SFJuly 2009

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SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO

Custom Outdoor Art Smart LandscapingJULY/AUGUST 2009

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ideas and resources for your home

Defining EntriesBayArea.com

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DISCOVER THE BEAUTY

AND ELEGANCE OF NATURE.

TRAVERTINE - MARBLE - PAVERS - LIMESTONE - SLATE - GRANITE - GLASS

OAKLAND - HOUSTON - TURKEY

4 July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo

J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 O O 9

[ C O N T E N T S ]8

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E X T R A O R D I N A R Y E X T E R I O R S

12 Remodeling Made EasyExperts at taking the pain out of remodeling.By Deborah Burstyn

14 Perfect FitEverything for the entire home under one roof.By Lisa Winer

CCIDC16 Creating More Room Outside

Tips for expanding your exterior living space.By Lisa Sten CID, CGBP

CLCA18 Drought Recommendations

from the California LandscapeContractors Association Part 2 of a 2 part series.

8 External AffairsRev up your curb appeal with cosmetic touches.By Heidi Doerfert

10 Endless Outdoor OpportunitiesCreate your own staycation charm.By Deborah Burstyn

San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009 5TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

Volume 7, Issue 4 • July/August 2009

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External AffairsWE SPEND A GREAT DEAL OF TIME IN OUR HOME so it’s natural

to want to spend our decorating dollars on the interior. But thinkabout how you feel when you pull up to your house. Does it make

you smile? Does your home welcome your guests? Not only does curb appealadd to the enjoyment of your home, it will also add to its value. The nexttime you drive up to your abode ask yourself what jumps out first. Is it anegative, like the neglected porch or the cracked and gloomy driveway?Don’t despair. Here are a few, demo-free options to brighten things up!

H E AV Y M E TA LA surefire way to customize your home’s exterior is to use decorativeironwork.

Phil Lockwood of Metal by Phil in Dixon says he can incorporate hisartistic designs into gates, railings, arbors, sculpture, and usable art. “Acreative idea is to replace panels on a wood fence with metal vines, flowersor whatever theme suits your desire. Clients love to choose an element thatis meaningful to them.” Phil worked on a project with a homeowner wholives in a wetlands area where cattails are abundant. He transformed steelinto a stunning gate featuring realistic cattails and ducks soaring in flight.“No two pieces of mine are alike,” explains Phil. “I always strive to giveeach one its own unique touch.” If you have a porch in need of some TLC,Phil can create an eye-catching railing to define the area. Imagine having a “garden” of calla lilies that never needs watering! “If you really want to make your house stand out from your neighbors, consider placing awrought iron arbor over the garage or the entrance to your home. One ofmy most popular designs is a grapevine, dripping with grapes and leaves.”Phil has developed a special color technique that makes his creationscome to life. Never underestimate the importance of ahome’s front entrance when it comes to curb appeal. A client of Phil’s asked him to create a piece that was as tranquil and serene as a Japanese brush painting. The result? A work of art Phil calls “The River Gate,”finished in a green copper patina. Caution: your guestsmay never come in when there is something this beautifulto gaze at outside!

C O N C R E T E S O L U T I O N SAnother important element in making your homeappealing from the street is one of the largest surfaces in the front—the driveway. If you think of it as a hugewelcome mat, you’ll realize that dreary, gray slab isn’tvery welcoming at all. If you don’t want to deal with thenoise, expense and stress of a demolition consider a face-lift by Liquid Coating Designs in Pleasanton. PresidentCharles Suhay explains how the transformation happens.“Liquid Stone is a unique blend of minerals and

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cements. It soaks into the existing surface, filling cracksand holes. It’s then hand-carved and stained by my team of experienced craftsmen for a custom look.”

Whether your home’s style is Cottage Charm, Old World,or Sleek Modern, Liquid Coating Designs has over 15years of experience in transforming driveways from drab todreamy. Since you want the walkway to your front door to beclearly defined, you may want to extend the Liquid CoatingDesigns process to your pathway for a cohesive appearance.

“You get the sophisticated look of flagstone, travertine,slate cobblestone, or river rock without the hassle and

destruction of a constructionproject,” says Charles.“Our customers often say they now have the best looking driveway on their block!”

T O P C O AT“Never paint your homeagain!” states Del Olson,co-owner of Rhino Shield.Does it sound too good tobe true? It isn’t, explainsDel, who along with his sonand co-owner, Jeff Olson,has been busy making this dream come true forBay Area homeowners.

San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009 9


“Rhino Shield is a permanent paint system for yourhome’s exterior. It goes on like paint, looks like paint, but unlike paint, it lasts a lifetime.”

