Go Green and Save Green

According to the National Association of Realtors, Americans spend roughly $160 billion per year to remodel their homes, whether to add storage, update out-moded appliances and features, expand their living space, or simply add a personal touch. Rising energy costs and other environmental concerns are motivating an increasing number of these remodelers to consider green technology, and builders, vendors, and other contractors are supporting this trend by offering everything from environmentally-friendly building materials, to energy-efficient appliances like double- (or even triple-) paned windows, and tankless water heaters.

Despite nearly industry-wide support for a move toward green building and remodeling, many homeowners still have concerns about embracing an environmentally friendly lifestyle, either because they fear the cost, or they are reluctant to lose an existing cachet of luxury. The following, then, are some major benefits of a green remodel.

Cost

 

While the obvious savings in going green has to do with the lower utility bills you will be paying once you switch to energy efficient appliances, there are also rebates and tax credits that may apply. For example, the federal government offers tax credits of up to $2,000 for homes that incorporate photovoltaic power, or fuel cell technology, and up to $500 for solar water heaters, though those systems only qualify if they are wired into the power or water systems actually used in a home – wiring them into the pool isn't enough.

 

In addition, many vendors of energy efficient appliances - everything from refrigerators to computer monitors - tagged with the "energy star" label, offer rebates for consumers who purchase new appliances, or replace their old ones.

Health

 

In addition to a cost benefit, green construction methods can improve the overall health of those who live or work in buildings so designed. As an example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that poor air quality indoors is among the five most urgent public health risks in the United States. By remodeling with building materials, such as paint and plaster, that are lower in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) it is possible to reduce the likelihood of childhood asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.

Environment

 

While tax deductions and health benefits are wonderful reasons to go green with your remodel, the positive environmental impact is really the where the largest benefits lie. In addition to the fact that green products – everything from tankless water heaters to certain kinds of insulation and wall board – are made from recycled and recyclable materials they also help conserve energy and natural resources.

Tankless water heaters will eventually reduce landfill loads by roughly 600 million pounds over a ten-year period, and every kilowatt-hour of electricity or gallon of water saved helps reduce the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere.

With improvements to health and the environment, lower energy bills, and the possibility of tax deductions, is there any reason not to go green when you remodel?

The answer, for most of us, should be "no."

A Dream Bathroom in 8 Steps

Decorating today's bathrooms calls for a sophisticated mix of colors, materials, and hard and soft goods. Here, an interior designer makes it simple in 8 steps.

 

Think Function First

 

A bathroom, like the kitchen, is one of the hardest-working spaces in the home. If it's not functional, everybody suffers. Keep all of its functions in mind — it's a workstation for preparing for the day ahead and a refuge for resting and recovering from the hectic day — when choosing the sink, tub, shower, toilet and other pieces. Consider what other functions you can incorporate into the bath with a little clever planning; perhaps you'd like a seat in the shower, a steam room or storage for linens.

 

Map the Space

Plumbing considerations will impact where you place showers and tubs. Yet, you also need to think like an industrial engineer when making a bathroom floor plan. Walk the space with your contractor and imagine the tasks required to get ready for the day. Consider the length of your arm's reach. How far away do you want the soap dishes to be? Do you want to store objects in a vanity and, if so, would you mind bending over to retrieve them? The objects used most often, as a rule of thumb, should be closest at hand.

 

Choose Color and Motif

How do you want to feel when you're in the bathroom? Is it a formal space (consider a black-and-white scheme) or a casual area (try neutrals)? The motifs associated with baths often are water oriented. Seashells, boats, piers, blue colorations and sandy beach colors are frequently used. But it's OK to think outside of the box. Choose a motif that relates to the area in which you live (city or country?), a style of architecture (classic 18th-century English or New England cottage?) or a style that you're personally attached to (bohemian or Asian?). Remember: A bathroom motif doesn't have to (and probably shouldn't) knock you over the head.

