Parade of Homes - September 3, 2017 by Billings Gazette

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Inspiration for Better Living • Sunday, September 3, 2017 •

A Special Advertising Section of The Billings Gazette

Parade ofHomes

2017

September 16/17 & 23/24

PARADE PREVIEW:

Welcome to the 2017 Parade of Homes

Ban Construction

Brown Builders

Class Design Homes

By Darrell Ehrlick • dehrlick@billingsgazette.com‌ This is the first in a four-part series of the Parade of Homes, brought to you by the Homebuilders of Billings Association. For the following three weeks, The Billings Gazette’s Your Home section will feature floor plans, descriptions and photographs of this year’s 10 Parade of Home selections.

For 28 years, homebuilders and contractors throughout Billings have created a bit of magic in the Magic City. This year is no different with the popular “Parade of Homes,” which showcases builders at their best.

theater rooms and jetted tubs in favor of other things like barn doors, soaking tubs and speakers in every room controlled by a smartphone.

This year also marks several new styles and This year’s selection shows an incredibly wide features that seem like they’ll stick around. variety of new features, styles and approaches. Designers, builders and homebuyers have The joke among builders for a long in Billings wanted more industrial. Two of the homes was a modification of what Henry Ford said on this year’s parade have almost entirely -about the Model T. Ford once said that cusif not all -- polished concrete floors. Fewer tomers could have it any color as long as it was homes have wooden banisters and railings, and black. Well, for a long time, Billings could ironwork with cabling have taken their place. have a home in any color as long as it was a Benches and shelving have lost the finer woodsandy brown. working detail and have gotten more basic, while the concept of floating shelves has come But 2017 may be the year when that becomes into its own. less true. Builders are venturing outside the traditional palette. Black, dark gray and even Generally speaking, builders this year have blue of the modern or industrial style are noticed a trend away from sheer space and making stronger showings. toward slightly smaller plans, but with more attention to detail. In others words, it’s not just Several home builders have built homes with about how much house a person can afford, it’s a full modern style. Some have even been how nice the space can be. tasked with an industrial look. That variety of styles, especially ones that haven’t been Oh sure, there’s still plenty of smaller details, embraced frequently, sets this year’s group off like the newer trend of squarish sink bowls from previous years, and makes this tour one for bathrooms, or all-digital appliances. But to see. those details you’ll just have to check out for yourself. Even floor plans have become more varied, as there seems to be no set rules about where See you at the Parade. bedrooms go, and how big (or small) kitchens should be. Some trends are fading, for example

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Sunday, September 3, 2017

The Details

Day Tours:

Two weekends only! Held September 16-17 and 23-24, this year’s Parade of Homes features 10 distinctive properties, offering a sumptuous sampling of fine living. Presented by the Billings Home Builders Association, the Parade of Homes offers a premier opportunity for buyers and renovators to experience the latest in home design and décor. From spa-like bathrooms to pub-style wet bars, grandiose garages to sumptuous suites, the options for turning your home into a masterpiece are endless. So go ahead — give yourself permission to indulge in dreaming – then make your dream come true. The Billings Gazette Your Home section will preview all Parade homes in detail leading up to the event. Each Parade home is distinct, so be sure to make plans to tour all of this year’s entries. While touring, come prepared to take notes on styles, designs and furnishings that capture your imagination. Regretfully, photography is not allowed.

Saturday, September 16.............10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, September 17...................noon – 5 p.m. Saturday, Setpember 23.............10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, September 24...................noon – 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person (12 years and younger are free) Tickets can be purchased at any Parade home on the dates of the tours, or in advance at the Home Builders Association office, 1645 Avenue D, Suite F. For additional information about the Parade of Homes, log on to BillingsParadeOfHomes.com. Visit the Billings Home Builders Association booth at the Home Improvement Show Sept.8-10 where 2017 Parade of Homes tickets will go on sale for the first time!

