Easy Bay November 2010

EAST BAY

ideas and resources for your home

Green

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1 November/December 2010 THM East Bay NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 O1O

[ C O N T E N T S ] 16 6

GREEN STYLE 6

The Power of Solar Affordable, stylish, high-efficiency solar energy systems for the home.

By Lisa Winer

8

14

CCIDC 8 Design Tips Easy Green improvements for your bathroom.

By Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP

10

Green Home Ideas Eco-friendly options for saving energy and money.

By Deborah Burstyn

14

Green Lumber Saving the planet, one piece of wood at a time.

By Gabrielle Saveri

NKBA 16 Your Green Vision Green opportunities for your kitchen and bath.

By Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBP

10

BIG 18 The Market Advantage of the Green Home Studies find that Green homes sell better than conventional homes.

By Annette Hartsfield

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ideas and resources for your home

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Search the Bay Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultimate resource guide for more articles of interest, links

Eco-Friendly Flooring New eco-options for flooring keep your home green and your air clean. www.thmag.com/eco-friendly_flooring

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Unique Style Custom furniture does not have to be expensive.

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[ I N C R E D I B L E

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The Power of Solar Affordable, stylish, high-efficiency solar energy systems for the home.

BY

LISA WINER

AVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT INVESTING IN A SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM for your home? It might be time to do so. The San Francisco Bay Area is an excellent place to take advantage of such technology, given the high electricity rates we pay and the great solar exposure we get throughout the year. Sky Power Solar now offer a lease of SunPower solar panels, the highest quality available.

“SunPower panels are unique,” says Bob Winn, owner of Sky Power Solar. They are the world’s most efficient solar panels by 30 to 50 percent, with an innovative panel design that leaves more surface area available to absorb sunlight. The more power you use, the more money you save.

SunPower solar panels are also elegantly styled in all black, and with Sky Power’s attention to detail in their design and installation, they only add to your home’s appeal. The panels will blend in with your home, not stand out from it.

A great affordable solar energy option is a 15-year solar lease. The lease requires no down payment, and is guaranteed to perform as Sky Power says it will, or the company will pay you the difference.

Sky Power focuses only on the East Bay area so they can be highly responsive to their customers’ needs, including doing regular performance monitoring. Look no further than locally owned, Diamond Certified Sky Power Solar for your solar needs.

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For a free evaluation and financial analysis call Sky Power Solar at (925) 380-1362 or visit their website, www.SkyPowerSolar.com. THM

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[ C C I D C ]

Design Tips LISA STEN, CID, CGBP

N JANUARY 2010, CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS adopted the country’s first mandatory statewide green building code. The regulations, called Calgreen, will help the state meet its goal of trimming greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by 2020. Starting January 1st, 2011 every new building in the state will have to reduce water usage by 20 percent. Residential remodeling and new home construction will of course be affected.

To continue as a national leader in green building, California’s designers will rely on new plumbing products that help conserve water along with other green design tips which will prepare and educate our growing population to increase sustainability through design.

Current national standards for showerhead flow-rates is 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm); in 2011, you’ll need to comply with a less than or equal to 2.0 gpm flow rate. Select an option from the new generation of cost-effective and highly efficient showerheads. Hansgrohe uses an air-injection technology that provides the feel of a higher flow rate showerhead. Delta’s product with H2OKinetic Technology manages water droplet size and velocity, spray coverage and thermal dynamics—they say that the large droplet size provides more water coverage, creating a saturating sensation. Bricor uses a vacuum flow booster valve that aerates and compacts the water under pressure, and Kohler also offers several for more on efficient shower heads with multiple spray options interiors styled to coordinate with their existing product lines.

Don’t worry—the lower flow rates when combined with the new technologies shouldn’t dampen your showering experience—you’ll still be able to get the shampoo out of your hair!

