December 22, 2009

Kitchen Design 101

Dear Expert: Is there a good rule of thumb to follow when designing a kitchen?

A: It really depends on what you want to get out of your kitchen. Is it a kitchen for cooking in or just to show off? I believe that a good kitchen has good flow and function. Islands may be popular, but they are not as functional as “G” shaped kitchens. You want to avoid carrying anything from one surface to the other, so a continuous countertop will serve you best. The real rule of thumb is to understand how the space will be used 90% of the time and design for it.

—Michael Anschel, Principal
Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build
www.otogawa-anschel.com

Posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 15, 2009

Choosing Between Conflicting Bids

Dear Expert: We are planning to remodel our home and have been getting bids from remodelers, but the cost varies significantly between bids. How do we know who to chose?

A: This is a real problem in our industry today, made worse by websites that encourage the three bids philosophy without instruction on how to solicit bids. In order to compare the proverbial apple to another, you need a full set of plans and specifications that detail everything about the project. One way to avoid this situation is to work with a Design Build firm to develop a design and build your project within your budget. A word of caution about companies that don’t charge for design: You get what you pay for.

—Michael Anschel, Principal Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 8, 2009

Energy Audits Explained

Dear Expert: What is an energy audit and how can it benefit me?

A: An energy audit is done by a professional who uses a variety of diagnostic tools to evaluate areas in your home where energy is lost. For instance, many auditors will use a blower-door test to bring the interior of a home to an air pressure that is lower than the exterior. Using a smoke pencil or Infrared Thermal Camera, they look for areas where air is seeping into (or out of) the home…Where air leaves the home, energy goes with it. By determining where energy is lost, auditors can make recommendations about how to improve your home’s performance.

It’s very likely that you can work with your electric or natural gas supplier to arrange for this audit at... Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 1, 2009

Creating the Illusion of Space

Dear Expert: We have a small bathroom and no space to expand without taking away a bedroom. Do you have any suggestions on how we could make the room at least feel bigger?

A: There are a number of strategies you can employ to help your space feel bigger. Start by simplifying the space and eliminating busy and confining patterns. Look to divide the space using color and line in both paint and tile work. We often will cut a series of niches into the perimeter walls which both directs the eye and picks up some physical space. Pedestal sinks are popular because they let the eye travel below them, but you sacrifice storage. Consider a custom vanity that has tall legs so you can see under it. (Oh, and don’t install oversized mirrors!)
... Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 23, 2009

"Kick-Out Flashing" Decoded

Dear Expert: What is “kick-out flashing” and why is it important?

A: When properly installed, this simple protection will help protect your house from extensive damage due to water infiltration. It also helps aesthetically, as it prevents unsightly stains on the wall cladding from roof drainage.

Kick-out flashing is typically made from a bit of sheet metal.

The flashing is bent away or “kicked out” from the wall to force the water away from the house before it gets to the edge of the roof. The idea is to push rainwater out to the point where it drips harmlessly off the... Read more »

Posted on Monday, November 23, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 16, 2009

Green Living on a Budget

Dear Expert: Is there a way to make my house greener that doesn’t involve major renovations and big budgets?

A. There are some very simple and cost-effective things you can do to make your home much greener and more energy efficient, which means smaller utility bills for you.

Make it tighter. Less air moving in and out means less energy escaping and lower energy use.

An energy audit can help you find other areas to improve air leakage and energy efficiency of your home. For example, caulk or otherwise seal around all wall penetrations, such as bathroom vents, cooktop vents, furnace exhausts/intakes, and fresh air intakes.

—NOR-SON, INC.
Chris Roeder, Project Manager
Jim Larson, Building Science ExpertRead more »

Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 13, 2009

Green Remodeling

Dear Expert: My husband and I want to remodel our kitchen and we’d like to do it Green if possible, but we have heard it will cost more. What should we do?

A: The trend toward sustainable and Green remodeling has been growing over the last decade and today there are many products that are healthy alternatives and cost the same or less than their toxic cousins. Paying for testing and diagnostics in the design phase of your project may cost an extra $500, but the results are priceless. Your biggest increase in cost will come from supporting local labor and materials, rather than purchasing cheap imports with exploitive labor practices. My suggestion: Go Green. You get to live healthy and efficiently and support the community at the same... Read more »

Posted on Friday, November 13, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 28, 2009

Outdoor Room Planning

Dear Expert: I am thinking about expanding my living outdoors (after the winter, of course!). How should I start planning my outdoor room installation?

A. Make a good assessment of the area you would like to transform. Some of the elements that can help you to create the room would be walls (fencing or a hedge), a ceiling (pergolas), and a floor. The walls screen the area and create a visual stop. Pergolas make great ceilings and can also create their own smaller room. Pavers, natural stone, and even grass can be the floor in your room. Adding things such as fire pits, outdoor kitchens or patio couches can finish off the space. A landscape professional will be able to create a design, which will serve as your master plan to be implemented.... Read more »

Posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 21, 2009

Island Countertop Spacing

Dear Expert: How big does my kitchen need to be in order to incorporate an island?

A: First of all, you need to determine if an island is the right solution for space. But in general, you need to make sure the space between the island countertop and another work counter is 42” minimum (48” for two-cook kitchens). And you need a minimum of 36” for walkways on the non-working side of the island.

You will also need to plan on adequate counter space if you plan on having a cooktop, range or sink on the island.

— Tim Aden
Sawhill Custom Kitchen & Design
www.sawhillkitchen.com
 

Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 14, 2009

Green Cabinets

Dear Expert: What things should I look for if I want a “green” cabinet?

A: No product is considered green, but products do have green attributes. So find out how many green attributes the cabinet possesses. For example, look for some of these:

• Uses a low VOC, and no formaldehyde top coat finish.
• Uses a no added urea formaldehyde product for the cabinet box.
• A local supplier. Local supplier means less fuel used for transportation.
• Uses wood products from sustainable forests, or re-engineered wood veneers, or some woods have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• The cabinet supplier is certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer’s... Read more »

  Posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (1)