Back to School – Creating the Perfect Home Office By Kimberly Welzenbach, CEO Home Builders Association of Billings

School is back in session, and that means the kids will be bringing home more and more homework. This, combined with a growing trend of professionals who are able to work from home on a permanent or parttime basis, places increased emphasis on creating the perfect home office. While the dining room table or living room couch are commonly used as work spaces, they are typically not the best areas to foster productivity. Ideally, your home should have a dedicated room that serves as a home office. But simply adding a desk and a lamp to a room and calling it the “office” is not a guaranteed way to stay organized and do your best work.

As the school year ramps up, now is the best time to assess your home office needs. The following are some critical design elements of your home office space to consider: Comfort

Let’s start with the obvious: seating. Don’t purchase just any office chair based on price or appearance. Quality, design and features vary significantly, so if you end up with a chair that is uncomfortable, even if it looks attractive, you might end up subconsciously avoiding the office altogether. Take the time to try out as many chairs as possible to find the one that suits you best. For the desk, ensure it’s large

enough to accommodate your supplies and electronics while allowing sufficient space to work. The last thing you want to do is constantly move papers, printers and other items to clear a workspace. Also, for those who spend most of their day in front of a computer, consider adding a height-adjustable desk, which can

help improve posture and reduce back pain. Lighting

While some people prefer to work in dark and secluded spaces, most would like an office that is bright and inviting. Lighting should enhance contined on page 8

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Sunday, September 3, 2017

2425 CLARKS POINT • CLARKS FORK RIVER RANCH (Laurel)

Ban Construction

No better view of the river By Darrell Ehrlick • dehrlick@billingsgazette.com

It’s hard to tell which is more impressive -- the view on the inside or the one outside. The spacious home on the hills overlooking the Yellowstone River south of Laurel capitalizes on great views. Five patios invite guests outside to take in the scenery, but the inside is a work of art in itself. The home has more than 6,200 square feet, meaning virtually no room gets cut short or squeezed. The house at 2425 Clarks Point has all concrete floors that are polished to a glimmer. The floors also have different glass flecks incorporated into the concrete, including a deep blue indigo which help tie in a consistently dazzling blue theme throughout the house. Though the lines and materials of the house are modern with a touch of industrial, the blues and the dark rich woods throughout give it an inviting warmth not always seen in those styles. Entering through the front door, a guest is both pulled into and a bit awed by the great room of the home. A giant fireplace with large wood mantle beams and floating shelves, and a large woodenbladed fan make this room a natural gathering place. Just beyond the room, large glass doors open onto the largest patio with sweeping views of the river. The patio can also be used as a covered gathering space for entertaining as well as part of the great room. It’s set up with built-in cabinetry, a counter space for serving and grill. Water features and gathering areas mean guests will be as comfortable indoors as outside. The kitchen is equally spectacular with Cambria countertops and plenty of cabinetry for storage. A side pantry is close, but out of the way. The kitchen features a roll-top appliance nook. Tana Ban of Ban Construction said that the homeowner loves to cook and use kitchen appliances and didn’t want to struggle getting them in and out of the pantry. However, she also didn’t want the kitchen counters to be cluttered with mixers

and blenders. The rolltop feature allows for convenient storage that can be out-of-site but always near. The kitchen also features a custom-built monkeypod wood table built into the kitchen island that will easily double as a gathering table for small family functions. To its side, a larger dining area with room for a larger table allows the entertaining to expand. A wine and beverage center is also a unique feature with a built in wine cooler and smaller beverage bar with wine racks. Wolf appliances, including a six-burner gas range, refrigerator, warming drawer and microwave make this the envy of any chef. On the second floor above the great room, an entertainment room with a walk-out deck is perfect for guests. The room is enclosed by an iron and cable railing and guests go upstairs on a custom floating staircase made from reclaimed fir. The wet bar in the entertainment room features concrete countertops, custom wooden shelving and LED lighting. The master bedroom suite is just that, a full suite that features an impressive bathroom, exercise room, walk-in closet and private deck and patio with a hot tub. In addition to the private deck with a separate entrance from the master bedroom, it also has a smaller patio, perfect for taking in spectacular sunrises. Exercise equipment will always be out of view in the suite’s private workout room. The bathroom features a double vanity with make-up counter. It also has a walk-in tiled shower with three different shower options. The rich blue tile and consistent blue theme throughout has a calming effect. A soaking tub has plenty of light fed by six rectangular windows with privacy glass.

