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NEW CONSTRUCTION Call for a free in-home consultation!
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Noritz Hot Water Heaters
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2OO9
[ C O N T E N T S ] 12
20
THE 16
GREEN 12
LIFE
Eco-Fabulous Making your home Green is easier than you think. By Heidi Doerfert
16
18
So Much More Than Green Endless choices when it comes to eco-friendly paint. By Patricia Hayse Haller
18
A Backyard Oasis Renovate your swimming pool.
20
Grass to Envy A new kind of eco-friendly synthetic turf saves the money and time spent tending to the lawn with. By Jenny Jedeikin
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
22
Save Up to 50% on Custom & Ready-made Draperies Solid Silks Velvet Linen Taffeta & Embroidered Silks
10
Add a Bed to Any Room By Patricia Hayse Haller
B UILD I T G REEN 22 Your Pathway to a Healthier, More Energy Efficient Home GreenPoint Rated Existing Home. By Annette Hartsfield
CCIDC 24 The Forever Home: Going Green Designing Green to last a lifetime. By Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CAPS, CGBP, CID
CLCA 26 Tips On How To Begin Again Recommendations to help protect your property after a fire from the California Landscape Contractors Association.
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Beam Me Up! Add architectural flair to your home with wood box beams. By Heidi Doerfert
24
At the Drapery Boutique we are passionate about providing the finest quality “Ready-to-Hang Draperies” to our customers at the best price available. Our exquisite collection is available in colors and styles that will accent your home décor. We also provide complete custom window treatments in our signature fabrics. Visit our showroom and design center for a free personal consultation.
For more information, call or visit
800 Sycamore Valley West • Danville ON THE COVER Restoration Timber hand hewn white Oak beams. Photo: Restoration Timber (www.restorationtimber.com). TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
866.413.7273 Shop online at thedrapeboutique.com East Bay THM November/December 2009
7
Volume 9, Issue 6 • November/December 2009
“IMMER B ESSER” Forever Better
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry GENERAL MANAGER/EDITOR
Jason Douglas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Ken Sorensen FEATURE WRITERS
Heidi Doefert Patsy Zakina-Greenough Patricia Hayse Haller Annette Hartsfield Jenny Jedeikin ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER
Chris Ryce ACCOUNTING
Diane Nasadiuk
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES
Editorial@THmag.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
(925) 659-6200 Sales@THmag.com NATIONAL INQUIRIES
Jason@THmag.com SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES
Info@THmag.com
®
(888) 274-1140 • (925) 659-6200 P.O. Box 2025 • San Ramon, CA • 94583 WWW.TodaysHomeBayArea.com
DIRECT APPLIANCE (925) 560-0500 DirectApplianceDublin.com
6842 Village Parkway (corner of Dublin Boulevard and Village Parkway) For parts call (800) 346-8249 8
November/December 2009 THM East Bay
© 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. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
ideas and resources for your home
BayArea.com Search the Bay Area’s ultimate resource guide for more articles of interest, links
Refacing Your Home “On The Cheap”
Customize Your Windows and Save
Tips and tricks to beautify on a budget. www.todayshomebayarea.com/feature
Get beautiful shades, blinds and shutters and receive a huge tax credit. www.todayshomebayarea.com/excitingwindows
Get Grounded
Adding Space Without Adding On
Bring your style home with endless flooring options. www.todayshomebayarea.com/carpetone
Wallbeds gives you back the room. www.todayshomebayarea.com/wallbedsnmore
to more resources, Web sites, and professionals who can help you with all your home projects.
Post your Web page on TodaysHomeBayArea.com! Contact Information Multiple Links to Your Web Site Photo Gallery Press
Garage Remodels
Innovative organizing solutions for every garage. www.todayshomebayarea.com/premiergarage
The Cost of Custom
People say custom furnishings are expensive. That’s a myth. www.todayshomebayarea.com/azzulina
Call 925.659.6200 or e-mail Jeff@THmag.com for more information.
Find more great ideas and resources for your home on TodaysHomeBayArea.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
East Bay THM November/December 2009
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A DD
A
B ED
TO
A NY R OOM
Whether you just need a guestroom now and then or are experiencing a real ‘space crunch’ every day, Wallbeds ‘N’ More can help you make the most of every room in your home. Choose from a host of different space-saving options. BY
PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER
WALLBED
WITH A WARDROBE Turn any room into a bedroom by adding a wallbed and matching wardrobe cabinet. Choose from five different styles from sleek contemporary to classic Mission, bed sizes from twin to queen, and wardrobes in 24" and 32" widths.
