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MARCH/APRIL 2OO9
[ C O N T E N T S ] 18
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I N S P I R E D B A C K YA R D S 18
The Great Escape Create your own getaway at home with these budget-friendly ideas for your outdoor living space. By Heidi Doerfert
22
Romancing the Stone Get the look of stone without getting stonewalled by hassles and limitations. By Melinda Peacock
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March/April 2009 THM East Bay
THmag.com
Unique and Innovative Garden Ornaments for All Your Landscaping & Decorating Needs
14
THOUSANDS OF ITEMS ON DISPLAY ITALIAN TERRA-COTTA AND CERAMIC
12 High Energy Beautiful window treatments that cut utility bills. By Heidi Doerfert
GARDEN FURNITURE WOOD-BURNING PIZZA OVENS FROM ITALY
14 Decades of Value Hardwood flooring outlasts them all. By Tammy Hansen
WALL FOUNTAINS FOUNTAINS
16 Uncovering New Options
PLANTERS
New designs offer flexibility and beauty. By Patrica Hayse Haller
TABLES • BENCHES STATUES • BIRDBATHS
26 Sunny Renovation Remodeling done right. By Barbara E. Hernandez
CLCA 28 Make A Good Impression Great ideas for adding value to your home. By Toni DeWaal, CID, CGBP
CCIDC 30 Borrowing Outdoor Space for Everyday Living Ideas for creating a unique living space. By Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP
EVENTS 33 Everything Under One Roof Home & Garden shows can lead to incredible finds for your home.
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7
[ F R O M
T H E
E D I T O R ]
Volume 9, Issue 2 • March/April 2009
Making the Outdoors Your Playground HERE’S NO DENYING IT, outdoor spaces are becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives. BBQ’s, pools, custom concrete, etc. The list of upgrades we can install to make our outdoor experience outstanding is ever growing. Live the good life. Cook outdoors. Spend quality time with friends and family. This issue of Today’s Home is full of great stories and ideas to make your backyard dreams a reality…
T
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry
Liquid Coating offers unique ideas on covering existing outdoor rock and stone to create elegant areas free of those unsightly cracks and blemishes. For your floors, Le’s Golden Floor has a great article on the durability and value of installing hardwood in your house. Adding these floors will give you years of comfort, endurance and satifaction. This issue also features great industry articles from some of the top industry associations. The California Council of Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) brings a great read on bringing the tranquility of the outdoors inside. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) talks about the value of using a qualified contractor to get your landscaping job done right the first time.
GENERAL MANAGER
Jason Douglas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Michael A. Frieburg Cindy McCue Stephan Raimist FEATURE WRITERS
Toni DeWaal Heidi Doerfert Patsy Zakian-Greenough Patricia Hayse Haller Tammy Hansen Barbara E. Hernandez Melinda Peacock Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor
ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER
Also, don’t forget to enter our Ugly Kitchen contest. Go to www.thmresource.com and send us a photo of your kitchen for a chance at a new countertop courtesy of Granite Transformations. In more GREAT news this month, Today’s Home is going Green. We’ve made the switch to recycled paper. Every issue from now on will be using paper that is 85-100% recycled—20-30% of which is Post Consumer Waste. This means we’re keeping a lot of waste out of landfills and doing right by the environment. We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, feel free to send in your comments and suggestion. We’d love to hear from you.
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES
Editorial@THmag.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
(925) 274-1140, x202 Sales@THmag.com NATIONAL INQUIRIES
Jason@THmag.com Info@THmag.com
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Every issue from now on will be using paper that is 85-100% recycled...