Jeff says a Rhino Shield paint job won’t chip, peel fade or crack. It forms a protective, waterproof shield onyour home that can withstand even the harshest weatherconditions and prevents mold growth and peeling. “RhinoShield actually acts as an insulator, reflecting over 90% of the suns rays away from your home, and will reduce your monthly energy bill,” he explains. And, the processhas only three steps: First, the Rhino Shield crew pressure-washes your home and identifies any areas that need to be repaired. Secondly, after a thorough inspection, thepatented Rhino Shield waterproof primer and adhesive isapplied. The final step is to apply the ceramic top coat,tinted in the shade of your choice. Rhino Shield comes in every color that traditional paint does so making yourhome gorgeous has never been easier.

From iron art to distinctive driveways to a one-of-a-kindpaint job, you can max out your home’s curb appealwithout breaking a sweat or the bank.

To find out more about Phil Lockwood’s custom iron work, call (707) 592-1248 or visit www.metalbyphil.com. To learn how LiquidCoating Designs can transform your concrete surfaces, call (925) 931-1937 or visit www.liquidcoatingdesigns.com. To get the last paint job your house will ever need, call Rhino Shield at (888) 868-7575 or visit www.rhinoshieldca.com. THM

All pieces are designed by Marino, whose family in Italy has workedin the statuary business for several generations. Recently, he designeda new line of minimalist contemporary fountains. Molds are made onthe premises for his designs and the pieces are produced there as well.At last count, the Gianninis have over 5,000 molds of Marino’s designs.

“He drives me crazy,” laughs Piera. “He is a true Italian artisan—always designing. We can’t keep up with him.”

So although Marino’s design inspirations come from his native Italy,nearly all of the Gianninis’ stone garden pieces are made onsite with aresulting smaller carbon footprint. It would take a lot more fuel and causemore pollution to ship similar heavy pieces from Mexico, China or Europe.The cement they use comes from nearby Fremont, making the exquisitegarden ornaments not only reasonably priced but a way to buy local.

But the Gianninis also offer an exclusive selection of several productlines from Italy that they have chosen themselves. These include stonepizza ovens, Italian terra cotta pieces and Italian ceramics.

The Gianninis met as students in Italy when Piera, a native SanFranciscan, was on vacation. They started their business in 1993 intheir garage with wall fountains that Marino made. Today, in true Italianfamily tradition, the couple’s oldest son, Pierluigi, 24, has joined thefirm after earning his business degree, and Alessandro, 18, works withthem on weekends. The family ambiance adds to the authenticity andintegrity the Gianninis bring to everything they do.

Whether it means running around and turning off fountains in theshowroom so the customer can listen to the sound of just one or gathering

cement samples of their 14 different color finishes for customers to takehome—“vintage” and “antico” are the favorites right now—the Gianninispride themselves on offering products and service that combine the bestof contemporary and classic European style.

How to Create Your Own Backyard Paradise With 3 Easy Pieces

1. Piera Gianinni recommends starting with a fountain. “A fountain gives your outdoor space a fabulous focal point,” she says. If space is tight, consider a wall-mounted fountain. Otherwise go for a tieredfountain. Cost? “You can get a great fountain with pumps and everythingfor about $550,” Piera estimates.

2. Next, Piera recommends getting at least two identical very, very, big plant containers. These will cost about $80 to $100 each. Plantsmall trees in them. For a Mediterranean look, Piera suggests citrus orolive trees. “That’s a very Tuscan style, says Piera, “and it’s beautiful.”

3. Still have some room in the budget? Go for a statue, Pierasuggests. “A statue adds visual interest and makes a garden space lookfinished. It is a refined and elegant look. “We have estate-style statuesthat look like they are one of a kind but they are not priced like one of a kind.”

THmag.com

LISTEN TO THE LYRICAL SOOTHING SOUND of water circulatingthrough a stone fountain. Inhale the scent of ripening lemons andoranges in trees elegant in matching oversized planters. Gaze at the

charming statue of a young girl holding a basket of roses. Feel the sun-baked warmth of the stone bench that cradles you.

A Mediterranean garden certainly is a feast for the senses. An impossibledream? With the economy still in the doldrums, you can’t spend thousandsof dollars to take that trip to Tuscany this year? Here’s a wonderful alternative.For a fraction of the cost of a journey to southern Europe, Giannini GardenOrnaments Inc. can help you create that same look right at home in yourown garden. With Giannini’s Euro-style handmade pieces, you can turn your dreams into a “staycation” reality. You can even get your own authenticoutdoor pizza oven!

