Addition Building Design

Addition Building Design, Inc. Employs the following 16 point quality construction features on most of our projects we undertake to ensure our customers of a project that looks great for many years, safe /secure, comfortable in their new living space and reduce energy usage for years to come.

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How to Hire a Contractor

Hi everyone. I’m asked all the time how to hire a contractor. If you go on line and read all the scary stories, you may never hire one. Today it’s easier than ever to find a quality contractor at a reasonable price – that fits both into your life style and budget.  You can easily see our work on Houzz.com (visit Mila Kunis’ surprise project for her parents) in the pro section. The photos will give you inspiration and the reviews are great. Check the budget range so you won’t waste time calling a handyman for an addition project.

Do your homework, make sure the contractor has a license with the contractor state license board. If the license is active, then usually all else is good. Contractors cannot hold a valid license without insurance.

Start with a phone call. Did the contractor call you back within 24 hours? Is the contractor nice? Does he ask you a lot of questions? If that’s all good, set up a face to face meeting. It’s like dating, jobs can last up to a year or more, so you’ll be spending a lot of time together.

First impressions are important. Did the contractor make it on time? Did he look professional? Interview the contractor a little bit, does he communicate well, look you in the eye, or are your Spidey senses going off? When Addition Building & Design comes to your first appointment we’ll bring: Proof of liability insurance and an active license on the contractor’s state license board. Really, this is sufficient.

This isn’t a government job, so the lowest bidder isn’t always the best route to go. Get at least three bids and throw out the lowest one. This contractor is probably cutting corners or worse and is desperate for work. Most likely you’ll get hit with a barrage of change orders and the cost will run up anyway.

When you compare the bids, you’re comparing more than price.  Check brand names, quality of materials, and the installation process. There can be a world of difference in the price range quoted.

Call some recent clients and visit job sites. Check for yourself what the project looks like and see how it’s going? Is the site clean and safe?

How do you separate the good from the great? Contractors that keep up with the latest trends have a distinct edge over the competition. Addition Building & Design uses a custom app and website where clients can login to their individual page and visually monitor both the work schedule and payment progress.  Quality customer service is another breaking point. Addition Building & Design offers a three-year warranty for all labor and we stand behind our work, offering you peace of mind.

It can be confusing about who to hire first, the Architect, Designer, or the Contractor. Addition Building & Design is a design build firm, which solves that dilemma. Only licensed contractors can legally a construction site, but there are a few ins/outs on that subject -- but that’s a different blog. Our design team works with you in the design phase at the beginning of your project. Clients will have a budget, plans, and permits in hand before any construction begins. the Design Build system reduces stress, change orders and the cost of your home renovation project.

And this is how you take the fear out of hiring a general contractor.

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Living Room Trends

Define Your Own Style

Style is more a personal choice than an industry defined parameter in modern homes . There are many ways in which your living room can look more natural  and more you. You could add an awesome accent wall to create a cozy and pleasing ambiance, throw pops of color in with your furniture, or go dramatic with a funky two toned wall.

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors are natural color choices for a living area. Often living rooms and family rooms are open to other areas of the house so a great neutral can enable the use of color in spaces. Picking the best neutral paint color is a matter of style: warm shades tend to be inviting and cozy while hues with cool undertones have a chic, modern vibe. The vast variety of white hues creates a blank canvas for favorite art and furnishings.

Two Toned Walls

Another trend is two toned walls. In the right space with the right complimentary colors this can add a lot to your living room. But be careful, if the wrong colors are chosen it can end up looking tacky. A good way for this to work out is using mostly neutral colors for your furniture letting the wall space really pop. When you want to add design drama with bold color but don’t want the hue to overpower your space, paint an accent wall. Choose a wall in the room that makes sense as a focal point, such a fireplace wall. Select a color that can be tied to the overall space with fabrics, area rugs, and accessories. The remaining walls can be painted in a lighter version of the accent color, or select a neutral with an undertone that complements the accent wall. 

Small Accents

If painting an entire wall is too much, try using small pops of color, inside book shelves, or accenting around the living room with lamps or furniture. Play with the structure of the living room setup and see what looks best for you.

