Custom Home articles from May 2003

Custom Home archives from May 2003

Wow! (Editor's Page).
May 1, 2003... WOW! Every time a new issue comes out, I send a copy off to my best friend, Janice. She gets a kick out of seeing CUSTOM HOME (I hope). And because she doesn't work in the building or publishing industries, her occasional remarks gives me a...

Judgment calls: take steps to make common sense more common. (Customer Service).
May 1, 2003... Castle Rock, Colo. A home buyer orientation is in progress. Let's listen in. Home Buyer: The driveway and the sidewalk to the front porch have footprints in the concrete. Orientation Rep: There is no warranty standard for footprints in...

Changing times: when the future looks fickle, fall back on fundamentals. (Case Study).
May 1, 2003... Have staff members spend time studying the workmanship, standard features, and options in your homes. Trades and suppliers are usually willing to provide workshops to help build your staff's' technical knowledge. Arrange field tours to your own...

Problem solver or crisis manager? It's a matter of style. (Strictly Business).
May 1, 2003... There are three types of managers I consistently run into in the building companies I work with: the crisis manager, the problem solver, and the problem preventor. In many companies, one manager may even claim all three styles. The crisis...

Spread the word: ten low- or no-cost marketing ideas. (The Top Line).
May 1, 2003... The benefits of publicity are enormous. As more and more people know about your company, what its product or service is, and how it can benefit them, your chances of acquiring new clients spike dramatically. The challenge for small businesses...

Window seats. (Trend Lines/Custom Touches).
May 1, 2003... "Built-ins make even a very simple room fantastic," says Seattle-based architect Mike Mora . Whether a room has a knock-out view of the ocean or just overlooks the back yard, an integrated chair or bench provides the perfect perch for taking in...

Easy listening: the hard disk is shaping the future of home entertainment. (The Wired House).
May 1, 2003... Goodbye VCR and compact disc changer. Hello personal video and audio recorders. The category is so new and amorphous there's still not a uniform acronym to identify it, but hard disk recorders for TV and music are quietly revolutionizing the...

Matrix mania. (Trend Lines/The Wired House).
May 1, 2003... Interior designer Lezlie Trujillo gets a lot of requests for themed home theaters. "When you have a dedicated theater room, the client often already has a concept for it," she says. In this case the client asked for a room based on the...

Maine exposure. (Trend Lines/Great Rooms).
May 1, 2003... "I lived in a loft in New York City and loved not having walls press in on me," says architect Scott Simons of his self-designed house with its cavernous multipurpose room that frames views of his wooded Yarmouth, Maine, property. "I wanted...

Mark your calendar: important upcoming events. (Trend Lines/Events).
May 1, 2003... June 17-20, Pacific Coast Builders Conference. Moscone Center, San Francisco. For information call 800.956.7469 or visit www.pcbc.com. * Sept. 3-7, Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association EXPO. Indianapolis Convention Center and...

Geometry lesson: design with a definite point of view. (On Site).
May 1, 2003... The striking house overlooking a bend in Northern Virginia's Occoquan River was no job for a builder whose repertoire was limited to the area's typical five over four and a door. The home's design, in fact, isn't typical in any way: Its form is...

Fly away. (New Products for Custom Homes).
May 1, 2003... The wingz-like lever handle of the Ectos faucet is made of tempered glass. The Ectos is available in chrome with matte chrome handle: chrome with daVinci satin glass handle: and InfinityFinish satin nickel with daVinci blue satin glass handle....

Air control. (New Products for Custom Homes).
May 1, 2003... Air Control The aerotech oven uses a microprocessor and electronic controls to ensure that temperatures maintain more constant levels. The oven has a brushed stainless steel exterior and a Blue Diamond porcelain interior, 13 shelf positions, 10...

Fresh linen. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Habitat tiles recreate the appearance of natural linen fabric in a lightweight glazed porcelain tile. The through-color tiles are available in blue (shown), sand tobacco, and ochre, Diago. 305.446.4378. www.tilespain.com. Circle 155 ...

Cool coatings. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... A collection of 496 colors, C2 interior paints provide light-fast and fade-resistant coverage, says the maker. Using a 16-colorant European tinting system, premium raw materials, and engineered rheology, the maker provides 18-inch-by-24-inch...

