Category: Uncategorized

You’re the person in your family who makes sure every yogurt container and juice bottle makes it into the recycling bin. You like to turn out the lights, turn off the water, and conserve resources whenever you can. But can you make your home more sustainable without breaking the bank?

You can. Affordable sustainability is possible, and can be as simple as upgrading to energy efficient appliances, changing light bulbs, or adding insulation. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling, or just looking to add more energy-efficient features to your current home, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Learn more about energy efficient steps you can take at your home, what kind of alternative energy might be a good option for you, and how to use eco-conscious building materials.

Energy efficiency

Buttoning up your house so it’s energy efficient is a great way to save not only the environment, but also on your heating and electric bills.

Some steps to take to make your home more energy efficient:

1) Sign up for a residential energy audit. This is a great first step to take to find out how you can make your home more energy efficient. A certified auditor will come to your house and show you any energy leaks or deficiencies.

The auditor will evaluate your HVAC system, look for air leaks, check windows and doors, and install items like energy efficient light bulbs and power strips. Plus, you could be eligible for rebates to upgrade your systems, add insulation, replace windows, etc. Auditing programs vary by state, so check for programs in your area.

2) Swap out your light bulbs. Light bulbs have come a long way in recent years, and replacing old ones offers a great way to save energy. Plus, they are easy to install, and an inexpensive way to save on your electric bill. LED bulbs shine for about 50,000 hours, versus 10,000 hours for CFL bulbs and 1,200 hours for incandescent bulbs.

LED bulbs also are mercury-free and use just 2 to 17 watts of electricity. They may be more expensive than CFLs, but will last much longer, and costs are coming down as technology advances. Plus many LED bulbs are dimmable whereas CFL’s require a special dimmer that never functions as well as you would expect.

Read more about ways to use decorative lighting in your home.

3) Add insulation. A poorly insulated house is a recipe for energy loss. Adding insulation to your home is the easiest way to make it more energy efficient, while also being relatively inexpensive.

Options include slag wool, rock wool, fiberglass, or spray foam insulation. The better the “R value,” the better job of insulating a product will do. Shoring up any air leaks from old windows or doors is also a good way to save energy and on heating and cooling costs.

4) Upgrade your HVAC system. When buying a new HVAC system, choose one that is Energy Star qualified. Also think long-term when buying a system. If you’re planning an addition in five years, for example, you’ll want to make sure your new HVAC system will support that build out.

Look for air conditioners with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). Installing programmable thermostats can also save energy, while you should change your air filter regularly and have your HVAC system professionally checked and tuned once per year.

Alternative energy

There are great ways to avoid using fossil fuels to power and heat your home. If you’re building a new house, adding on, or just looking for an innovative way to “go green,” check out these alternative energy sources:

1) Solar. You’ve likely seen solar panels popping up on neighbors’ roofs. There are companies that offer leases on panels, or you can buy them. With a payback period of about 5 to 10 years, and a panel lifespan of 20 to 30 years, you could potentially produce enough solar energy to run your house for free for many years. You’ll need a south-facing, structurally sound roof that isn’t blocked by trees or other obstructions.

Installing a 1.5 kilowatt system would keep more than 110,000 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere over the next 25 years, and would prevent the need to burn 60,000 pounds of coal, according to altenergy.org

2) Geothermal. Geothermal heat pumps tap the thermal energy produced inside the earth. They can cost double the price of a typical heating, cooling, and hot water system, but have a payback period of 2 to 10 years for a system with a lifetime of 18 to 23 years. Check for rebates and incentives offered in your area.

3) Wind. Home wind turbines are less common than solar and geothermal, but could be possible depending on your home. You’ll need an average wind speed of about 9 miles per hour for small wind electric turbines. Systems can start at about $4,000 to $9,000, and rebates or tax credits may be available.

Building materials

When selecting building materials to use for your new home or renovation project, select ones that are more sustainable and have less impact on the planet.

• Consider products that incorporate recycled materials, including for flooring, siding, and exterior trim.

• Use reclaimed wood for floors, decorative areas, interior doors, etc.

• Salvaged or locally produced building materials reduce the need to ship items long distances, and can add some vintage flair to your home.

• Use low VOC products when picking out paint, carpeting, and plywood for construction and cabinet making.

• Choose durable products that will hold up over time.

• Buy energy efficient appliances and devices for your home.

