East Bay July 2010 by Today' Home

EAS T BAY

ideas and resources for your home

Exterior Envy Photo: Jeldwen Doors

Backyard Ideas

JULY/AUGUST 2010

Selecting a Professional BayArea.com

KITCHENS

WE’LL IMPROVE, SO YOU DON’T MOVE! ADDITIONS

There is no reason to move to get that extra room or space you’ve always wished for.

BATH REMODELS

NEW CONSTRUCTION Call for a free in-home consultation!

(800) 953-0053 or (925) 472-8760 SUNSHINE-CONSTRUCTION-INC.COM Contractor’s License #670051 + Insured

C U S T O M S O L U T I O N S TA I L O R E D T O Y O U R S P E C I F I C N E E D S A N D S PA C E

HOME OFFICES • WALL BEDS • SEWING CENTERS • CLOSETS • GARAGES

V I S I T A N D

U S AT

T H E

CAMPBELL DANVILLE

N O W

•

W W W. V A L E T C U S T O M . C O M

F O L L O W I N G

1190-J DELL AVENUE

S H O W R O O M

L O C AT I O N S :

408.370.1041

602 SYCAMORE VALLEY ROAD, WEST

25% SINCE 1973

925.362.8838

O F F L I S T P R I C E • L I M I T E D T I M E O N LY

LICENSE #782217

SOME

RESTRICTIONS

A P P LY

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 O1O

[ C O N T E N T S ] EXTERIOR

ENVY

First Impressions Exciting new ways to enhance your home front. By Deborah Burstyn

B UILD I T G REEN 11 Healthy, Sustainable Siding Fiber cement siding adds durability with a relatively low environmental impact. By Annette Hartsfield

NKBA 12 Exterior Style Architectural appeal of a home should not be underestimated. By Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBP & Randy Grange, AIA, LEED AP

Unique Backyards Locally designed and manufactured garden ornaments. By Xu Bei Shi

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

ideas and resources for your home

BayArea.com Search the Bay Area’s ultimate

NARI NARI means Quality 7

resource guide

This association’s high professional standards help homeowners maximize their remodeling investment. By Beandra Bey

of interest, links

The Power of Appreciation Satisfied customers like to pay it forward. By Beandra Bey

for more articles

Bathroom Remodeling on any Budget It’s a balance between good design, fixtures and space. www.todayshomeresource.com/search_articles/

to more resources, Web sites, and

One-Stop Kitchen and Bath A showroom for your complete kitchen remodel. By Patricia Hayse Haller

professionals

CCIDC 20 Backyard Storage

who can help

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

you with all your home projects.

CLCA 22 Bug Bites

Your Private Sanctuary

Protect you and your family from mosquitoes.

Give your master bedroom a low-cost high-impact makeover. www.todayshomeresource.com/search_articles/

Short on Space? Wallbeds help homeowners maximize space by making rooms multifunctional. www.todayshomeresource.com/search_articles/

A New Master Suite Design a space to meet your personality. www.todayshomeresource.com/search_articles/

Find more great ideas and resources for your home on

TodaysHomeBayArea.com Post your company information @ TodaysHomeBayArea.com! ON THE COVER

Photo courtesy Jeld Wen Windows & Doors (www.jeld-wen.com). TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

Call 925.659.6200 or e-mail Jeff@THmag.com for more information. East Bay THM July/August 2010

RESOURCE GUIDE APPLIANCES

Direct Appliance 925-560-0500 www.directappliancedublin.com ARTIFICAL TURF

Heavenly Greens 866-724-8873 www.heavenlygreens.com AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT

Mechanical Air Service 800-913-4822 www.mechanicalairservice.com CABINETS & CLOSETS

Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets 925-362-8838 www.valetcustom.com CLEANING SERVICE

Spring Fresh Cleaning 800-750-7175 www.springfreshcleaninginc.com CUSTOM FRAMING

Acanthus 925-866-1144 www.acanthusonline.com

OUTDOOR FURNITURE & BBQ

Complete Backyards 408-748-8100 www.completebackyards.com PAINT CENTER

Professional Paint Center 925-933-3315 PAINTING CONTRACTOR

Rhino Shield 888-868-7575 www.rhinoshieldca.com PAVING STONES

Black Diamond Landscape & Designs 800-942-1955 www.blackdiamondlandscape.com REDWOOD FENCING

