Lake Tahoe Home // February/March 2017 by SNMG Interactive

R EAL ESTATE & MOUNTAIN LIFEST YLES | FEB RUARY/MARCH 2017

inside

SUSTAINABLE HOME OPTIONS

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FUN WITH FIREPLACES

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MARKET REPORT

SP R IN G I N TO S T YLE

As the spring season nears, there are plenty of new colors, trends and ideas to play around with inside your mountain home

Y RR HU IN!

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On purchases with your Ashley Advantage™ credit card. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months. Minimum m onthly payments required. See store for details.

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*Ashley HomeStore does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase if the purchase is made with your Ashley Advantage™ Credit Card. Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay the promo purchase amount in full within 20 or 24 Months. If you do not, interest will be assessed on the promo purchase from the purchase date. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases and, after promotion ends, to promotional balance. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. ‡Monthly payment shown is equal to the purchase price, excluding taxes and delivery, divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded to the next highest whole dollar, and only applies to the selected financing option shown. If you make your payments by the due date each month, the monthly payment shown should allow you to pay off this purchase within the promo period if this balance is the only balance on your account during the promo period. If you have other balances on your account, this monthly payment will be added to the minimum payment applicable to those balances. §See store for details. ‡‡Previous purchases excluded. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Discount offers exclude Tempur-Pedic®, Stearns & Foster®, Sealy Optimum™ and Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid™ mattress sets, floor models, clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery fee, Manager’s Special pricing, Advertised Special pricing, and 14 Piece Packages and cannot be combined with financing specials. Effective 12/30/15, all mattress and box springs are subject to an $11 per unit CA recycling fee. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. Stoneledge Furniture LLC. many times has multiple offers, promotions, discounts and financing specials occurring at the same time; these are allowed to only be used either/or and not both or combined with each other. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price and/or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors. Picture may not represent item exactly as shown, advertised items may not be on display at all locations. Some restrictions may apply. Available only at participating locations. †DURABLEND® upholstery products feature a seating area made up of a combination of Polyurethane and/or PVC, Polycotton, and at least 17% Leather Shavings with a skillfully matched combination of Polycotton and Polyurethane and/or PVC everywhere e lse. **Leather Match upholstery features top-grain leather in the seating areas and skillfully matched vinyl everywhere e lse. Ashley HomeStores are independently owned and operated. ©2017 Ashley HomeStores, Ltd.

VOLUME 2, NO. 1 Managing Editor KEVIN S. MACMILLAN Contributing Editor RYAN HOFFMAN Design Team Manager AFTON POSPISILOVA Art Direction & Design MALISA SAMSEL Contributing Writers KAYLA ANDERSON KRISTEN FENCL AUTUMN WHITNEY Contributing Photographers KAYLA ANDERSON MAT THEW BOLT VANCE FOX JESSIE MARCHESSEAU

Swift Communications Resort Operations GM JIM MORGAN Tahoe Daily Tribune/ Lake Tahoe Action Publisher ROB GALLOWAY

16 4 YEAR IN REVIEW The Tahoe-area real estate market saw solid gains in 2016

6 BATHROOM BASICS

Try out some fun ideas to keep your powder room at the forefront

8 FIRE AND NICE

The options are endless when choosing the right fireplace for your home

10 FIVE QUESTIONS With Cory Hannaford of Sierra Sustainable Builders in South Lake Tahoe

This home at 12909 Timber Ridge Court in Truckee was designed by Kristi Thompson of MWA Architecture in Truckee, and constructed by Truckee-based Heller Construction. photo: vance fox / vancefox.com

12 COVER FEATURE Tahoe interior design experts reveal their top trends for spring 2017

16 SUSTAINABLE SIERRA

We look at a real-life example of top-of-theline green design

Sierra Sun/North Lake Tahoe Bonanza Co-GM BEN ROGERS

WELCOME Advertising Executives ERIC ANDERSEN AARON BRYSON MICHELLE GEARY SUSAN KOKENGE CAROLAN LACROIX

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME IDEAS

Distribution CARLA MCKEE

12 O N T H E C OV E R TAHOEDAILYTRIBUNE.COM SIERRASUN.COM

Lake Tahoe Home is a product of the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Sierra Sun and North Lake Tahoe Bonanza. All content is copyrighted, February 2017. Lake Tahoe Home strives for accuracy and is not responsible if certain information changes after publication. Unless otherwise indicated, all photography in this magazine is property of Swift Communications, the parent company of Colorado Mountain News Media, Sierra Nevada Media Group and Lake Tahoe Home.

Neutral colors such as varying tones of grey are expected to be popular this spring at Lake Tahoe as seen in this home designed by Revive Interior Design. Contributed photo: Jessie Marchesseau

onday, March 20, 2017, technically marks the first day of spring this year — but I say “technically” because anyone who lives in or visits Truckee-Tahoe knows we do spring a bit differently here than the rest of America. Spring to us means bluebird days on our expertly groomed downhill slopes, and considering the Tahoe-Truckee region saw anywhere between 18 and 25 feet (yes, feet!) of snow fall this January, this year figures to offer some of the best spring skiing we’ve seen in awhile. But it’s not all about snow, of course. The timeframe of late February through Memorial Day provides a perfect opportunity for not only spring cleaning inside your mountain home, but also for spring planning. Whether you’re looking for fun and practical upgrade ideas to your bathroom (Page 6), tips from the experts on the best colors, patterns and materials to take advantage of this spring (Page 12), or ideas on how to make your mountain home as green and efficient as possible (Page 16), this spring 2017 edition of Lake Tahoe Home has you covered. So, if you’re caught in the rare moment when you’re not outside having fun this spring, take a look inside your home and embrace the opportunities in front of you. Kevin S. MacMillan is managing editor of Lake Tahoe Home. Have any feedback or ideas about content and advertising? Email him at kmacmillan@sierrasun.com, or engage with him on Twitter or Instagram @Kevin1MacMillan.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 | LAKE TAHOE HOME

The below statistics compare all MLS sales year over year, from January 1 through December 30, for 2015 and 2016, according to reports compiled by both Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty and Tahoe Luxury Properties.