Best of all, the stone outdoor pieces you place in your yard will last alifetime, not just two weeks—and add value to your property.

“We really want our customers to be happy,” asserts Piera Giannini, whoco-owns the business with her husband Marino Giannini. “We like to spend alot of time with them here helping them choose what will make them happy.”

With so many pieces to choose from—there are about 1,000 at theirSouth San Francisco showroom and factory at any given time—the Gianninisunderstand that it can be difficult to make a decision. You can get a previewof their many charming elegant pieces on their website but a visit to theirshowroom is the best way to get a real feel for the scale and style of a piece.

“The selection is so vast, you need time to shop here and people comeback more than once,” adds Piera.

BY DEBORAH BURSTYN

Create your own staycation charm.


Endless Outdoor Opportunities


TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

Match a Fountain to Your Home’s Style

“Today,” says Piera, “you can really mix styles in an eclectic way. In Italy,for example, you have these rustic stone houses and inside they have a sleekultra-modern kitchen. Or they have a beautiful piece of modern sculpture intheir yard next to an antique clay oil jar—and it all works.”

Mediterranean: Piera recommends a tiered fountain in a classic butupdated style. She also suggests classic lion’s head motif fountains eitherfreestanding with a pond or as a wall fountain.Mid-century Ranch: “You can really tweak a ranch house to whatever youlike,” says Piera. “I used Italian-style statuary and fountain at mine. ButAsian statuary works very well with ranch houses.”Victorian: “Definitely urns,” says Piera. “And planter boxes.” She alsorecommends a more traditional style tiered fountain. Or a wall fountainwith some carving and relief work.Contemporary: Fountains that resemble walls of water or a simple columntopped by a sleek orb. “Contemporary is very popular right now,” saidPiera. “That’s why my husband designed this new line. People were askingfor that style and we listen to our customers.”

For more information visit Giannini Garden Ornaments at 225 Shaw Road, South San Francisco, orcall them at (650) 873-4493. You can also visit them on the Web at www.gianninigarden.com. THM

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THmag.com12 July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo

WHAT IF YOU COULD FIND A HOME REMODELING

COMPANY THAT was all-inclusive like a resort in Cancun? Say you could get all

the services you need bundled together to save a lot of money—and time—instead of running around tofind the same services a la carte. And because this is your house we’re talking about and not a resortvacation, instead of worrying about where to go for dinner, you didn’t have to worry about nastyconstruction surprises, unaffordable designs, mistakes,missing permits, cost overruns or hidden fees.

In other words, what if a home improvementproject was handled expertly from start to finish with every type of professional you need for the jobunder one roof as part of one company?

You’d have it made. Literally. Whether it’s a newkitchen or bath, second story addition or completerenovation, your project would get done on time and on budget.

Makes a lot of sense. Yet Steve Albert of S.E.A.Construction finds that over 20 years after he startedhis San Mateo-based company, his is still one of theonly design/build firms around taking advantage of all the power that a fully coordinated system offers.

S.E.A. works on the principle of organic processwith every facet interconnected and an integral part of the structure. The architects, builders and even aninterior designer are all S.E.A. employees who worktogether to create outstanding results. As important,SEA has a handful of structural engineers whoembrace the system as well and are willing to workalongside the other professionals to find the most cost effective solutions to engineering challenges.

Albert says, “The professionals we have on staffhere allows S.E.A. to do what it does best. We canstreamline a project because all the experts get arounda table and talk to each other from conception to permitting, andthen through construction as well.”

When potential problems are addressed up front—and solved, the project is bound to run smoothly.

“We’re not wasting time redesigning, reengineering and having toshut down a project for weeks at a time. We’re not comfortable withinefficiency, it costs our homeowners time and money”

When the professionals are all on the same team, you win. Ideasemerge that enhance the project’s efficiency and the homeowner’slifestyle while preventing any jams that cause delays and wasteprecious materials.

“We excel in taking people through the maze of planning,permitting, pricing and product selection to get them to where theywant to be,” Albert says.

After an initial meeting with the homeowner, Albert’s staff checkslocal building codes to make sure a client’s dream of say, adding asecond story is allowed. S.E.A.’s architect Rafael Gomez creates a floorplan addressing the client’s desires, and Albert consults with the soilsand structural engineers before preparing a preliminary estimate. Thisensures that your designs are structurally sound and meet California’sseismic code right from the start. At the second meeting to review thepreliminary designs and schedules and learn what parameters exist.

Experts at taking the pain out of remodeling.

