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A P R I L / M A Y 2 O O 9

[ C O N T E N T S ]

ON THE COVERKingsley-Bate St. Tropez chaise. Photo: Kingsley-Bate (www.kingsleybate.com).

6

4 April/May 2009 THM North Bay THmag.com

8 The Great EscapeCreate your own getaway at home with these budget-friendly ideas for your outdoorliving space.By Heidi Doerfert

10 Old World Charm Meets New Age Know-HowThe Legacy Paver Group proves to be anelegant cost saver in home hardscape projects.By Deborah Burstyn

12 Yard SmartSynthetic lawns add years of enjoyment andare good for the environment.By R.L. Xander

14 Save $100,000 on Your HomeA simple step that saves big bucks over thelifetime of your home—and it’s green too!By Melinda Peacock

6 Hunter GreenConserving energy has never been so beautiful.By Heidi Doerfert

CLCA16 Make A Good Impression

Great ideas for adding value to your home. By Joan Waters

CCIDC18 Borrowing Outdoor Space for

Everyday Living Ideas for creating a unique living space. By Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP

12

North Bay THM April/May 2009 5thmRESOURCE.com

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WWW.thmRESOURCE.com© 2009. All editorial (headline, subhead, story, captions) published in Today’s Home

is copyrighted and remains the sole property of Today’s Home. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.

Today’s Home is looking for highly motivatedAccount Executives with 2 years of

advertising and marketing experience.

We offer a dynamic environment, excellent growth opportunities, competitiveearnings, and a benefits package. Full and part-time positions available.

Please e-mail resumes to Jeff@THmag.com.

Volume 7, Issue 2 • April/May 2009

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Jeff Curry

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Douglas

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Michael A. FrieburgStephan Raimist • Pat Silberman

FEATURE WRITERS

Deborah BurstynHeidi Doerfert

Patsy Zakian-GreenoughMelinda Peacock

Joan WatersR.L. Xander

ART DIRECTOR

Jeff Clinton

WEBMASTER

Chris Ryce

ACCOUNTING

Diane Nasadiuk

The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home.

THE TIME IS RIPE for homeimprovement—and at theforefront is “investing

green”—transforming homes toreduce energy use, lower utilityand water bills and help the planet.

In addition to featuring thelatest information on “green”products and services, as well as news on conservation rebatesoffered by our state and localgovernments, the 33rd annualMarin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest will feature loads ofstate-of-the-art kitchen and baths,spas, sunrooms, home theatersand more on display.

For the home garden there are full landscapedisplays in the expansive Garden & Landscape Pavilion.Also this year, the premier of the “ArtiGras Island” withdozens of fine artist from across the country who willpresent, on the Home Show’s beautiful Lagoon Island,their paintings and sculptures.

With more than 350 exhibits, the Marin HomeShow offers the best and newest products for homeand garden projects, with experts on site to answer all your questions.

One of the longest-running events at the Marin Center, the Home Show hasalways been ahead of the curve, supporting and introducing environmentallyfriendly products. With global warming and continuing drought conditionsplaguing Marin County, as elsewhere, this year’s show will present cutting-edgefirms such as rainwater cache and recycled greywater systems. Companies thatoffer the latest in energy-saving solar and heating, energy-efficient appliances,hybrid and electric cars will also be featured.

If that’s not enough to get you jazzed, the Benefit Jazz Fest with two bigdays of live entertainment will surely ramp up your mood. This year’s headlineris the electric Pride & Joy with performances Sunday in the Benefit Jazz Tent.

Opening Saturday’s music lineup,promising young Marin musicians willperform in the Jazz Jam PlayOff. Six award-winning Marin high school bands will beshowcased in the Home Show’s upbeat“battle of the bands.” With the support oflocal sponsors $8,000 was raised and givenlast year to the participating high schoolmusic departments.

There’s no place like beautiful Marin or its fabulous Home Show, a community-minded event that’s informative, entertaining and will help you kick off yournext home-improvement project. This is the perfect time to make your currentresidence the best it can be.

The 33rd Annual Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest takes place Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; and Sunday, May 31, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at the Marin Civic CenterExhibit Hall and Fairgrounds. Admission is $8. Saturday tickets are good for a free Sundayreturn. Children 14 and under are admitted free both days. For more information, call (415) 456-5209 or visit www.marinhomeshow.com. THM

Visit the annual Marin Home Show forhome improvement ideas and inspiration.