Twist and turn. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Uni-Dine suspended seats for counters and bars are constructed of heavy-duty steel components and cantilevered frames and are available in single or double seat configurations. Seats come in brass, chrome, stainless steel, pewter; and...

Tiny tiles. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Venecia white body mosaic series tiles come in a 12-inch-by-12-inch solid tile that simulates the appearance of mosaic. Each tile is scored to create the look of individual pieces and features grout lines. Venecia is available in ochre, blue,...

Toasty toes. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Installed between tile or wood surfaces and subflooring, new 220-volt radiant heating mats are wired to a thermostat that allows homeowners to set floor temperatures and heating schedules. A range of standard sizes is available, as well as...

Frosty glow. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Andorra pendant (shown), sconce, ceiling, and linear flourescent fixtures feature a satin finish acrylic cowl in a range of jewel tones and a satin white or satin-etched clear acrylic shade that frosts white when it is lit. The fixtures have...

Fiery design. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Hand-carved fireplace surrounds in unfinished solid maple and cherry-finished solid mahogany are crafted from a single piece of wood in historical and classical designs. Detailed, deep-relief designs decorate each piece. Architectural Products...

Pretty porcelains. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Entrance and rosette sets, cabinet knobs, and door pulls in the La Porcelaine line feature hand-forged steel components decorated with Limoges porcelain trim in a variety of colors. Bouvet. 415.864.0273. www.bouvet.com. Circle 162 ...

Airing out. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Based on patterns used in a 1976 Smithsonian exhibit, belt-driven rims feature blades in a variety of wood species and colors with bronze, aluminum, or iron metal fittings. Custom colors are also available. Air flow can be regulated by...

Eastern art. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... The cylindrical Meridian ceiling-mount light fixture is made of horizontal and vertical wood frames, a nickel accent, and a choice of several of the maker's shade options. Walnut, cherry (shown), and maple woods are available. The Snowflake...

Wild bamboo. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Leon Krier door pulls are constructed of solid brass and feature handles with ridges inspired by bamboo. Krier pulls are available in gold, satin chrome, and a new rustic finish. Valli & Valli. 212.326.8811. www.vallievalli.com. Circle 166 ...

Clean and serene. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... The Serenity Plus central vacuum system now incorporates the maker's Air Watts series motor, a self-cleaning filtration system, and the Secure Seal system that provides a tight seal between the motor and collection receptacle. Beam Industries....

Color coordinated. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Satin colors are available on dimmers, controls, wallplates, and accessories. Each series features a theme: saturated colors for Vibrato: earthy shades for Piedra; watery shades for Lustra; and neutrals for Classico. Lutron. 800.523.9466. www....

Stone age. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... The Concetto line of quartz surfacing incorporates semiprecious stones such as turquoise, jasper, and carnelian in six patterns and colorations. The material can be used for countertops, vanity tops, and furniture surfaces. Caesarstone....

Ambient light. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Made of solid pine or pine veneers, interior doors feature light designs using clear, etched, and mirrored safety-tempered glass. All doors come 6 feet 8 inches high and in several widths. Pre-hung jamb kits also are available. Ambiance....

Closet coordination. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Web-based design of closet organization components features shelves, drawers, and hutches manufactured of melamine panels available in several wood finishes. ProClosets. 877.289.2776. www. proclosets.com. Circle 171 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Old metal. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Patine tarnished copper tiles come in three patterns and are available in decos, dots, runners, and square field tiles for floors or walls. Each file's finish is protected with two layers of lacquer. Walker-Zanger. 877.611.0199....

Lava flow. (Interior Products).
May 1, 2003... Pyrolave enameled volcanic lavastone is impact- and scratch-resistant and available in more than 5,000 colors. It can be used both indoors and outdoors for applications such as countertops, floors, walls, and decorative motifs. New pale shades,...

Capacious compartments. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... The 30-inch commercial-style Epicure dishwasher can clean up to 20 place settings at once. Featuring adjustable racks, covered utensil compartments, and upper rack shelves that fold out for double stacking, the Epicure has nine wash levels and...