Lighting

The amount of light your living room gets impacts color. A room flooded with sunlight can handle more saturated color, but pale shades tend to get washed out. For help in picking the most comfortable color, take your room’s temperature. Cool color counters strong sunlight, but north-facing rooms get cozier wrapped in a warm color. Try a matte finish on the paint to soften the overall color of the room.

Outdoor fabrics

Outdoor fabrics are becoming increasingly hard to distinguish from traditional indoor fabrics, and many are bringing them inside, where their durability makes them perfect for high-traffic dining room and living room furniture.

Chunky Low Furniture

Pulled from the 70s a chunky, low sitting couch is inviting and cozy. These big boxy, yet Netflix accommodating couches are simple yet sleek in your home.  If you prefer a higher seat, opt for one with longer legs with a boxier arm. When deciding on a color for this type a furniture, because they tend to be large opt for a neutral color. Or if you are feeling daring, go dramatic and make it your focal point of your living room.

 These are just some of the trending interior design ideas for your home in 2016, but as always feel  free to make it your own. Get creative and really build your space to be as comfortable, cozy, colorful or neutral as you want.  Your home is your sanctuary, it’s your representation of yourself, your family and even your friends. Look at it like a fresh canvas just waiting for splashed of paint to reveal the artists vision.

  Ref:

https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/project-ideas-inspiration/interiors/living-room-ideas-inspiration

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Feng Shui

Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment. Historically, feng shui was widely used to orient buildings—often spiritually significant structures such as tombs, but also dwellings and other structures Using open design spaces with good quality air and light we can achieve proper Feng Shui. Incorporating windows, foldable door systems and skylights or solar tubes into an open floor plan adds to this clean, modern and fresh feeling space creating harmony. Be sure the Chi, or feng shui energy, runs smoothly throughout your whole house and that each and every room has the ability to keep and nourish good Chi. This applies to all rooms, even to spaces that you would rather not think about such as: closets, the garage or the laundry room. Whether you’re aware of it or not, your environment — and your relationship with it — are constantly affecting you. Consequently, your best bet for a healthy, happy and successful life is to make your environment work for you through the practice of Feng Shui. If you’re looking to make some quick improvements to the environment in your home, the following list of practical Feng Shui cures is at your service:

Place an energetic fountain near your front door. The flowing energy of the water symbolizes cash, which helps more of the green stuff come your way. Get ready to enjoy more cash flow and connections with key people thanks to this simple cure.

Clear the entryway to your home. Let the chi (energy) flow right into your home and life by ridding your home’s front entry of obstacles. Such things as looming plants or vines, old newspapers, bikes and toys in your front path may limit the amount of energy entering your home. Clear out anything behind your door for even more benefits.

Make sure your home encourages learning. Put books where you can see them when you come in the front door to stimulate learning in both you and your children.

Get rid of unwanted frustrations by fixing broken objects. Make sure your front door is in good working order. It should not scrape the floor or squeak and the doorknob, hinges, and locks should all be secure. This cure allows you to release your frustrations and anxieties and soothes your life path.

Spice up your love life with plants in the bedroom. Place three or nine new plants in your bedroom to enliven the energy of the room, adding hope and cheer. (If the plants have pink flowers, this cure will be even stronger!)

Position your bed to feel safe, loved and great. Place your bed in the Commanding Position of your bedroom. This spot is the one farthest from the door but where you’re still able to see the doorway and anyone approaching while you’re lying in the bed. Placing your bed in the Commanding Position allows you to be stronger, calmer and in charge.

Block drains to keep dollars from draining out of your pockets. To keep your funds from being drained, keep your bathroom doors closed, hang full-length mirrors on the outsides of your bathroom doors, and keep your drains closed when not in use (cover the sink drain, stop the tub, and keep the toilet lid closed).

Encourage helpful people in your life by hanging a pleasant-sounding wind chime. The sound of a metal wind chime hung in the right-front area of your home, office, or bedroom activates more people to help you and gets you more help from the people who are already at your side.