Remodeling Made EasyBY DEBORAH BURSTYN


You get a budget accurate to within 10 percent of the finalcost, a complete feasibility study for $150, with no thousandsof dollars wasted on architectural drawings that are out ofstep with reality.

“Instead of having everyone design in a vacuum, we havethem design as a team,” he explains. “This helps keep costsdown for the homeowner. You need accurate budgeting fromthe initial conversation if you are going to be able to hit yourtarget budget.”

For example, in a current bathroom addition project,Albert’s plumber suggested during the design phase that aplanned new toilet be moved to accommodate existing sewerlines. This is much better than having a plumber show up toinstall a toilet and announce that it can’t be done.

Albert says that his firm’s coordinated approach isespecially sought after for kitchen remodels. Because akitchen is the most complex and most expensive room in ahouse, he explains. “Plumbing, heating, venting, electrical—allthese systems have to be run through confined spaces involvingexpensive cabinetry. And in that small space you are installingan extraordinarily large amount of expensive items. If onedimension is off, it negatively affects half a dozen other things.”

With cost savings in architectural design, engineeringand interior design, Albert estimates that projects done byhis firm save clients anywhere from ten to 20 percent of thetotal cost. Whether it’s figuring out how to upgrade a home’sexisting heating, electrical or plumbing system, instead of tearing them out—“hardly ever necessary” according toAlbert or turning floor joists so carpenters don’t have to

spend three days getting duct work through the house, the staffconsults with each other to make well thought-through decisions.

“We never compromise on great design, but we don’t make theclient spend tens of thousands of dollars where it’s not needed. The client is in complete control of how their money is spent.”

Even in the best of times, those are words to live by and these daysit makes more sense than ever to work with S.E.A. Construction, Inc.

To save time and money on your remodeling project, call S.E.A.Construction in San Mateo (650) 287-4202 or visit their showroom at 1941 O’Farrell Street, Suite 101, or visit the company’s Web site at www.seaconstruction.com. THM

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LIKE ITS NAME SUGGESTS, SINCERE HARDWARE, PROVIDING THE BAY AREA

with the lowest prices in everything for remodeling, is genuinely devoted to its customers. The company serves the homeowner

with all that they need for the home, from granite countertops to waterheaters to windows, as well as offering kitchen design services.

“We are unique in the market because we are a one-stop shop,” saysKeith Chan, manager of Sincere Hardware’s downtown Oakland location.“We provide everything for remodeling the whole house.” If a customersees a product they are interested in that Sincere Hardware doesn’t have onhand, Sincere Hardware will do its best to see if it can be special ordered.

“The customer is not limited to what we carry or display,” says Keith.“We are interested in finding the perfect fit for the customer.”

Not only will they make the extra effort to find the customer thatperfect fixture or wood flooring, Sincere Hardware will do it at theabsolute lowest cost for the customer. If within seven days of purchasingsomething the customer finds the same item cheaper elsewhere, they need only provide the quotation, and the price will be matched with an additional 5 percent off.

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THmag.com


“We just want to tell the customer our retail price is the best priceevery day,” says Keith.

Sincere Hardware has designers on staff to do same-day computerkitchen design. The company has thousands of kitchen cabinet materialsin stock in 12 different colors, as well as 50 different colors of granitecountertops and 1 million square footage of flooring. Sincere Hardwarealso provides granite countertop installation.

SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITYSincere Hardware is interested in doing its best to serve the local

community. The staff are willing to offer the benefit of their expertise inremodeling if the customer so desires, providing direction and suggestions.

Excellent service, low cost, and a complete range of products,including stone and wood flooring, granite countertops, cabinetry,appliances, tile, decorative plumbing and fixtures, windows and buildingsupplies are the hallmarks of this unique company. All that waits at Sincere Hardware is your visit.

Visit any one of six Sincere Hardware Supply locations (DowntownOakland, West Oakland, Modesto, Sunnyvale, San Francisco and Reedley)for help with your kitchen remodel. Go to www.sincerehardware.com for showroom addresses and more about the Oakland based kitchen and bath design centers. Visit the downtown Oakland design center at 276 11th Street Oakland, (510) 832-2838. THM

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THmag.com16 July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo

CREATING MORE ROOM OUTSIDEBY LISA STEN CID, CGBP

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CALIFORNIA’S INCREDIBLY MILD CLIMATE BYmaximizing your real estate’s potential (and your enjoyment in your home)with increased indoor / outdoor living spaces.