SINGLE-FAMILY LAKEFRONT HOMES ON CALIFORNIA’S NORTH AND WEST SHORES (TO RUBICON BAY) AND IN NEVADA’S INCLINE VILLAGE AND CRYSTAL BAY:

NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD (33% decrease from 2015)

$5.288

MILLION MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD (39% increase from 2015)

ALL SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES ON CALIFORNIA’S NORTH AND WEST SHORES, AND IN TRUCKEE, DONNER LAKE, NORTHSTAR, OLYMPIC VALLEY AND ALPINE MEADOWS:

1,094

NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD (10% increase from 2015)

$620,000

MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD (11% increase from 2015)

ALL SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN NEVADA ON THE NORTH SHORE IN INCLINE VILLAGE AND CRYSTAL BAY:

216

NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD (51% increase from 2015)

$1.083

MILLION MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD (14% increase from 2015)

SINGLE-FAMILY LAKEFRONT HOMES IN CALIFORNIA’S SOUTH LAKE TAHOE:

NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD (4 were sold in 2015)

$1.735

MILLION MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD ($3.250 million was median in 2015)

ALL SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN CALIFORNIA’S SOUTH LAKE TAHOE:

732

NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD (15% increase from 2015)

$415,000

MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD (12% increase from 2015)

MLS INFORMATION IS DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT NOT GUARANTEED; ABOVE STATISTICS REPRESENT ONLY A SAMPLING OF SOME TAHOE-TRUCKEE MARKETS.

LAKE TAHOE HOME | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

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INSIDE HOME

POWDER TO THE PEOPLE Treat your mountain home’s powder room with the respect it deserves by KRISTEN FENCL

alled all kinds of

names — hall bathroom, powder room, guest bath, half bath, little’s girl’s or boy’s room — it’s probably the smallest room in your home. And, all too often, it’s the most blandly decorated room in our home. And worse still, it’s probably the room most often frequented by your guests. So, why not let your imagination and creativity flow into overtime? Make a bold statement in the room. Work on creating a focal

LAKE TAHOE HOME | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

point. It’s not uncommon for these small rooms to have no window, and let’s face it, there’s not much beautiful about a toilet and vanity. Here are a few ideas you might want to incorporate when considering giving this room a complete makeover. 1. Start with the vanity: Replacing a plain laminate top with a beautiful granite surface might be just the ticket. Or, how about considering some of the handsome furniture pieces that are not only graciously designed

but fully functional as well. They are totally designed to give a small powder room a fabulous focal point. 2. Use dramatic wallpaper: It could certainly reduce the boxy feeling these small rooms are typically known for. Think about selecting something exciting and spectacular. Today’s faux finish wall coverings come complete with embedded jewels and crystals. Just think of the drama you can create. 3. Your flooring: How about replacing that vinyl with a new

tile floor. Even a multi-patterned area rug might add just the right touch to this oft-used space. So how about it? Get up right now and go and look in your powder room. Could it use a little makeover — or a large redo? If so, contact a remodeling expert to help you create a room your guests will be unable to stop raving about. Bathroom Basics Is your bathroom boring or minuscule? Don’t despair — colors and patterns can give a lift

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS: DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

Have fun and take chances with your bathroom − think shower and sheek, not dull and boring.

and fool the eye into seeing a larger space. Remember, it’s not the amount of space, but what you do with it that counts. The first step in decorating and or remodeling your bathroom is selecting the theme or mood you want to portray. Once you’ve decided, then the creativity begins. If you want to “open up” your bathroom, select a color scheme that is light — pale colors tend to recede and will visually expand the room. To achieve a sense of the dramatic, you may want to select rich, vibrant colors instead. Deeper colors appear to advance and the room will appear cozier. Window treatments for bathrooms generally are required to supply function and beauty — privacy is a must. Pleated shades, vertical, cellular shades, silhouettes would all fit the privacy ticket.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kristen Fencl is an award winning professional interior decorator and owner of the Decorating Den Interiors located in Incline Village. Visit www.decdens.com/ kristenf to learn more.

All are resistant to moisture and can supply complete privacy. There are many fabric treatments to enhance your bath’s décor. Coordinating fabrics can even be used as shower curtains to complete the look. So, what are you waiting for? If your bathroom is ho hum, wake it up with color and fabric — and who knows, maybe it will help you wake up in the morning too!

A look inside a powder room at an Incline Village home shows the fun potential that awaits you.

