Green living plus green savings: an efficient equation for today's homeowners

Across the world, both building professionals and consumers are embracing the idea of sustainable building practices. This practice follows a process that is environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a building's life cycle: from design to construction, operation to maintenance and renovation, to eventually, demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability and comfort.



Green building brings together a vast array of practices and techniques to reduce and ultimately eliminate the impacts of buildings on the environment and human health. It often emphasizes taking advantage of renewable resources, such as using sunlight to generate solar power and using plants to reduce rainwater run-off.



According to the Energy Information Administration, the demand for green homes is expected to rise 900 percent in the next five years.



In the home, using energy efficient appliances can dramatically reduce energy waste and cut costs. Companies like Miele offer a wide range of Energy Star rated appliances for every room in the house from the kitchen to the laundry room.



For example, Miele offers induction cook-tops, which use a non-contact method of heating using magnetic fields to transfer energy directly to cookware. The induction element stays cool, while the target object heats up rapidly for extremely efficient cooking. Like gas, induction is exceptionally easy and quick to control. The ability to precisely control the power makes induction perfect for all types of cooking. It is highly reactive and exceedingly safe. The cooking surface is cool in operation and only generates heat where the pan sits on it. As soon as the pan is removed, the flow of heat stops immediately.



For more information on the various types of energy efficient appliances available, visit www.mieleusa.com.



Young, savvy, environmentally-conscious consumers are at the forefront of the green movement. Programs like the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon allow this demographic to create and design an energy efficient home.



The Solar Decathlon is a program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. This year's winner was the University of Maryland Team WaterShed.



"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Miele on our entry into last year's Solar Decathlon competition," says Brian Grieb, University of Maryland Team WaterShed's faculty project manager. "Miele has a reputation for providing elegantly designed, environmentally conscious, cost-efficient products that are constructed with longevity in mind. These attributes are exactly the qualities we were seeking to include in the WaterShed home."

What's the finishing touch on a low maintenance home? The trim

Now consumers can enhance the architectural beauty of their homes with superior-quality cellular PVC trimboard from Kleer Lumber, a division of The Tapco Group. Kleer Trimboard provides versatile solutions with wood's aesthetic appeal without wood's extensive maintenance. Not only is Kleer Trimboard easily installed everywhere wood trim is traditionally used, it has more applications. It's impervious to moisture, insect infestation and other threats to wood, giving homeowners the freedom to pursue more creative trim applications and peace of mind to enjoy their enhanced home for decades.



"Kleer Trimboard delivers the authentic, rich appearance of wood coupled with the long-term durability and very low-maintenance homeowners want," says Jack Delaney, national sales manager of The Tapco Group's Kleer Lumber division. "With Kleer, people don't have to sacrifice aesthetics to avoid wood's problems. Kleer's cellular PVC trimboard outperforms wood in every application, in every climate. Kleer Trimboard is appropriate on virtually every house, whether it's a coastal mansion or modest neighborhood home."



Kleer Trimboard works where roofing meets the house, around windows and doors, in contact with the ground and concrete where wood often fails, and anywhere the imagination leads, including soffits and fascia, columns and cornices. With unmatched versatility, Kleer can be machined to create intricate gingerbread and fluted pilasters and other custom applications, including heat-bending for elegant curves. Kleer trim is also a breeze to glue, route and mold using wood trim tools. Boards and other components come in multiple sizes.



Because it's completely synthetic, Kleer isn't susceptible to the challenges that plague wood and composite trim, including mold, mildew, swelling and rot from moisture or insect damage. Wood's form and function inevitably fails over time despite repeated sanding and repainting. Kleer trim is easily maintained with soap and water, keeping it beautiful long-term.



Kleer's proprietary TruEDGE technology keeps board edges cleaner through installation and beyond. And, if the edges do get dirty, they are much easier to clean than edges without TruEDGE technology. Unlike some PVC trim brands that are textured, Kleer Trimboard has a natural wood grain finish that closely resembles genuine cedar; it's also available with a smooth finish on both sides. Available in pure white, Kleer Trimboard keeps its fresh bright appearance for decades or can be painted to match other decor. Its Limited Lifetime Warranty, which includes labor for the first two years, offers the industry's strongest protection.