March/April 2009 THM East Bay
ACCOUNTING
Diane Nasadiuk
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES
Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor Jeff@THmag.com
8
Chris Ryce
190 North Wiget Lane, Suite 280 Walnut Creek, CA • 94598 WWW.thmRESOURCE.com © 2009. 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 is looking for highly motivated Account Executives with 2 years of advertising and marketing experience. We offer a dynamic environment, excellent growth opportunities, competitive earnings, and a benefits package. Full- and part-time positions available. Please e-mail resumes to Jeff@THmag.com. THmag.com
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HIGH ENERGY Beautiful window treatments that cut utility bills. BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
ID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR WINDOWS TREATMENTS could do more than add style to your home? They can actually act as insulation. In the winter, you can lose 40% of your home’s heat through your windows. In the summer, that sun streaming through the glass makes it harder for you to keep your home cool. Energy efficiency has become more than a buzz phrase in these challenging economic times, now it is a necessity. With this in mind, Hunter Douglas offers more than just another pretty window. Their energy efficient window coverings marry fashion and practicality. Duette Architella honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas have cells that trap the hot or cold air, decreasing the intensity of the temperature as it enters the room. “This line of honeycomb shades provide the ultimate in energy efficiency at your window,” says Cate Vanegas of Hunter Douglas. A honeycomb shade with a triple cell construction will increase the energy efficiency of a single pane of glass by five times and more than double the efficiency of a double-glazed window. You’ll see the results in black and white on your monthly utility bill! Hunter Douglas hopes to educate consumers on the amount of energy that is literally being thrown out the window and the costs savings available to you by simply adding the right treatments. From February 1 to April 30, 2009, participating dealers and Hunter Douglas are offering savings on a wide selection of their most stylish and energy-efficient window fashions in the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway promotion. “Almost five percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. passes through the windows of residential homes,” said Donna Lobosco, Director of Brand Communications for Hunter Douglas. “This is also a wonderful opportunity for local residents to help pave the way towards greener living.” During the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway, consumers will be rewarded with a $50 rebate per window on purchases of Duette Architella shades. Ideal for patio and sliding glass doors, Duette honeycomb shades with the Vertiglide™ Duolite™ design option will be offered at a $300 rebate per window. You can get rebates on other great Hunter Douglas products during the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway such as: vertically oriented Luminette® Privacy Sheers, which combine soft fabric sheers with rotating fabric vanes behind them for privacy and light control, with a $200 rebate per window; Silhouette® window shadings, with the Signature S-Vane™, similar to Luminette but on the horizontal, with a $100 rebate per window; Pirouette® window shadings with a $75 rebate per window—this product resembles a hobbled Roman shade, but features soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing that open into soft contoured folds for an enhanced view and slide into a flattened position for excellent light blockage; and Vignette® Modern Roman Shades, a dramatically improved innovation on the traditional Roman shade, with a $50 rebate per window. To help you pick out a shade that will compliment your home’s décor, Hunter Douglas offers the award-winning iMagine Design Center on its Web site. You can see the colors, textures and construction details up close and even view them within a variety of room settings. Each product has a features list that includes its energy efficiency rating, available safety options, sound absorption and more.
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To find out more about Hunter Douglas’ Stop the Great Energy Giveaway promotion, please visit their Web site at www.hunterdouglas.com or call (800) 274-2985. THM 12
March/April 2009 THM East Bay
Duette® honeycomb shades with UltraGlide®
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TAMMY HANSEN
HE OLD WISDOM WAS THAT HARD WOOD AND KITCHEN
floors don’t mix. Water damage was a major concern. For several years, however, homeowners enamored of the warmth of oak, teak and cherry have laid the foundation for a new wisdom: wood works even in wet places. It’s true, says Andy Le, owner of Le’s Golden Floor Co. in Oakland. Although wood floors never deserved the rap they got in kitchens, new floors with sturdy new finishing technologies are even more appropriate in any room of the home. A well cared for wood floor is one of the longest lasting flooring options on the market. “If you know how to maintain it, it lasts many, many years,” Andy says. He recommends a buff and recoat about every three or four years. It’s a service Le’s Golden offers as part of a commitment to long-term care for wood floors. The company also installs, refinishes, and specializes in color staining to match anything from existing wood flooring to furniture or wall color. Twenty years experience goes a long way towards colors that match, Andy says. “When you do something every day, you look at that color and you just know what you are going to mix,” he says. Customers often are overwhelmed during Le’s Golden free, in-home consultations. Andy starts by helping them narrow their preferences for wood colors and styles. He also looks at the home to get an idea how to lay the flooring. The direction
of the boards is a matter of aesthetics as well as mechanics. Aesthetically, “when you walk into a home you know which direction the wood should go,” Andy says. As for mechanics, “You know where the wood stops and where the wood has to continue.” In most homes, the direction of the flooring remains constant in every room. With doorways and other unique features, it’s important to consider how the wood must be cut and laid to create the most impressive look without compromising the details. Andy often will lay out wood slats in rooms so clients can get a real world view of how different colors, styles an
Hardwood flooring outlasts them all.
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March/April 2009 THM East Bay
SPECIALIZING IN HARDWOOD FLOORING Our Work Speaks for Itself
even the direction of the flooring affects the look. Le’s Golden Floor Co. is a family business that starts with that sort of design assistance and ends with guaranteed satisfaction and on-time finish dates. Six members of the family, including Andy’s brother, son and nephew, work for the licensed and bonded firm. Call Le’s Golden Floor Co. at (510) 444-0548 or e-mail at lesgoldenfloor@yahoo.com for a free, in-home quote. THM
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UNCOVERING NEW OPTIONS New designs offer flexibility and beauty. BY
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PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER
N TODAY’S ECONOMY, MAKING AN EXISTING HOME WORK FOR
a changing lifestyle often makes more sense than either moving up or moving down. And whether your family is growing or shrinking, a wallbed is a great way to gain space without losing equity. “A lot of our customers are people who don’t want to move, but need to add multi-functional rooms,” says Liz Roller of Wallbeds ‘N’ More. “We are specialists in doing that and have something to fit every need or budget, from do-it-yourself to full custom sophistication,” says Liz. Simply put, a wallbed turns one room into two by pulling down when you need a bed and disappearing into a 17” deep cabinet when you don’t. Put one in the nursery and doting grandparents will always have a place to stay. Install a wallbed system with shelves, cabinets and a desk to transform your grown child’s former bedroom into a flexible home office and guest room. Even a tiny alcove can be made useful by adding a hidden bed that transforms in an instant from work to sleep surface and back again without ever clearing the desk or stripping the bed. With over 12 wallbed configurations on display in their San Ramon showroom as well as in-home consultation
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March/April 2009 THM East Bay
services, Wallbeds ‘N’ More has become the go-to destination for creating multi-functional rooms. But over the years, says Liz, “we had a lot of customers asking for a specific sized cabinet or for options like glass, lighting or custom finishes and we couldn’t always meet every need.” That dilemma has disappeared with the introduction of Custom Designs by Wallbeds ‘N’ More, a new line offering nearly infinite combinations of bed and cabinet configurations, architectural styles, wood finishes, and colors. Made in California, the wallbed comes with a low-profile box spring and a full range of add-ons, including cabinets, shelves and wardrobes. The alder and maple wood cabinets come with five different facing and a variety of crown molding options to create any look from traditional to modern. And customers can choose from a host of standard stains, higherend toned finishes – even full-custom color-matching. “This new line adds a whole level of personalization that we couldn’t offer before,” says Liz. To find out how Wallbeds ‘N’ More can help you make the most of your space, call Liz at (925) 570-5663 or visit wallbedsnmore.com. THM
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[ I N S P I R E D
B A C K Y A R D S ]
The Great BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
N THIS TRYING ECONOMY, SPENDING MONEY ON A ONE-TIME, exotic vacation this summer may not be in the cards. But imagine transforming your outdoor space into a getaway that will bring you pleasure for many years to come! When gas prices first began to rise, the media coined the phrase “staycation.” This idea of creating your own personal sanctuary at home not only offers more bang for your buck, but also an alternative to the stress of traveling. So, how do you begin to take that humdrum backyard and turn it into an outdoor retreat? First, think about how you want to use the space. Will you be entertaining a crowd or are you looking for a quiet, Zen-like corner to relax? If your yard is big enough, you may be able to have the best of both worlds. Ask yourself where your ideal vacation spot would be. Are you jetting off to the tropics or taking in the English countryside? The answer can give you the inspiration for the look and feel of your outdoor space. Just as your walls and floors define the style of your home’s interior, hardscapes and landscapes define it on the outside.
I
PLAN AHEAD Whether you want to give your yard a boost or do a complete transformation, the first step is having a plan. “A master plan for the outdoor living space, including the hardscape, planting, lighting and irrigation, is instrumental in having a successful project at the end,” explains Sandra Diehl, owner of Avant Garden Design in Vallejo. Carefully mapping out your desires for your backyard will prevent a hodge-podge look and also enables the contractor to give you a proper bid. Sandra stresses the importance of having an irrigation system in place so all of your beautiful plants and flowers flourish instead of deteriorate. To craft an outdoor space with a retreat-like feel, she recommends using structures and plant material to create privacy.
