Green Living & Home Tour by The Herald Sun

The Herald-Sun â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, April 13, 2013

THE HERALD-SUN'S 2013 GREEN LIVING GUIDE

THINK GREEN SUSTAINABILITY

made simple

APRIL 13, 2013

SPECIAL INSIDE: the 8th Annual

How to conserve water and benefit the environment

THE AIR IN THERE Air pollution can be indoors, too

STAYING LOCAL The many benefits of buying locally

34 Custom Built, certified green homes, will be open to the public April 13-14 and April 20-21 from noon until 5pm.

See Page 21

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

in this issue

pg13

AIR POLLUTION CAN BE INDOORS, TOO THE MANY BENEFITS OF BUYING LOCALLY pg18

DID YOU KNOW? According to Going Green Today, an estimated 15 to 30 percent of a home’s total heating and cooling energy is lost through poorly sealed ductwork, costing consumers about $5 billion dollars annually. A consultation with a heating and cooling technician may reveal where the drafts are located and what can be done to address the problem.

pg16

HOW TO ENJOY WATER AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

PG 4 GREEN OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOME PG 5 HOME BUILDING METHODS FACE MAJOR CHANGES PG 7 COST-EFFECTiVE AND ECO-FRIENDLY HOME IMPROVEMENTS PG 8 searching for the perfect mattress PG 9 SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY PG 10 remodel to green certified PG 12 eco-friendly ways to alter your professional life PG 12 Radon poses a significant health risk PG 14 HOMEMADE BAKING A GREENER OPTION PG 15 HOW TO CONSERVE WATER AND BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT PG 18 RECYCLE YARD WASTE INTO VALUABLE COMPOST

Special Inside:

The 8th Annual PG21

34 Custom Built, certified green homes, will be open to the public April 13-14 and April 20-21 from noon until 5pm.

$39 5 Star

Serving the Triangle Since 1947

26 Point Cooling Checkup

Five Star Customer Service

919-683-2421

Servicing Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill area. Subject to 24-hr cancellation policy, with a $35 rescheduling fee. Must call to schedule appointment. Appointments subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. No cash value/cash back. $39 charge is per system.

www.carolinaac.com 4537 Hillsborough Rd. Durham, NC 27705

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All About Comfort!

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Green options

for your home P

rivate residences consume lots of energy. The Energy Information Administration says that Americans are increasing their electricity consumption at home, with some homes even using more energy than small businesses. The EIA says that on average a home uses between 936 and 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month. There is also a heavy reliance on natural gas, one of the primary fuels used to heat homes. On average homes use 100 million BTU for heating and cooking needs per year. Thousands of dollars are spent every year on home heating, cooling and electricity needs, but there are many different ways to conserve energy. This includes using alternative energy sources that may be better for the planet and more cost-effective for the average homeowner.

Opting for an energy audit can help identify areas of the home that need improvement for energy savings.

When considering green energy, many homeowners think of solar panels, which currently account for .01 percent of all electricity used in homes across the United States. However, solar power could provide as much as 10 percent of that electricity by 2025. California leads the nation with the most solar projects to date, but homeowners across the country are considering solar panel additions to their homes. While the initial cost of solar panel installation can be considerable, the panels generally pay for themselves in energy savings within a few years of installation. Also, some solar power companies now allow homeowners to rent the photovoltaic panels, which can cut down on the cost of installation. Choosing green energy may not involve any effort on the part of the homeowner. In fact, there are many

different companies that work in conjunction with traditional energy suppliers so that a portion of the energy supplied to homes comes via an alternative energy source. Companies like Viridian Energy (www.viridian.com) enable homeowners to switch a certain percentage of their energy usage to renewable energy. The company says that their collective impact has reduced total carbon emissions by 478,000,000 pounds, saving roughly 5 million trees and 24 million gallons of gasoline as a result. Homeowners who choose this option will still receive the same bill and must still open an account with their local utility companies. Delivery of the energy to that local utility changes, but consumers won’t have anything to do with that process. Homeowners interested in making any other changes for energy savings

can sign up to have an energy audit. Conducted through a utility provider or a third-party organization, energy audits assess many things in the home. Appliances are examined, as are insulation and the types of windows and doors used in the home and an inspector will check the home for drafts. A report is generated, and homeowners are provided recommendations as to how they can improve their home’s energy efficiency. Making such changes may make homeowners eligible for tax breaks or even rebate incentives while reducing the cost of their monthly utility bills. Homeowners hoping to embrace green energy have many options at their disposal. It’s just a matter of researching those options and taking the initiative to make changes.

Meeting Residential & Commercial Needs In The Triangle! ✓ Generate Your Own Renewable Energy ✓ Save On Energy Costs ✓ Heat Water In Your Home or Swimming Pool ✓ Take Advantage of Tax Credits and Rebates Locally Owned in Cary • 919-459-4155

www.yessolarsolutionsnc.com

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

Home building methods face major changes

ll across North America, home builders tend to agree that the better real estate investments — for both the occupant and for future resale value — may be best served by a whole new approach to construction. One major change addressing energy consumption and rising fuel costs is the optional use of an air-tight, solid concrete system to replace inefficient wood framing. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) erect a building with an interlocking system, similar to Lego. “It’s a switch for builders, but those who have switched over tell us it’s quite easy to build with ICFs,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in the field. “Customer demand has driven this change and builders are now seeing how green construction options can have a positive impact on their business.” Indeed, concrete is plentiful and it’s in high demand. The ICF system is now the choice wall-building method on ‘netzero’ construction projects south of the border. The term net-zero applies to buildings that are so energy efficient they

BUILDING GUIDE

don’t tap any public utility fuel supplies at all. ICF construction has already produced net-zero elementary schools in the United States, where Canadian technology was applied with the Nudura system of ICFs. The goal in the future is for as many homes, schools, and public buildings as possible to be designed for net-zero from the ground up.

If this type of energy-efficiency sounds right for you, too, be sure to make specific requests to your builder, Blyth says. Underscoring these proactive measures, the non-profit organization LEED also reminds us that constructing a green home leaves a much smaller carbon footprint due to less demand on natural resources. It will create less waste and be healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. If you’re thinking about building to the LEED standard, take a look at just one example of the efficiency and benefits if you switch from wood-framing to concrete. The ICF system is explained and found at nudura.com, with a snapshot here: Fuel Savings: Walls built with ICFs are proven to reduce energy bills up to 70 percent; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and reduce or eliminate exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins.

Durability: Concrete is expected to stand the test of time. Due to high impact resistance, these concrete walls assure maximum safety in high wind areas. Fire resistance is also reported to be maximized at four hours. Comfort: As opposed to wood frames, air gaps are eliminated and that minimizes the potential for mold growth and draft. The end result is an airtight structure that enables the mechanical systems to heat, cool and ventilate the structure more efficiently, creating a healthier living and working environment. Responsibility: The materials are totally recyclable and the system is designed to create less waste (for landfill) during the construction process. Combined with other eco-construction methods, this concrete system will significantly reduce carbon emissions by lowering the amount of fossil fuels needed for heating and cooling.

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

Cost-effective and eco-friendly home improvements

Installing high-efficiency water fixtures, including a low-flow showerhead, is an affordable and eco-friendly home improvement project.

omeowners take on projects to improve their homes for a variety of reasons. Some may do so to make a home more functional, while others may do so to improve their home’s resale value. Some homeowners take on a home improvement project to make their homes more eco-friendly. Such projects are often mistakenly assumed to be costly undertakings, but there are several cost-effective ways to make a home more eco-friendly. Upgrade your appliances. A home improvement project does not have to require the use of a hammer and nails or the hiring of a contractor. A simple home improvement project like upgrading older appliances, including the washer and dryer, to newer, more efficient models can give a home a fresh look while reducing energy consumption. That reduction in energy consumption is a byproduct of the stricter standards placed on manufacturers who must adhere to guidelines to produce products that are more energy-efficient. For example, the Natural Resources Defense Council notes that today’s energy-efficient refrigerators will use less than half the energy of models made as recently as 15 years ago. Add more insulation. Adding more insulation or replacing older insulation used to be an especially laborious

Doing our part for a Greener Community • Printed on recycled newsprint • Soy based ink • Press plates recycled • Unused ink recycled • Unused newsprint recycled • Environmentally safe cleaning solution

process. However, in many instances insulation can now be added or upgraded to a home without any major reconstruction or demolition, reducing the cost of the project considerably. Adding more insulation to a home can reduce energy consumption in the winter, when the home will feel warmer and allow you to keep the thermostat at a more reasonable number. Install high-efficiency water fixtures. Few people think about how much water they consume over the course of a typical day, but the figures might be eye-opening to those who hope to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. According to the United States Geological Survey’s Water Science School, it’s generally accepted that the average person uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water each day. Showers seem to be especially wasteful, as older shower heads might be using as much as 5 gallons per minute, or 50 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Older fixtures that consume such massive amounts of water can be easily and affordably replaced with newer, more efficient fixtures. Today’s highefficiency low-flow showerheads can provide a strong shower stream while reducing water consumption. Such showerheads are also less taxing on your water heater, reducing your energy consumption as a result. Homeowners

can also install high-efficiency toilets that use as little as 1.3 gallons of water per flush (compared to older models that consumed as many as 5 gallons per flush). The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that installing waterefficient fixtures and appliances would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion annually. Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats present another affordable way to improve a home and benefit the environment. Some of today’s programmable thermostats can record personal preferences and usage and determine the best course of action for heating and cooling your home. Temperatures can be adjusted room-by-room, and the programmable thermostat allows homeowners to control their heating and cooling while they’re out of the house, ensuring they’re not paying to heat or cool an empty house and wasting energy in doing so. Home improvement projects don’t have to be a grand undertaking, particularly when a homeowner’s goal is to make a home more eco-friendly. A few minor and affordable changes may be all it takes to improve a home and benefit the environment at the same time.