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INSIDE HOME

FIREPLACE FUN From new-age to old-school, there’s a lot to be learned from choosing the right fireplace by KAYLA ANDERSON

person to live in the mountains, where the temperatures tend to be a bit cooler and there’s always the chance that a big winter storm rolls through and you get snowed in. However, living in Lake Tahoe also gives you a chance to show off your fireplace during those long skiing weekends and keep the house cozy when it’s cold outside. A fireplace is part of the home, part of a family, and there are a lot of unique and original options on the market for your Tahoe home. Tom Just, owner of Mountain Home Center in Truckee, says that home-buyers do not hinge their purchasing decisions on energyefficient fireplaces. Although some of the most efficient fireplaces are gas stoves with glass fronts, most people want a grand-rock-adorned, mountain-esque looking fireplace. However, Mountain Home Center sells all sorts of heat sources, from fireplaces encased in pyro-ceramic glass, convection/ sand system stoves, high efficient burner and log sets, and more. “It’s all over between open burning, inefficient fireplaces to high-efficiency inserts. People have free-standing gas stoves; there’s a full gamut here,” says Just. The most high-efficient fireplace systems are gas stoves with glass in front of the flame/heat output. “Part of the efficiency is it’s pulling in outside air for combustion through a direct vent, as opposed to pulling air and taking out through the chimney,” Just says. Just notices that newer homes like the ones at Martis Camp don’t really have wood burning stoves; they’ve switched over to gas. “You either love burning wood or you hate it, and it depends if you want a great-looking unit that’s efficient or not,” he adds.

LAKE TAHOE HOME | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

A top-selling FPX gas fireplace is on display at Mountain Home Center in Truckee.

As far as how often a fireplace needs to be inspected, it all depends on what you have and how often you use it. “Lawyers recommend an annual inspection and service, but the reality is that most gas fireplaces go 5-10 years without being serviced,” says Just. “Preventative maintenance is what keeps it working longer. If you neglect a wood-burning fireplace, it will either quit working or cause chimney fires, so maintenance on that is a must.” ‘Burning Wood is a Lifestyle’ Nick Deiro, owner of Maranatha Chimney Sweep in Truckee, adds that for wood-burning fireplaces, there are many different opinions about when to get them inspected, but personally, he thinks it depends on how often you use them.

“Wood burns at low temperatures, but wet or green wood can create a lot of smoke, which leaves residue on the walls of the chimney. That’s what creates a chimney fire,” says Deiro. “Burning a good hot fire is best for keeping it clean.” When installing a fireplace, the first thing you want to ask yourself is what you want to accomplish. Do you want to burn wood as a heat source or do you want to burn conveniently with gas? What do you currently have and what do you want? Just also says that it depends on your budget — after all, a new gas/wood insert can be installed for around $4,000-$6,000, and a building permit to go along with it costs $100-$200. Similarly, whereas gas fireplaces tend to be more efficient and

The Options are Endless There are a lot of different types of fireplaces on the market, including the Dimplex electric stove with opti-myst burners (which is like a small heater/ humidifier in one), and the aquarium-looking DaVinci, where instead of looking at fish, you are peering at gas-burning logs emitting pretty flames. At Mountain Home Center, fireplace specialist Price Samuel says some of the top sellers include the FPX 564 HO gas fireplace, the 4415 Linear and the FPX 44 Elite Wood. “The FPX 564 HO gas fireplace is perfect for a 1,500-square foot home because it’s at a good price, quality and heat output. They are easy to work on, get parts, and are well-tested at high elevations,” says Samuel. “The 4415 Linear is efficient and you really feel the heat. Ideal for a modern, contemporary home, this gas model comes with a driftwood log set and clean ledgestone fire back.” The FPX Elite Wood features grandiose rock framing. The maker of it, Fireplace Xtrordinair,

PHOTOS: KAYLA ANDERSON

low maintenance, there are some people who just love burning wood. “Burning wood is a lifestyle, it’s a lot of work. It’s time-consuming and a process,” says Just. Deiro, who’s been in business for 25 years, has personally swept over 100,000 chimneys in his career. “I see lots of wood stoves and fireplaces and some gas-converted stoves. People heat with wood because natural gas used to be so expensive,” says Deiro. “In the ‘80s, a lot of people would burn 10 cords of wood a season.” He adds that wood stoves project a lot more heat, but it’s a different kind than what comes out of a fireplace or gas stove.

t takes a special kind of

IXED RFATE IXED RFFATE IXED RATE FIXED FRFIXED ATE RRATE RATE FFIXED IXED LOANS LOANSLOANS L OANS IXED RATE ATE

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PURCHASE • REFINANCE PURCHASE • REFINANCE PURCHASE • REFINANCE TERM RATE APR TERM RATE APR PURCHASE • REFINANCE PURCHASE • REFINANCE PURCHASE • REFINANCE TERM RATE APR TERM RATE APR PURCHASE • REFINANCE YR 3.125 3.64 10APR 10YR 3.125TERM3.64 RATE APR PURCHASE • REFINANCE TERM RATE 120 Monthly Payments of $9.71 120 Monthly Payments of $9.71 YR TERM RATE TERM RATE APRperAPR $1,000 Borrowed per $1,000 Borrowed YR PURCHASE • REFINANCE

3.125 3.64 10 3.125 10 3.64 TERM RATE APR YR 3.125 10 3.64 YR 3.125 3.64 10 YR 3.250 3.61 YR 15 3.250 YR YR 3.125 15 3.16 10 3.61 2.750 10 3.64 YR 3.125 3.64 10 YR 3.250 3.61 15YR 3.250 15 3.61 the El Dorado Advantage: Check the El Dorado 15YR 3.250 Check 3.61 YR 3.250 3.61 15Advantage: YR ✔ No Application Fee ✔ No Application Fee 15 3.250 3.61 3.16 15 YR 2.875 YR 3.250 3.61 15 ✔ No Prepayment Penalty 120 Monthly Payments of $9.71 120 Monthly Payments of $9.71 per $1,000 Borrowed per $1,000 Borrowed 120 Monthly Payments of $9.71 120 Monthly Payments of $9.71 180 Monthly Payments of $7.03 180 Monthly Payments of $7.03 per $1,000 Borrowed per $1,000 Borrowed Monthly Payments of $9.71per $1,000 Borrowed 120 Monthly Payments of 120 $9.54 per $1,000 Borrowed per $1,000 Borrowed per $1,000 Borrowed 120 Monthly Payments of $9.71 180 Monthly Payments of $7.03 per $1,000 Borrowed 180 Monthly Payments of $7.03 per $1,000 Borrowed per $1,000 Borrowed 180 Monthly Payments of $7.03 180 Monthly Payments of $7.03 per $1,000 Borrowed Borrowed 180 Monthly Payments of $7.03 ✔ No Prepayment Penaltyper180$1,000 Monthly Payments of $6.85 per $1,000 Borrowed per $1,000 Borrowed 180 Monthly Payments of✔$7.03 Local Processing and Servicing ✔ Local Processing and Servicing Application Fee per $1,000 Borrowed ✔ No Application Fee ✔ No