O FFICE BY D AY, B EDROOM BY N IGHT
C HEST B ED
H IDDEN D ESK B ED
Open this 4'X5' cabinet by pulling down the doors to form a platform, then unfold a full-size innerspring mattress to create an instant guest room. Closed, the cabinet is deep enough for a stereo or TV, which makes it popular for family rooms and dens.
Get a 2-in-1 solution for even the tiniest space with a desk that converts to a twin or full size bed. There’s no need to clear off the desk—just pull the bed down and the work surface glides down smoothly to disappear under the bed.
Create a home office to fit any size and budget. From a compact office system for a 10' x 10' room to an elaborate library-look complete with an executive-style desk and a custom combination of cabinets, bookshelves, filing cabinets, hutches and—of course—a wallbed.
L EARN
MORE AT WALLBEDS ‘N’ M ORE With the largest display of wallbeds in California, Wallbeds ‘N’ More is dedicated to helping every one find the right solution for their space, from the smallest apartment to a larger home.
To find the perfect extra bed for your family, call (925) 570-5663 or visit wallbedsnmore.com. THM 10
November/December 2009 THM East Bay
New Location in San Ramon!
Serving The Tri-Valley Area For Over 36 Years
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 San Ramon 3120-B Crow Canyon Road (Behind Max’s Diner)
866-1144 www.acanthusonline.com
Exquisite frames from around the world.
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Carpet Laminate Tile Stone Hardwood Vinyl Granite Area Rugs No Interest Financing Available, OAC
925-455-9210 • carpetoneoflivermore.com 1917 First Street • Livermore
East Bay THM November/December 2009
11
[ G R E E N
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eco[ G R E E N
L I V I N G ]
FABULOUS BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
O GREEN!” IS A MESSAGE that seems to be everywhere. The movement towards a healthier planet is no longer limited to a small group of environmentalists. Everyday people are realizing the need for using materials that are kinder to our personal and global environments. You may want to take part but wonder how you can fit eco-friendly elements into your existing home and lifestyle. The best way to bring Green into your life is to start small. Many companies are answering the demand for more natural and safer products that are eco-and-bank-account friendly.
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If Walls Could Talk Jack O’Neil of Kelly Moore in Concord says they have long been an innovator and leader in Green options for paint. “Kelly Moore introduced E-Coat almost 21 years ago. It’s nicknamed the “earthquake paint” because when the 1989 earthquake hit, huge drums of paint spilled all over our San Carlos plant. We recycled that paint and E-Coat was born.” E-Coat is made from a minimum of 50% post-consumer waste. For example, if a commercial project has a large quantity of leftover paint, it can be shipped to Kelly Moore’s Sacramento plant where it is recycled into new paint. You know when you try to match paint to a certain color and it doesn’t come out quite right the first time?
Rather than throwing it out, Kelly Moore remanufactures that mistinted paint and recycles 99% of returned paint. E-Coat is an excellent and affordable choice for use in places that are occupied during application, such as health care facilities and schools. The proof of this recycling program is in the landfill. Actually, the proof is what isn’t in the landfill…like several thousand tons of solid waste! Another plus is the conservation of millions of gallons of water. Kelly Moore’s Enviro-Coat, which first came out as a low-VOC paint over 10 years ago, became a zero-VOC product in 2008. Volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s, are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOC’s include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. According to the EPA, concentrations of many VOC’s are up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors, largely due to toxic emissions by paints and finishes. “The awareness of living Green has really taken off in the past few years,” Jack explains. “The demand for eco-friendly paint began with architects and contractors working on commercial jobs like hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. They needed a product that didn’t have the unpleasant fumes that typical paints carry.” EnviroCoat, and its commercial counterpart, Green Coat, offers low odor, easy clean up, and mildew-resistance in addition to zero-VOC’s. >>
Making your home Green is easier than you think. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
East Bay THM November/December 2009
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“Not only is it kinder to the environment,” Jack notes, “It’s also kinder to folks who suffer from asthma and allergies.” The California Water Environment Association honored Kelly Moore’s efforts for taking proactive steps to manufacture quality products with the least possible impact on the environment. “We are proud to say that not one drop of water that falls on our San Carlos factory campus goes to waste,” Jack notes.