Even the smallest energy efficient changes you make can have a big impact on the earth. Ask your design/build team about the products and materials they use. Also communicate your desires to use eco-friendly building materials, and find a way to make affordable sustainability work for you.

Lighting shouldn’t be an after thought in your home. You need lights for utilitarian purposes like illuminating your kitchen counters, dining spaces, and living room. But lighting doesn’t have to be boring. Decorative lighting can be a stylish and fun way to dress up the various spaces in your home, or even dress them down.

Learn about top trends in decorative lighting, your lighting choices, plus vintage and modern decorative lighting styles. Also check out high-end or mid-range options. Whatever your style and budget, there’s a decorative lighting solution out there for you.

Top trends

There’s always something new going on in the decorative lighting world. From Edison style bulbs, to reclaimed industrial lighting for the home, here are 8 top decorative lighting trends that have been popular in 2015:

1. Pendant lights
2. Glass pendants with Edison style bulbs
3. Reclaimed industrial lights
4. Dramatic chandeliers
5. LED lights
6. Shower lights
7. Copper fixtures
8. Under cabinet lighting
9. Outdoor lights for porches and sitting spaces
10. Elegant task lighting

Lighting options

Decorative lighting choices vary in size, style, shape, and color. Learn about the different functions of decorative lighting, then jazz up your space.

– Chandeliers: A real statement piece hung in an entryway, dining room, or bedroom. In 2015, chandeliers are popping up all over the house.

– Pendant lights: Hang near eye level. Great for kitchen islands or in small spaces. Consider a multi-pendant arrangement.

– Ceiling-mounted light fixtures: Overhead lights can be decorative, demonstrative, or demure.

– Sconces: Combine character and function on your walls. Perfect next to beds or fireplaces and in bathrooms flanking the mirror.

– Table and floor lamps: Offer a stylish way to accessorize a room using different shapes, colors, and scales. Consider a lamp as a pop of color.

– Recessed lighting: Not seeing a light fixture is a design choice too, and often a good one in kitchens and modern spaces.

Styles

Decorative lighting choices run the gamut from vintage to modern. Check out these hot choices for 2015:

1) Vintage

– Retro style

– Vintage designs with modern influence

– Restored antique lighting

2) Modern

– From wall sconces to swingarm lights

– Modern vanity, display lighting, and more

– Indoor and outdoor lighting

Pricey or not

You can pick up a neat vintage light at a yard sale on the cheap, find decorative lighting options that are high-end, or score the perfect mid-range luminaire. The options are endless.

While we can’t recommend which yard sales to cruise, we’ve picked out a few high-end and mid-range decorative lighting options that might pique your interest.

1) High-end ideas

– Impressive chandeliers

– Bedroom lighting and beyond

2) Mid-range ideas

– Tripods and more

– Edison style pendants and chandeliers

Whatever your style, there’s a decorative lighting solution for you. When building your new home, renovating, or putting on that addition, don’t neglect the lighting. For more ideas on decorative lighting, consult your design/build team to learn more about the latest trends.

At Cottage Industries, we get a lot of clients who are interested in doing a bathroom remodel. Whether you’re sick of your bathroom’s wall-to-wall pink tile, or are just ready for an updated style, it could be time to do over your bathroom. No two bathrooms are alike, and a remodel plan that works for you wouldn’t necessarily work for your neighbor. Therefore, costs can run the gamut. What we’ll do today is discuss bathroom remodel cost estimates, and what features factor into the overall project cost.

Estimating your project price

In the Philadelphia area, according to the 2017 COST VS VALUE REPORT from Remodeling Magazine, an average cost for a midrange bathroom remodel is $19,949 while an average cost for an upscale bathroom remodel is $63,249. Of course, the actual price depends on the scope of work and material selections made.

If you’re looking for a more specific estimate based on your situation and needs, drop us a line. We’re happy to speak with you about what a bathroom remodel might cost for you.

Read more on the 7 factors that impact cost when doing a bathroom remodel.

Breaking down your costs

You’ll better be able to understand the potential costs of a bathroom remodel by reading below. We’ll tell you about the different aspects of remodeling a bathroom, and just where your money will be going.

1) Labor

The biggest cost involved with doing a bathroom remodel is the labor. It takes time and energy to design, plumb, run electric, tile, paint, and more. Every part of a bathroom remodel requires the work of teams of craftsmen and tradesmen.

