Building a house is a process chock-full of decisions, but Jim and Heidi Mayfield took it one step further when they decided to build the Augusta area’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified home with Ivey Residential home builders.

The Mayfields have been working on their home plans for the past 20 years, Jim said. The major ice storm that hit Augusta a few years back convinced them to look into building an energy-efficient home. Their family was without power for a week. they realized their dependence on electricity could be a handicap in bad times, and an energy-efficient home could mitigate those effects. Their LEED journey began.

“This comes out of a need to be sustainable and have a good, durable home,” Jim said.

LEED is a rating system that awards points for certain “green” building criteria in sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design.

Enterprise mill and the Kroc Center are among commercial properties in Augusta that are LEED certified, but the residential sector has been slower to take to the energy-efficient model. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, there are more than 10,000 LEED homes in the U.S. so far.

The Mayfields’ house has high-quality caulk and foam insulation and low-flow faucets and toilets to conserve energy and water. The Mayfields also put a lot of thought into details including what direction the house faces and ceiling height.

“It’s a lot of fun when you get homeowners who are as enthused about the project as you are,” said Mark Ivey, a co-owner of Ivey Residential with his brother Matt. “Jim and Heidi have thought through every part of the process.”

Vaulted ceilings throughout the six-bedroom house on Old Stevens Creek Road keep cool air low and hot air up high above people, and the 3.5-acre lot will be landscaped with drought-resistant plants in order to conserve on irrigation water.

Abe Kruger, the president of Kruger Sustainability Group, is the one who will give the final LEED stamp of approval on the home. Taking a little more care and expense in the building process will save utility expenses and will also improve the air quality and toxicity of their home.

“It’s a sound business investment,” Kruger said.

Mark Ivey estimates that the Mayfields’ home will be up to 40 percent more energy efficient than the average new home, saving that much in energy costs every month.

They are also planning on installing solar panels on the southern-facing side of the roof, which will provide up to 40 percent of the energy they will use in a normal day.

“We put a little extra up front for a lot more in the long run,” Jim said. “And it makes the livability so much better.”

Both the Mayfields’ enthusiasm and Ivey Residential’s energy consciousness has impressed Kruger. Ivey Residential was already building all of its homes with Energy Star approval, so the jump to LEED certification was not a major one.

“Some markets are very homeowner-driven, and some builders are the ones who really carry the flag,” Kruger said. “Ivey is a leader in energy-conscious building, and this was kind of a logical progression for them.”

Mark Ivey said as they looked over the LEED checklist, Ivey already enacted many of the suggested policies.

“When we looked through, it was amazing how many things we already do,” he said.

Jim Mayfield said he interviewed several builders before settling on the Ivey brothers, and it’s a decision he hasn’t regretted.

“It’s a lot easier when you have good builders,” he said.

They broke ground in November and expect to move in with their three children in June or July, just in time to see the effects of LEED design in their air conditioning bill.

<a href="http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/business/local-business/2012-01-13/homes-energy-saving-design-first-its-kind-augusta?v=1326506257tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/business/local-business/2012-01-13/homes-energy-saving-design-first-its-kind-augusta?v=1326506257Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:07:20 GMT">Home's energy-saving design is first of its kind in Augusta

Despite ongoing economic challenges, the bath remains of key importance to consumers seeking refuge from the stresses of day-to-day life. and the water experience often defined by the luxury shower continues to be an important part of creating that spa-like haven.

At the same time, the growing interest in water conservation is impacting the shower and tub market. but while the two trends may seem at odds, new technology has made it possible to have a drenching water experience with less water, satisfying both performance needs and water conservation mandates. so say manufacturers interviewed by KBDN, who cite custom showers, technologically advanced showerheads and accessible tubs as hot trends.

Bigger is better?

While overdone trophy baths may be out of vogue, neither do consumers want to skimp on their personal bath space. The bathroom is an extension of the living space, and for many, the tub or shower is where they go to relax. For that reason, showers and tubs that reflect the spa trend remain in high demand.

People have a love affair with their showers and want to be as generous and luxurious as space permits, says Diana Schrage, CAPS, CAASH, senior interior designer for the Kohler Design Center, based in Kohler, WI.

Rob Larson, director of business development for Woodbridge, IL-based Danze, agrees: a good shower is considered by many to be a necessity, not a luxury. We expect showers to remain personal sanctuaries for years to come.