A Weekend of Fun

33RD ANNUALMarin Home Show& Benefit Jazz FestSaturday, May 30 • 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Sunday, May 31 • 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall and Fairgrounds

to help our customers in their conservation efforts while addingbeauty to their homes with our stylish window treatments.”

Green meets gorgeous with the Duette Architella line, a favoriteof Tim Donaldson, owner of The Blind Man and an authorized HunterDouglas dealer. “The Duette is the most versatile product in thelineup because of its unique ability to adapt to any window. Thefabric and color selections allow it to fit into virtually any décor.Another great feature is its energy efficiency.” Tim explains anothertimely buzzword—R-value. “An R-value is a measure of thermalresistance. The bigger the number, the better the insulation.

Typically, the walls in your homehave an R-value of 17, a windowabout 2.” Tim says that by addingcertain window treatments, like the Duette Architella honeycombshade, you can triple your window’sR-value and reduce energy loss by up to 50 percent. “That keepsgreen in your pocket!” Tim notes.

Hunter Douglas windowtreatments decrease energy usage in two other ways: they control solarheat by allowing it into your homein the winter and minimizing the amount that comes in duringthe summer. And, they enhance the use of natural light by diffusing and dispersing sunlight deep into a room, so you can turn off thelights more often!

To find out how you can go “Hunter Green”with beautiful window fashions, visit HunterDouglas at www.hunterdouglas.com or call (800) 274-2985. THM

BY HEIDI DOERFERT

HUNTER GREENConserving energy hasnever been so beautiful.

CARBON FOOTPRINT. ENERGY EFFICIENCY. GOING GREEN.We’ve heard these terms a lot lately, but they are more thanjust environmentalist catchphrases. Our economy and the

condition of our earth demand more people take notice of theusable power we waste each day. When we think differently abouthow we use our resources and choose products that reduce our own energy bill, we can also have a positive impact on the planet.

Some corporations, like the window fashions leader HunterDouglas, want to lead by example. In February, Hunter Douglasannounced the launch of Hunter Green, an initiative to makeconsumers aware of the superior energy-saving benefits their productsoffer, create awareness and action around energy conservation, andsupport social programs that have a positive global impact. To takeit a step further, Hunter Douglas also created the GREENGUARDEnvironmental Institute (GEI), an independent, non-profit organizationthat establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products,environments and buildings. More than any other company in theindustry, Hunter Douglas products have met rigorous standards andvirtually all are GEI Certified.

“Not only do we want to reduce our own carbon footprint as a company,” says Donna Lobosco of Hunter Douglas, “we want

Duette® honeycomb shades withTruRise®.

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6 April/May 2009 THM North Bay THmag.com

Ask about our full line of Hunter Douglas products.©2008 Hunter Douglas Inc. ® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas Inc.

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We Make Green Beautiful.Stylish solutions for saving energy at the window.

Hunter Douglas Window Treatments meet both your design and energy needs. 40% of the heat that escapes from your home leaves through the windows, and 50% of the solar heat that enters a room comes in through—you guessed it—the windows.

Obviously, energy efficient treatments can translate into considerable utility bill savings, especially if your windows are on a cold north exposure in the winter or a sun-saturated west wall in the summer. Saving energy is a beautiful thing with Hunter Douglas.

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THmag.com

Create your own getaway at home with these budget-friendlyideas for your outdoorliving space.

The Great Escape

BY HEIDI DOERFERT

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North Bay THM April/May 2009 9thmRESOURCE.comthmRESOURCE.com

[ I N S P I R E D B A C K Y A R D S ]

IN THIS TRYING ECONOMY, SPENDING MONEY ON A ONE-TIME, exoticvacation this summer may not be in the cards. But imagine transformingyour outdoor space into a getaway that will bring you pleasure for many

years to come! When gas prices first began to rise, the media coined thephrase “staycation.” This idea of creating your own personal sanctuary at home not only offers more bang for your buck, but also an alternative to the stress of traveling.

