New Green Products

I came across these products in my research for an upcoming project for a client. We are all looking for ways to be greener and these items all fit that bill.

Ecodrain - The EcoDrain shower heat exchanger warms cold water in the home's supply line with grey water from the shower. Installed directly under the shower, the devise uses a turbulator to stir the waste water in order to maximize heat exchange. Two walls of separation between fresh water and grey water ensure the two sources will not mix. According to the manufacture, their studies show the product can save 46 percent of the energy used in a typical shower.

Rainwater Hog - The Rainwater Hog makes harvesting water easier with a versatile, modular system of compact units that can be used individually or together in previously unheard of spaces. The 47-gallon units can be installed verticall or horizontally and are narrow enough to fit along small walkways, against walls, or under a deck. Their modularity allows for gradual unit expansion and use in multiple locations.

Perfect Flush - Brondell a manufacturer of environmental friendly toilet related products is launching it's new product, Perfect Flush. The aftermarket unit equips existing toilets with dual-flush technology. The two-button control fits nearly all existing toilets and can be installed in less than 30 minutes (according to the manufacturer- our plumber has yet to install one) The device can be adjusted to change the amount of water used in a half flush and also can alter the amount of water a toilet uses in a full flush. Its batteries last about two years. Perfect Flush will be available in January of 2009.

Kitchen Design

I have been working with three different clients in Carefree to get designs completed for their kitchen remodeling projects. GW Custom Homes Remodeling Division is helping clients design new kitchens with our latest architectural rendering software. This tool has given us the ability to help our clients design their kitchen in a virtual world. Making changes on the fly, simulating acutal views within the house and utilizing manufactures libraries of the latest appliances and finish selections are just a couple of the unique items we can accomplish with this powerful tool.

Sub-Zero and Wolf have recently published a new set of web based videos that display great design and showcase their products. The Trade Videos, as they are called are a great resource for someone looking for great design ideas.

Circle G Ranch - Project Update

I am a week behind in posting this update. Had to send my camera into the shop to get cleaned. Thank you Tempe Camera! Great work on cleaning my Nikon D-70. Didn't want to post with out update photos.....

The project in Circle G Ranch was delayed for a week when the neighbor informed us that the addition was not being built within the limits of the lot set-backs. Even thought this project required a variance from the City of Tempe (#ZUP08077), and the city approved the project, we were delayed a week so that a complete boundary survey of the property could be completed. As expected, the placement of the new structure was right were the plans called for and the neighbor ended up loosing six or so inches of what they thought was their property line.

Footers and stems were poured last week and the slabs will be poured this week. Framing will start on the entry, bedroom and garage additions the week of Thanksgiving. We will be able to make up our week lost to the neighbor's complaint by expediting the framing.