Dallas/Fort Worth House and Home Magazine May 2010 Issue

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

T TH HE E C CO OM MP PL LE ET TE E R RE ES SO OU UR RC CE E M MA AG GA AZ Z II N NE E F FO OR R Y YO OU UR R H HO OM ME E

M AY

REMODELING & REDECORATING SPECIAL ISSUE WHEN TO HIRE A PRO GUIDE TO GOING SOLAR STARTING YOUR REMODEL

80S KITCHEN UPDATE | GARDENS THAT PRODUCE | CHOOSING A CHANDELIER

2 0 1 0

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BEFORE

AFTER

contents

D A L L A S/F O R T W O R T H

M a y 2 0 1 0 | Vo l . 9 I s s u e 5 PUBLISHED BY

departments

06 08 10 12

In This Issue

A preview of our May 2010 edition.

Out and about in the Metroplex.

Remodeling Solutions: 80s

Kitchen Update Handbook: Solar Flair

Green House: Blue Gold

Ways to conserve water in your home.

34

20

Like New

24

Leave It To The Pros

28

Starting Your Remodel

Around Town

Photovoltaic panels and water heaters make your home a greener place.

32

features

Quick Pix: Lights Fantastic

Today’s chandeliers cast their magical glow.

Ideas to spruce up your home.

Don’t get in over your head. Call a professional remodeler.

Steps to make your home remodel happen.

MBH PUBLISHING, LLC

PUBLISHER . . . . . . .Mike Harrison, Ph.D. ART DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . .Robert Coplin EDITORIAL INTERN . . . . .Anastasia Jakse CONTRIBUTING WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Fischer, Amanda Flatten, . . . . . . .Jennifer Friedberg, Mike Gibson, . . . . . . . .Jeffrey Jacoby, Anastasia Jakse, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harvey Marks ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Bouaazzi, Tammi Greene OFFICE MANAGER . . . . . . . Cheryl Collier PRINTING . . . . . . . . . DROR International MBH Inc., dba Dallas/For t Wor th House & Home ("DFWH&H"), is a news magazine with emphasis on interior design and remodeling.

House & Home does not knowingly accept false or misleading adver tising or editorial content, nor does H&H or its staff assume responsibility should such adver tising or editorial content appear in any publication.

House & Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has not verified claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products.

House & Home makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by adver tisers. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding the suitability of an advertiser's products.

No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the Publisher. Copyright 2010, all rights reserved. Subscriptions available for home delivery at a cost of $25 per year.

on the cover The designers at Kitchen Design Concepts create an elegant new kitchen for a Preston Hollow couple. It features two large islands with functional zones: a cooking/baking area, a prep/clean-up zone and a raised bar where husband and wife can have casual evening meals while talking or watching television.

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in this issue: This month our Remodeling and Redecorating Special Issue is all about remodeling choices. Our writers will guide you through planning and implementing home redos from your fence, roof and foundation to your flooring, countertops and paint colors.

In Sun Power, Jennifer Friedberg reveals ways to reduce your energy bills by installing photovoltaic panels to your roof, as well as other solar options for your home. Find out more on page 12.

Mike Gibson and Susan Fischer, both avid gardeners and landscape planners, pose the question, “why not tuck a few edible plants into your landscape?�

There are dozens of varieties of fruits and vegetables that will thrive in North Texas.Gardens That Produce begins on page 14.

On page 32, Jeffrey Jacoby advocates xeriscaping as a way to offset our water usage. According to the Environmental Protection Agency,, the average family home uses about thirty percent of its water outdoors on yards and landscaping. Worse, households waste about half of this outdoor water due to runoff or evaporation. However, you can save literally hundreds of thousands of gallons by using native or drought-tolerant plants that have adapted to the unpredictable Texas climate.

And finally, chandeliers cast their magical glow on page 34 in our Quickpix article. We thought it was the perfect, cheerful way to end this issue. We hope you agree.

Enjoy the issue!

House & Home

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what’s new

B y A N A S TA S I A J A K S E

Pacife Blues, 24 x 30, by David Row, from the show Back and Forth, showing at Holly Johnson Gallery.

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around town May 2010

B y A N A S TA S I A J A K S E

cultural, culinary and performing arts as you stroll through the legendary Fair Park. The event begins Friday, May 7 from 6 to 10 p.m., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Shoppers can peruse the selection of unique jewelry items, candles, clothing and other accessories that will be available or participate in one of the many craft workshops. The festival will be held at 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd, Dallas.

Information: 214.871.3029 or visit www. cityartsfestival.com for more details.

things Hydrangeas. This class will be held at the Dallas Arboretum located at 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas. Cost is $22. Information: 214.515.6500

THE BEAUTY OF BEGONIAS Join Don Miller, a Begonia expert for The Beauty of Begonias on Saturday, May 15 at 12 p.m. Learn how to decorate your flower bed with these versatile flowers and find out which of the more than 1,500 species will flourish in your yard. The cost of this event is $22 and will be held at the Dallas Arboretum on 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas. Information: 214.515.6500.

EDWARD S. CURTIS: THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN Nesjaja Natali, by Edward S. Curtis, on display at The Amon Carter Museum until May 16th.

BUTTERFLY GARDENING 101 Cash in on Texas Foreclosures Thinking about buying a house?

Foreclosed properties sell at undervalued prices every month in Texas.

Understand and learn how the foreclosure process works and how to avoid common pitfalls many investors make during the Cash in on Texas Foreclosures seminar on Saturday, May 8. The event will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites on 4355 Beltway Dr. in Addison. Information: 1.877.865.6578

The Amon Carter Museum will feature the work of Edward S. Curtis, a photographer who documented over eighty American Indian cultures across the United States. Beginning in 1900, Edward Curtis collected information on the different tribes and took over 40,000 photographs in the course of thirty years. The museum, located at 3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit will run until May 16 and is free to the public. Information: 817.738.1933 or visit www.cartermuseum.org.

