With the West Nile Virus on everyone’s mind, we are posting answers to five frequently answered questions from Orkin, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. (NYSE: ROL) about how to best treat them and keep your family and pets safe. Q: I have surveyed my yard, and I do not see any places for… Continue Reading
Green construction is moving from a niche to the mainstream. The total value of certified green construction worldwide in 2011 is estimated at nearly $70 billion. According to a new research report from SBIEnergy, the market is anticipated to reach almost $150 billion by 2016, and $294 billion by 2021. More harbingers of this growing… Continue Reading
As home builders and homeowners become increasingly aware of the quality design and cost value associated with environmentally-sound construction, production of green homes will rise significantly over the next several years. In fact, according to a survey released at the 2012 International Builder’s Show in Orlando, Fla., green homes—which comprised 17 percent of the overall… Continue Reading
A recent Yahoo survey about the American consumer’s evolving view of housing provides interesting and strong evidence of a definite market trend. According to the Yahoo survey, energy efficiency is a top hallmark of the “dream home” – more consumers cited energy efficiency as a desirable attribute than any other feature. (The Yahoo survey can… Continue Reading
4 projects that prove lavish homes don’t have to be wasteful! Many green-building advocates would say that “high-end green” is an oxymoron — that large, lavish custom homes can’t possibly be sustainable. While clients may not walk into a builder or architect’s office thinking green, much like other home buyers they’re still looking to reduce… Continue Reading
Made from 100 percent recyclable glass, each ThinkGlass countertop is unique, with a huge selection of molded textures and hand-painted colors. Customers can select their glass thickness, edge treatments, and even add LED lights to further personalize their design. Virtually maintenance-free, their textured finish hides fingerprints and is impossible to stain. They are naturally resistant… Continue Reading
Green homes have many advantages-for builders and consumers as well as the environment. For builders, they offer the ability to differentiate your homes from others on the market, reduced callbacks, and the potential for increased profit. For consumers, they offer better indoor air quality, lower operating costs, reduced maintenance, and higher resale values. For the… Continue Reading
According to the Appraisal Institute, environmental features can add considerable value to a building. But in real estate, a higher perceived value often fails to translate into a higher appraised value, complicating financial transactions and limiting incentives for owners to invest in green. The Appraisal Institute (AI), the most prominent U.S. membership organization of appraisers,… Continue Reading
This serene master bath certainly accommodates the clients’ request to bring nature inside. Beyond that, “they were open to nontraditional ideas about the space,” says architect Adam Montalbano. The outcome is a rather transparent arrangement that uses strategically placed windows, glass, and mirrors to define its dressing, bathing, and primping areas. The center of the… Continue Reading
1. Old bricks, worthless? No, those bricks can be recycled, and are very valuable to some people! 2. Use reclaimed wood for your next project at home. Use your own, or find some on freecycle, Craigslist, at your local transfer station, or recycle.net. 3. There are many places you can exchange or recycle your old… Continue Reading