Tips for Saving energy and $$$

Smart Tips for Green Energy Savings

Written by Melinda Dzinic

Melinda Dzinic of Euro Design|Build|Remodel is a testament to the changing tide of remodeling trends and design.  As an industry professional for the past 12 years, Melinda has seen trends go from grand and opulent to streamlined and minimal.  Currently, the informed client is now taking design a step further and insisting on energy efficient products for their home. While you may pay a bit more for green building design, your savings, health benefits, and reduced environmental impacts will justify your increased spending. 

Here are a few smart tips for "greening" an existing home with some of the new energy efficient technology: 

1.   Energy efficiency measures such as adding insulation, weather-stripping, caulking, etc., are quick energy saving techniques. Although they prevent heat loss, bad air is trapped indoors. Take care of your health and get your HVAC and air ducts cleaned.  Air ducts naturally accumulate sizeable deposits of dust and other contaminants over a period of years and in some cases months. This debris can reduce the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system and even cause physical discomfort and illness by degrading the quality of air you breathe indoors.
2.    Check all of your home appliances for their energy efficiency ratings.  A refrigerator, washing machine, dryer or dishwasher that are more than 8 years old are not performing at the highest efficiency rating.  If your hot water heater is 9 or more years old, it is time to replace it.  Studies show that most hot water heaters do not last more than 9 years (due to corrosion) and a potential flood can be avoided in your home.  Consider replacing your "tank" water heater with a "tankless" unit.  A tankless unit heats your water instantly and does not store heated water in a tank.    

 3.   Window/Door Replacements - Old, worn-out windows or doors are often leaky, which can result in high energy bills during peak heating and cooling months. The glass may be loose (in which case it should be re-glazed) or the seal between the sash and frame may have weakened. The cost of replacing failing windows is often dwarfed by overall household energy costs, but we recommend replacing old single-pane windows with modern windows that feature dual-pane Low-E glass for a substantial energy savings. If your windows are in decent shape but still leak, consider applying new weather stripping. It's easy to install and available at most building supply stores. You can also take advantage of the available tax credits for your window or door replacements.  

4.    Paint and Finishes - Make sure to use Low VOC or zero VOC water soluble paints and finishes on walls, doors and cabinets throughout your home.  These paints emit low odors and provide easy clean-up while making your environment a healthier place.  

Always use qualified, state-licensed professionals for your home repairs and make sure you check their general liability insurance certificate before work begins.  This includes any type of electrical, plumbing or HVAC repairs or service.

www.eurodesignbuild.com
972-470-0303

Serving Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Highland Park, Mickenney, The Collony and North Dallas.

Smart Home Technology

Smart Home Technology – Home Control in the Palm of your Hand

October 13 2011

Written by Melinda Dzinic

Smart Home Technology is no longer the wave of the future…it’s here.  A few years ago, this technology was just for new builds but now works in every home.  Whether you are looking to reduce energy costs, increase comfort, or manage light control solutions, Smart Home Technology products offer the flexibility you need with the energy savings you want.
Lutron’s RadioRA2® is a wireless total home control system that leads the way in technology.  It gives you the ability to adjust the amount of daylight and electric light (using light controls and automated shades) as well as temperature in a single room or throughout your whole house.  The system also turns off standby power to small appliances when they’re not in use.  Most importantly, this system provides you the security of knowing your family is safe at home or away.  This technology allows you the power to transform any space with light with the touch of a button.  Control the light and shade levels in a single room or throughout your whole home using a hand-held remote, wall-mounted keypad or even your iPad®or iPhone®
Think about a typical day in your home…how many times do you find lights left on?  Small appliances left on? Air thermostat not adjusted when you are not at home but too warm when you return?  Imagine having dimmers and controls that are pre-set to run with your lifestyle in mind.  You can have complete control of everything going on in your home.   It is said that a homeowner can save over 40% on electric and heating bills by installing Smart Home Technology.
Today these types of systems are more affordable than ever…not to mention the added energy savings that you will receive. In the future, there will be no homes without Smart Home Technology.  We recently installed this in our own home and encourage this product on all of our remodeling projects.
Give us a call for a special viewing of Lutron’s Smart Home Technology in our showroom.  You’ll wonder why you haven’t made the change sooner!

