Attic Build-Out - In the Making

Here's a sneak peek at an attic build-out we've been working on.  This will become a large master suite with vaulted ceilings, and equipped with a bathroom and closet.  Check back for final pictures when we're done.

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Wait...Before Throwing Old House Stuff Away - Think Repurposing!

Over the years, we have accumulated quite a bit of old house parts and miscellaneous stuff from our various projects. More often than not, we think about just throwing them out because there's simply not enough space to store all of these things.

Then, we come across some inspirational photo that demonstrates such a great use of old or odd bits and pieces of stuff for a house project that reminds us again to think "repurpose" first before congesting our landfills with more garbage.

So, here they are...a few photos to inspire you to think of ways to repurpose house stuff - for artwork or new functions for your next house project.

Old Doorknobs - Use as Hooks
Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy

Old Window/Door - Use as Art
Photo Credit: Cote de Texas

Old Table - Use as Vanity
Photo Credit: Cote de Texas

Old Wooden Bucket and Relief - Use as Container/Art
Photo Credit: Karin Blake

Do you have a piece you've been saving and would like to use it for a future project?  Give us a call and see how we may be able to assist you with this.

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Concrete Driveway with Brick Herringbone Center Strip

Just completed!  A new concrete driveway with a brick herringbone pattern ribbon strip down the center of the driveway and a brick side door step for an adorable vintage home in Floral Park.  The driveway came close to a whopping 90 ft.

Below are a few IN PROGRESS and AFTER pictures.

A few IN PROGRESS Pictures 

A few AFTER Pictures
(concrete is still curing)

To see more exterior work we've done, click here to go to the Exterior under the Project Photos section.

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
inf@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Back to Basics - Commentary on Traditional Building and Older Neighborhoods

Through one of the email groups we belong to, we received an email containing Peter Miller’s commentary from a recent Builder Show in Las Vegas.  Peter Miller is the President of Restore Media LLC and publisher of Period Homes Magazine.

Photo Credit: historicevansville.com

We were enlightened by some of the comments he made of traditional building, hinting at going back to time-honored building styles of the early 1900’s.  For us “traditional builders,” we’ve carved a niche by specializing in old house renovations, working primarily in historic neighborhoods.  If you look past the charm and beauty of these traditional (vintage) homes, what you actually get is a closer community – neighbors who actually sit on their porches and talk to you as you walk by; a livable house that is “used” - no more extraneous space such as game rooms, loft spaces, etc. that may go for months without being visited; and true craftsmanship – afterall, they have withstood the test of time.   For us, it is more than the love of this type of building, but a contribution on our part to preserve what remains of these types of communities.

So, thank you Peter Miller for this commentary.  It’s refreshing to hear like-minded people out there who understand and support the needs of traditional building professionals like us.

Excerpt:

…there were a few seminars about building smaller more efficient houses, with local materials, well sited to the climate with design features that save energy, like over hanging eves, operable windows and front porches…Builder magazine, the official magazine of the NAHB featured it's annual "Concept House," which, for the first time in recent memory is a traditional building. The Concept House has the right proportions, a steep gable roof, shutters and clapboard, porches and an interior plan where the rooms actually get used. It was designed by Marianne Cusato, an architect who is frequently published in our own PERIOD HOMES. The "Concept House" with a few modern modifications, is the same house built 100 years ago in small towns and close in suburbs across America. It is back to the future.

                                                                                                                  

Boomers, echo boomers and immigrants comprise most of the home buying market. While each group has different priorities, these consumer demands are consistent across the board: they want smaller, urban, energy efficient homes, well appointed, within walking distance to work, schools, shops and restaurants. They want houses in close-in neighborhoods. And while they crave new technologies, especially work at home connectivity, they prefer houses "like the one their grandmother lived in."

My conclusions about the news, trends and ideas from this year's International Builder Show are these: the "reset button" is on. We are all trying to figure out what to do next amidst the conflicting, often contradictory advice we get from the experts. We start a new decade as uncertain as the last. We are afraid because we do not know what's next or what to do about it.

Here is what is certain: our past. For 300 hundred years we built houses and neighborhoods which served our needs, not our fantasies. Cities worked. Close in suburbs worked. Sidewalks connected us, as did public squares, small town post offices, neighborhood schools and our work places nearby.

Photo Credit: Downtown Fullerton

These places stand now, durable, organically efficient and proud. They stand in places where people want to be. They bring us together and represent certainty in uncertain times. These places need ongoing restoration and renovation as well as adaptive use and new, contextual infill. This presents opportunities for traditional building professionals.

After all the uncertainty and confusion I felt in Las Vegas, I am glad to be home in historic Georgetown.

Best,

Peter H Miller
President
Restore Media, LLC
202-339-0744, xt104
pmiller@restoremedia.com

Photo Credit: sunset.com

Conserving Water with Dual-Flush Toilets

Dual-flush toilets have become increasingly popular these days, with the general public's growing concern about conservation and money-saving tactics.  We just got done installing a few dual-flush toilets from the Eago line, for a  bathroom project we've been working on.  We must say, if you are in the process of remodeling and are looking to replace your toilet(s), consider getting a dual-flush one.  It's a great concept, with less water being used for liquid waste versus solid waste.

The overall cost may be just a bit higher than if you were to purchase a standard toilet, even compared to a low-flush efficient one.  But the overall savings may be seen in your water bill over time.  Be sure to check the specs beforehand as some of these dual-flush toilets may be installed differently than a regular toilet.

If you need assistance in getting one of these toilets or to install one, please contact us for more information.

Good Home Construction, CA Lic. #852240
333 El Camino Real, #101, Tustin, CA 92780
714-743-5053
info@goodhomeconstruction.com
www.goodhomeconstruction.com

Upcoming Exhibition of Pencil Drawings of Eichler Homes in Orange, CA

Are you a fan of Eichler or mid-century modern homes? There is an upcoming exhibition of 50 pencil drawings illustrating the architecture of Joseph Eichler and the tract he developed in Orange, CA. These drawings, by artist Jeffrey Crussell, will be available as archival pigment prints in small editions.

The exhibition will run from February 20 to March 20, 2010.

For more information, go to Crusell Fine Arts.

California Lead Free Faucet Law - Effective January 1, 2010

As of January 1, 2010, all faucets and plumbing fittings sold in California must be lead free (see California Assembly Bill 1953, AB-1953). Lead free meaning containing no more than .25 lead. Before purchasing your next faucet, check to make sure it's qualified as "lead free."

If you need assistance in purchasing a qualified lead free faucet and/or replacing your existing faucets with lead free faucets, give us a call and we'd be happy to assist you!

Vintage Cottage Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets and Maple Butcher Block Countertop

Remember the quaint kitchen and mudroom we renovated back in December 2009 (click here to see earlier post)? The pro pictures are in and boy, did they turn out great! After an unfortunate remodeling incident with a previous company, the homeowners were without a kitchen for almost a year. So, the kitchen went from literally nothing to now this. The extra detailing (such as the crown moulding and trim), Wedgewood stove, and some great vintage reproduction poster art has turned this into a fantastic kitchen!!

See below for BEFORE and AFTER pictures.

The Kitchen

BEFORE - Kitchen Sink Area

BEFORE - Stove Area, Ceiling and Doorway

BEFORE - Mudroom

AFTER Pictures of the Kitchen
(with as many views and close-ups as possible)

AFTER Pictures of the Mudroom
(with as many views and close-ups as possible)

To see more kitchens we've done, click here to go to Kitchens under the Project Photos section.