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TOP 3 TIPS Tom Just of Mountain Home Center in Truckee offers these top 3 recommendations for someone who doesn’t know much about fireplaces:

Local Processing and Servicing

✔ NoProcessing Prepayment Penalty ✔ Local andServing Servicing our local communities Serving our local communities ✔ Local Processing and Servicing ✔ NoProcessing Prepayment for over 54 years for over 54 years ✔ Local andPenalty Servicing ✔ Local Processing and Servicing

TAHOE CITY TAHOE CITY 740 North Lake Blvd. 740 North Lake Blvd. Serving our for local communities Serving local communities over 59 years 583-3718 583-3718 Serving ourour local communities

1: Determine if you want gas or wood burning, and whether or not efficiency is important.

for over 54 years

for over 54 years Se Habla Espanol Se Habla Espanol Serving our local communities Serving our local communities 800-874-9779TAHOE CITY | 740 North Lake Blvd. 583-3718800-874-9779 for over 54| years our local communities for over 54 yearsServing TAHOE CITY TAHOE CITY Serving local forour over 54communities years 740 North Lake Blvd. 740TAHOE North Lake Blvd. for over 54 years TAHOE CITY CITY

Maximum loan $417,000.00, primary or vacation Maximum loan $417,000.00, primary or vacation residence. 20% minimum cash down payment Se Habla Espanol | 800-874-9779residence. 20% minimum cash down payment on purchase. 25% equity required on refinance. on purchase. 25% equity required on refinance. Other loans available under different terms. Other loans available under different Maximum loan terms. $417,000.00, primary or vacation residence. 20% minimum cash down payment on

2: Determine what kind of budget you have to put into the project. 3: Take pictures of what you have and visit a local fireplace shop to talk about all the options.

calls it “perhaps the finest wood fireplace ever created.” “There are two different lifestyles between wood and gas. It’s knowing what’s involved as your primary heat source,” says Samuel. 25 Years Sweeping Chimneys — You See a lot of Interesting Things Deiro has not only seen a lot of gorgeous mountain homes (probably more than any real estate agent) in what he calls the North Tahoe “triangle” of West Shore to Truckee to Incline Village, he has seen a few interesting things as well. On one notable occasion, Deiro found a Krugerrand gold coin underneath a wood stove. “I gave it to the lady, and she just acted like it was no big deal,” he said. Another thing that he sees every so often are contractors

Member

583-3718 583-3718 740TAHOE North Lake CITYBlvd. 740 North Lake Blvd. TAHOE CITYBlvd. 583-3718 740 North Lake Se Habla Espanol 583-3718 800-874-9779 North Lake Blvd. 583-3718 800-874-9779 740 Se Habla Espanol Se Habla Espanol Maximum loan $417,000.00, primary 583-3718 Maximum loan $417,000.00, primary or vacation 800-874-9779 or vacation

purchase. 25% equity required on refinance. Other loans available under different LOANterms. TERMS SUBJECT TO Member LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TO LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TO Se CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Habla Espanol 12-4

top: The DaVinci looks like an aquarium with

flames in it. You can touch the glass, as it doesn’t emit any heat. above: The 4415 Linear is an efficient gas fireplace that comes with a driftwood log set and has a ledgestone fire back.

who’ve never finished building a chimney. “It’s like they took a lunch break and never got back around to completing it, and no one found out about it for the next 20 years,” he says. In talking to Deiro, it’s obvious he enjoys what he does and holds a true appreciation for wood fireplaces. “I think fireplaces and wood stoves are fantastic. I love stone and granite frames.” He shared that he owns a granite fireplace and enjoys the fact it’s the same material he plays on in the summer while hiking, biking and climbing around the granite on the Lake Tahoe beaches. “It’s not always easy living in the mountains; some things you need to embrace. Burning wood is one of them,” he says. “But fireplaces are timeless — you’ll never see them go out of style.”

12-4

Se minimum Habla Espanol 800-874-9779 down payment 20% cash down payment residence. 20% minimum cash residence. onMaximum purchase. 25% equity required on refi nance. Se Habla Espanol loan $417,000.00, primary or vacation 800-874-9779 on purchase. 25% equity required on refinance. Maximum loan $417,000.00, primary or vacation Sierra Sun/Tahoe Sierra Sun/Tahoe World 1 col (1.736”) X 6” Other loans available under different terms.World 1 col (1.736”) X 6” residence. 20% minimum cash down payment 800-874-9779 Other loans different terms. residence. 20%available minimumunder cash down payment Maximum loan $417,000.00, primary or vacation on purchase. 25% equity required on refi nance. on purchase. 25% equity requiredMember on refinance. LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TO residence. 20%$417,000.00, minimum cash downor payment Maximum loan primary vacation TERMS SUBJECT TO Other loans available under different terms. Member Other loans LOAN available under different terms. on purchase. 25% equity required on refi nance. CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE residence. 20% minimum cash down payment CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Other loansLOAN available different terms.12-4 SUBJECT TO 12-4 TERMS on purchase. 25% equityunder required on refinance. LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TOMember Member Other loans available under different terms. CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TO Member 12-4 12-4 CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TO Member 12-4 CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE Silhouette window shadings 12-4

