Microinverters

Apparently one of the big cost factors in installing photovoltaic panels is the inverters that transform DC to AC power. Usually, you need to get several panels to make it worthwhile. But the New York Times reports that a company is coming out with micro-inverters, good for one panel. So you can start small and build up gradually this way. Also, you could "do-it-yourself."

View from the south east

This is the view from the southeast corner -- which is most similar to the view shown in the drawing at the bottom of the blog. The southeast room is the sunroom. Window in the middle of the first floor is for the stairs, and the leftmost one is on a hallway.

Mint Green Vintage Bathroom Fixtures Anyone?

We couldn't resist posting this...while poking around craigslist for a white vintage tub, we came across this complete mint green bathroom set with tub, sink and toilet.

They appear to be in good shape (from the pictures). If anyone is restoring a bathroom and is located in Southern California, check out this set. It would be great to save these beauties!!


Note: Good Home Construction is not affiliated with this seller or posting on CL. Please take all proper precautions when dealing with private sellers on these transactions.

More roofing

You can see there are large overhangs to protect from the sun in summer (although this is from the north east side).

Roofing going on

They've got a skytrack to help with the high work.

Front porch

The 2nd floor window on the right will be the MBR's, the one on the left is the bathroom.

Save the Dates - October 2009

October is chock-full of historic and preservation-oriented events in the Southern California area. Save these dates to check out some of these events:

Sunday, October 11 - The Cal Heights Home and Garden Tour



Tour includes 5 Spanish-Style Bungalow Homes, 3 Gardens, and a Special Speaking Engagement by Jane Powell (author of Bungalow Kitchens and Bungalow Baths) amongst other activities and offerings.

To find out more, go to http://www.calheights.org/home_tour.htm.


Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18 - The Pasadena Heritage Craftsman Weekend


The weekend is filled with several bus and walking tours to choose from. To find out more, go to http://www.pasadenaheritage.org/site_info.php?siid=1&id=4.


Saturday, October 24 - Old Town Art Walk and Plein Air Contest

Featuring art showings and displays in the heart of Old Town Tustin. To find out more, call the Tustin Parks and Recreation at 714-573-3326.

We have a window

This is on the north side.

LED lights have greatest lifetime efficiency

From the Green Inc. blog of the New York Times.

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/study-leds-most-efficient-over-lifetime/

View of the roof and from the roof

This is probably the last taken by the builder with his cell phone before he fell on it from 9 feet up ... Fortunately, Adam was not hurt. But the cell phone did not survive.

Take Advantage of Local Incentives

Before you start on your home improvement, check out your city’s website to see if you can take advantage of any current incentives they may be offering to homeowners.

In this economy, every little bit counts, so don’t miss out on something that you may be able to take advantage of if you’ve been thinking about doing some home improvements.

Since we’re based in Anaheim, here’s an example of what the city is currently offering:

Artificial Turf Incentives – Incentives are available for installing artificial turf that can save you 53 gallons of water per square foot annually. Call 888-376-3314 or go to www.bewaterwise.com for more info.

Energy Efficiency Permit Fee Waiver – Waives applicable permit fees for city residential customers who retrofit their inefficient electric equipment with approved energy equipment. Call 714-765-4267 for more info.

Home Incentives – Provides incentives for purchasing and installing high-efficiency ENERGY STAR rated appliances. Call 714-939-9020 for more info.

Rehabilitation Loan and Energy Efficiency Grant – Provides grants for energy-efficiency improvements to single-family homes in combination with Neighborhood Preservation’s rehabilitation home loan program. Call 714-765-4340 x4889 for more info.

Toilet Rebate – Provides rebates for the installation of high efficiency toilets in your home. Call 800-954-4344 for more info.

FREE Trees - Provides up to 6 free shade trees or a rebate per tree. Call 714-491-TREE for more info.

For more information about these and other programs and eligibility requirements for the City of Anaheim, go to www.anaheim.net.

OC Register - AH News Edition

Thanks Sharon Hlapcich, Reporter, for writing an article about us in last week's OC Register - Anaheim Hills News Edition. To read the article online, click here.



To see more of Good Home Construction's work, click here.

For more press coverage and publications about us, go to http://goodhomeconstruction.com/press.html.

2nd storey & roof on living room

More progress. These are from the lake side.

View from 2nd storey

This is cool because we had one storey before.

A Chance for Your Project to be on CNN?

We just received an interesting memo today from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) regarding an opportunity to be featured on CNN's iReport. iReport is looking for video submissions and before and after photos of projects that fit the topic "Design on the Cheap."


If you have something to show, whether it's a small piece of furniture to a large remodeling project, click here to submit your project.