Through research we found the drip irrigation system to be the best solution for our needs. It consists of an underground tubing system that carries a low-pressure flow of water directly to the roots of foliage. It is much more efficient than the typical sprinkler system you will see. Traditionally, this system can be used for growing commercial vegetables and plants; however, the drip system can also successfully be applied to residential use.

The drip irrigation system, sometimes referred to as trickle irrigation, allows water to penetrate directly into the ground rather than on top of plants and soil. This causes the water to absorb deeper into the soil, directly on the root growth. To explain why the drip system is so effective, it is best to understand how it is constructed. The system works around zone areas of growth, so you can start in a small area and then expand to different zones of landscaping in your garden or yard.

The drip system for Beth Haley Design’s yard will start with a rain barrel fed by our gutters, elevated about 8” above ground. The height will help with water pressure. The on/off valve at the barrel can be turned off during the down season or if any repairs are needed. The valve is connected to a backflow preventer, which inhibits any unwanted specimens backing up into the clean rainwater.

Next, you will find a valve to regulate the pressure. This alleviates issues pertaining to the strength of water pressure. The regulation valve will ensure the water pumping into the ground flows at a constant rate, regardless of the variance in outside pressure levels.

Connected to the pressure valve is the optional filter. Some will say it is not necessary, but keep in mind that drip emitters have tiny openings that can be clogged with dirt or sediment. Better to stay safe with a filter than to have to deal with repair issues later.

The typical homeowner is likely to use a half-inch hose, although larger and smaller versions are available. Connected to the tubing are the actual drip emitters. You will need a minimum of 18” between each. Some come preassembled, and others can be screwed in by hand. Finally, at the end of the tubing is the end cap.

Because the water is moving directly to the roots of the foliage, a drip system will help save water and fertilizer by eliminating extensive water waste typically caused by the wind and sun. As an added bonus, it also helps to prevent waterborne pests from attacking your shrubs.

To compare the water output to conventional sprinkler systems, which can pump out as much as 3 gallons per minute, the drip irrigation system uses only 4 gallons per hour. The system is most effective when installed on a flat plain, as gravity will pull water down if your home is situated on a hillside.

As you start to plan your outdoor household projects this spring, keep in mind the opportunities available to make your gardens even more effective and earth friendly. There also are many great online resources for additional information and DIY drip irrigation systems.

Happy gardening!

Check out our Facebook profile for new photos!

We've ordered some lamps that are truly amazing. Speaking of lighting, we've now received most of the light fixtures for the office, as well as the pink candy wallcovering for the showroom.

On the renovation front, a lot is going on at the Linden house - this week, the drywall work has been finished up, and painting has begun. Final trim work is in full swing, and the bathroom and hearth are being tiled this week. We've had the custom cabinet in our ADA bathroom installed, and our kitchen & bathroom cabinets are being templated today for Cambria countertops. Yesterday, our beautiful kitchen cabinetry was installed - it's exactly what we envisioned.

Next week, the floors will be sanded, and the refinishing process will begin. This means all the drywall dust that's throughout the house will finally go away - hurray! Almost all of the flooring consists of original hardwoods, and those floors have definitely taken a beating over the years! New hardwoods are going in the places where some walls were removed, so it'll be a mix of old and new. We are finishing them with a dark walnut stain to minimize inconsistencies. It'll never be perfect, but that's how it goes with older homes. We love the quirks and character of old wood floors.

Upstairs, in the designers' office space, a new exterior door and two new windows have been installed. We're anticipating that the carpet will be installed within the next week and a half or so. We were pleased to find carpet with recycled content for our project.

Next week, landscaping begins. Maintenance landscaping is planned to remove vegetation from the left side of the building and redirect water away from the foundation, and planting will begin in the front yard. We plan to collect water in a rain barrel for irrigation, which is an easy and efficient way to save water.

Big thanks to our contractor, Curtis Borntrager of Borntrager Homes, for keeping everything on track and on budget!

