>

    [ O U T W A R D S T Y L E ]

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    TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 13

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  • holds warmth in winter. It injects an earthy stylewith unique textures and rich depth into everyspace on a home exterior, the front doorstep, the walkway or the driveway. Bluestone, flagstone and travertine offer elegant versatile choices. With the new techniques for scoring, stamping and concrete, the options are vastly increased.Check out the amazing example above: its apermeable quarry stone by CalStone. Its also worthexploring the new permeable stone pavers. Theseprevent storm water runoff by allowing rain water to percolate through to the aquifers below. They can incorporate grass set in geometrical grids orprovide a solid surface of interlocking stones set in various patterns.

    G LA S S WA L L S : Retractable glass wallsthat are nearly invisible connect the home to nature while giving it a cool contemporary look and a generous feeling of space. A stunning designfeature, glass walls and door panels invite theoutdoors in while optimizing light and creating an organic spa-like feel especially when combinedwith natural materials like wood and stone. With a continuation of a natural floor material likebluestone or travertine, the line between indoors

    and outdoors further disappears. State-of-the-artglass with a high energy efficiency rating andcoated to diminish ultra-violet radiation help makethis look as comfortable as it is aesthetic. Glasspanels can slide open lending a Japanese shoji-screen style aesthetic. An added bonus, newprivacy glass walls employ an embedded crystalfilm that at the touch of a button, can turn theglass from clear to opaque in moments.

    F ROM T H E T O P : Why have a roof thatjust lays there when you can have a roof that works for you? And looks gorgeous while its on the job. Forget those big unsightly solar panels of yesteryear. A brand new product created inCalifornia (of course) combines the energy-capturing efficiency of traditional solar with thebeauty of traditional Mediterranean-inspired tileroofs. The tile mimics the shape of the traditionalcurved barrel tile made from terra-cotta. Except that this tile is a mini-photovoltaic panelgenerating electricity for your household. The mainvisual difference is its iridescent blue hue. The32.25-inch by 18-inch navy tiles can either be

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    TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com14 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

    Quarry Stone Tuscan Gold with Sierra Granite hi-lights.

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  • installed on an entire roof, or on a part of an existing tile roof,with the remaining clay tiles stained to match the blue color. Tofurther reduce labor costs, the tile system can easily be installedby roofersit doesn't need a special solar-specializing team ofcontractorsand can replace an existing roof at the momentwhen a homeowner is going to need to upgrade anyway, statesan industry design blogger.

    A NEW COAT: When casting about for ideas to transformthe appearance of a home, the value of a coat of paint cannot be underestimated, states the international design websitewww.trendsideas.com. Always opt for the best quality paint. It can double the life of a paint job. The savings will be higherif a painting contractor is hired. A qualified professional willknow what type of paint and brushes to use of the variety ofmaterials and surfaces on your homes exterior. Spending themoney now for quality materials and craftsmanship will saveyou money in the future. Overall, colors in demand now followthe earth-tone palette of stone grays, light greens, earthy goldsand browns.

    A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: Over the past decade,incorporating water features into the architectural landscapehas become a popular way to make a stunning entrance. The resulting drama and beauty integrate the landscape intoarchitectural design and offer the sense of calm and tranquility.Custom copper water walls, water sculptures, rain curtains,bubbling brooks and architectural moats are all new elementspossible for todays exciting front yard landscape. A fountain or pond with geometric lines will look best with a formal houseand garden. A water feature that mimics shapes found in naturewill complement an informal architectural style. Moving water isa favorable feng shui feature for the front of the home becauseit is believed to attract wealth and prosperity. A Google imagesearch for architectural water features will give you plenty ofideas. Avoid placing a pond beneath trees that will fill it withleaves and debris. If youre considering a spray fountain, placeit in a location that is protected from the wind, which can blowthe spray and accelerate evaporation.

    Freshen up your home front with an updated new look. Itwill add value to your home and immeasureable enrich your life.Because the feeling of driving up to your home and thinking,Wow, I live here, is priceless! THM

    ideas and resources for your home

    BayArea.commore on

    curb appeal

    South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 15TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    [ O U T W A R D S T Y L E ]

  • TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com16 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

    [ N K B A ]

    was not just a show; its the real thing. Even if youre not planning to sellyour home anytime soon, every dollar you invest in it must be viewed interms of pay off or the potential for a return on your investment.

