Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

The purpose of many remodeling jobs is simply to improve an area of the home. But for other projects, the meaning is much deeper.

Such was the case with a Boulder home that Parrish Construction remodeled. A Japanese family needed an addition to accommodate the owner’s mom who had moved from Japan to live with them. Cultural considerations needed to play an integral part in the plans.

Three generations had needs: An aging grandmother, the owners and their daughter. “The three-generation household needed more privacy and more space, plus accommodation for their hectic professional lives and for their aging grandmother,” said Loraine Masterton, customer relations specialist with Parrish Construction.

The grandmother’s bedroom was small and crowded and “she could not enjoy her personal cultural belongings,” Masterton said. “The husband wished his aging mother to feel as comfortable in his home as possible and wanted to add Japanese amenities and cultural touches to the addition.”

With decades of experience behind them, Parrish set out to meet the family’s needs with the help of Terra Verde Architects, also of Boulder.

When it was all over, the family had a home that was functional and culturally comforting.

For Parrish and Terra Verde, a job well done also turned into bragging rights when the National Association of the Remodeling Industry honored them with a regional award.

Of course awards mean nothing unless the client is satisfied. That goal involved an extensive game plan to meet some very specific needs. Among them: a 628-square-foot addition and remodel of the entryway, a master bedroom and master bath built to the Certified Aging in Place Standards; and a walk-in cedar closet. The remodeling of the existing entrance included an additional guest bathroom and the re-positioning of five doors, Masterton said.

The grandmother’s bathroom included a programmable bidet that was set for her specific needs. A feature that is becoming common in Japan, a control panel is programmed to know who is using the bidet based on weight and its controls make it easier for people to wash up, especially as they grow older. The design included a bench and movable water fixtures in the walk-in shower, as well as a heated floor. With the use of the aging-in-place standards, there is room for a walker or wheelchair if it becomes necessary.

Additional consideration was given to the wife, who has a music studio in the basement. She instructs students who are constantly visiting the house, making privacy an issue for the rest of the family. “There is now a powder room in the home’s entrance, which the students can use without disturbing the family,” Masterton said.

The home now has a discreet entryway, part of the Japanese culture, which separates the rest of the world from the privacy of the home, “all designed in a distinctly modern and Japanese style,” Masterton added. “Our cabinet shop made custom entranceway furniture reminiscent of the centuries-old style of a traditional Japanese home. The elegance and usefulness of the new entranceway provides harmony and grace where once there was chaos.”

Overall, “the family has a new level of ease with each other, as everyone’s privacy is assured,” Masterton said.

All photos provided by Parrish Construction.

Posted on 26 November 2008

As more people make the decision to stay in their homes rather than trying to jump into the ailing new housing market, exterior improvements are rising to the top for consideration. And if the decision is made to stay in one’s home for more than five years, the siding should be updated, and insulation should be added.

Such was the case of the home near Franktown shown in this Before and After feature.

The old pine siding on the home had been weather damaged and pocked by woodpeckers, making the home look dated, said Tom Higgins of Superior Products. In addition, the decking and rail system was in bad shape, creating safety concerns for the homeowners.

Superior Products replaced the siding with textured fiber cement over insulation, Higgins said. The company also custom matched paint to the roof, stone work and landscape. The decking was repaired in order to meet local codes and it was improved with composite decking materials.

The siding project not only brings more curb appeal to the property, but it also helps seal the house against the winter winds and low temperatures that will soon visit the Front Range. “This is the time to add insulation,” Higgins points out, adding that 90 percent of his customers add insulation when they upgrade to fiber cement siding. With heating bills reaching all-time highs, insulation is a must for every home.

Higgins said that Remodeling Magazine listed new siding as the number one return on investment when remodeling a home. “It’s tied to property valuation,” he said. Many homebuyers also list the siding or exterior walls as one of the most important items when they are shopping because it helps create curb appeal. Whether we like it or not, it’s human nature to judge a book by its cover.

Every exterior project has a few dos and don’ts, Higgins said. For example, he suggests never skimping when it comes to paint and caulking. Like caulking, quality paint (he uses Sherwin-Williams) will be pliable. Because all Colorado residences experience freeze/thaw, extreme temperature fluctuations and intense ultraviolet rays, flexibility is important. “If you have good paint and bad caulk, one will move and the other won’t,” Higgins said.