 

Know Your Surfaces

When selecting products for the bath, such as tile or marble, be sure that you know the inherent qualities and the drawbacks of each material. Will the marble or tile stand up to heavy wear? (Watch out for veins in marble, which often indicate weak points.) Do you want a polished marble floor or a natural marble? Shiny floors may not be very slip-resistant; natural materials may have a pitted surface that is more slip-resistant, but may also be more likely to collect residue.

 

Add Drama With Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures are the jewels of the bathroom because they're metallic and can add a dramatic effect to any space, just as jewelry can to an outfit. There is a plethora of finishes and styles offered by today's manufacturers, from brass to stainless and all metals in between. Keep in mind your motif and maintenance as you choose your bathroom fixtures. Elaborate gold fixtures probably won't jive with a beach-inspired bathroom and may also require more cleaning than you're up for.

 

Be Careful With Lighting

Choosing the correct lighting is critical in the bathroom, where mirrors are present and mood is important. Consider the appropriate task lighting for sink and shower areas. Keep in mind that fluorescent lighting casts a bluish light, as opposed to the yellowish radiance of incandescent bulbs. Combine blue wall paint and blue-hued fluorescent lighting and you may look like Frankenstein's bride in the mirror.

 

Mix Soft and Hard

Use dashes of fabric and other softer goods to reduce the inherent harshness of many bathroom materials. Anything from towels and shower curtains to window treatments and pieces upholstered in terry cloth can bring a soft touch to a hard space

 

Naturally Aromatic Tablescape

Don't forget to incorporate plants and greenery in the bathroom. The asymmetrical nature of growing things (in design lingo this is called fractal) will help offset the square edges of the tiles or marble.

 

To get more information, click here: http://www.hgtv.com/bathrooms/a-dream-bathroom-in-8-steps/pictures/index.html

New Colors!

Now available for our Acrylic surrounds!

We are excited to announce these two stunning new slate colors:

 

 



CANYON SLATE

Sandbar Tub Liner with Canyon Slate Smooth walls & Oil Rubbed Bronze Fixtures

Canyon Slate wall surround is ideal for the following color combinations:

*White

*Biscuit

*Almond

*Sandbar

 



Available in smooth walls and simulated tile patterns with all accessories (including Listello Trim & wainscot)

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ROSA SLATE

Biscuit Shower Base, Corner Shower Seat with Rosa Slate walls and Brushed Nicket Fixtures

 

Rosa Slate wall surround is perfect for the following color combinations:

*White

*Biscuit

*Almond

*Gray

 



Available in smooth walls and simulated tile patterns with all accessories (including Listello Trim & wainscot)

 

 







Marble is a word that strikes up feelings of luxury, decadence and richness. Before granite was the big thing in kitchens, marble ruled the roost in both kitchens and bathrooms (and flooring, too!). If you had anything marble in your home, you were doing alright. Marble is still one of the most sought after materials for countertops in the realm of home improvement and it has some definite pros and cons. Its veiny, unmistakable appearance immediately brings elegance to any room -- and is usually the reason why people choose marble. Did you know that Michelangelo sculpted the statue of David from a single block of marble?

Benefits and Care

 Marble is a natural stone that is quarried just like granite and soapstone. Each piece of marble, since naturally-occurring, is completely different. Marble can range in color from chalky white to deep onyx. Your choices are almost as endless as the colors and patterns in nature. One of the great benefits of marble is that it's not very trendy. Marble is a classic material that has been used in structures for centuries, so marble countertops are never going out of style. In addition, marble countertops are very strong, durable and heat resistant. So, no worries about setting down that hot pot!

Marble does have a few drawbacks, just like every other counter surface. For one, it can stain, so watch out when you're handling red wine. You should also use coasters when placing cans or glasses on the surface. Also, it can scratch easily so it is recommended that you use a cutting board.

Marble is sensitive to acidic substances such as some juices, wines and coffee, which can "etch" the surface. Etching is basically dulling of the polish, and this can occur regardless of whether the marble is sealed.

Sealing and Cleaning

 Clean your marble countertop with a soft damp cloth using warm water. Use only mild soap if necessary, but don't use common household cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. There are special marble cleaning products that you can purchase for tough stains. To prevent absorption of liquids, marble should be periodically resealed. Once a year is probably adequate.

