Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

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

a quick peek at items of interest to help us renew

Denver Home Remodeling Show set
The Denver Home Remodeling Show will be Friday-Sunday, March 13-15, at the Denver Merchandise Mart. The three-day show features a bevy of remodeling experts, displays and presentations. Renew, Colorado’s Remodeling Magazine will be the Media Sponsor of this year’s show. The Merchandise Mart is at I-25 and 58th Ave.

Save energy and money
Homeowners who choose to remodel with an eye toward “green” can lower their energy consumption by up to 50 percent, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “The U.S. Department of Energy believes if current buildings were green-improved, they would use $20 billion less energy per year,” NARI reports. “The reason is that green remodeling emphasizes energy efficiency within the home, using modifications such as energy-efficient appliances, programmable thermostats and airtight, low-emissivity windows.” From dimmable light switches and low-flow faucets to solar panels and pellet-burning stoves, NARI believes that energy can be saved in a variety of ways. “Manufacturers are working with remodelers to bring consumers the products and materials they need to make homes safe, comfortable, and attractive. That is, after all, the purpose of any remodel.” For more information, visit www.nari.org.

Energy awareness lacking, survey shows
Denver-based Johns Manville reports residents are definitely interested in reducing their home heating bills, but are much less interested in bolstering their resale value.

A Johns Manville survey showed that 63.6 percent of respondents said reducing their heating and cooling costs is the most important reason for making energy efficiency upgrades. Less important to respondents was helping reduce their home’s contribution to global climate change (18.8 percent), increasing comfort  (10.6 percent) or bolstering their home’s resale value (5.2 percent). The firm also reports that 56 percent of survey respondents plan to make an energy-efficient home upgrade this winter.

Most homeowners underestimate how much they can save on utility bills by winterizing their homes. Nearly 75 percent of survey respondents said that adding insulation and air-sealing their attic will save them 10 percent or less on their monthly utility bill. However, adding insulation and air-sealing the attic can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “When asked about U.S. energy consumption, 25.7 percent of respondents said road transportation ranks as the largest U.S. consumer of energy; only 18.4 percent responded correctly that residential buildings are the single largest U.S. energy consumer,” according to Johns Manville.

Back-up power supplies
Pole-snapping winds and tree branch-splitting snow storms are two reasons people end up without power along the Front Range. Cummins Onan sends word that their residential standby generators can be incorporated into a new home or retrofitted for an existing residence. “An ever unpredictable economic and environmental world demands a back up supply of power to ensure the at-home protection and comfort your family deserves,” the firm reports. Call 303-927-2278.

Water and fertilize at the same time
Life might be easier if a lawn sprinkler system was also able to fertilize the grass. Consider it done. “This technique of applying products through the water is called “fertigation” and it saves on water while significantly reducing the risk of fertilizer runoff,” reports The Lawn Boy in Denver. The system can be applied to any residential irrigation setup. Call 303-451-7686 or visit www.thelawnboyonline.com

Fine cellars from fine wine
Savanté Wine Cellars suggests that you “age your wine in the wood it was born.” More specifically, the company uses recycled wine casks as one of its materials to build beautiful cellars. “We utilize recycled materials, certified sources of renewable hardwoods and formaldehyde-free sheet goods. And we have eliminated chemical finishes from our cellars,” according to the firm’s Web site. They also do other fine woodworking projects for the home. Call 303-725-5131 or visit www.savantewinecellars.com.

Enjoy the deck rain or shine
Why have two decks if only one can be used when it rains or snows? The Colorado Deck Drain Experts install systems that channel the water away so the deck is available when you are. Two options and a variety of colors are available to match most homes. Call 303-463-8880 or visit www.deckdrainexperts.com.

Fires for all
Homeowners with cramped spaces and lack of chimneys were unable to enjoy a fire on a cold Colorado evening in the past. But new designs from Eco-Flame Colorado allow just about anyone to enjoy a cozy fire. With the use of denatured alcohol, the fires don’t require a flue or other connections. Call 303-990-2295 or visit www.ecoflameco.com.

Colorado interior designers do not have to be accredited
The state of Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform recently reviewed the accreditation process of interior designers. The Colorado Coalition of Interior Designers was seeking a law that would require licensing, but a report from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies showed there was not a strong enough case to uphold the request. The interior designers group argued that a statewide standard and a more formal process would add credibility to the profession, adding that the accreditation is needed for fire-safety reasons, such as space planning. They called for a process that would require interior designers to have combined education and experience of six years and complete the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination.

Benjamin Moore offers zero-VOC interior paint
Benjamin Moore is making it easier to go green by creating Natura, a zero-VOC premium performance interior paint that is available in nearly all of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500 colors. “Being green has never been so colorful,” says Carl Minchew, Benjamin Moore director of color technology. “Natura is built upon Benjamin Moore’s patented waterborne colorant system, and it’s the waterborne technology that makes the difference. So, no matter what color you choose, it will never add to the VOC level.” Call 720-858-8212, or visit www.benjaminmoore.com.

Posted on 07 March 2009

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