We found this article in Qualified Remodeler and found it to be very interesting.Kohler is of course a leader in bathroom and kitchen hardware…so we thought it fitting to pass this article along!!

“The biggest thing in most bathrooms is undoubtedly the bath/shower unit – literally!. Being such a large piece, it often is the focal point of a bathroom space and can sometimes make or break a remodeling project – both in terms of budget and aesthetics.
The STERLING Accord seated shower offers a well-designed, functional and affordable option for a shower remodel.
Both homeowners and professional alike are happy at how thoughtfully the Accord was designed to meet their needs:

• Movable and removable seat, offering safety and flexibility in the shower as well as offering a place to relax, bathe a child or even shave legs.
• Four-piece unit made of lightweight, durable, Sterling-exclusive Vikrell – easy to carry around a job site and looks great for years!
• Arched back wall gives the shower an open, airy feeling.
• Spacious and partially hidden shelving keeps the unit looking clean and uncluttered.
• Great for homeowners looking to “age in place” with functional seat and optional grab bars that mirror the arch of the back wall.
• Single pivot point installation system easily interlocks walls with base with a satisfying “click.”
• Installs from the front, fits snug with no caulk needed in the seams and is watertight; solid Vikrell material is chip-, crack- and peel-resistant.
• Comes in three popular colors: White, KOHLER® Almond and KOHLER Biscuit and has a clean, geometric design that works with most décors and lifestyles.”

For more information visit this link

Sterling Plumbing <

We came across another great article from MSN Real-estate…this one is about green roofs. For those who don’t know what they are, a green roof is a rooftop garden, or rooftop green space. The concept is really good, and it is a sustainable practice that has been used for thousands of years. It is now gaining popularity in bigger cities, but can be used anywhere you have a flat roof (apartments, business buildings etc.)

Here is a little piece of the article (by Damon Vanderlinde and Steven Peck of the Daily Green).

What is a green roof?

• A green roof is an extension of a new or existing roof that has:
• A high-quality waterproofing and root-repellant system
• A drainage system
• Filter cloth
• A lightweight growing medium
• Plants

Green-roof systems may be modular, with drainage layers, filter cloth, growing media and plants already prepared in movable, interlocking grids. Or each component may be installed separately.
Green-roof development involves the creation of “contained” green space atop a human-made structure. This green space could be below, at or above grade. But in all cases, the plants are not placed in the ground.

Check out the entire article here…and as always, let us know what you think!!

13 amazing facts about green roofs

Ok, ok, ok…..I don’t usually put much stock in Martha Stewart…But I will admit that her Halloween show (and magazine) does have some pretty good ideas for your Halloween parties. Here is a cool punch bowl idea that comes from the Martha Stewart website (Marthastewart.com)

Ice Face and Hands How-To

1. Using duct tape, tape up all of the mask’s orifices, such as the nostril holes, inside and out. Place the mask face-down in the plastic container, stabilizing the mask in place with the packing material.

2. Using the food coloring, dye about 3 cups of water light green (this should require only about one drop of the coloring). Pour the mixture into the mask, filling it about halfway.

3. Lay the gummy worms as desired around the head of the mask, creating Medusa’s hair and using clothespins to hold them in place. Freeze the mask, at least overnight.

4. To create the hands, fill the latex gloves with water (one glove holds about 1 1/2 cups water, so you’ll need about 3 cups for both). Using rubber bands, tie the gloves at the wrists to seal them shut. Place the hands flat on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper, to prevent them from sticking. Freeze the hands, at least overnight.

5. Remove the mask from the container, remove the face from the mask mold, and remove the hands from the gloves. (They should come out easily, but if not, place the hands and face in another container filled with room-temperature water to loosen them from the molds.) Turn the face upside-down to reveal the green face with worm hair.

6. Prepare the punch of your choice (Martha uses lemonade and ginger ale), gently slide the face into the punch, and add the hands — one on each side, palms facing up.

Read more at Marthastewart.com

I know we are veering from the usual path a bit with the Halloween stuff….but the staff and I decided to add a few fun posts about Halloween (Since it is our favorite holiday). Don’t worry loyal readers; we will still have our usual posts about architecture, real-estate, and the industry. BUT we are going to be throwing in some fun stuff as well.