#1: Install energy-saving fans and air conditioners.

Installing high-quality fans and AC equipment should be pretty simple, even if you have a large house to keep cool and keep at a comfortable temperature/humidity level. You build value in two ways. #1, you will hopefully reduce your monthly energy budget by something substantial. #2, the technology upgrade will increase the overall appeal of your home.

#2: Install bigger, brighter, better, more beautiful windows and skylights.

Who doesn’t love space and the beauty of the outdoors? Adding more windows – when done appropriately and effectively – means bringing in more daylight, more connection with the outside world, and more energy efficiency. Adding windows can make a room feel larger. Remember: emotion is a critical component of the alchemy that sets buyers’ desires on fire.

#3: Kitchen and bath remodeling – go for it!

Some experts believe that even simple and basic updates to your kitchen and bath areas can generate an 85% return – or more. If you only have a few thousand dollars to invest into your remodeling efforts – to extract the maximum value – the kitchen/bath area is a “no brainer” area to invest in. Beware, though: it’s easy to let a seemingly simple kitchen remodeling project spiral crazily out of control. Budget bloating, delays, and other annoyances can hound you.

No matter how you just choose to add value to your home, you might find it extremely useful to consult with the credentialed, diverse, and experienced experts at B.A. Morrison. Our contractors have the capabilities and know-how to keep your projects in control, on time, on spec and done to order. Find out more about how we work at www.bamorrison.com, or call us now at 510-538-9817 for a consultation.

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Roca Intelligent Drain

As the famous business guru, Peter Drucker, once said: what gets measured gets managed. Most people have a hard time measuring how much water they consume. Not anymore, with this intelligent drain, which employs a screen and sensor to measure and then tell you exactly how much water you are pouring away while you wash dishes, shave, or try to get your two-year-old to wash her hands even though he/she just wants to play with the water controls.

Smart Grids

Smart Grid tech can improve the efficiency of household appliance electricity use. Not only will you save on your bill, but you will also tamp down on your carbon dioxide emissions and, theoretically, help save the planet (if only in a miniscule way).

Smart Ovens

Smart ovens, like the Electrolux Inspiro, basically “think for you” by choosing the amount of heat needed and the time and convection required to cook a dish. These ovens are so smart that they will even recommend which rack to use to cook the juiciest, most delectable whatever.

Microsoft’s New Counter That Is Basically from Star Trek

New cool counters can function like ipads — showing you recipes, so you don’t have to get your computer all gummed up with egg and powdered flour while looking up how to make that Frou-Frou dessert your wife always loves. Microsoft’s “cutting board that can communicate with you” is still in the pre-consumer deployment phase.

Grace — the Omniscient Kitchen Robot

Microsoft is also rolling out a dynamic omniscient robot intelligence named Grace, who can control various appliances in your kitchen, home, bath, etc, as well as give you a rundown on what the kids ate for dinner, email messages you have, and so forth. Shades of Hal from Kubrick’s 2010, anybody?

If you need help designing, developing, or remodeling, consider working with the family-owned team at BA Morrison. We are fully bonded and insured, and we have been serving the HVAC and general construction needs of the Bay Area community since 1990. Connect with us now at 510-538-9817 to start planning your “kitchen of the future” or learn more about our team at www.bamorrison.com.

Castro Valley Kitchen Remodeling | Bay Area HVAC | Bay Area General Construction | East Bay Kitchen Remodeling

Materials

The common door materials include steel, wood, polyurethane, vinyl, and fiberglass. Top level fiberglass models often look like beautiful wooden doors but offer better insulation and longevity (and fewer potential mold issues). Steel is traditionally low maintenance, and you can find steel in a wide variety of prices, designs, and style options.

Designs and Trends

2012 is shaping up to be a neoclassical year, as designers and “in the know” home remodelers are pulling back from the “fancy schmancy” and bringing things back to basics:

Standard slab doors are going the way of the dodo. What’s in now is sectional doors.

“Old school” wooden doors are also out — fiberglass doors that look like wood are in because they offer better weather resistance, strength and longevity.

Insulated steel doors can keep your garage cool during the hot summer months and toasty during the winter. They also do a yoeman’s job preventing sound from seeping into your home.

Some industry insiders believe that vinyl is poised to make a major “comeback” this year, although top end vinyl garage door products may be too pricy for the average modeler.

Lastly, safety is becoming a big concern – what with the endless number of “helicopter parents” who populate the Bay Area. Features like dent resistant panels and other automated safety controls are likely to be in vogue this year.

Call B.A. Morrison

If you need help with your design or home remodeling needs, turn to the authorities here at B.A. Morrison. Our proven team can help you with sophisticated projects and reduce the stress, costs, and timeframe of your project. Connect with us today by calling 510-538-9817 for a free consultation.

The customer was happy with our service and their new furnace.  If you would like a new furnace or your furnace maintenanced give us a call at (510) 538-9817.  Learn more about our services and work at bamorrison.com.

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1. Indoor/outdoor combo.

Bay Area homeowners are getting “back to nature” by blending outdoor and indoor spaces. It’s plenty of plants, open air, etc., with an indoor feel. These spaces are more than just patios – places to “escape to” to go outside – they are integrated into the home’s design. One advantage to living in sunny California is that you can enjoy communion with Mother Nature.

2. Moving away from baroque ornamentation and back to classical.

The history of fashion, design, and architecture recalls a pendulum swinging back and forth. We go from structured and classical, back and forth again and again. Currently, it appears we are heading away from the baroque and back to the simple, clean, bright, and classical.