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Searching for the Perfect Mattress

By Billy Stevens, Owner, Green Dream Beds

ost Americans would love to live in a “green” home, free of harmful chemicals. But many aren’t sure where to start. Now there is a practical way to reduce most people’s longest daily exposure to chemical “offgassing” ---during sleep! Night after night, we bury our faces in mattresses and pillows, breathing in whatever chemicals may be present. Chlorine-bleached covers can look lovely, and a fancy mattress top may feel like a cloud, but few realize what a toxic stew lurks just beneath that comfy surface. Unbeknownst to most of us, conventional mattress making is a largely unregulated industry. Even the priciest brands contain chemicals that may have serious health effects, like formaldehyde, toluene, styrene, and butadiene; fire retardants include PDBEs (much in the news these days) and antimony; boric acid and other insecticides; and a variety of toxic glues. Many of these chemicals off-gas throughout the life of the mattress, causing headaches, allergic reactions, and sleepless nights. Highly touted viscoelastic foam, also known as memory foam, is particularly egregious as it off-gasses formaldehyde, a carcinogen, for months after purchase. Additionally---- like polyesters and most “foam rubbers”---- its primary component is petroleum. So, where does one find a truly healthy, chemical-free mattress? Organic cotton futons are one alternative, but they still contain fire retardants and are a haven for dust mites. High-tech airbeds are another popular option, but their design has been plagued by mold issues. Research suggests that the best natural sleep systems are built from latex, sustainable extract of the rubber tree.

Latex foam is a product of air injection, forming a cushiony slab similar to the petroleum-based urethane “foam rubber” found in most mattresses. In addition to offering the same pressure relieving and motion dampening qualities as viscoelastic foam, latex naturally repels dust mites. Unlike memory foam, latex does not retain the body’s impression --- which can make it difficult to change positions --- nor does it feel hot, a common complaint. But, not all latex is 100 percent natural and, as latex beds have become popular, all the big manufacturers are now making them. To cut costs, most use foam blended with synthetic latex, another petrochemical; only a few manufacturers use only the more expensive all natural foam. Even then, many companies encase their latex in synthetic fiberfills and polyester fabrics, effectively negating latex’s chemical-free advantage. Only by covering the latex with an organic cover can a mattress be truly chemical-free, and only if a natural fire retardant is used. Fortunately, wool provides adequate fire protection, so a cover quilted with organic wool is the perfect solution. Wool offers the added benefit of wicking moisture from the body and retaining its loft over time, staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Unlike cotton and polyester fibers, wool repels mites and protects the latex, which can last 30 years or more. Billy Stevens is a musician and educator as well as the owner of Green Dream Beds. Green Dream Beds is located at 2009 Chapel Hill Rd., Durham.

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

Simple ways to save energy

educing energy usage is a good way to help the environment and save money along the way. Saving energy can be done in a variety of ways, many of which do not require significant effort can lead to significant savings. • Stop using the dishwasher to dry the dishes. A dishwasher is a modern convenience few people feel they can live without. While you don’t need to give up the dishwasher entirely to save money, it’s important to note that many dishwashers use more energy to dry the dishes than to wash them. If your dishwasher does not automatically dry the dishes, turn the knob to the off position once the dishes have been cleaned and open the door to allow the dishes to air dry. • Go with a more traditional refrigerator-freezer combination. Side-by-side refrigerator and freezer combinations may be more fashionable, but such units can use as much as 20 percent more energy than their traditional counterparts. If you must purchase a side-by-side unit, be sure to buy only those with an Energy Star label. • Do laundry less frequently.

Whether you live in an apartment or a home, having an in-unit washer and dryer is a great convenience. But frequently doing small loads can be wasteful, as it takes roughly the same amount of energy to clean a small load of laundry as it does a full load. Limit yourself to only full loads of laundry as much as possible. • Do your drying all at once. When using the dryer, try to dry one batch of clothes right after another. Many dryers require a significant amount of energy to heat up, but drying consecutive loads won’t require as much energy to get the dryer up to operating temperature as the dryer will need if you allow a significant amount of time to pass between loads. • Don’t go to extreme temperatures. Arriving home to a house that’s especially cold or warm inspires many people to turn their thermostats way up or down in an effort to heat or a cool the home more quickly. This forces the unit to work harder and use more energy. Instead of taking such an extreme approach, invest in a heating or cooling system that allows you to set the temperature in advance so the temperature inside your home is pleasant when you walk through the door.

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Remodel to Green Certified T

Building Your Vision National and Local Awarding-Winning Green Certified Home Remodeling & Construction Company 106 Or tons Point Place, Car y Jeff Wiblitzhouser

919-830-7218 PARADISEFOUNDCONSTRUCTION.COM SERVING CARY, APEX, HOLLY SPRINGS & THE ENTIRE TRIANGLE

he unexpected email came in around noon on a Friday. “Hey! I’m Mary Sue’s daughter and I wanted to thank you for doing such a beautiful job remodeling my parents’ home! I truly love everything that you did to transform this wonderful home for the young couple that will bring new life to it. Best of luck and success with your future endeavors. Mary Sue K.” Mary Sue’s parents, Mary Sue and Oscar M., built their new brick ranch home on a quiet cul-de-sac on Picardy Place in the Oak Park subdivision in Raleigh in 1963, and moved in January of 1964. After their two children grew up and left home, they lived there together until Oscar’s passing in 1995. Mary Sue continued to live in the home until her health declined and she moved to an Assisted Living facility in early 2012. Her Power of Attorney (POA) and long-time family friend was tasked with selling her home as quickly as possible in order to return the funds to her estate to provide for her continuing long-term care. The home still had the original electrical and plumbing fixtures, cabinets, flooring, and door hardware; and was largely uninsulated. Dark wood paneling and solid doors separating the front of the house from the back presented a dark and outdated environment. Based on the sluggish Real Estate market conditions and a professional assessment of the property, her POA concluded that in its current condition the home would sit on the market for many months and that he would eventually be forced to take a fire-sale offer. He asked Cary NC Builder Jeff Wiblitzhouser, President of Paradise Found Construction, to take on the task of completely renovating the house. Wiblitzhouser understood the market

value of not only updating the home to reflect current interior design trends, but also of taking the necessary steps to significantly increase the homes energy and water usage efficiency while these updates were being done. He convinced Mary Sue’s POA to make a modest investment in air-sealing measures and adding additional insulation, and install EPA Energy Star Qualified electrical fixtures and appliances, EPA Water Sense rated toilets and plumbing fixtures, and CFL lighting at little to no extra cost. He called in Durham’s Southern Energy Management to conduct performance testing and validate the efficiency improvements in energy and water, as well as the air-sealing and indoor air quality improvements and other improvements necessary for the Home to be Certified Green under the International Code Council (ICC) 700-2008 National Green Building Standard™ developed in partnership with the National Association of Homebuilders Association (NAHB) and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Additional Green features of the home included refinishing the existing hardwood floors with a no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) clear coat finish, installing durable next generation porcelain tile, and using no VOC carpet and paints to create a healthy and lightfilled living environment. As a result of the updates and Green Certification, the home was sold to a young family within 3 days of construction completion. The Importance of Green Certified Building Smaller single-family homes were built in abundance during the Economic Expansion following the end of WW II. These homes represent