Photos: William Enos, Emerald Light Photography

BY

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November/December 2010 THM East Bay

Easy Green improvements for your bathroom. ideas and resources for your home

BayArea.com

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The Very Best in Synthetic Turf When buying a new toilet, your designer can help to identify the best performers—which toilet will remove waste best with a single flush? Different technologies, such as “siphonic action” (pulls the waste from the bowl) or “wash-down” are to be considered. Some manufacturers will offer “gravity assist” technologies and several manufacturers offer dual-flush options to further cut down your water usage.

Touchless faucets that you’ve seen in public restrooms for many years (and like the one shown here) are also water savers and many residential styles are now available for your sink. Additionally, include an occupancysensing light switch—after a pre-set amount of time, if no motion is detected in the bathroom, the light will turn itself off.

When thoughtfully considered into your project, green design contributes at the local level in sustainability while supporting our state’s green goals.

Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP is a Senior Designer with the Design+Build firm Harrell Remodeling in Mountain View. For more information or to attend one of 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

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[ I N C R E D I B L E

G R E E N ]

Green Home Ideas

Eco-friendly options for saving energy and money.

BY

DEBORAH BURSTYN

ROM A SOLAR PANEL ARRAY ON THE ROOF TO FSC (Forest Stewardship Council-certified) wood and recycled quartz stone inside, every surface material in a home can be chosen to enhance the experience of living with natural green elements. But often the biggest eco-friendly steps you can take to green your home involve changes in things that are below the surface and not obvious to the eye.

The average home emits twice as much CO2 as the average car. By choosing energy-saving appliances for home remodel and repair projects you can make your home healthier and happier. As a bonus, besides helping to save the environment, you’ll save energy and money. Your home will also appraise at a value and may qualify for tax credits.

Here’s how to make your home greener and your wallet greener by making your home more energy efficient:

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Murray Feiss Energy Star® Tavaris Collection in ebony.

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APPLIANCES Be an energy star! Every product that uses electricity has two costs: the one on the price tag and the one on the utility bill.

The cost to run an appliance may be many times greater than the cost to purchase it. When shopping for new household

for more on green home ideas 10

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ideas and resources for your home

Meile W 4802 super high-capacity washing machine.

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[ I N C R E D I B L E

G R E E N ]

CALIFORNIA’S CASH FOR APPLIANCES PROGRAM Last April, the California Energy Commission received $35.2 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for California's portion of the State Energy

Hinkley Lighting’s NEXUS LED 15v high-performance landscape lighting system.

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rebates to California consumers who purchase eligible home appliances and recycle their old ones. There’s $9.58 million left.

Get cash and save energy on: Refrigerators – $200 Clothes Washers – $100 Room Air Conditioner – up to $50 Dishwashers – $100 Freezers – $50

Murray Feiss Energy Star® Costa Del Luz Collection in black. Glass: White Opal Etch.

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Photo courtesy Globus Cork (www.corkfloor.com)

There are many bright ideas for energy efficient lighting. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer, off-setting their higher cost.

Solar-powered lights are available for every kind of outdoor lighting: string lights, accent and path lights, outdoor chandeliers and even solar-powered planters that function as lights after dark. A rising star for indoors is LED—light-emitting diode.

These tiny lights emit more light than any other type of bulb for a lot less energy.

And they are cool to the touch. LED lights provide direct task-specific light and are ideal to use as under cabinet lights, night lights, security lights, desk lights, ceiling can and recessed lights. >>

money runs out, the Energy Commission will provide

Photo: www.feiss.com

LIGHTING

Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). Until the

Photo: www.hinkleylighting.com

appliances, look for those with the Energy Star® designation. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy and may be eligible for hefty government rebates.

For example, over the life of a new Energy Star®-qualified washer, you'll save enough money in operating costs to pay for a matching dryer. With your water savings, you could fill three backyard swimming pools.

Although dryers, ovens and ranges do not currently qualify for the Energy Star® label, you can purchase dryers, ovens and ranges that are more energyefficient than similar models.

[ I N C R E D I B L E

G R E E N ]

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Noritz NR98 Series residential tankless water heater with up to 9.8 GPM @ 35 degree temperature rise.