A feather headband is one of hundreds of items available at the Spring Bash at Etsy Dallas, May 1-11.

A sampling of the Trinity Antiques District Spring Antiques Market on May 1.

CHEESEMAKING CLASS Calling all cheese connoisseurs! Are you a cheese fanatic? Learn how to make your own Mozzarella and Ricotta cheese at Dallas’ award-winning Mozzarella Company located at 2944 Elm Street, Dallas. Participants will not only get to take home the cheese they make, but they will also receive a tour of the company and a Mozzarella Company chef’s apron. Tickets are $75 and the class will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 214.741.4072 or email manager@mozzco.com.

CHEF’S COOKING CLASS SERIES: CHAD HOUSER & JANICE PROVOST Celebrate spring with a cooking class hosted by Chefs Chad Houser and Janice Provost on Saturday, May 1.

The cooking class will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Dallas Farmers Market located at 1010 S. Pearl Street, Dallas. Tickets are $25.

Information: 214.653.8088.

CITYARTS FESTIVAL The annual CityArts Festival is back for its seventh year of fun-filled activities for the whole family. Enjoy visual, 8

TRINITY ANTIQUES DISTRICT SPRING ANTIQUES MARKET

Canon del Muerto, by Edward S. Curtis, on display at The Amon Carter Museum until May 16th.

GARDENING WITH HYDRANGEAS They appear in spherical clusters, arrayed with petals of blue, pink, or white. They are hydrangeas. On Saturday May 1 at 12 p.m., join Bob Wilson, manager of Nicholson Hardie Nursery for Gardening with Hydrangeas, a class devoted to all

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Antiques may be relics of the past, but that doesn’t mean they have to be covered in dust and stored in attics for the next Antiques Roadshow. In fact, antiques can be decorative accessories incorporated into any home design whether it’s Shabby Chic, Rustic or Eclectic. On Saturday May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., shop with over 200 antique dealers during the Trinity Antiques District Spring Antiques Market. Vendors will set up their items both indoors and outdoors between 900 and 1300 Riverfront Blvd. in Dallas for a flea market extravaganza you won’t want to miss.

Information: 214.752.3071 or visit www.cityviewantiques.homestead.com

First Lady, will be discussing her life behind the doors of the White House as part of her forthcoming memoir, Spoken from the Heart. This event will be held in the McFarlin Memorial Auditorium at Southern Methodist University located at 6405 Boaz Lane, Dallas on Friday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $37, $32 for DMA members, Educators and Seniors, and $15 for students. Information: 214.922.1818 or visit www.dallasmuseumofart.com.

SPRING BASH Etsy Dallas presents a “crafty” event full of music, shopping, arts, and of course, crafts as part of its Spring Bash. On Saturday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., shop an assortment of handmade designs and products from over 50 artists, or create your own crafts with a free do it yourself bead circle. The event will be held at 1409 S. Lamar, Dallas. Admission is free.

Information: www.handmadebash.com

SPOKEN FROM THE HEART WITH LAURA W. BUSH Turn on the news or pick up a newspaper and you may hear/read something about President Obama, but have you ever wondered what life in the White House is like for the wife of a President? Laura W. Bush, the former

These wall decals are from one of over 50 artists selling handmade products at the Spring Bash at Etsy Dallas, May 1-11.

remodeling solutions

80s KITCHEN UPDATE THE PROBLEM The owners of this Preston Hollow home are empty nesters who dine with their children and grandchildren every week. So, while the kids are out of the house, their kitchen is still at the heart of their family life. The room, which had not been updated since the home was built in the 1980s, not only needed an update, but was hard to move around in because of an obtrusive peninsula and an in-kitchen desk that got in the way.

THE SOLUTION Space was not a problem in this large kitchen, but how it was configured was. So, to accommodate cooking and entertaining needs, the designers at Kitchen Design Concepts created two 10

large islands that featured functional zones: a cooking/baking area, a prep/clean-up zone and a raised bar where husband and wife could have casual evening meals while talking or watching television.

The remodelers also reconfigured the pantry to create a more attractive and usable space. A desk, formerly in an awkward high-traffic location, now is in a less conspicuous location away from the main kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets replace open shelving, and a new oversized entryway makes the new alcovelike pantry more open and accessible.

The designers also recast the breakfast room, including a custom-designed table for family meals and a new sitting area overlooking the home’s pool and backyard.

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DISCOUNT HOME WAREHOUSE We’ve always been GREEN!

KEY MATERIALS • Lemon Ice granite from Levantina, fabricated by The Countersource • Crestwood Custom Cabinetry, Cezanne and Rembrandt finishes • Wolf cooktop • Subzero and Northland refrigeration • Dacor double oven, microwave drawer and warming drawer • Beau Rivage backsplash tile by Renaissance Tile • Herbeau farm sink • Blanco work sink • Perrin & Rowe faucets by Rohl in polished nickel finish

RESOURCES DESIGN AND REMODELING: Kitchen Design Concepts HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM: Einstein House CUSTOM STOOLS, DINING TABLE AND CHAIRS: JC Custom Furniture

Reduce your impact on the planet by choosing architectural salvage and reclaimed building materials for your building remodeling and design projects!

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handbook

Sun Power

By JENNIFER FRIEDBERG

SEIZE SOLAR ENERGY WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS, HOT WATER HEATERS AND MORE TO MAKE YOUR HOME A GREENER PLACE For those looking to go green, solar energy is one way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your electricity bill.

Solar energy works logically in that the larger your house, the larger a system you will need to power it. However, there are options to install enough solar panels to offset energy costs while not entirely knocking out traditional energy usage.

In that circumstance, a house would first draw energy from solar panels until it is used up and then regular electricity would kick in.

THE RIGHT SYSTEM Ralph Parrott, president of Alternative Power Solutions, says no matter how much of your energy you choose to offset with solar technology, “Any portion helps in the long run because everybody knows energy costs are going up.”