www.eurodesignbuild.com
972-470-0303

Euro Design Process

Process

Euro Design|Build|Remodel believes the renovation journey begins with a well-defined design that sets the budget and provides the homeowner an exact vision of how their finished space will look. After starting our business, we quickly realized that most consumers did not have a positive outlook when looking to renovate. We believe we have changed this standard with our clients and are thrilled when embarking on their remodeling journey with Euro. With clear communication and trust as the foundation of all our projects, Euro delivers the results our clients expect.  Here are some frequently asked questions when working with Euro:
 1. What do I do first?

Please contact us via telephone so we can discuss your project goals and articulate how our team will meet and exceed your expectations.  We all work together as a team.  Euro is capable of delivering exactly what you envision.  Through our first conversation I am able to understand beyond words what you are telling me.  

2. Do You Take on Any Type of Project?

Our company is not for those who are looking for the lowest bid but for those with discerning taste and a stress-free journey to the end product.  Euro is a custom design firm.  We don't just remodel, we build an investment in your home.  Your home is your most secure investment choice and we don't just recommend…we make sure it fits.  Our projects are so well built and designed that they transition with time.  The dollars your spend becomes an asset that makes you money.

3. Are you Insured?

Yes.  Please let us know if you would like to review our comprehensive policy coverage. 

4. Are you licensed?

The state of Texas does not require licensing or certification for general contracting. Euro Design|Build|Remodel is a member of NARI (National Association of Remodeling Industry).  We are pledged to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in our conduct of business.  We have also received designations that address the critical services offered by the remodeling industry.  The certifications we hold include: CR - Certified Remodeler; CKBR – Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer;  UDCP – Universal Design Certified Professional;  and Certified Pella Contractor.

5. Do you use Sub Contractors?

Euro mostly uses employed staff members with the exception of our plumber and electrician. 

6. Do you help with the design?

We do not take on any projects unless we design them.  Most remodelers are order takers without the vision, talent and integrity.  We do not take your money …..we are investing it in your home. 

7. What do I bring to our first appointment?

I tell our clients to create a wish list; bring clippings from magazines, etc.  It is our job to create a vision for you….what your home will look like when the project is completed.  An estimate cannot be created without a vision. 

8. How will I know what the project will look like when it is completed?

You will come to our showroom where we have selections of everything you will be needing for your project.  Design boards with color, samples, drawing of your space  are completed ….you will have no doubts about  what your project will look like when it is complete. 

9. How long does a remodel typically take?

Based on the vision and budget we create a specific timeline for the project from start to finish.  The time, efficiency and satisfaction of the project is determined by "obtaining" the products before the project is started.  We then have the ability to rectify any product mistakes before we are into the project.  We don't allow any of our projects to stand still for ANY period of time.  Once every product has been checked and prepared, a schedule is put together for the project and updated weekly to reflect the project progress.

10. What are the guarantees?
There are standard guarantees that go with the products which will be reviewed with you.  Our work never ends until a client shows complete excitement and satisfaction.  That is why 90% of our clients are repeat business!!  We go beyond ---long after projects are done.

www.eurodesignbuild.com
972-470-0303

Showers

Once a year, you should schedule a chemical cleaning and re-sealing of your shower tiles. This will maintain the integrity of the stone and grout to insure many years of trouble free enjoyment. www.eurodesignbuilder.com 972-470-0303

Euro Design Info

Melinda Dzinic, CR, CKBR, UDCP

NARI Certified Remodeler

NARI Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler

NARI Universal Design Certified Professional

Design Consultations by Appointment only ($150.00/hour with a 2 hour minimum)

Euro Design | Build | Remodel

401 S. Sherman St.  #209

Richardson, TX  75081

972.470.0303

972.470.0304 (fax)

www.eurodesignbuild.com

Euro Design Build Remodel is recognized by many

Dear Friends and Euro Families,

As most of you know, I continually strive to improve myself, and the Euro employees, in order to stay on top of the ever-changing trends and code compliance.  I do this so that we are better prepared to assist you with your next remodeling project, when you decide to make a new investment in your home.

