Good Home Construction's Kitchen Featured in Cottages and Bungalows Magazine's June 2010 Issue

Hot off the presses!  One of the kitchens we finished recently, the one with the fabulous 1930's era Wedgewood stove (see previous post), is featured in this month's issue of Cottages and Bungalows Magazine. 

Thanks to our clients, our team and fellow supporters, and the editor for making this a true success of a project from beginning to end.

One reader had even written to us to say, "Congratulations on the beautiful layout in this month's Cottages and Bungalows Magazine.  The kitchen is perfect for the house.  I wish we had more bungalow owners who would try to restore instead of using granite and stainless steel we see so often." 


Thanks again for all your well-wishes, and if you haven't had a chance to see it, these magazines are available in major home improvement and bookstores.

Read article below:

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240 333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780 714-743-5053 info@goodhomeconstruction.com www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Want to be on This Old House TV?

We just received the following release:

THIS OLD HOUSE® PLANS FIRST-EVER RENOVATION  IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Home Improvement Series Seeks Project Submissions

CONCORD, Mass., (May, 3, 2010) - For the first-time ever, the Emmy® Award-winning television series This Old House is looking for a historic home to renovate in Los Angeles County.  The TV crew is hoping to find a dynamic family with a classic old house in need of help, with plenty of things to save and update.  However, the project's scope must be "just right" - not a whole house, but more than just a kitchen.  The renovation must be able to be completed in about five or six months, with construction potentially beginning as early as August 2010 and finishing by January 2011.  The ideal project should already be underway with architectural plans and/or have the ability to be "fast-tracked" to the building phase.

The selected project will be featured on multiple This Old House episodes airing on PBS in early 2011. The deadline for submissions is June 14, 2010.

Please note that the renovations are completely funded by the homeowners and not by This Old House, though the show coordinates product discounts and donations where possible.  All donated items are considered gifts, on which the homeowners pay taxes.

This Old House is reviewing proposals now.  To be considered, submit the following:

·    Brief description of the renovation project - be sure to also include house style, location and year built
·    Low-res digital pictures of the home's interior and exterior
·    Brief description of the current owners
·    Low-res digital pictures of the homeowners
·    How much you plan to spend
·    When you need to start and conclude the project

Please e-mail proposals to pickmyhouse@thisoldhouse.com or submit them via regular mail to: This Old House Project Proposals, P.O. Box 130, Concord, Massachusetts 01742.

Select homeowners will be contacted by show producers for further interviews.  Due to the volume of proposals received, This Old House will not be able to respond personally to everyone or return submitted materials.

GOOD LUCK!!!


Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240 333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780 714-743-5053 info@goodhomeconstruction.com www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Coming Soon! New Showroom Underway in Old Town Tustin - El Camino Real and Main St.

In the last several months, we've been working hard to open up a retail showroom/design studio division for Good Home Construction, to complement our construction and renovation services.

This new design showroom, aptly named Good Home Studio, is located in a 1920's Spanish-Revival building in the heart of Old Town Tustin, and will offer local residents an opportunity to purchase from a highly-curated collection of vintage-inspired home improvement products.  Each product line has been selected for it's quality, craftsmanship, and affordability.  This studio will be a one-stop shop for those looking to get "hard-to-find" or unique specialty items appropriate for a pre-1980's home in the Orange County area.


Check back soon for more details about the showroom/studio and hours. 


Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Which Kitchen Sink Type is Right for You?

There are so many choices out there that it's often difficult to narrow down what type of kitchen sink might be right for you and your renovation project.

Common sink types include: Cast Iron, Composite, Copper, Enameled Steel, Fireclay, Natural Stone, and Stainless Steel, with the 4 most popular choices being Cast Iron, Composite, Fireclay, and Stainless Steel.

Here are some thoughts on each type of sink and hopefully, this will help you in deciding which one is right for you.

Cast Iron Sink

Pros: Has a non-porous surface, is acid and stain resistant, stable and durable, and offers many color options.

Cons: The porcelain enamel can scratch and chip, and rust.  Cast iron is very heavy, making installation tougher.  It also does not hold heat so water tends to cool down quickly.

Maintenance: Easy.  Use non-abrasive cleaners with soft nylon scrubbers.


Composite (Granite, Quartz or Acrylic Composite) Sink

Pros: Composite sinks have a uniform look and color throughout (generally), retains water temperature, and is non-porous.  It is also lightweight making it easier to install.