And if a walk-in closet could be a work of art, the home on Clarks Point may be that example. The expansive closet has built-in cabinetry, with an island in the middle with drawers on both sides. The home has three large bedroom suites, each with its own private bathroom. One of the bedroom suites has its own private patio. The house also features an office/den space that has an interior transom window with French doors nearby the kitchen. One of the unique features of this room is hidden -- a closet that features a wrapping-paper station. Rolls of gift wrap can be placed on the custom-built racks for easy present wrapping. The four-car garage has double depth on several of the bays so that as many as six cars could all come into the garage, or allow for plenty of storage. A large laundry room with cabinetry, a sink and built-in bench means none of the clutter and mess comes into the rest of the house, while an extralarge pantry allows the storage of household goods and cleaning supplies. “The views are just amazing in this house. We’ve been working here and we sometimes have to stop and say, ‘Just look at this,’” Ban said.

Home Highlights 1 Corner Style Pantry 2 Walk-In Closets 3 Three-bedroom, three-bath home

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Sunday, September 3, 2017

217 MOONSTONE LANE • BLACK ROCK ESTATES

Attention to details and extras set this home apart

Brown Builders

By Darrell Ehrlick • dehrlick@billingsgazette.com‌

For Todd Brown of Brown Builders, the detail work is what makes his homes unique. Brown Builders has its own framers, its own drywall and roofing workers and it even mills all of the woodwork and trim on site. Having those skilled craftsmen as part of the construction company means that Brown can pay attention to the details and serve as quality control. And for the house at 217 Moonstone Lane on Billings’ West End, the detail work is impressive and showcased. In literally every room of the house, a dark stained alder theme gives the home a rich, luxurious feel. And virtually no corner or detail is missed. Even the windows in the threecar, L-shaped garage are trimmed with the stained wood. The return

cold air vents are framed. And the woodwork is custom framed in the ceilings of the great room and the master bedroom to match the wood throughout on this two-level home that has nearly 4,500 square feet of finished space in the Blackrock Estates, off 52nd Street West and Central Avenue. The main floor living areas feature hickory wood floors that perfectly match the rest of the house’s stained alder trim. The main floor has a powder room and laundry room coming from the garage, but off to the side of the other main-floor living space. Built-in cabinetry, benches and counter space provide plenty of room for shoes and clothes, but can be easily put out of the way when company comes. One of the innovative features of

Home Highlights 1 Master bath 4’8” walk-in shower 2 See through fireplace 3 Theater room

the home is that the front room, separated by a stone see-through fireplace, is used as a small den room. “They designed it for a reading room, somewhere with a lot of light and comfortable,” Brown said. The concept was modified from an original set of plans which called for the area to be a formal dining room. “They wanted to get more use than a formal dining room which typically doesn’t get used that often for most people who have it,” Brown said. The cozy space has waist-high walls with wooden trim to separate it, but also makes it usable for larger gatherings which would also utilize the great room and the kitchen adjacent. The kitchen features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, including a built-in china hutch and wood hood above the range, making the woodworking a piece of art in itself. The countertops are quartz and there’s plenty of room to spread out and cook. One side of the kitchen island has room for a couple of stools so it can be used for small meals. The front of the kitchen counter has banquette-style benches that will be used as a dining area with a table, maximizing space in the kitchen without the clutter of having a separate dining set. The master bedroom suite is separated from the two other main-floor bedrooms. The master bathroom has a tiled shower, separated water closet and two separated vanities. The soaking tub is also a jetted Jacuzzi. One of the vanities also has a powder counter. A large walk-in closet offers