Another suggestion is to choose the appropriate siding for your home and neighborhood. As a rough barometer, Higgins said homes at a lower price point often look fine with vinyl siding, whereas pricier homes look better with cement fiber.

Finally, make sure to hire a contractor who is sensitive to the needs of the family and pets during a project, as well as the property, which should be kept orderly throughout construction. Also, make certain the contractor understands how important it is that homeowners have choices when it comes to exterior repairs. From soffets and paints to the insulation and decorative final touches, everyone needs choices.

Posted on 11 November 2008

Congress has discussed banning incandescent light bulbs by 2014. While the discussion is focused on incandescent reflector lamps, it is still spurring many manufacturers and customers to switch to the newest and most energy-efficient lighting technologies. From LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, to the newest in lighting controls, options abound for a homeowner’s indoor and outdoor lighting needs.

Dan McCord of Colorado Concept Lighting knows that affordability is a customer’s biggest concern when switching to new technology.

“Technology is changing so quickly that it is difficult to budget for the newest in green products,” said McCord. “The newest technology, such as LED, is by far the most sought after, but it is usually the first to be crossed off the wish list.”

McCord added that while some eco-conscious products may be pricey, the product’s life span is far longer than the traditional incandescent bulb. Jeff Leese of Foothills Lighting & Supply agrees.

“LED is really expensive right now, but as with all things, the price will come down eventually,” Leese said. “For the time being, compact fluorescent (CFL) is a good way to go. It is a stop-over on the way to LED.”

Most homeowners are still drawn to incandescent lighting, some because it is aesthetically pleasing and others because of the warmth it creates. Leese tries to show his customers alternatives to incandescent lighting and the benefits these options can bring to a home.

“My recommendation for new lighting projects at this point would be Xenon,” Leese said. “This option is the closest in color and warmth to that of regular incandescent lighting, a personal favorite of homeowners. It is also less expensive than LED.”

Leese believes that LED lighting is good for commercial properties, but it has yet to become commonplace in homes. “LED is great for retail stores. Engineers have created strips of LED lights for underneath cabinets and shelves that are about an eighth of an inch thick,” Leese said. “This makes them virtually invisible. The only problem for using this option in a home is that the light is still not as warm as incandescent lighting.”

McCord recommends using LED for landscape lighting around the home. “To replicate the light of the moon, you don’t need much,” McCord said. “LED is a good quality lighting solution for a good value.”

While LED technology is expensive, McCord argues that it is worth the money. LED lighting has up to 50,000 hours of life and produces more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. LED is also a good choice for frequent on-off cycles, such as outdoor timed lighting.

Leese has a different suggestion for those homeowners looking for a cheaper outdoor alternative – compact fluorescent. One downside to CFLs is that without proper installation the bulbs may not light in cold weather.

“With this type of bulb, it is best to create a microenvironment by using a translucent lighting fixture,” Leese explains. “This will allow heat from the bulb to circulate within the fixture, making it easier for the bulb to light in very cold weather.”

In addition to being energy efficient, the CFLs can also be used in many styles of fixtures. Fluorescent lighting doesn’t have to look fluorescent if it’s enclosed in an amber-colored glass fixture.

However, using CFLs for indoor lighting is not always the best choice, McCord points out.

“People don’t realize that fluorescent lights emit UV rays,” McCord said. “They put fluorescent lighting in their closets and wonder why their clothes have faded. This is a case where incandescent, Xenon or LED lighting would be a better choice.”

Manufacturers are picking up on the “green” trend, pouring money into research and development to find solutions that are energy efficient and still eye-catching. Another energy-efficient route to consider is lighting controls, such as dimmers and light outputs.

“Homeowners want to be green and they want to save on their energy bills,” McCord said. “With lighting controls, homeowners can regulate the output of light so slightly that the naked eye can’t even tell the difference. The only difference they’ll see is a drop in their energy bill.”

Numerous options should be considered when beginning a lighting project, but the most important aspect is to choose an option that fits your needs and lifestyle. “Lighting should always accommodate you – not the other way around. It should show off your home,” Leese explains.

Emily Jack is a Longmont-based freelance writer.

