Top 5 lighting tips for a brighter home

All Hallows Eve...lighting for a fun and festive fright night!

Top 10 Energy Efficient and Green Building Ideas for Your Home

Want to learn more about how to make your home energy efficient? Want to know what products and building practices can make your home "green"? Want the chance to win some fabulous prizes worth thousands of dollars?

Come to HomeSavvi's upcoming seminar on January 26th in Seattle from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. It's free, but limited to the first 30 people to sign up - and you'll be entered in a drawing to win valuable prizes like a Viking Continuous Feed Food Disposer worth $375 and a Fairmont Designs bathroom vanity, sink and mirror set worth $1,200.

At the Lighting Universe showroom in the Seattle Design Center, HomeSavvi will have experts in energy efficiency, home technology, and green building on hand to answer your questions and give you the best pointers to follow.

Just click on the title of this blog or call this number to sign up: 619-752-0060.

Our seminars get rave reviews - read on!

Reviews of the November 2009 HomeSavvi Seminar

I attended the Savvi Remodeling Seminar in November, and got great advice for my kitchen and bath. Very valuable - I'd highly recommend it!
Amy, homeowner from Bellevue, WA

High quality advice from people who obviously knew their stuff. And I won a 2 hour design consultation!
Josh, homeowner from Seattle, WA

Nice event. Liked the format and the advice was great.
Susanna, homeowner from Kirkland, WA

Building a Better Home: Remodeling and Custom Home Workshop

Many homeowners aren't aware of the tons of free advice that is available to them through the professionals in the remodeling industry. (I know I wasn't aware when I started remodeling my house).

HomeSavvi homeowners do as much research as possible before committing to a remodel - no matter where you live, seek out informative seminars that may be held at homeshows, in showrooms, or at professional designers, architects and contractors offices.

On January 14th, Ventana Construction in Seattle, WA is holding a workshop at their offices on Building a Better Home. These workshops have been really well received, and the homeowners who've gone in the past have rated them highly.

Learn about how to get started, what to expect, and the steps you can take to make your project successful. This 1½ hour event is free and takes place at Ventana Construction’s West Seattle offices in conjunction with Goforth Gill Architects. Seating is limited; call 619-752-0060 to reserve your space.

Want to find out more? Go to: www.ventanabuilds.com

This photo is an example of their work and can be found on Ventana's Construction portfolio on HomeSavvi.

To find out about more remodeling seminars and events, check our local events calendars at http://www.homesavvi.com/home-remodeling-event-calendar-seattle.

Home Improvement Wiring - Be Careful

If you've bought home improvement books from Lowes or Sunset that contain information about wiring - watch out!

Nearly a million do-it-yourself home repair books sold since the 1970s -- many under the Lowe's home improvement store brand -- were recalled because of improper instructions for home wiring, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Nine different books sold between 1975 and December 2009 for $13 to $35 are being recalled because following their wiring directions could lead users to get shocked or start a fire, according to a news release from the CPSC. "The books contain errors in the technical diagrams and wiring instructions that could lead consumers to incorrectly install or repair electrical wiring," the CPSC said.

In our opinion - another shockingly good reason to work with professionals.

Lead paint

Many homeowners don't know that the EPA has established new regulations with regards to the removal of lead paint. Starting in April 2010, these new rules will affect homeowners with homes built anytime pre-19878.

The EPA rules about removal are pretty strict and will have to be followed by anyone working in the home including builders, painters, plumbers and electricians. Any renovation or repair work is going to be affected.

Homeowners will need to be restricted from the area, and contractors need to take extra precautions for performing the work, cleaning up, and verifying the work.

The home improvement industry is getting ready by attending classes, getting certified in government approved programs and taking on extra liability insurance for jobs completed. Extra care needs to be taken to remove and properly dispose of the paint.

One HomeSavvi member asked a question in our Forums about why the cost for a paint job seems so high. In any paint job, the labor for removal, disposal, preparation and application is the expense that drives up the cost.
- next year, the costs will go up, but we'll be more assured of healthy homes especially for children and pregnant women.