    The tricky thing is, you cant put a dollar value on architectural appeallike you can the tangible items: the $20,000 worth of appliances, theheated floors in the bathrooms, the antique terracotta tile in the kitchenThere is no way to calculate the actual emotional value of a well-designedhome. But we do know that when its done right, the architectural appeal of a home can be more valuable than everything else put together.

    So how do you do it? How do you create that je ne sais quoi appealthat will steal the hearts of family, friends, and potential buyers alike? Thereis no hard and fast rule that applies across the board, but it helps to keepthe following in mind:

    1. If you have a home with a specific style, be thoughtful about how you add onto it. Remember, you want to enhance the house, not ruin it.So dont slap a flat-roofed addition onto the side of a Tudor; dont addTuscan stone arches onto a Federal style home; and dont detract fromaesthetically appealing features that should remain undisrupted, such as a dominant front gable on a Shingle-Styled home.

    National Kitchen & Bath Association

    BY LESLIE LAMARRE, CKD, CGBP& RANDY GRANGE, AIA, LEED AP

    ExteriorStyleBefore

    Architectural appeal of a home should not be

    underestimated.

    IN THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES, many people who want more fromtheir existing homes are opting to expand and remodel rather than buynew. Of course, this is a great option not only from a financial standpoint,but also because you wind up with a home customized to your specificneeds. But words of caution as you embark on the major-remodel journey:keep an eye on the outside.

    The problem is, homeowners are wowed byand consumed bythefinishes: the things they will touch and feel every day in their new home:tile, hardwood floor, countertops, cabinetry and while its important toinvest time and thought into these finishes, its critical not to lose sight of whats happening on your homes exterior.

    Why is this so important? I mean, who cares if your windowsills line upacross the back of your house? Nobody is going to see them but you, right?And why add those custom sidelights to your front door? After all, theycost $1,500.00 each. Heck, why do you even need clapboard siding onthat addition to your Colonial home: stucco is way cheaper. Well, in termsof the front of your house, the answer should be obvious: curb appeal.

    Just as we often judge books by their covers (even though we know we shouldnt), we often judge houses before we even set foot inside them.So why not give your home the sex appeal it deserves? And that goes forthe remainder of the exterior as well. While the front lures potential buyersin, the remaining exterior reinforces your commitment to the aesthetic,convincing visitors that the thoughtful architecture they saw from the curb

    ideas and resources for your home

    BayArea.commore articles

    from nkba

  • South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 17TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    [ O U T W A R D S T Y L E ]

    2. If your house has no style to speak of and youre undertaking a majorremodel, consider including an exterior facelift as part of the project. Have a look at your home with a fresh eye and imagine what it couldbecome. Tired-looking, Ranch-style homes can metamorphose themselvesinto a number of architectural gems, ranging in style from Contemporary to Italian Renaissance. A stucco box could become a Mediterraneanmasterpiece. And a dilapidated bungalow could become a charmingVictorian. The direction you take should be influenced not only by thestructure itself as well as your taste and lifestyle, but also by the context of your neighborhood, and the homes existing interior, among other factors.

    So if you embark on a significant renovation, dont forget to keep an eye on the outside. Hire a professional architect who can help you work out a solution that ensures balanced roof lines, a well-proportioned entry, a suitable door style, quality materials and appropriate colors, among otherelements. And when you are finished with your project your homes stunningfaade will be there to greet you at the end of your busy days. And only thenwill you finally be able to put a value on this gratification: priceless.

    Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBP and Randy Grange, AIA, LEED AP are Principals at TRG Architects inBurlingame and are a member of National Kitchen & Bath Association. The NKBA is your source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. To find a design professional near you please visit www.nkba.org. THM

    Before

  • TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com18 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

    [ O U T W A R D S T Y L E ]

    SO IT APPEARS AS IF THE RAIN HAS SUBSIDED as we begin to visitour front and backyards for the first time in quite sometime. What wenotice as we begin the arduous task of digging and planting is the needfor some outdoor music. Not only does it keep us in the mood while we work,it helps to keep that mood well beyond that point for our guests at parties.