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Q&A

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH

Sierra Sustainable Builders co-founder Cory Hannaford by RYAN HOFFMAN

lake tahoe home: So you and

Danny started this company in 2002 here in the Tahoe Basin. What led you to that point? cory hannaford: I think it was originally our experience doing construction for other companies and we both grew up in Oregon, 10

left: The suspended stairs are just one feature

LAKE TAHOE HOME | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

that highlights the in-house design skills of Sierra Sustainable Builders.

above: This Tahoe home

underwent extensive renovations after the owner endured a winter when the indoor temperature would barely top 50 degrees. left: Known by its project name, Cedar, this Tahoe home underwent a two-phase renovation. Phase one focused on the thermal envelope, while phase two included an addition and complete interior remodel.

which is kind of the heart of the forestry industry, and saw firsthand how the clear-cutting was affecting the landscape in the Northwest. I think we kind of put two and two together when we ... matured basically and were doing construction for other outfits and saw just the incredible amount of waste going on and then fortunately had the opportunity to be mentored by some kind of old-school northern California builders that kind of took a different approach and a different view on the efficient and responsible use of resources and materials for construction and re-use - that became kind

of the central theme at the beginning of our company. That was a big emphasis. lth: What does it mean to be sustainable in the building industry? ch: That might be more of a client-driven priority, but for us ... originally it started as material choices and trying to use materials that have been sourced responsibly. For instance with wood, trying to select wood that is certified to have been sustainably harvested. There are some very credible agencies out there that do that and certify specific mills for that

purpose, and we have purchased a lot of wood in that capacity. We use a lot of recycled materials and reclaimed materials. So there’s the whole waste component to it. And then what we have seen as well is there has been a very strong shift toward energy efficiency with respect to CO2 emissions being kind of a common denominator. And so we have also steeped ourselves deeply in the art of building structures that are incredibly efficient to the point of requiring little to no energy from the energy grid. The other aspect of sustainability, to us, is also with respect to the health component of the materials that are being used and limiting our employees and our clients’ exposure to carcinogens or toxic chemicals. So that would apply to the types of glues and paints and laminated products that we use. We have very intentionally, since the beginning of our company, sourced these products with basically zero volatile organic compounds or low-ratings for that. That’s kind of a big thing in green building or sustainable construction, as well. It’s a wide-ranging question but I feel like, to sum it up, it’s looking at every choice you make and weighing out the cost benefit analysis — not just in terms of money but in terms of those factors. lth: You reference “passive house” on the website. What is passive house? ch: I would encourage you to look at passive house U.S., but passive house is a term that

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS: TECTURE

2002 , sustainable building often centered on re-purposing materials and reducing waste, according to Cory Hannaford. That was the year Hannaford and Danny Webb founded Sierra Sustainable Builders, a general construction company based in South Lake Tahoe. In the nearly 15 years since, a greater emphasis has been placed on energy efficiency. However, as Sierra Sustainable Builders’s website states, “a belief that sustainability, efficiency and performance are not only important factors but necessary in today’s building process” is central to the company’s approach. “I think that could be fairly subjective,” Webb said regarding what it means to build in a sustainable way. It comes down to the client’s desire, and over the years Sierra Sustainable Builders has had a few of them, from private homeowners to commercial businesses. “We do remodel work, new construction, commercial remodel — all of that,” Webb stated. Lake Tahoe Home caught up with Hannaford, half of the duo behind Sierra Sustainable Builders, to learn more about what it means to build sustainably and how that has changed over the past 15 years. ack in

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lth: Looking at some of the photos of past projects, there are some really sleek looking homes. Does having a sustainable home mean, in any way, that you have to sacrifice style or comfort? ch: Certainly not. I find that often the two can be married quite nicely. I would say there is literally no style limitations other than there are certain challenges meeting the passive house level of certification. For instance, if you want to have a wood-burning stove in a passive house, that becomes very difficult because one of their requirements is to have a certain level of air tightness to the home, and as soon as you put in a fireplace with a chimney flue that becomes very hard to maintain that airtightness for the home. That’s just one example of having to design toward efficiency, rather than a style of choice. But one of the other things we’re seeing more and more is that the return on investment has become more appealing to people who really look toward owning their homes for the long term. I would say 90 plus percent of our clients are building for long-term ownership. And spending money up front on cost savings for the future running of the home has become a much easier calculation to sell to people these days. And it’s just getting better in terms of home technologies and the cost of energy.

To learn more about Sierra Sustainable Builders, visit www.sierrasustainable.com or call Cory at 530-318-2084

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lth: Since starting the company, have you noticed any changes in terms of broader building patterns and more or less emphasis on the sustainable aspect? ch: Absolutely massive shifts in the direction of sustainability, especially in terms of energy efficiency. California is certainly leading the way with its energy codes that are inspired by passive house and the LEED code — there are several agencies that write code for building around the world and in North America and the leaders of those organizations that decide on building codes have said that passive house level construction will literally be mandatory across the United States and more or less pushing for that world-wide in the next decade. And so we’re seeing a massive shift toward energy efficiency.

To kind of sum it up, it is the experience that we’ve had that sustainability was when we started mostly about the materials and responsible sourcing of materials and has become increasingly focused on energy efficiency.