'20s revival. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... A classically styled bridge kitchen faucet, the Hommage 1922 is a redesign of an original 1922 faucet. Made of brass, the faucet is available with two spout sizes and in chrome and Splendure brushed nickel finishes. KWC Faucets. 877.592.3287....

Smooth edges. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... The Insink stainless steel integrated sink is designed exclusively for the maker to mount flush with the surface of a Silestone quartz countertop. Three models are available: single and double basin, and an offset model with a full-sized and...

Polished appearance. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... Available in stainless steel, brass, copper, or combinations of these metals, the Craftwork range hood features mirror-polished and brushed finishes, a hand-set rivet line, a scalloped breast plate, an offset bottom apron, and a rounded shape....

Paper products. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... Created primarily of paper, Richlite Surface offers the appearance of natural soapstone in four new colors. The maker says Richlite withstands moisture. extreme temperatures, and heavy use, and can be machined like wood. Ranier Richlite Co....

Exotic doors. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... Several exotic wood species are now available on the maker's veneered cabinetry door styles, including figured English sycamore, zebra wood, pomele sapele, figured anigre, block mottle makore (shown), and quilted maple Crystal Cabinet Works....

Automatic cleaning. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... The D3530 dishwasher's Auto Wash program uses sensor to determine the correct temperature, cycle, and drying time for each load of dishes. PowerZone nozzles target sections for pots and utensils. Asko. 800.898.1879. www.askousa.com. Circle 446...

Hammer time. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... Copper Specialty sinks in hammered, minor, or satin finishes are available in oval, round, and rectangular shapes. Constructed of 18-gauge copper, the sinks come in drop-in and undermount models. Elkay. 630.574.8484. www.elkay.com. Circle 448...

Nouveau finish. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... New door styles have been added to the Impressions Nouveau cabinetry series, part of the Millennia collection of frameless doors. Vertical-grain hemlock, pearl, and honey beech doors can be combined with custom edge banding treatments. Canyon...

Soft stone. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... Custom kitchen sinks and countertops crafted from natural soapstone come in a soft shade of charcoal. Several sink configurations are available, including large or small single-bowl and double-bowl styles. Green Mountain Soapstone,...

Fresh air. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... The Arcevia wall-mounted range ventilation hood features a stainless steel body with a glass hood accent. A three-speed, 400-cfm blower moves air and smoke out of the kitchen, and two halogen lights illuminate the workspace. Eurotech...

Sleek performer. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... The 2-cubic-foot Professional series microwave oven features 13 sensor settings that automatically adjust to cook different foods at the correct power level, says the maker. Trim kits for built-in installations are available. Viking,...

Sparkling diamonds. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... Ebony, white, and natural wood diamond-shaped inlays are now available as accents to cabinet edges, doors, drawers, vertical columns, turned legs, and pilasters on most of the maker's custom cabinetry styles. Quality Custom Cabinetry....

All curves. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... A member of the maker's Beluga family of faucets, the New Horizon features a curved stick handle and a matching side spray. The faucet comes in 10 different finishes. Whitehaus Collection. 800.527.6690. www.whitehauscollection.com. Circle 451...

Zoom action. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... A telescoping cook and grill center, the Zoom II cooktop features a recessed glass ceramic cooking surface that zooms out for use and retracts when not in use. A glass ceramic grilling surface is located on the upper level. Kuppersbusch USA....

Primitive entrance. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Cast from solid bronze with pitting, Remington entry sets display a handcrafted appearance in three finishes: silver and light and dark bronze. Emtek Products. 800.356.2741. www.emtekproducts.com. Circle 420 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Light as a feather. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Harditrim 1-inch-thick fiber-cement exterior trim weighs less than traditional 3/4-inch trims, is easy to cut and nail. and offers the same performance properties as the company's other fiber-cement products, says the maker. The trim comes in...

Shake it up. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Manufactured with recycled rubber and plastic, Seneca cedar shake tiles offer the traditional appearance of wood shakes in a lightweight alternative, says the maker. Seneca tiles are available in nine colors and in random widths of 6, 9, and 12...

Like slate. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Offering the look of slate with the durability of a super-laminated asphalt shingle, the Berkshire collection of shingles and matching hip and ridge accessories is available in seven natural-slate colors and five designer colors. Owens Corning....