    To create a beautiful sound environment one needs to have clear, evenlydistributed music. Having too much sound concentrated out of too few speakersmakes for an unbalanced system. The area that is given too much attentionends up playing too loud and makes for an uncomfortable area to be around.Distributing the speakers with a well-planned design along with speakers thatare mission-specific balances out the environment. Some speakers are to beinstalled in trees to lift the music and direct it downwards. Some speakers are disguised as planters so the music emanates 360 degrees around itself all the while being able to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your new freshlyplanted flowers. Were all familiar with speakers that are disguised as rocks

    and boulders but did you know they make subwoofers too? This helps toreinforce bass in open environments.

    To create a beautiful backyard one needs to make it beautiful foreveryone including your neighbors. Making it beautiful for your neighbors

    means not bringing attention, at least not to the sound levels. This hasnothing to do with whether they enjoy Jimmy Hendricks or Iron Maiden asmuch as you might. This has only to do with designing your outdoor acousticenvironment so that it serves you as best as possible without spilling over to your unyielding neighbor. Again, specific mission-specific speakers alongwith a well-laid plan will provide music where you want it to be.

    Keeping sound low to the ground allows a fence to do more than providevisual privacy, it also helps to block sound from transferring over. Speakersplaced high in the eves are usually higher than the fence line and allow musicto pass over. Rock speakers do well for this purpose. Small to modest sizedareas work great with rock speakers. But placing speakers low does not providegood casting out characteristics for speakers that need to sound out over a distance like in field. Boxed, weather resistant speakers do best for thisapplication. Placing these under a homes eves but not tucked too high bestserves to cast out music.

    The exterior wall helps to reflect sound. Tucking the speaker high to theeve/roof line utilizes the eve to block high and mid frequencies to the neighborsbut does nothing to reduce bass levels. If youre trying to service the area nearthe base of the walls and you cant find a rock speaker to perfectly match yourdcor then this placement will work perfect for your application.

    To create a beautiful music backyard it needs to last. Do you or a friendhave an outdoor music system that has lost its vibrant, clear sound? Does itsound muddled? Chances are rust or corrosion has gotten to the system. Moisturecan travel over the copper wires several feet. It usually does not get in throughthe burial grade jacketing. If it gets in at the connectors it can travel betweenthe wire and jacketing six feet or more. Proper weather resistant connectorsand junction boxes would have solved this. Either way a solid, well thought out Outdoor acoustic plan always helps to keep your budget in check andbuild value into the plan.

    For more information contact HI-DEF Audio Video, 1610 Monterey Road, San Jose, (408) 887-4479; store hours are Monday-Saturday, 9-6, closed Sunday. THM

    Bring Your Music OutdoorsBY STUART LEE

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    IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT EXTERIOR SIDING SHOULDbe weather, pest and fire resistant. It should last a long timeto minimize maintenance and replacement costs. And itsthe only thing many of your neighbors will ever see of yourhome, so of course you want it to look nice too. Thoughtraditional wood siding is a time-honored favorite for exteriorcladding, wood brings a host of environmental and maintenancechallenges. Wood is highly susceptible to pests and decay,which means that it has a shorter life span than other sidingoptions, increasing the use of natural resources as well asmaintenance and replacement costs.

    The durable and low-maintenance quality of vinyl makes ita popular alternative to wood siding or shingles. Its fire resistantnature, immunity to corrosion, and imperviousness to pestscannot be denied. But the benefits of vinyl (also known asPolyvinyl chloride or PVC) may not outweigh its environmentaland health hazards.

    According to the Healthy Building Network, PVC is theworst plastic from an environmental health perspective, posinggreat environmental and health hazards in its manufacture,product life and disposal. The consumer education and advocacywebsite tied to the award-winning documentary, Blue Vinyl (a film that explores and exposes the toxic lifecycle of PVC),states that PVC contains chemical stabilizers that leach, flakeor outgas over time, raising risks of asthma and cancer. Further,PVC poses a great risk in waste incineration and building fires,as it releases deadly gases such as hydrogen chloride longbefore it ignites. As it burns, it emits toxic dioxin waste.

    Happily, there are other siding alternatives that are also moredurable and fire resistant than wood, yet dont have the toxicside effects of vinyl. One such product is fiber cement siding.