Tom Mueller, spokesman for BP Solar, says, “The amount of money that a homeowner can save by installing a solar electric system will depend on a number of factors: the size of the solar system, often determined by the amount of available roof space; the energy efficiency of the home; and the energy usage of the home’s inhabitants. It really makes sense for a homeowner to contact a certified installer to come out and provide a specific estimate based on the home design and energy needs.”

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Parrott says his systems range in price from $9,000 to $100,000 with the average system costing about $32,000, which amounts to a 25 to 40 percent savings on electricity, depending on how energy efficient your house is.

Or, more plainly, with the average-sized solar system, if you pay 16 cents per kilowatt-hour, you can save $70 to $80 per month in today’s dollars.

Mueller says BP’s average-sized systems cost $40,000 to $50,000 before state and regional utilities rebates and incentives. To learn about Houston area rebates, visit www.dsireusa.org.

In addition to installing solar panels, if you chose to make your house more energy efficient, your overall savings will increase.

“Every $1 you spend making your home more efficient is worth $5 of solar energy,” Parrott says.

A B O V E : A close up of a single solar module. Photo courtesy Evergreen Solar Inc. O P P O S I T E PA G E A B O V E : With heat-rejection properties, solar window films, such as barely visible Solar Gard shown here, help your home consume less energy by keeping interior temperatures more controllable and stable and, thus, lowering the need for air conditioning, reducing extreme peaks in usage and allowing your cooling system to operate more efficiently and inexpensively.

O P P O S I T E PA G E B E L O W : Solar power for your home means helping the environment while helping your energy savings, too. Photo courtesy GE Ecomagination 13

A solar system can be installed in two to three days and has a 30 to 40 year lifespan that requires little to no maintenance. Systems are attached to your roof and wired to the main electrical panel of your home.

SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS Solar panels to energize a house are not the only way you can take advantage of solar technology.

Other options include solar hot water, solar swimming pool heaters, solar attic fans and solar window film.

Solar hot water and swimming pool heaters are an option for those who want to use solar power, but might not want to or can’t afford to use it to power their entire home.

Alternative Power Solutions offers solar hot water power and swimming pool heaters for about $4,500 each and solar attic fans for $900.

Because hot water can amount to 30 percent of your electricity bill, installing solar power for a hot water heater can save that same percentage of your monthly costs, although Parrott says you would see higher savings if your hot water heater is electric rather than gas powered.

SOLAR ATTIC FANS Also, air conditioning can make up 50 to 60 percent of your energy consumption in the summer, so cooling a house with solar-powered attic ventilation can reduce that cost.

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A solar attic fan “uses the sun’s energy to suck the heat out of the attic,” Parrott says, thereby reducing the need to cool a house cutting the air conditioning bill.

“Most people don’t swim in the off season because they don’t have a swimming pool heater or they don’t want to cut the gas on to heat the swimming pool. This eliminates the need for a gas heater,” Parrott says.

SOLAR WINDOW FILM Craig Ball, owner of Solar Images, says solar window film is another way to reduce utility costs 15 to 30 percent. New solar film technology has made it more aesthetically pleasing. In the past, solar film made windows look shiny, but now it only adds moderate tint.

“It’s pretty much like putting a pair of sunglasses on and looking out your windows,” Ball says.

The film costs about $5 per square foot installed for a total of $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the size of the house and the amount of glass, and has a 40 to 50 year lifespan.

It works by lowering the temperature of a room 7 to 10 degrees, therefore cooling a house and reducing the need for air conditioning.

Solar film has added benefits of cutting down glare 60 to 70 percent and offering 99 percent ultra violet protection, thus prolonging the aging of floors, fabrics and furniture.

Check out the tour Web site, http://www.solarpowerdirectory.com/city/FortWorthSolar.html, to decide which sites you want to visit.

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T O P O F T H I S PA G E : A solar panel converts sun cells to energy to run a solar water heater.

A B O V E : Solar modules take energy from sun cells and convert it to power for your home. Photo courtesy GE Ecomagination O P P O S I T E PA G E : This home includes one array over a porch patio and another array on the top of the house, both on the back facing south.

Installed by Standard Renewable Energy, the systems’ estimated energy production is 4,046 kilowatts per year and estimated savings at 20 cents per kilowatt is $809.

resources AMERICAN SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY www.ases.org BP SOLAR www.bp.com

Call now for your complimentary roof inspection

EVERGREEN SOLAR INC. www.evergreensolar.com GE ECOMAGINATION www.ecomagination.com SOLAR GARD Multiple dealers www.solargard.com STANDARD RENEWABLE ENERGY www.sre3.com

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gardening

GARDENS THAT PRODUCE WHY NOT TUCK A FEW EDIBLE PLANTS INTO YOUR LANDSCAPE?

By MIKE GIBSON and SUSAN FISCHER Photography by SUSAN FISCHER

People from every part of the city make Saturday morning visits to the farmers’ markets. There they purchase fresh produce from area gardens and items such as jams, chutneys, potpourris and salsas made from locally grown produce. You must get there early or walk away empty handed.

If you are one to avoid a crowd, or just want some fresh and tasty things to munch on closer to home, why not slip some edibles into your home landscape? A number of fruits, vegetables and herbs can be incorporated into your garden without making it look like vegetable patch.

GO GREEN In the cool season, leaf lettuces, greens, radishes and carrots can provide a lush alternative to tired, old groundcovers like liriope and are easily seeded. Heirloom lettuce varieties such as Red Sails, Freckles, Green Deer Tongue and Oak Leaf offer a wide variety of color and leaf shapes. The colors of Bright Lights Chard are so vibrant that it is 16

A B O V E : Apple trees offer shade and produce. © Nicolas - Fotolia.com L E F T : Prostrate Rosemary is a great groundcover alternative. © Studio Gi - Fotolia.com

often used in seasonal color plantings.

