What’s Cooking in Appliances

What’s Cooking in Appliances
Remodeling clients look to appliances to make life easier with a wider range of options and efficiency
By Jon Minnick from Qualified Remodeler Magazine


Remodeling clients are spending less on projects these days and, when it comes to appliances, they’re spending more time researching their options. They want appliances that will perform flawlessly, look great, make cooking and cleaning easier, be efficient — and not cost a lot of money.

“One of the key trends that you see across the board is consumers looking for energy and water efficiency,” says Carlos Johnson, senior brand manager for Amana. “Consumers want to feel like they’re being greener and are effectively managing their appliances. There is more demand for Energy Star and green certified appliances, and going forward it will get even stronger.”

GE Appliances has addressed this trend as well. “To give you an idea of how efficient our products have become,” says Steve Anderson, contract marketing and specialty manager of GE Appliances, “one of our 16-cu.-ft. refrigerators will use fewer kilowatts than an 80-watt light bulb. That’s how far we’ve come.” About 18 months ago, GE began testing demand response appliances that reduce electrical consumption during periods of peak energy consumption.

Technology and Features

Technology goes beyond efficiency, however. “Appliances are all about technology to make tentative cooks better cooks,” says Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, Ellen Cheever and Associates, Wilmington, Del. “I think that 10 years ago you had consumers who thought a commercial high-BTU gas range would make them a better cook. Today, I think they are saying, ‘How can you make it easy for me to be a good cook?’

“Jenn-Air’s oven, for example, is specifically designed to help a tentative cook select the right pan and the right temperature. The concept is to make the controlling mechanism easy to operate and fail safe,” she says.

Remodeling clients are asking for real innovations that make cooking and cleaning easier. In the professional-grade appliance category, it’s not just about making a statement or having the most powerful range in the kitchen. What’s important to consumers are real cooking innovations such as Thermador’s Sensor Dome, ExtraLow Simmer and patented Star Burner, a star-shaped design that allows for greater heat coverage and a smaller cold spot than a conventional round burner.

“The result is 18,000 Btu on every burner, more even heat across any sized pan and faster time to boil,” says Zach Elkin, director of the luxury division, Thermador Home Appliances for BSH Home Appliances, Corp. “Also, the new Star Burner design coupled with the porcelain Quick Clean Base allows for easy access and cleanup.”

“There are a lot of gimmicks on appliances, but consumers are not interested in features with no real payoff. They want features they can use,” says Scott Davies, marketing manager for Fisher & Paykel Appliances.

“Ergonomics and efficiency are features that have a real payoff ,” adds Davies “Cycles on a clothes washer, like an allergy cycle, or a tall dish drawer which fits large 13-in. platters, aren’t just novelties; they provide a real and usable benefit,” he says.

GE Appliances has also introduced innovative features. On some of the higher-end refrigeration models, a bottom drawer can be temperature adjusted to cool down wine or beer quickly. The same drawer can be used to defrost meat over the course of a day while maintaining it at a safe temperature.

There is also GE’s Advantium Speedcook oven, available in above-the-range and wall units. The 240-volt version can cook up to eight times faster than conventional oven and still maintain oven-quality results.

In the washing area, GE’s SmartDispense dishwasher only has to be filled with detergent once every three moths. The dishwasher will determine the amount of detergent needed based on the soil level in the water and the hardness of the water. There is a similar product in GE’s laundry line where a six-month supply of detergent and softener can be stored in the washing machine to be dispensed during the wash cycle.

Appearance and Style

Another trend that is hitting appliances is color. The sea of white appliances is starting to fade. Black and stainless steel appliances are growing in popularity, particularly on the high-end side.

Whirlpool has gone beyond this and is bringing color into the kitchen and laundry area.

“In the laundry room color is taking over,” agrees Carlos Johnson of Amana. “There are now a lot of greens, reds and other interesting colors that consumers are asking for.

“In the kitchen, Amana also has been experimenting with colors in top-mount refrigerators. Right now we offer red, silver and midnight blue with a bit of a speckle, and this spring we’re launching a green tea color that has an almost metallic finish with a leafy pattern on it. We’re finding more consumers want to express their personality with non-traditional colors,” Johnson says.

Although stainless steel remains the top alternative pick to traditional white appliances, more and more manufacturers are offering different design options in finishes, especially on higher-end products. For example, Dacor offers floating glass options in Anthracite Gray, Sterling Gray, Titanium Silver, Blue Water, Slate Green and black. Similarly, Jenn-Air offers two different stainless steel lines — Euro Stainless and Pro-Style — in addition to an oiled bronze finish and black and white floating glass options.

Flexibility and Placement

Both GE and Jenn-Air spokespersons indicate that there is growing interest in products that offer flexibility of placement. This includes beverage centers, warming drawers, dishwasher drawers and drawers for refrigeration and freezing. This creates greater design element ideas and offers multiple placement options to better suit usage patterns.

“Consumers are feeling less tied to traditional notions of kitchen design,” says Juliet Johnson, Jenn-Air manager of brand experience. “For example, those who entertain frequently are increasingly opting for two dishwashers or two cooktops or placing beverage centers and drawer dishwashers in entertainment areas outside the kitchen.”

Looking Forward

Demanding remodeling clients will continue to expect more from their appliances — more performance, more innovation, more style and greater value. At the same time, manufacturers will continue to design appliances for those that are passionate about cooking and entertaining at home.

Use the E-Inquiry Form for more information on the following appliance suppliers:

Amana Type #11 in E-Inquiry Form

Dacor Type #12 in E-Inquiry Form

Fisher & Paykel Type #13 in E-Inquiry Form

GE Appliances Type #14 in E-Inquiry Form

Jenn-Air Type #15 in E-Inquiry Form

Thermador Type #16 in E-Inquiry Form

Whirlpool Type #17 in E-Inquiry Form

Helping Customers Choose

The first thing to ask a homeowner when thinking about a new appliance purchase is how they use the product. How do they use the appliances they have today? Do they do lots of cooking and like to cook large dishes? If so, they might want to look at an appliance with a convection oven or dual elements. Do they cook small meals, trying to get it done as quickly as possible and it’s not about the experience? Then a different appliance might be better for them. Next they should think about how important styling is to them. Do they want to make a bold statement or do they want something more subtle that fades into the kitchen or laundry room? Then, based on those two things they should begin looking around in the marketplace, do research on what is available, and find what meets their needs.

“I think one of the first things to do to qualify the consumer is to ask whether they are interested in a free-standing product or a built-in product,” explains GE’s Anderson. “Then, you want to find out how big their family is and their interests in cooking. Whether they cook occasionally, or they do a lot of cooking. How much entertaining do they do? Then, we have to find out what they’re CTQs are, which stands for Critical to Quality interests. Whether it’s efficiency, design, a specific feature, how many children they have in the family — all those things would determine what sort of feature pack or brand we would work with them on.”

As a remodeler, the biggest thing to consider is cutout size of the appliance. Some companies try to maintain the same or similar cutout size to their appliances in order to make replacing them someday as easy as dropping in the new appliance. As innovation continues, though, it’s safe to say that there could be some variation on a product’s depth, width or height, especially if changing brands, and this should be looked at closely before a product is purchased.

2010 EchoHome Design Awards

Grand Award - Hillside House
- From EchoHome Magazine

Nestled on an ultra-steep infill lot near downtown Mill Valley, Calif., the Hillside House was designed to work in concert with the parcel’s topography, as vertically connected spaces interplay with an abundance of covered porches, decks, and balconies to form a dwelling that is as in tune with nature as it is tied into it.
Telescoping doors provide seamless transitions from indoors to outdoors, which the judges praised for making the house seem larger than its 2,116 square feet suggests. Even the master bathroom makes use of the surrounding trees and view: A glass wall separates the indoor shower from an outdoor bathtub, transforming an “intimately scaled bedroom and bathroom into a majestic space,” says project designer SB Architects.

With nearly 20% below grade, the LEED-Platinum home reaps the ground’s natural insulative benefits, while the integration with the exterior allows for abundant daylight and natural ventilation; the layout also provides optimal positioning for the roof- and trellis-mounted 3.75-kW solar arrays. Spray-foam insulation, energy-efficient appliances, water-conserving fixtures, FSC-certified lumber, and zero-VOC paints are just a few of the home’s numerous resource-conserving features.
Wood siding and beams combine with metal accents and purposeful symmetry to lend a rustic yet sophisticated feel to this “modern cabin,” as it is described by architect and homeowner Scott Lee, AIA, while locally crafted and sourced elements, including recycled-content ceramic tiles and custom benches made from fallen tree trunks, support Lee’s desire to highlight sustainability as well as the town’s artistic roots. Interior designer Erin Martin repurposed chalked-up, discarded scaffolding boards into one-of-a-kind stairwell walls and transformed buoys from Washington’s Puget Sound into vibrant pendant lights.
“It’s comfortable and familiar because of the palette of materials,” says Lee, “but it appeals to our sense as designers because [of its] modern elements.”

Project Details
Hillside House, Mill Valley, Calif. | Size: 2,116 square feet | Cost: Withheld | Completed: January 2010 | Certification: LEED-Platinum | Architect: SB Architects, San Francisco | Builder: MCD Construction & Development, Oakland, Calif. | Verifier: Davis Energy Group, Davis, Calif.

Green Highlights
Energy: Bay Systems spray-foam insulation / solar hot water / radiant floor heating / Colorado VNet home automation system / Lutron automatic shading system / Luminas LED Lighting / Whirlpool and Jenn-Air Energy Star appliances / Solar City 3.75-kW PV system | Resources: 63% construction waste diversion / 30% fly ash foundation / FSC-certified New World Millworks cabinetry / Restoration Timber recycled timber / Heath recycled-content ceramic tile / Concreteworks recycled concrete-and-glass countertops | IAQ: Zero-VOC Mythic paint / Fantech and HVACQuick ventilation systems | Water: drip irrigation / drought-tolerant landscaping / Kohler WaterSense faucets

New Addition to Fugina Construction

Welcome Karly Lamoure Fugina!
July 13th, 2010
12:08 PM
6lbs. 7oz. 20 1/4 in.

Remodeling Tips

Remodeling Tips
No one likes to cut a budget, especially when it's his or her own. But when it comes to planning a remodeling project, homeowners must establish a realistic budget . . . and actively manage it.

Preparing for a remodeling project is a lot like preparing to buy a car. You may know the room and style you want, but the options you choose may drive the price higher than you can reasonably afford. But there are ways to stretch the remodeling budget and end up with stylish results within budget.

Getting Started
The most important step is finding a professional remodeling contractor for your job.

Hire a professional contractor who is familiar with the building codes in your area. Updating work that does not meet code can be extremely expensive.
A well–written contract can prevent costly mistakes or additions to the scope of your project. It is a critical step in maintaining your budget.
Save money by planning ahead. Go through the design process first and choose everything you want to include in the new room(s), from appliances to light fixtures, etc. This will define your budget and prevent hasty (and costly) decisions later in the project. Be sure to include all your product and material selections in the contract to avoid confusion and unnecessary change orders. Include the model, size, color, and other specifications. It is also wise to save 10–20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of work.

The number one way to decrease the cost of your remodeling project is product choices. Look around to determine whether you can achieve a similar look with a less expensive product.

In addition, pay attention to how labor intensive some design features may be, for example laying ceramic tile on kitchen countertops and the backsplash.
Compare products and their prices carefully before you make final decisions. And keep an open mind when you discuss product and design ideas with your contractor.
Make decisions based on value and quality, not just price.
Think about staging the work being done to minimize the initial financial impact. It is often easier to create a more manageable budget by starting small and adding to the project at a later date. This will break the work into several jobs instead of one large project. The down side of staging a remodel is that you may end up paying more in the long run.

General Remodeling Tips
Be creative. There are often multiple solutions to accomplish a design objective, some more expensive than others. Discuss various options with your contractor.
If all the room really needs is a facelift, make the most of changes with paint, as opposed to structural changes. Changing the color of a room can revitalize it. This is the easiest way to bring life to a room on a budget.