    Fiber cement is an extremely durable product that ishighly resistant to everyday wear and tear. Fiber cementclosely emulates the look of wood, but its physical properties

    [ B U I L D I T G R E E N ]

    BY ANNETTE HARTSFIELD

    Fiber cement siding adds durability with

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  • South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 21TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    provide several performance advantages. All wood and wood-based products absorb moisture, and the ensuing expansionplaces continuous stress on the material over time. Moreimportantly, the subsequent growth of mold and fungus goesunnoticed until the damage requires expensive replacement.Fiber cement, in comparison, will not swell, warp or rot. The material also resists wood-boring insects, the damagingeffects of oceanic salt spray and ultraviolet rays, and does not succumb to the stress of freeze-thaw cycles, so it can be used in many different climates.

    Like wood, fiber cement must be primed and painted orstained. However, the materials paint adherence propertiesreduce the frequency of re-painting, saving resources andmoney. Maintenance involves simply washing the exterior with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris as necessary.

    In addition to a longer lifespan (warranties on the productrange from 30-50 years), fiber cement has several otherenvironmentally responsible attributes. Its ingredients haverelatively low environmental impact. It is most commonlymanufactured using a mixture of cement, pulp fiber, sand, waterand other additives. The pulp fiber is a renewable resource thatcan be sourced from sustainable forests. In recent years, somemanufacturers have replaced sand with fly ash, a by-productfrom electric generation at coal-fired power plants. This has the added benefit of diverting fly-ash from the landfill.

    Build It Green, a non-profit promoting the use of greener building practices,maintains a directory of building product alternatives. For a list of suppliersof healthy, sustainable siding products, see Build It Greens productwww.BuildItGreen.org. Annette Hartsfield is a Build It Green projectmanager and grant writer. THM

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  • TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com22 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

    ARE YOU LONGING FOR EXTRA STORAGE SPACE, is yourgarage filled with bikes, gardening tools and decades-oldclothes, do you dream of a get-away gardening spot?Perhaps its time to find a little area in your backyard to installan accessory structure that can be used for many purposesranging from a small playhouse to additional storage to agardening shed.

    Before you buy the 2x4s and cut the plywood, take thetime to plan your accessory structure and consider the following:

    Purpose:How are you going to use your accessory structure?For storage, a playhouse, a gardening shed or a small get-awayoffice? Once youve determined the purpose of your shed, youcan determine the size.

    Planning: Most jurisdictions have several restrictions regardingthe location (out of your set back, for example) and size of yourstructure (height and total floor area coverage). Check with yourcity and obtain the necessary permits before you start.

    Character/Style: Consider whether you want the gardenstructure to match the architectural characteristics of the mainhouse, or have a distinctly different style. Do you want thebuilding to be a focal point or be tucked away into the backcorner? Your new structure should proportionally fit your yardand your other buildings. Determine whether youd like a shedroof (one slope), a gable roof (a double sloping roof with a ridge

    [ C C I D C ]

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  • in the middle) or another styleof roof. Your windows, doors and the type of roof (asphaltshingles, metal or wood shakes)will also greatly influence the style of your accessorystructure. For an exterior wallmaterial, you may want toconsider horizontal or verticalsiding, wood shakes or anewer green and long-lastingfiber cement material.

    Building: To dress up yourbackyard structure you canadd features such as windowand door trim, flower boxes,weathervanes and brackets orcorbels at the roof overhang.

    Building the Structure:

    Not ready to build your ownstructure? Consider one of several companies who offer pre-fabricated shed kits. All pieces are pre-cut and ready to assemble.

    Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP is a Senior Designer at Harrell Remodeling in MountainView. To learn more about Harrell Remodeling and our monthly workshops,visit www.harrell-remodeling.com. For a list of Certified Interior Designersin your area or to view the CID Pages (a visual directory of CIDs), visitwww.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM

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    HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED INSIDE YOUR GARAGEand had that irritating feeling that it is a space going to waste? If so, you are ingreat company. Many savvy homeowners have had that same feeling. The good news is that quitea few of them took action with great results.

    Its actually an important trend, says NickGranato, owner of Premier Garage. Plenty ofhomeowners are downsizing their lifestyle, buyingsmaller houses. Reducing their total area spacetriggers them to look for ways to maximize all available room space,he says. Homeowners are really starting to conceptualize their garages as an extension of their homes. Once they make that thoughttransition, its a natural progression to visualize their garage as notonly a place to store their cars. Its a place that also can double as, for example, a recreation room, a hobby workshop or a home office.

    SMART STRATEGYWith the garage often being one of the largest rooms in a house, itsreally a very smart strategy, says Granato. The large array of cabinetsand other organizing product options available today make designing a multi-use garage easy, one of the three partners (Nick, Viny or Scott)visits our clients homes for a free consultation so they are always dealingwith one of the owners to ensure the most personalized service. Webring along our computer-based design templates so our clients canvisualize how their garage will look once we agree on a design plan.

    Contemporarygarages aregarneringnew respect.

    BY BEANDRA BEY

    A ROOM FOR ALL REASONS

  • South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 25TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    Garages are also perfect places to store a lot of itemsthat, left in the home proper, can contribute to a clutteredlook, he says. We provide our customers with attractivestorage solutions for such items as shoes, backpacks andseasonal clothing. We also can design areas for refrigerationunits and wine coolers.

    DESIGN TRADEOFFSMost design plans require some type of compromise by the owners, says Granato. Usually the space choicesactive families must make have to do with their bicycles.Bicycles are space hogs, each requiring at least six feet ofspace. With a sports-loving family typically having threeor four bikes, homeowners have to decide how many cars and bikes they can realistically store in their garage.

    Thinking of their garage as an extension of their home tends to tap a homeowners creative vein, he notes.We see our clients asking for such personal touches ascustomized floor treatments, such as the Harley Davidsonlogo we embedded in a customers garage floor. Thiskind of options puts the S in Home, Sweet Home.

    For more information or a free consultation and design, give Premier Garagea call at (866) 497-2880 or visit www.premiergarage.com. THM

  • Allergies and AsthmaAllergy and asthma sufferers can experience increased symptoms inside their homes for a variety of reasons.These symptoms can be aggravated by high particulate levelsindoors due to poor or inadequate filtration in their heating/cooling systems. Dirty duct systems will also cause increasedsymptoms. Mechanical Air Service, Inc offers several solutions to these problems. Most furnace filters are less than 10% efficientand do not do anything to reduce the particulate levels inside a home. They are mainly used to protect the equipment notpeople. The simple addition of a washable electrostatic air filter(less than $95) can help a great deal. The use of a high efficiencymedia filter would be the next step up (approx $450), electronicair cleaners are an excellent high efficiency method of reducingparticulates in your home (approx $725).

    High intensity dual bulb UV light systems are very effective at killing mold spores, bacteria and viruses in a home. If youhave air conditioning they also keep the cooling coil clean of the normal bio-film that can accumulate.

    Green Enegy SolutionsMechanical Air Service offers a wide range of Green energysolutions for home owners says Danielle Larson, VP and aprincipal in the family-owned second generation firm. Some of them are: duct leakage testing- studies have shown that home duct systems leak anywhere from 10% to 65% resulting in a great deal of wasted energy and an uncomfortable home.Home leakage testing can uncover places where unfilteredoutside air or air from under the home infiltrates into the home bringing along with it a wide range of contaminants.

    Mechanical Air Service also design and install solar hot waterheating systems, radiant floor heating and geothermal systems,and high efficiency heating/cooling systems. Factory rebates,utility rebates and federal tax credits are available for manydifferent types of systems.

    Mechanical Air Service is the developer and exclusive provider of My Eco Pool Heater.My Eco Pool Heater is connected to your airconditioning system and takes the heat removedfrom your home and uses it to provide free heatto your swimming pool instead of rejecting itoutside like a normal A/C would. It will also boost theenergy efficiency of your air conditioning system up to 35%.You get double the energy value for your dollar and free heatfor your pool.

    Energy Efficiency ExpertsDid you know that for a relatively small investment in a systemperformance test you can find out if your system is working at its rated efficiency and not wasting energy? Many times a systemperformance test and adjustments can extend the life of your

    26 August/September 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

    HEALTHY SOLUTIONSHeating and air conditioning systems provide many benefits for a healthy home.