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Floor It After you’ve turned your walls Green, turn your attention to the floor. You may already know that cork, bamboo and wool carpet are eco-friendly options but there are some exciting new choices in environmental flooring. Carpet One’s Green Select initiative represents their commitment to making our environment better through their relationships with customers, suppliers and their employees. They are continually working with vendors to produce flooring that meets strict eco-friendly standards. Carpet One carries products that have earned their Green Select label, which means they are recyclable, contain a minimum of recycled material and/or are made from a natural, sustainable, quickly renewable resource. “Mohawk carpet’s SmartStrand technology is made up of 37% renewable resources such as corn that give it a softer feel than nylons or polyesters,” says Laurie DeSimone of Carpet One in Livermore.The SmartStrand fibers have really good stain protection so cleaning up those spills is less of a headache. Another great option is Anderson Hardwood. They only harvest wood from
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
upcoming in our next issue professionally managed forests that are under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Laurie says Anderson will actually plant a tree in your honor in one of America’s Heritage Forests when you purchase an Anderson hardwood product! Their motto is “Replace what you take. Follow the rules and leave the place better than how you found it. That’s what it means to be Green.” The latest innovation is leather flooring, which is made from 100% recycled leather and comes in plank or tile form. Torlys Leather Floors, available at Carpet One, contain no harmful VOC emissions, no added formaldehyde and exceed California Indoor Air Quality standards, among the most stringent in the world. It is made from the scraps of leather that are left over from making belts, purses, and car interiors. It is as durable as hardwood and is absolutely beautiful on the floor. Laurie points out that Green flooring is becoming more and more in demand as word gets out about the growing variety and options that are available. “If a homeowner can buy a floor that they love and know that it is also eco-friendly, it makes them feel that much better about their purchase,” says Laurie.
Beautiful Kitchens JANUARY
2010
Inspiration Innovation Design
To find out how to add color to your home without the toxins, visit Kelly Moore at their Web site www.kellymoore.com. To go Green on the floor, visit Carpet One at 1917 First Street in Livermore, call them at (888) 291-4418, or visit their Web site at www.carpetonelivermore.com. For more tips on Going Green, check out www.treehugger.com and www.gogreenonline.com. THM
Ideas Resources D ESIGNERS
✶
A RCHITECTS
C ONTRACTORS
Let us know if you have a local kitchen project to share with our readers!
EAST BAY
Kitchen Redefined Photo: Walker Zanger
s Creating New Space des Budget-friendly Upgra
JANUARY/FE BRUARY
✶
20 09
Call 925.659.6200 or e-mail Jeff@THmag.com for more information. East Bay THM November/December 2009
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So Much More Than Green BY
PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER
F YOU THINK YOU HAVE TO GO GREEN to save the environment, think again. You can go rich ruby red, morning sunshine yellow, or big country blue. In fact, with new low- and no- VOC paints by Benjamin Moore, you can choose from 3,300 custom colors and still be green, says Chris Handling of Professional Paint Center in Walnut Creek. “For more than 50 years, all paint has been tinted with the same glycol-based colorants,” says Chris. Unfortunately, traditional paints also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which they release into the air, giving your home that headache-inducing “new paint” odor. VOCs contribute to ozone depletion and smog. Now, Benjamin Moore has changed all that with a proprietary waterborne colorant system that it uses to make some of the finest low- and no-VOC paints on the market. And, as an exclusive Benjamin Moore retailer, Professional Paint Center is playing a leading role in helping Bay Area homeowners choose the right environmentally safe paint—and even the right color. That’s nothing new. Homeowners and professional painters alike have been turning to Professional Paint Center for quality paint, spray equipment sales and service, and expert advice for over 30 years. Founded by Jack Handling—Chris’ father—in 1976, Professional Paint Center is a favorite with painting contractors. But the store is also renowned for the expertise, product knowledge and advice they offer to average do-it-yourself homeowners. The store has color consultants and design specialists on staff to help with color matching, painting techniques and more.
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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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Endless choices when it comes to eco-friendly paint. From the beginning, Professional Paint Center has exclusively sold Benjamin Moore paints, confident in both the quality of the product and the reputation of the company. “Benjamin Moore has been a leader in color for a long time, but they’ve also become a leader in innovative products,” said Chris. “Now they are at the forefront in low-VOC products.” Most exciting, says Chris, is the Aura line of paints, which combines Benjamin Moore’s waterborne colorant with a unique colorlock technology that chemically bonds the paint and color molecules together. The result is a rich fade-resistant color that won’t wash or rub out, and offers unparalleled coverage, even over dark hues that other paints need several coats to cover. “No matter what color you have on your wall or want on your wall, Aura never needs more than two coats. And it dries in one hour, so you can get the job done faster,” says Chris. In fact, he
says, “Aura is the best performing paint anyone makes. Not the best low-VOC paint. The best paint, period.” Benjamin Moore also has two zero-VOC products that feature the waterborne colorant system, but not the colorlock technology. Natura is a premium grade paint that goes on smoothly, cleans up easily, dries to the touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated in only an hour. Best of all, it has no VOCs in either the base or the colorant, and has been specially refined to remove other trace compounds, making it virtually odorless. EcoSpec is a new contractor grade paint with no VOCs and minimal odor. According to Chris, EcoSpec is the ideal choice for someone seeking a green product for a price-sensitive project. To find out more about Benjamin Moore’s low- and no-VOC paints, or to consult with a color and design specialist, visit Professional Paint Center at 2724 North Main Street in Walnut Creek, or call them at (925) 933-3315. THM
Professional Paint Center, Inc.