I'd say it's a cost worth paying!

Inches DO matter!

Ok, we all know the joke here - but when remodeling my home near Seattle, I found out that inches really DO matter - at least in my dining room. Here was the scenario - it includes scope creep and everything!

Our contractor had removed the sheet rock on the wall that separated the bedroom from the dining room. Once the wall was down, I had the bright idea to install a gas fireplace in the wall, thereby creating a fireplace in two rooms: dining room and bedroom. (Here is the scope creep: it cost about an extra $10,000 to do this: $6,000 to purchase the insert and install it and $4,000 for the mantels we had designed by LeeAnn Baker Interiors)

And here is where the problem started....The fireplace insert was 28" in depth. A wall is typically 6" deep. So we had an extra 22 inches to place between the two rooms. We debated about it for about 30 minutes, and decided to shift the fireplace box 15" into the dining room and create a large mantle, and only 7" into the bedroom.

So, the fireplace got installed, the sheet rock got put up, the beautiful mantels were crafted, the walls painted, lighting installed...and our dining room is now too small! We hung a chandelier exactly in the center of the room, which means the dining table is also in the middle. When someone walks around the dining table to take a seat, the wall with the fireplace juts out so far that they have to duck about 6 inches to avoid ramming into the mantel.

Once I realized this, I wanted to tear the whole wall down and start over, but of course that is unreasonable, because it would now cost another $15,000 for demolition and reconstruction.

Fortunately, no one has really complained too much. Except my nephew who hit his head when trying to avoid the fireplace mantle.

Do you have a story of some small change in your home that would make it more livable? If so, visit www.homesavvi.com and post your story there.

No remodeling needed here!

Three nights ago I had the good fortune to be included in a party at Club Cielo in the new high rise condominium project in Seattle called Escala. I was blown away by the decor, amenities, food, and service at the club. Built by developer Eric Midby, this sophisticated condo complex brings a touch of NY to downtown Seattle.

My experience started in the lobby where the roaring fireplace set against creamy stone creates a luxurious entrance. Then, my party bypassed the gorgeous staircase with custom iron railings and koa wood art installation to take the elevator, which was a delightful art deco inspired ride. Once out of the elevator, I was immediately struck by the backlit marble bar in the club. Staff members told me there are over 1,000 color variations that slowly change throughout the hours.

The food was delectable - an extravagant raw bar was overflowing with braised sable fish, petite oysters, marinated mussels, alaskan king crab, smoked salmon and other seafood delicacies. A carved kobe beef station included crispy onion threads and watercress with each custom made beef panini. And the dessert station sported a "frozen grill" which immediately froze chocolate and other confections into a perfect adult lollipop. Late in the evening, I was offered a tour of the spotless kitchen where the chef topped a spoonful of blueberry mousse with truffle and hazelnut. Delightful!

We took a quick tour through the workout and spa facilities which were very tastefully designed and complete with state of the art facilities. My group ended the party sipping scotch in the private theatre's luxurious and deep leather chairs.

Why am I mentioning it in a blog about home remodeling? While Escala's lifestyle may be a dream for many, some of the best Seattle design talent was involved in this project, and everyone can get inspiration for their homes from elements in this residence.

HomeSavvi unveils a new look

We're unveiling a new look and feel for design galleries and contributed articles today - we're really excited! take a look and tell us what you think.

Ventana Construction remodeling seminar

Event: Building a Better Home: Remodeling and Custom Home Workshop

Location: Ventana Construction offices, 5458 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136

Time: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 6 pm

Summary: If you are a considering remodeling the home you have or building a new custom home, this workshop is an invaluable first step in the process. Learn from experienced professionals about how to get started, what to expect, and the steps you can take to make your project successful. This 1 ½ hour workshop is open to the public and seating is limited. Call 206-932-3009 to reserve your space.