Boost your career with a better desk position. Position your desk cater-corner to and facing the office or cube door (even if you do not actually have a door in your workspace). If you cannot turn your desk to face the door, arrange a mirror on your desk or wall so you can see who’s coming. This adjustment helps you encounter more opportunities, go further in your field and lose less often.

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Keeping Cool

As we head into summer keeping your home cool without running up the electric bill is always a challenge. It has a huge impact on the environment and can be pretty expensive! Let’ts take a look at some cost effective ways to keep the temperature down while reducing the environmental impact without raising your bill.

Thermostat

Investing in a good thermostat that is going to regulate the temperature of your home can make a huge difference. Even setting the temperature 1-2 degrees higher then you normally can help dramatically reduce the overall impact on the environment, and contribute to a lower annual cost. A programmable thermostat that can be accessed via WiFi can make it easy to manage when you are not even home. We are a fan of the Nest Thermostat. Nest learns the temperatures you like and programs itself in about a week. You’ll see the Leaf when you choose a temperature that saves energy. It guides you in the right direction.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance on your cooling equipment is a must! Changing filters, vacuuming canisters and getting a routine service will help catch any issue before the summertime season hits. If you have an older unit you may want to consider upgrading to a more energy efficient unit. The Dave Lennox Signature Collection is a great energy efficient unit with the added option of integrating solar panels into the system.

Air & Moisture Management

 The objective to air sealing is to reduce air exfiltration –heated or cooled inside air that is leaving the house.

The objective of water sealing is to eliminate water infiltration into walls, between floors and in the attic. With this objective met, your home will be free from mildew which will deteriorate the indoor air quality of your home.

Both of these objectives are met when the focus of our entire team is a quality built home.

Homeowners can save an average of 12% on their heating and cooling costs through air sealing alone.

These are just a few options to help with household cooling and heating while still promoting environmental conservation with the added bonus of reduced annual costs!

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Top 5 Bath Trends

The bathroom of today can be a place of indulgence and convenience. A getaway if you will. Keep up with the latest design elements and turn your bathroom in to a place of Zen and relaxation. Read on to find out the top five bathroom trends for 2016.

1. HIGH-TECH

Bath-time can be an experience for the senses with the option of built-in audio systems, chromatherapy (using mood-enhancing colors), or even tub-side refrigeration. Yes, it’s pretty funny actually.

Medicine Cabinet The latest medicine cabinets are spacious and temperature controlled for products that need to be kept chilled. They include magnetic panels for your nail clippers and tweezers. They also have a magnified mirror and USB power outlets for phones and mp3 players. We highly recommend the M-Series by Robern pictured here.

Shower

One simple electronic control - for one incredible shower. Check out this one from Kohlers. It features water pressure and temperature, chromatherapy, steam and a built in stereo system for singing in the shower.

BathTub and Television

This Whirlpool tub is amazing. A fully loaded massage bathtub, with air jet massage, water jet massage, heat pump, and a water-proof LCD monitor with remote. Its recessed neo-angle design enables you to add your own creative flare to your bathroom. Under-water Chromotherapy lighting changes the color of the water giving it a calming effect. 

  2. WATER-SAVING FIXTURES

Over the last several years, the government has issued water reduced toilets and faucets which have been welcomed by the public.

Low-Flow Toilet Several brand name companies make low flow toilets. A quick web search will give you a lot of information.

Hands-Free Faucet

Popular for so many years in restaurants and public restrooms. Why not have them at home too? 

Smart Shower

You’re thinking about some science fiction movie aren’t you? Actually a Smart Shower is the controlling of the amount of water used. But the sci-fi idea is cool too! Check out EvaDrop. It controls temperature and amount. Looks super cool too.

  3. SEAMLESS LOOKS

If you are like me, you love organizing and being neat. Hidden areas and keeping products out of sight allows for a clean, minimalist look, similar to that of a spa.

Hidden Toilet This bench toilet provides a decorative solution for hiding away the toilet. With a sliding wood panel, a powder room bench.

Whirpools

The amazing thing about this new trend of whirlpool tubs is that they are portable, lightweight and beautiful.