“An overhang or pergola gives an instant feeling of intimacy and comfort.” Instead of one main area, designate a couple of different spots for relaxation such as a cozy corner to read or a table for two near a bubbly fountain to spend time with your spouse. A great tip: don’t plant flowers or shrubs that attract bees near your sitting areas. Transitional elements such as gates, arbors and pathways will make you feel as if you’re entering a special place. If you’re looking to rev up your space, a tropical oasis may be just what the doctor ordered. Sandra recommends palm trees like the Mexican Fan and Date Palm, Native Hibiscus such as Rose of Sharon, Birds of Paradise, and Day Lilies. Use hot hues like reds, oranges and hot pinks! And, don’t forget to turn on the lights. “Lighting is one of the forgotten, but important elements to a great outdoor space.” Whether it’s to guide you safely down a path in the evening or to highlight your favorite tree, proper illumination definitely sets the mood.
THE H2O FACTOR Water is an essential element in transforming your yard from tired to tranquil. Fountains, waterfalls and ponds add soothing sound, but carefully consider which one best fits your lifestyle. Sandra advises to think about how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance. “Obviously, a coy pond will require a lot more attention than one without fish.” If you want the beauty of water without the upkeep, a pondless water feature may be great option. Once installed, they are virtually maintenance-free which is good news for busy homeowners. Of course, nothing says exotic escape like a pool! You may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable a swimming pool can be. Richard Evans, President of Cookie Cutter Pools, says success is in their motto: “Keep it simple with lower overhead.” Cookie Cutter is a large construction company with a few decades of experience. They offer
Create your own getaway at home with these budget-friendly ideas for your outdoor living space. 18
March/April 2009 THM East Bay
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B A C K Y A R D S ]
Photo: Kingsly-Bate (ww.kingslybate.com)
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[ I N S P I R E D
B A C K Y A R D S ] of the past.” The three elements for a functional outdoor kitchen are a grill, prep space and storage. You can decide how simple or elaborate these elements are. Scott advises picking the right grill for your needs. If you are going to be serving up burgers to dozens of guests on a regular basis, you may want to go with a grill in the range of 48-53 inches wide. Think about how you work in your indoor kitchen and try to mimic that on the outside. “I recommend placing the kitchen in close proximity to your back door in case you need to get extra supplies,” says Scott. “Although, some homeowners do prefer to put their outdoor kitchen near the pool for a resort-like feel.” Adequate storage and a built-in refrigerator will help you avoid running back and forth from the patio to your house. Scott says that it’s ideal to build an overhang or pavilion to protect your kitchen from the elements. If that’s not in the budget, durable covers can keep your island and grill looking new for years. Another cost-effective tip is to go with a propane grill so you don’t have to tap into your home’s gas line.
Photo: Tropitone (ww.tropitone.com)
OUTDOOR DECOR
a menu of 3 Pool Sizes and Shapes, 3 Colors of Brick Coping and 5 Plaster Colors. Richard says this allows Cookie Cutter to purchase their equipment and products in bulk and they can pass that savings on to you. A basic pool can start at as little as $24,000. And, you’ll be splashing around sooner than with a traditional pool builder. “We build pools in less than 30 days!” says Richard. While the basic pool packages are the most economical way to go, Cookie Cutter offers custom touches and upgrades and can build any shapeand-sized pool you desire. During your free consultation, Cookie Cutter can help you pick the best pool for your lifestyle and budget.