Kleer's complete system includes trimboards, sheets, mouldings, adhesives, and concealed fasteners to finish any job. Ideal for home exteriors, Kleer Trimboard is also used for interior wainscot applications in moist spaces, including bath and laundry rooms. Kleer's Beaded Boards and Sheets enhance and protect these areas, including ceilings.



"We're continuously innovating and expanding the Kleer Trimboard product line, so customers have the best choices for enhancing the architecture, curb appeal, and value of their homes," says Delaney. "The decorative possibilities are endless. Kleer Trimboard also perfectly complements Kleer Decking and the Kleer Rail PVC Railing System. No other trimboard offers Kleer's combination of benefits - it's the right finishing touch for every home."



The Tapco Group, a U.S. Green Building Council member, is the building industry's leading provider of easy-to-install, premium, innovative interior and exterior products. Serving the building industry since 1961, Tapco specializes in the manufacturing of roofing, siding, decking, railing, trim, tool systems, egress systems and siding components. The products combine versatile application, durability, vast color palettes and uncommon authenticity to exceed the expectations of contractors and homeowners.



For more information, visit www.kleerlumber.com or www.TheTapcoGroup.com or call (800) 521-7567.

OPEN HOUSE IN BUCKEYE LAKE!

OPEN HOUSE!

by Richard Johnson

5009 Northbank Road,
Buckeye Lake, OH 43008

February 19, 2017 from 1-4 PM

This home is a MUST-SEE!

Waterfront Spectacular!

Luxuriously remodeled Two-Story home on a double lot on Buckeye Lake with 4 car garage & panoramic water views! The seller has over $1,000,000 in the renovation/rebuild of this nearly 4,000 SF home in 2015. Live here year round or perfect 2^nd home! Very open floor plan with cathedral wood beamed ceilings and walls of windows. Great Room has bar/kitchenette & spiral staircase to Loft. A chef’s “Dream” Kitchen with cherry cabinets, silestone countertops & Stainless Steel appliances. Hearth Room walks out to a Three Season Room. Master’s Retreat has his & hers closets, 2 Full Baths and private deck overlooking water. Huge Media/Bonus Room/Possible Guest Suite. 4 BRs & 4.5 Baths. Lakewood schools. Only $699,900!

Greener decorating for your deck and patio

If you're planning some outdoor decorating or renovating this summer, here are some tips to make your exterior living spaces green and inviting:



Eco-friendly construction materials



For many homeowners, decks and patios are key elements of outdoor living spaces. If you plan to add either this summer, be sure to look for environmentally friendly materials like natural stone or responsibly harvested wood. When choosing wood, look for products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FCS) as having been harvested following sustainable principles that minimize the impact on the environment. If you're building a patio, choose reclaimed brick or stone pavers that have been recycled from other installations. If you can't find reclaimed pavers, look for natural stone that's been quarried locally or bricks that have been locally produced to minimize the energy spent on transporting the products.



The Sierra Club recommends you seek a deck builder that is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. These builders will have advanced knowledge of eco-friendly practices.



Icing the cake



The accessories - furniture and decor items - that you add to your outdoor environment should be as green as possible, too. Choose patio and deck furniture made from eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastic (but avoid anything that contains PVC), reclaimed wood or FCS-certified wood. Rehabilitating older iron or wood furniture is also a great way to achieve a singular look while keeping those items out of landfills.



Opt for decor items that minimize their impact on the environment while providing maximum impact on how great your space looks. For example, a wallpaper mural can create an eye-catching focal point and set the tone for your outdoor room. Yet traditional mural painting can be expensive and traditional wallpaper can involve less-than-eco-friendly paste. A removable wallpaper mural creates a striking visual in outdoor spaces without the need for paste or glue. Murals Your Way offers a high-end product that can be moved and reused hundreds of times without losing adhering qualities. Plus, it clings to virtually any flat surface, including glass. You can choose from a myriad of graphic patterns, nature scenes and other images, or have the company produce a custom mural from your original photograph or artwork. Learn more at www.muralsyourway.com.