Attempt to keep windows in their existing places during a remodeling project. Moving windows is not a cost–saving endeavor.

Creating more space can be a big budget buster. Once you add square footage to a home, the price increases significantly. One alternative is to borrow space from a neighboring room (called space reconfiguration). A great place to steal space for a bathroom expansion is from the linen closet. You can make up some of the lost storage by finding small spaces in between wall studs for small niches or built–in shelves.

You can also try borrowing space with optical illusions. There are many ways to make a small room appear larger. To transform a small bath, install a bow window or a skylight. Vaulted ceilings can be a nice touch, too.

If you are going to expand outside the existing home, consider a small bump out of two to four feet. This may allow you to cantilever the floor joists and eliminate the need for excavation and foundation. If possible, be careful not to extend beyond the roofline, which might require a new roofline to your job.

Whenever you are adding on new space to a home, have a heating/cooling contractor determine whether your existing heating/air conditioning system can accommodate and heat/cool the extra space. If the heating/cooling system is damaged, you will be forced to replace the existing units.

In the Kitchen
If at all possible, reuse existing appliances, and build your new cabinets around them. This could save you anywhere from $1,500–5,000 easily. However, be aware that appliances, like anything electrical, are sensitive to change and may develop problems if they are moved. Should you decide to avoid potential appliance "burn–out" and purchase new appliances, choose energy conscious models for a reduction in your utility bills.
Maintain present location of major fixtures, appliances and utilities relative to the plumbing, gas and electrical outlets. This could even apply to the location of the telephone. Moving plumbing, wiring and jacks can be extremely expensive.
The faucet can be a costly item. The least expensive selection is chrome. Even a high-end chrome faucet is considerably less than a mid-range brass or porcelain version. A standard two-handle faucet generally costs less than single handle. Faucets and handles are sold separately, so you may want to choose a chrome faucet with brass or porcelain handles for a different look. Faucet caution: The price variances in faucets reflect the various internal and external features. Always choose a faucet with replaceable internal parts. You won't want to have to replace the entire faucet if it breaks – it's simply not cost-effective.
Choose neutral colors in fixtures, appliances and laminates. They are less expensive initially and wont look dated when the color trends change. White and almond sinks are much cheaper than color varieties. And neutral laminate colors for countertops are less than custom colors or textures.
Good floor covering is important. It ties one room to another and provides visual consistency. Familiarize yourself with the prices of the various flooring materials to make the best decision for your home. To get you started, vinyl or laminate flooring is less expensive than wood, tile or slate.
Use the existing floor covering if it is still in good condition. If the kitchen has old vinyl flooring, there may be a hardwood floor underneath that could be sanded and refinished, avoiding the need for a new floor entirely.
If you currently have a vinyl floor covering and wish to update with a newer version, you can install synthetic floor leveler material over the existing vinyl floor and lay the new vinyl flooring on top, rather than tearing the old flooring off to install the new.
Consider your cabinet options carefully. Those choices will drive the overall price. You can add some options at a later date to defray some of the initial cost. Some that are easy to add include tilt front doors, spice racks and slide out wire baskets. However, if you decide to wait, make certain that the option you want will be available and can be added after installation. Note of caution: Waiting will cost you more in the long run. Adding new cabinets often requires installing a new floor. Refacing existing cabinets not only eliminates the need for new flooring, countertops and appliances altogether, it is a major savings in any kitchen remodel.
Go with a simple design in the kitchen employing single height wall cabinets, blind corner cabinets rather than those with Lazy Susans, and other standard options. Watch your upgrades.
Use standard cabinetry instead of custom cabinets, or use a combination of the two if they are compatible.
Choose cabinets that can be operated without the addition of hardware (those that are finger–pulled).
Install cabinets without soffits to decrease the labor cost. Also consider cabinets without trim moldings or with simple trim.
If you are going to put in new wood trim (in your crown molding, trims, and door casings) to match the new cabinets, order pre–finished trim instead of having the painting or staining done on–site. This will decrease labor cost. Ordering finger–jointed vs. clear vertical grain also will save you money.
Consider stenciling on the backsplash instead of using tile.
Laminate countertops are the least expensive choice among solid surfacing, tile and granite. You can dress it up with wood or tile trim for a more innovative look.
Connect fluorescent light fixtures to the existing ceiling fixture box instead of installing new recessed lighting, which may require a new ceiling because of the recessed features.