One of the best things about a vacation is the food. Imagine being able to prepare an entire meal on your patio while enjoying the company of your family and friends. Outdoor kitchens are becoming a must-have for the staycationer. Scott Costa of Costa Construction, Inc. in San Ramon says he’s seen a definite rise in demand for outdoor kitchens. “The stand-alone grill is really becoming a thing 20
March/April 2009 THM East Bay
Photo: Gloster (ww.gloster.com)
DINNER, ALFRESCO STYLE
Patio furniture not only offers a place to lounge, it can really bring your overall vision to fruition. For a restful retreat, think natural materials. A pair of bamboo or wooden chairs with cushions in earth tones and end tables with clean lines offers instant calm. To evoke cottage charm, wicker always fits the bill. All-weather wicker is not your Grandmother’s wicker. It is woven with resin and is affordable, easy to clean, and weather resistant. If the Tuscan countryside is calling your name, use wrought iron pieces to create your own private bistro. Rich tones in mustard, olive green and deep red will having you shouting, Bellissimo! Your outdoor oasis needs accessories just like the inside of your home. These added touches take your patio to the next level. From textured area rugs to wall art to chandeliers, you can find furnishings made specifically for outdoor use. From simple to showstopper, an outdoor re-do can make you feel like you’re on vacation all year-long! For more information on outdoor remodeling or to find a contractor, please visit us on the web at www.thmag.com. THM
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East Bay THM March/April 2009
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Romancing the Stone BY
MELINDA PEACOCK
HERE’S NO QUESTION. Something about stonework gives a back or front-yard elegance, strength, even a subtle richness, while still retaining raw natural beauty. Imagine the tumbled travertine walls of a Mediterranean villa, or water-smoothed river rock encasing a fire pit or barbeque island. The look of a slate patio edging the cool blue water of a swimming pool. If you’ve been living with cracked and unsightly cement, aggregate, stucco, or brick walkways, driveway, or patio, there is a replacement solution that doesn’t require a jackhammer and days of noise, dust, and mess. Liquid Coating Designs in Pleasanton has a unique process to overlay an existing surface for a totally new look. A mixture of crushed quarried limestone and polymer resins, called Liquid Stone, is applied over the existing hardscape. Before it hardens, a craftsman carves into it by hand, creating the look, texture, and shape of stone. “We can design Liquid Stone to resemble slate, flagstone,
T
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[ I N S P I R E D
tile, travertine, river rock, cobblestone, garden stone, or even a unique custom design,” describes Charles Suhay, president of Liquid Coating Designs. The stone shapes can be drawn in any pattern, such as symmetrical, castle layout, diagonal, or asymmetrical. Different patterns and stone types can be used to emulate a particular style like Craftsman, Asian, Old World or contemporary. Even the color is custom mixed and applied by hand to make the stone blend naturally with the surroundings or to make it stand out as a bold design statement. “The versatility of Liquid Stone is amazing,” says Charles. “We use it on patios, pool decks, driveways, walkways and porches. It is also great on vertical surfaces, like columns, walls, steps, fire pits, seating areas, and outdoor kitchen islands.” Liquid Coating Designs has over 15 years of experience in resurfacing technologies,
B A C K Y A R D S ]
and they are known for attention to detail on each project, great rates, and stellar workmanship. There are other big benefits to Liquid Stone versus concrete. In addition to custom designs and colors, it is more durable than stamped concrete and a sealant is applied to make the surface stain resistant. It is also cooler than existing concrete, making walking barefoot on a summer day a more enjoyable experience. No more yelps and quickly hopping to the nearest patch of grass! Fall in love with your outdoor living space. Select the perfect look for your home, tastes, and lifestyle with a custom-made stone solution from Liquid Coating Designs. To get started on a new stonework makeover, call Liquid Coating Designs at (866) 886-2628, or visit their web site at www.liquidcoatingdesigns.com. THM
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Sunny Renovation Remodeling done right. BY
BARBARA E. HERNANDEZ
S
CONSTRUCTION INC. PRIDES ITSELF ON ITS FULL-SERVICE DESIGN and construction. “We make sure that we help the homeowner with everything from A-to-Z for you,” said Michelle Mor, who owns Sunshine Construction Inc. in Pleasant Hill with her husband Mosche, who has been contracting for over 30 years. While the company specializes in all phases of construction, from new construction to additions, Sunshine’s latest project is the remodel of a 1,900 square-foot home in Moraga. Sharon Sergott and her husband, Ted, called Sunshine after her previous contractor couldn’t begin the job because of financial problems. “We had picked someone with bad credit,” After she said. “Our bank suggested we try Sunshine.” With Sunshine, Sharon said that she received personal service from Michelle, who helped her pick out appliances and fixtures for the detailed remodel. “We work with companies where we’ve built a good relationship, so the homeowner benefits from the discount of anywhere from 25 to 40 percent off,” Michelle added. Fifteen years of living in the split-level ranch gave Sharon strong ideas of what they wanted to change. “We knew we wanted to remodel after 10 years, but it wasn’t time. The market had to be right, the job had to be stable and the kids had to be old enough,” said Sharon. All those factors aligned last March when construction began on the Sergott home. UNSHINE