Here are some tips to help you get there:

Develop a Plan Identify how many people you want to accommodateand at what type of seating—will you need loungechairs, a large dining table or relaxing chaises? The first step is a good floor plan, as Dining andLounging Areas, Cooking Centers and Pool Areasoften blend. Consider the traffic circulation betweenthese outdoor rooms and their proximity to eachother. A cozy gathering spot around a fireplace or fire pit is another great area to consider.

Install an Outdoor KitchenA basic outdoor kitchen might include a grill, sinkand refrigeration. A more developed kitchen couldinclude additional wine or beer refrigeration, a pizzaoven, firewood storage or a rotisserie. Consider lowmaintenance materials for the countertops andrustproof stainless steel for appliances and cabinets.

Provide Sun Protection An open-beamed structure, such as a pergola, or a deep roof overhang can help to create apermanent place for shading. A fixed, manuallyoperated or electrically operated retractable awningis another solution that offers protection from thesun’s UV light. These post-less awnings can bemounted on a wall above windows or doors, in theroof’s eave or on the roof, leaving the floor area clear for tables and seating.

Manage the Views Install an arbor with climbing roses or carefully placeshrubbery and vegetation to lead your eye to a focalpoint in the yard. Fences, gates and other structurescan conversely mask or “screen” unsightly views.

Don’t forget to include high-quality exteriorfurniture, rugs and accessories and lighting. Also,provide portable heaters for chilly nights. Then allyou have to do is invite the company!

By Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP, Senior Designer with the Design +Build firm Harrell Remodeling in Mountain View. For moreinformation or to attend one of our workshops, visitwww.harrell-remodeling.com. For a list of Certified InteriorDesigners in your area or to view the CID Pages (a visualdirectory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM

[ C C I D C ]

Tips for expanding yourexterior living space.

Phot

o by

Bill

Eno

s, Em

eral

d Lig

ht.

Multiple exterior living areas, some defined by shaded pergolas, are easily accessible from this residence remodeled by Harrell Remodeling.

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[ C L C A ]

LANDSCAPING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ANY community,not only from the joy it brings, but the quality of life that itprovides to humans and other species as well. Plants positively

alter our environment, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality,protect the land, provide us food, create oxygen and sustain life. As our climate changes we need to protect our plants, adapt to ourchanging environment and make choices that benefit us all andpreserve our future.

The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) ispleased to offer some recommendations to help you make smartchoices and protect the environment using your area’s mandatedwater reductions. This advice can help your landscape survive this year’s drought and help you prepare for predicted future water shortages.

How to Maximize Landscape Watering During ADrought. Start watering earlier and finish before 9:00 AM.

Set your spray irrigation timer to run half the normal time andrun a second cycle at least half an hour later. This will dramaticallyreduce runoff. Clay and other soils will only absorb so much waterand anything beyond that point is wasted water. Average timeshould be 5 minutes or less per cycle on a level site.

Consider a smart controller, which monitors the weather andadjusts watering accordingly.

Soil may look dry, but may still have plenty of moisture. If a 6" screwdriver goes easily into the soil then wait to water.

What if I Can Only Water One or Two Days a Week?Program your sprinkler time for multiple start times with run

cycles about 5 minutes each. Repeat the cycles 3-4 times at least30 minutes apart. If runoff occurs, reduce minutes per cycle.

Mow lawns higher and less frequently. Do not take off morethan 25% when mowing.

Help your trees get more water as mentioned above.

Part 2 of a 2 part series.

Drought recommendations from the California Landscape Contractors Association

How Can I Maximize MyLandscape Water Savings?

Check regularly for leaks and then fixthem immediately.

Incorporate existing water saving technologyinto your irrigation system. New sprinkler headsand smart controllers maximize water savings.

If you have a water meter, learn to read your meter. It will help youdetermine if you have a leak.

Turn on each sprinkler zone and see how much time it takes to startgenerating runoff for each zone. Round sprinkler time down to the nearestminute and set that time as your maximum run time for each station. Programyour controller for multiple run cycles.

Runoff means wasted water. No runoff means the water is being absorbedby the soil.

How Can I Prepare for a Drier Future? Make sure your irrigationsystem is efficient, pressure regulated and consistently up to date with thelatest water saving technology.

Study your landscape and the local community. Examine the long-termsurvivability of your current landscape and consider incorporating climateappropriate plants.

If your area is at risk for fire, consider adding native fire retardant plantsand learn how to protect your property.

Study your environment, the animals that exist within the landscape andyour long term needs to help you make good ecological choices.

For information about saving water, please go to: www.clca.org/clca/about/waterWise.php. THM

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