Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

A leading prognosticator in the world of home improvement has checked in with good news for fall. The Joint Center for Housing Studies is Harvard University’s information center on housing in the United States. One of its offerings, the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, estimates homeowner spending on remodeling over the next four quarters.

Remodeling spending should increase by the end of the year, and the growth could hit double-digits in the first quarter of 2011. The prediction pushes spending from $107.7 billion in the third quarter of this year to $128.8 billion in the first quarter of 2011, an increase of more than 12 percent. “Absent a reversal of recent economic progress, there should be a healthy upturn in home improvement activity by year-end and into next year,” says Eric S. Belsky, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies.

It appears that we’ve become at least cautiously optimistic about investing in our homes again. “The recovery in home improvement activity appears to be moving beyond simple replacement projects and energy retrofits to broader remodels and upgrades,” says Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Now that the water has become warm enough to jump back in, what truly matters is making sure you do your homework when it’s time for improvements. Do you understand the scope of the project? Do you understand the budget it will take to turn your northwest Denver bungalow into an inviting, warm and tastefully trendy abode? Are you comfortable with your licensed contractor? Have you seen the company’s previous jobs? Has the company been around since Stapleton was an airport rather than a neighborhood? Is the company affiliated with other reputable contractors?

In this issue of Renew, we will help you examine some of the details that should be considered to make your Colorado homes more comfortable and efficient. From kitchen and garden adventures to using your space and energy efficiently, we’ll explore the possibilities.

Posted on 16 September 2010

Everyone is talking about bargains in the remodeling world. The market is flooded with out-of-work (you fill in the blank) who will offer to remodel your home inexpensively. In certain cases, this would be a smart move. Conscientious professionals have lost their jobs or businesses and you’d be lucky to have them work in your home.

However, you wouldn’t feel so lucky if an unscrupulous lout found his way into your home without credentials and the abilities needed to do the job right. We all know better than to hire such a person or company, but it happens all of the time.

True professionals understand the expenses that go into providing a service, whether it is design, materials, labor, marketing or other items needed for a successful business. Those costs and a profit margin have to be covered when a contractor agrees to work in your home. In addition to being comfortable with your contractor’s personality (you might need to interview as many as three separate firms), you have to be comfortable with the cost. Know your budget and stick to it. And if a bid seems too low to be realistic, beware. It will likely cost you more than a legitimate bid in the long run.

Local professionals are dealing with the economic downturn in a variety of ways. One industry supplier has added additional product lines to keep contractors happy. A designer said her clients have scaled back the size of their projects, so she simply tries to take on more projects to make up the difference.

A few words of caution: As a friend and food expert always says, don’t visit a Mexican restaurant and order the French cuisine. Or, if the folks that keep your lawn manicured decide they are also plumbers, be careful. With the industry turned upside down, there are plenty of carpenters willing to try electrical work and vice versa. Don’t be fooled. Hire professionals and check their credentials, insurance and worker’s comp. If it was a jack-of-all-trades that you sought, you’d have hired your son-in-law to do the work.

And one last timely issue to consider: Make sure you have your own definition or at least expectation of “green remodeling” when you launch a project. All companies want to advertise the word green when they hang out their shingle. Most firms have moved toward more sustainable remodeling practices, and the trade associations offer classes and certifications now. However, if your idea of green is a zero carbon footprint, then you’d better outline that expectation upfront with your contractor. His or her idea of green or sustainable home improvement practices could differ from yours.

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

Posted on 21 March 2010

Dispelling common myths about solar panel systems in Colorado

Despite the fact that solar panels are dotting roofs all across Colorado, many homeowners still might be skeptical. Several myths exist about this form of energy, including its cost and effectiveness. Below are five commonly held myths and the actual facts that dispel these falsehoods.

Solar Myth #1: Solar panel systems are too expensive.

Colorado currently has some of the best local utility rebates in the country. Rebates from utility providers such as Xcel Energy or Black Hills Energy, combined with a federal tax credit, can pay for more than 50 percent of a system’s cost. You can avoid missing out on these huge rebates by working with a solar installer to lock in your rebate.