In the warm season, try sowing bush beans, Spicy Globe Basil, arugala or endive as summer groundcovers. Herbs such as prostrate rosemary, lemon balm, mint or thyme provide evergreen groundcover given our mild Houston winters. Multiplying onions and chives offer a spiky texture for yearlong accent in the garden. In addition to the onions and chives that you reap, the flowers of these plants add a delicate zest to many foods.

GROW FRUIT Fruit trees can be added to any sunny spot in the yard. Apples, pears, bananas, figs and persimmons are fruits that produce very well in our area with little care. Citrus are easy care as well, but some types may need more winter protection than others. Mexican limes are the least hardy, while kumquats and satsuma oranges are the most hardy, withstanding temperatures in the low 20s. The Republic of Texas Orange is a relatively new orange variety that is very hardy. All citrus impart a delicate fragrance to the garden, attract butterflies and offer screening because they are evergreen.

If space is a problem, espalier a young tree to a sunny wall. An espalier is a tree or shrub that is grown flat against a wall. Most fruit trees are sold as bare root plants in January and their pliable young branches are easily pinned to a wall.

Raspberries and blackberries are also a good choice for vertical gardening. They offer a much tastier solution to the blank wall dilemma than Confederate Star Jasmine or Fig Ivy. They will tolerate, actually prefer, some shade and after you have harvested, they display brilliant fall color. You may still be able to find fruits and berries in some nurseries, and some nurseries may have potted a few for later sale.

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e l e g a n t t re e s plants topiaries f l o ra l s botanicals ro o m a cce n t s

Offering unique custom silk creations and room accessories with on-site design consultations and delivery available.

Kumquats fill the garden with fragrance throughout summer and fall and are one of the hardiest of the citrus. © Paylessimages - Fotolia.com

PRETTY & EDIBLE You may not realize it, but some fruits of traditionally ornamental plants are edible and quite tasty.

Pineapple Guava, which displays beautiful blue-green foliage, is often used as a hedge or small tree and produces a striking bloom with petals that add a tropical taste to salads. The fruit, not a true guava, has a light tropical taste (see recipe idea at the end of the article).

Pineapple Guava will reward you with a beautiMany antique roses produce fruit ful cinnamon-colored bark and striking blueknown as hips. Pound for pound green foliage as well as delicious fruit. © they contain more vitamin C than Maksim Shebeko - Fotolia.com oranges and are great for jams and teas. Barbados Cherry blooms with a delicate pink flower almost all year and produces a small edible fruit that can brighten up a salad. Elaeagnus is a large shrub often used as background plant for its light, silver-green foliage. Its inconspicuous fall bloom fills the garden with fragrance and produces a small (almost all seed) fruit that is often used for jelly.

Some commonly used seasonal color plants have edible flowers.

They are not used so much for their flavor (at least in my opinion), but rather for dressing up your favorite dish. Pansies, violas, nasturtiums and calendula are among the cool season annuals and marigolds will take you through the summer. Among vegetable plants that we have adopted as ornamentals are Chili Pequin and Hyacinth Bean Vine. During mild winters both can serve as evergreens, but can be knocked down if an arctic express blows through. As a small shrub, the Chili Pequin is covered for most of the year with small red peppers that pack a punch for those who like it hot. The Hyacinth Bean Vine displays a profusion of orchid colored flowers producing striking purple pods that are edible when young.

These are only a few suggestions for replacing traditional ornamentals with something that could double as dinner. Give it some thought while clipping back that winter weary liriope this month and hauling it to the compost pile or when you’re calling the tree company to come cut back your crape myrtles. Otherwise, set your alarm early for Saturday morning.

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Now accepting reservations for

SUMMER RIDING CLASSES, kids ages 8 to 17!

Call 830.997.7478 for more information

May is the perfect time to evaluate the condition of your home and take action on repairs. Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs.

From the exterior to the interior spaces, keeping up on home repairs and bringing in professionals to do the heavy work will ensure that your home will live up to its greatFrom Allied Stone, red onyx with the deep burgundy veining is truly a beautiful stone that is one of a kind by nature. In this home, the stone was used on the dining table and on the adjoining bar top and backsplash.

Like New B y A M A N D A F L AT T E N

est potential.

H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T I D E A S T H AT W I L L H AV E Y O U R H O M E L O O K I N G BRAND NEW THIS SPRING L E F T : Brick and stone especially benefit from pressure washing. Š D.Ducouret Fotolia.com

ON THE OUTSIDE AFTER A F T E R : Shingles after SparkleWash power cleansing. Photos courtesy SparkleWash International B E F O R E : Mildewed shingles.

BEFORE

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POWER WASHING & GUTTER CLEANING. Sap, pollen, mildew and pollution collect on the exterior of your home, making it look dingy and, in some cases, causing costly damage. Power washing your house is a relatively simple and affordable way to protect your investment. In addition to your house, other areas that benefit from pressure washing include gutters, the driveway, sidewalks and pool decking. Professionals recommend power washing your house at least once a year. While this is something homeowners can do themselves, there are some risks involved. If you don’t have time or feel confident about power washing your house, hire a local professional, such Dallas Pressure Washing or WOW! Window & Gutter Cleaning.

AFTER

Check your fence and deck yearly for popped nails, cracks and splintered wood.

FENCE & DECK MAINTENANCE. A beautiful fence and deck can add a lot of impact to your back yard, but there is some maintenance involved to keep these materials in tip top condition. Inspect your deck yearly. If you do repairs as they come up, and clean and refinish regularly, then your deck will stand the test of time. Check for popped nails and hammer raised nail heads to below the deck surface. Make sure fasteners are secure and that railings are bolted securely. Look for cracks in the decking and splintered floor boards. Use a sander to smooth rough areas. Replace broken boards and re-attach loose boards with wood screws. Remove mildew with deck cleaning products, soapy water or oxygen bleach.