Even as homes are being downsized, many manufacturers claim bathrooms are often growing larger. Paul Flowers, senior v.p. of design for Grohe America in Bloomingdale, IL, says, Well being and relaxation remain important grounding factors for individuals, and a premium bathroom environment and water experience can allow for this release.
Flowers notes that freestanding tubs typically can accommodate two individuals, and even showers that are not car wash style are often incorporating at least a showerhead and handshower with a built-in bench.

But not everyone is on the bigger is better bandwagon. Lars Christensten, director of product development at Hansgrohes U.S. headquarters in Alpharetta, GA, sees many consumers moving away from all the shower bells and whistles to more pared-down systems. Over the last few years, modern and simple have been the buzzwords in bathroom design, he says. [As a result], many consumers are opting for either a large showerhead or a showerhead/handshower combo.

Christensten also believes the size of shower areas has decreased over the last few years, and he has seen soaking tubs replaced by 3'x4' shower spaces that have glass doors and walls that make the rooms more open and bright.

Dual Trends

Luxurious, water-drenching showers provide a refuge that many consumers desire, and Larson notes, Many designers and homeowners want to create that retreat-type feeling in their bathroom [by] mixing/matching an overhead showerhead, handheld shower and body sprays.

These can also provide flexibility, according to Larry Jacobs, president, Ashley Harris Marketing, marketing agency for Strom Plumbing by Sign of the Crab in Rancho Cordova, CA. He explains: These [multiple sprays/showerheads] are still very much in demand, primarily because the bathing area is a multi-functional room: showers, baths, infant baths, even dog bathing.

At the same time, Larson says, The second trend is the emergence of water-saving showerheads. however, he notes, were firm believers that having a water-saving showerhead in your bathroom does not have to mean a lack of performance.

Judd Lord, director of industrial design for Delta Faucet Company in Indianapolis, IN, asserts, Consumers want to be green without feeling like they are sacrificing their experience with water. Increased industry participation in the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) WaterSense program, paired with increased awareness among consumers about the importance of water conservation, has led to greater demand for water-efficient fixtures that meet WaterSense standards.

Larson adds that regulatory changes are driving the conversion to lower flow showerheads. The Cal Green initiative in California requires that all showerheads used in new construction and permitted remodeling projects use showerheads that flow at a maximum of 2.0 gpm. and many municipalities throughout the U.S. have revised or will be revising their plumbing codes to limit showerhead flow rates to even lower levels, he says.

With the DOE initiative to restrict all showerheads in a shower to a combined 2.5 gpm, output has changed significantly, according to Mike Reffner, group product manager for the wholesale business unit of Moen in North Olmstead, OH. Reffner cites legislation that takes effect in March, 2013 that limits the packaging of multiple products. you cant package systems together that put out 16 gallons of water. We can sell components and people can put them together, but we cant sell them [as one].

Advancing Techology

Advances in showers have exploded in recent years.

Showerhead spray technology has evolved very quickly following the development of the WaterSense standard, says Larson. Pressure-equalizing showerheads, air-injection as well as novel spray patterns are now in use to provide optimal spray coverage, distribution and intensity at flow rates that are 20-40% lower than the federally mandated maximum of 2.5 gpm.

Says Flowers, Technology can increase the consumer water experience in terms of personalization and consistent flow, while simultaneously reducing overall consumption by digitally managing energy and water for optimum performance.

Reffner adds, with digital controls, you can turn on the water, make temperature adjustments and set presets so that when you hit one number, your preferred temperature and flow come up.

Larson says, Digital mixing valves and controls are considered by many to be the future of plumbing. We think the digitization of the bathroom and plumbing systems is inevitable.
He adds that digital mixing valves and controls in the shower offer greater control to the users, and can do so with a minimalist look. Features he finds popular are one-touch operation with preset temperature and spray functions, and warm-up modes that bring the shower up to temperature and pause operation until the user is ready.

Jacobs says the largest trend for Strom Plumbing is the use of thermostatic valves in the tub and shower area. This area will continue to increase, incorporating the new digital products. We see this primarily in the new construction arena, as that is where they must be specified first. The replacement market is slower to incorporate these advancements, he adds.

Custom Creations

A broad range of factors impact the desire for customization, from the need to make a space more accessible to the desire to add a personal touch.

