Seems that everywhere you look green building is the talk of the construction industry. While some contractors and companies just talk about it, others have dedicated years to learning about the industry and growing with it.
The Neil Kelly Co. based in Portland, Oregon has been dedicated to the green movement for many years. Spearheading a green construction focus in the West, the company can claim to have built the first LEED certified building in the West. Being a model for green excellence takes a dedicated team, and I’m lucky to be able to feature an interview from one of them, Joel Fraley. Joel is a great person to interview on this topic since he has both experience in the field and knowledge from being an active member in professional associations for the green building movement.
Joel has been a designer with Neil Kelly Co. for the past four years. Prior to that he ran his own business designing and building custom furniture and interiors. He first got involved in green building in the late 1980s as a carpenter working on historic renovation projects. Joel is currently on the Steering Committee for the Portland Metro HBA (Home Builder’s Association) Green Building Council. He has also been a member of the US Green Building Council since 2001, showcasing his dedication to the movement.
If you’ve been wondering what going green in your home is all about, Joel has got your answers:
1. How do you define “green building,” and why do you think it is so important?
The definition of green building is to significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of homes on the environment and on the homeowners. Green building continues to increase in popularity and importance as we deplete our natural resources and energy costs continue to increase.
We have also learned the importance of a healthy indoor environment as it relates to our overall well-being. Many construction products contain chemicals that can be harmful to people with environmental allergies and decrease indoor air quality.
2. What are the best ways that a homeowner can make green choices during their next remodel?
Focus on ways to improve energy efficiency, first and foremost. Concentrate on sealing air infiltration and improving indoor air quality, improving insulation and the efficiency of your mechanical systems. We offer a Home Performance audit that will spell out the costs and benefits of these projects in great detail. This is the best way to make a direct impact on your energy bill.
When it comes to specifying products for your project, do your homework and make sure that you are choosing products with a proven track record of environmental responsibility. Due to the increasing popularity of green building, many manufacturers are marketing their products as “green” simply to increase sales.
(Neil Kelly Co. Custom LEED Home - Photo via Green Talk)
3. Many homeowners think that choosing green materials and techniques will only add money to their budget. From your experience, is this a true statement?
No. Many projects that were considered cutting edge a few years ago now enjoy mainstream acceptance. Examples include compact fluorescent light bulbs, no formaldehyde added building products, recycled content tile and countertop materials, cork and Marmoleum flooring, dual flush toilets and many others. Public awareness of these products continues to increase demand and lower prices. You can make a real commitment to sustainable products without affecting you overall budget.
4. What is the most interesting green building project you’ve worked on?
Our “company retreat” outside of Telluride, Colorado was a vacation cabin built entirely of construction materials salvaged from other projects, which would normally end up in the landfill. I also worked on several Earthships, which use passive solar, old tires, aluminum cans and other recycled materials for their construction.
(Neil Kelly Co. Custom LEED Kitchen)
5. What green products and materials for the home do you use or recommend?
Neil Kelly cabinets are made using responsibly forested woods, no-added formaldehyde agriboard case/drawer materials and low VOC glues, adhesives and finishes.
Whenever possible, we will often reuse existing materials or fixtures and work them into the new design.
Other products we specify include Marmoleum and cork flooring, recycled concrete or porcelain countertops, quartz countertops, dual flush toilets and many others. We also use a lot of salvaged woods for countertops or trim.
6. What is the best piece of advice you can give a homeowner considering starting on their first green home improvement project?
First and foremost, concentrate on the improvements that will add the most long term value to the house. Consider getting a Home Performance audit so you can address the specific areas that need the most work. When it comes to choosing products, buy local whenever possible to support your local economy and reduce transportation. Do your homework and make sure the products you select are truly sustainable and have a proven track record.
Thanks for sharing all your green expertise, Joel.
Got green building on the brain? Here are some past “green” posts you might like:
We’ve covered kitchen remodeling, home lighting and historic homes, and now we’re moving on to bathroom remodeling with the guidance of another industry expert: Jill Moskowitz of Bathroom Magic.
A bathroom, next to kitchens, is often the most remolded room in a home. So, it’s likely that if you haven’t already done a bathroom remodel, you might actually be considering one at this very moment. Jill will offer her insight on starting your own remodel, including planning, making the most of your budget, and other tricks of her trade.
Jill has been in the bathroom remodeling industry for 7 years, two of those years with her current position as a design consultant at New Jersey based Bathroom Magic. Jill spends much of her time going to customer’s home to provide them with a free consultation and help them start considering all the possibilities with their bathroom remodel.
Jill offers her insight into the world of bathroom remodeling:
1. For a homeowner who is considering a bathroom remodel, but who also has have a strict budget, how would you recommend they get the most value from the amount of money they can put in?
A tub liner with matching wall surround is a fabulous alternative to replacing an old cast iron or steel tub. Both functional and beautiful — without the mess and expense of removing the existing tub. If your vanity is in good shape, replace the countertop with a new one in CORIAN® and update the knobs. Choose a dynamic new faucet in a different finish. Paint the walls–color makes all the difference. These changes will all transform the room at a lower cost than a complete rip out.
2. Are there any major differences between planning a remodel for a full bath versus a half bath? If so what should the design focus be for each one?
A half bath will be making a statement to your guests. It is typically very decorative — functionality is not the major objective there.
For a full bath, I usually approach the remodel in a different way. Consider who will be using the bathroom. Will it be for children or adults? The remodel should absolutely take this into account. Unlike a half bath, the objective is first function and then beauty.
3. If a homeowner was going to splurge on one aspect of their bathroom remodel, what part would you tell them to splurge on?
Every case is different. If you are the person who uses your shower or bath experience for unwinding and relaxing, the tub and shower area would be the one I would suggest. Great showerheads and handshowers, body sprays etc. would make a huge difference. If you tend to enjoy your “me” time where hair and makeup take place, I would focus on the vanity and mirror upgrades – great lighting and cabinets with door and drawer space is always essential.
4. What are some of the most common problems that occur during a bathroom remodel that homeowners might not have foreseen?
Mold and mildew is the first problem most people have, especially interior bathrooms with no ventilation. Bathroom Magic is always prepared and ready with a solution for any unforeseen bathroom problems. Windows in tub areas are also an issue as many older homes have this situation and homeowners often want to close off the window. This now affects the outside of the home (siding, etc.) and becomes more of a project than they anticipated.
Homeowner Bathroom Before Remodel
5. If a homeowner cannot do a complete gut and replace remodel, what projects could they focus on to still make some major changes in the room?
You can still accomplish a total renovation without gutting a bathroom as long as existing plumbing and electrical can remain in the same place. An acrylic system is perfect for an existing tub/shower area. An updated vanity area as well with new mirror/medicine chest and changing of existing lighting fixtures. A new floor and toilet — a coat of paint on the walls and you have a brand new bathroom!
Finished Bathroom Remodel
6. Are there any new products or materials on the market that you really like for the bathroom?
We are working with CORIAN® surround systems in tub and shower areas. We create walls routed to appear like tile without the nuisance and maintenance of grout. We install this system in over 140 colors and offer fashionable tile patterns–giving you virtually hundreds of combinations. For those tile lovers that realize the issues associated with grout, this is the perfect bathroom solution—and very glamorous. CORIAN® wall surrounds are offered exclusively by Bathroom Magic.
Remodeled acrylic tub and shower in Travertine
7. If you had one piece of advice for a homeowner starting their own renovation what would it be?
Let your bathroom be reflective of who you are. There are thousands of options available and this can be an overwhelming task. Work with a qualified design and build company, such as Bathroom Magic who can offer you solutions at different price points. All that matters is that in the end you will have the bathroom that you are envisioning. Look at this project as an investment in your home and your family. Once completed, this will be something you will enjoy each and every day.
As promised, below is the second part of the interview from Michelle Steinback of Schoolhouse Electric Co. If you missed part one of the interview, you can read it here.
Schoolhouse Electric Interview – Part Two
1. If a homeowner was going to splurge on one part of their home’s lighting system, what would it be?
Typically people spend the most on light fixtures for their entertaining spaces including the living room, dining room and kitchen. These rooms set the tone for the house and are a good place to splurge.
2. You provide many lighting options for homeowners trying to do authentic period renovations, what do you love about older fixtures and lighting that we lack in contemporary designs?
Two things: Details and quality.
Almost all lighting and hardware is made overseas these days. Fine detailing is overlooked and the quality is spotty. We are bucking that trend by keeping our manufacturing in the USA so we can keep craftspeople and time honored production techniques alive here in America. We take great pride in every detail and the quality of American made parts far and away superior. Another advantage to manufacturing in the USA is that it reduces the carbon footprint of our products by eliminating the need to transport materials around the world. Our light fixtures are built to last 100 years and can be re-wired or easily recycled at the end of their life, unlike disposable quality lights made overseas and sold at big box stores. We take pride in our products and do not cut corners—just like the good old days.
