On The Beam Remodeling Newsletter
www.onthebeamremodeling.com

March 2009
Allen Romano

Welcome to our March Newsletter.  This candid camera shot of Hoa working in our carpentry shop demonstrates that safety is our middle name.  Hoa is protecting his air passages and lungs with a dust mask, his eyes with plastic goggles, his hands with gloves, and his back with a support belt.  Seriously, we didn't pose him for this photo; Lisa sneaked in and snapped him!

Lisa and Steve Schliff
Owners, G.C. License #484793  Fully licensed, insured and bonded, Green Building Certified

Deck The Hills

coffeyyoungcabs&lights

Deck and entry in Oakland Hills

Admittedly, this is not your run-of-the-mill in the hills deck and front entry.  What do you consider the most unique feature in this photo?  If you think it's the tree, you're not alone.  The live oak stretching and curling above the roof and fence was carefully built around as the planks were laid down for this Brazilian ipe wood deck.

We don't know how old the tree is, but like a senior citizen, it needs a little extra support.  Have you spotted the support detail yet?  There is a steel crutch holding up a limb on the left to give it a boost over the new fencing.

If you are considering an exterior remodel of your front or back entry, porch, steps, or an addition to the house, one important step is to walk around the outside of your house viewing the impinging construction from your trees' point of view.  if you have any trees that you dearly love, make sure they are included as part of the design plan, not targeted for removal.


In This Issue
Deck The Hills
Free Trip To Our Website
I Am An Island
Free Trip To Our Website Here!
Allen Romano
....Don't miss the slide show!
View a kitchen remodel from start to finish

On The Beam
 

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What's a Solar
 Cooker?

You'll find out when you read Lisa's new article on Solar Cookers, just published online in March!  Go to:

www.greenremodeling.org

You will be greeted by the new *NARI GREEN website.  Click on "Consumer Resources" at the top of the page, then on "Articles" in the drop down list.  Click on "Cooking With Soul: Solar Cookers" to read about these interesting devices that use the sun's heat to create off-the-grid energy to cook food.



*National Association of the Remodeling Industry

















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                                                           Clear-stained maple panel island with Caesarstone
                                                           countertop, cabinets and entertainment sink. 


I Am An Island

A kitchen remodel may or may not include an island counter depending on a number of factors:  You, the homeowner, must desire one to begin with.  Some people do not like the idea of an island in the midst of their floor space.

For those of you who do, the next consideration is the amount of floor space your kitchen has.  The island must have a 3' 6" radius of free space from the edges out to be up to code.
  Maneuverability and safety are key here.

Once an island counter has been included in your plans, the details come into play.  What will the countertop material be?  What kind of wood will be used for the under-cabinets?  Do you want a bar sink, full sink, or neither in the countertop?  If so, what kind of plumbing fixtures do you want for the sink?  Do you want a configuration of the island that allows for bar stools or chairs to go underneath?  How about a bookshelf for your recipe books?

Much design goes into an island, but the standard treatment is usually to harmonize it with the rest of the new kitchen.  The countertops and cabinets match the ones chosen for the walls and counters around the perimeter.  If you have Corian counters, you will most likely select the same Corian for the island.  If the wall-mounted cabinets are maple, then the island cabinets should be maple as well.  Continuity brings the elements together to make a pleasing overall impression. 

Steve and Lisa Schliff
On The Beam Remodeling, Inc.
855 Marina Bay Parkway, Suite 28
Richmond, California  94804
phone: (510) 412-9964
fax:      (510) 412-4750

email: otbeam@sbcglobal.net

General Contractor's License # 484793
Serving the Bay Area

Please come by and visit us in the beautiful Richmond Marina.

MEMBERS OF NARI (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY)