Several companies manufacture rubber roofs from recycled tires. These products are durable (many come with 50-year warranties), as well as fire and wind resistant. Metal Roofing With a long life, metal roofs keep composite material out of our landfills. Also 100% of the material used is recyclable. Solar-Powered Attic Fan Make your home more energy effcient and save money too. Attic fans operate by solar power from sunrise to sunset at no extra cost. It’s possible to reduce the workload on... more

What does it mean to re-build green? As with any other home improvement project, the answer comes down to the scope of work and budget. The material choice is where you get to decide how “green” is your garden, or in this case, the kitchen, bath, or other living spaces. Recycle Materials Any environmentally conscious change you make to an existing house can be considered “green.” The goal, as you proceed, is to deconstruct (not demolish) the existing space, reuse or recycle materials wherever... more

Thanks to the financial incentives offered by state- and government-sponsored plans, homeowners are being energized to “go green” and “save green” at the same time. Energy Trust www.energytrust.org The Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing how Oregonians use energy. Customers of Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, and Northwest Natural Gas are eligible for services, cash incentives, and the expertise of qualified contractors to help make their... more

Refrigerators Four doors are fabulous. Lash out against the mundane by choosing Samsung’s QuatroCooling Convertible refrigerator. This 24.6 cu. ft. unit has four compartments, each with its own independently adjustable evaporators, ensuring the perfect amount of cooling or freezing for everything from salad fixings to fresh meat. Lunchtime, dinnertime, and primetime, life is good with LG Electronic’s refrigerator-TV. It boasts a remote-controlled, cable-ready, 15” LCD television screen on the... more

Did you know that the water heater in your home is the number two consumer of energy, yet design and development is virtually unchanged since your grandparents drove a Model A? In America we continue to heat water 24/7 365 days a year only to be used on an average of 70 minutes per day based on a home of 3.5 occupants. Installed in a basement reclaiming valuable space. Inset photo shows the high-tech systems that run the Rinnai Unit. Installed ... more

Whether you are replacing a worn-out appliance or planning a full-scale renovation, appliances that combine technology, ergonomics, and improved design continue to top the must-have list. Bisque, white, or black appliances are still popular, but a commercial-styled kitchen full of stainless steel still leads the charge. Space-saving and energy efficiency remain top concerns for homeowners everywhere, especially with the anticipated price hikes in gas and electricity. Product: Shallow... more

A year ago when I started a consulting business, I was happy to work out of the corner of our home’s attic bedroom. Armed with a borrowed fax machine, a free desk chair I found on a neighborhood cleanup day, and an ad-hoc desk made from a hollow-core door atop two sawhorses, I had all I needed to start on my new career path. A year later, with a few successful projects under my belt and a growing list of clients to... more

How long do you have to wait until the hot water at your faucet reaches your desired temperature? Have you thought about all that water running down the drain as you find other things to do waiting to jump into the shower? If so the Autocirc® Pump System is the product for you. Another advantage is the timer that is a part of this unit. You can program the unit to activate ... more