So, how do you begin to take that humdrum backyard and turn it into anoutdoor retreat? First, think about how you want to use the space. Will you beentertaining a crowd or are you looking for a quiet, Zen-like corner to relax? If your yard is big enough, you may be able to have the best of both worlds.Ask yourself where your ideal vacation spot would be. Are you jetting off to the tropics or taking in the English countryside? The answer can give you theinspiration for the look and feel of your outdoor space. Just as your walls andfloors define the style of your home’s interior, hardscapes and landscapesdefine it on the outside.

Plan AheadWhether you want to give your yard a boost or do a complete transformation,the first step is having a plan. “A master plan for the outdoor living space,including the hardscape, planting, lighting and irrigation, is instrumental inhaving a successful project at the end,” explains Sandra Diehl, owner of AvantGarden Design in Vallejo. Carefully mapping out your desires for your backyardwill prevent a hodge-podge look and also enables the contractor to give you a proper bid. Sandra stresses the importance of having an irrigation system inplace so all of your beautiful plants and flowers flourish instead of deteriorate.To craft an outdoor space with a retreat-like feel, she recommends usingstructures and plant material to create privacy. “An overhang or pergola gives an instant feeling of intimacy and comfort.” Instead of one main area,designate a couple of different spots for relaxation such as a cozy corner toread or a table for two near a bubbly fountain to spend time with your spouse.A great tip: don’t plant flowers or shrubs that attract bees near your sittingareas. Transitional elements such as gates, arbors and pathways will make youfeel as if you’re entering a special place. If you’re looking to rev up your space,a tropical oasis may be just what the doctor ordered. Sandra recommends palmtrees like the Mexican Fan and Date Palm, Native Hibiscus such as Rose ofSharon, Birds of Paradise, and Day Lilies. Use hot hues like reds, oranges and hot pinks! And, don’t forget to turn on the lights. “Lighting is one of theforgotten, but important elements to a great outdoor space.” Whether it’s toguide you safely down a path in the evening or to highlight your favorite tree,proper illumination definitely sets the mood.

The H2O FactorWater is an essential element in transforming your yard from tired to tranquil.Fountains, waterfalls and ponds add soothing sound, but carefully considerwhich one best fits your lifestyle. Sandra advises to think about how much timeyou’re willing to spend on maintenance. “Obviously, a coy pond will require alot more attention than one without fish.” If you want the beauty of water withoutthe upkeep, a pondless water feature may be great option. Once installed, theyare virtually maintenance-free which is good news for busy homeowners.

Of course, nothing says exotic escape like a pool! You may be pleasantlysurprised at how affordable a swimming pool can be. Richard Evans, President

of Cookie Cutter Pools, says success is in their motto: “Keep it simple withlower overhead.” Cookie Cutter is a large construction company with a fewdecades of experience. They offer a menu of 3 Pool Sizes and Shapes, 3 Colors of Brick Coping and 5 Plaster Colors. Richard says this allows Cookie Cutter to purchase their equipment and products in bulk and they can pass that savings on to you. A basic pool can start at as little as $24,000.And, you’ll be splashing around sooner than with a traditional pool builder.“We build pools in less than 30 days!” says Richard. While the basic poolpackages are the most economical way to go, Cookie Cutter offers customtouches and upgrades and can build any shape-and-sized pool you desire.During your free consultation, Cookie Cutter can help you pick the best pool for your lifestyle and budget.

Dinner, Alfresco StyleOne of the best things about a vacation is the food. Imagine being able to prepare an entire meal on your patio while enjoying the company of your family and friends. Outdoor kitchens are becoming a must-have for the staycationer. Scott Costa of Costa Construction, Inc. in San Ramon says he’s seen a definite rise in demand for outdoor kitchens. “The stand-alonegrill is really becoming a thing how simple or elaborate these elements are.Scott advises picking the right grill for your needs. If you are going to beserving up burgers to dozens of guests on a regular basis, you may want to go with a grill in the range of 48-53 inches wide. Think about how you workin your indoor kitchen and try to mimic that on the outside. “I recommendplacing the kitchen in close proximity to your back door in case you need toget extra supplies,” says Scott. “Although, some homeowners do prefer to puttheir outdoor kitchen near the pool for a resort-like feel.” Adequate storageand a built-in refrigerator will help you avoid running back and forth from the patio to your house. Scott says that it’s ideal to build an overhang or pavilionto protect your kitchen from the elements. If that’s not in the budget, durablecovers can keep your island and grill looking new for years. Another cost-effective tip is to go with a propane grill so you don’t have to tap into yourhome’s gas line.