Rheem RTE 7 Series electric tankless continuous hot water on demand heater.

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Go tankless. Instead of paying to constantly heat water that’s just hanging around waiting to be used, tankless water heaters work on demand.

Turn on a tap and water pumps through a heating element to deliver hot water only when you need it. Typically, tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons (7.6–15.2 liters) per minute. They also have a lifespan almost double that of conventional water heaters. Tankless water heaters are a great choice for hot tubs, pool showers, outdoor kitchens and guest cottages. In addition to California’s appliance rebate, tankless heaters currently qualify for a federal government tax credit equal to 30% of the full purchase and installation price up to a maximum of $1500.

FURNACE

Photo: www.maytag.com

If your furnace has an oldfashioned pilot light that you can see constantly burning, or if it is more than 25 years old, more than one-quarter of the fuel you purchase probably gets wasted and is never used to heat your home. Time to upgrade. Furnaces are rated by their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), which must be posted on the furnace’s yellow Energy Guide label. Modern condensing furnaces are the most energy efficient heating systems available. An easy way to choose among the most efficient furnaces is to look for Energy Star® label.

Energy Star® furnaces must have an AFUE rating of 90 percent or greater, saving save you between 20 and 25 percent of your current heating costs.

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INSULATION “Sealing the envelope” is a key way to save energy in a home while making it more comfortable. Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are several common types of insulation—fiberglass (in both batt and blown forms), cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam. There’s even a company that makes insulation from recycled blue jeans. Reflective insulation also called a radiant barrier is a new option that can help save energy by using reflective foil to block summer heat from entering the home.

When correctly installed with air sealing, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy bills during the hottest and coldest times of the year. For more comprehensive information, check the Department of Energy’s online Insulation Guide. THM

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[ I N C R E D I B L E

G R E E N ]

GREEN LUMBER Saving the planet, one piece of wood at a time.

BY

GABRIELLE SAVERI

N A WORLD OF EXTREME ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL UPS and downs, Jackel Enterprises, Inc.—a specialty lumber yard located in Watsonville—caters to “green” and non-green builders nationwide and stands out as a beacon of light in the efforts to help maintain the earth’s balance.

Founded in 1991, Jackel Enterprises sells woods that are “meant to be seen”—high-grade softwoods from California and the northwest, and exotic hardwoods from all over the world. The company provides custom millwork to discerning craftsmen, builders and homeowners throughout the country, and has been doing so for almost two decades.

“We deal with end users, but primarily, we deal with the fabricator,” says company president Steve Jackel. “We want the reader to find interest in our materials, and refer us to their designer or contractor.”

Although many of Jackel’s clients don’t necessarily build “green,” the company prides itself on working with urban, suburban and rural salvage woods. “We find trees out in the woods,” says Jackel. The company is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and has also been acknowledged by the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance as a chain-of-custody company, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly lumber companies in California.

Additionally, Jackel Enterprises has recently developed its own green certification program and created its own logo to show consumers which Jackel products are recycled and sustainably produced. “I’ve been doing urban, suburban and rural salvage since 1973,” says Jackel. “It was all about walking softly on the earth, which is my thing—leaving a soft carbon imprint so that there’s something left or future generations.”

As part of its green efforts, Jackel Enterprises emphasizes its unique Box Beams—three-sided faux timber beams milled primarily using Douglas fir or other wood species. The beams are usually used to clad an ugly steel member or to visually enhance a room’s particular style. “Box Beams are made mainly out of FSC-certified materials,” explains Jackel. “They’re economical, you’re using less wood mass to achieve an effect that would be akin to using more mass. And they’re especially great for a Spanish or Mediterranean style home where the work simulates antique timbers.”

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November/December 2010 THM East Bay

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Jackel Enterprises first got into the Box Beam business over five years ago when Jackel was doing solid timberwork using recycled wood for various projects. A client came in one day with a problem covering up a steel beam and asked what could be done. Jackel’s mill shop brainstormed and came up with the Box Beam. Then another client came in asking for the same thing, but with a faux hand-hewn finish on it. “We retrofitted his whole house, and soon discovered there was a market for this,” says Jackel.