Cons: They can be difficult to keep clean, colors can be limited, and it is a softer material so is more prone to chipping

Maintenance:  Easy.  Use mild dishwashing soap for regular cleaning and a soft nylon brush for more aggressive cleaning.


Copper Sink

Pro: Copper sinks have more customizable options, has a special old world look, and creates a natural patina over time to create that antiqued look.

Cons: Copper requires more maintenance, is soft and likely to dent, is heat sensitive, not readily stocked and available.  The color change will also occur randomly.

Maintenance: Hard.  Do not use any abrasives.

Tips: Look for 100% pure copper, which is the best quality.  Also look for a manufacturer that welds instead of solders the sink.  Solder turns black with age and isn't as strong as welded seams.


Enameled Steel Sink

Pros: Enameled steel sinks are inexpensive and widely available.

Cons: Enameled steel sinks are soft, not as durable and will likely dent or chip, and rust

Maintenance:  Easy.  Same as for cast iron sinks.


Fireclay Sink

Pros: Scratch and dent resistant, easy to clean, acid and alkaline resistant, will last for generations, available in a variety of styles, and recyclable.

Cons: Limited color range, possible breakage in transport if not packed properly.

Maintenance: Easy - no special needs


Natural Stone (Granite, Limestone, Marble, Slate, Soapstone) Sink

Pros: Can coordinate with countertops to appear integrated, and is durable and scratch resistant.

Cons: Can be porous depending on stone.  Generally stains easily and needs routine topical treatment to maintain luster.  Also can be expensive and is very heavy making installations tough.

Maintenance: Medium to Hard.  Use non-abrasives, may require frequent sealing.


Stainless Steel Sink

Pros: Hygienic and nonporous.  Stainless steel sinks offer multiple mounting options, is corrosion resistant, may be customized, and has many price points.

Cons: Can lose its luster, is likely to dent or scratch.

Maintenance: Medium - avoid abrasives and steel wool, chlorine or chlorine bleach.  Use mild soap and soft cloth to clean.



Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Showing Off Your Vintage China in Your Kitchen

Last year, we had the opportunity to work on a kitchen renovation for a cute 1940's cottage bungalow.  Our client had inherited the home from her mother, who was the 2nd owner and the longest resident of the home.  The wonderful thing about this renovation is our client incorporated as much of her family's vintage dinnerware, Fiestaware, and cups and glasses, some of which went back almost 100 years, into this project which made the whole process that much more memorable.

The collection was prominently displayed on all the open upper shelves, and on the countertop.

We got so hooked on this idea that we've been on the hunt for vintage Fiestaware and other family heirloom pieces ever since, so that some day, we can include these as showpieces in a future kitchen renovation.

Photo Credit: You Go Girl Blog

If you have some special ceramics or pottery, china - vintage or not, think about showing these off in your kitchen. You may want to consider having a few glass-door cabinets or even putting up open shelves. 

Here are some ideas:

Photo Credit: Country Living

Photo Credit: So Much For My Plans Blog

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Rustic Eco Chic - New Buzz Label?

As builders/contractors, we've heard just about every type of phrase or combination of words describing certain decorating/design schemes desired for a project (i.e. Shabby Chic, Hollywood Regency, French Country, Contemporary Romance, etc., etc...).  Lately, we've been hearing this label - Rustic Eco Chic.  Is this becoming a new buzz phrase?

So, we started researching what "Rustic Eco Chic" represents.  This is what we're finding:  Incorporating environmentally savvy components into a project whenever possible.  This can be as simple as recycling an old bureau into a vanity or salvaging parts and pieces from cast-offs (basically repurposing them and made new), and mixing them in with new eco-savvy products.

Photo Credit: House and Home

Photo Credit: Casa Sugar

 Photo Credit: Top Design News

 Photo Credit: Delight By Design

Based on that description, this is the way to go...with the way the economy is and people becoming more conscientious in saving money and being green, Rustic Eco Chic is bringing forth the creativity in reuse in your projects.

Have a project in mind that might fit the Rustic Eco Chic ideals?  Give us a call and see how we can assist you.

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Wait...Before Throwing Old House Stuff Away - Think Repurposing!

Over the years, we have accumulated quite a bit of old house parts and miscellaneous stuff from our various projects. More often than not, we think about just throwing them out because there's simply not enough space to store all of these things.

Then, we come across some inspirational photo that demonstrates such a great use of old or odd bits and pieces of stuff for a house project that reminds us again to think "repurpose" first before congesting our landfills with more garbage.