a neat laundry chute which leads to the adjacent laundry area. The lower-floor living area has an expansive living room that will easily hold entertainment systems and couches as well as a billiard table. A large wet bar offers counter space and room for bar stools. It features a candy cabinet conveniently placed across from a home-theater room. The theater room is separated by a large barn door. All the doors in the house are three-paneled and full wood. Three other bedrooms provide plenty of space for guests or hobbies. And, two of the bedrooms have private entrances to a shared full bathroom with a tiled shower. The white-waved tile creates the appearance of a cascading waterfall. Brown said that all of the homes have features that most prospective homebuyers don’t even know they want, but will realize they will as the home ages. For example, concrete piers and rebar steel from the driveway to the sidewalks to the garage means there will not be sinking or cracking. Walls are insulated and the homes are Energy Star efficient; even the heating and cooling systems work on a zoned setup. Corner finishing on the exterior is done with cementboard so that moisture does not play a factor after several years’ time. “We want you to be happy not just after we’re finished, but years from now,” Brown said. F

BEAUTIFUL HOMES BEGIN WITH

U N S U R PA S S E D C R A F T S M A N S H I P F

2 F

PARADE OF HOMES 2017

217 MOONSTONE, Black Rock Estates

• 0% Deferred Down Payment • 30-year fixed-rate mortgages • Quality in-state servicing

CONGRATULATIONS BROWN WN BUILDERS FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT YELLOWSTONE ONE BANK

From Left: Todd Brown, Owner/Builder Kevin L. Kraft, President, Yellowstone Bank-Shiloh PARADE HOME PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM STRUCK

From Left: Todd Brown, Owner/Builder Kevin L. Kraft, President, Yellowstone Bank-Shiloh

Ask your lender about MBOH loans.

C O N S U M E R I B U S I N E S S I A G R I C U LT U R E I R E A L E S TAT E

PARADE HOME PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM STRUCK

BANKS OF SERVICE SINCE 1907 ABSAROKEE I BILLINGS I BOZEMAN I COLUMBUS I LAUREL

housing.mt.gov

YELLOWSTONEBANK.COM

I SIDNEY

Sunday, September 3, 2017

2747 BURLWOOD DRIVE • THE WOODLANDS

Classic Design

Wood, light create a beautiful look By Darrell Ehrlick • dehrlick@billingsgazette.com‌

The beauty is in the details of the Parade of Homes house at 2747 Burlwood Drive. Located in the Woodlands subdivision just south of Rimrock and west of Shiloh roads, the house by Classic Home Designs is nothing if not convenient. But true to the subdivision’s name, pine and other trees make this house cozy and feel as if it’s tucked away even though convenience could not be any closer to Billings’ busy West End. The two-level house boasts plenty of features that make it stand out without being ostentatious or gaudy. Guests will be impressed immediately coming through the front doors by hand finished hickory plank hardwood through the living area of the main floor. Its medium-to-darker brown finish give it a rich, one-ofa-kind look with plenty of texture. Large wood doors open up on a spacious room that could be used as a den or another entertainment area. A laundry and mud room across the hall can be closed off by a pocket door, keeping the focus on the living areas. The laundry room and entryway from the three-car garage

Home Highlights

has built-in shelving, a bench and coat hooks. The Burlwood home lives up to its wood theme. From its benches and shelving in the laundry room to builtin bookcases on the lower floor, the detail work, especially in the wood, reflects craftsmanship and artistry. From the main entrance, guests are taken to a great room with built-in wood cabinetry and a fireplace. Two large rectangular windows add balance and light around the fireplace. Meanwhile, Classic Design Homes has done a great job of capturing the view of the Rims to the north. The great room also features a recessed ceiling with wooden beams that match the rest of the hickory woodwork. The light and the contrast of the darker woods give this house a “wow” factor. The kitchen area is great for dining or entertaining and quartz countertops give a chef plenty of room to spread out. The extra-long sink also provides enough room to work, and a gas grill and hood combination take this kitchen to the next level. A wide picture window spreads out along the sink and counter, meaning that even