Remodeling shopping in SODO district, Seattle

On Friday last week, I spent the day in the SODO area in downtown Seattle, meeting with a number of store owners and managers. If you haven't gone there before, it's a cool shopping area for home remodeling needs. You can find a little bit of everything - including the kitchen sink! First, I went to Seattle Door and met a really friendly sales associate named Ryan. Seattle Door carries both wood and fiberglass doors and windows from companies such as Simpson, Marvin, and Thermatru. Seattle Door has recently started opening on Saturdays to help homeowners who can't get to their showroom during the week.

At Tile for Less, there is really great heated countertop just inside the door. Inspired me for my next luxury! They also rent tools if you are daring enough to try tiling on your own.

Allied Marble's owner, Jimmy Mai, is a third generation, highly experienced marble fabrication expert. His family has owned the business for over 30 years, and Jimmy grew up learning everything about marble, granite and other popular stones. His showroom has some gorgeous transparent stone to view and touch.

Bamboo Hardwoods is a locally owned store with four locations - three in Seattle and one in Redmond in the Whole Foods complex. The main warehouse and showroom is where I visited and found some really nice accessories for my home as well as interesting information on bamboo floors, poles and veneers.

Remodeling Seminar Last night

Last night, the HomeSavvi team had our first home remodeling seminar at the beautiful Albert Lee Appliance store in Bellevue, WA. There were five professionals who talked about ways to save money, save time, go green, and the best ways to improve your home's value. 13 homeowners were there, and 7 of them won raffle items. The pros who spoke were Rick Van Arnem of Kitchens Plus, Brian Hughes of Hughes Building Company, Vernon Learned from Lighting Universe, Bruce Donnally of Donnally Architects and Bonnie Bagley Caitlen of Bonnie Bagley Interiors. You can find all of them on HomeSavvi's local resource guide for the Seattle area.

Kitchen and bath remodeling secrets seminar

Do you wonder whether it would be better to reface your cabinets or get new ones? Or, how much value you'd get from a custom made vanity in your bath vs. one you could buy online? Tomorrow at Albert Lee Appliances showroom in Bellevue, WA, HomeSavvi is hosting its first remodeling seminar.

This picture is from our Speed Dating event held earlier this year.

20 people are registered already and there will be fun giveaways and great raffle items. We have 5 highly qualified speakers - check out the link to see more about the details.

http://www.homesavvi.com/SavviHomeRemodelingSeminar

HomeSavvi: New Home Remodeling + Improvement Forum

If you've ever wondered how much your kitchen will cost, where the best online remodel deals are, or whether your living room would look better in a bold color, you're in luck! HomeSavvi has created a new home remodeling forum for home remodeling enthusiasts and professionals to ask advice, share their projects, and save on products!

We have created three different sections intended to serve as a resource for homeowners, professionals and the HomeSavvi community at large.

HomeSavvi Forum: Ask The Community- Need advice from an expert? Just ask the question. The Ask the Community section of the HomeSavvi’s online forum is the perfect place for homeowners to ask their remodeling questions directly to expert trade professionals, interior designers, architects and fellow homeowners who have been through a remodeling before.

HomeSavvi Forum: Coupons and Discounts- Looking for deals online for your next remodel? Browse our Coupons and Discounts section. The Coupons and Discounts section of the HomeSavvi’s online forum is where you will find exclusive offers, local deals and promotional discounts for your remodeling projects, from choosing the perfect appliance to how to build a deck. We recommend you visit often to see what’s new!

HomeSavvi Forum: Pro Access (Logged in, Pros only)- The Professional Access of the HomeSavvi’s online forum is a place for remodeling professionals to communicate in a private setting, share ideas and best practices.

We look forward to your posts, and thank you in advance for participating!

Next Savvi Speed Dating in Everett- August 18, 2009

Remodeling? Learn the real cost of your dream project from award winning local professionals

Savvi Speed Dating Snohomish County, WA

• Hosted by: Contract Furnishings Mart
• Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2009
• Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
• Address: 802 134th St SW #160
• Everett, WA 98204-7320

Get directions

Spend an evening talking one-on-one with up to four remodeling professionals about your specific needs. These professionals will point you in the right direction to save time and money. Simply bring your questions, photos, and ideas.