Professional Paint Center, Inc. 2724 North Main Street Walnut Creek, CA 94597
(925) 933-3315 TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
East Bay THM November/December 2009
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A Backyard Oasis SSENTIAL TO YOUR BACKYARD SUMMER FUN IS an attractive and appealing swimming pool. As a pool ages, not only does it look outdated, but it becomes rough, mottled, develops stains, tile and coping loosen or fall off and can have damaging undetected cracks. The remedy to all of these problems is California’s Gunite and Pool Plastering. Based in Livermore, and in business since 1992, California’s Gunite and Pool Plastering does work for over forty distinguished pool companies throughout Northern California. Our in-house services include steel reinforcing, gunite installation, coping, tile, plaster and state-of-theart WetEdge Technologies premium pebble surfacing. We specialize in renovations and all of our employees are skilled craftsman with many years of experience in the industry. Customers will receive a free estimate from one of our qualified sales representatives, Ron Tatti or Kelley Knight. Both Ron and Kelley have over 25 years experience in building and renovating pools. They can offer many costsaving suggestions and help you design a new and fresh look to your pool. With the new and refined products now
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November/December 2009 THM East Bay
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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add value to your home and increase the pleasure of spending time in your own back yard.
After
available, your pool will continue to look like new longer and be more resistant to mottling and stains. Your renovated pool will add value to your home and increase the pleasure of spending time in your own back yard. A remodeled pool and new equipment can offer the homeowner significant energy savings, making the pool “greener” and safer. One example is to shallow a pool, which will ultimately reduce the amount of water in the pool that needs to be filtered and chemically treated. Additionally, in several projects, deep-end walkouts or an “Acapulco Shelf” have been added to pools, which make them more kid-friendly. Homeowners are always interested in a way to stop their kids from the “racetrack routine” around the pool, which can result in injury. An appealing solution is to
.”
take out the concrete deck behind the pool, build a wall, face the wall with stone, install fountains in the wall and then landscape behind the wall. This not only eliminates a chance of injury, but also adds a visual change of elevation and the tranquil sound of a soft waterfall. Remodeling a pool today offers a plethora of safety, energy-savings and aesthetic solutions to the customer. California’s Gunite and Pool Plastering is uniquely suited to serve the customer seeking to remodel their pool. The best advertising for the company are customer referrals and Ron or Kelley can provide you with over 500 names, as well as endless before and after photos of past projects.
For more information call California’s Gunite and Pool Plastering at (925) 960-9500 or visit them online at www. californiasgunite.com. THM
PROFESSIONAL SWIMMING POOL RENOVATIONS
Before
BY
R E -P LASTER /P EBBLE R ENOVATIONS T ILE /C OPING P OOL C RACK R EPAIR P OOL S HALLOWING R ETAINING W ALLS W ATER F EATURES P LUMBING /E LECTRICAL
925-960-9500 www.californiasgunite.com 510 Greenvile Road • Livermore TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
East Bay THM November/December 2009
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Grass to Envy BY JENNY JEDEIKIN
ANT TO SAVE NEARLY 56,000 GALLONS OF WATER a year, yet still have your property looking like a tropical paradise? Install Heavenly Greens’ Fieldturf in your yard and guests, pets, and sports-minded kids, will never know the difference. According to Troy Scott, Vice President of Marketing for the nine-year-old company, Heavenly Greens looks and feels so realistic; the most common reaction from people is disbelief that it’s a synthetic product. “You would have a very hard time pointing out which was which, if you saw a grass lawn side by side with our two-tone synthetic lawn,” says Troy. “Yet this turf is going to last 20 years, requires virtually no maintenance, and saves the environment from excessive water waste and the pesticide run-off from lawn chemicals.” If the environmental angle doesn’t convince homeowners, Troy finds the low maintenance aspect is another big reason why more people are turning toward synthetic lawns than ever before. “When you consider the fact that each weekend roughly 54 million people are mowing 20 million acres of grass in this country, this product is a much healthier environmental alternative.” The average homeowner will recoup their entire investment on the product in six to eight years, because of the savings they will accumulate from using no water, lawn mowing equipment, or fertilizers. “But not all synthetic turf is created equal,” explains Troy. “Unlike some of these new-to-market synthetic turf products, make sure you work with a reputable company that carries a solid warranty. Heavenly Greens is guaranteed to last fifteen years, and has a shelf life of 20-25 years.” Made of polyethylene, and very soft to the touch, Heavenly Greens continues to be the product of choice for thousands throughout the Bay Area. The company recently serviced the Marin County Humane Society, as well as Google and YouTube, on their interior and exterior corporate headquarters. “We installed an amazing putting green for the YouTube staff, which is only one of our four different applications,” notes Troy. “There’s commercial and residential use, a playground or play area turf padded for additional safety, and a putting green product for our PGA endorsed professional putting greens.” Not to be forgotten is the pet application, specifically engineered and guaranteed for durability to resist digging or scratching, and it won’t discolor from urine stains. While your dog may never know the difference, you will certainly notice the appeal of less yard maintenance, and those yellow burn
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A new kind of eco-friendly synthetic turf saves the money and time spent tending to the lawn with.