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comes from Europe, essentially out of Germany, but it is a house that is designed to capture all of the passive energy sources available such that it requires as little energy to run as possible. So in our environment it is essentially a super-insulated home with exceptionally efficient windows, that is designed basically to maximize or minimize input from the sun, from the inhabitants, from the internal appliances, things like that, and it captures that heat and tries to minimize heat loss. It also minimizes heat gain during the times of year that it’s warm. And so the model also applies to hot climates. Basically, passive house is a certification body that is aimed at addressing CO2 emissions and it’s aimed at issuing design criteria to build structures that are carbon neutral within a set period of time, and it takes into account not only the emissions that are associated with running the space but also with the materials that go into building it.

spring style

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO: HAZELTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

LAKE TAHOE HOME | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

SOUTH TAHOE EXPERTS REVEAL TOP MOUNTAIN HOME TRENDS HEADING INTO THE SPRING SEASON By Autumn Whitney

Natalie Schiestel of Talie Jane Interiors says that textures and natural materials will be big this year.

pring is the time for home renovation

— especially if you live in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Whether it’s extensive, or as simple as rearranging furniture or touching up paint, now is the time to start preparing. And, if you wait to contact an interior designer until the snow begins thawing, you’ll be too late. “A lot of the time, furniture can take eight to 10 weeks, especially for things that are more custom,” said Talie Jane Interiors founder Natalie Schiestel. “Larger renovations could take a few months, and to be ready for summer, you need time to start talking with contractors. Bring in an interior designer first and work with them in terms of selecting contractors, architects and vendors so they can all work together. “Best results always happen in collaboration.” Schiestel’s South Lake Tahoe-based company focuses on creating welcoming and comforting environments in regions including Reno, Carson City, South Lake Tahoe and beyond. Schiestel also recommends deciding what type of renovation you’re ready for this year, and choosing now. “Is it going to be a kitchen, bathroom, patio? Set a goal for 2017 and what you want to accomplish in terms of updating and renovating your home. Or bring in a designer and ask what they think,” she said. “Figure out the scope of your work and set aside a budget so you know what kind of finances you need, or what you’re putting toward renovation and remodel for the year. “It’s also a good idea to go on social media like Pinterest and look through images online and in home magazines and get inspired by what’s around you. It helps me as a designer to know people have come prepared with images and things they

like, and more importantly, stuff they don’t like. It helps me get in their head and know their style and vision.” Tahoe’s renovation regulations are optimal for spring construction to get your home ready for summer and continuing to rep the trends for the rest of the year. So, if you’re on top of your game and want your home to represent the latest in fashion, here’s what you need to know about this year’s spring trends. COLORS Expect to see a lot of neutral and earthy colors this year. “Grey is still certainly hot and continues to reign. So do other neutrals like white, beige, caramel and pale greys, too. Greenery is the Pantone color of 2017, so despite having a lot of neutrals, green, which is also technically a neutral color, is going to be popular — anything from lime to emerald green,” Schiestel explained. Jessie Marchesseau of Revive Interior Design agrees, and expands on the colors mountain homes can expect to see. “Things are getting a lot brighter now. We’re seeing bright greens, emerald, we’re seeing lush pink, and navy is looking like it’s becoming the new black. That rich color adds a lot of drama to things and has more dimension than just plain black does,” she said. At South Lake Tahoebased Revive Interior Design, Marchesseau looks to work with clients to establish a space that represents the personality of the individual. MATERIAL 2017 is the year of texture. “Lots of layering and different materials — wood to fabric and metals — just playing with different textures and natural materials. Cork is a hot one that can be used in lots of different places, flooring in particular. It’s eco-friendly, but provides a cushion for standing up for long periods

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 | LAKE TAHOE HOME

of time,” Schiestel noted. “Also, lots of hand-crafted pieces. Leaning toward those instead of manufactured pieces and being more conscious of what people are putting into their house. Marble paired with brass and wood is going to be particularly popular. Specifically for Tahoe, something a little more rustic is going to be the use of nail heads.” As people get concerned with the state of the environment, their choices in home décor reflect it. “People are becoming a lot more conscious of green things in their homes — whether they’re sustainably harvested, renewed and recycled materials, and even energy-efficient materials, if they’re building or remodeling,” Marchesseau said.

“Get inspired by what’s around you,” Natalie Schiestel says.

PATTERNS According to Schiestel, two patterns will take control this year: those that fit with the tropics, and those that are checkered. “One is much more Tahoe than the other. Tropical, obviously, we won’t use much of that in Tahoe,” she stated. ROOM DESIGN As we head into spring, you’ll want to optimize the layout of each room to create a mix and match of various styles and decades. “There are no rules when it comes to that,” Schiestel explained. “Antiques, modern — do what you like and have an eclectic feel. Also tech-savvy stuff: smart home features and implement more greenery and plant life. Whether it’s faux or real, add something that brings life to a room.”

LEARN MORE SPRING TIPS

Will you focus on the kitchen, bathroom or outdoor patio this year for renovations?

While Tahoe homes will always remain true to their mountain roots, 2017 will also see a dip into modern tastes. “People want things to look more contemporary than we’ve been seeing in the past,” Marchesseau said. FINAL TIPS Leading into spring, don’t be afraid to mix and match materials. “One thing that’s kind of easy relates to the fixtures you choose for your home. For a long time people have been choosing either black or oil-rubbed bronze, some

sort of iron-type look in a mountain home,” Marchesseau added. “A great trend we can bring in while still keeping the warmth of the mountain home, but making it a little more contemporary, is the use of gold tones and brass, which is very trendy right now.” She recommends people going with things they are passionate about. “Go with what you like in your home. Too often people say, ‘Oh I love this, but I can’t have it because I live in Tahoe.’ There’s no rule on what you can and can’t have. If you love it, don’t shy away from it,” Marchesseau noted. It’s time to get decorating!