Jackel takes his woods very seriously. He began his woodworking career making musical instruments but realized his strengths lay in the buying and selling and working with woods. “I am a merchant with leanings towards alchemy,” he says. “The fact is, I love wood. I love the incredible uniqueness of each stick, the inescapable variation of grains, colors, textures and odor. When I view a completed work, I am always amazed, taken by the beauty of the piece and by the pride of the craftsman.”

As a craftsman, Jackel believes that it is his duty to create a beautiful product, and to do so in a way that does not harm the planet.

“That’s what ‘green’ means,” he says. “The alchemist is concerned with transformations. He takes raw materials and transforms them to a higher state. That’s what we do when we go into someone’s home.

We’re always involved in increasing the intrinsic value of what we’re working on. When we say added value, we mean it.”

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15

[ N K B A ]

GREEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR KITCHEN AND BATH.

Your GreenVision BY

LESLIE LAMARRE, CKD, CGBP

N BOTH REMODELS AND NEW CONSTRUCTION these days, an increasing number of our clients are looking for ways to be more environmentally responsible. Unlike the scenario just five years ago when we had to search far and wide for good green products, the great news is that there are now many new materials and technologies available so opportunities abound.

These opportunities exist throughout the home from the foundation (where flyash can be substituted for Portland cement in the concrete mix) to the roof (where the installation of photovoltaic panels can reduce, and even eliminate, your electric bills). But the focus of this article is the kitchen and the bath. These two rooms are not only the most likely to be remodeled by homeowners and the ones on which homeowners will spend the most money per square foot, they also represent phenomenal opportunities for achieving sustainability goals, energy conservation, water savings, resource reduction and improved indoor air quality.

Let’s start in the kitchen. Most homes’ primary energy consumption occurs in the kitchen, where food is refrigerated, frozen, cooked, and kept warm. In fact, refrigeration alone is the US household’s biggest energy consumer surpassed only by pool pumps and spa heaters. Many refrigerators today

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November/December 2010 THM East Bay

National Kitchen & Bath Association

are Energy-Star rated, which means they are at least 20% more energyefficient than the minimum federal standard. So simply using that telltale yellow and black label as a guide to your purchase can point you in the right direction.

For both water and energy savings, look no further than your dishwasher—especially if yours is an older model. While those purchased before 1994 guzzle about 8 gallons per cycle, Energy-Star dishwashers consume 5.8 gallons or less.

Many of today’s dishwashers use far less, with makers like Bosch and Thermador offering models that swig just 1.56 gallons per cycle. Advanced features such as soil sensors, filtration systems that remove food from the water during washing, and more accurate water jets help achieve such impressive savings.

Locally made tile with recycled content, recycled glass tile accents, and quartz countertops lend an eco-friendly flavor to this bathroom. (Designed

by Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBP, TRG Architects) TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

[ I N C R E D I B L E

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Photos: Bernard André Photography

Aside from energy- and watersaving opportunities, your kitchen offers you a chance to make composting and recycling more convenient. Pullout recycling bins and even compost containers can often be built into the cabinet under the sink. Companies like Häfele and Rev-A-Shelf offer a variety of base cabinet options. My personal favorites are Knape & Vogt’s rotating, 3-bin recycling center, which makes great use of a corner space, and Rev-A-Shelf’s drop-in countertop compost system.

In the bathroom, the biggest single green opportunity is water savings. In fact, toilets are the largest daily user of water in US homes accounting for 27% of indoor water use. However, this is changing. Federal standards established in 1992 require all US plumbing manufacturers to meet or beat 1.6 gallons per flush. Today, The many green features in this lively kitchen designed by TRG Architects include cork flooring, Forest Stewardship Councilmanufacturers are trouncing this goal certified bamboo cabinetry, a low-flow sink faucet, drop-in by 20% while maintaining and in countertop compost bin, induction cooktop, and LED lighting. some cases enhancing performance.