Country colors. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Old Country Fieldstone stone veneer can be laid horizontally or randomly, with standard, tight, or wide mortar treatments. Five colors are available: Chardonnay, Piedmont, Riviera, Romana, and Tudor. Cultured Stone. 800.255.1727....

i opener. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... New idrive computer-driven garage door opener mounts to the wall directly above door. When activated, a spring tube operates the door, eliminating the need for a chain, screw, or belt-drive mechanism. Eliminating these mechanisms provides quiet...

Banner waving. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... The Classic Directions copper banner weather vane features red and amber colored stained glass inserts and is available in both polished copper and verdigris copper. The weather vane measures 25 inches by 23 1/2 inches. Whitehall Products....

Aussie style. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Milled from salvaged Australian Jarrah wood, Walkabout decking is naturally rot- and insect-resistant, says the maker. This densely grained hardwood's coloring varies from dark brown to deep purple. Pioneer Millworks. 800.951.9663....

Brassy highlights. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... The company has added aged brass antique finish to its Estate Lock collection. A matte lacquer protects the finish. Shown is the Richland handleset. Baldwin Hardware. 800.566.1986. www.baldwinhardware.com. Circle 428 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Lay low. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Liberty Classic Stone molded pavers are lightweight, install like brick, and reproduce the look of natural stone. Pavers are available in six colors. Boral Bricks. 800.526.7255. www.boralbricks.com Circle 430 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Metal magic. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... The Titan line of metal roofing is available in shake, modern tile, and smooth SnapLock panels and standing seam panels (shown here). Ultra-Cool coatings, which meet Energy Star specs for cool roofs, are now available in 24 colors on the...

Grand entrance. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Luster-Metl Apollo cast glass doors are constructed with a solid fiberglass core and are surfaced with metal with cast glass inserts in a wide array of designs. Shown is the pewter finish with a floral glass insert. Other available metal...

Active ventilation. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Solar-powered Solar Star attic fans actively ventilate attics to maintain low humidity and temperatures and help prolong the life of a home's roof, says the maker. The Solar Star's fan is powered by photovoltaic panels mounted to the surface of...

Stony surface. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Realistic architectural stone veneers can be used to face retaining or garden accent walls, as well as any other exterior or interior wall. Available in 44 colors and many profile styles. Eldorado Stone. 800.925.1491. www.eldorado stone.com....

New view. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... The Tilt window features concealed jamb liners, routed sash lifts, and a flush-mounted tilt-latch system. It is available in wood and aluminum clad. Weather Shield Windows & Doors. 800.477.6808. www. weathershield.com. Circle 435 ...

Rainbow hues. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... Ten architectural baked-enamel color frames are now available on the maker's full line of skylights to provide a seamless roof appearance. New colors include bone white, brick red, black, Hartford green, aged copper, and Quaker bronze, among...

Saturated stain. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... The fiber-cement Sierra premium shake now comes stained as well as primed. Available wood stains are mahogany, maple, redwood, and cedar. The maker says the stains are applied to bring the shake's cedar-like grooves into high definition....

Hardwood accent. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... The maker's pre-assembled Architectural deckrail is now available in solid mahogany, in addition to Western red cedar. The mahogany rails offer low porosity and a tight grain, and they can be either stained or left unfinished. Woodway Products....

Victorian essence. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The Heirloom suite includes two pedestal lavatories made of vitreous china and supported by a fluted column. The 26-by-22-inch lavatory is available in 4- and 8-inch centers and the 22-by-18-inch lavatory comes with 4-inch centers. Briggs....

Ergonomic jets. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The Sydney oval drop-in whirlpool spa measures 60 inches by 42 inches and features the maker's ergonomically placed hydrologic water therapy jet system. Microban antimicrobial protection inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria, the maker says....

Under pressure. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The ShowerSpa showerhead features 68 or 86 spray holes. Available in chrome, satin nickel, and 18-karat gold finishes, the showers are mounted on a curved arm and operate at standard water pressure. Alsons. 800.421.0001. www.alsons.com. Circle...

Sans Serif. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The vitreous china, self-rimming Serif lavatory basin has an elliptical shape with a flared rim. Sized for smaller countertops or vanities and with a 5-inch depth, the Serif lavatory is available in single, center-set, 4-inch. or wide-spread...