Check out our Facebook page for some photos of the renovation, etc.

Erika

February 24, 2011

Prioritizing and budgeting continue to be an everyday discussion. I'm really trying to leave a cushion for the unexpected. This next week, we will make final decisions on all of the insulation options and air quality measures. Cork floors....well, let's just say, I'm going to enjoy spending less on energy consumption and hopefully we will hit silver, if not gold, on the NAHB Green Remodeling Program. I have not given up hope on those old floors. I still have some ideas; hopefully they fit the budget. 

Speaking of floors, one of the most difficult decisions has been the carpet for the upstairs offices. The floors on the second floor remind you of the rolling hills of Tennessee. Carpet is about the only affordable flooring solution. The budget does not call for leveling the second floor...talk about opening a can of worms! I have searched high and low for commercial carpet with the best recycled content and green manufacturing processes. I don't know that there is one that is best. You have to pick your battles, as with anything. Right now, the choices are wind powered manufacturing versus cradle-to-cradle yarns. If you ever want to have a detailed conversation on the environmental aspects of carpet, let me know. I have loads of information! 

I am truly enjoying this entire process, and once again, I am reminded that no two remodels are the same. I learn something new on each project, which keeps me on my toes and never bored!

Check out our Facebook page for updated progress photos.

Beth

Electrical work starts this week and will be a big process. We are rewiring the entire first floor, adding networking cables, replacing and moving the electrical boxes from the back porch. Plumbing begins this week, too.

Have you seen our office lately with all the products delivered? We need a holding area! It's going to be great to have more space. Also, additional parking is needed out back. We've decided to wait on building a new back porch - instead, we'll remodel the kitchen. We are selecting tile, countertops, cabinets, and hopefully some really lovely glamorous cork flooring. Budgets, budgets, budgets...I must stay on budget!

I believe we are going to go for the National Association of Home Builders' Green Remodeling Certification. The NAHB certification weighs heavy on increasing energy efficiency. Truthfully, anything we do will increase the efficiency...it is an old house. See the holes in the walls? Insulation will go in there. We will also be sealing any holes/cracks and areas around the windows and base molding while we have everything open. LED lighting has been selected for our most heavily-used areas to cut down on energy consumption and additional heat. Tile has been selected for recycle content and/or companies whose manufacturing processes are environmentally conscious. I'll share more as we make progress.  

We are looking at new lines to add to our home products offerings. Color in pillows, bedding and wallpaper, sculptural and high performing furniture, artistic area rugs and the fabric....it is like eye candy! 

Here's to happy remodels and stimulating functional spaces!

Beth

p.s. Check out more photos on our Facebook page. 

December 9, 2010

In today’s climate of building and renovating homes, it has become increasingly clear that many families want to have a home that is more functional, suits their everyday lives and works better for their day-to-day routine. The easiest solution always seems to buy or build a bigger home or add on to your current space, essentially, to give you more room to spread out and operate. What many homeowners fail to realize is that there can be valuable untapped real estate inside in your own residence, and the home of your dreams may be sitting right inside.

When you think about your home, especially if you have a limited footprint, think about how utilitarian your home is for your lifestyle. Are there rooms you pass by day-to-day without using, or are the rooms that you do use not working together to create a practical space for your everyday routine?

No matter how small or large the project, detecting your immediate needs helps to create a functional space plan, and effectively change the way you use your space. The most important aspect to creating a completely functional home is having clearly defined areas that serve a specific purpose. Ask yourself: Could there be a way to reconfigure my existing layout to become more functional for my lifestyle? Say, for example, you have a formal dining area that is rarely, if ever, used, but your kitchen is so crowded you feel cramped every time you cook a meal. A solution could be as simple as tearing down the adjacent wall to extend the kitchen and create an open entertaining area.