Continue the eco-friendly theme with lighting for your deck and patio. It's easy to find a variety of solar-powered accent lights online and in home improvement stores across the country. You can even find decorative post caps for your deck railing that are solar-powered. Solar lights create a soft glow at night and provide accent illumination without the expense - and carbon impact - of electric power.



Finally, as you're landscaping, keep sustainability in mind. By choosing plants native to your region, you not only minimize the transportation impact involved in getting the plant from the production point to point-of-sale, you can also ensure they'll require less watering and work to thrive.



Plants native to your environment are pre-disposed to do well in your backyard. Be sure to choose plants that will do well in your particular setting, too. For example, if your backyard is very shady, plant greenery that requires less sun. If your yard gets a lot of sun throughout the day, choose plants that can stand up to hours of sunlight without the need for extensive irrigation. Check with your local agricultural extension to find out what plants will do well in your environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a free online listing of extensions throughout the country.

Innovative solutions for your home

Technologies that

Deck kits enhance outdoor spaces

With the emergence of new deck materials such as solid PVC, homeowners no longer have to waste excessive time or money on deck maintenance. The vast array of rich colors and surface textures, along with stain and scratch resistant materials have made these items a smart choice over wood. Now, there are kits that accessorize these deck options.



If you've ever made a mad dash to retrieve cushions or other items when it rains, then in-deck storage may be in order, according to Mike Gori, deck expert for AZEK Building Products, maker of AZEK Deck. This clever idea provides 17.5 cubic feet of safe, dry storage space that uses the area below the deck. "You don't have to sacrifice living space or ruin your view with unsightly plastic tubs," says Gori. The storage unit's lid sits flush with the deck surface and holds up to 500 pounds. "There are also kits for building benches with planter boxes and custom gates," he says. "It's never been easier to accessorize a new or existing deck."



The caulk cure for energy costs

one of your home's biggest money drains can be energy waste - whether it's warm or cool air leaking out or outside temperatures sneaking in. That is where a bead of quality caulk can be the best bang for your buck. One caulk problem happens when homeowners paint caulk too early, which can cause cracks to form, letting in air and moisture.



"What we came up with is an advanced sealant called ColorCure that actually tells you when the caulk can be painted - it turns from pink to white," says Jason Ringling, director of marketing at Red Devil, Inc. "If you test caulk by touching the wet bead, the finish is ruined." Another good practice is to use new caulk and sealant products that are better for the environment as well as high performance. "It's not only environmentally friendly, but solvent-free and low VOC - and with no plasticizers it won't leach or pick up dirt which is perfect for painted finishes," Ringling says.



Have a great room outdoors .

Shade pergolas can provide the convenience of a great room in the great outdoors for entertaining al fresco. With dignified beauty, pergolas have many style options that create a picture-perfect gathering spot near the garden or pool.



"These versatile, stylish outdoor rooms provide semi-privacy and are ideal for entertaining or relaxing with your family," says Sue Donahue, marketing manager for Walpole Woodworkers a leader in premium outdoor structures.



Another advantage to today's pergola designs is the addition of protective fabric canopies that let the party go on, rain or shine. "Canopies, either operated manually or by remote control, keep furniture and outdoor decor protected at the first sign of inclement weather," she says.



Pergola styles include arched or classic straight tops, and columns are typically square, tapered, or round. A lattice screen can add more privacy and bring color to the area, with climbing plant and vines. Donahue says to look for pergolas in wood or the new wood-alternative solid PVC materials that are low maintenance and long-lasting.



Prepare for wet weather extremes

Extreme weather events can happen in a flash. Even if you're not in an official flood zone, inches of rainfall in a matter of minutes, hurricanes and other freakish weather events can cause flooding. The experts at WAYNE Water Systems advise consumers to look for durable, reliable, worry-free water handling pumps.



"It only takes one water event to cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, so prevention is the key, starting with a quality sump pump," says vice president of sales Charles Murphy. "Additional layers of protection include battery back-up pumps in case of power outages and water-sensing alarms for early notification.



As homeowner Bill Bellaver of Troy, Mich. reports, his sump pump protected his home for 33 years before taking its last gasp. His friends and neighbors were not so lucky. "Our WAYNE pump has worked well without any issues, while friends with lower quality or no pumps have suffered damage or loss of valuables," he says.