Now You See It, Now You Don't

Can it get better than this? A hidden storage cabinet in your bathroom. All your products, toiletries and toilet paper and towels all stored away from your vision. Nice and neat.

4. UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Walk-in tubs, hidden cabinets, and towel bars are not only functional, but they can be stylish too. Easy Bathing Walk-in tubs allow people with reduced mobility to enjoy bathing. Perfect for the elderly, great for kids, and everyone in between.

5. NATURE INSPIRED

Earth Tones

With trends in bathrooms getting a lot simpler, tiles and designs can offer a decorative backdrop. Nature-inspired designs, like this stone wall can take you away to a quiet, secluded place.

Being alone, outside in the woods is quite a peaceful feeling. People love to bring that feeling home with them. Earth tones are always a stylish trend every year. Decorate your bathroom with browns, greens, whites and blues. Add a lot of plants and you will immediately start to feel relaxed and happy.

All of these trends are inspiring, fun, and very efficient.

If you are ready to make changes to your home, contact us at Addition Building & Design. We are always ready to help you create your special place. Your Dreams Start Here!

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Low Maintenance Meets High Design

Everyone wants the best things in life, but with as little maintenance as possible. Low maintenance is a very desirable home feature. Beauty, however, will always rank supreme with homeowners. Favorites include Quartz countertops, which come in stunning designs without the upkeep of marble, granite, and other natural stones. Caesarstone’s marble-inspired Nobel Grey, and Cambria’s Roxwell (image), with its mix of gray dappled with white, black, and charcoal flecks.

Stainless steel is also getting a low-maintenance makeover from several major brands. KitchenAid’s black stainless steel (image) resists fingerprints better than traditional stainless and it’s a softer, warmer finish. GE’s new graphite finish for its Monogram Professional appliances is made through physical vapor deposition, or PVD, a process that promises exceptional strength and scratch resistance along with a rich luster we haven’t seen before. Stainless steel is a personal favorite.

Outdoor living products are also getting makeovers. If you’re creating a new exterior living space, check out the Trex Pergola (image), an outdoor structure made from cellular PVC with structural aluminum cores and stainless steel hardware. The easy-to-assemble pergola is available with a motorized canopy, providing instant sun and rain coverage to any deck or patio space.

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Home Design Trends & Industry Changers

Spacious kitchens to fit your unique lifestyle is becoming a huge game changer in home remodeling and renovation industry. We are starting to see a lot more personalization within the home in areas that traditionally were not custom made. Furthermore, the home of the future will be tailor made to suit your distinctive interest and be more universal for the individuals living in it. Below we discuss just a few of the biggest industry design changers we’re about to witness in 2016 and some ways you could incorporate these ideas into your home remodeling project.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Entertaining family and friends it is much more enjoyable when your home has a good flow between the indoor and outdoor areas, namely the backyard. To create this connection, many homeowners are opting for oversized glass doors that, when opened; remove the traditional division interior spaces and yards.

Design this space to include a flow of indoor-outdoor connectivity elements, such as a patio or deck that can easily be converted to a closed-off section for colder months of the year. It’ll increase the efficiency of any home.

Intimate outdoor gathering spaces, complete with outdoor fireplaces or fire pits and cozy seating, as well as low impact design featuring sustainable, green features are also trending right now. These spaces are geared toward smaller gatherings, as opposed to the extended family-size backyards of the past.

Personalize Your Ideal Space

A significant design consideration during the home remodeling process is deciding and personalizing unique and ideal spaces that incorporate your demanding lifestyle and offer potential uses. Homeowners are requesting as much customization as possible. Whether it is the latest technology, custom workspaces, or design with a unique edge, modifying your home to your lifestyle and needs is one way of making your home exceptional.  A new house is sort of a blank canvas. Choose a neutral color for your home, when the walls are already painted, you may be able to right away add in your ornamental touches while not a ton of work.

Although neutrals are invariably widespread, they don't show off your personality. If you are looking for a method to point out off just who you are, do not be afraid of color! Consider inserting some splashes into your living space by employing  great wallpaper on one wall that complements the neutral colors on the opposite walls, then repeating that pop of color in accessories like sofa cushions, design, a rug, and alternative decorating accessories. The end result is a creative room that you'll love to relax in.