Borg Redwood Fences 925-426-9620 www.borgfence.com

GARAGE STORAGE

Premier Garage 866-497-2880 www.premiergarage.com GARDEN ORNAMENTS

Giannini Garden Ornaments 650-873-4493 www.gianninigarden.com GRANITE & CABINETS

ZMC Kitchen & Bath 866-497-2880 www.zmcproducts.com HOME THEATER

Hi-Def Audio Video 408-294-6632 KITCHEN DESIGN CENTER

Ric’s Kitchen & Bath 510-733-5543 www.Rics-kitchen-bath.com LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Masterpiece Gardens & Design 925-937-2253 www.masterpiecegarden.com LUMBER & MILLWORK

Jackel Enterprises 800-711-WOOD (9663) www.jackelenterprises.com

for more resources

Sunshine Construction, Inc. 925-472-8760 www.sunshine-construction-inc.com ROOFING

Roofmax 925-685-4151 www.roofmax.net SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURES

California Shower Door Corp. 800-675-6225 www.calshowerdoor.com

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Jeff Curry FEATURE WRITERS

Beandra Bey • Deborah Burstyn Heidi Doerfert Randy Grange, AIA, LEED AP Patsy Zakian-Greenough Annette Hartsfield Tammy Hansen • Jennifer Ho Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBP • Xu Bei Shi Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP • Lisa Winer ART DIRECTOR

Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER

Christina Carey ACCOUNTING

Diane Nasadiuk

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

Editorial@THmag.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

(925) 659-6200 Sales@THmag.com SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES

STOVES

BuckStove, Spa & Fan Center 925-930-9282 www.buckstovewc.com SWIMMING POOLS

Lifetime Pools 650-494-7070 www.lifetimepools.com TILE AND STONE

Western Tile Design Center 925-671-0145 www.westerntiledesign.com WALLBEDS

Wallbeds ”n” More 925-570-5663 www.wallbedsnmore.com

Info@THmag.com

(888) 274-1140 • (925) 659-6200 P.O. Box 2025 • San Ramon, CA • 94583 WWW.TodaysHomeBayArea.com © 2010. All editorial (headline, subhead, story, captions) published in Today’s Home is copyrighted and remains the sole property of Today’s Home. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.

Today’s Home

has openings for part time Sales and Marketing Representatives

WINDOW TINTING

Solar Control Glass Tinting Co. 800-999-3828 www.solarcontrolcompany.com ideas and resources for your home

BayArea.com

List your business, call 925-659-6200 6

The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home.

REMODELING CONSTRUCTION

FURNITURE

Azzulina 925-820-5900 www.Azzulina.com

Volume 10, Issue 4 • July/August 2010

Work from home, flexible schedule, competitive earning potential Please e-mail resumes to Jeff@THmag.com. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

[ N A R I ]

ALTERA DESIGN & REMODELING INC. www.alteradesign.com 925-938-1100 • License # 577881 DOUGLAH DESIGNS www.DouglahDesigns.com 925-284-4560 • CID # 6194 GREEN ENVIROTEK, INC. www.greenenvirotek.com 800-968-9007 • License # 86326

NARI means Quality This association’s professional standards maximize your remodeling investment. BY

BEANDRA BEY

T TAKES THE EXPERTISE AND COORDINATION OF A village to accomplish a remodeling project. Remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, utilities, lending institutions and trade publications all play an important role in a successful completion. Yet, homeowners are acutely aware of the fact that not all of these industry players produce results of equal quality. That’s why the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has found such an appreciative audience of homeowners who want the very best value and enjoyment for their remodeling dollars. This Association hearkens back to the FDR era and has evolved over time along with the remodeling industry. NARI has 58 chapters nationwide and its membership consists of full-time remodeling professionals who have undergone an extensive screening process, a certification

program and who adhere to NARI’s strict Code of Ethics. These requirements distinguish NARI professionals from run-of-the-mill workers, says NARI’s Diablo Chapter president Jim Vivrette, who is also president of Walnut Creek-based Altera Design and Remodeling, Inc. “We may be in a new economy” says Vivrette. “But what is not new is that homeowners still expect quality workmanship. That being said, they should be talking to NARI members. Our standards of excellence and ethical conduct ensure homeowners will receive the best value for their projects. The strength of our professional commitment is an important reason why NARI has grown so rapidly throughout California during the last twenty years.” Homeowners can download NARI’s free brochure, www.nari.org/pdf/ How_To_Select_Brochure09.pdf “How to Select a Remodeling Professional” at their website, www.nari.org. THM