Some rely on pressure-assist or powerassist technologies while others take the dual-flush approach, using a gallon or less for liquid waste and 1.3 to 1.6 gallons for solid waste.

Similarly, showerhead and faucet manufacturers have greatly reduced flow rates while maintaining efficacy. Thanks largely to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, faucets are available today that reduce waterflow by 30% and showerheads use less than 2 gallons per minute (compared with the old standard of 2.5 gpm) without sacrificing performance or quality. Modeled after the EPA’s Energy-Star program, WaterSense provides a recognizable label to guide consumers. Just look for the blue and green raindrop.

In terms of energy conservation in the bathroom, the simplest and least expensive action you can take is to insulate your hot water pipes. If you want

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to take it a step further, consider a tankless hot water heater. Unlike traditional water heaters which store water and keep it hot until needed, tankless water heaters heat water on demand. Just as attractive is their space-saving feature: these wall-mounted boxes free up valuable floor space.

A number of other green opportunities exist for both kitchen and bath from energy-efficient lighting (in the form of recessed compact fluorescent cans or better yet, recessed LEDs) to cabinets made with fast-growing or reclaimed wood. Countertops can be made with quartz or recycled glass and tile can be made from recycled material.

Perhaps the most largely overlooked advantage of “greening” your home is the health factor: improved indoor air quality. A true ecofriendly design deploys materials that don’t off-gas volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde.

Commonly contained in glues, paints, and lacquers, VOCs are emitted as gases not just during application but long after installation in your home. Among other ailments, they can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, liver damage and cancer. Keep your eyes open for VOCs because they are everywhere in construction and keep this list handy: make certain that the plywood in your cabinet boxes is formaldehyde-free; choose a low- to no-VOC finish; avoid oil-based paints; choose a paint company that makes zero-VOC latex; select PVC-free wall-coverings.

Whatever your material preferences may be, an important factor to keep in mind is where the product is made. The rule of thumb in green design is 500 miles. If you can source materials for your kitchen or bath within 500 miles from your home, you’re doing well. If you can get closer, that’s even better. And as you peruse the now-abundant options available for your green project, keep in mind that you are not limited in terms of style. Whether your tastes are traditional, contemporary, or transitional, there are plenty of green features to choose from. Green is simply the common—but invisible—denominator.

It’s up to you and your designer to select the unique set of components that bring your green vision to life.

Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CGBP is a Principal at TRG Architects in Burlingame and a member of NKBA. The NKBA is your best source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. To find a design professional near you please contact www.nocankba.org. THM

Create a Shower For Life California Shower Door is the finest name in shower enclosures providing quality design, construction and installation of finished, framed and frameless enclosures for your bathroom.

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LIFETIME POOLS INC. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

East Bay THM November/December 2010

17

[ B U I L D

I T

G R E E N ] for more on green

ideas and resources for your home

BayArea.com

The Market Advantage of the Green Home Studies find that Green homes sell better than conventional homes.

BY ANNETTE

HARTSFIELD

F YOU ADD RESOURCE SAVING FEATURES TO your home, you will save money on your utility bills. This is a no-brainer. Add insulation, invest in energy efficient appliances, install water efficient fixtures, and your monthly water and electricity costs will go down. Eventually the savings will offset the cost of the initial remodel expense. But did you know that these same upgrades can also increase your property value? And possibly even make it easier to sell your house? In today’s housing market, that is no small thing.

Research from the Appraisal Institute, which provides residential and commercial real estate appraisal education nationwide, has shown that home values increase $10 to $25 for every dollar in reduced annual utility bills. So even if you think you’re not going to stay in your home long enough to recoup the cost of energy upgrades or even a third-party green certification, the resale benefits alone may be worth the effort and expense.