Photo by Ron Ruscio for Colorado Concept Lighting

Posted on 11 November 2008

From bedrooms and baths to a full-blown entertainment room, a comfortable and efficient basement must be well thought out and designed to accommodate the most common usage. Is it teens or toddlers or 20-somethings who will traipse around? Should it be comfortable for the sleepover crowd where video games and text messages will rule the evening, or will it be the weekend gathering place for sports fans who want to catch the Broncos game on a huge screen?

Interior designers, architects and contractors can help sort out the details.

If unfinished, the basement planning can get under way without a thought for the problems created by others. But Randy Shelton of GRC Builders in Denver points out the problems in older basements usually involved the sins of others who wanted a job done inexpensively. “Usually the previous owner has hired someone to do work who is not a licensed, skilled contractor,” Shelton said. Electrical systems that don’t meet code and walls placed on concrete that are not “floating,” are two of the common challenges in older homes.

The furnace, air conditioning unit, hot water heater, ductwork and other mechanical systems need to be tucked away so that the main floor space is open. Because it’s a basement, safety is a concern in case of fire. Again, older homes need to be brought up to code by replacing small windows with egress windows. Not only does it provide more light into the room, but the feel can change from cavernous to comfortable.

GRC Builders owner Randy Shelton grew up working in the home building industry, earned a business degree and, along with his wife, has operated a successful remodeling company for nearly 20 years. All companies approach the process differently. Some, such as GRC are design-build firms that will manage the process start to finish. Other times, homeowners will hire an architect prior to bringing in contractors. Interior designers are also called upon to provide guidance in a process that can be time consuming and unmanageable for some homeowners.

Shelton’s business has evolved with the times, he points out. GRC’s basement business originally centered on finishing new homes. But in the past few years, he has focused on homes built in the 1980s and before.

On average, the basements GRC finishes are about 1,000 square feet. Averaged out, most projects will cost $40,000-$50,000, he said.

And although some homeowners need only the basics downstairs, Shelton points out that over time he has completed a few extraordinary projects. In one case, he built an archery lane for the homeowners. Another customer wanted drawers built into each of the risers under the stairs, which has become more popular as people seek out additional places to store their … treasurers. Because the drawers are fairly prominent, a contractor with a true sense of aesthetics is imperative.

Entertainment rooms, wet bars, bathrooms and bedrooms are common pieces of the puzzle. But whatever level of detail that is needed, Shelton said it’s important to communicate with the homeowner. “Probably the best thing everyone can do is get mentally prepared for the process,” Shelton said, adding that the homeowner should feel comfortable talking to the builder. “Otherwise, that job isn’t going to be successful.”

“Everyone’s a little gun shy before the process,” Shelton said. “We spend a lot time going through what to expect from GRC Builders. – how to solve all of the nightmares. Then we focus on keeping them informed on what’s going to happen.”

SIDEBAR:

Getting started in the basement

When it’s time to talk with an architect or contractor about finishing a basement or at least remodeling, be prepared to discuss some aspects of home improvement that are unique to the basement. For example, Colorado’s normally dry climate allows us to avoid many of the mold issues that impact people in other parts of the country. However, in the basement, below-ground concrete, wood and walls need to be addressed.

Here are a few considerations suggested by BasementRemodeler.com.
• Is the basement dry – and will it stay that way?
• Is the basement warm? In addition to the standard heat source, many people like to make their downstairs rooms more comfortable with a fireplace, wood-burning stove or heated flooring.
• A good solution to eliminate moisture and resulting mold from the concrete slab is electric floor heating. The drying effects of floor heat will reduce the humidity coming from the slab, which is the largest source of moisture.
• Floating walls are normally the best basement bet.
• Because any water leaks inside or outside your home will eventually permeate the ground, it’s best to think about cleanup when planning basement flooring. “For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type,” says Basement Remodeler.
• If you install carpet, use the thickest carpet pad possible in order to cover irregularities in the concrete.
• When decorating and furnishing, think it terms of bright colors to brighten the darkest room in the house.
• Egress windows will likely be part of any modern design that is up to code.
• Although adding as much natural light as possible is most important, creativity with artificial light runs a close second. “Use indirect lighting that splashes large pools of light on the ceiling. Table and floor lamps can be pleasing.

Posted on 11 November 2008

Stop by and say hi to the Renew staff during the Denver Home Remodeling Show March 13-15 at the Denver Merchandise Mart.  We’ll be passing out magazines at our booth, and we hope to see you there!

