The New Home Design Sourcebook is Here!
Fall Issue Chock Full of New Features
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The fall issue of the San Luis Obispo Home Design Sourcebook is one of our best issues ever, with all the gorgeous photography you’ve come to expect as well as some must-read stories.
Did you know you can get sinks, countertops, walls, even furniture made from concrete? That you can mix concrete in almost any color? That it can be rough, smooth or polished to a high shine like polished stone? That it can be poured into almost any shape? Want a curve in your countertop? A “wave” in your sink? With concrete, it’s easy. We report on the innovative ways concrete is making its way indoors.
In our story on smart homes, we explain the role of an integrator and why that person is so important. Knowing how to connect the dots - or wires - is just the beginning. Good integrators bring in-depth knowledge of how the optimize the various components, what works with what and perhaps most important, a feel for the visual and aural aesthetics of an installation. As you’ll see, paying for an expert integrator is the best first step you can take.
Speaking of experts, we’ve got a new take on remodeling contractors that’s a must-read for home buyers and sellers. A remodeled kitchen or bathroom is generally regarded as a plus, one that can add thousands to the price of a home. But wait. A buyer can use a remodel to decrease the sales price! Learn how on page 44 of the latest issue.
And don’t forget to look for the Special Offer symbol throughout the magazine. Or just click the “resources” or “return to dreamspacesonline.com” links on this page to return to the home page. The Special Online Offers link will take you to a list of all the advertisers who have special offers available exclusively to Dream Spaces readers.
Pick up your copy today. And pass it along!
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Closet World Agrees to Penalties
False advertising and exceeding contract amounts alleged
Thursday, October 19, 2006
A Southern California closet firm and three related companies will be allowed to stay in business, but under close watch by the Contractors State License Board. Closet World Inc. has agreed to a “stipulated settlement and disciplinary order” after the CSLB investigated dozens of consumer complaints.
Violations alleged by the CSLB included false advertising, exceeding agreed-to contract amounts, employing non-registered sales persons and requiring excessive down payments from consumers.
In the settlement, which will take effect on November 13, the Whittier–based company has agreed to a stayed revocation of its license and being placed on probation for two years. Three other companies, Home Closets, Inc. Closets By Design and Closet Dimensions, Inc., dba Closet World, have agreed to the same terms. The inactive licenses of four individuals, O’Hannes Elias Jivalgian, Alexsan Jivalagian, Darren Berger and Willie Arias were placed on a one-year stayed suspension and put on probation for two years with terms and conditions.
The settlement includes 22 safety provisions for consumers and guidelines for the companies as the terms and conditions of this probation. “We look at this as a win-win situation,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “Consumers have protections in place and these established California companies get to stay in business. We’ll keep a close watch and make sure they follow through with the service that consumers deserve.”
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Show and Tell
Saturday, September 30, 2006
We’re here at the San Luis Obispo home show today and tomorrow. The weather is a little chilly but throw on a sweater and come on down. We’ve had lots of visitors at our booth (#30). Stop by and pick up a copy of our latest issue and let us take you on a guided tour of the new Dream Spaces Online.
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Foiled Again!
An Alternative to Insulation
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Conventional insulating materials such as fiberglass, cellulose and polyfoam use their ability to absorb or slow down heat transfer to insulate.
But there’s another option. Instead of installing insulation that absorbs heat, you could line your attic with material that reflects heat.
Radiant barrier insulation systems are basically a layer of aluminum foil facing an airspace. They can reflect up to 97% of all radiant heat. So instead of packing your attic with loose insulation or lining the roof with packed material, you install a thin layer of radiant barrier, only 3/16 of an inch thick. If you’re replacing blow-in insulation with radiant barrier, you gain extra space.
Another plus is that it’s unaffected by humidity. A 1-1/2% change in the moisture content of fiberglass insulation will result in a 36% decrease in performance. A pure aluminum radiant barrier is unaffected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent level no matter how humid it may be.
Radiant barrier insulation can also be used on water heaters, pipes and in house walls. And because it’s double-sided, it also prevents heat loss through the ceiling or attic. You save on both cooling and heating bills. Ask your contractor or check it out at Innovative Insulation.
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