Solar Myth #2:  Solar panel prices keep dropping, so I should wait to purchase a solar panel system for my home.

Solar panel pricing has gone down over the past several years and is currently at a historic, all time low. One reason for this is the basic law of supply and demand. Currently, solar panel manufacturers are sitting on large inventories of solar panels that they are trying to sell — panels they purchased before the current economic recession hit. Industry competition also has continued to drive down the price of solar panel systems.

However, the market for solar is growing at a rapid pace, and the increased demand is leveling out pricing. With the current incentives pushing an ever-growing demand, the price of solar panels has stabilized.

Solar Myth #3: If I install now, my panels will become obsolete.

While there are new products in development, such as thin-film technologies, most experts would agree that there is nothing on the near-term horizon that will rival the efficiency, durability or performance of the current generation of poly-and mono-crystalline solar panels. Unlike other products, like televisions or computers, the same technology that has been in place for more than 30 years is still the leading technology today. In fact, many of the first solar panels that were ever developed are still in use currently, with only slightly lower production levels than when they were originally installed. As a proven and widespread technology, solar panel manufacturers typically offer an incredible 25-year power production warranty, attesting to the longevity and performance of today’s panels.

Solar Myth #4: Solar panels are aesthetically unappealing and will lower the value of my home.

Most people who make this statement are referring to the older solar water heating (thermal) systems that were installed several decades ago. These large solar collectors, used to heat your home’s water supply, were typically installed on a tilt-up racking system and were larger and much more visible than the even more modern and compact solar water heating collectors installed today.

Solar electric panels, by contrast, are typically mounted flush to your roof, and now come in a variety of sizes and shapes to make them fit the angles and contours of your roof. At only about two inches thick, solar electric panels integrate virtually seamlessly onto your home.

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, homes equipped with solar panel systems are proven to actually increase in value and appreciate over time. According to a study conducted by the Appraisal Institute, the selling prices of homes increased by $20.73 for every $1 decrease in annual utility bills.

For example, a Colorado home outfitted with an average-size renewable energy system would add $20,000 to the overall value of the home at current electricity rates.

Solar Myth #5: My Homeowner’s Association (HOA) would never allow me to install solar panels on my roof.

In Colorado, there is a law that prevents Homeowner’s Associations from forbidding homeowners who wish to install renewable energy or energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. This law was actually strengthened in August of 2008, and it now includes a more extensive list of energy-saving improvements you can make to your home.

Solar panels are not only cost-effective, but save money in the long run and can increase the overall value of your home. Solar is not a futuristic idea — it’s becoming more commonplace everyday and will continue to grow in popularity as more of these common myths are shattered.

Founded in 2006, Standard Renewable Energy (SRE) is the nation’s largest Distributed Energy Services Company (DESCO) and leading provider of energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy solutions for homes and businesses. Products and services include solar and wind energy systems, energy monitoring, energy audits, efficiency heating and cooling products, high-efficiency insulation and lighting, solar window film and more.

By Zeke Yewdall, Chief Electrical Engineer
Standard Renewable Energy
www.sre3.com

Posted on 21 March 2010

Find yourself in ‘the zone’ during your next high-end kitchen remodel

The first concern of today’s homeowner who is looking for a high-end kitchen, whether it’s new construction or a remodel, is to find a designer consultant who is knowledgeable and experienced, has a hand on the pulse of the industry and is a good fit for them and their project. What the homeowner wants is someone who can create an individualized space featuring one-of-a-kind luxury items and the newest and hottest products. The room must reflect their lifestyle and life preference. The “wow” factor is being replaced with the “me” expression in this highly used room as homeowners’ needs evolve.

