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Spring Time is "Green" Time  
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Anatomy of a Remodel
Stop Bugin' Me
Mending Fences
Green Fabulous Finds
Recipe for Remodel
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Anatomy of a Remodel - Part VI - Completion and Project Closeout

The contractor tells you he (or she) is finished and then hands you the bill. Do not let him walk out the door without doing a walk-through to review and inspect all the work that was done. If you also had a designer involved, it would be helpful to have the designer on hand to ask any questions or identify things you might miss.

 

During the inspection, you should ensure that the work contracted for was actually completed to your satisfaction and that it looks great. If inspections were performed and signed off on you should obtain copies of these for your records. If work was not completed to your satisfaction, the contractor should be recording this on a "punch list" so that you can both agree what needs to be done to "make it right."

 

The walk-through inspection is also a great time to ask questions about warranties (if you haven't already received warranty documentation) for the products used and what maintenance is required. The contractor or designer may also present you with a folder or notebook that has all the information you might need about the products, appliances, or fixtures installed during your project, and warranty and maintenance information.

 

One of the key pieces of information you should obtain is whether the warranty will continue if the home or commercial unit is sold. Many warranties are only good for the "first owner." Ideally this information should have been used in the initial product selection, but if not, you should be sure you have this information before you sign off on the project.

 

Once everything is completed to your satisfaction sit back, relax and enjoy for years to come.



 


Stop Bugin' Me!

Spring brings all kinds of beauty, and it also brings bugs or some unwelcome pests into your home. At the first sign of pests, most people go straight for the pesticides (bug sprays, mosquito repellents, and rat bait to name a few). These pesticides contain toxic chemicals that can harm humans and animals if used incorrectly.

 

Instead of reaching for that toxic pesticide, you may wish to explore a more "natural" solution. Rocky of Botanical Solutions explains that pests can be managed by eliminating their access to your home or business, and then eliminated with plant-based materials. Eliminating access may be as simple as plugging up some holes in or near your home's foundation. Plant-based solutions are made from plant oils such as thyme and peppermint and are not toxic to your family or pets.

 

You may want to do your research prior to using any insecticide or pesticide to determine the proper application as well as any precautions you might need to take to protect your family and your pets.

Mending Fences

 

You might not need to mend your fences if you use this fence made from drink pouch waste materials. Terracycle is keeping some of the billions of drink pouches that end up in landfills out of the landfill by creating this attractive and durable fence with post-consumer and pre-consumer waste.

 

Greenfabulous Finds

"Violight" the Heck Out of those Germs 

violateWhat's the one thing you touch 100 times a day? How about your cell phone? Now you can sanitize your phone the non-toxic way and reduce your risk of illness from all the germs that call your cell phone home. Violight has developed a cell-phone sanitizer that uses ultra-violet light to eliminate bacteria. It is quick and easy and may also be used for ear buds and various other small electronics.



Cord Check

Are you tired of tripping over the cords and cables in your office? Now you can manage all those unruly cords and cables with a simple and attractive solution. Check out the cable drops and cable clips that can be attached darn near anywhere to keep the cords in check.

 

Rustically Rustic 

 

rusticIf you like rusty old things that are made into new things maybe you can give this light fixture a home in your home.


Eco Art

Lee Burns's art rises from the dust -- literally. He paints with soil pigments that he gathers from the earth. His unique brand of art is definitely worth checking out.

Eco Events

National Association of Women Business Owners

Green Business Panel Member

March 17

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $15 

Doubletree Hotel, Sacramento

For more information or to sign up, click here

 

Recipe for Remodel

·       Dream it

·       Budget it

·       Design it

·       Deconstruct it

·       Reconstruct it

·       Love it

 

Let Eco-Chic Design help you design the home of your dreams. A remodel or redesign involves a lot of choices and can be a bit overwhelming. Eco-Chic takes on the remodeling stress so you don't have to. We plan your space and select materials, finishes, furnishings, appliances, fixtures, lighting according to your budget. Eco-Chic gets you to the "ahhh" moment when you walk into that finished room, kick your shoes off and say, "I am home." Call today to start your project - 916-240-3724 or email marie@eco-chicdesign.com.


Feedback Always Welcome

Eco-Chic Design would like your feedback.  Please email marie@eco-chicdesign.com and tell us what topics you would like to see in your monthly newsletter.



Sincerely,
 
Clutch

Marie L. Brown, LEED AP
Eco-Chic Design



Eco-Intervention


Want to design a greener life? Contact Eco-Chic, 916-240-3724, for an "eco-intervention."

 

Local clients (within 50 miles of Lincoln, CA) - 2 hour in-home consultation including written plan you can implement at your pace.  Cost - $225

 

Distance clients - plan includes a 50-minute phone consultation, questionnaire and your photos with plan emailed to you.  Cost - $135


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