So, here they are...a few photos to inspire you to think of ways to repurpose house stuff - for artwork or new functions for your next house project.

Old Doorknobs - Use as Hooks
Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy

Old Window/Door - Use as Art
Photo Credit: Cote de Texas

Old Table - Use as Vanity
Photo Credit: Cote de Texas

Old Wooden Bucket and Relief - Use as Container/Art
Photo Credit: Karin Blake

Do you have a piece you've been saving and would like to use it for a future project?  Give us a call and see how we may be able to assist you with this.

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Back to Basics - Commentary on Traditional Building and Older Neighborhoods

Through one of the email groups we belong to, we received an email containing Peter Miller’s commentary from a recent Builder Show in Las Vegas.  Peter Miller is the President of Restore Media LLC and publisher of Period Homes Magazine.

Photo Credit: historicevansville.com

We were enlightened by some of the comments he made of traditional building, hinting at going back to time-honored building styles of the early 1900’s.  For us “traditional builders,” we’ve carved a niche by specializing in old house renovations, working primarily in historic neighborhoods.  If you look past the charm and beauty of these traditional (vintage) homes, what you actually get is a closer community – neighbors who actually sit on their porches and talk to you as you walk by; a livable house that is “used” - no more extraneous space such as game rooms, loft spaces, etc. that may go for months without being visited; and true craftsmanship – afterall, they have withstood the test of time.   For us, it is more than the love of this type of building, but a contribution on our part to preserve what remains of these types of communities.

So, thank you Peter Miller for this commentary.  It’s refreshing to hear like-minded people out there who understand and support the needs of traditional building professionals like us.

Excerpt:

…there were a few seminars about building smaller more efficient houses, with local materials, well sited to the climate with design features that save energy, like over hanging eves, operable windows and front porches…Builder magazine, the official magazine of the NAHB featured it's annual "Concept House," which, for the first time in recent memory is a traditional building. The Concept House has the right proportions, a steep gable roof, shutters and clapboard, porches and an interior plan where the rooms actually get used. It was designed by Marianne Cusato, an architect who is frequently published in our own PERIOD HOMES. The "Concept House" with a few modern modifications, is the same house built 100 years ago in small towns and close in suburbs across America. It is back to the future.

                                                                                                                  

Boomers, echo boomers and immigrants comprise most of the home buying market. While each group has different priorities, these consumer demands are consistent across the board: they want smaller, urban, energy efficient homes, well appointed, within walking distance to work, schools, shops and restaurants. They want houses in close-in neighborhoods. And while they crave new technologies, especially work at home connectivity, they prefer houses "like the one their grandmother lived in."

My conclusions about the news, trends and ideas from this year's International Builder Show are these: the "reset button" is on. We are all trying to figure out what to do next amidst the conflicting, often contradictory advice we get from the experts. We start a new decade as uncertain as the last. We are afraid because we do not know what's next or what to do about it.

Here is what is certain: our past. For 300 hundred years we built houses and neighborhoods which served our needs, not our fantasies. Cities worked. Close in suburbs worked. Sidewalks connected us, as did public squares, small town post offices, neighborhood schools and our work places nearby.

Photo Credit: Downtown Fullerton

These places stand now, durable, organically efficient and proud. They stand in places where people want to be. They bring us together and represent certainty in uncertain times. These places need ongoing restoration and renovation as well as adaptive use and new, contextual infill. This presents opportunities for traditional building professionals.

After all the uncertainty and confusion I felt in Las Vegas, I am glad to be home in historic Georgetown.

Best,

Peter H Miller
President
Restore Media, LLC
202-339-0744, xt104
pmiller@restoremedia.com

Photo Credit: sunset.com

Conserving Water with Dual-Flush Toilets

Dual-flush toilets have become increasingly popular these days, with the general public's growing concern about conservation and money-saving tactics.  We just got done installing a few dual-flush toilets from the Eago line, for a  bathroom project we've been working on.  We must say, if you are in the process of remodeling and are looking to replace your toilet(s), consider getting a dual-flush one.  It's a great concept, with less water being used for liquid waste versus solid waste.

The overall cost may be just a bit higher than if you were to purchase a standard toilet, even compared to a low-flush efficient one.  But the overall savings may be seen in your water bill over time.  Be sure to check the specs beforehand as some of these dual-flush toilets may be installed differently than a regular toilet.

If you need assistance in getting one of these toilets or to install one, please contact us for more information.