Spatial planning
Kitchen design is now based on activity zones rather than the working triangle or work centers of the past. Activities include a consumable zone that contains both dry and refrigerated food items; a non-consumable zone that is used to store items accessed daily, such as dishes, glasses, plastic containers and silverware; a cleaning zone where the sink, dishwasher and recycling center are located, as well as trash bins. Cleaning supplies are also kept in this zone. The preparation zone is the main work area of the kitchen. Utensils, mixing bowls, small electrical items, plus all items needed for food preparation are found here. Finally, the cooking zone includes the cooktop, ovens, microwave, pots and pans, cooking utensils, baking items, spices and all items commonly used while cooking.

Bigger vs. smaller
A smaller kitchen within the full kitchen works well for today’s lifestyle. During the week, we use a smaller portion of the room to prepare meals and snacks.

Gathering areas
During the weekend we spend more time there with our family members and friends. Having enough space for this social interaction is a must, and should include plenty of seating. Seating can be at table height, countertop height or even higher.

Storage and organization
These options are big factors when it comes to individualizing a kitchen for the homeowner. It could include a silvercloth-lined drawer for the silverware, customized storage for several sets of dishes, special serving pieces, specialty appliances and refrigeration for handy storage of wines.

Appliances
The appearance of appliances is emerging as an important design element in the kitchen. Having the same style handle on every appliance is important to some homeowners. The brands of the appliances need to fit into the design based on the “me” factor.

Personal mementos
Well-traveled people like to incorporate styles they’ve discovered in foreign countries in their new kitchens. They also bring home goods to use in the kitchen or to simply enjoy as a reminder of their trip. The inclusion of these mementos is tantamount to creating that “me” expression in their kitchen. Foreign travel is also influencing color. Many cultures of the world use a more saturated color pallet, which is needed to help create the feeling of the design expression.

Penny Morrow, CKD, is based in Arvada.
pennym.ckd@gmail.com
303-795-6060, office
303-931-7070, cell

Posted on 11 September 2009

NKBA honors Arapahoe Community College
The National Kitchen & Bath Association annually recognizes schools that demonstrate the “highest standards of kitchen and bath instruction.” Once again, Arapahoe Community College in Littleton was one of nine schools nationwide feted for excellent design instruction.  Kitchen and bath program design coordinator Dawn Viola was honored with a trophy by the NKBA. The schools were judged on the bath designs of two
students. A floor plan, elevation, construction plan and mechanical plan were also considered.

Go with a pro
Although Americans are tightening their belts, savvy homeowners know that remodeling projects are a wise investment for the future. Hiring a professional instead of undertaking a major do-it-yourself project often pays off. “Fixing do-it-yourself projects that have gone wrong can be very expensive,” said Bill Carter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “It pays to hire a certified remodeling contractor so that the project gets done right, on schedule and on budget. It alleviates the fear of a contractor or DIY horror story.” A recent study by Kelton Research, on behalf of the online review site Kudzu.com, found 35 percent of Americans  believe it is more cost effective to hire a professional to do home improvement projects than attempting to do it themselves. In fact, 25 percent have hired a professional to fix or finish a home improvement project they first attempted themselves, NARI reports.

Save the dates
• The Colorado Fall Home Show is scheduled for Sept. 19-20 at the Colorado Convention Center.
• The 10th annual Sustainable Living Fair is scheduled for Sept. 19-20, at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Center property in Fort Collins.

Perfect remodel?
As always, we’re in search of the perfect remodeling projects from around the Front Range. If you’ve recently improved your residence and you’d like to show it off, please contact Joe Ross at Renew, Colorado’s Remodeling Magazine. Call 303-428-9529 or email joe@pub-house.com.

Round and round it goes
Have you observed that spinning wheel on your electric meter and pondered how it results in an electrical bill? Find out exactly how much you’re spending. The $119 PowerCost Monitor is a “wireless and portable device that shows homeowners what their home is spending on electricity in real time,” according to Blue Line Innovations. The monitor has two units. A sensor attaches to the electricity meter by tightening just one screw, and it works with 90 percent of all meter types. It collects data from the meter and sends it to a small LCD monitor inside the home. The data passes from the sensor to the display unit wirelessly. The unit then shows the homeowner “how much money is being spent on electricity from minute to minute and keeps a running total in dollars and cents.” www.bluelineinnovations.com or 866-607-2583.