Ethan Robinson, owner of Sierra Outdoor Custom Exterior Creations, specializes in patio covers, arbors, fences, decks and outside living spaces. “Cedar is the No. 1 material used for fencing and decks,” he says. “In this economy, many people are refinishing, not replacing their fence or deck. I recommend TexSeal for refinishing and staining.”

AC CHECK UP. Before the heat of summer gets here, make sure your AC system is up to speed. Have your air conditioner checked once a year to make sure you have the right amount of refrigerant to cool your Have a professional inspect your AC unit once a year. home. Have a professional make sure the airflow through the duct system is adequate. A professional will also check the coils, which can become matted with dirt and dust and lose efficiency. Having this cleaned will increase the efficiency and lower your energy bills.

While you will want a trusted professional to check your AC unit, there are some things you can do as a homeowner. Change the air filter regularly; make sure the air conditioner is working properly before you actually need it; check air intake screens and clean as required; and check fan belts for frays, cracks or nicks, and replace as necessary.

BEFORE

A crack in your home’s brick and mortar is a sign of a foundation problem. Hargrave Custom Foundation Repair corrected this home’s foundation problem.

FOUNDATION REPAIR. Texas is famous for home foundation problems, but there are some things you can do to protect your home, according to Dan Hargrave, owner of Hargrave Custom Foundation Repair and Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter President for the Foundation Repair Association. “Apply moisture to the home’s entire foundation, and try to water it in equal amounts,” Hargrave says. “You might have to apply more water to areas that receive more sun or areas near large trees.”

Hargrave says you should water even in the winter once or twice a week and during the hot summer three to four times a week to ensure the soil is not pulling away from the foundation. Some warning signs you have a foundation problem include: cracks in the interior sheetrock, doors that don’t fit properly, sloping floors and cracks in the brick or mortar. Foundation repairs can be very costly, Hargrave says. “There’s really no average cost,” he says. “You could have a minimum of $1,000 to $50,000 in repairs.”

New cabinets, such as these by Alno, make a tired room sleek and modern. Shown is the AlnoClass line in carbon oak.

ON THE INSIDE CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS. Indoors, sprucing up your cabinets and countertops in kitchens and bathrooms can really make a statement and increase the value of your home. Tina Zhu, owner of Rockywood Stone & Cabinets, says spring is a time of year many homeowners consider getting new cabinets and countertops. “For countertops,

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like new granite is still the most popular in the kitchen, and it is affordable,” she says. “In our store, you can get granite countertops for under $2,000 because we have our own factory and there is no middle man.”

“Cabinetry also makes a big difference in a house,” Zhu says.

“Many builders install laminate cabinets that won’t last more than 8 to 10 years. Our cabinets are made of hardwood and will last more than 30 years.”

If you don’t want to completely replace cabinetry, consider refinishing what you already have.

Local companies like Cabinet Cures and Stone Creek Cabinets, can refinish, reface or do a combination of both to totally change the look of your existing cabinets.

Saturnia granite from Allied Stone adds depth to the countertops in this amazing kitchen.

PAINTING & MOLDINGS. Almost every homeowner has experimented with color, which can dramatically change the feel of any room. Painting can be a doit-yourself project, but the professionals know all the tricks of the trade, plus they can complete the job in a fraction of the time. Even if you want to go it alone for painting, consider hiring an expert to install moldings to ensure it’s done right the first time. Moldings can take the interior of your home to the next level, adding a touch of elegance. Companies like Millwork & More can add beautifully crafted moldings to any room in your home, as well as custom made doors and fireplace mantles.

It might seem that home repairs and spring projects are never ending, but if you put a little time into the upkeep of your interior and exterior spaces, the payoff is big, and you will have even more pride in your home.

Rich hardwood flooring, like this from PTI Hardwood Flooring, can transform any room in your home and add value at resale.

FLOORING. Another way to make a major difference in your home is to replace or refinish flooring. If your hardwoods are looking a little tired, refinishing is the way to go.

Affordable flooring options, including everything from tile, hardwoods and laminate to exotic woods and carpets are available at Kingdom Flooring and PTI Hardwood.

Painting your home can completely change the feel of any room. Bright blues and greens from Sherwin-Williams’ Techno Color paint collection liven up this bedroom, giving it a fresh, modern look.

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In this kitchen, Sherwin-Williams’s Global Tapestry paint collection was used to add a rich warm color to the wall and a dramatic pop of color to the island.

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Leave It to the Pros B y A M A N D A F L AT T E N

With so many do-it-yourself shows on television these days, you can’t help but dream of the in-home projects that will make your house even better. If they can renovate a bathroom in a weekend on TV — and it looks pretty

Adding a outdoor entertaining area can enhance your entire home. This relaxing backyard space was created by Capital Improvements. Photo by Ken Vaughan

OPPOSITE: This master bath in McKinney, built by Capital Improvements, includes heated floors beneath travertine tiles, a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a relaxing tub. Capital Improvements won a 2009 NARI National Coty Award for this unique project. Photo by Ken Vaughan

DON’T GET IN OVER YOUR HEAD — CALLING A PROFESSIONAL REMODELER C A N S AV E T I M E A N D M O N E Y What seems too good to be true, almost always is, and that is a hard lesson for even the handiest of homeowners to learn. So how do you know what projects you can handle yourself and when you should call in a professional?

Paul Zuch, owner of Capital Improvements and president-elect of the National Association of Remodelers Inc., says before tackling home improvement projects, consider what skill level and experience you have. “Also, ask yourself what your time is worth,” he says. “Skilled laborers might be able to do in a few hours what it would take you all weekend to complete.”

simple — then why shouldn’t you tackle the same type of project? And you would be saving so much money by not hiring a contractor, right?

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DIY: PROCEED WITH CAUTION While it’s best to leave the big jobs to professionals, skilled homeowners can try to take on a few in-home projects on their own. But even some of the seemingly simple tasks might require a professional.