Posted on 04 November 2008

A basement remodel is one of the most costly and rewarding projects that is undertaken in the home.

From bedrooms and baths to a full-blown entertainment room, a comfortable and efficient basement must be well thought out and designed to accommodate the most common usage. Is it teens or toddlers or 20-somethings who will traipse around? Should it be comfortable for the sleepover crowd where video games and text messages will rule the evening, or will it be the weekend gathering place for sports fans who want to catch the Broncos game on a huge screen?

Interior designers, architects and contractors can help sort out the details.

If unfinished, the basement planning can get under way without a thought for the problems created by others. But Randy Shelton of GRC Builders in Denver points out the problems in older basements usually involved the sins of others who wanted a job done inexpensively. “Usually the previous owner has hired someone to do work who is not a licensed, skilled contractor,” Shelton said. Electrical systems that don’t meet code and walls placed on concrete that are not “floating,” are two of the common challenges in older homes.

The furnace, air conditioning unit, hot water heater, ductwork and other mechanical systems need to be tucked away so that the main floor space is open. Because it’s a basement, safety is a concern in case of fire. Again, older homes need to be brought up to code by replacing small windows with egress windows. Not only does it provide more light into the room, but the feel can change from cavernous to comfortable.

GRC Builders owner Randy Shelton grew up working in the home building industry, earned a business degree and, along with his wife, has operated a successful remodeling company for nearly 20 years. All companies approach the process differently. Some, such as GRC are design-build firms that will manage the process start to finish. Other times, homeowners will hire an architect prior to bringing in contractors. Interior designers are also called upon to provide guidance in a process that can be time consuming and unmanageable for some homeowners.

Shelton’s business has evolved with the times, he points out. GRC’s basement business originally centered on finishing new homes. But in the past few years, he has focused on homes built in the 1980s and before.

On average, the basements GRC finishes are about 1,000 square feet. Averaged out, most projects will cost $40,000-$50,000, he said.

And although some homeowners need only the basics downstairs, Shelton points out that over time he has completed a few extraordinary projects. In one case, he built an archery lane for the homeowners. Another customer wanted drawers built into each of the risers under the stairs, which has become more popular as people seek out additional places to store their … treasurers. Because the drawers are fairly prominent, a contractor with a true sense of aesthetics is imperative.

Entertainment rooms, wet bars, bathrooms and bedrooms are common pieces of the puzzle. But whatever level of detail that is needed, Shelton said it’s important to communicate with the homeowner. “Probably the best thing everyone can do is get mentally prepared for the process,” Shelton said, adding that the homeowner should feel comfortable talking to the builder. “Otherwise, that job isn’t going to be successful.”

“Everyone’s a little gun shy before the process,” Shelton said. “We spend a lot time going through what to expect from GRC Builders. – how to solve all of the nightmares. Then we focus on keeping them informed on what’s going to happen.”

SIDEBAR:

Getting started in the basement

When it’s time to talk with an architect or contractor about finishing a basement or at least remodeling, be prepared to discuss some aspects of home improvement that are unique to the basement. For example, Colorado’s normally dry climate allows us to avoid many of the mold issues that impact people in other parts of the country. However, in the basement, below-ground concrete, wood and walls need to be addressed.

Here are a few considerations suggested by BasementRemodeler.com.
• Is the basement dry – and will it stay that way?
• Is the basement warm? In addition to the standard heat source, many people like to make their downstairs rooms more comfortable with a fireplace, wood-burning stove or heated flooring.
• A good solution to eliminate moisture and resulting mold from the concrete slab is electric floor heating. The drying effects of floor heat will reduce the humidity coming from the slab, which is the largest source of moisture.
• Floating walls are normally the best basement bet.
• Because any water leaks inside or outside your home will eventually permeate the ground, it’s best to think about cleanup when planning basement flooring. “For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type,” says Basement Remodeler.
• If you install carpet, use the thickest carpet pad possible in order to cover irregularities in the concrete.
• When decorating and furnishing, think it terms of bright colors to brighten the darkest room in the house.
• Egress windows will likely be part of any modern design that is up to code.
• Although adding as much natural light as possible is most important, creativity with artificial light runs a close second. “Use indirect lighting that splashes large pools of light on the ceiling. Table and floor lamps can be pleasing.