HOMETELLIGENT INC. www.Hometelligentinc.com 800-298-2003 • License # 935175 MAXINE CHRISTISON INTERIOR DESIGN www.maxinechristisoninteriordesign.com 925-937-2448 • CID # 0532 PACIFIC STONE INC. www.pacificstone.com 925-680-8741 • License # 876202 STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE www.Standardsof Excellence.com 925-459-5300 TWILIGHT SOLUTIONS www.TwilghtSolutionInc.com 925-525-6105 VALLEY OAK DESIGNS 925-938-3833 • License # 513421 WINDOWS & BEYOND www.windowsandbeyond.net 925-689-6600 • License # 852798 For membership information: Sam Wade • 925-864-5680 • samwade@ymail.com

MAXINE CHRISTISON INTERIOR DESIGN Maxine Christison has been providing distinctive interiors for San Francisco Bay Area homeowners for the last twenty years. Her extensive portfolio of home decorating projects reflects her commitment to excellent craftsmanship. NARIs’ high member expectations were one of the reasons that convinced Maxine Christison, owner of Walnut Creek-based Maxine Christison Interior Design, to join the Association. “Joining NARI reflects on your commitment to professionalism” says Christison. “It tells your clients that you are recognized by your industry peers.” TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

Christison also is impressed by NARI’s emphasis on continuing education. “NARI helps me keep up-to-date on changes in the remodeling industry, both locally here in California and around the nation. I also enjoy working with other NARI members— contractors, subcontractors and vendors who share my passion for remodeling. They’ve helped me enrich each and every one of my design projects.” Maxine Christison Interior Design 1371 Oakland Boulevard, Suite 201 • Walnut Creek 925-937-2448 www.maxinechristisoninteriordesign.com East Bay THM July/August 2010

[ E X T E R I O R

E N V Y ]

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE to make a good impression. So if those little cosmetic tweaks just aren’t doing it for you anymore, it may be time for a more dramatic facelift. Upgrading and modernizing your look will definitely give you more appeal—curb appeal, that is—for your home. There’s never been a better time to improve the outside of your home because: Construction and material costs are still about 25%–30% lower than they were just a few years ago. But act fast. With lower interest rates and home prices rebounding, demand may drive costs up again soon. Upgrades and improvements that are energy efficient will likely qualify for hefty state and federal government rebate and incentive programs. Summer’s ideal for exterior home projects. Risks of rain delays are past and the warm temperatures speed up by the drying process for paint, cement and other materials. As the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close, there’s a new modern look in home design that’s both chic and popular. It is geometric with an emphasis on natural hues and textures. Think Frank Lloyd Wright with Asian influences. This sleek design trend offers exciting options for improving your home’s exterior adding to your home’s value as well as to your everyday enjoyment. Here are some exciting new trends to boost your home’s curb appeal with an updated look:

DEBORAH BURSTYN

Photo courtesy www.habitathorticulture.com

V E R T I C A L G A R D E N S : Imagine

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

your home’s exterior façade as an integral part of the landscaping with plants as living wall décor blending in with the canopies of trees overhead and smooth stone underfoot. This exciting trend, first launched in Paris and Rome and now often featured in projects by HGTV’s Jamie Durie, was the focus of a recent show exhibit at the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco. Vertical gardens also were the highlight of the recent San Francisco Flower and Garden Show. When installed properly by a knowledgeable landscape professional, the green panels are hydroponic, requiring no soil and no or very little water, thus making them lightweight. This enables designers to “paint” the wall with a striking composition of plants with a rhythm of lush natural textures and hues. Sometimes called living walls, a vertical panel of living plants makes a striking visual entry way statement.

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

Photo courtesy www.calstone.com

Exciting new ways to Y enhance your home front.

[ E X T E R I O R

E N V Y ]

Quarry Stone Tuscan Gold with Sierra Granite hi-lights.

C A S T I N S T O N E : Every material in today’s home is

G L A S S W A L L S : Retractable glass walls that are nearly

chosen for its tactile allure. Stone in its many varieties excels in sense-pleasing options. Stone stays cool in summer and holds warmth in winter. It injects an earthy style with unique textures and rich depth into every space on a home exterior, the front doorstep, the walkway or the driveway. Bluestone, flagstone and travertine offer elegant versatile choices. With the new techniques for scoring, stamping and staining concrete, the options are vastly increased. Check out this amazing example: it’s a permeable quarry stone by CalStone. It’s also worth exploring are the new permeable stone pavers. These prevent storm water runoff by allowing rain water to percolate through to the aquifers below. They can incorporate grass set in geometrical grids or provide a solid surface of interlocking stones set in various patterns.

invisible connect the home to nature while giving it a cool contemporary look and a generous feeling of space. A stunning design feature, glass walls and door panels invite the outdoors in while optimizing light and creating an organic spa-like feel especially when combined with natural materials like wood and stone. With a continuation of a natural floor material like bluestone or travertine, the line between indoors and outdoors further disappears. State-of-the-art glass with a high energy efficiency rating and coated to diminish ultra-violet radiation help make this look as comfortable as it is aesthetic. Glass panels can slide open lending a Japanese shoji-screen style aesthetic. An added bonus, new privacy glass walls employ an embedded crystal film that at the touch of a button, can turn the glass from clear to opaque in moments.