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

a significant percentage of dwellings in many communities, and are often in neighborhoods that are in desirable locations in the community, have larger lot sizes, and established traffic patterns. At the time they were constructed, many of the building science techniques and products relating to energy and water efficiency, the minimization of air intrusion and leakage were largely unavailable or unknown. The harmful effects of chemical off-gassing of common home construction material, furniture, and cleaning chemicals were also unknown or misunderstood. These older homes inherently have significant energy and water usage inefficiencies built into them. But they can be easily renovated to remove the inefficiencies with a relatively modest investment in insulation, water usage, air sealing, and energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, light fixtures and appliances; all of which add up to huge cost savings. The Value of Revitalizing our Existing Communities Rather than demolish structurally sound and functional older homes to make way for larger homes with larger carbon foot-prints, renovating them to reflect current design trends and amenities that today’s buyers want, and at the same time increasing their energy and water efficiency and indoor air quality to reduce the overall cost of ownership make these homes attractive to home buyers. It provides an opportunity to bring younger families into these older neighborhoods, giving them new life, and at the same time raising community property values. Economic Value and Return on Investment of Green Certified Homes

Once the initial investment of converting to a Green Home is paid back, any savings going forward (adjusted for inflation) provide a positive cash flow and return on your investment! By lowering the total cost of ownership of these homes, they become even more affordable and attractive. This becomes particularly important for older members of the community who may depend on a fixed-income in their later years of life. As an added benefit of the renovation process, all outdated but still usable products and building materials are easily removed and re-cycled through Community based Non-Profit Businesses such as Habitat For Humanity. “Healthiness” of Green Certified Photo above shows Picardy Place Homes remodeled kitchen and photo at the right The health and comfort of a home’s shows kitchen as built in 1963. occupants is a primary goal of a Green Certified Home. Measures are taken to eliminate air intrusion (drafts), properly control humidity levels, and eliminate over 35 percent of new construction hot/cold spots within the home. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can be in recent Quarterly statistics from the affected by gases (including carbon Triangle MLS. They spend much less monoxide, radon, volatile organic time on the market, and can command compounds), particulates, microbial a premium price. These homes also offer additional contaminants (mold, bacteria) or any unseen and under-appreciated value. mass or energy stressor that can induce They were built from lumber from sloweradverse health conditions. growth trees (denser and harder wood), Eliminating the source of these and as such offer superior structural contaminants is key. support compared to the same home Competitive Advantage in the Real built using lumber from today’s fasterEstate Market growing (softer and less-dense wood) Green Certified Homes continue to trees. demonstrate increased buyer interest, Quality Assurance of Green command higher new construction and Certified Homes – Verification to a resale values, and spend fewer days on Defined Standard the market compared to traditionally The National Green Building built structures. The Triangle has seen Standard (NGBS) is the preeminent an increase in the sales penetration for residential green building rating system. Certified Homes every year, comprising It sets green baselines for all new

residential construction, development, and remodeling projects. The NGBS requires that a qualified, independent third-party inspect the project and verify that all green design or construction practices claimed by the builder toward green certification are incorporated correctly into the project. Most projects require at least two inspections. When you buy, remodel, or build a Green Certified Home that has been Certified using the NGBS, you can be assured that your home has been verified to conform to a defined set of Green Building Standards. Article submitted by Jeff Wiblitzhouser, President of Paradise Found Construction.

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Eco-friendly ways to alter your professional life

nstituting a few eco-friendly changes in your professional life is a great way to help the environment, and doing so may also benefit you and your business’ bottom line. Start with your commute. Many professionals commute to work five days per week, and that commute presents a great opportunity to make some ecofriendly changes to your daily routine. Instead of driving to work each day, investigate the possibility of taking public transportation. Public transportation

reduces the amount of cars on the road, which helps to cut down on fuel consumption and air pollution. Taking public transportation to work also saves you money, as the cost of a monthly bus or rail pass is likely much less than the cost of filling up your gas tank. If public transportation is not an option, then suggest a car pool with coworkers who live in your area. Each person can take turns driving from week to week, which will save you money on fuel and reduce the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle. What’s more, instituting a car pool may cut down on your commute time if your community has a carpool lane on its major highways. Forget you have a printer. Nowadays, fewer and fewer people rely on printed documents to get through the workday. Advances with regard to computer technology has made it just as easy to read documents on a computer screen as it is to do so on a sheet of paper. If you’re among the last to embrace this growing trend, think of the environment before you print your next document and opt to read documents on your desktop rather

than printing them out. Instead of leaving notes for coworkers, send them e-mails instead. This saves paper, which in turn will save your company money, and it also reduces your reliance on ink that can potentially harm the environment. When making presentations, do so using slides rather than printing materials and handing them out in a packet. E-mail coworkers the presentation in advance and print out a single copy for the meeting rather than printing multiple copies. If you and your coworkers simply must print documents, try to use twosided printing and copying to reduce your paper usage. And urge your office manager to order supplies made from recycled materials and discard of any potentially harmful products, including ink cartridges, in an eco-friendly way. Don’t give up on your computer too quickly. Many professionals use their home computer for work-related reasons from time to time. If you find your computer struggles when you work from home, investigate ways to improve the computer’s performance instead

of seeking a replacement. Adding RAM might be enough to make your computer run more smoothly when you have multiple programs running, and that addition can be made at a fraction of the cost of buying a new computer. If an upgrade won’t do the trick and you decide to replace your computer, recycle it rather than simply throwing it out with the trash. Set your computer to powersaving mode at the end of the day. Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that the energy savings when a computer is in “sleep” mode as opposed to being turned off completely are negligible. But professionals should set their computer so it goes into a power-saving mode after a certain period of being idle. In addition, get rid of screensavers, which require energy and no longer have any positive impact on the life expectancy of your computer monitor. Going green is something that can be done in both your personal and professional life.

Radon poses a significant health risk

n invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that’s a byproduct of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water, radon is a proven carcinogen, putting both children and adults at risk of lung cancer. Though exposure to radon can prove deadly, preventing that exposure is entirely possible, and the better a person understands radon the more equipped he or she is to avoid exposure.

the radon will enter the home through appliances that use water, drains, faucets, or pipes. Though often found in basements, radon can be present in a home even if the home does not have a basement. Once radon has entered a home or building, the gas is trapped inside, where it can gradually build up and pose a health risk to anyone who spends time inside the structure.

How is a person exposed to radon? Radon is naturally occurring, and as a result, it can be found just about anywhere, be it at home, at school, at the office or any other building, new or old. If a home or building is built on radoncontaminated soil, the radon can seep in through the structure’s foundation. Radon can also find its way into a home or building if the structure’s water supply contains radon. In such instances,

Does radon exposure produce any symptoms? One of the more dangerous things about radon exposure is that it typically produces no symptoms, and people who have been exposed to radon may not be aware of that until they are diagnosed with lung cancer. Smokers are at a higher risk of lung cancer from radon exposure than those who don’t smoke, but radon exposure can cause lung cancer in smokers and nonsmokers alike.

Can a home or building be tested for radon? Fortunately, there are ways to test a home or building for radon, and the EPA as well as the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes be tested for radon levels. Homeowners can do the test themselves with a radon test kit or hire a professional to conduct the test for them. Some tests or kits may offered free of charge by the local government, while other homeowners might have to pay for the kits themselves. When using a kit on your own, be sure to follow the instructions with regard to both using and disposing of the device once the test has been completed. What if the test uncovers high levels of radon? No level of radon gas is completely safe, but if a test indicates a home or building has high levels of radon, reducing

those levels becomes paramount. The EPA notes that the average indoor radon level in the United States is roughly 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), and 0.4 pCi/L in outdoor air. Ventilating with fans and blowers can help lower high indoor radon levels, but it’s also necessary to take preventive measures so those levels don’t begin to increase once you stop taking measures to ventilate. Sub-slab depressurization vents air from beneath the foundation, and such a task is best left to a licensed contractor. Further preventive measures include using air cleaners and sealing any cracks in the foundation and the walls. Once measures have been taken to reduce radon levels and prevent their recurrence, it still may be necessary to test again down the road. For more information about radon and radon testing, visit www.epa.gov/radon.