Here are some of the facets of bathroom remodels that will factor into your labor cost:

• Installing new windows, or changing window location
• Adding new drywall to the bathroom
• Bringing systems up to code and installing new plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling
• Specialty plumbing for steam showers, spa tubs, or special sinks and fixtures
• Custom lighting and electrical features like steam units, whirlpool tubs, and heated floors
• New bathroom exhaust vents
• Specialty tile or flooring patterns, mosaics, and natural stone
• Shower glass installation
• Custom cabinetry and millwork

2) Fixtures

Fixtures are the key elements in a bathroom remodel. They show your sense of style and making selections can be a fun part of doing a bathroom remodel.

Think about the kinds of fixtures you would like in your bathroom:

• Sink (double or single) – Perhaps an integrated bowl, simple and elegant. Or maybe you would rather a statement piece more like an object of art.
• Toilet – There’s actually a huge number to choose from. Everything from simple single flush to high tech toilets with seats that raise automatically. Would you like a toilet with LED lights… they have that too!
• Bathtub – A soaker, a whirlpool, a walk-in, free standing, one large enough for a party?
• Shower – How big would you like it? Want multiple shower heads, hand held sprays, LED lighting? It’s all available for the adventurous client.

3) Cabinetry

While you’re picking out your fixtures, your design/build team can help you figure out the best options for cabinetry. Do you like the look of wood, metal, or concrete? What would coordinate well with your sink and other fixtures?

Types of cabinetry to plan for:

• Under sink shelving and drawers
• Bathroom storage
• Linen closets

Whether you prefer a more modern bathroom, or a traditional look, there is cabinetry to match your style. Or, consider custom cabinetry for a unique look to get exactly what you want.

4) Finishes

Now you’ll be getting into the smaller details of your bathroom remodel: the finishes. This is where you can really let your style shine. Do you like chrome faucets and cabinet pulls? What kind of tile are you interested in for the shower? Do you like herringbone or basket weave tile styles for your floor?

Finishes you’ll want to consider:

• Tile or marble
• Mirrors
• Lighting
• Hardware

Think about how lighting will play a role in the design of your bathroom. Recessed lighting over the sink area is one option, or you could pick wall sconces or ceiling-mounted lights. If you really want to go grand, consider a chandelier over the bathtub.

Read more about decorative lighting and what’s popular in 2015.

Your dream bathroom

Whatever you’ve been dreaming about for your bathroom remodel, we’re here to help your vision become a reality. Come sit down with us, we’d love to hear your ideas and share ours.

Each year we get a myriad of inquiries from people looking to preserve their historic homes or buildings, and almost everyone wants to know how to do it without damaging the building or destroying its charming features. We love coming across people like you who are as passionate about historic homes as we are. So we dedicate this post to protecting historic resources, and to providing you with a few preservation tips.

Protecting your historic treasure

There is something truly magical about walking into an historic building, and thinking about the people whose lives went on inside those walls hundreds of years ago. It’s like stepping back in time. So how do you honor history? You do so by protecting and preserving it to the best of your ability.

Trusting your design/build team is the first step. Choose a design/build team with experience dealing with the challenges of historic home or building preservation and restoration.

Getting started

How you should get started with your preservation project:

1) Do your research. Start out by conducting research on the building or home. First visit the township building and ask about any archives on your property. Old permits, plans, zoning changes might still be on file. You can also contact the oldest survey and land engineering firm in the area to find out what records are available. On the Main Line, there’s Yerkes Associates, Inc., or Momenee & Associates. Try the local historical society, too. They may have a wealth of information on your home.

2) Decide what you want to accomplish. Take photos of the spaces you wish to change or restore and anything of interest in those rooms. Note the details you want to preserve, match, or restore. Consult with your design/build team and review the material.

Stabilize the building. Be sure any unsound structural elements or systems are part of the overall plan. They might use up a portion of your budget, but leaving those items unattended to can lead to significant problems down the road.

3) Preserving your piece of the past

There is so much detail and work that goes into preserving a historic building. Way more than we can cover in one post. Below are a few tips for things to watch for when working on a historic building, specific to interiors, exteriors, cleaning, and selecting materials.

Staying true to interior character

There can be a lot of character in historic homes and buildings, and you likely want to preserve whatever you can.

Read more about historic home interior design.