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

East Bay THM July/August 2010

[ E X T E R I O R

E N V Y ] M A S T E R

D U C T I V E

F R O M T H E T O P : Why have a roof that just lays

there when you can have a roof that works for you? And looks gorgeous while it’s on the job. Forget those big unsightly solar panels of yesteryear. A brand new product created in California (of course) combines the energycapturing efficiency of traditional solar with the beauty of traditional Mediterranean-inspired tile roofs. The tile mimics the shape of the traditional curved “barrel tile” made from terra-cotta. Except that this tile is a mini-photovoltaic panel generating electricity for your household. The main visual difference is its iridescent blue hue. “The 32.25-inch by 18-inch navy tiles can either be installed on an entire roof, or on a part of an existing tile roof, with the remaining clay tiles stained to match the blue color. To further reduce labor costs, the tile system can easily be installed by roofers—it doesn't need a special solar-specializing team of contractors—and can replace an existing roof at the moment when a homeowner is going to need to upgrade anyway,” states an industry design blogger.

transform the appearance of a home, the value of a coat of paint cannot be underestimated,” states the international design website www.trendsideas.com. Always opt for the best quality paint. It can double the life of a paint job. The savings will be higher if a painting contractor is hired. A qualified professional will know what type of paint and brushes to use of the variety of materials and surfaces on your home’s exterior. Spending the money now for quality

Photo courtesy www.srsenergy.com

A N E W C O A T : “When casting about for ideas to

materials and craftsmanship will save you money in the future. Overall, colors in demand now follow the earth-tone palette of stone grays, light greens, earthy golds and browns.

A R I V E R R U N S T H R O U G H I T : Over the past decade, incorporating water features into the architectural landscape has become a popular way to make a stunning entrance. The resulting drama and beauty integrate the landscape into architectural design and offer the sense of calm and tranquility. Custom copper water walls, water sculptures, rain curtains, bubbling brooks and architectural moats are all new elements possible for today’s exciting front yard landscape. A fountain or pond with geometric lines will look best with a formal house and garden. A water feature that mimics shapes found in nature will complement an informal architectural style. Moving water is a favorable feng shui feature for the front of the home because it is believed to attract wealth and prosperity. A Google image search for architectural water features will give you plenty of ideas. Avoid placing a pond beneath trees that will fill it with leaves and debris. If you’re considering a spray fountain, place it in a location that is protected from the wind, which can blow the spray and accelerate evaporation.

more articles from nkba 12

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

your home anytime soon, every dollar you invest in it must be viewed in terms of pay off or the potential for a return on your investment. The tricky thing is, you can’t put a dollar value on architectural appeal like you can the tangible items: the $20,000 worth of appliances, the heated floors in the bathrooms, the antique terracotta tile in the kitchen… There is no way to calculate the actual emotional value of a well-designed home. But we do know that when it’s done right, the architectural appeal of a home can be more valuable than everything else put together. So how do you do it? How do you create that “je ne sais quoi” appeal that will steal the hearts of family, friends, and potential buyers alike? There is no hard and fast rule that applies across the board, but it helps to keep the following in mind: 1. If you have a home with a specific style, be thoughtful about how you add onto it. Remember, you want to enhance the house, not ruin it. So don’t slap a flat-roofed addition onto the side of a Tudor; don’t add Tuscan stone arches onto a Federal style home; and don’t detract from aesthetically appealing features that should remain undisrupted, such as a dominant front gable on a Shingle-Styled home. ideas and resources for your home

BayArea.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

[ E X T E R I O R

E N V Y ]

2. If your house has no style to speak of and you’re undertaking a major remodel, consider including an exterior facelift as part of the project. Have a look at your home with a fresh eye and imagine what it could become. Tired-looking, Ranch-style homes can metamorphose themselves into a number of architectural gems, ranging in style from Contemporary to Italian Renaissance. A stucco box could become a Mediterranean masterpiece. And a dilapidated bungalow could become a charming Victorian. The direction you take should be influenced not only by the structure itself as well as your taste and lifestyle, but also by the context of your neighborhood, and the home’s existing interior, among other factors. So if you embark on a significant renovation, don’t forget to keep an eye on the outside. Hire a professional architect who can help you work out a solution that ensures balanced roof lines, a well-proportioned entry, a suitable door style, quality materials and appropriate colors, among other elements. And when you are finished with your project your home’s stunning façade will be there to greet you at the end of your busy days. And only then will you finally be able to put a value on this gratification: priceless. Before

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

Custom Designed and Crafted Remodeling Solutions

AKING important remodeling decisions is easier at Ric’s

Kitchen and Bath. The latest computer technology enables you to visualize your kitchen and bath. Choose from an extensive line of cabinets and products in our beautiful showroom.