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

Air pollution can be indoors, too

ir pollution can occur anywhere, including inside your home. Though it can be easy to recognize outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution is not always so easily identifiable. What causes indoor air pollution? Indoor air pollution can be the result of many things, including biological contaminants (mold and mildew), tobacco smoke, radon, and household chemicals. The concentration of some pollutants can increase when the temperature indoors is high or if humidity levels indoors are high. Poor ventilation may also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Without adequate ventilation, a home may not get enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources. As a result, pollutants can accumulate inside a home, making the home uncomfortable and possibly putting its inhabitants’ health at risk. In addition, insufficient ventilation makes it harder for indoor pollutants to escape the home, forcing them to linger inside and negatively affect air quality. This is common during colder months when windows and doors are not open as often and fresh air from outside is not entering the home. What are the negative health effects of indoor air pollution? Indoor air pollutants can cause immediate problems or problems down the road. The immediate effects, which can include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat as well as headaches, dizziness and fatigue, are typically short-term and can be treated, oftentimes by removing the person’s exposure to the source of the pollution. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, may also appear shortly after exposure. Long-term effects of indoor air pollution may show up years after initial exposure or after prolonged exposure. Respiratory disease, cancer and even heart disease may result from prolonged exposure or not appear until years after initial exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that there remains uncertainty about the concentrations or

alexander’s Sewing & Vacuum Center Serving the Triangle for 50 years

Allowing more outdoor air into a home is one way to improve indoor air quality length of exposure necessary to produce specific health problems. Such uncertainty could be a result of different people reacting differently when exposed to indoor air pollutants. But while that uncertainty means there’s no guarantee exposure, be it brief or prolonged, will ultimately lead to disease, there’s also no guarantee that even minimal exposure will prevent the development of disease down the road. Can indoor air quality be improved? Homeowners and apartment dwellers can take steps to improve the quality of the air inside their homes. Eliminating the sources of the pollution or reducing its emissions is a great place to start. Those with a gas stove can adjust their stove to reduce its

Don’t Just Move The Dirt Around Move It Out! Actually cleans the air as it cleans your home.

The Shops of Northgate • 1720 Guess Rd., Durham • 919-286-9290 www.alexanderssewingandvacuum.com

emissions, which can save money while improving air quality. Another way to improve indoor air quality is to take steps to get more outdoor air into the home. This can be as simple as opening windows and doors and operating window or attic fans when the weather permits. In the kitchen, install fans that exhaust outdoors, which will immediately remove contaminants from the room. Each of these steps is meant to ventilate the home, and such ventilation should be emphasized when tackling home improvement projects that increase the amount of pollutants in the home. Such projects include painting, paint stripping or sanding. Air cleaners can also be effective at improving indoor air quality, especially those cleaners that can remove particles from the air inside the home. Gaseous pollutants may not be removed by air cleaners, so if such pollutants are a problem then an air cleaner may not be the solution. Indoor air pollution can make a home uncomfortable and unhealthy. More information about improving air quality in a home is available at www.epa.gov. An Easy Way To Breathe Easier Indoors! Ever walk into a brightly lit room that has just been vacuumed and see dust flying through the air? According to Paul Synowiez, owner of Alexander’s Sewing and Vacuum Center in Durham, all the extra dust stirred up is due to vacuums that do not have adequate suction and filtration design. “Even if you have the best motor to pull dirt out of the carpet, dust will flow right back into the room if you do not have a well designed filtration system” explains Paul. Central vacuums are the absolute best to eliminate indoor dust and allergens because the dirt is carried through central pipes to the basement where the base of the vacuum is mounted. There are also many new upright and canister vacuums on the market today that have excellent filtration systems too. Before making your purchase, just ask for a demonstration and ask if the vacuum has a certified “HEPA” filter system.

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Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Homemade baking a greener option

here is a certain feeling of accomplishment that comes from making a meal from scratch. Though it might be convenient to use pre-packaged foods from the store, with a little time and effort, just about anyone can create a home-cooked meal or dessert that’s both tasty and environmentally friendly. Many aspiring bakers are taking to their kitchens in droves and showcasing their specialty cakes, cookies and more. With a few simple changes, you can turn

an ordinary recipe into one that’s ecofriendly. Cooks who do not use organic products should know that choosing ingredients that don’t come out of a processed box can be better for the environment. That’s because the cooks will be reducing the amount of processing, transporting and potential chemical additives being used, which is a boon to the planet and one’s health. Another way to bake in a more ecoconscious way is to buy ingredients in bulk. Doing so can be much less expensive overall and reduce one’s carbon footprint by minimizing the number of trips to the grocery store. Many baking staples, such as flour, sugar, butter and leavening ingredients, can be bought in bulk. Purchasing locally produced items is another way to have a positive effect on the environment. Even if you don’t live in a rural area, you may be able to find eggs that were raised by chickens kept as backyard livestock by neighbors. Urban chicken raising has grown in popularity. A good egg-laying breed can produce an egg every one to three days, so keeping two chickens can produce a dozen eggs per week. Plus, because chickens that are raised as “pets” tend to have caregivers who provide strict control over their health and dietary

needs, there is a good chance the eggs produced are healthier as well. Butter, milk chocolate, and flour, which are all available as organic items, may also be locally produced. Fruit from farmer’s markets is often fresh and inseason. Another way to be environmentally friendly while baking at home is to reduce your dependency on electricity when cooking. Contrary to popular belief, hand-mixing power with a spoon or spatula will achieve the same results as firing up the electric stand mixer. It just may take a little longer. When it’s time to bake your dessert, try to do so in a way that minimizes your energy usage. For example, you may want to use your oven in the early morning hours or late at night during warmer months to keep the home cool and avoid turning on the air conditioner. Also, think about making cupcakes or smaller snacks that require less time to cook than cakes or pies but are just as enjoyable. Those ready to get started on their homemade cakes, can try this recipe for Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting For the cake: 2 cups sugar

1 3⁄4 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 eggs 1 cup whole milk 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup boiling water Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla and mix until well blended. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into a greased and floured pan. Bake between 35 and 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. For the frosting: 1 stick butter 2⁄3 cup cocoa 3 cups powdered sugar 1⁄3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Put cocoa powder in a mixing bowl. Melt butter and pour into the powder. Alternately add small amounts of powdered sugar and milk. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is at a good consistency to spread. Stir in the vanilla. Use to frost cooled cake.

Did you know? O

rganic foods are not merely a passing trend. According to statistics tracking food purchases, more consumers are embracing organic foods. Whole Foods’ “Food Shopping Trend Tracker Survey,” which was conducted online by Harris Interactive between August 3 and August 7, 2012, indicated nearly three out of four Americans (73 percent) do not want to compromise on the food they buy, despite what foods costs at the store. Seventy-one percent of survey participants said they prefer natural and organic foods over conventional foods, particularly if the prices are comparable. Nearly 27 percent of shoppers routinely devote more than 25 percent of their grocery store budgets to organic products, and nearly half are willing to pay higher prices for locally produced foods. Quality, selection and freshness of foods are the things driving many people to purchase organic and natural food items.

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

How to conserve water and benefit the environment

Strategically watering a lawn and garden to reduce evaporation is one way homeowners can conserve water around the house.

co-conscious men and women have many options at their disposal when it comes to protecting the environment. One such way is to conserve water. Conserving water can be done in a variety of ways, many of which won’t require much effort at all. The following are a handful of ways men and women can conserve water to benefit the environment. Upgrade your home’s water features. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, toilets, showers and faucets account for two-thirds of all indoor water use. If you haven’t upgraded these items in recent years, chances are they’re not very eco-friendly. In the past, toilets used between 3.5 to 5 gallons of water per flush. But today’s low-flush toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush, significantly reducing the average home’s water consumption. Older showerheads may also be unnecessarily wasting water. EPA estimates suggest that showers account for roughly 20 percent of total indoor water use. Older showerheads typically consume about 4.5 gallons of water per minute, while newer, low-flow

showerheads consume just 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Such showerheads are inexpensive and can drastically reduce your monthly water consumption, helping the environment while saving you money. Change your landscaping practices. Homeowners with a green thumb can employ a more eco-friendly approach to tending to their lawns and gardens without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. One way to do so is by watering in the early morning hours or during the evening, especially during the hot summer months. Doing so means less water will be lost to evaporation, which means you won’t have to over-water to make up for the water lost to evaporation that’s common when a lawn or garden is watered during the hot and humid daylight hours. How often you cut the grass can also contribute to excessive water consumption. Allowing the grass to grow taller will provide more shade for the lawn’s roots. This makes for stronger roots and more water retention in the soil, which translates to less watering. Another way to conserve water when landscaping is to strategically locate

plants based on their water needs. Group plants with similar water needs next to one another and, if planting a garden for the first time, look for plants that do not need lots of water to survive. This is especially important for those people who live in regions where temperatures are particularly high during the spring and summer. Become more conscious of your water consumption and usage. One of the easiest ways to conserve water is to become more conscious of the various ways in which you waste water on a daily basis. Nearly everyone wastes water, be it running the dishwasher

when it’s not full or using a washing machine without a variable load control or letting the faucet run continuously while brushing your teeth. When you resolve to conserve more water, take note of the ways you might be wasting water throughout a typical day, and then alter those behaviors to be less wasteful. Conserving water is essential to protecting the environment. Adhering to a few simple and efficient strategies is all it takes to reduce your daily water consumption, do your part to protect the environment and maybe even save a little money along the way.