• Meet professionals who are experts in their fields
• Get matched to a professional based on your remodeling needs
• Receive a gift bag from our sponsors including a chance to win 2 Seahawks tickets

To participate, just tell us a little bit about your project. It’s free and there’s no obligation to work with anyone you meet. Space is limited to the first 15 households to sign up.

Please register by August 12, 2009.

Not in Everett? Tell us where you would like the next event to be!

Savvi Speed Dating in Everett

Savvi Speed Dating is coming to Everett! Featured in King 5, NWCN's "Home Front", The Tacoma News Tribune, and
Remodeling Magazine, Savvi Speed Dating matches homeowners and professionals to talk about their specific remodeling project. It's an easy and efficient way of meeting some of the area's top home remodeling professionals - all while enjoying wine and snacks in a beautiful casual setting.

Each homeowner household will receive a gift bag, courtesy of Contract Furnishings Mart and AAA Kartak Glass & Closet.

The next Savvi Speed Dating event takes place at Contract Furnishings Mart on August 18. Stay tuned for more information!

Savvi Speed Dating in Tacoma

Join HomeSavvi at Couch's Appliance South for an evening of fun and education. Spend an evening talking one-on-one with up to four remodeling professionals about YOUR specific remodeling needs. We know that cost effectiveness is on everyone's minds these days. These professionals will point you in the right direction. So, bring your questions, photos and ideas - we'll help you get started!

May Savvi Speed Dating in Tacoma

Hosted by Couch's Appliance South

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Address: Couch's Appliance South
5306 Pacific Highway E.
Fife, WA 98424

Each attending household will receive $50 gift card to Crate & Barrel.

RSVP by Friday, May 15th to reserve your spot!

2009 Tax Credits - Obama's New Stimulus Goes to Work

While most home improvement expenses do not have a tax impact in the year they are incurred, there are some significant exceptions, and those exceptions change each year. Read on to find out the latest in government tax credit programs.

In 2009 and 2010 the Federal Government is allowing homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost (up to a total of $1,500) for certain energy efficient home improvement products on existing homes.

That means you can spend up to $5,000 on products and get tax credit worth 30% of the cost, or $1,500.

Here are the simple rules to follow:

• The items you purchase must be installed during 2009 or 2010, which means the tax credit can be claimed in April 2010 or 2011.
• The items must be installed in your principal residence, not a rental or vacation home.
• The items must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement to qualify.
• Beware, because NOT ALL Energy Star rated products qualify. To find the list of what does, visit the government link included here.
• You’ll use IRS form 5695 which allows individuals to claim credits for making their residences more energy-efficient.
• Save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement. You’ll need them if you are audited.

What qualifies for the $1,500 tax credit?

The government is not allowing the tax credits unless the products meet certain energy criteria (which have increased in strictness this year), and have a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.

A Manufacturer’s Certification is a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. The IRS encourages manufacturers to provide these Certifications on their website to facilitate identification of qualified products.

Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return.

Here is the list of home improvement items that qualify.

• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
• HVAC
• Water Heaters (non-solar)
• Biomass Stoves

Installation costs

• Installation costs are included in the total item cost for HVAC, Water Heaters, and Biomass Stoves.
• Installation costs are NOT included for windows and doors, insulation and roofs.

Even bigger tax credits are available

If you are planning a major remodel between now and 2016, the government is giving a tax credit on 30% of the cost for certain energy efficient items with NO UPPER LIMIT. That means you can claim up to 30% on expenses that total in the tens of thousands. The other benefit is that these credits are available on new home construction as well, not just existing homes.

Items included in this more generous tax credit are:

* Geothermal Heat Pumps
* Solar Panels
* Solar Water Heaters
* Small Wind Energy Systems
* Fuel Cells

For detailed information on what the energy criteria are on these uncapped expenses, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits

Top 10 Reasons to Remodel in This Recession

From Guest Blogger Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS

Almost everyone I know has seen their home values fall. It is a total downer, I know. However, there is a silver lining to this economic downturn for some of you lucky folks. It's an ideal time to remodel your house. Now, read carefully here, this does not apply to everyone! If you're at grave risk of losing immediate household income or if you have no equity whatsoever in your home, please read no further.