Posted on 01 November 2008

One of the most common home improvement projects is kitchen remodeling, and according to today’s trends, the kitchen will bring the highest return on investment (ROI) when reselling your home. Whether you do a major kitchen remodel with new cabinets, flooring and slab countertops, or a minor kitchen remodel including new appliances, sinks and faucets, this is one room that will please home buyers and sellers alike.

If you are new to the remodeling gig, a small step, such as upgrading your appliances may be all you need to improve your kitchen. According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, minor remodels, typically ranging from $2,000 to $8,500, have the highest ROI of 85 percent to 100 percent. The study also indicates that from the standpoint of selling a house, new appliances help attract buyers.

There is an abundance of new kitchen appliances on the market each year. From induction cooktops to built-in coffee systems, homeowners can choose from numerous new technologies to fit their lifestyles. This also bodes well for potential home buyers.

Chris Sadaj of Appliance World in Aurora said home buyers often look at appliances when considering a potential home.

“Appliances are the focal point of any kitchen,” Sadaj said. “Most buyers look for a 36-inch range and double ovens. Then they look at the fridge, dishwasher and any other amenities, like panel-ready appliances.”

Panel-ready appliances are a must have for homeowners that want to show off their cooking appliances. Dishwashers, refrigerators and other utility appliances, however, can be camouflaged to blend in seamlessly with the other cabinetry. Sadaj added that cooking appliances, such as ovens and ranges, are big sellers because they are the centerpiece for a kitchen.

“A professional six-burner gas range, like a Wolf or Viking, tends to be the most requested product,” Sadaj said. “But induction cooktops are becoming more and more popular.”

Bonnie McMillan of Ferguson Bath and Kitchen agrees and said there are multiple benefits to using induction cooking.

Induction cooktops do not heat the surface of the burner. Instead, it essentially turns the pot or skillet into the heating element, allowing food to heat more quickly and evenly. And since the cooktop itself doesn’t create high temperatures, the surface cools rapidly after a pot is removed.

“Induction is huge – and there are so many options,” said McMillan. “You can get a single burner all the way to a full cook top. Or you could mix and match – having four electric burners and two side induction burners, for example.”

McMillan also recommends steam ovens for minor kitchen remodels. Steam oven systems can cook food much faster than conventional ovens because of a consistent supply of moist heat. Most steam ovens come with an easy-access reservoir, so there is no need for an additional water line connection.

“The only drawback some consumers find with steam ovens is that they cannot brown foods,” McMillan said. “This gives baked goods and meats a pale appearance, so using a conventional oven may still be necessary.”

For foodies considering a kitchen remodel, installing a new coffee system may be an added bonus for potential home buyers. Not only will a built-in coffee system clear countertops of clutter, but it will also give your kitchen a sleek and updated look.

“There are quite a few big-name coffee systems on the market right now,” Sadaj said. “For example, Bosch and Dacor make in-wall coffee systems that can brew your coffee, dispense hot water for tea and fit all mug sizes.”

But sleek and sophisticated style is not the only reason people invest in great appliances.

“Homeowners take pride in purchasing high-end appliances,” Sadaj said. “They know the distinct Viking logo or that the Wolf stove has red knobs. Buyers know quality and that investing in these products will be worth the money.”

Whatever the size of the kitchen remodel, homeowners can expect to recoup most of the money they spent. Upgrading appliances is a great way to update the kitchen with minimal hassle, creating an environment that potential home buyers cannot pass up.

Emily Jack is a Longmont-based freelance writer.

Photo credit:
Photo provided by Kohler

Posted on 01 November 2008

Women Build Expo set for Oct. 26
The first ever Women Build Expo will be from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Colorado Convention Center. The show will promote and “increase awareness of locally owned, women-friendly home improvement businesses.” General contractors, interior designers, educator and artisans will be among the exhibitors. The money raised at the event will go to the Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Women Build home.”

Home Decorating and Remodeling Show
on tap Oct. 17-19
The Home Decorating and Remodeling Show will be Oct. 17-19 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The 28th annual show will feature more than 800 booths for consumers to explore.

COTY Awards scheduled for Nov. 7
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry will host the 2008 Contractor of the Year Awards Nov. 7. Awards are given to contractors who demonstrate superior work on projects along the Front Range. Some of the projects will be featured in upcoming issue of Renew, Colorado’s Remodeling Magazine.