Outdoor DecorPatio furniture not only offers a place to lounge, it can really bring your overall vision to fruition. For a restful retreat, think natural materials. A pair of bamboo or wooden chairs with cushions in earth tones and end tables withclean lines offers instant calm. To evoke cottage charm, wicker always fits the bill. All-weather wicker is not your Grandmother’s wicker. It is woven withresin and is affordable, easy to clean, and weather resistant. If the Tuscancountryside is calling your name, use wrought iron pieces to create your ownprivate bistro. Rich tones in mustard, olive green and deep red will having youshouting, Bellissimo! Your outdoor oasis needs accessories just like the insideof your home. These added touches take your patio to the next level. Fromtextured area rugs to wall art to chandeliers, you can find furnishings madespecifically for outdoor use.

From simple to showstopper, an outdoor re-do can make you feel likeyou’re on vacation all year-long!

For more information on outdoor remodeling or to find a contractor, please visit us on theweb at www.thmag.com. THM

WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH, quality counts more than ever. So how canhomeowners economize on projects without sacrificing their dreams?By working with a contractor who can do it all—provide design,

craftsmanship and the flexibility to make needed changes as the projectbecomes reality.

That’s why after a rigorous bidding and review process, homeowners MaxineAndrew and James Osborn chose The Legacy Paver Group for their project—a driveway and multi-level retaining wall for their terraced backyard in the East Bay hills.

“We’re the type of contractor who can design on the go so you don’t have tospend $4,000 on architectural plans,” explains Legacy principal Hayley Kaslar.“This way you’re budget’s not blown before you even start.”

Kaslar, originally from England, learned the business from a pro – her dad,Nigel Howat, who honed his masonry skills in Europe. Kaslar and her husbandSean can take a homeowner’s sketch and infuse it with their blend of Old Worldcharm and New Age know-how to see it through from design to installation.Their on-site project management team further customizes plans with thehomeowner throughout the process.

“The results are spectacular,” said Maxine Andrew. “We saved on designfees and enjoyed working with The Legacy Paver Group. When we look at ourdriveway and terraces, we feel a sense of pride and accomplishment because of our participation in the project.”

Legacy’s reputation for superior work and customer-friendly style has evenimpressed HGTV producers who selected the Santa Rosa-based firm to create

an innovative driveway for the 2009 HGTV Dream Home in Sonoma.

Legacy Pavers started in 2000 as Dream Driveways.As their projects evolved to include patios, courtyards,walkways and more a name change seemed in order.Kaslar chose The Legacy Paver Group because “Theenduring beauty of stone pavers truly creates a legacy.”

The warmth of red brick, the elegance of flagstone,and the charm of cobblestones—these custom elements of a home’s exterior used to be the preserve of thewealthy. The masonry work and material costs werebeyond the reach of the average homeowner. That’s why

so many homes are surrounded by flat expanses of asphalt and concrete. Therelatively recent invention of concrete pavers—interlocking pre-cast pieces ofbrick or stone—changed that.

But pavers are more than just a pretty face. Kaslar points out that paverssave costs in the long run because of their durability. “As individual pieces,pavers can withstand more pressure than concrete, which is a solid slab that canbuckle and crack. Good installers offer a warranty on the installation that youcan’t get with concrete. And asphalt really has no value from a cosmetic standpoint,and it crumbles. Once pavers are in, provided they’re installed correctly, they’renot going anywhere.” Today’s permeable pavers also allow rainwater to filterthrough to the aquifers preventing run-off, erosion and flooding.

Maxine Andrews and James Osborn selected pavers for their driveway andan interlocking product called Versa-Lok for the retaining wall system. Achallenge that called for Legacy Paver’s expertise was their wish for anaesthetically pleasing but complex series of curved circular walls instead ofsimple straight lines.

“We took an unusable space and turned it into eye candy. It looks really nice.We had to back away from the desire to do it ourselves and embrace the ideathat there were benefits to a contractor working on the project,” explained Andrew.