A design and build collaboration between Ellen Cassilly Architect and BuildSense

Custom Eco-Modern Dream Home Now only 2 sites available at the corner of Kent and Ward streets in Durham for a home that is contemporary, sustainable, and centrally located on the edge of Forest Hills.

(representative design only - each home is custom)

Visit us on the Green Home Tour to see another ECA-BuildSense project: 1402 Virginia Avenue in Durham

For more information: Ellen at 919.530.1149 - ellen@ellencassillyarchitect.com or Randy at 919.667.0404 - rlanou@buildsense.com

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

The many benefits of buying locally Shopping locally benefits merchants and consumers alike.

uying locally is a great way for consumers to find the products and services they’re looking for and help their local economy along the way. The small businesses in your community may be owned by your next door neighbor, who relies on his or her fellow townspeople to keep the business going strong. Buying locally is not only beneficial for local business owners, but buying locally benefits consumers and members of the community in a number of ways. Buying locally creates jobs. The number of unemployed men and women has gradually declined in recent years, but those figures are still high in many communities. Buying locally creates jobs in your community, potentially creating a job for you or a friend or family member. Buying locally helps the environment. Buying within your community reduces the amount of fuel you’re likely to use for a weekend shopping trip while also reducing

pollution. In addition, many local store owners use local materials and ingredients, reducing the amount of fuel consumed to get products into the store. Buying locally creates a more closely knit community. Juggling a career and a family can make it hard for men and women to get to know their neighbors and other members of their community. Buying locally is an opportunity to strengthen that bond with your neighbors, creating a close knit community in which residents may feel safer and more comfortable. Buying locally is more convenient. Convenience is paramount to many consumers, and buying locally saves both time and money. Driving to a faraway mall or shopping center or paying costly online shipping fees is not nearly as quick or convenient as shopping within your community, where you can purchase and take home items on the same day without using a full tank of gas or paying for shipping.

Buying locally benefits your local economy. In 2004, the consultancy Civic Economics was commissioned by Chicago’s Andersonville Chamber of Commerce to examine the economic impact of 10 local businesses against that of chain businesses. The study found that of every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 remained in the local economy, while only $43 of every $100 spent at chain stores remained in the local economy. That’s a significant boost to your local economy, and all it requires is shopping at local retailers. Buying locally can increase your property value. Homeowners might

be able to increase the value of their homes by buying locally. A joint study from Independent We Stand and Civic Economics found that cities with a strong centralized small business district had a 54 percent greater increase in property values than communities that did not have such a district. A more thriving local community, including a thriving shopping district, is no doubt attractive to prospective home buyers. The reasons for shopping locally are many. In addition to helping local business owners, consumers who shop locally are also helping themselves.

Did you know? Many people have heard of global warming and climate change. But many may not understand the role air pollution plays in causing the overall temperature of the Earth to rise. Carbon dioxide and other air contaminants thicken in the atmosphere and work to insulate the Earth. It’s like putting a blanket over the planet. The heat from the sun becomes trapped, and gradually the temperature creeps up. There are many things that contribute to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Coal-burning power plants are among the biggest contributors of C02 pollution in the United States. Automobiles are the second leading cause of CO2 emissions. Many industries have made changes to reduce their carbon footprints and put nonpolluting power sources to use. Individuals can do their part by making smart lifestyle choices. Walking or bicycling around town is one of the easiest ways to reduce CO2 emissions.

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

How to enjoy water and help the environment

ottled water is considered a healthy alternative to sodas and other bottled soft drinks. Though drinking more water might be good for human health, the plastic bottles housing that water are not nearly as friendly to the planet. Though environmentalists urge people to drink water to be healthy, they also ask that people be mindful of the planet’s health when they choose their water sources. According to the Environmental Working Group, the annual manufacturing of plastic bottles for water in the United States consumes as much oil as required to fuel a million cars. The manufacturing of said bottles may also compromise the air and ground surrounding bottle manufacturing plants. The threat to the environment from discarded water bottles is significant. Plastics are produced with a bevy of chemicals, each of which may leach into

the ground after being disposed of. Many of these chemicals are carcinogens and can be dangerous when the plastics are heated or incinerated for disposal. These same chemicals also may leach into the foods and beverages packaged inside of certain plastic bottles. One chemical, bisphenol A, or BPA, is particularly concerning. BPA is present in many plastic water bottles, and medical specialists have suggested that BPA can contribute to everything from ADHD to depression to cancer to even diabetes. It is adviseable for people to drink several servings of water each and every day to remain healthy. But there are ways to minimize dependence on bottled water to help promote a healthier environment and a healthier body. • Choose the right plastic. When selecting plastic containers to hold water, choose among those that are

marked with the #2, #4 or #5 symbols. These are high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene. These plastics are safer than other options. • Fill up a glass or aluminum bottle. These containers can be safely reused and then eventually recycled when they need to be replaced. • Choose larger containers. If you must purchase bottled water, select larger gallon containers that can be used to fill up reusable bottles instead of buying individual-use bottles. • Invest in a water filter. Filters that attach to the faucet in the kitchen or filters on the water-supply line of a refrigerator provide fresh-tasting water straight from the tap. • Do not reuse plastic water bottles. Health advocates recommend not reusing bottles made from plastic #1.

They may leach DEHP when washed or heated. Furthermore, used bottles may harbor harmful bacteria that can make a person sick. Put them in the recycling bin right after use. Bottled water has become a staple because of the presumed health benefits. Reducing dependency on bottled water can help the environment by reducing trash and chemical leaching.

Recycle yard waste into valuable compost

ompost is a nutrient-rich natural fertilizer that some people refer to as “black gold.” It can be made from most types of lawn and garden waste as well as some discarded items from the kitchen. Many people have renewed interest in composting because they understand the environmental ramifications of overreliance on chemical fertilizers. Ground water may become contaminated and certain fertilizers may have adverse

Twigs can be mulched and included as brown material in compost.

effects on wildlife. Compost, a living organism of sorts, comprised of beneficial bacteria, insect life and nutrients for plants, is on the other side of the plant food spectrum. Because it can be generated for little to no cost, compost is not only environmentally responsible but economical as well. A home landscape can provide a wealth of material to use in a compost heap or bin. Rather than putting fallen leaves or lawn clippings to the curb or in the trash, they can be turned into beneficial material to help keep your garden self-sustained. To begin, you will first need to determine the composting method that will work for you. Compost can be generated from a pile of material placed in an out-of-the-way corner of the yard or be created in a specially designed compost bin. Many homeowners fall in between these two methods with their compost systems. Most create their own bins from wood and chicken wire or even use a trash container to contain the compost. Once the container or pile location is established, it is time to start the

compost recipe. In order to function optimally, compost should have an abundance of aerobic bacteria, which will compost the waste quickly. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen and a certain amount of moisture to survive. Therefore, it is important to include materials in the compost that will achieve these conditions. Composters frequently refer to “greens” and “browns” in a compost mix. Greens are fresh leaves and grass clippings and kitchen scraps. These materials will have an abundance of moisture as well as nitrogen. Browns are older, dried out plant material and wood. The browns help create air cushions in the compost that facilitate aeration and also contain carbon. Without aeration, the compost will compact down too quickly, which could slow down the decomposition process. This may result in a foul odor. Avoid the use of bones, meat or cheese in a compost bin. This will only attract scavengers and may rot faster than it can be decomposed by the bacteria. Also, avoid pet waste or any lawn trimmings that have been treated with pesticides.

Turning the compost will help keep it aerated and will also distribute the bacteria. Avoid adding weeds to juvenile compost because it may not be hot enough to kill the seeds and then you’ll be stuck with weeds in the compost — and wherever you place that compost. Moisture is essential to the compost. Each time you add new material to the compost bin, dampen it. It should be moist but not dripping. Remember, during warmer months, the compost may dry out more, so you will need to be on top of the moisture levels. The composting process works best at temperatures between 120 and 150 F. The compost will generate its own heat as matter is broken down. However, the heat of warm months can speed up the process. Novice composters may want to begin their composting in the summer as a first attempt. Hot composting piles can be turned into soil fertilizer in as little as 8 to 10 weeks. Therefore, plan your composting start date accordingly.

Glen Raven

8th Annual Elon College

119

Butner

Burlington

O 1 70B

85 49

119

501

ORANGE CO. DURHAM CO.

54 49

15 501

501 BYP

751

Chapel Hill

Saxapahaw 54

Carrboro

Durham 98

540

Parkwood 54

W 2–3

CHATHAM

751

April 13-14 & 20-21 Noon – 5 pm

ALAMANCE

CO.