if you have to do dishes, you’ll be able to see an expansive vista of Rimrocks and pine trees. Another great detail is the microwave tucked beneath a kitchen island, out the way and discreet, as well as not taking up precious counter space. A nearby walk-in pantry also helps keep the clutter out of the way in the kitchen. The master bedroom and bathroom is separated from the rest of the house, but continues with the theme of light and detail. The bathroom vanities have raised square bowls and full cabinetry going nearly threequarters of the way to the ceiling. A water closet is separated by a pocket door. A large, walk-in shower with a bench and two different shower heads has floor-to-ceiling tile. Next to it, a spacious walk-in closet has a generous amount of storage space.

1 Recessed ceiling with wooden beams 2 Walk-in shower with bench & 2 shower heads 3 Built-in book cases

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The water closet, shower and walk-in closet all feature a textured opaque glass that lets plenty of natural light in, yet gives full privacy. On the lower level, a spacious living room is formal enough with a fireplace and paneled woodworking around it, but it is also comfortable enough for sofas and casual living. Large windows let in plenty of light throughout the basement, especially in the three bedrooms. Built-in bookcases are a great example of the extra attention to detail featured in the home which has three bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. All doors have a rectangular fivepaneled look and door handles with backplates, an emerging trend that gives a little more detail and heft to the hardware that is often overlooked.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

6121 AUTUMNWOOD DRIVE • IRONWOOD

Cougar Construction

Lots to love with this Montana classic By Darrell Ehrlick • dehrlick@billingsgazette.com‌ Cougar Construction took so many things to love about Montana and tied them into this year’s Parade of Homes offering at 6121 Autumnwood Dr.. Sam Nelson of Cougar Construction explains that the farmhouse theme and reclaimed wood throughout, coupled with the unique lighting with Edison bulbs give this house a vintage style without sacrificing any modern amenities. The 3,800-square-foot house pairs the best of both words — classic style with modern convenience. For example, the audio system throughout the house can be controlled with a smart phone. LED lighting beneath counters and toe kicks in the cabinetry are other upgrades. The wood on the walls, ceilings and floors really tells the story. Coming through the glass and wood main door, dark hickory wood flooring gives a rustic rich look to the main floor. To the side of the entrance, a den with wood and glass French doors features two-thirds high wainscoting. The wood is painted white and is perfect for a den or office study. The white finish continues with the farmhouse feel. The great room and kitchen area make it convenient to entertain and gather. Large wooden pillars support a beam of reclaimed wood. A stonework fireplace warms the great room and built-in white cabinetry with reclaimed wood shelving finish the

Home Highlights

great room. The kitchen area has white cabinetry with many extras that continue the house’s one-of-a-kind look. Dark quartz countertops add contrast to the white wooden cabinetry. A white subway tile backsplash gives some texture and depth to the area without taking away. The kitchen island has counter space made of reclaimed wood and two wooden support posts with custom woodwork make the kitchen as much of a work of art as it is functional. An extra deep farm sink with an apron complement the rest of the commercial-grade kitchen appliances, including a dual-oven system. A walk-in pantry has a large white wooden barn door that seems perfectly placed in this home. A dining area to the side of the kitchen gives great space for family gatherings without cluttering the flow from the great room into the kitchen. Light fixtures that feature classic Edison bulbs give a rich ambiance and glow, and recessed canister LED lights can be used to give additional lighting. The laundry area and mud room leading from the three-car garage are separated so that a mess can be easily closed off by large eight-foot tall stained alder doors found throughout the main level. The mud room has built-in wood lockers and trim with a bench of reclaimed barn wood. The laundry room is also separated by a door so