“I contacted the product manufacturer and asked them for referrals. I had arough sketch and I e-mailed it to 20 contractors. I then made ten appointmentsfor contractors to review the site, and then got six or seven proposals to review.We looked at the proposals and they were all slightly different and had differentprice bids. Legacy did not provide us with the lowest bid, or the highest, for that

Legacy Paver Group proves to be an elegantcost saver in home hardscape project.

BY DEBORAH BURSTYN

Old WorldCharm MeetsNew AgeKnow-How

THmag.com10 April/May 2009 THM North Bay

Legacy Paver Group proves to be an elegantcost saver in home hardscape project.

North Bay THM April/May 2009 11thmRESOURCE.com North Bay THM April/May 2009 11

matter,” Andrew said, “but they instilled us with the confidence thatwe could work together closely, and they could guide us through thetechnical aspects of the projects.”

A key visual element to complement a home is its surroundinghardscape and how it integrates the home with the landscape. Butwhat looks good on paper doesn’t always work in the real world wherefactors like grading and elevation need to be considered. That is whyhomeowners throughout the Greater Bay Area and North Bay trusttheir homes to The Legacy Paver Group.

The Legacy Paver Group—www.legacypavers.com (415) 328-6233, (707) 538-1071or europeanpaving@sbcglobal.net. THM

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KEVIN STEFFEE FOUND HIS CALLING ALMOST BY ACCIDENT.The longtime landscape contractor had a client who wanted aputting green right on his lawn. That request sent Steffee on a

search that led him to turf, a synthetic lawn product with extraordinarystaying power. His client got his putting green and Steffee started DreamGreens, the first and finest dealer of synthetic grass in the Bay Area.“I’ve been doing this longer than anyone else in the Bay Area,” Steffeesaid of the business he opened in 1999, and he knows his product.

The top of the line turf that Kevin uses was developed for use byathletes and contains no lead. It stands up well to those two scourgesof suburban living: kids and dogs. Both children and pets need spaceand a good surface on which to run and play. As Steffee noted, hisproduct was made to survive the onslaught of 300-pound linebackers.It is as at home on a golf course as a residential yard.

As noteworthy as the strength and good looks synthetic turf offers is the list of what it does without: no mowing, no watering, no seeding, no fertilizing, no pesticides, no toxic runoff, no muddyfootprints, no grass-stained clothing. It is a purchase likely to pleasean environmentally conscious homeowner. “People out here areenvironmentally friendly, and want to do the right thing,” Steffee said.

In a year when water officials are talking about drought and water rationing, not having to water a lawn to keep it lush is a bigplus. Indeed, over time the water savings help offset the cost of the

installation, which is expected to wear well for up to 20 years. In someareas, homeowners are eligible for a rebate from their water districts forputting in a synthetic lawn.

What’s more, turf works in areas where traditional lawns never grow, such as under old growth oak trees, or where they take a beating,such as under play structures. Steffee offers design services and saidhe can work with unusual surfaces or slopes. The product itself is a far cry from the old-fashioned fake plastic grass that everyone used tomake fun of. The grass blades of the new product are indeed made outof plastic, but the secret to its success is the infill used in the turf. It is a patented mixture of ground-up recycled tires and rounded silicasand. The natural look is created by first putting down the syntheticgrass blades, then adding the infill. The final step is to rake the bladesuntil they stand up. It is the infill that provides both the cushy feel and the drainage.

It takes about a week to install most synthetic lawns, but Steffee’sdefinition of his job is a broad one. “We do more than provide the turf,”he said. “We can help with overall design, drainage issues, patios,walkways, etc.” Don’t consider an artificial lawn without talking toDream Greens.

Reach Kevin Steffee at Dream Greens at (415) 461-4455 or check out their Web site at www.dreamgreens.biz. THM

Yard SmartSynthetic lawns add years of enjoyment and are good for the environment.

THmag.com12 April/May 2009 THM North Bay

[ I N S P I R E D B A C K Y A R D S ]

North Bay THM April/May 2009 13

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[ I N S P I R E D B A C K Y A R D S ]

IN 2004, SMARTMONEY.COM DID AN ANALYSIS SHOWING thatover 30 years of owning your home, it costs almost $100,000 topaint, patch, and repair the exterior. And that is if you only paint

every 8 years! If you paint every 3 years, the total cost jumps to$172,000. There is a better solution that is far less expensive in the long run and far better for the environment.