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  • heating/cooling system and make it operate more efficiently,in lieu of doing a full replacement, says Danielle. Mechanical AirService provides competent and professional service to all types ofheating and cooling equipment. The six-time national awardwinning firm engineers, designs and install all systems with theirown personnel and does not use subcontractors or temporaryworkers. They are also one of the few contractors in the state thatpossess three contractor license classifications for airconditioning/heating, electrical and boiler work.

    When RemodelingRemodeling can be an excellent opportunity to improve theefficiency of your heating/cooling system or to install a new highefficiency HVAC system. It is important during remodeling toprotect the remainder of the home from contamination from dust, debris and mold spores that could be released during thedemolition. The register grilles for your heating/cooling systemshould be sealed closed so that the HVAC system does not becomecontaminated during the remodel. Your remodeling contractorshould keep the portion of the home being remodeled in a negativeair pressure to prevent cross contamination into clean areas ofthe home. After completion of remodeling and prior to reusing the HVAC system it should be thoroughly cleaned using methodsapproved by the National Air Duct cleaners Association.

    For more information, call Mechanical Air Service at (800) 913-HVAC(4822) or visit their website www.MechanicalAirService.com. THM

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    water and also fix any outdoor leaks fromfaucets, air conditioners, hoses, irrigationpipes or valves.

    Clean slimy growth at the edge of ponds orwater features and remove clumps of plants or debris, which might cause stagnate waterin streams. Be sure to keep pumps runningdaily for water features to keep the waterfresh. If applicable consider mosquito fish or other fish which eat mosquito larvae foryour pond or water feature. Mosquito dunks or donuts can also be used. Some of these are harmful to fish, birds and bees, so be sure to read the label carefully.

    Pools and spas that are well maintained aregenerally not a problem, because pool chemicalsand filters generally kill any larvae. However,be sure to use dunks in any deserted pools or spas. With our states depressed housingmarket, there are more and more neglectedpools. If you know of a neglected pool, besure to check with your city or county to see if they have a program to maintainneglected pools.

    Trim and thin shrubs, bushy plants andremove weeds, especially those around water.

    Also eliminate water from dead tree stumps and hollow areas of livetrees. These areas can be filled with sand.

    Keep shed roofs maintained and watch for standing water around thefoundation or on the roof.

    Make sure door and window screens are in good working order and thatboth shut completely when closed to keep mosquitoes from enteringyour home.

    Birds are especially susceptible to the West Nile virus. Should you finda dead bird in your yard, some health departments would like you tobring it in so they can test it. Always avoid barehanded contact withany dead animal. You can safely dispose or transfer the bird to aplastic bag using a shovel or gloves. Be sure to double or triple bag and if possible use a plastic bag that seals. Continue to use gloves totransport to the health department or trash and then thoroughly washyour hands with soap and water. Please contact your local healthdepartment for procedures in your area.

    The California Landscape Contractors Association is a non-profit trade organization oflicensed landscape and landscape-related contractors. For more landscaping information,ideas and tips, visit www.CLCA.org. THM

    [ C L C A ]

    Bug Bites

    4

    Protect you and your family from mosquitoes.

    EXPERTS SAY THAT MOSQUITOES SPREADING THE POTENTIALLYdeadly West Nile Virus only need 14 inch of stagnate water to breedand they hatch in only 7-10 days. The California Landscape ContractorsAssociation (CLCA) is pleased to offer some simple recommendations for youryard, to help keep mosquitoes from breeding in the first place. These tipswill help protect you and your family from this annoying and harmful pest.

    Check and remove all standing water from items such as wheelbarrows,garden lights, tires, unused plant containers, toys, garden equipment,pool covers, tarps, pipes, drains, boats, canoes, recycling bins, trashcans, birdbaths and more. Many items can be covered or turned upsidedown to prevent the accumulation of water. Cover chain link fence postswith metal or plastic pipes and change the water in your birdbath everyother day.

    Some playground equipment accumulates water. Be sure to examineswings, slides, forts and other structures for standing water. Drill drainageholes in tire swings and look for ways to keep water from accumulating.

    Do not over water and be sure to remove or fix any areas of excessstanding water. Check all rain gutters, drain spouts, and drainage pipes.Keep gutters clear of debris. They can become breeding grounds whenfull of water and debris. If needed, adjust your irrigation to avoid standing

  • South Bay/Silicon Valley THM August/September 2010 29TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

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    When you dont need Phantom Screens, they retract completely out-of-sight.

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