In the Bathroom
Consider reglazing a tub instead of replacing it, especially if it is still in relatively good condition. This can save you more than half the cost of a tub replacement and minimize the dust at the same time.
Cultured marble sheets are a good choice for tub surrounds, instead of ceramic tile. You will save considerably on labor costs and the marble sheets are much easier to clean.
Fiberglass surrounds are also less costly than tile.
Examine how you are utilizing space. You may be able to steal some space from a neighboring room or closet. If your overall space is limited, purchase a jetted tub and shower combination or install a pedestal lavatory instead of a vanity cabinet with a sink. Understand that while pedestal lavatories do eliminate the need for vanities and save space, some models may cost more than a separate vanity cabinet and sink.
Cultured marble lavatories can be a great budget choice since it is an integrated sink bowl and countertop sold in one easily installed unit.
Define what is truly needed in the bathroom. Sometimes an extra bath is planned when installing a double sink in an existing bath would meet the need.
If you are going to add a large jetted tub to your project, consider adding a water heater dedicated to that tub. A large jetted tub can hold up to an average of 75 gallons or more, which can easily overextend your existing water heater and cause problems in the future.
When revamping yesterday's bathroom to fit with today's homeowners' expectations for luxury, homeowners can familiarize themselves with the latest options in home spa advancements. One such indulgence is an electric warming system beneath your new stone or tile floor.

Spring Home Tune Up Checklist

Inspect siding and stucco: Check for any chipping that can leave it open to moisture and seal as required.

Replace old or rotted siding or trim.

Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they are directing water away from the house.

Inspect the roof for any issues that could lead to leaks.

Inspect the chimney: A qualified home inspector can also do this for you.

Check the attic: Look for vent blockages, damaged soffits, wet spots in the insulation or leaks. Also check for proper ventilation.

Check the heating or air exchanger unit: Change filters and clean the air purifier.

Change the batteries on all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Prune trees and shrubs and check for proper drainage.

Inspect the concrete: Spring is the best time to seal cracks in the driveway or any other concrete.

Inspect the deck for rotting wood and insecure railings.

Make windows and doors weatherproof.

Sprucing up your home in the spring doesn't take a lot of time, but it can save a lot of time and money in the end. Since many large home repairs start out as small, minor issues, inspecting the house after a long winter can make the difference between a small problem and a major home emergency.

Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour

The EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

In an effort to reduce lead paint exposure, the EPA has issued a rule for work that disturbs potentially contaminated painted surfaces. Is your business affected by the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule?

As of April 22, 2010, all professionals working in pre-1978 homes will need to comply with EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule. Your business is affected by this rule if your company performs work that falls under one or more of the items below:
Your company works in residences built before 1978
Your company works in buildings occupied by pregnant women or children under the age of six built before 1978
Your company renovates, repairs, or paints in areas more than six sq.ft. in an interior room or twenty sq.ft. on an exterior wall
Your company replaces doors and/or windows
If your company is performing this type of work and is not compliant, your company is subject to penalties up to $37,500 per day, per violation.

Know your facts, keep your home lead-safe
The EPA requires remodelers to become certified to work in pre-1978 homes
Des Plaines, Illinois, March 15, 2010—The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is making homeowners aware of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) regulations that will take effect April 22, 2010, requiring remodelers working in homes built before 1978 to follow practices designed to minimize the exposure of residents to lead hazards.
“Long-term lead exposure to children under the age of six can cause developmental brain problems,” says Rich Cowgill, CR, GCP, of Cowgill Builders, Inc. dba Vision Design and Build, Inc. Cowgill is not only a Certified Renovator but also an EPA/National Center for Health Housing, Accredited Lead Trainer for Public Health and Safety, Inc. in Chicago. According to Cowgill, it doesn’t take a lot of lead to be hazardous to one’s health. Long-term exposure leading to 10 micrograms (µg) of lead per deciliter in an individuals’ blood lead level (BLL) is enough to permanently harm a child’s development.