Spacious Kitchen

It is a known fact that homeowners will usually spend more money on a kitchen remodel than any other room in the house. With amenities such as luxurious over sized islands, enormous pantries, and top of the line appliances, utilizing kitchen space and emphasizing design can dramatically change and update your kitchen space. Many kitchen renovations also include removing one of more of the walls that separate the kitchen from adjourning spaces, thereby creating a larger space to enjoy family and friends.

Small Homes and the Tiny Movement

The tiny home phenomenon, a movement centered on the counter cultural idea that it's better to live small than large, is taking a cue from the mega-mansion and embracing upscale amenities. Smaller homes are often more energy efficient because they have less space to heat and cool, which means they also have a lower ecological footprint. Many homeowners in the recent years have been looking to scale down and live comfortably in smaller spaces that are more practical.

All of these up and coming trends are inspiring, fun, and very efficient.

If you are ready to make changes to your home, contact us at Addition Building & Design. We are always ready to help you create your special place. Your dreams start here.

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Express Your Style - In Tile!

Here’s a roundup of the top 10 bathroom tile trends for 2016 we’ve been reading about. Let us know what you think.

1. Fragments and Kaleidoscopes Starting off our list of hot trends to look for in 2016 are rectangular and square shaped bathroom tiles. Arranging shapes such as triangles, pentagons and hexagons, you can create a kaleidoscope effect with your bathroom tiles.

2. Natural Stone Tiles and Mosaics Natural stone tiles and mosaics come in all shapes, such as triangles, hexagons, circles, ovals, and marquise. Natural stones with painted-on Mediterranean motifs are making a comeback in 2016. Traditional styles using hand-cut stone mosaics are gaining popularity. Some blended colors and shapes in stone make for a unique design.

3. Faux Finishes Faux finishes made to look like stone and wood are trending up right now. Among the most popular resemble barn wood, timber planking, parquet patterns and exotic hardwoods. Some mixed faux stone with faux wood in geometric designs. Porcelain companies used to focus on mastering the stone look but have now moved on to faux effects and finishes. Their details are highly realistic and precise, and the finishes and textures of the tiles more three-dimensional, to create an embedded, and natural-looking surface. This technology is used for the faux wood and alligator textures as well as some 3D designs that combine faux marble with other materials. Hexagons and triangles were everywhere, small and large, in earthy shades of cream, mocha, mud and charcoal, and materials from stone to glass to porcelain.

4. Porcelain Tiles Traditionally, porcelain tiles have been squares and rectangles, but todays styles include very large-format hexagons and triangles made a splash in both glossy and matt finishes, and in deep palettes such as tone-on-tone black, gray, blue and maroon. Grouts are used to accent these tiles, adding lines and dimensions.

5. Subway Tiles The most popular subway tile colors have are winter white, gray, and cobalt blue. Experts have been mixing tiles to create designs that remain timeless. Subway tiles are nothing new. They’ve been around for more than a century and are a demonstration of lasting elegance. Subway tiles are a perfect choice for the bathroom because they’re water resistant, attractive and durable and easy to clean.

6. Floral Designs Florals and creative designs are making their way into bathrooms in 2016—allowing homeowners to be creative and add a uniquely stylish, personal touch to the bathroom. Wall tile designs with floral patterns offer one of the most unique, artistic and interesting bathroom design trends. Floral designs will add a coziness and romantic charm to modern bathroom decor.

7. Modern Art Style Another porcelain trend, the Modern Art Style, borrows from early-20th-century movements such as Bauhaus, Cubism and Art Deco, as well as neoclassicism and postmodernism. These mostly geometric designs are still seen on floors and walls in fine older European buildings, but also work beautifully in today’s contemporary homes and especially in bathrooms.

8. Glass Mosaic Details can elevate a space from ordinary to elegant or from commonplace to unforgettable. Mosaics are more than little glass chips in a medallion. We’re used to traditional glass mosaics. The one-inch-square dimensions with pretty colors. Well now, new metallic finishes and unusual shapes are being used to make personalized patterns expanding the possibilities of combining glass and stone mosaics to create new designs and colors.