Follow these steps with your design/build team to determine a plan for interior preservation:

• Figure out how the building was laid out in the past, and which spaces are important to the character. Don’t divide up rooms and spaces where you don’t have to.
• Remove modern elements that don’t match character.
• Keep stairways in their original location (changing them a little could open up code compliance problems). Old stairways often do not meet building codes and once construction touches them, they might need to be brought up to full compliance.
• Install new heating, cooling, and electrical systems as discreetly as possible. A high velocity air conditioning system can cool a home that previously had no AC. These systems can often be installed with a smaller impact than a new fully ducted traditional HVAC system. These systems really shine in conjunction with a home with radiators.
• Repair or replace deteriorated plaster when possible. Drywall is an acceptable alternate  in many cases and is much less expensive than plaster.

Read more about interior preservation from the National Park Service.

Exterior maintenance

When preserving a small to medium sized historic building, like a home or row house, maintaining the exterior is just as important as the interior. You might have cracked roofing tiles, chipping paint, or overgrown trees or shrubbery.

Some work for your design/build team to consider on the exterior:

• Repoint masonry and investigate any cracks for structural issues.
• Correct any areas trapping or letting moisture into the building.
• Repair or replace wooden siding that is rotted.
• Remove deteriorated caulk and sealants and reapply new.
• Trim tree branches and plants away from the house.
• Keep painted surfaces in good condition. Once the paint fails, the material beneath can fail too.

Learn more about exterior building preservation.

Cleaning your building the right way

When cleaning an historic building, care must be taken so abrasive cleaning methods don’t destroy surfaces. Power washing the outside of a historic building to clean up years of dirt accumulation is one example of how a historic home could become damaged.

There are specific methods for cleaning

• Wood: Avoid abrasives.
• Metals: Avoid corrosives, treat immediately depending on the type of metal.
• Brick : Acid wash with CARE, Consult a professional.
• Plaster or stucco: Consult a professional.
• Building stones: Acid wash or sand blast to remove paint.

Find out more about how to properly clean a historic building.

Using substitute materials

Scour estate sales, antique stores, and online sites to find any reclaimed materials that can be used in your historic building. You might not always be able to find what you need, and the use of substitute materials may be warranted.

Consider substitute materials when:

• The historic look is maintained, but the function is improved.
• There aren’t historic materials available.
• A craftsman can’t reproduce the materials.
• There are flaws in the original materials.
• To meet current code.

When choosing new materials, choose ones that replicate or match the old materials as close as possible. Your design/build team should have plenty of expertise in this area.

No small job

If you’re taking the first steps toward preserving your historic home or building, good for you. It can be an overwhelming undertaking, but we’d like to offer our help. If you’re in the Philadelphia area or on the Main Line, consider sitting down with us to talk about historic building preservation.

Your Victorian home is likely more than a century old, meaning it’s stood up to a lot during the passage of time. Restoring your home could mean a few small projects, or it could require a major overhaul, depending on the care it’s received over the years.

Read on to learn about Victorian homes, including the basics of Victorian home restoration.

What is a Victorian home?

The Victorian era’s namesake is Queen Victoria, whose 63-year rule of Britain lasted from 1837 to 1901. During the Victorian era, architecture took a turn reflecting the industrialization of the time.

Some of the features that identify Victorian homes include:   

• An asymmetrical façade
• A gable facing forward
• Steeply pitched roofs, usually shaped irregularly
• Textured roof shingles
• Asymmetrical porches, typically one story high
• Porches that extend along the side walls

There are a variety of Victorian styles of home, including Queen Anne Victorian, Stick Victorian, and Second Empire Victorian. They all look different, yet share some of these major features.

Victorian homes are stately and beautiful, and Victorian home restoration can bring them back to their former glory. We’ve seen Victorians in all phases of life, from those needing a major restoration project to others that have been carefully cared for over time.

Some common problems

With older home restorations come some pretty common issues that could need repair. Problems with old Victorians aren’t unlike the issues found in most older homes. You might have to fix:

• Old plumbing, including lead waste pipes
• Knob and tube wiring
• Sagging floors
• Deteriorating foundations
• Peeling wallpaper
• Damaged wainscot

Where to start

When considering a design/build team for your Victorian home restoration, do your research. It’s advised to choose a company with plenty of experience working on older home restoration and remodeling, including Victorians.

Cottage Industries is the proud winner of a historic preservation award for two Victorian addition and restoration projects in Wayne, Pa. Cottage Industries also handled the restoration of The Saturday Club, a national historic landmark in Wayne as well as Phase I of the restoration of the Wayne Train Station.

Historic considerations

When restoring an older home such as a Victorian, there are rules that vary by township and by neighborhood that govern how the outside of an historic house can and can’t be changed. If your home is a national historic landmark, there will be even more rules to follow.