Remodeling association, NKBA oppose design regulations
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry joined the National Kitchen & Bath Association and other national organizations in opposing design regulations that have been proposed by “a small, but influential group of interior designers who are lobbying state legislatures across the United States for legislation that would regulate who may provide interior design services to the public and would prohibit the large majority of designers from practicing their profession,” NARI reports. A spokesman for the kitchen and bath group said, “There is a concerted effort on the part of a select few designers who insist that everyone seeking to practice interior design attend their approved schools, pass their approved exam, and apprentice under them, all without any demonstration that the current practice of interior design by those who don’t meet these self-imposed standards is in any way a cause for concern. Such unnecessary and anti-competitive legislation will limit consumer choice in retaining the services of a professional designer, while increasing the costs of design services beyond the reach of the ordinary consumer.”

Dream Home Designs launches new Web site
Dream Home Designs in Denver recently launched a new Web site: www.thinkdreamhomes.com. “The Web site has such features as a virtual video tour and photos to give the user a sense of what they will see when they visit the showroom along with great tools like product care and maintenance,” said Thomas Perito of Dream Home Designs. The company caters to homeowners planning to remodel who want “an alternative to the big box stores or the exclusive out-of-reach showrooms.” For more information, call 303-210-2229.

Hunter Douglas ranked among top manufacturers
Hunter Douglas, a leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window fashions, was ranked number 13 in the list of “Top 50 Manufacturers of Home Products” by Home Furnishing News. The trade publication bases the list on annual revenue. Despite tough economic times, Hunter Douglas continued to grow through acquisitions. “Providing the American consumer with innovative products of enduring quality and design, supported by top-notch service, is our goal day in and day out; this commitment prevails, regardless of the economic conditions,” said Marv Hopkins, Hunter Douglas President and CEO.

Air quality among homeowners’ concerns
A survey released by Johns Manville shows many Americans believe air inside their homes is cleaner than outdoor air. However, the Environmental Protection Agency reports air inside homes can be more polluted than outdoor air. Polluted indoor air can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, along with headaches. The survey found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. homeowners are concerned about indoor air quality.

Among the findings:
• 65.7 percent of U.S. homeowners are “concerned” or “very concerned” about indoor air quality.
• The most common homeowner strategies for improving indoor air quality, according to the survey, included purchasing an air purifier (23.7 percent); cleaning heating/cooling duct systems (23.6 percent); and making ventilation improvements (15.8 percent)
• More than a third of respondents who are employed outside the home said the air in the workplace was either “dirty” or “very dirty”
• More than 40 percent said no steps have been taken to improve indoor air quality where they work

The online survey of 1,001 U.S. homeowners was conducted on behalf of Johns Manville, the global building products manufacturer. The survey had a sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points and was conducted July 21-23, 2008.

Brekhus Tile & Stone names new president
Brekhus Tile & Stone in Denver named Steve DeThomas as its new president. DeThomas assumed the daily operational responsibilities of the company from owner Jeffery J. Brekhus. “Steve is a real pro,” Brekhus said. “His addition is going to allow me to concentrate on what I do best and what our customers expect – delivering great work that is done on time.” For more information, call 303-494-9255.

Colorado Creations to open showroom
After 20 years in the deck building and basement finishing business, Colorado Creations plans to add a showroom for consumers. It will be modeled after an outdoor great room they design and build, the firm reports. A water feature, fireplace, full kitchen and grill will be included. An open-timber ceiling, lighting and EverGrain deck will round out the showroom, which is scheduled to open in March 2009. For more information, call 303-681-9070.

Paint it green
New Era Paint in Edgewater sells low-odor, non-toxic paint with no volatile organic compounds. “We offer paints that are Green Seal certified,” explains Laurie Hessemer, owner of New Era Paint. “Only 12 manufacturers to date have received this certification. We stock three brands that have no toxic ingredients—no known carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins. And, unlike traditional paint companies, we tint with zero VOC, APE-free pigments.” Products include interior and exterior paint and primers, along with cabinet and trim paints, lacquers, glaze and sealers. For more information, call 303-237-6337.

Professionals address lead in homes
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry sends word that homes built prior to 1978 might contain lead contaminants. “To protect against this risk, the U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency has issued a rule requiring the use of more stringent lead-safe practices aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the new rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination,” NARI reports. “Remodelers will get certified by the EPA by participating and passing a concentrated eight-hour training course about the dangers of lead paint, how to set up work areas that will not expose residents, minimize dust and leave the work area clean.”

Local student honored by NKBA
Mary Jo Hren, a student at Arapahoe Community College, was among the winners of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Outstanding Student Achievement Award. The award recognizes the top kitchen and bath design students at educational institutions recognized by the NKBA.

Radon gas concerns addressed
Concerns about radon found in granite countertops have the industry scrambling to inform consumers that products are safe. Although radon is sometimes found in granite, it’s also found in the soil along the Front Range and in other housing materials. To learn more about the issue, visit the following Web sites: www.marble-institute.com, www.nkba.org/consumers, or www.epa.gov.

Builders move to Castle Pines North
B&D Professional Builders, residential general contractors, recently relocated its office from downtown Castle Rock to 7437 Village Square Lane in Castle Pines North. The two-year-old company is owned by Eric Dille, president, and Greg Bickelhaupt, vice president of construction. “We have many projects underway in the Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch areas so this is a convenient, central location for our headquarters,” Dille said. “We also had the honor of receiving the first building permit issued by the new City of Castle Pines North Interim Building Permitting and Inspection Services Department, which is located next door to our business.” B&D Professional Builders focuses on residential remodeling design and building, commercial tenant finishing, and high-end custom home construction. For more information, call 303-688-5556.

Windows meet the standards
Accent Windows, Inc., a leading Colorado-based window manufacturer, announced that its top of the line Heat Mirror insulating glass windows already meet and exceed newly proposed U.S. Department of Energy Energy Star window performance standards to become effective in 2013. The DOE is raising the energy conservation performance standards of windows entitled to obtain the coveted Energy Star designation. Increased window performance standards will be launched in two phases, with the first phase targeted for an effective date in late 2009. The DOE proposes to launch the second phase with more demanding requirements in 2013, Accent Window reports. “While many manufacturers will need to re-engineer their products to meet the new standards, Accent’s energy efficient Heat Mirror windows not only meet, but already exceed, the proposed 2013 requirements,” said Terry Marcovich, president of Accent. The windows consist of
low emissivity and solar reflective film mounted inside an insulating glass unit in a variety of configurations (one or two coated films, clear or Low-E glass) that provide a range of energy conservation performance from R-4 to R-9.1, Accent reports.

Posted on 01 November 2008

From The Editor

One expects to hire an architect with impressive credentials and advanced degrees, but what about the average contractor? Why shouldn’t he or she be able to demonstrate that extra effort has been invested to keep up to speed in the competitive home improvement industry? Before jumping into a project, look behind the scenes for quality companies with employees who are trained and ready to handle the inevitable surprises that accompany most major remodeling jobs.

There are a variety of home improvement circumstances in which true expertise is required. As Denver’s maturing neighborhoods see the next wave of homeowners interested in improving their dwellings, it’s important to have a professional evaluate everything from paint and plumbing to electricity and gas lines.

Trade associations, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodelors Council, have membership requirements. Both have local chapters. NARI reports that its membership must follow a strict code of ethics. NARI also offers certifications, such as the Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS) or Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) or Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR).

The NAHB Remodelors Council offers designations such as the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR), Certified Bath Designer (CBD), or Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD). NAHB’s latest designation acknowledges the “green” push. Certified Green Professionals are required to take a 16-hour Green Building for Building Professionals class, eight hours of business management instruction and have a minimum of two years of industry experience. Builders, remodelers, real estate agents, designers, marketers and others are eligible to get certified.

Several other organizations are important to the industry, including the American Society of Interior Designers, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the American Institute of Architects and the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. All of them expect members to meet requirements and remain in good standing.

I’m not here to tell you that non-certified remodelers should be tossed out like scraps of leftover lumber. However, most home improvement veterans realize the value in education and training. And, it gives them bragging rights when it comes to marketing and advertising their companies.

Let’s be honest, the average homeowner knows very little about transforming a dusty, dry-walled basement into an all-purpose room where kids and adults can cut loose on a Saturday night. Place those types of remodeling endeavors squarely in the hands of the professionals who thrive on making our homes more beautiful than the day they were built.

Joe Ross
Associate Publisher, Editor
joe@pub-house.com

Posted on 01 November 2008