Painting is something most homeowners can do, but Rob Jackson, owner of Servant Remodeling and president of NARI Greater Dallas, says to be successful, walls must be pre-

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Think outside the box when it comes to using your space. Servant Remodeling helped these homeowners completely reconfigure the first floor and create a unique space for fun and games.

pared properly before hand. “Painting and installing trim can be more complicated,” he adds.

Changing out hardware is another thing homeowners can do to dramatically change the look of their cabinetry.

Tearing down wallpaper can be tricky, according to Zuch. “Many homeowners want to save by stripping wallpaper themselves, but often they damage the paper on the sheetrock, which can be three times as hard to repair,” Zuch says.

Flooring and tiling are also areas that can be tackled by homeowners, but the professionals know all the tricks and pay attention to details. “You have to look at the time you put in, the price of renting tools and the attention to detail that professionals can offer a project,” says Jackson. “You might get a lot of satisfaction from doing something yourself, but often homeowners end up spending just as much or more money in the end.”

When it comes to large-scale remodeling, such as a kitchen makeover, Zuch says often homeowners will try to do the demo themselves to save a little money, but it can be a costly mistake.

“Common mistakes are taking out a structural wall or tearing into a wall with electrical wiring the owner was not aware of,” Jackson says.

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IN OVER YOUR HEAD Before you find yourself in the middle of a home project gone wrong, consider hiring a trustworthy contractor, which often means not choosing the contractor with the lowest bid. “Homeowners really need to do their due diligence and hire a qualified contractor,” Zuch says.

Unfortunately, some homeowners learn a hard lesson by choosing a less experienced contractor who will charge less for work. “We have a client that used us on a remodeling project, loved the work and even referred us to their neighbors,” Zuch recalls. “A few years later, when that same homeowner wanted to do an outdoor living area, they hired a company that had a less expensive bid. One year later, the homeowners aren’t happy with the design and have asked us to redo the project.”

Sadly, the other company cut many corners on this family’s outdoor living space. Capital Improvements had to tear down a majority of the work and start over again. “We see this kind of thing time and again, especially in times like these when homeowners are watching their budget and want a good value, but some end up making poor choices and it costs more in the long run,” Zuch says.

It’s important for homeowners to do their homework before hiring a contractor.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT RESOURCES ALLIED STONE 1520 Selene Dr. #106 Carrollton 972.242.9977 www.alliedstoneinc.com ARROWHEAD STAIRS & TRIM 2425 Parker Rd. Carrollton 972.394.9009 www.arrowheadstairs.com CABINET CURES 610 Presidential Dr., Ste. 100 Richardson 972.693.5422 www.cabinetcures.com CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS 214.495.7200 www.cimprovements.com CLEARCHOICE WINDOWS 817.478.1118 www.clearchoice-arlingtontx.com DALLAS PRESSURE WASHING 972.896.9340 www.dallaspressurewashing.com EURO BUILDERS & REMODELERS INC. 972.470.0303 www.eurobuilders.biz

Adding a sunroom opens up your living spaceto the outdoors.

1. Check out a contractor’s professional affiliations. “See if they are a member of NARI, check with the Better Business Bureau, see how long they’ve been in business and check their record,” Jackson says.

“Associations like NARI have a code of ethics its members must follow.

NARI also offers continuing education for contractors.”

2. Check with the Texas Residential Construction Commission. “See if any complaints have been filed against a company and how many projects they have registered with the state,” Jackson says. “If they haven’t registered many, that is a warning sign.”

3. Interview two or three contractors. “Look at several contractors, see what their ideas are, find out if their personality will mesh with yours and find out how well they communicate,” Zuch says.

4. Does the company have a business address? “It’s important for a company to have a location or showroom and not just a P.O. Box,” Jackson says. “This holds them accountable and means they aren’t a fly-by-night company and can’t just walk away from a project.”

While there are some projects homeowners can tackle themselves, it’s not always easy. Hiring an experienced, reputable contractor can save you a lot of frustration and money in the long run, and you’ll be left with the space you always wanted in half the time it would take you to do it yourself.

HARGRAVE CUSTOM FOUNDATION REPAIR 972.442.5000 www.hargravefoundation.com INFINITY GRANITE & MARBLE DESIGN 214.416.1308 www.marblegranitedesign.com KINGDOM FLOORING 4801 W. Park Blvd. #448 Plano 972.612.8700 www.kingdomfloors.com LONGHORN WOOD CARE 214.938.9663 www.woodcare.us NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REMODELERS INC. GREATER DALLAS 214.943.6274 www.naridallas.org

MILLWORK & MORE 972.278.7901 www.millworkmore.com PERMAGLAZE 972.323.8375 www.permaglazenorthdallas.com PTI HARDWOOD FLOORING 1101 Ohio Dr. #108 Plano 214.778.2462 www.ptihardwoods.com REVIVAL CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING 972.420.4222 www.revivalfinishing.com ROCKYWOOD STONE & CABINETS 9272 LBJ Frwy.

972.235.5888 www.rockywoodsnc.com SERVANT REMODELING 11550 Plano Rd., Ste. 126 Dallas 214.343.1161 www.servantremodeling.com SIERRA OUTDOOR CUSTOM EXTERIOR CREATIONS 972.768.8717 www.sierraoutdoor.net TEXSEAL EXTERIOR WOOD STAINING AND RESTORATION 972.880.4398 www.texseal.com VANGUARD CONSTRUCTION CO. 972.243.7198 www.vanguarddallas.com THE VIKING CRAFTSMAN 972.816.7161 www.thevikingcraftsman.com WATERMARK ARCHITECTS 214.880.1700 www.archbuildsolutions.com WOW! WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING 214.536.4081 www.wowwindowcleaning.com

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Starting Your Remodel SELECTING A COURSE OF

Depending on your own needs and the size and complexity of your intended remodeling project, there are several different options for you to explore in attempting to crystallize your ideas. In order that you best achieve your objective, you should attempt to define which of the following alternatives represents the best approach for your project.