Kitchen&Bath (510) 733-5543 F 50-60% OaFnd Cabinets ops! Counter T TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

3664 Castro Valley Boulevard Castro Valley

Rics-Kitchen-Bath.com contractors license #602812 CONTRACTOR OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1977 East Bay THM July/August 2010

[ E X T E R I O R

E N V Y ]

M A S T E R

Unique Backyards BY

XU BEI SHI

T GIANNINI GARDEN ORNAMENTS, the selection of handmade pieces often overwhelms customers. Fountains, birdbaths, planters, benches, tables, urns, statues — for some people, it’s overwhelming in the best possible way. “They make two or three trips here before making a selection, there’s so much to see,” says Piera Giannini, a native San Franciscan who owns the South San Francisco business with her Italian-born husband Marino. On each visit, one of the Gianninis or their two sons, PierLuigi, 25, a Sacramento State graduate with a business degree and Alessandro, 18, a Sacramento State business student, are on hand to help guide customers. The family adheres to Old World traditions that include making almost all the items on the premises in a factory many people overlook as they amble, enthralled, through the show garden with more than 400 flowing fountains. “Everything for our garden ornament line is manufactured at our location,” she says. Marino, who comes from a family with deep, long roots in stone working, is the designer. He creates ornaments to last for generations because that’s what he knows. “We supervise production from beginning to end,” Piera says. The enterprise with 30 employees also crafts the array of waterspouts, including a new line of rustic iron styles, used in the fountains. There are 50 styles of water spouts to select from. Change a waterspout and you completely transform the look of a fountain. Even customers who come in having done their research on the company’s

Locally designed and manufactured garden ornaments.

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

MANUFACTURED ON SITE: FOUNTAINS well-organized web site find new ways of thinking about a project when exploring the options. “I always tell them to get what they love,” says Piera. “I know there’s a lot to see, we have 20 different finishes, some look vintage, some look like travertine stone. So we understand that it can take time to decide.” With the exception of pizza ovens and a selection of terra cotta and ceramic items they import from familyowned firms in Italy, everything is made “in the USA” says Piera proudly. She also points out that having locally manufactured items means a small carbon footprint because there’s little shipping involved. “People like that, and they appreciate how hands-on we are, and that we’re a family who makes everything, rather than just reselling,” she says. “It’s a rarity, so they refer their friends. We have designers, landscape architects, and customers coming back again and again.” Visit Giannini Garden Ornaments factory and showroom, 225 Shaw Road, South San Francisco, (650) 873-4493, Monday through Saturday 8:00 AM– 4:30 PM or at www.gianninigarden.com. THM

WALL FOUNTAINS PLANTERS • TABLES BENCHES • STATUES BIRDBATHS DIRECT IMPORTERS OF: ITALIAN TERRA COTTA POTS AND CERAMICS PATIO FURNITURE WOOD BURNING PIZZA OVENS FROM ITALY OUTDOOR FIREPLACES

Thousands of items on display! Visit Our Factory and Showroom 225 SHAW ROAD, SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO MON–SAT 8 AM–4:30 PM

650.873.4493 • gianninigarden.com

30-60% Off All Patio Furniture.

OUTDOOR CUSTOM KITCHENS! 10 Islands on Display! LIST $4995

SALE $1995 SHOWROOM HOURS TUESDAY-FRIDAY 10-7 SATURDAY 10-6 • SUNDAY 10-5 CLOSED MONDAYS

$200 Free Accessory package with Purchase of medium or larger.

