Circle G Ranch Project Update

Until today, we were ahead of schedule on the addition project in Circle G Ranch in Tempe. With the rain scheduled for the next three days, we will have to postpone further work until next week. We will install windows & skylights next week and the roof will get dried in. Framing on the existing house to tie into the new structure will commence once the house is dried in. As you can see from the progress photos, we didn't waste anytime to get the new structure framed.

New Front Elevation, inclusive of four car garage, entry tower, office and two bedrooms

Tie-in of existing roof line with new bedroom

New four car garage

Original entry to be removed

New entry tower

Hands-Free Kitchen Faucets.......COOL!

Last summer we had a client ask us to retrofit their existing kitchen sinks with foot pedal controls for their kitchen faucets. Something you might see in your doctor's office, or a lab but not very common in a residential kitchen. I was doing some new product research and came across these great new hands-free kitchen faucets that don't operate with foot pedals...

Kohler. The Wellspring Touch less hands-free beverage faucet incorporates Tripoint technology, a sensing system that mimics that of an auto-focus camera, measuring the distance between the user's hands and the faucet for accurate activation and less likelihood of false activation. Homeowners can manually set the temperature for cold drinking-water delivery; the unit also can be connected to an under counter filtration system. The faucet is available in a range of traditional and contemporary styles, and in several finishes. 800-456-4537. http://www.us.kohler.com/.

Delta. Utilizing Touch2O technology, the Pilar pull-down kitchen faucet turns on and off via a tap on the spout or handle. The unit, which also operates manually, includes a handle to adjust flow rate and temperature. An indicator light identifies when the technology is activated and when batteries need to be replaced. The faucet features a 360-degree-swivel high-arc spout, a two-function pull-down spray head, and Diamond Seal technology that eliminates leaks and drips. 800-345-3358. http://www.deltafaucet.com/.

Danze. The Parma Dual kitchen faucet operates manually or via a hands-free sensor. The unit turns on when hands are placed in front and turns off when hands appear a second time; homeowners can program it to turn off automatically after a set period of time. The contemporary-style unit features clean lines and comes in polished chrome or stainless steel. 877-530-3344. http://www.danze.com/.

Brizo. The Pascal Culinary faucet offers two forms of hands-free operation—touch control or an electronic sensor—as well as manual operation by pulling on the high-arc spout. Temperature and flow can be adjusted via a single-handle valve. The technology shuts off the faucet within two seconds of the hand or object being removed from under the spout. A push-button diverter behind the spout switches the flow from spray to stream. The unit is battery-operated, but it may be hardwired. It comes in polished chrome and stainless steel. 877-345-2749. http://www.brizo.com/.

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.

Circle G Ranch Custom Home Addition & Remodel - Tempe, AZ

GW Custom Homes Remodeling Division has started work on a new project in Circle G Ranches in Tempe. This project consists of adding two secondary bedrooms and a new garage to the existing home, built in 1979. The new plans were designed by Tessa Jones at The Phactory in Tempe. The project started this week and the first phase is scheduled to be complete in late January. I will post updates of the project so please check back on our progress.

Master Bath Remodel / Carefree, AZ

GW Custom Homes is putting the finishing touches on a master bath remodel for the new owners of a home in Carefree. The house on Stagecoach Pass is nearly 30 years old. Prior to the current owners purchasing the house, the previous owners had added an attached guest house. Other than this new addition, the house was in original condition and was showing it's age.

In early August, the homeowner contacted GW Custom Homes via our website indicating that they were moving from New York to the house in Carefree this October. He indicated that they were interested in having the master bath remodeled and wanted it completed prior to their moving in.

The team at GW Custom Homes Remodeling Division went to work and quickly prepared a budget for this project. The owner agreed to travel from New York to Carefree to make all of the necessary selections for the project and finalize the scope of work. By the end of August, the owners had finalized the project scope, completed the selections and signed a contract for GW Custom Homes to complete the work. It was understood that their moving truck would be arriving the last week of October and the house needed to be ready to move into.

The project was completed the third week of October, inclusive of add-ons that the owner had requested and a complete electrical service change which was necessary to bring the house up to code.

Below are photos of the original condition as well as update photos from the second week of October. Final photos will follow next week.

Original Master Tub

Original Master Vanity

Original Master Bath

Original Water Closet (Converted to New Shower)

New Master Bath Underground Plumbing

New Master Vanity

New Master Tub

New Master Shower