Photo provided by Hawk Construction in Littleton

Posted on 06 September 2009

WARM UP–Keep the humidity level down while heating your towels up with the Myson wall-mounted designer towel warmer. www.hvacsupply.net or 303-292-3025.

SOMETHING OLD–The Heritage Wood countertops offer the distressed look with fine Kohler fixtures. www.denvergranitecountertop.com or 303-761-4257.303-761-4257.

GLASS ACT–Backsplashes, countertops and other beautiful home options are offered through Modern Glass Solutions, offering the “cutting edge of modern design.” www.modernglasssolutions.com or 720-284-1922.

EASYUP–Source Products in Broomfield offers the Rockwood island grille outdoor living kit, which makes life easy for installers and simple for you. www.sourceproductsgroup.com or 303-280-9595.

BRONZE MEDAL–This Price Pfister Velvet Aged Bronze faucet will help set the tone for a bathroom overhaul. www.thegreatindoors.com or 303-708-2500.

Posted on 06 September 2009

Remodeling an entire home may seem ambitious and expensive in the current real estate market. With mortgage rates still hovering near record lows and a tax credit of up to $8,000 available to first-time homebuyers, it might seem like the right time to walk away from the fixer-upper and buy something new. But before getting swept up in the buy-now bustle, consider a few of the reasons why the older home might hold rewarding potential.

For Rex Heibi, those reasons were obvious. His fishing cabin west of Lyons rested along side the St. Vrain River in a beautiful canyon setting full of pines and potential. He envisioned the property as the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, entertain friends and raise a family in the ambient bliss of nature. The cabin was built in 1987 and was only 1,120 square feet. In 2006 Heibi launched remodeling and expansion plans. During the renovation Rex married his girlfriend, Heather, who shared his vision and also worked diligently on what would be their new home of more than 3,300 square feet.

Terra Verde Architects of Boulder was selected to oversee the design and construction, which would later draw accolades from the remodeling industry. The project was honored in the Colorado Awards for Remodeling Excellence in the Whole House category.

Charlotte Grojean, who was one of the three principal architects at Terra Verde, worked on the project. Grojean, who has since launched her own firm, Wildgrass Architecture in Boulder, said the project posed some specific challenges. “This site was particularly difficult due to many physical restraints,” she explains. “But Rex and Heather were exceptional clients for this project. Their steadfast commitment and willingness to consider alternative options as obstacles arose was met with genuine enthusiasm.”

Several obstacles did arise. The property was divided by the river and the cabin was near the flood zone. The bridge over the river needed to be rebuilt to mitigate for flooding, the septic field had to be on the same narrow piece of land as the house and there was a steep rocky cliff next to the cabin.

Boulder County also has stringent planning requirements to protect wildlife and water quality in sensitive ecological areas. “There were 13 major objections and many minor roadblocks to be navigated,” says Mark Queripel, founder and principal of Terra Verde Architects. “But over time and with a little creativity, we were able to overcome all the county’s concerns and still achieve the owners’ desires.”

At the initial meetings with the Heibi’s, the architects asked questions to help focus their planning. Like most projects, Queripel says they asked about architectural design preferences, the homeowners’ lifestyle and goals, budget parameters, the function of each space and if the possibility existed that rooms might be changed in the future to serve a different need?

With some direction, plans were drawn up and the real work began. At Terra Verde, one of the principals oversees the project from start to finish, but all principals provide input on major issues.

“Usually we try to come up with a minimum of two to three concepts,” says Queripel. “We show them to the clients and based on their feedback we may combine some aspects of the plans or completely redo the drawings if the first ones don’t work.”

For the Heibi’s and most other clients who want to tackle an entire house remodel, Terra Verde believes it is important to start with the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the house. For the Heibi’s they wanted their living space to be an engaging atmosphere where they could entertain guests and raise a family.