If, however, you have been wanting to remodel for a while, plan on remaining in your home for the next ten years or longer, or want to be a more competitive seller in this buyer's market, now can be an excellent time to begin a remodeling project.

Here's why:

1. The best builders, contractors and trades have much greater scheduling availability right now, which gives you access to professionals you might not otherwise be able to get. As the New York Times put it, during the boom years, "Good contractors were as hard to get as celebrated doctors." Their knowledge and skill are unchanged. It's just that many have more down time at the moment.

2. Given the laws of supply and demand, the drop-off in work has driven down prices on some goods and services. This gives you the upper hand in negotiation. Consider, though, that the best folks are still going to cost more in labor than the less skilled ones. However, they very well may save you money - and aggravation - in the long run, as you won't have to hire someone else to fix amateur mistakes or a lawyer to bring them to heal.

3. Many of the weaker players are being weeded out by the economy before you ever meet them. The remaining pros are better project managers with stronger referrals. This will reduce your chances of running into the kind of con artist that's drawn to a boom and moves on during a bust.

4. New rules make it easier for senior homeowners to finance their projects through reverse mortgages. Contact one in your area to see how this can bring you a new kitchen, bath, addition, etc.

5. There are excellent, new products on the market that will help you save money on water and energy. By building them into your remodeling project, they could help pay for themselves, and make your home more appealing to future buyers. According to a recent study by McGraw Hill quoted by the Wall Street Journal, "One-third of home buyers say they are willing to pay a premium of $20,000 or more for a green home." (Helping the environment is a plus, too.)

6. On a related note, local laws in some areas and new federal incentives may offset costs for water- and energy-saving products you incorporate into your remodel. Please visit this excellent St. Petersburg Times article detailing the Stimulus Plan-based tax incentives. It's a must-not-miss, in my opinion.

7. If someone in your home has respiratory issues, changing to more indoor-air-quality-oriented products can improve their comfort and well-being. There are terrific products on the market now to assist you - and them - in that regard.

8. If an aging relative moves in with you, or you're looking at staying in your home into your senior years, upgrading your home with aging-in-place features can improve your safety and enhance your home's livability and resale value. (Less than 10 percent of American homes are built with aging in place features, while millions of Americans are getting ready to retire! You do the math!)

9. Unlike the house flippers we saw remodeling in recent years to keep up with the Joneses, those of you who have been in your home for a while really know its strengths and weaknesses. You also know what truly makes sense for your lifestyle. This will yield a more successful outcome on your project, more suited to how the home can best be improved for its residents and guests, not just better branded or trophy-filled.

10. If you're spending more time in the house these days, as many folks are, improving your home will provide some anti-recessionary joy. And who couldn't use that taste of sunshine these days?

Photo Note:

A recent kitchen remodel helped this Tampa home sell in less than 30 days last December, at asking price, in one of the nation's hardest-hit housing areas.

Coming Next on Gold Notes:

3/17 - Irish Design... In honor of St. Patrick's Day
3/25 - Storing and Displaying Collectibles... In honor of Elton John's birthday

Visit Jamie Goldberg's blog at http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com.

HomeSavvi Speed Dating- March

Spend an evening talking one-on-one with up to four remodeling professionals about YOUR specific remodeling needs. We know that cost effectiveness is on everyone's minds these days. These professionals will point you in the right direction. So, bring your questions, photos and ideas - we'll help you get started!

In addition to enjoying wine, soft drinks and appetizers, you will receive a free in-home lighting consultation from Lighting Universe.

Please RSVP by Monday, March 16th to reserve your spot. Visit http://www.homesavvi.com/savvi-speed-dating-homeowner.html to sign up.

Savvi Speed Dating, hosted by Pande Cameron
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Address: Pande Cameron
13013 NE 20th St
Bellevue, WA 98005