9. White Colors Or on second thought, go ahead. Black and White Bathrooms Are Trendy in 2016, As are White Alone Black and white makes a strong statement for 2016 bathrooms. In particular, trendsetters are doing interesting things with black and white bathroom tile. Black, gray and white is another interesting color combination we’ve been seeing a lot of. White is one of the top bathroom colors for 2016. White bathroom fixtures are in strong demand, as are white bathroom tiles and bath accessories as well. White is an outstanding color to use in your bathroom no matter what your style, whether it’s modern, contemporary, traditional or transitional.

10. Don't Be So Black & White-- Gray Bathrooms Are Trendy in 2016 Gray has been a trendy color for the past few years, and it’s still going strong for 2016. If plain gray or a combination of gray and white doesn’t do much for you, you can combine gray with just about any other color you might want to use in your bathroom. For example, we’ve been seeing a lot of gray and turquoise combinations around; this works because the grays being used are greenish-bluish-grays that complement the turquoise perfectly.

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It doesn’t have to consist of uniform strips laid parallel to the house. Here are four creative ways to make beautiful hardwood stand out. First, decide what kind of deck you want, what pattern you want and the overall look and feel you will be going for. Use an enlarged photo of the back of your home and sketch out ideas for how you envision your deck being laid out, including the railing and stairs. The railing is where you can really personalize your space with the small details.

Timing

Consider starting your deck project in the fall – contractors demands slow down and are more available during the fall months. It will have much less demand on your landscape as the cooler weather dries out the terrain making it easier to build.

PATTERN Angling the boards in a chevron pattern, as on this tigerwood deck, moves the eye toward the view. Hardwoods are suited to make diagonal patterns because of their stiffness. The transition boards make the pattern options endless while still allowing you to use shorts. Carry a chevron pattern across the whole deck, or use straight boards in some sections.  A subtle twist on the traditional deck pattern by using a transition board running perpendicular to the rest of the deck you can break up the monotony plus use shorter board lengths. This pattern is also perfect for creating separation between different areas of the deck. Use different colors or stains for the transition boards to make it a bit more interesting.

MULTIPLE LEVEL Multilevel decks can add architectural interest, provide space for multiple outdoor rooms, and reveal a backyard you never knew you had.  In multiple-level designs, the main level closest to the house typically serves as a large open-air grilling and dining area. Steps set on a diagonal play off the pattern in the upper deck while offering casual seating.

Curves & angles

Angles can be useful in decks when a simple reorientation adds so much depth to a space. In construction terms, angles are naturally more time consuming. On large sites, laying long lines takes time and skill when preserving a true line for each board makes the difference between a brilliant or average result. Curves are even more difficult to design, mark on site and deck out. As every board is cut differently we would usually lay the deck over the curved pattern, redraw on the deck and then use a saw to cut out the edge.

MIXED-WIDTH BOARDS Using different widths is an easy way to create a refined architectural look. . Using random width boards can give your outdoor decking the look and feel of interior flooring. However, avoid using overly wide or narrow boards, as the outdoor moisture levels will cause the boards to suffer and warp over time. Alternating between 6” and 4” boards is a good solid technique to work with and depending on the size of the deck, the pattern should have the right rhythm for the space.

FIRE PITS

When choosing your fire pit, be aware of the style of your home and or deck because the style of your outdoor space will determine whether or not the fire pit you choose will be the center of focus, or will seamlessly blend in with your deck and surrounding structures. You can go with a traditional fire pit, which is a stone fixture on your deck or a portable one which can be purchased and moved wherever you’d like. Whichever you choose keep safety at the forefront. Add inviting chairs and pillows so your friends and family can enjoy this new outdoor living space with you.

   Ref

http://www.mylandscapes.co.uk/10-top-principles-in-designing-garden-decking.htm

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9 Modern Kitchen Countertop Ideas. 2015

www.additionbuildingdesign.com

Mike Ross, CEO

AdditionBuildingDesign, INC.