3. I tend to focus more on the style of lighting fixtures rather than the function, how can homeowners find a balance between style and function for their own lighting design?
Think of lighting in terms of layers to open the most possibilities and flexibility in your design. Consider mixing overhead ambient lights with sconces, recessed lighting, indirect lighting (such as under counter lighting) and/or table or floor lamps to achieve the level of light you need in a room. For instance, if you are working on a kitchen design and want a set of “eye candy” pendants over your island but you know they are not going to put off enough light for all the task areas in the room, be sure to add additional layers of lighting to make the space functional and adaptable to different uses.
4. Ok, and finally, we love local Portland businesses like yourself, what other local businesses should homeowners know about if they are working on a home renovation or remodeling project?
Portlanders love their house projects. What else are we suppose to do when it rains all of the time? Luckily we are a hot bed for renovation supply companies and organizations. Be sure to check these places check out:
North Portland Tool Library /http://www.northportlandtoollibrary.org Unless you live in North Portland you won’t be able to check out tools for your renovation project here (for free!) but this is a fantastic organization. I encourage people to check them out so you can start a tool library in your own community!
Architectural Heritage Center /http://www.visitahc.org/ The Architectural Heritage Center is a non-profit resource center for historic preservation, located in Portland, Oregon. They host dozens of programs, workshops, and exhibits each year. They are also caretakers of one of the largest collections of architectural artifacts in the United States.
NW Renovation Magazine /http://www.nwrenovation.com/ This is a local free publication that posts all of their content on-line for everyone to enjoy. They are a great resource with lots of current information and a great DIY section.
Pratt and Larson /http://www.prattandlarson.com/ Handcrafted tile made here in Portland, one at a time. Love them and you will too.
Old Portland Hardware /http://www.oldportlandhardware.com/ Everyone is talking about this new company specializing in vintage hardware. Top notch is the word on the street.
A-Ball Plumbing /http://www.a-ball.com/ They are another institution in Portland and carry some of the harder to find reproduction plumbing items.
Winks Hardware /http://www.winkshardware.com/ This is the hardware store that has everything that you need but can’t find anywhere else. Grab a ticket and wait in line M-F because this is where all of the contractors go. The knowledgeable staff is first rate!
There is nothing I like more than featuring local businesses I love from the Portland area. Two weeks ago I was proud to feature an interview with a designer at Neil Kelly, and this week I have another great Portland company who was willing to answer my questions, Schoolhouse Electric Co.
Michelle Steinback, General Manager of Schoolhouse Electric Co., had a wealth of information to share with us on successfully lighting your home.
Michelle is a Portland native who has been with Schoolhouse Electric Co. since the company’s founding in May 2003. Since then the company has grown from two employees to twenty, including a showroom in Portland, Oregon and one in New York, and a factory where the metal finishing and assembly take place. Michelle oversees the daily operation of the company including everything from product development & marketing to customer service & quality control.
This interview has so much great information packed into it I’ll be breaking it up into two posts. Continue to read part one, and come back on Thursday for part two.
Schoolhouse Electric Interview – Part One:
1. Why are lighting fixtures and lighting design an important part of a home remodeling project?
We think of lighting as house jewelry. It can pull together a space and certainly makes a statement about the finish quality and style of a home. Tasteful lighting and woodwork are the kind of details that give houses timeless character and appeal.
2. What is the most important thing that a homeowner should consider when planning to install new lighting in their home?
Consider the big picture. Choose timeless designs and high quality fixtures that will stand the test of time. Avoid trendy looks and disposable quality fixtures that will fail quickly and end up in the landfill—wasting your time and money.
3. Can you give a quick rundown by room on what the lighting focus should be for each space – ie, kitchen lighting, bathroom lighting, etc.
Living Room: Many people use one or more ceiling-mount light fixtures to provide illumination for their living rooms. Wall sconces placed around the room can also provide general light for the space. Some use a combination of ceiling and wall fixtures. For example, if you have a fireplace in your living room, you may choose to light the room from overhead while providing supplemental light by highlighting the fireplace with wall sconces.
Single-socket surface mount or multiple-socket pan fixtures are good choices for living areas depending on the amount of light needed. Single-socket ceiling-mount fixtures often provide up to a maximum 100 or 150 watts of incandescent light output. Fixtures with multiple sockets usually take a minimum of 60 watts of incandescent light per light bulb. More sockets often mean more light.
