Today, we’ve got a special guest post for you from Ron Mulick, President of Mulick Construction and Design, Inc. Mulick Construction and Design is a CalFinder certified, full-service architectural design and build firm for new homes, additions, remodels, and site improvements. Ron’s article will help you get the most from your remodeling plans, demonstrating how a good set of plans can save you money and help you differentiate one contractor’s services from another. He also defines two different types of plans and goes over the language and specifications to look out for. If you plan to remodel soon, this article may help you streamline the process! Here’s Ron’s post:

…continue reading Why Do I Need A Detailed Set of Plans?

The term eco consultant is relatively new. According to Jim Simcoe, there was only one other eco consultant in the U.S. when he first started. Today, there’s a whole lot of “green” info out there. If you need direction on where to start, you’re not alone. Jim says this is the most common reason why he’s hired. “People need help cutting through the green washing in the media and want real world recommendations based on their specific situation,” Jim says.

What’s one of the biggest problem areas in the home? Jim says it’s wasting water.

“The biggest problem area I see in most homes is the use of water, period. Water is a finite resource and the way we use it as a society is akin to ordering a pizza, taking one bite, and throwing the whole thing away.”

So what can you do to start saving water easily and immediately? Jim recommends installing low-flow fixures, such as showerheads, sinks, or toilets, and purchasing energy efficient appliances like dishwashers and clothes washers. When using a low-flow showerhead, for instance, you will not notice the difference in pressure but you will use up to 50 percent less water. Jim recommends the Oxygenics showerheads or purchasing a “bare bones” fixture at Home Depot for $10.

In addition, Jim says that simply being mindful helps conserve a lot of water. “Most people aren’t mindful of the fact that 2 ½ gallons per minute come out of that sink while you brush your teeth.”

Jim makes 5 other recommendations to start living more sustainably, starting today. They are: …continue reading Green Wednesday: Eco Consultant Jim Simcoe Helps Homeowners