Los Angeles, CA

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Farmhouse Sinks

Modern farmhouse kitchens continue to gain popularity with clients looking to remodel their home. Most of these kitchens revolve around a carefully chosen apron-front sink to serve as the centerpiece. They incorporate clean angles and contemporary design, and are an unexpected take on a classic. Farmhouse Sinks are borrowed from more rural times and now updated for the modern kitchen. To help simplify the process of choosing one, here are a few tips to help you pick out the perfect sink for your home.

Tip 1. The Basic Dimensions:

Farmhouse sinks are traditionally very deep, which translates into lost storage space below. Additionally, they can be anywhere between 20 - 36 inches wide! This means that anything you currently store below your kitchen sink will probably have to move...

Quick Tip - Add a corner pullout cabinet to create some added storage and space efficiency. 

If you just can’t give up any storage space in your kitchen but still want an apron-front sink, opt for a newer shallow option with the same visual appeal as the traditional apron-front sink, just not as deep. 

Like This:

Tip 2. Brace Yourself:

Farmhouse sinks are very heavy (some over 100 pounds), so make sure that you have the proper bracing to support its weight. Using your old frame from a lighter traditional sink, which weighs around 20-30 pounds, just won’t hold up and things will come down...

Additionally, some sinks are handmade which means that the dimensions can vary plus or minus 2%, Manufacturers recommend ordering custom-made cabinets. As a rule of thumb, the sink should be ordered first, then the cabinets built, that way everything can be built to fit perfectly! 

Tip 3. Material Options:

There are many different materials used for farmhouse sinks, and they all come with their own charm and benefits. 

Just to list a few:

-Copper, Fireclay, Stainless Steel, Slate, Granite, Acrylic, Fiberglass, Enamel over Cast Iron, Porcelain, Soapstone.

FYI - there are actually 2 types of farmhouse sinks with apron-fronts: (1) false farmhouse sinks (usually made of stainless steel) that create an apron effect with a separate piece, and (2) actual front-apron sinks that require the precise measuring to fit with cabinetry. The first is much easier to install, but obviously not as authentic. The latter type takes a bit more time and precision to install, but is the real deal. 

The material you choose for your sink is more of a personal preference, just make sure you know the nuances and care techniques for each.

Tip 4. Mounting Your Apron-Front Sink:

There are three different options for mounting:

1. Drop-In - This is where the rim sticks up over the counter and is caulked on the outside of the sink, revealing the entire profile of the sink 

2. Undermount - This is where the rim of the sink is mounted under the bottom surface of the counter

3. Integral - This is where your sink flawlessly blends in with your countertop (usually made of the same material as the countertop).

See the image below with an example of each:

Tip 5. Single or Double Bowl:

There are pros and cons to each, but this one is really just functional and personal preference. 

Conclusion:

This list really just scratched the surface of farmhouse / apron-front sinks, but its a great place to start. Of course if you want to learn more about farmhouse sinks, or want to see if one can be installed in your home, 

Send us an email here:

AdditionBuildingDesign.com

-Mike Ross, CEO

 Addition Building Design, Inc. 

 Los Angeles, CA

References:

http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2010/12/farmhouse_sink.php#.VaQLAZNVhBc

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14444996/list/Install-Your-Kitchen-Sink-for-How-You-Like-to-Cook-and-Clean

http://www.oldhousejournal.com/magazine/1490

http://www.bobvila.com/articles/apron-front-sinks/#.VaQeRpNViko

http://www.typesofkitchensinks.com/

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Wimbledon 2015. Private Tennis Court. 

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Clean Air

"Indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air quality in almost every case,” says William J. Calhoun, MD, professor of medicine and vice chair of the department of medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. This is because people spend more time indoors, with pets, kids, and other pollutants. Poor air quality can threaten your families health and comfort, so its important to ensure your home is well ventilated.

Avoid smoking indoors, install a carbon monoxide detector, and use Low VOC Paints. Paints can release trace amount of gases for months after use even if the smell is gone and appear fully set. VOC’s are volatile organic compounds and can include highly toxic chemicals. Be sure to open windows and use fans to help evacuate the fumes when you are painting in your home. It’s a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas in your home to help prevent illness. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poising may resemble the flu, but usually affect all members, including pets, in the home. This is an odorless gas that can have fatal results if not detected. Passive smoke is a risk factor for asthma in children and increases the possibility of a non-smoker developing lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Black mold is most likely to appear in areas of the home that are particularly warm, humid and damp. It is  identifiable by its color, whereas most other molds are green or gray in color, toxic black mold is a dark black. Black mold can cause an array of allergic reactions and health problems. Treating areas of existing mold growth should always be done while wearing mask rated for work with mold spores, and arms, legs and hands should be covered to prevent an allergic reaction.

Some additional tips to improve air quality:

Triple glazed windows, like the ones shown below, make a property airtight. Additionally, this particular home shown features a heat recovery ventilation system that removes stale air & any damp air & replaces it with clean filtered air. 

Clean, efficient fans and filters on dehumidifiers, furnaces, refrigerators, and other appliances allow them to function efficiently and can also reduce moisture in the air and minimize pollution in your house. Check filters monthly for optimal use.

Be sure air vents between the indoors and the outside aren’t blocked by snow, leaves, dirt, or other debris, depending on the season. Clean these often to allow proper usage and airflow.

Vacuum rear grills on refrigerators and freezers, and empty and clean drip trays to prevent mold growth.

Be diligent about fixing any plumbing leaks — even small drips can create favorable conditions for mold growth and affect air quality.

Clean clothes dryer exhaust ducts and vents regularly.

Install a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. You can make the air conditioner even more effective with a disposable HEPA filter.

Reduce dust by dusting often with a damp cloth or dust mop. Vacuum furniture, curtains, and rugs thoroughly once a week, with a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Certain houseplants, particularly those that require low amounts of light absorb airborne pollutants and improve indoor air quality. Also, adding a few plants around the home can be a decorative feature to brighten up the place as well.

Following some of these tips and guildines should help improve the air quality in your home. It is important to keep yourself and your family safe from pollutants, harsh chemicals, pet dander, mold and a variety of other things that can be found in the air.

Mike Ross, CEO

Addition Building Design, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA

Ref http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-home/clean-and-safe-home-air.aspx

[additionbuildingdesign]

Wood You Reclaim to Sustain?

Reclaimed wood is recycled lumber that mostly comes from demolished buildings like warehouses, barns or factories. We love it because you are essentially giving a second life to a material that would otherwise be sent to the trash. Plus, adding reclaimed wood to your interior is a quick way to add warmth and texture... Win-Win.

We advocated reclaimed wood, but please be cautious about where you sorce the wood. Materials from old structures could have lead paint or asbestos residue, so make sure to ask  your source about this before hauling home your trash-to-treasure. 

Once you made sure there are no potential problems, reclaimed wood will provide a structure that is gorgeous, strong, and durable since it is fully dried-out and seasoned. 

Mike Ross, CEO

Addition Building Design, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA

[additionbuildingdesign]

Live on The Edge!

Live Edge... sorry, we meant “live edge,” but living on the edge is cool too.

Live edge or natural edge is a style of furniture where the carpenter incorporates the natural edge of wood into the design of the piece. They often incorporate gnarly wood, such as alligator juniper, mesquite and salvaged wood that could not be used in conventional woodworking.

Best of all... they give a rustic feel to a contemporary space, and we love them!

Mike Ross, CEO

Addition Building Design, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA

AdditionBuildingDesign.com

[additionbuildingdesign]

What is the top way houses have changed since the 1970′s?

SIZE... The biggest way that newly built single family homes have changed in the last 40 years is its increase in square footage. The median area of a house built in 1973 was only 1,525 square feet... Compare that to 2014 where the median area of a new home has increased to 2,453 square feet. yeah.. a full 61% increase in size! 

Mike Ross, CEO

Addition Building Design, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA

AdditionBuildingDesign.com

[additionbuildingdesign]

hi i am Chinese. can you help me design my home.

Of Course! Do you live in the California Area?