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
marks are a thing of the past. “Fieldturf is LEED certified, meaning it can help new construction, or upgrade projects obtain LEED credits for green building initiatives, which is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”, Troy explains. Most recently Heavenly Greens installed 30,000 square feet at the Silicon Valley Humane Society in Milpitas. Heavenly Greens services the entire Northern California region, and the home installation process is simple. “It takes just one day to embed up to 500 square feet of turf,” says Troy. “That’s the rule of thumb, depending on the area and the access we have to your yard.” The installation process includes removing four inches of surface material from your yard, then replacing it with base rock, and other materials to prepare the drainage system under the turf. Once the base is complete, the product is rolled out, custom cut to fit your area, then secured, and the final layer of infill stationed above. Simple to maintain, all this turf requires for cleaning is the natural rinsing that occurs with rainwater. It can also be hosed down occasionally, and even disinfected if required, as the product is resistant to discoloring from most chemical cleaners. Heavenly Greens offers two color options as well “The turf comes in a very lush looking solid green for the lawn that always looks picture-perfect,” says Troy. “The other option for folks, that I prefer myself, is a two-tone color which is a bit more convincing as real grass. It looks like a lawn that was just mowed,” he says. “These products are incredibly realistic, and a fantastic alternative to our ever increasing water problems here in California—we’re even starting to see various counties offering rebate programs to install synthetic turf because of the large water savings.”
RESOU RCE G U ID E APPLIANCES
Direct Appliance 925-560-0500 www.directappliancedublin.com CARPET AND FLOORING
Carpet One of Livermore 925-455-9210 www.carpetoneoflivermore.com CLEANING SERVICE
Spring Fresh Cleaning 800-750-7175 www.springfreahcleaninginc.com CONCRETE
Lara’s Concrete 925-458-6304
Creative Curbs 925-628-3181 www.carlscurbs.com PAINT CENTER
Professional Paint Cener 925-933-3315 PAVING STONES
Black Diamond Landscape & Designs 800-942-1955 www.blackdiamondlandscape.com POOL RESURFACING
California’s Gunite 925-960-9500 www.californiasgunite.com REDWOOD FENCING
CONCRETE RESURFACING
Creative Resurfacing 866-956-4490 www.creativeresurfacinginc.com
Borg Redwood Fences 925-426-9620 www.borgfence.com REMODELING CONSTRUCTION
COUNTERTOPS
Granite Transformations 866-680-9540 www.granitetransformations.com
Sunshine Construction, Inc. 925-472-8760 www.sunshine-construction-inc.com KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING
CUSTOM FRAMING
Take the time to visit the Heavenly Greens showroom in San Jose, you can contact Heavenly Greens at (866) 724-TURF (8873), or visit their Web site at www.heavenlygreens.com. THM
LANDSCAPE CURBING
Acanthus 925-866-1144 www.acanthusonline.com DRAPERIES
Exclusive Fabrics & Furnishings 866-413-7273 www.thedrapeboutique.com GARAGE STORAGE
Premier Garage 866-497-2880 www.premiergarage.com GARDEN ORNAMENTS
Giannini Garden Ornaments Inc. 650-873-4493 www.gianninigarden.com HARDWOOD FLOORING
Le’s Golden Floor Company 925-443-0519 HEATING & AIR
Roeber’s 510-537-0556 www.roebers.com HOME FURNISHINGS
Azzulina 925-820-5900 www.azzulina.com
Valley Oak Designs 925-705-4611 SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURES
California Shower Door Corp. 800-675-6225 www.calshowerdoor.com SWIMMING POOLS
Hacienda Pools 209-839-1995 www.haciendapools.com TILE AND STONE
Western Tile Design Center 925-671-0145 www.westerntiledesign.com WALLBEDS
Wallbeds ”n” More 925-570-5663 www.wallbedsnmore.com WATER HEATERS
Phillips Water Heater Service 925-584-9846 WINDOW COVERINGS
Exciting Windows! 866-680-9440 www.Exciting-Windows.com WINDOW TINTING
Solar Control Glass Tinting Co. 800-999-3828 www.solarcontrolcompany.com
HOME THEATER
20/20 dB 510-432-0180 www.2020db.net
WINDOWS AND DOORS
Argonaut Window & Door 408-376-4018 www.argowin.com
List your business, call 925-659-6200 TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
East Bay THM November/December 2009
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I T
Your Pathway to a Healthier, More Energy Efficient Home BY ANNETTE
HARTSFIELD