3. Cutting costs wherever possible.

Despite the recent uptick in the national and state economies, Californians are under the gun. That means we are trying to make designing as efficient as possible. Its Back to Basics.

4. The home is becoming a village for different generations of the family.

It’s another consequence of our stultified economy – or perhaps Bay Area residents are just sick and tired of having their families so spread out. Whatever the case is, elderly parents are living with their adult children, and young adult children are staying at home with their parents. As a result, we are seeing many more multi-generation families living under the same roof. This translates into some interesting remodeling and redesigning. When seniors move in, they need things like grab bars and elevators. When young adult kids move back to stay with their parents, they need their privacy – and so do their parents!

5. Kitchen über alles.

Kitchens just seem to be getting brighter, airier, and more central. Maybe it’s all the reality TV food shows. Maybe it’s just the sumptuous local cuisine and wines here in Northern and Central California. Whatever the case is, kitchens are “it,” and they are becoming more functional living and “hanging out” spaces.

6. Community living is back!

Just a few years ago, before the massive economic debacle of 2008, Californians were focused on land development. Now we are seeing a shift back to smaller properties and communal developments. Again, another consequence of our economic times – or perhaps a shift in our values toward more family-centered living.

7. It’s a lot easier to be “green” than it used to be.

The Green Revolution was born here in California. In the Bay Area, buyers and builders put a premium on products and design innovations that save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, extract more energy via solar power, etc.

8. Open floor plans.

Thematically, we are focused on open, airy, communal, bright spaces. We want sunlight streaming into our rooms.

Call BA Morrison

A family owned company.

For help with your Bay Area redesign, turn to the general contracting and heating/ air specialists at B.A. Morrison. Since 1990, we’ve been helping property owners and remodelers like you design and deliver awesome solutions. Find out more about us at www.bamorrison.com, or call us for a free consultation at 510-538-9817.

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In short, bad things. Consider:

1. Damage to the environment

The current refrigerant that your HVAC system uses may have a bad environmental impact. And if you want to cut costs (and who doesn’t, these days?), you need high quality refrigerants.

2. Stale air

An inadequate HVAC system will allow airborne germs, dust, mites, mildew and mold and other gunk to contaminate your space. Less than fresh indoor air can lead to both short-term and long-term respiratory and immune system ailments, including but not limited to asthma, emphysema,
allergies, weakened overall immune system, and more.

Consider: the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that most air inside buildings and homes is MORE polluted than outdoor air. Also, most people spend 9 our of every 10 hours indoors. In short: the risks of continuing to use your outmoded HVAC system are pretty clear.

3. Poor humidity control

A poorly designed, installed, maintained, or corrupted HVAC can lead to problems with humidifying and/or dehumidifying. If the air inside your home gets too moist – if humidity is not controlled – allergens, mold spores, etc can grow and flourish.

Too much humidity can damage sensitive pieces of equipment, such as medical equipment or musical instruments, such as your grand piano. Likewise, if air gets too dry, a spate of problems can be created, ranging from dry blistery skin to sore dry throats to general discomfort.

4. Inefficiencies you can’t see

Your central heating system (forced air system) and central AC system should be engineered to maximize ventilation, humidity control, heating/cooling, and filtering. If your components are well matched, well maintained – if all your duct work is sealed and effective – you can save not only on energy costs but also on long term repair costs.

If, on the other hand, you allow your HVAC to continue to “degrade,” you’ll pay both short term energy and efficiency costs as well as long term costs, when you’re forced, ultimately, to invest in a new HVAC system.

You can preempt all these hassles by researching and installing a new HVAC system!Let the experts here at B.A. Morrison help you develop the perfect HVAC solution. Since 1990, our family owned business has helped consumers and businesses in the Bay Area with all their general construction and HVAC needs. Call us at 510-538-9817 or visit us online at www.bamorrison.com.

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1. The Kitchen Is a Simple Space (a.k.a. Keep It Simple, Stupid, a.k.a. KISS)

Baroque ornamentations and detailing have dominated cutting edge aesthetic for years. Industry analysts believe that we’re getting tired of all the fuss, and we want to move away from the panel doors and thick moldings to simpler, less “Old World” conceptions. For instance, bamboo cabinets might replace more classical ornamented cabinetry.

2. Eco-Conscious Variety

A decade or so ago, if you told someone you were going to “green” your home or kitchen, the person would implicitly assume that you were constraining your aesthetic. Today, “green” can mean tens of thousands of things, depending on the designer, the materials used, et cetera. Kitchens in 2012 will use “diversely green” materials, such as granite, marble, quartz, wood, glass, bamboo and engineered quartz-like materials. You may see kitchen counter tops inspired by Asian-glass minimalism, bucolic country flavors, and everything in between. 2012, in some ways, will be the Age of Everything Green.

3. Efficiency Will Reign.

Hit hard by the ongoing financial crisis in California and elsewhere, penny-pressed consumers are pushing for efficiency. Innovators are listening. Expect new materials, design ideas, and other creative workarounds. For instance: CFL bulbs. These bulbs save energy, look great, and reduce costs.

If you want help designing, constructing, or remodeling your Bay Area kitchen, connect with the team here at B.A. Morrison. Since 1990, our fully insured and bonded and highly respected team has been helping consumers like you discover amazing solutions and efficiencies. Connect with us at 510-538-9817 or www.bamorrison.com.

image source: interior-factors.com