I am proud to announce that I have earned my third designation through NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).  I am now a Certified Remodeler, as well as a Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler and a Universal Design Certified Professional.

What does this mean?

These NARI certification programs measure skill and expertise valued not only by other professional remodelers, but by consumers as well.  Highly respected by those who have achieved the designation, the CR program identifies professional remodelers who have undergone comprehensive review and testing in areas of business management, ethical conduct, and technical skills.  In addition, they must also adhere to NARI's strict Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.  The NARI certification program assesses the knowledge and skills of the remodeler in over 20 remodeling task areas including business methods and practices, building codes and construction law, planning and building site layout, and all trades skills required in remodeling your home.  Attaining this certification requires the candidate to have been working full time in the remodeling field for at least 5 years and passing a comprehensive assessment exam.  Preparation for this exam takes up to 16 weeks of intensive study and self-examination.  In addition, all NARI Certified Professionals are bound to abide by the NARI Code of Ethics and the NARI Standards of Practice. 

In addition, the Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler provides remodeling services specific to kitchens and bathrooms.  To become a CKBR, candidates must possess skills and knowledge focused on the requirement of materials, layout, and installation of kitchens and bathrooms.

The Universal Design Certified Professional program addresses the trend in our society of the multi-age group family, including children, adults, and grandparents.  The program focuses on the needs associated with aging in place, including thorough study of the integration of universal design principles into design, construction techniques, electrical, plumbing systems, and exterior considerations.  By considering the home and the family as a whole, we are able to make the home functional and comfortable for every member of  the family.

It has been a true honor and pleasure serving you throughout the past years.  I do want you to know that I take every project to heart and work hard to make sure that your dollars are invested wisely.

Respectfully,

Melinda Dzinic, CR, CKBR, UDCP

NARI Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler

NARI Universal Design Certified Professional

Design Consultations by Appointment only ($150.00/hour with a 2 hour minimum)

Euro Design | Build | Remodel

401 S. Sherman St.  #209

Richardson, TX  75081

972.470.0303

972.470.0304 (fax)

www.eurodesignbuild.com

Award Winning Remodeler                                                                                    Member of

2011 - Four Home Builder Association (HBA) ARC Awards

2011 – Three regional NARI CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards                            NARI

2011 – Four local NARI CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards                                    HBA                 

2010 – Five local HBA ARC awards                                                                              ASID

2010 – Regional CotY award winner for Commercial Interior                                    NKBA

2010 – Two local NARI CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards                                    NAHB

2009 – Three local NARI CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards                                  BBB  

2009 – Regional CotY award

2008 – Euro awarded both local and regional NARI

2008 – Euro won second place in the ASID Legacy of Design Awards 


Serving Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Highland Park, Mickenney, The Collony and North Dallas.

Euro Remodelers Richardson, TX

Euro

Design | Build | Remodel

Euro Design Build and Remodel provides customers with an amazing interior design experience that will enlighten your life with a new kitchen, bathroom, dining room, living room, business... We take pride in giving customers designs that speak directly to them and their individual personalities. We know that every client is different and create designs based on the individual rather than trying to push a design on them. We will take the time to listen to everything you want as well as do what we can to meet any budget. Check us out at eurodesignbuild.com or give us a call to start your estimate today 972.470.0303


Serving Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Highland Park, Mickenney, The Collony and North Dallas.