Homeowners can make smarter choices with today's new home solutions. It's a way to reduce hassles, save money, and add convenience to their current lifestyle.

Weeknight meals made easy with simple tips

Here are five dinners to take you through an entire work week:



Monday



Start the week by putting your slow cooker to work for you. Slice off the tops of four to six bell peppers, but don't throw them out. Remove the seeds and stuff each pepper with a combination of lean ground turkey or chicken sausage, grated cauliflower, carrots, onion and garlic, plus fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Put the pepper tops back on, arrange the peppers securely in a slow cooker, pour a large can of low-sodium chopped tomatoes over them and cook on low for eight hours. Dinner will be ready when you walk in the door.



Tuesday



Soup can be a quick way to have dinner on the table in minutes - and it allows you to use up vegetables that may be near the end of their shelf life. Try a Broccoli Cheese Soup (recipe follows), a classic favorite that the whole family will enjoy. There's minimal pre-cooking required - simply steam the broccoli, measure the remaining ingredients, put them in your Vitamix Professional Series 500 blender and start the Hot Soup program. When the program completes, pour into bowls and garnish with extra steamed broccoli florets and bit of grated cheese. For a heartier meal, chop and add grilled chicken chunks. Serve with crusty bread and a salad for a complete dinner.



Wednesday



Whole-wheat pasta with basil walnut pesto is a crowd pleaser. Take fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and walnuts and puree with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice in your Vitamix for a quick and easy sauce. If there are stuffed pepper leftovers, chop and heat for a tasty pasta topping. Make a large batch of pesto and you can use the leftover portion later in the week.



Thursday-



Throw together a chicken stir-fry for another quick weeknight meal. Chop up your favorite vegetables, including extra cauliflower, onions and carrots from Monday's stuffed peppers and broccoli from Tuesday's soup. Saute the vegetables with cooked, cubed chicken and a mix of soy and teriyaki sauces. Serve over rice and offer a spicy chili sauce for those who like it hot.



Friday



You've made it through the week. Why not treat your family to pizza? Top a ready-made, whole-wheat pizza crust with your leftover pesto sauce, cheese and any toppings you'd like. Add peppers, mushrooms and vegetables you chopped for the soup and stir-fry to create a veggie delight. Follow the cooking instructions on the pizza crust package, and you'll be ready to kick off your weekend in no time.



With a bit of planning, you can shop once and have your dinners set for the week. Buy canned or frozen fruits and vegetables in bulk and try to prepare at least two meals using the same ingredients. Even with hectic schedules, families can prepare and sit down to a satisfying meal every night of the week.



Broccoli cheese soup



Yields two cups.



Ingredients:

1 cup (240 ml) milk, skim or low fat

1⁄3 cup (40 g) shredded, low fat cheddar cheese|

1 cup (100 g) chopped fresh or frozen broccoli or cauliflower florets, steamed

1 teaspoon diced onion

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1⁄4 teaspoon chicken or vegetable bouillon or soup base



Directions:



Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Hot Soup program. Press Start. Allow machine to complete programmed cycle.

OPEN HOUSE IN BUCKEYE LAKE!

OPEN HOUSE!

by Brittany Morse

5009 Northbank Road,
Buckeye Lake, OH 43008

February 12, 2017 from 1-3 PM!

This home is a MUST-SEE!

WATERFRONT SPECTACULAR!

Luxuriously remodeled Two-Story home on a double lot on Buckeye Lake with 4 car garage & panoramic water views! The seller has over $1,000,000 in the renovation/rebuild of this nearly 4,000 SF home in 2015. Live here year round or perfect 2^nd home! Very open floor plan with cathedral wood beamed ceilings and walls of windows. Great Room has bar/kitchenette & spiral staircase to Loft. A chef’s “Dream” Kitchen with cherry cabinets, silestone countertops & Stainless Steel appliances. Hearth Room walks out to a Three Season Room. Master’s Retreat has his & hers closets, 2 Full Baths and private deck overlooking water. Huge Media/Bonus Room/Possible Guest Suite. 4 BRs & 4.5 Baths. Lakewood schools. Only $699,900!