ACTION, CHOOSING THE

OPTION 1: ARCHITECT/DESIGNER

MAKE YOUR REMODELING DREAM A REALITY BY

RIGHT CONTRACTOR AND PUTTING IT ALL IN WRITING.

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Major remodeling projects require construction drawings for the purposes of defining a contract and procurement of permits. In cases where your professional remodeler does not provide design services, you might wish to seek the assistance of a professionally trained architect. It is best to work with a designer experienced with remodeling The decision to involve a designer in your remodeling plans does not always pertain to a certain price or size of job. Your own needs, desires and ability to verbalize and visualize what it is you want will determine whether or not you need an architect.

An architect can assist you by recommending a competent general contractor, evaluating contract proposals for your job and inspecting the progress of your job for compliance with building codes and job specifications.

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OPTION 2: CONTRACTOR Many home improvements such as porch construction, roofing, siding and window replacement may not require professional design services and can best be handled by the experienced contractor whose knowledge of materials and methods has been gained by years on the job.

Be sure to deal with a professional. Even small jobs need careful planning and attention to details. A reputable remodeling contractor will not give you a sketchy proposal hastily drawn on the back of an envelope.

OPTION 3: THE DESIGN/BUILD CONTRACTOR Design/build is a concept developed to benefit the remodeling homeowner by providing both quality design and construction services within the same general contracting company. A design/build contractor knows his job costs, so throughout the design process, the project is being engineered to fit your budget and needs. Developing clear specifications, and precise, responsible design are crucial aspects of the entire process. When you contract with a professional design/build firm, you become part of a team whose goal is to design and construct a project that will fit your needs.

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SELECTING A REMODELER Start your home improvement project by selecting a professional, reliable remodeling contractor. By checking off these basic guidelines, you will make the selection process easier and you will be more prepared to make an informed decision. __ Employ a contractor with an established business in your local area. Local firms can be checked through past customers. As tax-paying members of your local community, they are compelled to perform satisfactory work for local homeowners in order for their business to survive. Always be sure that you do business with a company properly licensed to work in your area. __ Look for a local member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Also, check the remodeling contractor with the local Office of Consumer Affairs to see if there is an adverse record or file. __ Ask for local homeowner references. Call the references and ask if they were satisfied with all aspects of the contractor’s performance. Ask to see the finished projects. __ When interviewing the contractors for your project, do not blindly accept the lowest estimate. Ask the contractor why his price is higher or lower than another. Are all contractors planning to build the same project? Have all the contractors considered all the details necessary for your project’s success? Often times, a higher price may be worth the cost of better materials and service.

Your remodeling dollars spent represent a permanent investment in the home. __ Choose a company with which you feel at ease and one that is well-matched to the scope and complexity of your particular project.

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PUT IT IN WRITING Once you choose your contractor, a well-written contract is essential and should include the following: • Detail what the contractor will and won't do, such as protection of your household goods surrounding the job site and daily clean-up upon completion of the job.

• Specify all materials. Your contractor should detail a list of all materials for the project in your contract. This includes size, color, weight, model, brand name, quantity and product.

• Understand the financial terms. Make sure that the terms are spelled out in the contract. The total price, payment schedule and cancellation policy (if there is one) should be clear.

• Warranties should be in writing. Make sure any warranties offered are written into the contract. A warranty must be identified as either “full” or “limited.” If it is a full warranty, all faulty products must be repaired, replaced or your money returned. If it is a limited warranty, this indicates all replacements and refunds of damaged products are limited in some regard. The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor or manufacturer) must be identified. Make sure the time period is clearly specified for which the warranty is offered.

• Be sure that your contract with a professional remodeler spells out any code or permit restrictions, as well as any fees involved in the work on your home.

• Think carefully before you sign a contract. If it is incomplete, don’t sign it. Do you understand everything? Do you have a copy? Read the contract again. If an item you want isn’t written in the contract, you probably won’t get it. Know all of the facts before you spend your hard-earned money.

(Source: NARI Greater Dallas)

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green house

By JEFFREY JACOBY

Blue Gold The new oil. Blue gold. These are the names that conservation and planning experts, environmental advocates, political pundits and international affairs scholars, not to mention enterprising stockbrokers and venture capitalists, have bestowed upon our most precious, life-giving resource: fresh water. Many environmental security analysts along with my best

While no one expects you to negotiate a peace deal in Africa or trade in

friend Drake—a military veteran currently living in D.C. who served

percent of its water outdoors on yards and landscaping. Worse, house-

and later studied in the Middle East as an international affairs brainiac

holds waste about half of this outdoor water due to runoff or evapora-

from George Washington University—predict growing international and

tion. However, you can save literally hundreds of thousands of gallons

internecine strife over access to the world’s clean water resources. Not

by using native or drought-tolerant plants that have adapted to the

unlike the many conflicts that revolved around petroleum reserves in the

unpredictable Texas climate. Xeriscaping, also known as SmartScaping in

20th century, blue gold could very well be at the center of 21st century

some circles, is the art and science of creating landscapes that preserve

guerres du jour. Or, as Mark Twain allegedly quipped, “Whiskey’s for

water and protect the natural environment through a little planning, a

drinkin’, water’s for fightin’ over.” In Texas, we’re already seeing a version

little research and, best of all, very little effort. The core concept of a

of this drama play out in the debate over constructing new reservoirs in

Xeriscape (from Greek xeros, meaning “dry”) is harmonizing your land-

eastern parts of the state to slake the thirst of a rapidly expanding

scape with the quirks and peccadilloes of the local environs. In doing so,

Metroplex. Neither side is wrong. Both sides may lose. When it comes

you avoid the need for additional watering—even in the sweltering

to water, the stakes are high.

Texas summer—as well as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Even bet-

your golf clubs for picket signs, you can help preserve our blue gold for years to come. Here’s how.

XERISCAPES: CLOSER TO H2ZERO According to the U.S. EPA, the average family home uses about thirty

ter, your xeriscape doesn’t have to look like the Mojave Desert either.