THE COMPLETE BACKYARD 1600 Duane Avenue • Santa Clara (408) 748-8100 CompleteBackayrds.com

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED! TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

East Bay THM July/August 2010

THE POWER OF APPRECIATION BY

BEANDRA BEY

OME-IMPROVEMENT BUSINESS OWNERS KNOW that satisfied customers are the gift that keeps on giving. And they also know that just one dissatisfied customer can set off a chain reaction that can greatly sully their brand. When homeowners Lisa Maryott and Chris Foss wanted to expand their home, her parents disappointing contractor experiences in Southern California and Montana were fresh in her memory as Lisa searched for a good construction company. “You hear so many horror stories about contractors and I really was anxious about finding one with integrity” Lisa recalls. Her concerns were quickly alleviated when she and her husband hired Lafayette-based Sunshine Construction to undertake a major remodel of their home. “We had an idea in mind and Sunshine’s owners Mosche and Michelle Mor really helped make our vision come to life” she says. Lisa and Chris wanted to enlarge their 4-bedroom, 2-bath home by increasing the size of their bedrooms, creating a master suite, and adding a guest powder room. The remodel consisted of a 250 square feet addition to three bedrooms, a reconfiguration of the master bedroom and bath, and a complete reconfiguration of the hall bath and closets to allow for not only a new full hall bathroom, but for the extra powder room as well. They are delighted with the final results of their restoration. “I am absolutely in love with our new master bath”, says Lisa. “We now have a large, separate shower, an air jet tub, and a full walk in closet.” “What impressed us so much was not only the quality of their work but also their attitude throughout the whole construction process” she says. “We felt that they treated us just like they would like to be treated-with honesty and fair pricing.” Lisa says that they also liked the fact that Sunshine Construction is a family-owned business. “We’ve been in business for thirty years” says Sunshine Construction owner, Michelle Mor. Michelle and her husband Mosche run the business and their son is one of their foremen. “The Maryott-Foss project was very easy” she says. Michelle consulted with an architect on the before/after designs and then construction began. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to interact with our customers in the planning stage and throughout the

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

New Location in San Ramon!

acanthus FINE FRAMES & MIRRORS

Purveyors & Craftsmen of Fine Picture Frames Custom Mirrors, Art Conservations Frame Restorations, Mirror Antiquing Carving, Gilding & Other Fine Things

Master Certified Picture Framer project. The more they relate what they like, the easier it is for us to deliver their requirements and hopefully exceed their expectations.” The Maryott-Foss family feels their home restoration vision has been fulfilled, surpassing their best hopes and they’ve paid their appreciation forward. “My sister will be using Sunshine Construction for a project too” says Lisa. “If everybody had a contractor like Sunshine, we wouldn’t have to hear so many horror stories.”

To contact Sunshine Construction to schedule a free in-home consultation, call Michelle at (925) 472-8760 or visit their website, www.sunshine-construction-inc.com. THM

San Ramon 3120-B Crow Canyon Road (Behind Max’s Diner)

866-1144 www.acanthusonline.com

Exquisite frames from around the world.

8 0 0.9 9 9. 3828 www.solarcontrolcompany.com

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

East Bay THM July/August 2010

One-Stop Kitchen and Bath A showroom for your complete kitchen remodel. BY

PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER

OU’VE HEARD THE EXPRESSION, ‘EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK?’

ZMC Kitchen and Bath goes one step farther. They not only sell you a kitchen sink; they help you pick out the accessories and plumbing fixtures to go with it and install it all, too. In fact, ZMC Kitchen and Bath prides itself on being a onestop showroom offering all the materials, advice and professional installation you need to create the kitchen or bath of your dreams. Family owned and operated, ZMC features the latest in high-end kitchen cabinets, countertops, wood and tile flooring, plumbing fixtures and accessories in a 2000 square-foot showroom. Whatever your style, you’ll find it at ZMC, from classic Shaker and French Country cabinets in maple, cherry and mahogany with granite countertops, to cutting edge modern European designs with sleek minimalist cabinets and metal surfaces and accents. The sheer number of choices can be daunting. ZMC imports granite in many patterns and colors from China, Italy, Brazil and England. In addition to cabinets and countertops, they carry all types of flooring—solid wood, engineered wood, bamboo, and a variety of laminate systems. Then there are so many styles of faucets, fixtures and accessories that it can be hard to put it all together.

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

WE GO BEYOND THE LAWN

That’s why ZMC works closely with the homeowner on each project to pull all the pieces together for just the right look. Then their professional installation team installs it all, including flooring, tile, plumbing and painting. In fact, to help homeowners get an exciting new kitchen without breaking their budget, ZMC offers complete kitchen packages. It’s a range of products and services you rarely find all in one place, from the first design idea to installation of just the right cabinets, surfaces, colors—and, of course, the kitchen sink. To find out how ZMC Kitchen & Bath can be your one-stop shop for the kitchen you’ve always wanted, stop by the showroom at 43645 South Grimmer Boulevard in Fremont, visit their website at zmc.products.com, or call (510) 226-9627 for a free estimate. THM

Proper Pruning • Fertilization Watering • Mulching Landscape Design Flower/Bulb Planting Gardening Consultation Offering weekly, monthly & quarterly maintenance programs.