Beautiful basin. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The Clarita basin from the Artistry in Ceramics weathered collection is available in a wide variety of finishes, including wild bronze, shown here. The surface-mounted basin measures 7 3/4 inches deep. Bates and Bates. 800.726.7680....

Spin cycle. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The 7-inch Spinner in Circle showerhead features an outer ring that spins and expels water while the five-head center rotates. The showerhead is available in chrome or brushed nickel. Danze. 877.530.3344. www.danze-online.com. Circle 461 ...

Living with Lalique. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... Made of solid brass, finished in gold, sterling silver, and bronze. Metropolis faucets have insets of Lalique crystal. The design is engraved on square knobs of carved Cuban mahogany and solid brass. THG Paris. 954.425.8225. www.thgusa.com....

Half moon. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... Combining the company's new stainless steel Rondo sink with a cultivated teakwood top, the Atlantique Contemporary vanity is cut in a semi-circle and has a perforated stainless shelf underneath. The wood top is waterproofed with a polyester...

Vintage basin. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The Vintage console lavatory, model No. 710, measures 28 inches wide, 22 inches deep, and 34 inches tall. Made of vitreous porcelain, the lavatory features two legs and a backsplash, and is available in white. Sunrise Specialty. 510.729.7277....

Vanity fair. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... Made of furniture-quality solid oak, the Newport vanity has a freestanding appearance and features a slightly bowed front and dark ebony finish. Topped with a white china basin, the vanity has two doors with frosted insets. Hastings Tile & Il...

Expose. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The Stratford tub filler with hand-held shower features a totally exposed piping system, and is also available in wall-mount and floor-mount styles. The Stratford comes in more than 35 finishes. Watermark Designs. 800.842.7277....

So sleek. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... Constructed of solid brass with ceramic-disc valves, the Soho lavatory faucet is available in polished chrome, satin chrome, and the maker's brushed nickel Everbright finish. Docol Faucets. 888.277.2634. www.docolfaucets.com. Circle 467 ...

Woodland style. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The Cerine toilet is made of 16-gauge stainless steel and features a wood-paneled. 1.6-gpf tank. A variety of wood paneling options are available. and coordinating lavatories, and tub also are offered. Neo-Metro Collection. 800.591.9050....

Glassy eyed. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... Iridescent, and non-iridescent 1-inch-by-1-inch glass tiles are molded with a handcrafted texture. Loom by Bisazza tiles are netted in 12-inch-by-12-inch sheets and come in six colors Ann Sacks. 800.278.8453. www.annsacks.com. Circle 471 ...

Ocean jewel. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... Made of scratch-, stain-, and thermal-shock-resistant glass, the self-rimming Oceana countertop sink is available in clear as well as pearlescent colors, including gold shown here. The sink measures 17 inches by 19 inches and has 4-inch faucet...

Smooth finish. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... The Jamestown collection of bath accessories includes a towel bar. towel ring, and paper holder, and is made of die-cast zinc. The collection is available in a satin nickel finish as well as in 10 other finishes. Franklin Brass. 310.885.3200....

Great finds: product report from the field.
May 1, 2003... Mitch Handman R.C. Legnini, Malvern, Pa. The tool that has most changed the way custom builder and remodeler Mitch Handman does business in the past year is the same little gizmo that is changing the way we all take, save, and share...

Paint by stone. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).
May 1, 2003... Lodestar Statements in Stone proprietor Stewart Ritwo uses a palette of 75 semiprecious stones to create custom mosaic designs for floor medal lions and borders, wall panels, countertops and backsplashes, vanity tops, and furniture tops. ...

Catch the wind. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).
May 1, 2003... As a young, weather vane craftsman Anthony Holand of Tuck and Holand spent his summers on a farm teaching himself how to weld scrap metal pieces together into found-art objects. Now Holand's clients frequently come to him with their own ideas...

Turning heads. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).
May 1, 2003... The woodworkers at Pagliacco Turning & Millwork specialize in historic restoration of solid wood architectural components. Using a catalog of traditional patterns as a starting point, or designing a piece from the ground up, Pagliacco's staff...