But, what you do with the interior of your house is up to you. You can restore it to its full Victorian grandeur, or add your own personal touch.

When doing an addition to a Victorian home, choose a design/build team with experience matching architectural styles. You want the addition to look like it’s been there all along, without any telltale signs that it is new.

For more on historic home restoration, read about the best path forward for historic home interior design.

Materials and tools

While we strive to make your remodeled Victorian house look and feel authentically old, we can take advantage of modern building materials and tools to do the work. Today’s power tools like nail guns and table saws make the job go quicker than it did for our brethren decades ago when a power tool was anything pulled by a horse. The tools of today are a real labor saver.

Some examples of modern materials making the job better are composite exterior trim like Azek which can be shaped, nailed, and painted like wood but will NEVER rot! Or drainage mats that can be placed behind wood siding. These mats allow moisture to drain from the behind siding instead of getting trapped and eventually leading to a rot or mold issue. Be sure your design/build team is up on the latest materials.

No matter the kind of Victorian home restoration project you’re planning to undertake, at Cottage Industries, we’re happy to share our knowledge and help your building dreams become a reality.

As we get older, more people are welcoming their aging parents to move in with them. It’s not as simple though as unpacking some belongings for mom and dad. Extra space is often needed in the form of an in-law suite, and existing parts of the house need to be made safe and more accessible.

In-law suite designs aren’t new for Cottage Industries, and our projects have run the gamut from full suite additions to simpler bedroom and bathroom designs. We also help you look at your whole house and how we can make all living quarters safe and comfortable for your loved ones.

Below are some things to consider as you embark on your journey with in-law suite designs.

1) Decide on a plan

You know your family best. Think about the best plan for your elders in terms of privacy and their own space. Redoing a bedroom and bathroom could be all you need, or you may want a suite complete with a kitchenette and small living room to provide privacy and more independent living. Some municipalities don’t allow 2^nd kitchens, so find out before spending too much effort on this.

Think long-term, too. At some point will a live-in aid be needed? Will second floor living not be possible at some point because of accessibility? Where will your elders be eating their meals?

A good design/build team will help you anticipate the evolving needs of your loved ones. Beyond just where they’ll sleep and shower, think too about the space in your house and where mom and dad will spend their mornings and afternoons. Creating spaces for sewing or knitting, reading, or any other hobbies is a good addition to your in-law suite designs.

It might seem early to think about furniture for your in-law suite, but it’s a good idea to consider what’ll be going into the space. Does your parent have a favorite recliner, china cabinet, or special bed, such as a hospital bed? Plan for these items as you design.

If you’re doing an addition, the size or placement of it will depend on your lot and how much room you have. Zoning regulations play a factor on what you can do, and where.  You can also consider creating a detached in-law suite if, again, building rules allow one.

2) Accessibility

While an in-law suite can be as simple as creating a separate bedroom and bathroom, it can be much more expansive depending on your home and your needs. No matter the scope of your in-law suite, it’s likely you’ll need to address accessibility issues elsewhere in the home too.

Look around your house, and notice all the door and cabinet handles, faucets, and drawers that could be a challenge for older hands. Are your doorways narrow, or would they allow a walker or wheelchair to pass through? See those thresholds? They can cause trips and falls.

You’ll need to consider widening doorways, using paddle handles, or installing a stair climber or elevator. If you’re doing an in-law suite addition, all of these issues should be addressed in the design, and you likely will want to make changes elsewhere in the house, too.

These measures can help your loved ones now, but also might be a major benefit for you down the line. Read more about remodeling ideas for aging in place.

3) Finances and timing

Finances to build an in-law suite can be tricky. You could be waiting for your parents’ home to sell to use the money to add an addition at your house. If finances could be tied up for awhile, consider a swing loan.

Also make sure to have open communication with your design/build team about when the finances will be worked out and the build can begin. Schedules are important whether you’re doing a remodel or addition, and you want everyone to be on the same page.

If you are planning a bigger project, read these tips on how to maximize a whole-house remodel.

Construction issues

Will your parents have moved in with you before construction begins? If so, some considerations will need to be made. Access to the home will need to remain safe, with building materials and debris kept away from entrances and living areas.

A temporary kitchen may be needed, or the project will have to be staged strategically so an accessible bathroom is always available.

Whatever your needs when it comes to in-law suite designs, Cottage Industries is here to help. We’ll study your situation and help you find the best solution to your family’s needs. Contact us today.