For additional information on Talie Jane Interiors, visit www.taliejaneinteriors.com. Learn more about Revive Interior Design at www.reviveinteriordesign.com.

LAKE TAHOE HOME | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS: TALIE JANE INTERIORS // INSET: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO: HAZELTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

“Grey is still certainly hot and continues to reign,” says Natalie Schiestel

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MOUNTAIN LIVING

This home at 12909 Timber Ridge Court in Truckee was designed by Kristi Thompson of MWA Architecture in Truckee, and constructed by Truckee-based Heller Construction.

POWER TO YOUR POCKETBOOK There are many ways you can improve the efficiency of your Lake Tahoe home

t ’ s the beginning of january ,

and I am meeting with Kevin Fisher from Precision Home Inspection Services, an Incline Village-based company, to go through a house in Carnelian Bay. Built in 1968, the fourbedroom, two-bath house has some upgrades as well as some original architecture. We run all of the water faucets, the dishwasher and washing machine, and we flush all the toilets. We crawl underneath the house with flashlights, poke at the concrete footings and insulation.

LAKE TAHOE HOME | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

Luckily for us, we don’t find any skeletons in the closet (yet), and everything seems to be in pretty good shape. Minus the cracks in the chimney, the wood stove seems like it functions properly. Despite a few holes in the exterior siding from woodpeckers, there are no signs of termites. Again, you really don’t know what to expect until you move into a place, but for now, this seems perfect (with a couple of quirks). I was happy to see a light/heat/fan appliance in the upstairs bathroom and spray foam insulation to seal

up the holes in the attic space. All this got me thinking ... what else can be done to improve the efficiency of a Lake Tahoe home? Top-of-the-Line Green Design Cody Heller of Truckee-based Heller Construction specializes in green building. The family business has been constructing homes in the North Tahoe and surrounding area for 12 years. One of Heller’s recent projects — a 6,000-square-foot home in Truckee designed by Kristi Thompson of MWA Architecture

in Truckee — is at the top of its class in green building design. The home features solar thermal panels for hot water (using an antifreeze-like substance running through a converter and pipes), geothermal ground source heat pumps, and GreenPoint-rated, 12-inch thick insulated wood-framed walls. This contemporary, yet woodcabin-feel house, has a Zehnder HRV (Heat & Energy Recovery Ventilator) conditioned heating system pumping fresh air through the rooms. Triple-paned windows

PHOTOS: VANCE FOX / VANCEFOX.COM

by KAYLA ANDERSON

help keep the heat in, and the cabin also pulls energy off of its photovoltaic solar panel. If you want the best of the best in Lake Tahoe green construction, just look at this home. “It’s the most beautiful house in the world; there is an incredible amount of green building integrated in it,” says Heller. However, he says that there are so many variables in the green building of a home, especially with the kind of winter Lake Tahoe is currently having. It can be hard to see the ROI on some of these energy-efficient features, considering Tahoe’s unpredictable seasons and newness of these systems. “A locally-sourced, low carbon footprint is hard to quantify,” Heller says of all the different energy-efficient features that can be installed. Simple Steps to Upgrade Your Home Typically there are two types of green building — you can go crazy, like what is in a 6,000 sq. ft. Truckee home, or you can invest some money into making simple upgrades to any type of mountain home. And, for the person who has budget constraints, here are some suggestions on what to focus on for greater energy efficiency: 1: Schedule an appointment with an energy consultant who can come over and give you tips/ recommendations. An energy consultant can change out your light bulbs, bring in a blanket for your hot water heater and give you low-cost ideas on lowering your electricity bill. 2: Look at your air “tightness” within the interior of the home. “Insulation is the low-hanging fruit, the more of it you have the tighter the house can be,” says Heller. Depending on how far you want to go with it, bring in someone to test your air exchanges per hour by conducting a blower door test (which is basically blowing wind through building zones to measure airflow and help locate air leakage). 3: Make sure your mechanical system is efficient by taking a close look at the hot water heater and ducting. “Air exchanges are big, as well as insulation. I can go on and on depending how deep you want to get into air quality,” says Heller.

“It’s so specific as to what people want (in building a green home) and a lot of it is driven by the owner and their consultants, architects and engineers. It just depends how far you want to take everything and what your budget is,” he adds. Energy Efficiency is Key Liberty Utilities Energy Efficiencies Program Manager Lori Williams is one of those energy consultants who will come to your home for a free consultation. Problems she notices are “little cabin homes that were never built to be used in the winter. They have minimal insulation and ‘leakage through the envelope.’” She sees lots of holes in walls due to knots in wood that fell out (or maybe due to some rowdy renters), and recommends closing up those gaps to tighten the air space. Another problem Williams sees is people who have 1,500- to 2,000-watt electric heaters that are constantly on. “We recommend a heater with an automatic temperature shutoff,” she says. “When people leave their heaters on all day, it really increases their electric bill.” Williams also sees problems with heat tape on steep roof lines, controlled by an on/off switch. “It can use a lot of wattage and the switch is often accidentally turned on without them knowing it and just runs up the energy bill,” Williams adds. “Automatic timers are great because a lot of people forget to turn the timer on or off.” For someone wanting to take small steps in making his or her home more energy-efficient, Williams says it helps to start with the lights. “You can easily control the usage, and it’s a cost-effective way to enhance savings,” she says. “LED low-energy lightbulbs are more efficient than compact, florescent bulbs, and they’ve made a lot of improvements to them. Now you can find incandescent LED bulbs in the color you want and they are now available in tubes; there’s a lot of selection out there right now.” Customers should then look at their appliances, especially if they have an older refrigerator. “Even if you don’t have the money to upgrade it to an EnergyStar one, then at least keep the coils within your fridge clean,” she says.

