New paint, cleaning, patching up the drywall holes…that was the easy part of our journey.  All of the flooring needed to be replaced, (other than the ceramic tile in the entry), and the kitchen cabinets were waterdamaged and in need of repair or replacement.

We decided to use hardwood throughout the main floor, and carpet  in the lower level and loft above.  At the time we knew nothing about finishes, let alone green choices, but we had a cousin’s father in the flooring business.  After visiting a few other local flooring shops, we chose to use our family connection and ordered the carpet and wood flooring.  (Oh that we’d known about cork and FLOR carpeting)!

Meanwhile, after doing some local research on cabinetry, we decided that replacement was definitely out of our budget.  A family friend and interior designer, Kris, from Pinto Pony Designs, recommended a local painter who does cabinetry painting in several styles, including our desired, antique style.  Soon, the doors to our cabinets were off to her garage.  (Once again, knowing about VOCs in paint would have been so helpful).

We were young (ya, we still are), and inexperienced in hiring out work for remodeling.  We received bills and immediately paid the balance.  Mostly, I was hoping that would help them move along quickly.  The flooring installations crawled along.  The subcontractor had excuses after excuses as to why he was not working, and when I called the manager, she was new and did not know what to do other than call him as I had done.

Fortunately, we were not living in the condo as this was happening, though I know this is common for many of you, including my parents, that have been eating and cooking in their garage the past 4 months.  Yet, I wanted things to move along so that we could move in.  It  took much longer than it should have, the subcontractor was eventually fired, due to his terrible work ethic and addictions that were affecting his availability and reliability.  Finally, the owner of the business finished the job after several months of my routine calls to his manager.

Similarly, the cabinets were looking beautiful, but we were missing some doors.  Lesson learned, we did not pay for the cabinets in full, but had given a deposit, and had mentioned the flooring problem.  We agreed to pay for all but the last $100 until the job was completed.  A wise decision, for though the doors were all eventually hung, the caulking and a few other details were never finished.

Looking back, there are a number of things I would have done differently:

- learned more about finishings (green choices, materials, gone to my local green building center)
- paid a deposit and made a contract with the subcontractors where we pay by stage and increments
- not been so hasty to get into my home (since we were living rent free), made careful decisions
- looked longer for good local flooring companies/suppliers
- researched and done more ourselves (the hardwood floor would have been a great DIY project)
- asked for more local flooring advice

Two kiddos later, we no longer live in the condo.  We still love the colors and styles we chose, though I am happy to have the knowledge to feel confident in making greener choices in the future.  I’m thankful for the lessons we have learned and the opportunity to research and make decisions before our next remodeling adventure.

Where have your remodeling travelings taken you?  What have you learned?  Where have you succeeded, and what would you have done differently?

More »

Living ‘green’ definitely has it’s benefits. Not only is it good for our environment and health, but purchasing certain products will actually avoid carcinogens found in chemicals. Most cabinets these days are made of particle board that is full of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

Sure, it seems that these days, there are carcinogens everywhere, so why are formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) so harmful? Unfortunately, kitchen cabinets are the main source of formaldehyde emissions in the home. This of course is alarming to me because the kitchen is the room my kiddos and I spend the majority of our day. One problem with formaldehyde is that it can actually make you more sensitive to other chemicals. To ensure avoiding this sensitizer when remodeling your home and kitchen, make sure and install eco-friendly cabinets.

When searching for ‘green’ cabinets, ask questions about:

• glues – make sure they are VOC free and water based
• veneers, plywood and laminates – are they held together with formaldehyde?
• toxic finishes – look for water based or natural finishes (those that use natural oil and wax such as linseed oil and beeswax).
• paint – look for water based and low to no VOC
• particle board/plywood substitutes – such as Purebond and Medite

Make sure that you understand and feel comfortable about your decision and the product you are buying/installing.

Green materials for your eco-friendly cabinetry:

• Solid Hardwood. Make sure the wood has been responsibly harvested (milled and seasoned without chemicals, pesticides, and colorants).
• Metal Cabinets.
• Salvage. Salvage companies are a good place to look for old cabinets that have been made with solid hardwood. You’ll avoid the unwanted chemicals and give a would-be garbage item a new life.
• Are they Green Guard or Green Seal Certified?

Try to get your green cabinets locally. If they are shipped a great distance, your ‘greeness’ you were seeking is reduced. Here are some ‘green’ cabinet companies that might be near you:

Bradco Kitchens & Bath in Los Angeles

Healthy Cabinet Makers in northern Arkansas

Koch & Company in Kansas
a Koch supplier shipping all over the Midwest from Chicago: Kitchen Village

Breathe Easy Cabinetry in New York

Executive Kitchens in South Carolina

Taylor Made Cabinetsin Massachusetts

Neil Kelly Cabinets (51 dealers) in AZ, Northern & Southern CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NC, OR, VA, WA

Humabuilt in Oregon

For a list of ESP Certified Manufacturers, click here

Best wishes on your ‘green’ cabinet projects. Send us some photos when you’re finished.

More »

Considering solar power for your home during your residential remodel?  Financing solar panels is the big hurdle for most us.  Fortunately, the financing options for solar panels is becoming more obtainable.

Whether you are looking at solar panel suppliers and installers such as SolarCity, SunPower, and others, you now have options.  For example, SolarCity offers a leasing program that is targeted at delivering you solar power at a monthly payment less than your exiting monthy electicity/power bill.  With leasing options such as this, any repairs are typically covered, and at the end of the lease you can upgrade, purchase or return.

This timely LA Times article offers additional details and several homeowner examples of how solar panel lease and financing options have helped residents afford solar power for their homes: Solar Power Hits Home

More »

Hitachi showed off their New Plasma HDTVs at the CEDIA Expo in Denver last week.

The new ENERGY STAR compliant plasma televisions from Hitachi are available in two screen sizes (42-inch and 50-inch).  GetWithGreen.com compared the operating power levels of the Hitachi 50-inch plasma to the models we discussed with you late last year.   The 50-inch models (P50A202 and P50A402) both rank right in the middle of the pack with the other ENERGY STAR plasma televisions.  

The A, S, V and X Series are available now. The Hitachi 2008 Plasma Display Panels are priced as follows. In all instances below, pricing indicated is the Manufacturer’s Advertised Price (MAP): 

• 42-inch A-Series (model P42A202): $1,399
  (Avg Power: 249W, Max Power: 386W)
• 50-inch A-Series (models P50A202/P50A402): $1,599 each
  (Avg Power: 288W, Max Power: 480W)
• 50-inch S-Series (model P50S602): $2,199
  (Avg Power: 388W, Max Power: 571W)
• 50-inch V-Series (model P50V702): $2,499
  Avg Power: 398W, Max Power: 586)
• 50-inch X-Series (model P50X902): $3,199
  Avg Power: 398, Max Power: 586W)

GetWithGreen.com commends Hitachi for making it easy for buyers to find plasma power consumption numbers in the Hitachi manuals.

The new Hitachi HDTVs feature high gloss Japan black and high gloss crystal frames with manual swivel stands or remote controlled power swivel stands. The new UltraBlack Panels boxed cell structure produces darker blacks and the new proprietary phosphor formulations deliver industry leading deep, rich colors say Hitachi.

The new PictureMaster(TM) VI digital video processor features the second generation of Hitachi’s Reel60(TM) technology, a patented innovation that, according to the manufacturer, eliminates “judder” for the ultimate in smooth, clear motion. The new HDTVs also debut a new feature for film enthusiasts called Cinema48(TM). Working with 24p HDMI inputs, Cinema48 provides viewers with the same visual timing and feeling that they experience in movie theaters.

More »

Whether you select Pella, Andersen, Marvin, JELD-WEN, or another brand, windows are almost a certainty in your home remodel project.  Did you know there are rebates and incentive plans in many areas of the country?

Window rebates are most often paid out based on the U-factor or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient by your power or Utility company.  Many times these rebates have a budget, and once they are used up they are gone – so submit yours as soon as you can if there is a program in your area.

GetWithGreen searched the web and found you a fairly comprehensive list of rebates.  Click here for the .pdf list of Utility Programs that Offer Incentives and Rebates for Energy Efficient Windows

More »