Before
Before
During
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March/April 2009 THM East Bay
THmag.com
“IMMER B ESSER” Forever Better
After
Sunshine Construction Inc. added 1,280 square feet to the previously 1,900 square-foot home – a family room, one-and-ahalf baths, and two bedrooms were added. The construction was completed in almost seven months with the family able to live in the home while it was being remodeled, which saved on additional costs. “We saved a ton of money and were able to put it into our house,” Sharon said. Sharon was also able to be on site to answer questions in order to keep the project moving along. For 15 years, Sharon dealt with a cramped kitchen where a pulled-out drawer prevented anyone from entering. Now she has a huge kitchen, complete with two sinks and a pantry, which is now constantly filled with children and friends. Other improvements included adding storage space in the ceiling, a river rock floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walk-in closets – perfect for school-aged kids with growing amounts of sports equipment. The Sergotts also opted for a sound system throughout the house so anyone, anywhere in the house, could listen to music or the television. The remodel also provided doors to the dining room which helped cut noise when children would invite friends over. The now-quiet dining room now serves as a homework room and a home office. Sharon said that if she were to give advice, it would be to research fixtures and other details when planning a remodel. Sharon admitted she found herself overwhelmed by the minutiae of the remodel and often relied on Michelle to join her on shopping trips to pick out fixtures and appliances. “We do everything to help them,” Michelle replied. “We don’t just tell our customers to provide us with fixtures by this date. We pick out and design everything. That’s part of our services.” For more info on Sunshine Construction Inc., call (925) 472-8760 or visit their Web site at www.sunshine-construction-inc.com. THM
®
DIRECT APPLIANCE (925) 560-0500 DirectApplianceDublin.com
6842 Village Parkway (corner of Dublin Boulevard and Village Parkway) For parts call (800) 346-8249
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East Bay THM March/April 2009
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[ C L C A ]
Make A Good Impression BY
TONI DEWAAL, CID, CGBP
S THE OLD SAYING GOES, you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. Savvy homeowners know that their yards make an impression every day—on visitors, friends, family and the whole. But even if you’re not overly concerned with looks, a well-done landscape can put money in your pocket. A recent study reported the costs of landscaping had a recovery value of at least 100 percent and up to 200 percent, which compares to a recovery value of 70 to 125 percent for a kitchen and 80 to 120 percent for a bathroom remodel. So, if you need to spruce things up a bit, or even add some new features that will expand living space for you and your family, here are some tips from the California Landscape Contractors Association to get your project off on the right foot. Hire a licensed contractor. If the price of your job is $500 or more (including costs of labor and materials), state law requires that the person or company doing the job be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. One of the best ways to choose a contractor is to use the Contractor Search feature on the CLCA website at www.clca.org. Once you have a list of prospective contractors and have your initial meetings, ask to visit jobs each contractor has completed. If possible, talk to the homeowners and ask if their expectations were met. Also ask your contractor about liability and workers’ compensation insurance. In fact, CLCA recommends that you ask to see written proof of insurance policies. Make a checklist. Some time before you meet with your contractor, take a tour of your yard, and make a list of improvements or features you want to add. If you like to entertain outdoors, for example, consider an outdoor kitchen-one of today’s hottest amenities. Fountains and water features are among the most popular landscape features today. Many contractors have stunning photographs of the features they’ve created, so ask to take a look. And because a picture is worth a thousand words, showing your contractor photos you collect from books and magazines is a great way to convey your ideas and priorities. Be sure to take a look at a number of projects before you settle on the contractor to install rock or stone. There can be a huge difference in the quality of the work and craftsmanship from mason to mason. Some masons do mostly brick and concrete, and others are experts at using natural stone. Keep up the good work. A good plan will include a professionally installed, inground irrigation system with automatic timer. Be sure to ask your contactor about the latest water-conserving devices.