Blame it on global climate change, mansions with two-acre lawns or

Beautiful blooms, gargantuan trees, luxurious grasses and vibrant shrubs

water-hogging golf courses in the middle of deserts ranging from

with colorful flowers are all native to Texas. You can find a wealth of

Arizona to Dubai; whatever the case, we citizens of the world absolutely

resources on xeriscaping and native plants at www.txsmartscape.com.

must take steps now to preserve and conserve our local water supplies.

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Replacing water hungry non-native plants with native, drought tolerant plants will allow you to save thousands of gallons of water per year.

RETROFIT FOR WATER WISDOM If every American home retrofitted existing appliances, toilets and

dane as brushing your teeth or having a shave. Coincidentally,

fixtures with water efficient models, we could conserve over three

they’re also a great place to start exercising your water wisdom: sim-

trillion gallons annually and save approximately $18 billion on our

ply turning off the faucet when brushing or shaving can make a big

water and sewer bills. The EPA’s WaterSense label is a good place to

impact. So can taking showers rather than baths and washing only

start: look for toilets that use twenty percent less per flush, faucet

full loads of laundry or dishes. Speaking of dishes, why rinse when

aerators that are thirty percent more efficient, washing machines

you can just scrape the food (into the compost bin!) before placing

that use the same amount of water for twice the load, dishwashers

in the dishwasher. When it comes to your drinking water, there’s no

that use a third less than conventional models, showerheads that

need to wait for the faucet to run cool; just use the fridge instead.

distribute their spray patterns and pressure more effectively to save

Do the same to thaw frozen foods. Wash fruits and vegetables in a

an average household 2,300 gallons a year. If you’re in the market

basin rather than under a running faucet. For the handyman or

for a new water heater, a number of models work to bring you hot-

woman in the family, make sure toilets and fixtures don’t leak and,

ter water faster (some even use solar power!) so you waste less

when they do, fix the leak as soon as possible. Outside the house,

water—and energy—waiting for the hot water to flow. Even swim-

water early in the morning and, when you do, aim your sprinklers

ming pools are getting in on the water efficiency act with greener

to water the plant life rather than the concrete. Install moisture sen-

filters. It’s simple: smarter appliances and fixtures lead to wiser

sors if your system doesn’t already have them. Oh, and, please

water use. Find out more at Consumer Reports’ www.greenerchoic-

(please, please) don’t hose down the driveway—after all, blue gold is

es.org or at www.epa.gov/watersense/products.

far too precious to merely serve as a pressurized liquid broom.

IT REALLY IS THE LITTLE THINGS…

Jeffrey Jacoby is program director for Texas Campaign for the Environment, a

Conserving water resources doesn’t have to be a major investment.

grassroots nonprofit working locally and statewide to press for sustainable waste

In fact, you can use less water by changing everyday habits as mun

and recycling policies. Call 214.599.7840 or visit www.texasenvironment.org.

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quickpix

Lights Fantastic

By HARVEY MARKS

TODAY’S CHANDELIERS CAST THEIR MAGICAL GLOW IN EVERY ROOM OF THE HOUSE

The Cellula Chandelier by Nunzia Carbone and Tiziano Vudafieri in tandem with Swarovski distills the concept of a chandelier down to a single queue of exquisitely cut Swarovski crystal pendants. The crystals can be arranged as desired simply by shifting them from groove to groove along the aluminum rod. About $2,490 from Design Within Reach.

Water Gardens Galore Pond & Fountain Supplies 2530 Butler Street Dallas, TX 75235 • 214.956.7382

www.wggalore.com

the gallery ADVERTISE HERE FOR AS LITTLE AS $90 Call 972.395.3419 to find out more.

GUN SAFES Large Selection - Expert Installation

Multi-purpose Safes For Your Home and Business

Discounted Pricing Showroom

The Safe Company 614 Easy St., Garland, Tx. 75042

972-272-9788 • www.agunsafe.com

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Dress up your bathroom with a Kirov crystal chandelier by Schonbek. About $2,400.

Glass candle sleeves shaped in bamboo-inspired flutes house nine lights in this Italian-design 24-carat-gold chandelier by James R. Moder Crystal Chandelier Inc. About $1,100 in gold or silver.

resources DESIGN WITHIN REACH 4524 McKinney Ave., Ste. 103 Dallas 214.521.0100 www.dwr.com EXPO DESIGN CENTER Galleria 13900 Dallas Parkway Dallas 972.934.2900 www.expo.com JAMES R. MODER CRYSTAL Chandelier Inc. World Trade Center 2050 Stemmons Freeway Dallas 800.663.1232 www.jamesrmoder.com THE LIGHTING DOMAIN 190 E. Stacy Road, Suite 1334 The Village at Allen 972.678.4527 LIGHTS FANTASTIC 4645 Greenville Ave., Dallas 214.369.1101 www.lightsfantastic.com MELETIO LIGHTING & ELECTRIC Multiple Dallas locations 214.352.3900 www.meletio.com

The Mademoiselle by Terzani in hand-hammered nickel with Plexiglas pendants. About $3,740.

M & M LIGHTING INC. 2620 Nova Dr. #B, Dallas 972.243.0611 www.mmlighting.com PARK ROW LIGHTING 1500 E. I-20, Arlington 817.461.7111 www.parkrowlighting.com TERZANI ww.terzani.com

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House & Home Delivers

A monthly circulation of 50,000 copies is distributed throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area: HIGH-TRAFFIC LOCATIONS such as select Calloway’s Nursery, Tom Thumb, Central Market, New Flower Market, Borders and Sam’s Club MORE THAN 1,000 OTHER LOCATIONS including restaurants, book stores and hardware stores VIRTUAL MAGAZINE e-mailed to members of professional organizations such as ASID, NARI, Custom Home Builders and virtual magazine subscribers.

To learm more about how to reach our targeted audience, call 972.395.3419