An amazing paint product called Rhino Shield was developed in the60’s for use on commercial buildings. About 10 years ago, it becameavailable for residential homes. “Paint it once and you are done,”states Jeff Olson, owner of Rhino Shield of California. “You never haveto paint, patch, repair or replace it again—ever.” This unique paint isestimated to last 80 to 100 years. Buildings that were painted over 40years ago still look as though they were freshly painted. In fact, BASF,the world’s leading chemical company, did an independent test onRhino Shield paint. Using a process that simulates 25 years of weatherand aging, the results showed that Rhino Shield paint showed no signsof deterioration. It can be used on practically any exterior housesurface, including wood, stucco, vinyl siding, brick, cement block,concrete, Masonite, and stone. It doesn’t peel, chip, or flake and ispractically maintenance free. Hmm, which would you choose as aweekend activity: painting the house or having a barbecue with friends?

Rhino Shield is just like any other paint in that it comes in everycolor imaginable. Each batch is custom mixed to match the customer’scolor choice. “We even had a customer in Mill Valley request a charcoalblack house with black trim,” describes Jeff. Any other paint wouldn’tlast a year because the weathermakes black paint fade so quickly.“Years later that house still looks likeit was newly painted. And the colorcombination actually turned outgreat, too!” laughs Jeff.

Rhino Shield paint is waterproofand provides soundproofing andinsulation. It reflects over 90% of thesun’s energy and qualifies as a low-Ecoating. The insulating aspect of thepaint actually makes your homecooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which should loweryour utility bills. In addition to saving the planet through lowerenergy usage, Rhino Shield paint

is environmentally friendly. It is water based and contains no vinyl, latex, mineral fillers, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The secret to Rhino Shield’s amazing benefits is thousands ofceramic microspheres. Manufactured by 3M, these spheres have avacuum core, which means they are not just hollow they have a void of air within each sphere’s center. 3M designed them to stop thermalconductivity, and it makes the spheres great insulators.

Coastal areas often have corrosion problems from the sea spray in the air. An independent test shows Rhino Shield as the most salt-tolerant coating on the market. For inland areas that are concernedabout wildfires, Rhino Shield is a class A fire retardant. In some states its class A fire rating may help qualify for a discount onhomeowner’s insurance.

“You are gonna love this paint,” insists Jeff. “It will look greatforever. No more dragging ladders around, hanging off of gutters, getting splattered with paint and yelling at your spouse,” he addswhimsically. “Forget all that and go on vacation!” When you alsoconsider the lifetime transferable warranty, lower energy usage, green ingredients, fire retardant and salt corrosion factors, hassle-freemaintenance, and lifetime cost savings, choosing Rhino Shield for your home becomes the easiest decision you will ever make.

To learn more about Rhino Shield of California’s amazing paint, including links to independent test results, go to www.rhinoshieldca.com. You can also call them at (888) 868-7575. THM

SAVE $100,000 ON YOUR HOMEA simple step that saves big bucks over the lifetime of your home—and it’s green too!

BY MELINDA PEACOCK

North Bay THM April/May 2009 15

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THmag.com16 April/May 2009 THM North Bay

Make A Good Impression

AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, you don’t get a second chance tomake a good first impression. Savvy homeowners know that theiryards make an impression every day—on visitors, friends, family

and the whole. But even if you’re not overly concerned with looks, a well-done landscape can put money in your pocket. A recent studyreported the costs of landscaping had a recovery value of at least 100 percent and up to 200 percent, which compares to a recoveryvalue of 70 to 125 percent for a kitchen and 80 to 120 percent for abathroom remodel. So, if you need to spruce things up a bit, or evenadd some new features that will expand living space for you and yourfamily, here are some tips from the California Landscape ContractorsAssociation to get your project off on the right foot.

Hire a licensed contractor. If the price of your job is $500 or more(including costs of labor and materials), state law requires that theperson or company doing the job be licensed by the Contractors StateLicense Board. One of the best ways to choose a contractor is to usethe Contractor Search feature on the CLCA website at www.clca.org.