How Does It Measure Up?

 Overall, marble is a surface that requires some care and upkeep. Compared with granite, it is not quite as hard and requires a little more care. However, it is just as heat resistant and can stand up to granite with its pricetag. Unlike soapstone and concrete, marble does not require the use of a trivet due to its high resistance to heat. I think when it comes to marble countertops, you have to ask yourself whether you are able to handle the extra maintenance that marble may require. If you love the look, chances are, you're up for the challenge.

Our winner is.......(drum roll)..........Aileen C.!!!  

Congratulations and we look forward to working with you.

Thanks to everyone who entered for making this contest a success!

Nothing's worse than washing plates after dinner in a rusty sink. While stainless steel doesn't rust as easily or in the same manner as regular steel, contrary to popular belief, it is not stain-proof. Stainless-steel kitchen sinks are sometimes even more susceptible to rust when other wet objects, such as cast iron pans, utensils or flatware are left in the sink for long periods of time. The metal reacts with the water and Galvanic Corrosion occurs, leading to the discoloration you see on the sink's surface area.

There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, and some are more prone to corrosion than others. In general, the higher the chromium content, the less likely the steel will rust. Check with your manufacturer or warranty to determine the chromium content of your stainless-steel sink, and if shopping for a replacement, be sure to opt for a high chromium count.

Stainless Steel Cleaning Tips

Luckily, you don't need to buy a new sink to tackle rust now. Try these easy, homemade cleaning solutions to make your stainless-steel sparkle:

• Vinegar: Simply pour a generous amount of vinegar onto a soft scouring pad for an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals. The stain will lift immediately.
• Lemon juice and baking soda: Create a paste from equal parts lemon juice and baking soda, then scrub with a damp sponge. For tougher stains, leave the paste on for 15-30 minutes, then wipe clean.
• Lemon juice and cream of tartar: Mix one tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of lemon juice to create a paste, then smooth it on rust spots and rub it in vigorously with a soft sponge.
• Club soda: Buff rust scuffs with a soda-dampened cloth.
• Lighter fluid: If all else fails, try pouring lighter fluid on a clean cloth and scrubbing the rust spots clean. For safety, keep in mind that lighter fluid is highly flammable and can be toxic for the environment, so use this option as a last resort -- and never around an open flame (make sure all nearby stove burners are off).

**I'm not sure that I would try the lighter fluid, you would have to be extremely careful and would most likely have that smell around for awhile.

In no time at all, your stainless sink will shine brighter than that cast-iron pot -- just keep the two away from each other to avoid more rust in the future!

Tip: Avoid hard metals and heavy scouring pads, as they can easily scratch the surface of your sink.

Want to win $1,000.00 worth of bathroom work??

 

 

 

Go check out your bathroom - what would you change if you could??  Tub looking it's age, floor needs to be updated?  We are excited to announce that The Tub Doctors, Inc. has teamed up with Fox 6 to give one (1) lucky winner $1,000.00 bathroom makeover. 

 

Tub reglazed, new floor installed, new vanity/light fixture, remodel entire bath.....Take that $1,000.00 and use it for those things.  Can't win if you don't sign up!!! 

 

Click to Enter!!!    Don't wait too long.  Contest only runs until 10-14.  Winner will be announced on 10-15!

 



Do It Yourself??

After being in the remodeling industry for the past 23 years, I'm a firm believer in hiring professionals for projects that I am not familar with.   That's not to say that DIY projects can't be done - they can be extremely rewarding and fun if you are prepared and have the proper skills. However, you need to be aware that big home improvement projects can be hazardous to your wallet and, more importantly, to your health.

Before you start a Do It Yourself project you might want to check out this article for NARI.  This quiz is not meant to scare you away from DIY projects but just food for thought prior to starting that project. 

DIY or Not? When to Do It Yourself Saturday, April 28, 2007

Should you save money by doing the job yourself? Do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs are a popular trend in the home improvement industry; however, before you grab a hammer and start swinging, you should know that this is a trend with a few problems.