Lord says, People want the ability to customize their shower experience, from selecting various sprays and nozzles, to presetting their ideal water temperature digitally with the tap of a button.

Manufacturers agree that customization for the purpose of long-term accessibility is also key.

People want a home that will allow them to live comfortably at different stages of their life, but they dont want to give up attractive design, says Lord. Applying Universal Design principles transforms the bathroom into a multi-generational living space and offers the user support and independence, regardless of age.

Schrage, too, has seen a rise in demand for products that complement designs for aging in place. The firms Elevance tub is a unique solution to the walk-in tub; rather than having a door swing, this tub has a rising wall, and fits into the same space as a typical 5' tub. The user sits in at chair height, and the door pulls up and latches with less than five pounds of pressure, allowing for a deep soaking experience.

Bathtubs are also being customized from a style standpoint, and Jonathan Carter, marketing manager of London based Victoria + Albert, which has North America offices in Mount Pleasant, SC, notes a growing interest in personalizing the look of the tub with paint on the outside in a range of colors and metallics.

Of course, tubs arent just being customized on the outside. they are also being outfitted with freestanding tub fillers and hand showers for a custom interior look.

Carter notes that freestanding baths are on the rise in general, often replacing the demand for jetted tubs.

Simply Stylish

With style trends, a variety of textures, colors and finishes all play into the equation.

Lord finds that the tendency to mix and match materials, textures or colors from different design categories is becoming popular among homeowners looking to turn their space into an extension of themselves. by selecting the same finish, modern shower fixtures can be juxtaposed with traditional bathroom faucets to create a space that feels personal but is still cohesive, he says.

There are also many color and finish options on the market.

We are again noticing an interest in adding a bit of color, or even patterns, to bathrooms, says Carter.

Flowers agrees. In the bathroom, were seeing designers moving away from the timeless mix of white sink ceramics with chrome fixtures. Black and white are leading the way, and while white remains a bathroom classic, an increasing number of manufacturers are now adding black to their color palettes.

Carter also sees a move toward organic shapes, wood and plants in the bathroom space. There is also a desire for composite materials, he adds, noting the popularity of the companys volcanic limestone content, which he believes adds to the simplicity and natural feel of the bath.

Jacobs says, Consumers have a real choice in the myriad of styles [and finish options] available to them. Oil-rubbed bronze continues with its popularity, with chrome making a big comeback.

For Hansgohe, chrome has always been what people want to see on display when looking for fixtures, says Christensten. The second most popular to chrome are the steel optik and light brushed finishes. The third most popular finish is the rubbed bronze and oil-rubbed bronze. Overall, in the industry, finishes like polished nickel and polished brass are very rarely used today, he adds.

Schrage concludes: The bathroom is a respite, and the serenity we get from organic materials and colors [with] clear, neutral, calming effects soothes us."

For more Shower Systems, Enclosures and Tubs, please visit Products Gallery.

<a href="http://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/print/Kitchen-and-Bath-Design-News/Mindful-Sanctuaries/2$5860tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/print/Kitchen-and-Bath-Design-News/Mindful-Sanctuaries/2$5860Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:12:41 GMT 00:00">Mindful Sanctuaries

“It is the best product on the market,” said agency spokesman Brad Sherwood.

That message is balanced with the need to conserve. Like all water agencies in California, the Sonoma County Water Agency is under an order by the state to cut per capita use by 20 percent by 2020.

The Water Agency has a public outreach program that costs $165,000 a year for promotions, advertising and brochures.

At the Sonoma County fair, an oversized map of the Russian River watershed dominates the Water Agency's booth, with information on where and how water is taken out of the river.

“A lot of people don't realize our water is naturally filtered through 100 feet of sand and gravel,” Sherwood said. “It is a rare system. Other than adding chlorine, the water is extremely clean and we don't have to add a lot of chemicals.”

To promote conservation, the Water Agency is giving out kitchen faucet aerators that set flow at two gallons per minute and a deck of cards showing different drought-tolerant and low-water-use plants, along with reusable shopping bags and poster-sized maps.

It also has scheduled Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 tours of its pumping facilities at Wohler Bridge and at Mirabel, where there also is a rubber dam raised during the summer to create a pool and filtration ponds.

Registration is online at scwa.ca.gov/tours/.