Call 925.937.2253 masterpiecegarden.com

Distinctive Products for Your Kitchen & Bath Kitchen Cabinets & Countertops Bathroom Vanities Granite Marble & Porcelain Tile Sinks Faucets & Toilets FREE In-Home Estimates

❖

Installation

KITCHEN & BATH 51O-226-9627 showroom 43645 S. Grimmer Boulevard Fremont

www.ZmcProducts.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

East Bay THM July/August 2010

[ C C I D C ]

LISA STEN, CID, CGBP

RE YOU LONGING FOR EXTRA STORAGE SPACE, is your garage filled with bikes, gardening tools and decades-old clothes, do you dream of a get-away gardening spot? Perhaps it’s time to find a little area in your backyard to install an accessory structure that can be used for many purposes ranging from a small playhouse to additional storage to a gardening shed. Before you buy the 2x4s and cut the plywood, take the time to plan your accessory structure and consider the following:

Purpose: How are you going to use your accessory structure? For storage, a playhouse, a gardening shed or a small get-away office? Once you’ve determined the purpose of your shed, you can determine the size.

for more on outdoors

Planning: Most jurisdictions have several restrictions regarding the location (out of your set back, for example) and size of your structure (height and total floor area coverage). Check with your city and obtain the ideas and resources for your home necessary permits BayArea.com before you start. Character/Style: Consider whether you want the garden structure to match the architectural characteristics of the main house, or have a distinctly different style. Do you want the

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

Photo courtesy William Enos, Emerald Light Photography

Enjoy your yard and gain storage Backyard Storage space. building to be a focal point or be tucked away into the back corner? Your new structure should proportionally fit your yard and your other buildings. Determine whether you’d like a shed roof (one slope), a gable roof (a double sloping roof with a ridge in the middle) or another style of roof. Your windows, doors and the type of roof (asphalt shingles, metal or wood shakes) will also greatly influence the style of your accessory structure. For an exterior wall material, you may want to consider horizontal or vertical siding, wood shakes or a newer “green” and longlasting fiber cement material.

Embellish the Building: To dress up your backyard structure you can add features such as window and door trim, flower boxes, weathervanes and brackets or corbels at the roof overhang. Building the Structure: Not ready to build your own structure? Consider one of several companies who offer prefabricated shed kits. All pieces are pre-cut and ready to assemble. Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP is a Senior Designer at Harrell Remodeling in Mountain View. To learn more about Harrell Remodeling and our monthly workshops, visit www.harrell-remodeling.com. For a list of Certified Interior Designers in your area or to view the CID Pages (a visual directory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

ÂŠ 2009 PremierGarage. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Space is what you make of it. Make it work. Make it last. Make it PremierGarage is a trademark of PremierGarage.

Tired of your messy garage?

&DELQHW Âż QLVKHV DYDLODEOH LQ :KLWH :LQGVZHSW %URQ]H :LQGVZHSW 3HZWHU DQG 0DSOH

Before

Affordable Solutions for Every Organization Budget Cabinets | Accessories | Floor Coatings | Overhead Storage Free Estimates, Free Installation, Lifetime Warranty on Cabinets, 20 Year Warranty on Floors Proudly Serving the Bay Area

SAVE $

250 00

on any Cabine t&F Coatin g Pack loor age.*

For more information, call 866.497.2880 or visit PremierGarage.com * Offer must be presented at time of estimate/order. Offer may not be copied, duplicated, transferred or combined with any other offer. Valid at participating locations only. Minimum purchase requirement met. No cash/credit back. Not valid on prior purchases. Void where prohibited. TODAYSHmust OMEbe BayArea.com

East Bay THM July/August 2010 Lic.#894280

[ C L C A ]

Bug Bites Protect you and your family from mosquitoes. XPERTS SAY THAT MOSQUITOES SPREADING the potentially deadly West Nile Virus only need 1⁄4 inch of stagnate water to breed and they hatch in only 7-10 days. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer some simple recommendations for your yard, to help keep mosquitoes from breeding in the first place. These tips will help protect you and your family from this annoying and harmful pest.