Before you decide to do-it-yourself, we recommend taking this DIY quiz:

Answer Yes or No

• Do you enjoy physical work?
• Are you persistent and patient?
• Do you have reliable work habits - meaning that once the project is started, will it get finished?
• Do you have all the tools needed and, more importantly, the skills required to do the job?
• What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?
• Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project? (Always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and familiar with that particular project.)
• Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for a period of time?
• Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?
• Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?
• Have you gotten the installation instructions from the manufacturer to determine whether this is a project you still want to undertake? (Most manufacturers will send you installation instructions before purchase to determine whether the product will meet your needs.)
• Is this a job you can do completely by yourself or will you need assistance? If you do need assistance, what skill level is involved for your assistant? If you need a professional subcontractor, do you have access to a skilled labor pool?
• Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements? (Some jurisdictions require that the work be completed by a licensed professional in order to meet code. It is best to check these requirements before beginning work on the project.)
• What will you do if the project goes awry? (Most contractors are wary about taking on a botched DIY job, and many just won't take them.)
• Is it safe for you to do this project? (If you are not familiar with roofing or do not have fall protection restraints, you may not want to venture into a roofing job. Similarly, if you know nothing about electricity - leave it to the professional. Some jobs can be fatal if not performed correctly. Your health and safety should be the primary concern. Never enter into a DIY project that would jeopardize those.)
• Will you be able to obtain the materials you need? Who will be your source of supply? Will they deliver?
• Are you attempting to do-it-yourself for financial reasons? If so, have you looked at all of your costs, including the cost of materials, your time, and the tools you need to purchase? If you are new to the DIY game, you may also want to look at the cost to correct any mistakes you may make - i.e., the damage factor. Will it still be a cost-saving venture?
• If you are trying DIY for the satisfaction of a job well done - can you ensure that the job will be "well done"? If it doesn't come out right, how will you feel? Will you be able to afford to redo any unsatisfactory work?

If you answered yes to more than half of these questions, you might attempt a DIY project. But before you run for the nearest hardware store, revisit those questions you marked "No" and carefully consider the potential problems you will face in those areas if you proceed with the project. Hiring a professional might still be your best choice.

Have you ever used distilled white vinegar for cleaning?

You may want to after reading this:

Household mold is not only unsightly, but it can also be a danger to your health, if left untreated. Many brand name mold removers are effective, but aren't exactly the safest and cost-effective solution.

For instance, Lysol costs around $4.50 for a 32-ounce bottle, but is made with harsh chemicals that aren't necessary to get the job done. According to DIY Life, many products are made with chlorine bleach, which contains sodium hypochlorite. When mixed with water, sodium hypochlorite forms hypochlorous acid, which can be harmful to your skin, eyes and lungs.

So, how can you get rid of mold in a safer, more inexpensive way? Reach for a bottle of vinegar. White distilled vinegar can kill 82 percent of mold, and is effective in removing any mold-associated odors. A gallon of vinegar costs around $3, which is just 2 cents per ounce. When compared with the cost of Lysol, vinegar is seven times cheaper. You can't beat that.

Simply mix three parts vinegar with two parts water. Pour into a spray bottle, shake well and spray on the unsuspecting mold. You'll be amazed by the results.

So, when it comes to mold removal, pass on the harsh chemicals and choose this natural solution instead. Your home and your wallet will thank you.

 Universal Design??        

 

Heard the term but not sure what it means - check this article out!  "Universal design strikes a balance between safety and style" 

 http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-06-28/lifestyle/ct-home-0629-universal-design-20120628_1_universal-design-home-design-house-more-user-friendly

 

Newsletter

Don't miss out!! 

When you sign up for our monthly newsletter, you'll get updates and some great information.   PLUS you get the chance to win some movie tickets from "Tubby's Corner" every month!!

September is going to have a HUGE annoucement as to how you could win $1,000.00 worth of bathroom work!

Don't wait - sign up today!!!

Fall Home Show

Come out and say "hi" to us at the NARI Fall Home & Improvement Show on September 21-23, 2012.  We are in booth #338-340.

We have some new changes to our booth PLUS our contest will be running.  Check back for more information on the contest or sign up on our website for our monthly newsletter!

Hope to see you there!