ECIDING TO MAKE “GREEN” UPGRADES TO YOUR HOME IS a personal decision. Whether it’s concern for the environment, saving money on utility bills, or creating a healthier living space for our families, we all have different priorities when it comes to choosing more sustainable options. But knowing where to start is a different matter. A home remodel is already a very overwhelming process without having to worry about the carbon footprint of the products you choose, or how to maximize energy and water efficiency. Just as you might hire an interior decorator, or a landscape designer to help you identify the best options for your tastes and budget, you might consider hiring a GreenPoint Rater to help you navigate the choices involved in adding Green elements to your home. Growing consumer demand for healthier, Greener products that aren’t much more expensive than their conventional counterparts has resulted in a greater range of choices. But more isn’t always better. How do you know which ones are really Green and which ones are just jumping on the sustainability bandwagon? Many of the products have certification labels, but with over 400 Green consumer labels currently on the market, it can still be confusing. Do you
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choose FSC or SFI Certified wood products? Indoor Advantage or Green Guard? Green Seal or EcoLogo? And that’s just products. How do you decide which energy efficiency improvements to tackle first? Do you install solar panels, or is it more economical to seal leaks and add better insulation? What about your windows—should they be exchanged first? Or is that even necessary? Do you opt for a tankless water heater? A solar hot water heater? Or maybe the “hot water on demand” system is the best choice for your needs. Depending on the vintage and location of your home, your priorities, and your budget, what makes your home Green can take many different forms. Hiring a GreenPoint Rater to help with your Green remodel can take the guesswork out of a lot of these decisions. Whether you are undergoing a whole house remodel, or just tackling one room, the Rater will work with you to make the greatest impact in the areas most important to you. Working off the GreenPoint Rated checklist, which allots points in five categories (Community, Energy, Indoor Air Quality, Resource Efficiency, and Water), the Rater will help you assess which Green building measures are best suited to your needs and budget, and will help you navigate the product choices.
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
s h o w c a s e ROEBER’S INCORPORATED has led the way in plumbing, heating & cooling since 1923. Specializing in service, repair & new installations for both business & residential. NATE Certified technicians. Carrier Factory Authorized dealers. ROEBER’S INCORPORATED 510.537.0556 www.roebers.com
BORG REDWOOD FENCES is dedicated to servicing the Tri-Valley, Contra Costa county, Fremont, and Hayward areas. Borg specializes in quality construction of redwood fences, decks, arbors, trellises, and retaining walls, as well as ornamental iron and chain-link fences. BORG REDWOOD FENCES 800.750.7175 www.springfreshcleaninginc.com
SPRING FRESH CLEANING You’ll love coming home to a clean house! Featuring weekly, biweekly, and monthly service with superb attention to detail. Licensed, bonded, and insured.
Spring Fresh Cleaning While the program is primarily concerned with the economy, comfort and health of your home, having the GreenPoint Rated label can also add re-sale value to your house. A study in the Seattle region recently found that homes with “environmental ratings” sold quicker and for more money than homes without a rating. This summer, the San Francisco MLS (Multiple Listing Service) became the first regional MLS in California to add GreenPoint Rated and other Green ratings as a search criterion. As homebuyers become increasingly concerned with energy efficiency and indoor air quality, the GreenPoint Rated label might give your house the edge it needs in the marketplace. The GreenPoint Rated program is an impartial, third-party verified rating system administered by Build It Green, a non-profit organization in Berkeley that promotes the advancement of Green building practices throughout California. By assigning a point value to each improvement you make, the program serves as a pathway to a more resource-efficient, healthier and environmentally friendly home. Annette Hartsfield is a Build It Green Program Associate and Grant Writer. For more information on the GreenPoint Rated Existing Home program, and to locate a GreenPoint Rater, please visit www.builditgreen.org/greenpoint-rated. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
SPRING FRESH CLEANING 800.750.7175 www.springfreshcleaninginc.com
BLACK DIAMOND LANDSCAPE & DESIGN in addition to our landscaping work, we are pleased to offer an online retail outlet for pond and water-feature projects. Black Diamond is the installer for all of your landscape needs. BLACK DIAMOND LANDSCAPE & DESIGN 800.942.1955 www.blackdiamondlanscape.com
Promote your business in the TODAY’S HOME showcase call (888) 274-1140 East Bay THM November/December 2009
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[ C C I D C ]
The Forever Home: Going Green BY
PATSY ZAKIAN-GREENOUGH, CKD, CAPS, CGBP, CID
Designing Green to last a lifetime.