A study from Portland, Oregon recently found that homes—both new and existing—with a thirdparty green certification sold for a higher price than their non-certified counterparts. The study, released

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this past June, compiled home sales data between May 2009 and April 2010, finding that new homes with a green certification (like Energy Star or LEED for Homes) sold for 18% more, while existing homes with a certification sold for 23% more.

“As energy efficiency and healthier homes gain more attention, builders and homeowners increasingly place value on home certification,” said Sean Penrith, executive director of Earth Advantage Institute who commissioned the study. “It is very encouraging to see the market share of certified homes continue to rise over the past three years despite the difficulties in residential markets.”

A similar study conducted in the Seattle, Washington area found that not only do houses with a green certification demand a higher price point, they also retain their value better. Homes with a Built Green certification (the region’s local third-party rating system) didn’t depreciate over the course of the study, while non-certified homes lost value during the same time period.

Regional Multiple Listing Services (MLS), which are used by real estate brokers to list and search properties according to specific search criteria, are

just beginning to include green certifications and other green or energy efficiency features as search criteria, which is why there is still relatively little data on green home sales. But in geographic areas where green MLS statistics are being compiled, they show a positive trend for green home sales.

The National Association of Realtors’ website states, for example, that in Atlanta during 2009, certified green homes sold 3.6% closer to list price and were on the market 31 days less than conventional new construction (108 vs. 139 days).

So if you’re thinking of ways to bump up the asking price for your home, you may want to forego that bathroom remodel or new kitchen countertops and install some energy efficiency upgrades instead.

To learn more about California’s leading rating system for existing homes, GreenPoint Rated, and to locate a GreenPoint Rater, please visit www.builditgreen.org/greenpoint-rated/.

For more information about green building in general, please visit www.builditgreen.org. Annette Hartsfield is Project Manager and Grant Writer for Build It Green, a Bay Area nonprofit organization promoting healthy, energy and resource efficient homes in California. THM

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East Bay THM November/December 2010

19

Unique Style Custom furniture does not have to be expensive.

BY

PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER

C

USTOM FURNITURE, MADE IN

CALIFORNIA, THAT COST LESS than mass-produced imports? Absolutely, says Susan Saul owner of Azzulina, who recently moved her popular furniture business from a 300-square-foot shop in the Danville Livery to a 30,000 square-foot warehouse in Livermore.

Our business concept today is different from that of our Danville location, “says Susan, gesturing at the expansive display of sofas, sectionals, dining tables, home entertainment centers and more, all arranged in eye-catching and perfectly accessorized vignette’s. Due to the economic conditions, people are in search of value! By moving Azzulina to a large warehouse in Livermore, it enabled us to become extremely competitive.

We are now able to offer custom furniture at warehouse prices.”

The furniture on display—all personally designed by Susan Saul—ranges from traditional to transitional to contemporary in design. They offer amazing variety of wood finishes, metal detailing, leathers and fabrics. Their huge floor model inventory makes Azzulina one of the largest custom furniture showrooms in the East Bay. “Everything we do is fully custom-made for your unique space,” says Susan Saul. “When visiting the showroom, customers shop first for style, and I can help them get exactly what they want,” she says. “They can even tear a photo out of a magazine and we can create it for them.”

But there’s more to quality furniture than style, so she invites clients to sit in sofas on the showroom floor to experience depth, firmness of seat cushions to arm height, seat height and even back pitch. Customers have the opportunity to select leg styles,

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November/December 2010 THM East Bay

color stains and more. Azzulina has a dedicated fabric room with over 1000 samples of fabrics ranging from couture textiles to extremely durable chenilles. They also stock a large selection of genuine leathers imported from Italy, Argentina and Brazil.

Clients can also take advantage of a free in-home design consultation, collaborating one-on-one with Susan to make full use of her design creativity, flair for style, and deep knowledge of the custom business. “This is an amazing value,” says Saul.

“You don’t get this kind of creativity at any of the national furniture chains”.

Once the design is finalized, the furniture is crafted in Los Angeles by our master craftsmen in under two weeks. Susan feels blessed to work with absolutely the best and very proud to be supporting California manufacturing.