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Upcoming Exhibition of Pencil Drawings of Eichler Homes in Orange, CA

Are you a fan of Eichler or mid-century modern homes? There is an upcoming exhibition of 50 pencil drawings illustrating the architecture of Joseph Eichler and the tract he developed in Orange, CA. These drawings, by artist Jeffrey Crussell, will be available as archival pigment prints in small editions.

The exhibition will run from February 20 to March 20, 2010.

For more information, go to Crusell Fine Arts.

California Lead Free Faucet Law - Effective January 1, 2010

As of January 1, 2010, all faucets and plumbing fittings sold in California must be lead free (see California Assembly Bill 1953, AB-1953). Lead free meaning containing no more than .25 lead. Before purchasing your next faucet, check to make sure it's qualified as "lead free."

If you need assistance in purchasing a qualified lead free faucet and/or replacing your existing faucets with lead free faucets, give us a call and we'd be happy to assist you!

GREEN Kitchens

Everywhere we look, we are seeing "GREEN" kitchen cabinets.. Not green, as in environmentally friendly, but the color green. In this month's issue of House Beautiful magazine, there are two kitchens featured with green colored cabinetry. Check them out below!

Now, add some subway tile, solid surface countertop, and an apron-front farmhouse sink. Then throw in some shiny chrome bin pulls and latches and cool industrial steel pendant lights, and you've got a winning kitchen!

Photo Credit: House Beautiful Magazine

If you've been thinking about a kitchen remodel, give us a call for a complimentary consultation. We will be happy to assist you through the process, helping you with those hard decisions that come with a big project and ensuring you have a successful renovation and a kitchen of your dreams.

Check Out ConstructionManagementSchools.net Blog

Good Home Construction Blog is listed as one of their top 50 sites they are recommending to help you remodel your home.

Go to: http://www.constructionmanagementschools.net/blog/2010/50-sites-to-help-you-remodel-your-home/

Happy New Year - Our Top 5 Trend Predictions for 2010

Thank you to our loyal clients, partners and readers for another successful year at Good Home Construction. We could not have done it without your support and encouragement!

Now, on to 2010…what do we predict for this year? With the current economic and financial crisis we are still in, we predict:

1. Growth in Remodeling - We predict a continuous upward trend in remodeling of existing homes. As more and more people stay put, people have decided to make use of their current space and remodel what they have.

2. More Re-Use – To save money and the environment, more people are seeing if they can reuse what they already have. That means seeing if existing cabinets, hardware, etc. can be part of the renovation or remodeling projects. For example, if kitchen cabinet boxes are still in great shape and the layout still works, why spend all this money to get new ones, see if they can be refaced for a fraction of what it would cost to replace them completely.

Photo Credit: Remix Atlanta

3. Choosing Safe, Domestic Products – With news of imported building products being toxic, more and more people are being extremely cautious of things coming from overseas. We are seeing a trend of people asking where a product is coming from, and believe it or not, people are willing to pay more if they know it is coming from somewhere here in the United States and has followed safe manufacturing practices.

Photo Credit: Deviant Art

4. More Universal Design – With recent economic times, multiple generations are finding themselves moving in together into one household. This has fueled people to start looking at ways to accommodate different needs and uses for different generations and capabilities.

Photo Credit: Vienna Univ. of Technology

5. More Color - People are figuring that they will probably be in their current homes much linger than originally expected; therefore they have opted to make their dream projects come true. So, instead of being color-shy and opting for neutrals (for resale appeal), they are choosing their favorite colors. This includes colored tile, cabinets, fixtures, etc. One particular trend we're seeing is colored kitchen cabinets - in yellow, sage green, red, blue, and even black.

Photo Credit: Calfinder

Photo Credit: Gaia Interiors

Good Home Construction in the Go Green Column

Allecia Vermillion, columnist for the Gatehouse News Service, has included us in her Go Green column. This column covers a few ways to be "green" when updating your kitchen.

To see how we can help you renovate your kitchen and stay "green" while doing so, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Our services include but not limited to refacing cabinets with new doors and/or frames, revarnishing with new stain and/or paint, installing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, and working with environmentally friendly products such as recycled countertops and flooring.

Good Home Construction's Kitchen Project in Remodeling Magazine

Thanks to Senior Editor, Nina Patel, for doing a write-up on one of our kitchen projects in this month's Remodeling Magazine. If you don't subscribe to this magazine, you can read the online edition by going to: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/toc/the-magazine.aspx.

To see more pictures of the kitchen we did in the article, click here.




To see more of Good Home Construction's projects, go to http://goodhomeconstruction.blogspot.com.