Think about the last time you relaxed. Did it come naturally to you? Or did you have to work at settling your mind? Was it nearly impossible to resist the urge to check your email or your Facebook account?
In today’s hectic, wired, and always-connected world, it can be hard to just do nothing. Many of us need a transitional ritual or exercise to take us from everyday life to down time.
That’s why the backyard retreat is becoming a popular addition for many homeowners. For those of us who need a reason to go outside and relax, gardens and water features give us just that. The sights and sounds of a waterfall can effortlessly calm frazzled nerves. Watching dragonflies dart around or fish swimming calmly through a pond lit by underwater lights are great ways to wind down after a busy day. [click to continue…]
These homeowners wanted to remodel their garage into a music studio but wanted to preserve the adjacent flowering shrubbery and impact the site as little as possible. With careful planning and workmanship, Eagle Creek Natural Building installed new doors, windows and siding without damaging the landscaping.
Finding a sustainable builder can be a challenge. It’s even tougher to find a builder who’s eager to consider the “human element” of building or renovating your home.
If you’ve ever attempted a “green” remodel, you probably resigned yourself to choosing your battles with your builder. You made concessions because your contractor maybe wasn’t knowledgeable or skilled in renewable resources.
You likely either ended up way over budget, or with a much less energy efficient, low-toxicity, or sustainable than you had hoped. It’s very common. And it’s another factor that makes up the reason 50% of homeowners would not recommend their home improvement contractor.
Sustainable Builders Are Out There
But there’s a new breed of builders out there. And now, at the height of our collective interest in energy efficiency and indoor air quality, these builders are emerging and ready to turn the construction industry on its ear. [click to continue…]