A
For more Information contact CLCA at (916) 830-2780. Or, visit them online at www.clca.org. THM
Great ideas for adding value to your home. 28
March/April 2009 THM East Bay
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Beautiful Homes
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[ C C I D C ]
Idea s f o r cr ea ti ng a unique living s pa ce. BY
PATSY ZAKIAN-GREENOUGH, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP
O YOU EVER WISH YOU HAD MORE SPACE for entertaining or maybe another place to relax and catch your breath? You’ve thought of an addition, but that could be costly and time consuming. Why not consider an existing space that could be used differently? When Certified Interior Designer Genie Nowicki was asked to design a local remodeling project, she did just that. She took an existing entry deck and transformed it into a lovely greeting area as well as a space for entertaining. Here are a few ideas to think about as you start your project: First, select a Certified Interior Designer (CID) to work with you. A CID is certified in the State of California and is qualified by education, experience, and examination. Share your lifestyle history with your designer to identify your needs. To make this entry area accessible to everyone who came to visit, Genie added a discrete ramp that meanders through well-established trees and landscaping. The ramp seems to “float” off the ground as piers were placed under the center of the ramp with iron braces for additional support. She added light along the pathway, which made it safer and a favorite route for all who come to visit. Have you thought about artistic features you could include in your plan? Genie relocated a custom copper water fountain from the interior living area to the entry. The water adds a soothing sound and the sculptural form adds interest. Attractive, correctly scaled planters (with a drip system) and comfortable
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This beautiful entry, now elegant and inviting, serves to welcome family and friends for entertaining or light informal meals. Design: Genie Nowicki, CKD, CBD, CAPS, CGBP, CID of Harrell Remodeling, Inc., in Mountain View.
March/April 2009 THM East Bay
benches at the front door are key components. It now feels inviting to guests whether for entertaining purposes or just light meals and coffee. Is your space showing signs of deferred maintenance? In this instance, the existing deck required some repair work. Thinking outside the box, Genie was able to take advantage of this opportunity to re-route electrical and gas lines. Because this was a down sloped lot, some excavation was done, deck boards were salvaged and reused for the new ramp and new deck boards were installed by using a clip system. The clip system and waterproof framing underneath the deck will extend its life by eliminating water penetration into the wood. Does your door allow enough light to pass through so that two areas can feel connected? The front door system allows light to spill into the house. And, a concealed Phantom Screen keeps the bugs out while still letting fresh air in. Is your entry a point at which you control all your security? Take advantage of coordinating your systems for easy access and convenience. Remember that good design is always beautiful. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. A remodel should not be built just for who you are today, but for the person you’ll become tomorrow. Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP is the Senior Designer at Harrell Remodeling, Inc., 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 THmag.com
Photo: Bill Enos, Emerald Light Photography
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March/April 2009 THM East Bay
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[ E V E N T S ]
Everything Under One Roof Home & garden shows can lead to incredible finds for your home. PRING IS ON THE HORIZON. That means it’s time to break out your ever-growing list of home improvement projects. It’s always a great idea to check out local Home and Garden shows. There you’ll find a huge assortment of home-related companies under one roof—with unbelievable prices. There’s no better way to get into the remodeling mood than to visit the 24th annual Contra Costa Spring Home & Garden Show. At the show, patrons can see hundreds of exhibits featuring the latest trends in landscaping, outdoor and indoor furnishings, and appliances. Now is a great time to take advantage of lower prices and look into home-improvement or remodeling purchases that might not have been realistic even as little as two years ago. This is a perfect opportunity to enhance the home you are in, while both protecting, and raising it’s value. “To really take advantage of all this show has to offer, plan on spending at least a full day taking it all in,” says Show Manager Frank Adams. “There’s so much educational value in seeing the beautiful displays, touching the products, and speaking with our knowledgeable vendors. Visitors are delighted by the attention they receive from our exhibitors. And our exhibitors are happy to answer any questions presented to them.” Frank says that even after two decades, the show is not a repeat of former events. “The exciting thing about the Contra Costa Spring Home & Garden Show is that it’s never exactly the same. The companies that exhibit yearly create new displays to introduce additions to their product lines. These displays and the exhibits from new vendors give each show a different kind of energy and personality.” “Many attendees even request tickets for the next day when they discover how much there is to see,” says Frank. Homeowners can plan to come early to experience all the show has to offer.
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The Contra Costa Spring Home & Garden Show will be held at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord on April 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2009. The show is open Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Saturday hours are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. General admission is $6, with free admission for children 12 and under. Discount coupons are available on the Capital Showcase Web site. For more information, call (800) 222-9351 or visit www.capitalshowcase.com. THM
Friday, April 3 • 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Saturday, April 4 • 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sunday, April 5 • 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Contra Costa Spring Show • Concord
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