There are also many environmental and economical advantages to staying in your current home. First, you can stay in your current location, which means keeping the same schools and neighbors. Second, fewer materials and resources are needed to renovate compared to starting from scratch. Third, you’ll save money! It is much more cost-effective to renovate an existing space than to build a custom home to suit your needs. If done correctly, the changes in your home will contribute to energy bill savings by making your space more energy efficient.

Another obvious challenge with working in small spaces is making the layout not feel cramped. There are simple solutions that trick the eye. Consider simple profiles. Anything fussy and complicated will be overbearing to the space. Reflective surfaces extend the space in your mind’s eye, and light colors will make walls recede.

Innovation can go a long way. Think vertically when designing. Take the kitchen cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, and as a result, you will take your eye off of limited counter space. You will also need less bulky furniture for storage. Less space can mean a better space, as your budget will stretch much further. Instead of purchasing extra furniture to fill up a room, which may rarely be used, use your budget to get higher quality materials that will look great and last longer.   

Taking the steps toward creating a better use of space in your home can help you maximize the way you live for a more efficient life. Think about what it will take to use your space effectively and how to better utilize unused space. Find out what works best for your lifestyle. Instead of more space, think better space!

-- by Maggie McClure, ASID

June 29, 2010

We have worked together to create a sustainable base for your home through past articles on building products and space planning. Now for the fun part – furnishing and decorating! What characteristics do you hunt for in your search for greener home furnishings?

To start out, the greenest solution is to purchase previously loved pieces locally or as close to home as possible. Buying locally cuts down on transportation emissions. As you know, these products have already off-gassed, and you’ll have done your part to keep them out of a landfill.

Ask yourself if you really need new furniture. Can you bring new life to an old piece? It’s simple to repaint (using non-toxic paint or other finishes), and adding new hardware can completely change the look of a piece. Take a look around and see what you can repurpose!

If you must buy new, here are some things to look for:

Keep an eye out for items with the Sustainable Furnishing Council’s seal of approval. SFC is a non-profit organization working with manufacturers, designers and retailers to promote sustainable practices through education/awareness and assistance in adopting green practices. In the furniture market, leading culprits are finishes that off-gas, wood sourced from unmanaged forests, carbon emissions due to manufacturing processes and transportation, waste stream pollutants and non-recycled content. Select manufacturers who use best manufacturing processes, whether they’re buying green power, reusing energy produced in the manufacturing process, reducing waste material, keeping toxic water runoff out of the ecosystem, etc.

Look for products and manufacturers that use low- or no-VOC finishes (water-based stains, milk paint, etc.), renewable resources, reclaimed lumber, and certified wood from carefully managed forests or fast growing wood species or grasses. Many companies are working to incorporate recycled content as well. When looking at recycled content, product with post-consumer waste is the better alternative since, in theory, this product is headed for a waste facility. Also keep an eye out for reduced use of formaldehyde, glues and sealants, natural fabrics and minimal packaging.

Watch for products made with wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC is a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable way.

Another option is to have furniture built especially for you by local craftsmen. You can work closely with these artisans to create exactly what you’re looking for (size, shape, function and color) – using locally-grown or reclaimed wood and environmentally-friendly finishes, of course! Custom furniture is often more affordable than you’d think, and it’s a great way to acquire pieces you’ll keep for a lifetime. Working with a local furniture maker saves on embodied energy, too – just think of the energy saved by not purchasing a table that was manufactured on the other side of the world and transported here by ship, rail and truck.

Last but not least, when creating green interiors, purchase pieces that you love and that have lasting value. The longer you keep and use an item, the greener it becomes. It is kept out of the landfill, you are not interrupting the environment with new production, and you save money and time. Buy what you love with longevity and quality in mind.

Resources:

Sustainable Furnishings Council: http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/
Forest Stewardship Council: http://www.fscus.org/

I wanted to share some important information for homeowners who may be considering home renovations. Have you heard about the Environmental Protection Agency’s new “lead paint law” that went into effect on April 22^nd? This law affects houses built prior to 1978 – many of our homes! If you are considering home renovations, you may want to find out more. Here are the basics from the EPA’s website:

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Under the rule, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities, including window replacement.