that laundry can literally be out of sight. The main floor has the master bedroom and bathroom suite separated off to the side and it is the only bedroom on the main floor. Large stained alder French doors open into a large bedroom that has a tray ceiling with box beams giving it plenty of depth. Within the ceiling, LED lights accent the woodwork with mood lighting. The master bathroom has plenty of light from a picture window. A double vanity features two equalsized mirrors that continue the reused wood theme and match a tile floor that has a grayish wooden texture, giving it a wood feel with all the luxury of a tile. The master bathroom also boasts a jetted soaking tub, separate water closet and a tiled walk-in shower with two heads. The glass-enclosed shower has a bench and plenty of space in this large master suite. A walk-in closet with custom built-in organizers has three small box windows for natural light and privacy. The two floors of the house are separated by a banister and stairwell trimmed with reclaimed wood and iron railing work. It gives a perfect rustic yet refined look. The lower level has a large enter-

1 Custom barnwood bean and columns 2 Custom pantry barn door 3 Custom-made big screen theater-type TV

tainment area with a wet bar. Built-in speakers and a 135-inch white wall area is equipped with a projector which means the homeowner will have a custom-made big screen theater-type TV without having to build an entire theater room. “This is functional. Not everyone wants a home theater room, so this kind of gives them the best of both worlds,” Nelson said. A wet bar allows for entertaining and hosting gatherings. The front of the bar has reclaimed wood and floating shelves behind it beckon folks to congregate there. The lower level has four generoussized bedrooms, with a cluster of three to one side of the entertainment area. The fourth bedroom is on the other side and has its own bathroom configured as a suite for additional privacy. The other three bedrooms share a full bathroom. The Autumnwood home is situated in the south part of the Ironwood subdivision on Billings’ far West End. Its location makes it tucked into the subdivision, quiet and away. However, it still capitalizes on great views of the Rims and it has a walking-biking trail that runs through the backyard for convenience.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

4649 NORTH HOLLOW BROOK • RIVER ROCK ESTATES

Image Builders

Modern Mountain living By Darrell Ehrlick • dehrlick@billingsgazette.com‌

Call it “Modern Mountain.” It’s a modern house by design -trim, crisp, definite lines throughout. But the focal point of the house at 4649 North Hollow Brook is something decidedly not modern -- a breathtaking water feature that takes the boulders from Absarokee and works them into a waterfall. Walking through the front door -- a tall, multi-panel entry matches the other rectangular windows throughout guests enter into a great room with a custom-built concrete bench, a 20-foot tall gray fireplace and 16-foot double sliding doors that open onto a concrete patio porch. When the doors are open, the water feature becomes perfectly framed and invites guests to congregate. The water feature even has several benches formed from the rocks where guests can be a part of the landscape. “The homeowner wanted to create that ‘being in the mountains’ feel,” said Ty Lantis, co-owner of Image Builders. The home on North Hollow Brook offers the best of both worlds, different views of the best natural features in the area, including stunning second-floor panoramic looks of the Rims. And yet, the home, located in River Rock Estates, is perfectly

located on Billings’ West End. “This house emphasizes simple,” Lantis said. “There is no crown molding, no rounded edges on gables, no trim on the windows. Everything is simple and clean.” Even the flooring is straightforward -- polished concrete. The handrails on the staircase from the main floor are black steel with thin, precise lines. Though the design is modern and clean, the home has luxurious trim and finishes. For example, the kitchen boasts three different types of ovens. The granite counter tops are black and gray and match the granite featured in the master bathroom. There’s room for a dining area from the kitchen with its own entrance to the back patio. Kitchen cabinetry hides a magnificent 22-foot long walk-in pantry, which is complete with its own countertop area. Lantis said this was designed so that preparation and set-up for entertaining could be done out of the way and reduce the amount of mess and clutter in the kitchen when guests arrive. The house has nearly 5,000 square feet and space is used in one of two ways -- to showcase some amazing views and design features, as well as

Home Highlights 1 Outdoor water feature with benches 2 22-foot long walk-in pantry 3 Second-floor, two-level covered patio