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

RESOURCE GUIDE APPLIANCES

But all that custom design, creative energy and personal service has to be expensive, right? WRONG. Susan says she is constantly comparing her prices to those of national furniture chains and department stores and Azzulina is always more competitive and often cheaper.

For example, a three piece sectional is priced by Azzulina at $2,700 while national chains offer non-custom frames at $3,500 to $4,500. Azzulina has the most competitive pricing for sofas and love seats in the Bay Area, at starting prices of $600 to $900 for 100% custom and delivered in under two weeks.

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

PAINT CENTER

Professional Paint Center 925-933-3315 PAINTING CONTRACTOR

ARTIFICAL TURF

PolyGrass 866-5O2-188O www.polygrass.com

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

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

Black Diamond Landscape & Designs 800-942-1955 www.blackdiamondlandscape.com PaverPro 888-804-9180 www.PaverPro.com REDWOOD FENCING

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

Sunshine Construction, Inc. 925-472-8760 www.sunshine-construction-inc.com SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURES

GARAGE STORAGE

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

Since moving to Livermore, Susan Saul has seen her business grow to include clients from almost every city in the Bay Area.

“Everyone has a limited budget, and we are now by far the Bay Area’s price leader for custom furniture made in California. It is fantastic to see our customers supporting our family-owned local business dedicated to supporting California manufacturing.

Visit Azzulina’s new warehouse showroom at 6752 Preston Avenue in Livermore, just off I-580 at South Vasco Road. For directions, visit www.azzulina.com or call (925) 820-5900. THM

Giannini Garden Ornaments 650-873-4493 www.gianninigarden.comm HOME THEATER

Hi-Def Audio Video 408-294-6632

California Shower Door Corp.

800-675-6225 www.calshowerdoor.com SOLAR

Sky Power Systems 925-380-1362 www.SkyPowerSolar.com SWIMMING POOLS

Lifetime Pools 650-494-7070 www.lifetimepools.com

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 OUTDOOR FURNITURE & BBQ

TILE AND STONE

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

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

Solar Control Glass Tinting Co. 800-999-3828 www.solarcontrolcompany.com

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

for more resources

ideas and resources for your home

BayArea.com

To list YOUR business, call 925-389-3481 TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

East Bay THM November/December 2010

21

[ C L C A ]

Rock Your World Selecting rock and stone for your landscape design.

BY JOAN

WATERS

S MORE AND MORE OF TODAY’S PROPERTY OWNERS discover the significant value a thoughtfully designed landscape adds to a home, they’re turning to two timetested building materials—natural rock and stone. They know there’s no landscape material that beats the look, longevity and durability of hand-hewn rock. And they’re finding more choices than ever before in the types of stone and rock available.

What kinds of features are savvy homeowners seeking out? According to the landscape professionals at the California Landscape Contractors Association, at the top of the list are outdoor structures and surfaces for sidewalks, ideas and for more on pathways, retaining outdoors walls, splash pads that surround fountains, poolside copings, terraces, stairways, seating areas, privacy walls and planters. But that’s just scratching the surface. Stone and rock have always been the construction companions of all kinds of other hardscape elements: timbers, stamped and colored concrete, terra-cotta and ceramic tile, brick and mortar and even ornamental iron.

Despite the fact that stone and rockwork can be pricey, many clients are looking for high-quality features. People are getting more sophisticated about knowing what they want and definitely see the value in it. Even though traditionally used stones such as Arizona sandstone and Connecticut bluestone are still in high demand, today there are dozens of rock varieties to choose from.

CLCA advises homeowners to take a look at a number of projects before they settle on the contractor they want to hire to install rock or stone. There can be a huge difference in the

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November/December 2010 THM East Bay

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. When they’re working with natural stone, it can be quite difficult to get the stones to fit together just right so the joinings are as small as possible.

People who want natural stone know there’s nothing like it and they definitely know the difference.

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 resources for your home

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