Once you have a list of prospective contractors and have yourinitial meetings, ask to visit jobs each contractor has completed. If possible, talk to the homeowners and ask if their expectations were met. Also ask your contractor about liability and workers’compensation insurance. In fact, CLCA recommends that you ask to see written proof of insurance policies.

Make a checklist. Some time before you meet with your contractor,take a tour of your yard, and make a list of improvements or features you want to add. If you like to entertain outdoors, for example,consider an outdoor kitchen-one of today’s hottest amenities.

Fountains and water features are among the most popularlandscape features today. Many contractors have stunning photographsof the features they’ve created, so ask to take a look. And because apicture is worth a thousand words, showing your contractor photos youcollect from books and magazines is a great way to convey your ideasand priorities.

Be sure to take a look at a number of projects before you settle onthe contractor to install rock or stone. There can be a huge difference in the quality of the work and craftsmanship from mason to mason.Some masons do mostly brick and concrete, and others are experts at using natural stone.

Keep up the good work. A good plan will include a professionallyinstalled, inground irrigation system with automatic timer. Be sure toask your contactor about the latest water-conserving devices.

For more Information contact CLCA at (916) 830-2780. Or, visit them online at www.clca.org. THM

BY JOAN WATERS

Project by Gothic Landscaping Inc. of Valencia.

Samscaping Inc., Mountain View.

Great ideas for addingvalue to your home.

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Flagstone pathways wind through a Summer shade garden

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THmag.com18 April/May 2009 THM North Bay

[ C C I D C ]

DO YOU EVER WISH YOU HAD MORE SPACE for entertaining or maybeanother place to relax and catch your breath? You’ve thought of anaddition, but that could be costly and time consuming. Why not

consider an existing space that could be used differently?When Certified Interior Designer Genie Nowicki was asked to design a

local remodeling project, she did just that. She took an existing entry deck andtransformed it into a lovely greeting area as well as a space for entertaining.

Here are a few ideas to think about as you start your project:First, select a Certified Interior Designer (CID) to work with you. A CID is

certified in the State of California and is qualified by education, experience,and examination.

Share your lifestyle history with your designer to identify your needs. Tomake this entry area accessible to everyone who came to visit, Genie added adiscrete ramp that meanders through well-established trees and landscaping.The ramp seems to “float” off the ground as piers were placed under thecenter of the ramp with iron braces for additional support. She added lightalong the pathway, which made it safer and a favorite route for all who cometo visit.

Have you thought about artistic features you could include in your plan?Genie relocated a custom copper water fountain from the interior living area to the entry. The water adds a soothing sound and the sculptural form addsinterest. Attractive, correctly scaled planters (with a drip system) and comfortable

benches at the front door are key components. It now feels inviting to guestswhether for entertaining purposes or just light meals and coffee.

Is your space showing signs of deferred maintenance? In this instance, the existing deck required some repair work. Thinking outside the box, Geniewas able to take advantage of this opportunity to re-route electrical and gaslines. Because this was a down sloped lot, some excavation was done, deckboards were salvaged and reused for the new ramp and new deck boards were installed by using a clip system. The clip system and waterproof framingunderneath the deck will extend its life by eliminating water penetration into the wood.

Does your door allow enough light to pass through so that two areas canfeel connected? The front door system allows light to spill into the house. And,a concealed Phantom Screen keeps the bugs out while still letting fresh air in.

Is your entry a point at which you control all your security? Take advantageof coordinating your systems for easy access and convenience.

Remember that good design is always beautiful. You don’t have tosacrifice style for comfort. A remodel should not be built just for who you are today, but for the person you’ll become tomorrow.

Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP is the Senior Designer at Harrell Remodeling,Inc., www.harrell-remodeling.com. For a list of Certified Interior Designers in your area or toview the CID Pages (a visual directory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM

IDEAS FORCREATINGA UNIQUE

LIVING SPACE.

Borrowing Outdoor Space for Everyday Living

BY PATSY ZAKIAN-GREENOUGH, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP

Phot

o: Bi

ll En

os, E

mer

ald

Light

Pho

togr

aphy

This beautiful entry, now elegant andinviting, serves to welcome family and friends for entertaining or lightinformal meals. Design: Genie Nowicki,CKD, CBD, CAPS, CGBP, CID of HarrellRemodeling, Inc., in Mountain View.

thmRESOURCE.com North Bay THM April/May 2009 19