C 1-7

C 10

Fearrington 15 501

Cary

C 14

Pittsboro

1 401 64 264

Raleigh 64

440

Garner

1 401

Holly Springs

15 501

Moncure

401

LEE

C01 Homes by Dickerson C02 Forever Home C03 Forever Home C04 Saussy Burbank C05 Saussy Burbank C06 Saussy Burbank C07 M/I Homes C08 Cimarron Homes C09 MCF Builders C10 Out of the Woods Builders C11 BuildSense C12 Carolina Country Builders C13 AnchorageBuildingCorp.com C14 Dillon Builders D01 Barron Company D02 Lennar D03 BuildSense 1

Glendon

For further information call 919-493-8899 Presented by:

A joint program of the HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties and the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County

421

Kni

440

Apex

902 902

1 64

. BUS 64

C 13 WAK E CO

421

54 55

440

540

440

C 12

751

401

Morrisville

CHA THA M

C8 C9

C 11

Sponsored by:

FRA N

RTP

147

F1 Wake Forest

BYP

501 BYP

GR A N WA VILLE C KE C O O. .

501 BYP

751

Swepsonville

Come See What It Means To Be Green!

157

Hillsborough 70

Mebane

Creedmoor

Alamance

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

FuquayVarina WA D04 Lennar HAR KE NET T O01 M Squared Builders O02 Kelly Neville Builders O03 Chandler Design Build O04 Habitat Orange F1 Sawyer Homes F2 Sawyer Homes F3 Sawyer Homes W01 Homes by Dickerson W02 Revolution Homes (2nd entry) W03 Revolution Homes (3rd entry) W04 Revolution Homes W05 Paradise Found Construction W06 Beaman Building W07 Saussy Burbank W08 M/I Homes W09 Saussy Burbank

42 50

Due to the recent land development for some of these properties, Google Maps will not display exact addresses for some entries on the 2013 Green Home Tour. Locations are accurate to within a few hundred yards. As you arrive at your destination, please watch for actual street addresses. Location provided on iPhone, full navigation available on Android.

Detailed information about the entries is available in the free tour guide book online at

www.TriangleGreenHomeTour.com

Please note that entry availability may change. Check the tour website for updated information.

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Entry#: C01 Builder: Homes by Dickerson

Entry#: C02 Builder: ForeverHome LLC

Subdivision: Briar Chapel

Subdivision: Bennett Trace at Briar Chapel

688 Bennett Mountain Trace, Chapel Hill

502 Bennett Mountain Trace, Chapel Hill

Offered By: Homes by Dickerson • 919-929-2266 Plan Designed By: Creative Residentail Designs

Offered By: Fonville Morisey Barefoot • 919-926-5532 Plan Designed By: Frazier Home Design

Directions: From I-40: S on 15/501, cross into Chatham County, go 3.4 miles, R onto Briar Chapel Pkwy, cross bridge, R on Bennett Mountain Trace. From I-64: N on 15/501 for 7 miles, L on Briar Chapel Pkwy, cross bridge, R on Bennett Mountain Trace. Home is on the right.

Directions: Take 15-501 South from Chapel Hill, go 5.6 miles then turn right on Briar Chapel Parkway, go 1.4 miles then turn right on Bennett Mountain Trace. House is on the right.

Entry#: C03 Builder: ForeverHome LLC

Entry#: C04 Builder: Saussy Burbank

Subdivision: Briar Chapel

23 Sagebrush Road, Chapel Hill

68 Owen Towne Rd, Chapel Hill

Offered By: Fonville Morisey Barefoot • 919-926-5532 Plan Designed By: Frazier Home Design

Offered By: Saussy Burbank • 919-240-5800 Plan Designed By: Saussy Burbank

Directions: Take 15-501 South from Chapel Hill, go 5.6 miles then turn right on Briar Chapel Parkway, go 2 miles then turn left on Wildwood Drive, right on Sagebrush. House is on the left.

Directions: From Chapel Hill, take 15-501 South toward Pittsboro. Briar Chapel is approximately 7 miles south on the right. Follow Briar Chapel Parkway to the traffic circle. Turn right back on to Briar Chapel Parkway. Turn right onto Tobacco Farm Way. Turn right onto Owen Towne Road. This home is on the corner lot.

www.HomesByDickerson.com

$494,900 • 3,201 SF

www.foreverhomenc.com

$354,802 • 2,383 SF

www.foreverhomenc.com

$580,665 • 3,937 SF

www.saussyburbank.com

$267,500 • 1,997 SF

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

Entry#: C05 Builder: Saussy Burbank

Entry#: C06 Builder: Saussy Burbank

Subdivision: Briar Chapel

69 Summersweet Lane, Chapel Hill

22 Tobacco Farm Way, Chapel Hill

Offered By: Saussy Burbank • 919-240-5800 Plan Designed By: Saussy Burbank

Offered By: Saussy Burbank • 919-248-5800 Plan Designed By: Saussy Burbank

Directions: From Chapel Hill, take 15-501 S toward Pittsboro. Briar Chapel is approximately 7 miles south on the R. Follow Briar Chapel Parkway to the traffic circle. Turn R back onto Briar Chapel Parkway. Turn R onto Tobacco Farm Way. Turn L onto Owen Towne Road. Turn right onto Summersweet Lane. Home is on the R.

Directions: From Chapel Hill, take 15-501 South toward Pittsboro. Briar Chapel is approximately 7 miles South on the right. Follow Briar Chapel Parkway to the traffic circle. Turn right back onto Briar Chapel Parkway. Turn left onto Tobacco Farm Way. This home is on the left.

Entry#: C07 Builder: M/I Homes

Entry#: C08 Builder: Cimarron Homes

Subdivision: Briar Chapel

Subdivision: Mann’s Crossing

www.saussyburbank.com

$241,900 • 1,704 SF

www.mihomes.com

www.saussyburbank.com

$299,900 • 2,398 SF

www.cimarronhomes.com

45 Serenity Hill Circle, Chapel Hill

227 Mann’s Crossing Drive, Pittsboro

Offered By: M/I Homes • 919-942-1220 Plan Designed By: M/I Homes

Offered By: Cimarron Homes • 919-880-4183 Plan Designed By: Cimarron Homes

Directions: From Raleigh-Durham International Airport: From the East, Take I-40 West. Turn off at Exit 273A/Chapel Hill and follow Route NC 54 West. Stay on 54 W, 3 miles until you come to an overpass. Just beyond the overpass, turn right on NC 54 W/15-501 S bypass. Stay on bypass 2.2 miles and exit at the Chapel Hill - Pittsboro exit. Turn left onto US 15-501 S. Briar Chapel is approximately seven miles on the right.

Directions: To visit Mann’s Crossing from Chapel Hill, take 15/501 South to right on Mann’s Chapel Road at Cole Park Plaza. Travel three miles to the Mann’s Crossing entrance, on the right just past Tobacco Road.

$307,296 • 1,999 SF

$397,500 • 2,922 SF

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Entry#: C09 Builder: MCF Builders

Entry#: C10 Builder: Out Of The Woods Builders; Inc

Subdivision: Strowd Mountain

Subdivision: Horizon

350 Wild Rose, Pittsboro

629 Horizon Drive, Pittsboro, NC

Offered By: MCF Builders • 919-971-4572 Plan Designed By: MCF Builders

Offered By: Out Of The Woods • 919-636-0127 Plan Designed By: Robinson Design

Directions: From Carrboro, take Jones Ferry Rd 7.9 miles, turn left on Wild Rose Ln. House is on the right.

Directions: 15-501 to Hamlett Chapel Road, go about 1 mile west and Horizon is on the right. The road into Horizon is a circle so follow the circle to this home.