• Check and remove all standing water from items such as wheelbarrows, garden lights, tires, unused plant containers, toys, garden equipment, pool covers, tarps, pipes, drains, boats, canoes, recycling bins, trash cans, birdbaths and more. Many items can be covered or turned upside down to prevent the accumulation of water. Cover chain link fence posts with metal or plastic pipes and change the water in your birdbath every other day. • Some playground equipment accumulates water. Be sure to examine swings, slides, forts and other structures for standing water. Drill drainage holes in tire swings and look for ways to keep water from accumulating. • Do not over water and be sure to remove or fix any areas of excess standing water. Check all rain gutters, drain spouts, and drainage pipes. Keep gutters clear of debris. They can become breeding grounds when full of water and debris. If needed, adjust your irrigation to avoid standing water and also fix any outdoor leaks from faucets, air conditioners, hoses, irrigation pipes or valves. • Clean slimy growth at the edge of ponds or water features and

July/August 2010 THM East Bay

remove clumps of plants or debris, which might cause stagnate water in streams. Be sure to keep pumps running daily for water features to keep the water fresh. If applicable consider mosquito fish or other fish which eat mosquito larvae for your pond or water feature. Mosquito dunks or donuts can also be used. Some of these are harmful to fish, birds and bees, so be sure to read the label carefully. • Pools and spas that are well maintained are generally not a problem, because pool chemicals and filters generally kill any larvae. However, be sure to use dunks in any deserted pools or spas. With our state’s depressed housing market, there are more and more neglected pools. If you know of a neglected pool, be sure to check with your city or county to see if they have a program to maintain neglected pools. • Trim and thin shrubs, bushy plants and remove weeds, especially those around water. Also eliminate water from dead tree stumps and hollow areas of live trees. These areas can be filled with sand. • Keep shed roofs maintained and watch for standing water around the foundation or on the roof. • Make sure door and window screens are in good working order and that both shut completely when closed to keep mosquitoes from entering your home. • Birds are especially susceptible to the West Nile virus. Should you find a dead bird in your yard, some health departments would like you to bring it in so they can test it. Always avoid barehanded contact with any dead animal. You can safely dispose or transfer the bird to a plastic bag using a shovel or gloves. Be sure to double or triple bag and if possible use a plastic bag that seals. Continue to use gloves to transport to the health department or trash and then thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Please contact your local health department for procedures in your area. The California Landscape Contractors Association is a non-profit trade organization of licensed landscape and landscape-related contractors. For more landscaping information, ideas and tips, visit www.CLCA.org. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

Beautiful Homes

BEYOND Your Imagination Specializing in PAVING STONES

Driveways • Patios •Walls • Walls DESIGNS FROM SCRATCH Full-Service Projects from Start to Finish WATERFALLS • WATERSCAPES • PONDS FIRE PITS • LANDSCAPING AND DESIGN

Black Diamond Paving Stone & Waterscape Specialists Call Today for Your FREE Design Consultation

800.942.1955 Contractor’s License #841042

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

BLACKDIAMONDLANDSCAPEEast .COM Bay THM

July/August 2010

&86720 & 8 6772 20 2 0

)85 )851,785( )8 51 1,,7785( 5 , & (6 $ $7:$5(+286( $77: :$ $5(+286(335,&(6

WR 'LVFRXQW RQ 2OGHU )ORRU 0RGHOV _ WR 'LVFRXQW RQ &ORVH RXW $FFHVVRULHV _ WR 'LVFRXQW RQ 7DEOH /DPSV WR 'LVFRXQW RQ 2OGHU )ORRU 0RGHOV _ WR 'LVFRXQW RQ &ORVH RXW $FFHVVRULHV _ WR 'LVFRXQW RQ 7DEOH /DPSV

&86720 &86720

9,6,7 285 1(: 9,6,7 285 1(:

664 )7 4 )7

' '(/,9(5(' (/,9(5('

,,1 81'(5 1 81'(5

6 6+2:5220 +2:5220 : $5(+286( ,1 :$5(+286( ,1

:((.6 :((.6 0 $'( ,1 0$'( ,1

//,9(5025( ,9 9(5025(

&$/,)251,$ &$/,)251,$

+ +8*( 8*(6(&7,21$/ 6$/( 6(&7,21$/6$/( 62)$ 62)$

1 1$/6 $9 $9$ 9$,/$%/( ,1 $1< &21),*85$7,21

67$57,1* 35,&(

62)$ /29( 6($76 67$577,1* 35,&( 29(5 )$%5,& )$8; /($7+(5 &+2,&(6 :( 6+2:&$6( 29(5 62)$ 6(&7,21$/ )5$0(6 21 285 6+2:5220 )/225

$==8/,1$ ,6 7+( 21/< &203$1< '(/,9(5,1* &86720 )851,785( ,1 81'(5 '$<6 12 21( %($76 285 35,&(6 &86720(5 6$7,6)$&7,21 25 <285 021(< %$&. 35(6721 $9( 68,7( & /,9(5025( &$

&86720 )851,785( $7 :$5(+286( 35,&(6 _ 0$'( ,1 &$/,)251,$

::: $==8/,1$ &20