<a href="http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110812/ARTICLES/110819797?Title=Agency-puts-165-000-into-water-promotion-tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110812/ARTICLES/110819797?Title=Agency-puts-165-000-into-water-promotion-Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:35:46 GMT 00:00">Agency puts $165000 into water promotion

We have lived in our home for 4 years. There have been times in the past where myself and other family members have "felt" something strange, have felt like we were being watched, have seen flashes or apparitions out of the corner of the eye. Seems to be more kinetic activity lately...things being turned off or on ,windows being opened when no one is home ( and the air conditioning is on). Today, my 16 yr old daughter got in the shower and when she got out, there was 2-3 inches of water on the floor because both hot and cold water faucets were turned on in the bathroom sink, and the plug was pulled so the water overflowed - standing water in bathroom - on floor, in cabinet and drawers and it also flowed into kitchen below bathroom and then into basement below that! After we cleaned the mess up, she went to school. The front door was locked and closed and all lights were off downstairs and I went back to lay down because I have to work third shift tonight. About 11:45 am,I got a call from the school nurse that she had come to nurse's office to get ibuprofen for aches, pains and had fainted - suddenly fell to floor with no warning and hit her head. she then later had signs of possible head injury and had to be taken to ER, but everything was ok. When I came downstairs to get my purse and keys to go pick her up, I noticed that the front door was wide open - I KNOW I had closed and locked it when everyone left this morning. also, all of the lights were on downstairs, which had all either never been turned on or were DEFINITELY turned off when water was discovered to be leaking through the ceiling. Fans that we had turned on the affected areas to help dry were turned off. When we got home, my daughter's window was wide open,which has been closed for over a week because the air conditioning is on due to high temps outside. In retrospect, there are so many days that both my daughter and I are tired beyond explanation - and I felt fine all afternoon, until I came back home from ER with her, and feel like there is a heavy weight on my chest and my legs feel heavy, I also feel like I can hardly keep my eyes open. we all seem to be bickering more, everyone is edgy, and we all sleep a lot. Our three dogs will be hesitant to enter rooms at times, the cat acts strange a lot of times and there is just too many unexplained events to rationalize. Is there anyone who can help me to figure this out..

How do I explain strange events in my home?

Two of the sinks in my home have blockage. one of the sinks it takes about 8 hours for the water to completely go down the sink. The other sink has complete blockage with no water movement.
I do need to save a few dollars and do not want to call a plumber at this time. How can I unblock both of these sinks myself?
Both sinks are in the bathroom.

The sinks in my home are blocked?

I am rehabbing a townhouse. I get good pressure from places that don't go through the hot water tank. In the kitchen and bathrooms the pressure is low. I put in a new hot water tank thinking that would help (it was rusted too) and the problems persisted. Is their a hidden reducer that needs to be adjusted. All the piping is copper. any suggestions.

I have low Pressure to kitchen sink and bathroom sinks, good in other places?

I have 3 spots for my kitten to drink water. I have only had her 2 weeks and she's 14 weeks old. I put her water in a 1 cup glass bowl (pampered chef glass custard like bowl). I also have it in the bathroom sink, just about 1 inch deep. I also have a water container for the other 3 cats where it's a reserve that holds water for about 4 or 5 days at a time. her problem when she tries to "drink" is she dunks her nose in it, and it discourages her from licking it now. I thought between the 3 different set ups and different angles for her, one might work for her. now she only drinks from the bathroom sink with her paw. She dips her paw and then licks it. my 7 mo old kitten will lick it from the bathroom sink right in front of her and she just looks at him and continues dipping and licking her paw. I've also tried turning on the bathroom sink faucet at a very slow stream, as my 7 mo old kitten loves licking it this way, and she won't lick it that way either. my question is: Can she actually get enough water into her system thru licking her paw the way she does, even as she gets older? She does the dipping and licking paw for about 3 or 4 minutes at a time. does anyone give their kitten water with something like a hamster water feeder? would that work. She got tired of getting the water up her nose and gave up licking the normal way.

My kitten is having problems licking from the water bowl?

Features

• Handle:Single Handle
• Finish:Chrome
• Installation Type:Centerset
• Function:Bathroom Sink Faucet
• Valve Type:Ceramic Valve

Product Description

Heavy durable stylish bathroom faucet for Vanity Sink with modern look, it stands out beautifully.
Top grade and quality materials and an excellent value for the price! The Single Handle Chrome Lavatory Vessel faucet is solidly made, which will be the perfect addition to your wash room.