What activities are subject to the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program?

In general, any activity that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:

·         Remodeling and repair/maintenance

·         Electrical work

·         Plumbing

·         Painting

·         Carpentry

·         Window replacement

What housing or activities are excluded and not subject to the rule?

·         Housing built in 1978 or later.

·         Housing for elderly or disabled persons, unless children under 6 reside or are expected to reside there.

·         Zero-bedroom dwellings (studio apartments, dormitories, etc.).

·         Housing or components declared lead-free by a certified inspector or risk assessor.

·         Minor repair and maintenance activities that disturb 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior of a home or building.

Contractors are required to be certified and registered with the EPA, their employees must be trained in use of lead-safe work practices, and lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants’ exposure to lead hazards must be followed. Compliance measures must be documented.

EPA’s lead program rules apply only to renovations performed for compensation; therefore, if you work on your own home, the rules do not apply. EPA encourages homeowners to use lead-safe work practices, nonetheless, in order to protect themselves, their families, and the value of their homes.

It is important to ask your contractor if his/her firm has followed the procedures to be certified by the EPA, as non-compliance comes with penalties, including immediate work stoppage for indefinite periods of time and fines of up to $32,500/day. Please be sure to ask your contractor or painter if he/she is EPA Lead-Safe Certified, and if you are not sure if your project will be affected by the new rule, take the time to learn more about it. It could make all the difference in your project!

More information: http://www.epa.gov/lead/

 Last week, I received an email from one of my clients saying that she was waiting on some of the items she and I were working on because she had gone with the recommendations from her Go Green evaluation. My interest was renewed; I emailed her back, curiously asking how satisfied she was with the process and results. She responded saying it was amazing! She is living more comfortably with her thermostat 10 degrees lower. She spent more than the representative said it would cost, and is not going to get much of a tax credit, but she was very happy with the results. Her house is old, like mine. It is leaky and has single pane windows. After hearing her results, I was newly inspired to complete my survey. It was not as difficult as I had imagined it to be - I completed it over two slices of pizza and a couple oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!

Now the ball is back in their court. My friend told me that once they receive the form, a TVA-certified evaluator will meet with you, inspect your home and report detailed recommendations. You will be given a list of approved certified contractors to do the work, members of their “Quality Contractor Network.” This in-home evaluation costs up to $150, which you are reimbursed for if the improvements you make cost more that $150. You are also reimbursed 50%, up to $500, for the installation costs. Once the work is completed (within 90 days - incentive not to procrastinate), the work will be inspected for proper installation. Tax credits, cash incentives and financing are available and outlined on the NES website: http://www.nespower.com/home_evaluation.html.

There is also a list of recommendations that are not covered with cash incentives. I love a checklist! It was quick and easy to navigate. NES offers more information about community support on their website. So, if you feel so inclined and motivated, you can start a program to challenge your community, neighborhood, street and friends to “Go Green,” too. President Obama, DavidsonCounty, Mayor Karl Dean and, I imagine, the governing bodies where you live, have goals for us to make a difference in carbon emissions. By 2030, AIA, American Institute of Architects, wants to make our built environments, both new and renovated, carbon-neutral, which means not using “fossil fuel greenhouse gas-emitting energy to operate.”

I know it sounds overwhelming, but not if we start taking steps. Join me and my neighborhood in making changes in our homes: changes that affect our quality of life, our environment and our future. For more information on how you can make a difference in your home or business, take a look at the following websites:

http://www.gogreendistrict18.com/index.html

www.nespower.com

http://www.nashville.gov/mayor/green_ribbon/index.asp

www.aia.org

Together, let’s Go Green!

Click the photo to check it out: 

[image above by aron wright]