December 2009

December 22, 2009

Kitchen Design 101

Dear Expert: Is there a good rule of thumb to follow when designing a kitchen?

A: It really depends on what you want to get out of your kitchen. Is it a kitchen for cooking in or just to show off? I believe that a good kitchen has good flow and function. Islands may be popular, but they are not as functional as “G” shaped kitchens. You want to avoid carrying anything from one surface to the other, so a continuous countertop will serve you best. The real rule of thumb is to understand how the space will be used 90% of the time and design for it.

—Michael Anschel, Principal
Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build
www.otogawa-anschel.com

Posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 15, 2009

Choosing Between Conflicting Bids

Dear Expert: We are planning to remodel our home and have been getting bids from remodelers, but the cost varies significantly between bids. How do we know who to chose?

A: This is a real problem in our industry today, made worse by websites that encourage the three bids philosophy without instruction on how to solicit bids. In order to compare the proverbial apple to another, you need a full set of plans and specifications that detail everything about the project. One way to avoid this situation is to work with a Design Build firm to develop a design and build your project within your budget. A word of caution about companies that don’t charge for design: You get what you pay for.

—Michael Anschel, Principal Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 8, 2009

Energy Audits Explained

Dear Expert: What is an energy audit and how can it benefit me?

A: An energy audit is done by a professional who uses a variety of diagnostic tools to evaluate areas in your home where energy is lost. For instance, many auditors will use a blower-door test to bring the interior of a home to an air pressure that is lower than the exterior. Using a smoke pencil or Infrared Thermal Camera, they look for areas where air is seeping into (or out of) the home…Where air leaves the home, energy goes with it. By determining where energy is lost, auditors can make recommendations about how to improve your home’s performance.

It’s very likely that you can work with your electric or natural gas supplier to arrange for this audit at... Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 1, 2009

Creating the Illusion of Space

Dear Expert: We have a small bathroom and no space to expand without taking away a bedroom. Do you have any suggestions on how we could make the room at least feel bigger?

A: There are a number of strategies you can employ to help your space feel bigger. Start by simplifying the space and eliminating busy and confining patterns. Look to divide the space using color and line in both paint and tile work. We often will cut a series of niches into the perimeter walls which both directs the eye and picks up some physical space. Pedestal sinks are popular because they let the eye travel below them, but you sacrifice storage. Consider a custom vanity that has tall legs so you can see under it. (Oh, and don’t install oversized mirrors!)
... Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0)