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November/December 2009 THM East Bay
HEN IRIS HARRELL AND ANN BENSON DECIDED TO REMODEL their two-story home, they were sure about two things. First, they wanted “The Forever Home” so they could age-in-place and have people of all ages and abilities visit. Curb-less showers and an elevator were installed. Secondly, they wanted to implement as many Green practices and materials as possible. As a Green guideline, they used a rating system from “Build It Green”. When a choice was needed, good judgment was foremost. “It’s about making the right decision and doing what’s important,” says Iris Harrell. Instead of replacing the old furnaces, ducts were sealed and tested. At 93% efficiency the furnaces avoided the landfill. With Genie Nowicki, a Certified Interior Designer in the State of California and a Certified Green Building Professional, Iris and Ann achieved their goals. Here are some tips for your project:
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Energy Savings: Add solar panels Use dual-glazed windows European Rolling Shutters at windows - shades on skylights Reduce furnace use with “Zone Heating” such as gas fireplace inserts and heated floors Consider heat recovery ventilation systems Insulate walls and floors Use fluorescent and LED lights Energy Star appliances Whole house fan and ceiling fans TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Indoor Air Quality/Health: HVAC–seal ducts, install Hepa filters No VOC paints Use exterior plywood in interiors—no formaldehyde Check crawl space for dampness and drainage Materials: Use Forestry Stewardship Certified Woods (FSC) Recycled glass countertops or other man-made countertops Engineered floors or refinished floors Wool carpet
SPECIALIZING IN HARDWOOD FLOORING Our Work Speaks for Itself
Water Conservation: Use a re-circulating pump with timer Consider automatic faucets Water conserving appliances The concept of The Forever Home and being Green was laced into every decision. Throughout construction photos and videos were taken to document the project. Serving as a model for professionals and homeowners alike, this project documentary can be seen on PBS stations: “The Forever Home: Going Green.” Visit www.theforeverhome.com. Remember, good design is always beautiful regardless of the specialty you’re designing for. A house should be built not just for whom you are today, but also for the person you’ll become tomorrow. Patsy Zakian-Greenough is a Senior Designer with Harrell Remodeling, Inc. Residential Design + Build in Mountain View, California, 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
Hardwood Floor Installation ■ Repairing ■ Sanding & Refinishing Quality Workmanship ■ Expert Color Staining
Le’s Golden Floor (510) 444-0548 or (415) 924-8608 Contractor’s License #891540
A father and son team serving the Bay Area since 1989 TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
East Bay THM November/December 2009
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[ C L C A ]
Tips On How To Begin Again IRE DESTROYS HUNDREDS OF HOMES each year in California and often burns thousands of acres of land. If your property was damaged by fire, the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer some recommendations to help your landscape recover and to help protect your property. In general, many plants and trees are exposed to fire in their native environment and many will recover in the spring and should be left alone. Any pruning or cutting back of fire-damaged plants should not be done until the plants show signs of recovery. Removing bark, leaves or limbs can expose the plants to sun damage. Heat from the sun can actually kill the tissue beneath the bark on some trees. It is best to leave them alone until new growth appears.
F
Some plants recover faster than others. Burned plants can still be green underneath and still have healthy roots. If similar plants appear to be recovering, wait a few more weeks before removing damaged parts. Full damage to woody plants may not be apparent until the next spring or summer season. Re-examine them at that time and then carefully remove damaged wood to make room for new growth. Ash on the plants will not cause damage and should be left alone. Damaged trees that have branches that are cracked or overhanging homes, driveways etc., that can be a future hazard, should be removed. Trees that have shifted in the soil due to wind or burn damage and those with burned roots should be removed as well, because they are now considered unstable and could potentially fall. If fire has completely burned off all the bark around the entire circumference of the tree and/or fire has burned deep into the trunk, the tree should also be removed. Fertilization is not recommended. Immediately fertilizing can cause damage to the roots and cause additional harm to the plants. Waiting also gives the soil time to recover. Wait until the spring and fertilize at half rates with a product containing nitrogen. Do not fertilize with manures at that time, since they contain a high concentration of salts that can injure roots. Plastic irrigation lines, parts and drains may be damaged. Check your existing irrigation system for leaks and damage and document them for your insurance company. Also shut off irrigation water immediately after a fire to help prevent erosion and further damage. It is generally not recommended to water plants immediately after a fire. If your area is experiencing a drought and water is necessary, water gently by hand. Severely burned soils do not absorb water well. Make sure the flow of water is slow enough to be absorbed. Also examine and clean concrete drains and swales. Many become filled with ash and mud during a fire.