Entry#: C11 Builder: BuildSense, Inc

Entry#: C12 Builder: Carolina Country Builders

Subdivision: Bynum Area

Subdivision: Redbud Subdivision

1228 Bynum Road, Pittsboro

110 Smilax, Pittsboro

Offered By: BuildSense • 919-667-0404 Plan Designed By: Studio B Architecture

Offered By: Carolina Country Builders • 919-542-5361 Plan Designed By: Associated Designs, Inc. with site specific design by Paul Konove-Carolina Country Builders

www.mcfbuilders.com

NOT FOR SALE • 3,250 SF

www.buildsense.com

NOT FOR SALE • 5,587 SF

Directions: From the N: 15/501 S toward Pittsboro, L onto Bynum Rd (Allen and Son BBQ landmark) about 2.6 miles after passing Fearrington Village. 1228 Bynum Rd. is 0.4 mi on the L. From 64 E or W: Hwy 64 toward Pittsboro, take the US-15 N/US-501 N/ Chapel Hill Rd exit, after 3.2 mi turn R onto Bynum Rd (Allen and Son BBQ landmark). 1228 Bynum Rd is 0.4 miles on the L. From the S: 15/501 N toward Pittsboro, after 3.2 mi turn R onto Bynum Rd (Allen and Son BBQ landmark). 1228 Bynum Rd is 0.4 miles on the L.

www.outofthewoodsbuilders.com

NOT FOR SALE • 2,774 SF

www.greenhomedesignbuild.com

NOT FOR SALE • 2,250 SF

Directions: From 15-501 past Fearington Village turn L onto Mt. Gilead Church Road approx. 3.5 miles then turn R onto Sugar Lake Rd. In 1 mile enter Redbud Subdivision & remain on paved Redbud road, cross pond & continue almost to cul de sac & then turn L onto Smilax (gravel drive). Go all the way down to end (narrow long downhill drive - watch of cars coming in opposite direction)

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

Entry#: C13 Builder: AnchorageBuildingCorp.com

Entry#: C14 Builder: Dillon Builders

Subdivision: Big Woods/ Beaver Dam Rd

Subdivision:

204 Beaver Dam Rd, Chapel Hill

233 Churchwood Lane, Pittsboro

Offered By: AnchorageBuildingCorp.com • 919.928.2664 Plan Designed By: Jay Fulkerson AIA (jfarch.com)

Offered By: Dillon Builders, Inc. • 919-656-4113 Plan Designed By: Home Plans Studio

Directions: From James Taylor Bridge, 15-501 S for 6.2m to LT on Jack Bennett Rd for 2.4m to RT on Big Woods Rd for 0.3m to RT on Beaver Dam Rd, 1st house on RT.

Directions: 64 Business West from Historic Chatham Couinty Courthouse in downtown Pittsboro (approximately 0.5 mile), Left on Hwy 87 at Al’s Diner (approx. 0.5 mile), Left on Churchwood Lane (approx. 0.25 mile), Gravel driveway to home site located on left at bottom of hill.

Entry#: D01 Builder: Barron Company, LLC

Entry#: D02 Builder: Lennar Carolinas, LLC

Subdivision: The Bluffs At Regency

Subdivision: Hanover Pointe

4590 Carlton Crossing Drive, Durham

2207 Tanners Mill Drive, Durham

Offered By: Barron Company, LLC • 919-225-1078 Plan Designed By: Frank Betz

Offered By: Lennar Carolinas, LLC • 919-813-4319 Plan Designed By: Lennar Carolinas, LLC

Directions: From I-40, take Fayetteville Road going north. Turn left onto Juliette Drive. Go to the end of Juliette and turn right onto S. Roxboro. Travel 1/4 mile and turn left onto Carlton Crossing.

Directions: From I-85, keep right on Hwy 70, left at Miami/Mineral Springs Rd intersection. Go one block and Mineral Springs Rd takes a sharp left at the stoplight. Follow one mile, Hanover Pointe on right.

www.AnchorageBuildingCorp.com

NOT FOR SALE • 2,600 SF

$398,000 • 3,300 SF

www.dillonbuilders.com

NOT FOR SALE • 1,820 SF

www.LennarDurham.com

$210,545 • 2,302 SF

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Entry#: D03 Builder: BuildSense, Inc.

Entry#: D04 Builder: Lennar Carolinas, LLC

Subdivision: Watts Hospital-Hillandale

Subdivision: Muirfield Village

1402 Virginia Avenue, Durham

1301 Nicklaus Drive, Durham, NC

Offered By: BuildSense • 919-667-0404 Plan Designed By: Ellen Cassilly Architect, Inc. 919-530-1149

Offered By: Lennar Carolinas, LLC • 919-471-4770 Plan Designed By: Lennar Carolinas, LLC

Directions: From I-85 N or S: take exit 174 for Hillandale Rd, R onto Hillandale, L onto W Club Blvd. 3rd L onto Virginia Ave. 1402 Virginia Ave is 0.2 mi on the R. From 15/501 S: take exit 108B for NC 147 S/Durham Freeway. Merge onto NC 147 S, take exit 15B for Fulton St toward Hillandale Rd. Turn L onto Hillandale Rd, turn R onto W Club Blvd. 3rd L onto Virginia Ave. 1402 Virginia Ave is 0.2 mi on the R.

Directions: I-40W toward Durham. Take exit 279B to NC 147N toward Durham/Downtown. Take exit 15B towardHillandale Rd/Fulton St. Turn R onto Hillandale Rd. Turn R onto W Carver St. Take third L onto Guess Rd. Turn R onto Victory Blvd. Turn R onto Nicklaus Dr. Model home on R.

Entry#: O01 Builder: M Squared Builders & Designers

Entry#: O02 Builder: Kelly Neville Builders,LLC

www.buildsense.com

NOT FOR SALE • 2,090 SF

www.msquaredbuilders.com Subdivision: N/A

110 Wind Chime Way, Hillsborough NOT FOR SALE • 2,730 SF

Offered By: M Squared Builders & Designers • 919-620-8535 Plan Designed By: Kim Jennings, Architect Directions: From Durham, Take 85 South, Exit 164 toward Hillsborough, Right onto South Churton Street/Old NC 86, Left onto West King Street, Right onto West Hill Avenue North & 110 Wind Chime Way is the first private street on the left.

www.LennarDurham.com

$169,120 • 2,085 SF

Subdivision: Fairmont Farms

108 Fairmont Place, Hillsborough Call for Price • 2,300 SF

Offered By: Kelly Neville • 919-619-0293 Plan Designed By: Kelly Neville Directions: Take I-40 west to Hillsborough. Take Exit 261 and turn left onto Old NC-86 Hwy. Travel .7 miles and turn right onto Davis Road. Travel .9 miles and turn right onto Ode Turner Road. Travel .7 miles and turn left onto Fairmont Place (private road). This home is the second house on the left.

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

Entry#: O03 Builder: Chandler Design-Build

Entry#: O04 Builder: Habitat for Humanity Orange County

Subdivision: N/A

Subdivision: Phoenix Place

#4685 Preservation Forest Lane, Efland

100 Phoenix Drive, Chapel Hill

Offered By: Chandler Design-Build • 919-812-7478 Plan Designed By: Beth Williams, Chandler Design-Build

Offered By: Habitat for Humanity Orange County • 919-932-7077 Plan Designed By: Orange Habitat

Directions: From Chapel Hill - Take 54 West towards Graham. Take a R onto Orange Grove Rd. Take a L onto Borland Rd. Turn L onto Bradford Ridge Rd. (paved) through the existing neighborhood to gravel driveway/road at the end of the paved street. Follow “please drive slowly” signs to site. From Durham - Take I40/85 west to exit 160. Head S onto Mt Willing Rd 1.4m to L on Chestnut Ridge Rd. 2.4m to L on Borland 0.2m to R on Bradford Ridge Rd. (paved) through the existing neighborhood to gravel driveway/road at the end of the paved street.

Directions: I40 to exit 266, go south on Hwy 86 towards Chapel Hill. At the first light, turn right on Eubanks Rd. Travel 1.7 miles to Rogers Rd and turn left. Travel 0.6 miles to Purefoy Drive and turn left. Travel to the end of the road. The house is on the corner of Phoenix Drive and Purefoy Drive.

Entry#: F01 Builder: Sawyer Homes

Entry#: F02 Builder: Sawyer Homes

Subdivision: Princeton Manor

Subdivision: Woodcroft Estates

70 Jackson Rd., Youngsvile

490 Marlowe Dr., Youngsville

Offered By: Sawyer Homes • 919-669-2728 Plan Designed By: Sawyer Homes

Directions: US1 North To Holden Rd. (Younsgville) Turn left and follow or 1 mile Turn Right on Jackson Rd. (Sudivision Entrance) Home will be on the right.

Directions: US1 North To Holden Rd. (Youngsville) Turn Left and Travel 1/2 mile Turn Right at Sid Mitchell Rd. Travel 1.5 mi. and turn left on Longwood Dr. (Entrance to Subdivision) Follow to Woodcroft Dr. and Turn Left Follow to Marlowe Dr. and Turn Left Home will be on the Left.

www.ChandlerDesignBuild.com

NOT FOR SALE • 2,134 SF

www.sawyer-homes.com

$335,000 • 2,730 SF

www.orangehabitat.org

NOT FOR SALE • 1,288 SF

www.sawyer-homes.com

$279,900 • 2,300 SF

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Entry#: F03 Builder: Sawyer Homes

Entry#: W01 Builder: Homes By Dickerson

Subdivision: Woodcroft Estates

Subdivision: Carrie’s Reach

15 Ardmore Court, Youngsville

7009 Carrie’s Reach Way, Raleigh

Offered By: Sawyer Homes • 919-669-2728 Plan Designed By: Sawyer Homes

Offered By: Homes by Dickerson • 919-413-7104 Plan Designed By: Frank Betz and Associates

Directions: From 540, north on Creedmoor Road approx 4 miles, right on Mt. Vernon Church, left on Peed. Right on Carries Reach Way. Home will be on the right.