1 2

for efficient storage that’s out of sight. The master bedroom has its own side entrance from the great room, and its bathroom is a sanctuary. A double shower with a granite bench features a steam head, water fall and standard shower head. The entire house is wired for audio so every part of the house has music. The shower is equipped with waterproof speakers. The double vanity mirrors appear to be floating above the wall and have built-in LED lights. A spacious walk-in closet in an “L” shape hides just how big the closet space is. A steel-framed full-length mirror doubles as a sliding door (think a barn-door concept) so that it can be used to close off the closet, or a separate water closet. A main-floor den is attached to the master suite with its own separate entrance. That room can either be used as a bedroom or a den, Lantis said. The lower-level has two large bedrooms that follow the trend of

having bedrooms separated from living spaces. A large entertainment room with built-in cabinetry assures that even bulky television and audio equipment remain hidden and continue with the clean lines of the space. A sizable exercise equipment room is separated by a large glass window. The second-floor loft offers views of the Rims in three different directions. Though it remains true to its modern design, this house is unbelievably bright and airy because of the natural light and spectacular views. The second-level, which is about 800 square feet, according to Lantis, can be configured in a variety of ways. It has a full-bathroom and a walk-in closet. It also has its own secondfloor, two-level covered patio so that the Rims can be appreciated from above the water feature. “This is a different look that we’ve never done before, and that’s exciting,” Lantis said.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Water-Saving Tips for Your Bathroom By Kimberly Welzenbach, CEO Home Builders Association of Billings

Turn off the Tap You don’t need to keep the water running while you brush your teeth. Think about how many gallons you’ll save each week by only turning on the faucet when it’s time to rinse. (Hint: WaterSense says the average is 8-10 gallons per week per person.) And no need to wait for the water to get hot before you plug the tub at bath time – you’ll probably need to turn the heat down before it’s full, anyway. But don’t forget: Taking a shower uses about a third of the water you’d need to fill a tub. Refresh the Flapper The rubber flapper in your toilet tank doesn’t last forever – five years, tops. As the rubber degrades over time, the toilet starts leaking and usually, you can’t

even tell. Replacing the flapper is an inexpensive fix that can save gallons of water a week. Air it Out Your faucet and showerhead last a long time, but it may make sense to replace both with new WaterSense-labeled models that aerate the water or create a pulsing pattern that makes you feel like you’re getting a lot of water pressure, but you’re actually reducing the flow by about 30%. That means you’re using less – and heating less – water, which also saves energy. The WaterSense program, launched in 2006, is both a labeling program for fixtures that save water and an education program to help families find ways to use less water and energy. The average family spends more

Creating the Perfect Home Office contined from page 2

the various roles of the Multi-use room, so consider using a combination of ambient For those who have kids, it is possible to and task lighting. build an office space Ambient lights estab- that everyone can use effectively. But lish the overall level of depending upon the lighting in the room. ages of those who will This can be achieved use the office, design with ceiling-mounted considerations may need fixtures, but recessed to be made to create lights typically have the best effect. For task a space that is equally inviting to both younger lighting, choose desk and floor lamps that fit and older family members. Choose a color your style and serve a distinct purpose such as palette that is bright working at a computer, and cheery, but not writing or reading. The distracting. Determine most important thing is a furniture layout that that the light sources are is functional and that creates designated balanced with similar workspaces and enough color temperatures.

than $1,000 per year in water costs, but can save more than $380 annually from retrofitting with WaterSense labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR certified appliances. Replacing faucets and flappers is usually a do-it-yourself job, but when you want to tackle a more extensive project, you’ll want to call the professionals at The Home Builders Association of Billings, 406-252-7533. Member remodelers and suppliers can help you design your new bathroom and select WaterSense-labeled fixtures including toilets, to save water, energy and money. seating for at least three or four people. Corner desks can be a good use of space, as well as “T-shaped” desks that provide extra seating in the middle of the room. To maximize space even further, be strategic with shelving. While corner shelves and floor-to-ceiling shelves might work for some, they can also consume valuable space that could otherwise be used for desk space. Consider installing shelves above the 4-foot-line to allow for more seating options along the room’s perimeter.

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