To accommodate this lifestyle, Terra Verde wanted the kitchen to open up into the great room. They decided to add on a second story to the cabin and build the great room into the granite cliff to avoid the flood zone.

Although the original fishing cabin was, as Grojean describes it – small, dark and uninspiring, there was still a desire for the newly renovated home to maintain some of the same rustic qualities. The finished product was more than an award-winning project – it was a family-friendly home built to meet the needs of people who appreciate nature.

Posted on 03 September 2009

Sometimes it’s tough to take a finite amount of space, increase its usefulness and not make it feel cramped.

David Ades of Classic House & Garden took on that challenge in a Denver-area home and created a his and hers master bath designed to keep a recently retired couple happy for years to come. A bathroom remodel always ranks near the top of the Cost vs. Value report issued by Remodeling Magazine. For Ades, the space was improved in several ways, which definitely added value to the current owners.

“The homeowners wanted a warm, luxurious feel for this master bath, but they also needed to maximize storage, while maintaining an open uncluttered look,” Ades said. With no option to expand the square footage, Ades worked with the homeowners to put a game plan together that would be more functional, brighter and warmer.

His and hers sinks were set in quartz countertops and placed atop a quarter-sawn oak vanity. In order to create more storage for both people, the vanity was flanked by open-shelved wall cabinets that have two drawers at the base.

Void of any window in the room, Ades was able to accomplish two goals above the sinks. He installed a wide “awning window” to bring in natural light. On each side of the
window, hinged double mirrors were added so they could be folded and pushed to the side when not in use. The new window also rewarded the homeowners with a view to the southwest that includes Red Rocks Park and Pikes Peak once the leaves fall from the foliage.

Earth tones used for the floor and shower tiles give the space a sense of warmth. Adding to that warmth is a heating element under the floor tiles that is controlled by its own thermostat.

To keep things quieter, insulation and two layers of drywall were used between the master bath and the bedroom.

Ades said a half-wall for the shower allows light to enter while providing some privacy and separation from the vanity area. “The custom “Euro-style” shower features German antique glass, a primary faucet mounted on a wall bar, a second handheld faucet and two decorative niches,” he added.

Ades said he worked closely with the Littleton homeowners in order to meet several needs in their small area. After he finished the project, he discovered that the exact floor plan was used in other neighborhoods throughout Denver, and he believes that his upgrade plans might be applicable for other homes in the area.

After photo by Philip Wegener

Posted on 07 March 2009

Where Denver-area pros offer advice

Tom Higgins owns and operates Superior Products Home Improvements in Littleton and is the immediate past chair of the HBA of Metro Denver Remodelors Council.

Q.What are the current trends in home remodeling?

A.The biggest trends in remodeling right now relate to the slumping housing industry and the consumer credit crunch. People who might have otherwise traded up and bought a new home are now opting to stay in their current home. This encourages remodeling projects because home owners often opt to remodel a room they’ve always wanted to fix, knowing that they are going to be there for awhile.

Another trend is that the big home builders are now starting to get into the remodeling business to make ends meet. On one hand, competition is good for consumers. On the other hand, some contractors with no real expertise in remodeling are getting into that business.

Q.What are the current design trends in remodeling?

A.One of the biggest remodeling design trends is a focus on “outdoor living.” Outdoor living extends the livable space of your home with decking systems (made with new composite materials that don’t rot, crack, or need much maintenance) and outdoor cooking/dining areas and outdoor cooking equipment ranging from high-end grills and smokers to outdoor refrigeration units. Given Colorado’s 300-plus days of sunshine a year, investments in outdoor living certainly make sense for Colorado homeowners.

Q.What remodeling work has the best chance of improving the resale value of my home?

A.According to a 2008 study by Remodeling Magazine, the top investments that will enhance the re-sale value of one’s home are new siding and replacement windows. This is because new siding and new windows contribute greatly to a home’s curb appeal. In addition to improved aesthetics, new energy-efficient windows help lower heating and cooling bills because there’s less leakage. With the anticipated rises in heating costs this winter alone, investing in windows that keep the cold outside and the heat inside makes good sense.