Next, it’s good to look into weather-stripping your windows or installing storm windows/adding insulation if budget allows. Conserving Water is Important, Too Regarding plumbing and bathroom fixtures, Williams suggests that people use aerated faucets, low-flow toilets and showerheads. “That will definitely cut down on your hot water and electric bill, especially the length of the shower you take,” she says, adding that it can be hard to save water if you have a household of teenagers who like to take long hot showers — but, every little bit you can do helps. Plus, it’s worth noting that, “all effluent water gets pumped out of the Lake Tahoe Basin, which is a charge on your water bill. Although the customer may not notice the savings, the energy company does,” Williams says. She also mentioned the same thing Heller did about protecting your hot water heater — wrapping it up in a special blanket can help insulate the hot water through the piping, which in turn warms it up faster without wasting running water in waiting for it to heat up. “Everyone’s situation is a little different and people have money constraints, but that’s why we can come out and give

some affordable recommendations on how to make your home more energy-efficient,” Williams adds. Customers on the Nevada side of the lake can take advantage of free in-home energy assessments through NV Energy as well. NV Energy PowerShift advisors can visit a customer’s home and provide personalized energysaving recommendations and review billing history. “Heating and cooling typically accounts for 50 percent of a home’s energy costs,” says NV Energy Senior Vice President Pat Egan. NV Energy recommends installing a Smart thermostat that can help its customers save up to $100 a year on energy bills. Taking some time to go through your home and see where you can save on energy will not only help the environment, but it will help your pocketbook too.

This home at 12909 Timber Ridge Court in Truckee was designed by Kristi Thompson of MWA Architecture in Truckee, and constructed by Truckeebased Heller Construction.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 | LAKE TAHOE HOME

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THE EXPRESS LANE AT 20,000 FEET New airline providing flights from the Bay Area to Truckee, and it’s just a swipe of a finger away by LAKE TAHOE HOME

fool you — just imagine skiing at Lake Tahoe until 4 p.m. on Sunday and then be back home to the Bay Area by 5:30. That’s now possible with the January launch of Blackbird, a new technology-driven airline delivering a private flight experience at what it calls a “budget airline price,” with flights to and from Palo Alto and the Truckee Tahoe Airport. The airline — which offers “the cure for Sunday night driving dread” — offers flights Friday through Sunday at $125 per seat, and does have plans to expand to other days with customer demand. It’s as simple as booking a flight on the company’s mobile app, then showing up at a nearby airport 15 minutes before departure. “Everyone is a first-class passenger when flying with Blackbird,” says Rudd Davis, founder and CEO of Blackbird. “We built the service and technology to provide the most delightful, human experience possible. Everything we do is about reducing the friction we’ve all come to expect in air travel and finding ways to make the experience as simple and convenient as hailing an Uber.” Aside from Truckee / Palo Alto, the company is planning to add the following flights: Santa Monica / Palm Springs, Palm Springs / Las Vegas, Palo Alto / Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara / San Diego, and Santa Barbara / Santa Rosa. According to the company, Blackbird was created to solve a gap in regional air travel, with customers having to choose from private jets charging thousands of dollars per flight, commercial flights that fly through an out-of-the-way hub or

LAKE TAHOE HOME | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

A private Blackbird jet sits on the runway this past fall at Truckee Tahoe Airport.

perks of private jets, the convenience of digital technology and prices for everyday consumers. The following is a list of ways in which the company says it sets itself apart: • Blackbird’s proprietary logistics and demand software determines underserved routes, calculates pricing and manages flight logistics. • Blackbird has a set schedule with routes and flight times; travelers can quickly and easily book a seat through the mobile app, just like Uber. • The Blackbird app for iOS and Android enables customers to create a digital passport so they don’t have to re-enter data each time they want to fly, enabling a one-touch purchase process.

the inconvenience of driving for several hours. Decades of airline consolidation have eliminated local commercial providers and their point-to-point flights. “Over-consolidation of airlines and routes over the past decade have led to the alarming inefficiencies in our air travel system — once the envy of the world,” says Trey Bohn, executive director of Traveler’s Voice. “Bold disruptions to the status quo are not only essential to providing travelers additional flight options that the major carriers now neglect, but are vital to moving the American economy forward in this new century.” Blackbird’s goal is to address that problem, starting with the heavily trafficked route between the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe-Truckee. There are 8 million leisure and business trips annually between

GET THE APP The Blackbird mobile app provides a frictionless experience to find and book flights at low prices. The airline initially serves the Palo Alto to Lake Tahoe/ Truckee route, with more routes coming soon. People can join the invite list and vote on the routes they’d like the airline to fly at www.flyblackbird.com, where they can also download the company’s app.

the two areas, a commute that can takes four or more hours each way. Setting Itself Apart Founded by four-time serial entrepreneur Rudd Davis, Blackbird is unique in its blending of commercial airline benefits with the

• Blackbird has partnered with leading independent charter operators that have the most experienced pilots and impeccable safety records. The charter industry is subject to the same, if not higher, safety standards as commercial carriers and is closely regulated by the FAA. • Blackbird helps charter companies generate more business by unlocking local demand — the industry has an average 45 percent unused capacity — while offering passengers the luxuries of flying private. “In the charter industry we have been very successful at delivering a phenomenal experience to high-net worth individuals and corporate executives, and we’re excited to partner with Blackbird to bring that same level of service to a much wider audience,” says Jake Tomlin, president of Papillion Airways, one of the longest running independent airlines in the world.

CONTROIBTED PHOTO: BLACKBIRD

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