Recommendations to help protect your property after a fire from the California Landscape Contractors Association.
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November/December 2009 THM East Bay
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
QUALITY AT YOUR SERVICE In areas where protective plants are removed or destroyed, soil becomes vulnerable to erosion. Soil erosion can happen slowly or it can happen very quickly in a heavy rain. The exact measures needed for your property are based on your soil type, slope grade, home location, weather, water availability etc. Also areas exposed by fire can open the door for invasive species and weeds. In some areas erosion control materials or mechanical control measures may need to be applied. Contact your local CalTrans office or local forest service for guidelines in your area. Water flow is an important factor of any erosion plan. Never underestimate the power of storm water and debris. Evaluating the area and planning for storm events is a critical first step to protecting your property and improper or inadequate measures can aggravate potential problems. If you need help with erosion control or fire prevention landscaping, be sure to hire a licensed professional who specializes in that area of expertise. Ask for references, insurance certificates and request to see their license. You’ll want to protect your home and your neighbors’ as well. It is also an important time to evaluate your property’s landscape and damage. Take a look at what worked and what did not and try to determine how to make your property safer in case of a future fire. For future reference, it is also a good idea to keep records and photos of your landscape as part of your home inventory list for insurance purposes. For helpful information about fire prevention landscaping please go to: www.clca.org/clca/education/fire-protection.php. THM
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Specializing in Patios, Driveways, Concrete Grinding & Maintenance, Re-Seal Existing Concrete New Concrete, Pool Decks, Retaining Walls, Foundations, Drains and more...
(925) 458-6304 Contractor’s Licencse #599673
East Bay THM November/December 2009
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BEAM ME UP! BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
Add architectural flair to your home with wood box beams.
I
F YOU’VE EVER LOOKED UP AT A CEILING AND SAID,
‘OOOH!’ chances are it had wood box beams. There is something utterly grand about them. With many homeowners choosing to stay put in this economic climate, adding custom touches to your house can make it feel new and luxurious. Steve Jackel of Jackel Enterprises, Inc. in Watsonville says his company specializes in creating faux wood box beams to enhance any décor. “Faux timber has many advantages over real wood. It weighs much less, decreases labor time and can be fabricated into any length or size you need. Once installed, you can’t tell the difference between faux and the real thing,” he explains. You may think that wood beams only lend themselves to a rustic look but that’s not the case. Jackel’s Box Beams can add drama to any space, including contemporary. “You can use a beam with a non-textured finish and a vertical grain in a light wood such as fir. It gives a clean, linear look,” says Steve. From a contractor standpoint, box beams are a practical and beautiful design application for a client. The hollow wood frames can be installed after walls are finished; can hide unsightly steel members; and provide a channel for electrical wiring, lighting and plumbing. New construction often has residential fire sprinklers in the ceiling, which box beams can conceal. “Contractors utilize our beams to achieve design goals for their homeowners. It’s a quick install, has high impact and the client loves that their house isn’t torn apart!” says Steve.
The style options are extensive. If you crave an Old World feeling Steve recommends a beam with a textured finish in a darker stain like Tudor Brown. You can pattern the beams to showcase high ceilings or cover them completely to bring incredible warmth to a space. A non-textured beam with straight lines dressed with molding would lend itself to a more classic look. “Coffered ceilings, which are beams arranged in a grid pattern, are a stunning effect in a traditional home, “Steve notes. He encourages clients to visit his 20,000 square foot warehouse and mill so they can custom treat beams to your specifications. Jackel Box Beams proudly serves the Bay Area and ships its products all over California and beyond. “If you desire to add character and depth to a room and make a big statement, but don’t want the stress of messy construction, our affordable and high quality faux box beams are the answer,” says Steve. To find out how you can add the dramatic beauty of Box Beams to your space, call Jackel Enterprises, Inc. at (800) 711-WOOD (9663), visit their Showroom at 347 Locust Street, Watsonville or visit the Web site at www.jackelenterprises.com or www.woodboxbeams.com. THM
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November/December 2009 THM East Bay
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