Q.How do I hire the right remodeling contractor?

A.It’s a sad truth that home improvement contractors are ranked number one in consumer complaints, according to the Better Business Bureau.

To follow the top 10 best practices in contractor selection, seek out contractors that:
1. Don’t use high-pressure sales tactics.
2. Offer standard payment terms (vs. asking for all the money up front, or cash).
3. Can prove their credentials and gladly offer references.
4. Obtain the permits for the project (vs. asking you to get the permits).
5. Offer a realistic schedule (vs. something that doesn’t seem feasible).
6. Offer a written warranty of their work.
7. Are organized in their approach to the work and contract.
8. Are a member either of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
9. Get a high percentage of their work from repeat business or referrals from their past customers.
10. Offer a lien waiver (which protects you from a lien, should the contractor not pay their subcontractors).

Q.How do I protect myself from my property being placed under a lien when undergoing a remodeling project?

A.In many cases, your remodeling contractor will utilize subcontractors for certain parts of the project. It’s the contractor’s job to ensure these people are paid for their work. To ensure that this has been done and to protect you from a property lien for unpaid subcontractors that have not been paid, insist on a written lien waiver upon completion of the project for both materials and labor, and make sure the contractor is willing to provide you with a lien waiver before you begin the project.

Q.What elements should a contract for remodeling contain?

A.A good contract for a remodeling project should contain the following 10 items:
1. Project timetable.
2. Specific price and payment schedule.
3. Detailed specs for products and materials.
4. Insurance information, including safety provisions for children and pets during the remodeling process.
5. Permit information.
6. Procedures for handling change orders.
7. Lien releases (waivers).
8. Provisions for conflict resolution.
9. Notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days.
10. Details on logistical issues such as access to your home, care of the premises, bathroom usage by workers, clean-up policy, and work that’s not included.

Q.As the head of the HBA of Metro Denver’s Remodeling Council, what advice do you have for people considering a remodeling project?

A.There are three key things homeowners need to watch out for when starting a remodeling project:

First, have a plan.

Second, don’t over-invest.

Third, have a detailed contract from the start so project specifications, special items — and what’s not going to be done — are crystal clear.

Posted on 07 March 2009

The time is right to investigate solar possibilities

Delaying purchases comes naturally in tough economic times. What will the market do next? Will my company be able to ride out the downturn without layoffs? Should I plan a move or stay put and improve my current home?

We’ve all bounced these and other questions around in recent months. It’s unclear where and when the next wave of economic news (good or bad) will strike. There are few guarantees when in investing, but spending money to improve one’s home is nearly always a safe investment in Colorado. Reports indicate that our housing market is faring better than the national average. Let’s face it, this state still attracts people looking for a new beginning like few others. Although some home values dropped during the last year or so, the values are sure to return just as quickly.

One of the smartest investments is one that drives down future costs – such as harnessing the sun to provide electricity. And there are good reasons to examine solar possibilities.

Take former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan for example. Why would he waste his time installing a photovoltaic system on a house that will cost more than was spent to build Bears Stadium (which would eventually morph into Mile High Stadium). Well, there might be a number of answers to that question, but the most obvious is that he (or the next owner) will save money on the energy bills, while using less coal, gas and electricity. That’s what our politicians would call a “win, win.”

Speaking of politicians, you can bet that the new administration will move toward incentives for green-related energy. Additionally, rebates will continue in Colorado under Amendment 37. Check Xcel Energy’s Web site (xcelenergy.com) or other providers for the latest information.

The upfront cost of a solar photovoltaic system that would meet the demands of the average Denver-area home would be less than buying a new car. But rather than jumping into a system that won’t provide an adequate return on investment, talk with two or three solar companies. Bounce your goals off the experts who understand the technology, its advantages and its limitations.

It’s possible that your money would be better spent on a bathroom or kitchen – but then it still takes energy to keep those rooms functioning – energy that could be snared for a relatively small cost.

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

Posted on 07 March 2009