According to a report by the President’s Task force on Environmental Health and Safety Risks to Children, approximately 24 million pre-1978 U.S. dwellings were at risk for lead-based paint hazards. In light of these prominent health risks, contractors must go through an 8-hour training to certify at least one person to supervise the renovation of target housing (pre-1978) homes, and the contracting firm must be a Certified Firm with the EPA if they intend to work in pre-1978 homes.
“Lead training through an accredited program consists of six hours educational learning on the dangers of lead and required lead-safe practices as identified by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),” Cowgill says. The remainder of the day includes two hours of hands-on training—the procedure of setting up the containment area, improved cleaning methods, the cleaning verification test and the disposal of hazardous materials. Finally, certification is provided pending a written exam.

Contractor firms who intend to work in pre-1978 homes are required to register with the EPA. Both the Certified Firm registration and the Certified Renovator supervision are required under the RRP rule. Homeowners must be cognizant that these certifications reflect the state that work is being conducted and are accessible from the work site at all times. Note that states are able to require more stringent criteria in addition to the EPA’s criteria, and homeowners should be aware of the law’s in their state by contacting their State Departments of Public Health’s Lead Division. Find your state’s health department and services here http://www.statelocalgov.net/50states-health.cfm.

“Certified Renovators are legally allowed to provide others (employees) with a less formal onsite lead training as long as they supervise the lead-safe renovations,” Cowgill says. “The law requires the Certified Renovator to be physically present during the posting of the signs notifying the public of the work site, during the work area containment and during the final clean-up portion of the project and the Certified Renovator must be available by phone throughout the duration of the project.”
Contractors are required to document the lead-safe work practices used during the project and keep those documents on file for a minimum of three years after completion. The EPA’s “Renovate Right” brochure must be signed by the homeowner to signal their awareness of lead safety and practices in their homes before work begins. Homeowners can insist on having the Certified Renovator test for the presence of lead in their homes, and then the Certified Firm must give homeowners a copy of the test results within 30 days of the completion of the RRP work.
Cowgill adds that pre-renovation testing is not required by the homeowners, as everyone must adhere to the lead-safe practices whether or not lead testing proved that lead exists in the home. The current test only proves the absence of lead, not the presence of lead-based paint. It is best to presume the possibility of lead.
The following is a checklist for homeowners living in pre-1978 homes:
Verify that your contractor’s firm is registered with the EPA.

Verify at least one person is a Certified Renovator and has documented the training of the work crew and is supervising the work being completed in the home.
Know that these certifications are accessible at the work site at all times.
Firms must post signs before renovation begins, clearly defining the work area and warning occupants and other persons not involved in renovation activities to remain outside of the work area.

Make sure you understand and sign the EPA’s “Renovate Right” brochure.
Remove all belongings from the immediate area of the renovation. Notice if your contractor is using plastic sheeting that is taped 6 feet beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation; reusable cloth coverings are not acceptable.

Renovators should be cleaning up and mopping daily to minimize dust contamination.
Contractors must use HEPA vacuums and/or wet mopping to remove lead particles.
Depending on the scope of project, renovators may be wearing disposable suits, to minimize their exposure to lead. All contaminated materials should be placed in heavy duty plastic bags before your contractor disposes of them.

As a homeowner, if your renovator is skipping any steps of the checklist, you may want to contact the EPA to file an official complaint. Contractors who fail to comply with the RRP rule, are eligible for a fine of $37,500 per day.

The EPA also recommends that homeowners have the remodelers specify what the final lead inspection entails. Currently, the RRP rule requires contractors to conduct a cleaning verification test that consists of wiping an area with a damp cloth and comparing the results with a cleaning verification card to ensure the sample matches or is lighter than the required sample. If the surface within the work area is greater than 40 square feet, the surface within the work area must be divided into roughly equal sections that are each less than 40 square feet and wiped separately.
If a homeowner has any doubts about the quality of lead safe practices being conducted in their homes, they can call (800) 424-LEAD. To read the full RRP rule, visit www.EPA.gov/lead.