In living areas where people will be moving underneath the light(s), a good rule of thumb is to keep a minimum of 7’ of clearance from the floor for rooms with 8’ ceilings and 7.5’ of clearance from the floor for ceilings that are 9’ or higher.
Dining Room: Chandeliers and drop-pan light fixtures provide an essential element of style in a dining area but they also provide ample light for the room. If you choose to hang or drop your light fixture from the ceiling, a good overall length from the ceiling to the very bottom of the fixture and glass is in a range that is approximately 36” to 46” off the top of the table, or 66” to 76” off the floor.
Bedroom: A single ceiling mount light fixture is a good choice for ambient light in a bedroom. Many bedrooms in the houses in Portland have single-socket surface mount fixtures with 75 to 100 watt incandescent (or compact fluorescent equivalent) light bulbs that provide ample light for the space. The light output needed for a bedroom, like other rooms, depends on size and ceiling height but is generally less than the light output needed in a kitchen or living room.
Bathroom: Bathrooms may be the most important rooms in the house for task lighting. If you are selecting wall-mounted lighting for your bathroom, focus on your mirror(s). Lighting thoughtfully placed above or beside a mirror can provide more than adequate light so that many bathrooms do not require both ceiling and wall mount light fixtures. Some bathrooms have fanlights, which can provide supplemental light to that over a mirror.
Most wall-mounted bathroom light fixtures have open shades, and sockets are usually rated between 75 and 100 incandescent watts. Two single-socket wall sconces beside mirrors or one double or triple-socket light fixture above mirrors will provide good light for shaving and make-up.
When placing lights beside your mirror, place them somewhere in a range that is between 65” and 70” off the floor and approximately 30” apart. When placing a light fixture over a medicine cabinet, make sure there is clearance for the door to swing.
Kitchen: Many people use a combination of task and ambient lighting in the kitchen. The goal is good quality light with enough illumination to see and be safe in your work or eating spaces. Depending on your ceiling height, pendant lights can bring light down into the room and closer to your table or countertop. Pendant lights usually allow for higher output light bulbs, and opal glass shades that act as lenses provide even light — without shadows — in all directions.
Hang pendant lights so that the bottom of the light (including glass) falls somewhere between 36“ and 46” off the top of the workspace, or 72” and 82” off the floor.
Tricks of the Trade: When you are trying to determine the overall length you would like your new fixture to be, hang a piece of string and a balloon or paper plate (or something to give you a sense of scale) from your ceiling, and try out lengths within the recommended range. This will allow you to stand back and look at the total drop as well as practice moving underneath it, and you will find it much easier to make your decision on length than by simply holding a measuring tape to the ceiling.
Dimmer switches can be used to control the amount of light a fixture provides and work well in rooms that serve multiple purposes. For example, a dining room table may be used for entertaining and also for reading the paper, paying bills, etc. While bright light is not needed to serve and eat meals, the option of adjusting the brightness of the light to see when you read or write allows rooms to serve multiple uses. Dimmers can also help save energy; using less light uses less power.
Energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are a “green” alternative to incandescent light bulbs because they use a fraction of the power to yield the same light output, but they can’t be dimmed. Energy-efficient CFLs last much longer than incandescent light bulbs and are ultimately better for the environment.
Check back on Thursday for the second part of Michelle’s interview where she will cover topics such as how to choose lighting that has both style and functionality, and about Schoolhouse’s historic lighting options.
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For today’s Expert Interview I was lucky enough to get responses from Diane Foreman, a designer for Neil Kelly Design/Build, one of the most respected and recognized home improvement companies in Portland. She’ll be giving us some insight on her expertise: historical renovations.
Portland is home to lovely old bungalows and houses that many design/build companies in the area pride themselves on restoring. There is nothing like restoring an old home to it’s orginal statuesque beauty.
Diane Foreman, CKD, a national award-winning kitchen, bath and residential interior designer, moved to Portland from a long-established Seattle area practice to join Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling as part of the firm’s design team.
A graduate of the UCLA School of Interior Design, Foreman has won first place honors in several national kitchen and bath design competitions and has earned the James M. Foster award for overall best in competition by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). She is a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer.
(Kitchen Before Neil Kelly Renovation)
Foreman credits “an ability to listen” as key to successful remodeling projects. “Good design is a collaborative process between client and designer,” she noted. “A skilled designer will listen, ask questions, and then focus on reaching the highest realization of a client’s needs.”