Entry#: W02 Builder: Revolution Homes

Entry#: W03 Builder: Revolution Homes

Subdivision: Baybridge Park

8505 Wynhurst Court, Raleigh

8524 Wynhurst Court, Raleigh

Offered By: Revolution Homes • 919-536-2781 Design Delay…please visit our other entry at 8524 Wynhurst Ct (W3)

Offered By: Revolution Homes • 919-536-2781

Directions: From 540, Take Exit for Leesville Road. Head South on Leesville Road. Go 1.6 miles and turn left onto Oneal Road. Turn left onto Baybridge Wynd. Turn left onto Wynhurst Court.

www.sawyer-homes.com

$279,900 • 2,350 SF

www.revolutionhomes.biz

$559,000 • 3,305 SF

www.HomesByDickerson.com

$574,900 • 3,609 SF

www.revolutionhomes.biz

NOT FOR SALE • 3,459 SF

The Herald-Sun • Saturday, April 13, 2013

THIS HOME OPEN APRIL 20-21 ONLY. Entry#: W04 Builder: Revolution Homes www.revolutionhomes.biz Subdivision: Kitts Creek

6241 Kit Creek Road, Morrisville $475,000 • 3,519 SF

Offered By: Coldwell Banker HPW • 919-847-6767 Plan Designed By: Creative Residential Design

Entry#: W05

NAHB GREEN REMODEL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Builder: Paradise Found Construction www.CaryRemodeling.net Subdivision: Oak Park

5010 Picardy Place, Raleigh NOT FOR SALE • 2,200 SF

Offered By: Paradise Found Construction * 919-830-7218 Plan Designed By: Thomas Betts

Directions: From I-40 take Exit 281, head SOUTH on S. Miami Blvd for 1.5 mi, then veer RIGHT onto Church St for 1/4 mi, then Turn RIGHT onto Kit Creek Rd, in 400ft the house will be on your LEFT, with parking in front of Gazebo.

Directions: From US70E: Heading toward Raleigh, Turn right onto Holly Ridge Drive. Turn right onto Lancaster Drive. Take first right onto Picardy Place.

Entry#: W06 Builder: Beaman Building and Realty, Inc.

Entry#: W07 Builder: Saussy Burbank

Subdivision: Lakes at Umstead

Subdivision: The Oaks at Fallon Park

3744 Trenton Road, Raleigh

2028 Vinnings Place, Raleigh

Offered By: Beaman Building & Realty, Inc. • 919-608-2075 Plan Designed By: Thomas Betts Custom Home Plans

Offered By: Allen Tate • 919-781-5225 Plan Designed By: Saussy Burbank

Directions: From I-40 in Raleigh take Wade Ave. to the Edwards Mill Rd. exit & head N, away from the PNC Center. Take your 1st left at Reedy Creek Rd. Go approximately 1.5 miles to the intersection with Trenton Rd. at the back entrance to Umstead Park. Home is under construction on the corner of Trenton Rd. and Reedy Creek Rd. facing Trenton Rd

Directions: From Raleigh, take Glenwood Avenue North. Make a right onto Whitaker Mill Road. Turn left onto Pine Drive. Slight right onto Noble Drive. The community is on the right. Turn right onto Vinnings Place. This home is on the right.

www.beamanbuilding.com

$765,000 • 3,974 SF

www.saussyburbank.com

$849,900 • 3,684 SF

Saturday, April 13, 2013 • The Herald-Sun

Entry#: w08 Builder: M/I Homes

Entry#: w09 Builder: Saussy Burbank

107 BuxtOnwOOd PlaCE, aPEx

104 MEarlEaF PlaCE, hOlly SPrIngS

www.mihomes.com Subdivision: WoodCreek

www.saussyburbank.com Subdivision: 12 Oaks

$362,692 • 2,446 SF Offered By: M/I Homes • 919-363-2116 Plan Designed By: M/I Homes

Directions: From US-64: Take US-64 to Ten Ten Rd., turn right. Travel 2 miles and turn right on Kildare Farm Rd. Follow Kildare Farm to Holly Springs Rd. and turn right. Take Holly Springs Road to Sunset Lake Rd. and turn right. Community is 1/3 mile up on the left.

Call for Pricing • 3,007 SF Offered By: Saussy Burbank • 919-781-5225 Plan Designed By: Saussy Burbank Directions: From Durham, take I-40 East toward Raleigh. Take exit 293 to merge onto US-1 South/ US 64 W. Take Exit 95 (NC55, Apex/Holly Springs). Turn L onto Hwy 55 & travel 4.7 miles. Turn R onto Holly Springs/New Hill Rd. Travel 1.5 miles & the community is on the R. Take Green Oaks Parkway past traffic circle. Turn left onto Mearleaf Place. This home is on the right.

From Just Swings To The Backyard Extreme

Quality Cutsom Built Playsets & Backyard Retreats Kids Korner Playsets 919-730-3211 www.KidsKornerPlaysets.com

Durham Plumbing Repair Inc.

Commercial & Residential Repairs Phone: 919-489-3489 Fax: 919-688-5602

Your Friendly Plumber

Fran Crook Frantastic Fundamentals

PO Box 15897 Durham, NC 27704

1325 Valley Run Dr. • Durham, NC 27707 Tel: 919.489.2255 • Toll Free: 1.800.367.7986 fransfun@aol.com • www.francrook.com

President Monty Gravitte

WJM ROOFING Whole Roof Replacement or Small Leak Repair

17 yrs. experien ce

NO JOB TOO SMALL Many References

(919)495-1283

Specializing in asphalt shingles • wjmroofing@hotmail.com

Danny’s Lawncare Service Oﬀering the following services: Blowing Mowing Aerating and Seeding Fertilization Weed Control Shrubs Monthly contracts Available

(919) 730-3376

The Wilson family has been selling quality, real wood furniture. for over 40 years As one of the oldest ready to finish furniture stores in the United States. we know our business and our customers. We pride ourselves in quality construction, attractive styling, and affordability in every product we sell We Use Sustainable Growth Products US 15-501 North Chapel Hill, NC 27517 919-942-3914 Hours: 9:00-5:30 M-Fri and Sat. 9:00am -5:00pm www.wilsonsreadytofinishfurniture.com

Specializing in the Complete Refinishing of: • Counter-Tops • Porcelin Bathtubs • Ceramic Tile • Fiberglass Shower Kits • Kitchen Cabinets using Epoxy Resins

JRS RESURFACING

919-667-4170

Info@jrsresurfacingcom | jrsresurfacing.com

30 Years in the coating industry

Custom Wood Fence

Dickerson Fencing Co. Inc. d/b/a Dickerson Fencing & Landscaping

Jackson Sanderford Jr., The Finisher

919.596.6765 (O) 919.598.0791 (F)

Save Yourself from Costly replacements! Refinish instead!

INSURANCE CENTER OF DURHAM

Auto • Homeowners • Business 919-471-2541 1920 Front Street Suite 710 Durham, NC 27705

202 N. Hoover Road Durham, NC 27703 www.dickersonfenceco.com

Nice lawn but no time to maintain it? Call us for your residential or commercial needs:

• Mowing Aable Services •• Aeration Seeding Call for your free estimate • Fertilizing 919-323-5507 aableservicesllc@gmail.com • Shrub pruning • Spring cleanup

ANTIQUES ARE GREEN at HILLSBOROUGH ANTIQUES MALL! Offering one of a kind antiques that have stood the test of time.

DID YOU KNOW?

a new chest of drawers has a carbon footprint 16 TIMES GREATER than an antique chest of drawers

FREE ESTIMATE FOR TERMITE COVERAGE & CONSULT FOR MOISTURE CONTROL We have taken exterminating to the NEXT LEVEL.

The Print Shop's going green again for Earth Day, with our very popular eco-freindly frames!

Introducing Rambo & Smoke!

April 15-3 0

“BRING THREE”!

FREE appraisal day every Monday – recycle your antiques!

Our newest team members in bed bug detection! Trained to sniff out bed bugs in homes & businesses. Clegg’s Termite & Pest Control, LLC has been in business for over 40 years, catering to residential and business communities for the entire state of NC. • Termite & Pest Control • Storm Damage Repairs • Moisture Control Measures • Insulation Provider • Commercial & Residential Fumigations • Wildlife Exclusion, Mosquito Control

www.cleggs.com • 1-800-763-0378

387 Ja-Max Drive • Hillsborough 919-732-8882 store • 919-923-1703 cell www.hillsboroughantiques.com www.antiquesaregreen.org