Highlights
1.This Single Handle Chrome Bathroom Vanity Faucet is easy to install, even if you have never installed one like it before.

2.all of our Bathroom Sink Faucets are guaranteed not to leak, due to their durable ceramic valves. And they are easy to install.

3.Our bathroom faucets can be used 600,000 times at a water temperature of 90 degrees. each of our powder room faucets has been tested at a high water pressure of 1.6Mpa to ensure that they are durable and of Long service life.

The lift-rod on the faucet not included.

What’s in the box
1 x faucet
2 x hoses
1 x accessory
Please note
In most countries, 1/2is generally used, and our faucets meet the G1/2 criterion.
Please check if you are not G1/2 criterion, you need an adapter to converter.

The Centerset Bathroom Sink Faucet is a great investment.

Special Offers

Available from 1 Store.

Rerated Products

• White Onyx bathroom accessories set 4 pcs Unbeatable Super Sale.

Single Handle Chrome Centerset Bathroom Faucet for Vanity Sink ...

The bathroom is a very important part of your home as it is with the other areas. Here, you get to have warm baths and doing some vanity for yourself. in the bathroom, you will find different bathroom fixtures such as tub and shower faucets. Over time, you might experience damages in your bathroom fixtures and the first thing you can do is to fix such fixtures.

There are many do-it-yourself tips that you can use at home especially for the bathroom. one of which is tub faucet repair. you can fix this by just simple and easy steps. Before anything else, it is just best that you get to know the different things needed in tub faucet repair.

Faucet Designs

Tub faucets have different styles and designs. there are tub faucets that have a single handle that is very convenient as this already controls the temperature and the water flow coming out of the faucet. On the other hand, there is also a double handle type of faucet where in the hot and the cold temperature is done separately using the two handles. to choose which type of faucet you want, it is better that you imagine yourself turning the lever. if you are someone who wants to have two controls for temperature then you better choose to have double lever type faucet handles. there are different designs available for tub faucets nowadays and all you just need to do is to mix and match it with the style of your bathroom. It is recommended that you buy fixtures all from one manufacturer to ensure synchronization of fixture designs.

What Are Washers and Seats?

Washers are usually used in old design types of faucets. Their function is to block water from dripping. A seat on the other hand is when a faucet handle is tightened compressing the washer against it.

Tub Faucet Repair Tips

In repairing a tub faucet, you will notice that there will be drips that you need to address to. with this, you will need to replace the washers and/or seats.

On the other hand, you will need to turn off the water from the main water line so that you can perform your tub faucet repair very well. by doing this, you are sure to fix your tub faucet by removing outer trims without hassle. in removing trims, make sure that you remove carefully the handle/s. The cap is removed thus exposing the screw, which you can take out afterwards. Handle/s should be removed next but should be done very carefully as this may stuck up. you may use pliers to assist you in taking out the needed pieces. After removing the handles, a sleeve or somewhat looks like it should be removed too.

Next, you can now deal with the valve system. you have to hold the handle back for some seconds and then try to half-open the valve. you are sure to take out pressure and thus help you with unscrewing of the pieces. Take note that you have to make sure you are opening the correct piece.

Once you have done this and you have found the washer being broken then you can assume that this may be the cause of the faucet leakage. you are now ready to purchase a new one.

You will also have to check the seats. They are the ones that are being tightened by the washer to ensure stoppage of water flow. you might also need to replace this just to ensure that you will not have to do any reworks.

After replacing such, you are now ready to put back all together the different pieces and after which, you can already use your tub faucet again.

Feel free to do such way in order to get an experience on faucet repair and install shower faucet as well.

Tub Faucet Repair Tips

Jason Chen — We've shown you various color changing faucets over the years, but many of them were either too expensive or too early of a prototype to be buyable. this updated LED Faucet light, however, is both real and cheap.

For just $19.99, you get a LED faucet light that streams blue water normally, but turns red as soon as it hits 89 degrees. Gimmicky, sure, but at that price how could you say no? – Jason Chen

Product Page [Think Geek - Thanks tipster!]

Color Changing Faucet Actually Available for $19