Her work has been published in Northwest regional publications, as well as national industry and consumer magazines, including “Kitchen and Bath Business,” “Remodeler,” “Woman’s Day” and “American Homes and Lifestyles.” She has served as a design competition judge for the Olympia Master Builders Association and in a variety of posts as a board member of the NKBA’s Puget Sound Chapter.
(After Neil Kelly Historic Remodel)
With all of Diane’s expereince and recognition, she’s a great expert to have answer questions for us. Continue on to read about why Diane thinks older home are so great, how to being planning your own renovation, and some hints on where to find period remodeling materials.
1. Starting the renovation of an old home can seem daunting, where do you recommend planning should start?
I think the first decision is what is the desired end result? A museum quality restoration or a living home? If you look around most old houses, you will find design elements from more than one period. The home has evolved over time whether for the good or in many case, not for the good. If the choice is for a living home, ie a respectful renovation that honors the home’s period architecture while updating it for a modern lifestyle, I would recommend starting with the home’s most complex rooms; the kitchen and baths. I recommend starting planning at least six months in advance of when construction is to start.
2. What are some of the most common problems that occur during a renovation that homeowners might not have foreseen?
Lath and Plaster shattering. Outdated building practices inadequate to present day standards. Prior remodels that may have impacted the structural integrity of the home.
3. What are some of the advantages of renovating an old home versus buying a brand new one?
If you love period architecture, there is no greater joy than restoring one of these treasures to their former glory. It also affords you the opportunity to design the home to your own needs rather than buying someone else’s dream.
4. What are your favorite features of older homes that you no longer see in new homes?
Incredible mouldings, wonderful details, history.
5. What materials and resources do you recommend to homeowners doing historic home renovations?
Many companies specialize in reproduction fixtures, wallpapers, custom moldings. Rejuvenation is a great resource. Kohler has brought back designs from the 30’s in their line of bath fixtures. A good website is www.preservationdirectory.com
6. If you had one piece of advice for a homeowner starting their own renovation what would it be?
Hire a good designer with a strong knowledge of architectural and decorative art history. Hire a general contractor known for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail such as the Neil Kelly Company.
Again, thanks to Diane for taking the time to lend her knowledge on this subject!
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Welcome to the first post of ReliableRemodeler.com’s new feature: Expert Interviews. I am working to gather a wide range of experts in the home improvement and remodeling field to bring you their insight and experience. There is only so much I know, so bringing in experts and asking them about their specialities will get the best information to you, and hopefully give you some insight into a project you may have been considering.
Today we start with the kitchen, the heart of the home, and one of the most popular rooms to be remodeled by homeowners. I’ve asked Linda Fennessy ofKitchen Magicto lend her 5 years of industry expertise to our site by answering the following questions about kitchen remodeling:
1. What do you think is the most important feature of any kitchen? Why?
The most important part of the kitchen is its style. The kitchen should always reflect the lifestyle of its owners. If there are usually more than two cooks, then there should be ample space for more than one person in the general preparation area. If other tasks are done in the kitchen, (homework and arts & crafts) then there should be seating at the island for these projects. And finally, the style of the kitchen. This will resemble the style of its owner to a “T”—comtemporary, traditional, eclectic or colorful. –Kitchen Magic has hundreds of color and style combinations to choose from.
2. For a homeowner on a budget, what kind of kitchen project would you recommend for them to get the most change in look and function, and to get the most bang for their buck?
To get the most out of a kitchen budget, cabinet refacing, in wood or laminate, with Corian countertops is the best bet! Refacing saves up to 50% over all new cabinetry and you generally can’t tell the difference. 80% of what you see in your kitchen is doors and drawer fronts. If your cabinets are sturdy and the layout is staying the same, then cabinet refacing is the answer…The perfect solution for the kitchen.
Now that you saved with cabinet refacing, you can afford to upgrade the appliances or that dated old floor.
Example of kitchen cabinet refacing
BEFORE
AFTER
3. Are there any new products or materials on the market that you really like for the kitchen? Kitchen Magic has exclusive color and styles of laminate doors not offered by anyone else in their market area. Our new Vintage Glazed series has the look of a designer wood door, priced significantly less. Plus, laminate is more kitchen friendly and easier to clean.
4. What’s your best piece of advice for a homeowner about to start a kitchen remodel?
Don’t wait to have your new kitchen just because you think you can’t afford it. Often customers think a kitchen project has to be paid for all at once. Most people can’t remember the last time they paid for a new car in one shot. A kitchen is no different. We have great financing programs so all a customer has to do is budget an affordable monthly payment.
Thanks Linda!
In the coming weeks look for more expert interviews on topics beyond the kitchen.
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