“I worked very closely with Jayme on a demonstration project in Suncadia this past year and I have to say her work ethic, attention to detail and her ability to multi-task throughout the whole project was impressive. She has a great knowledge and connection with the sustainable building industry and is a great resource for a consultant. The home ended up being a great success for all parties involved and most importantly my Clients were ecstatic and Jayme was a big part of this result.” - Travis Gibson, Nine Pine Developments

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

http://jaymecarleton.com

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- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

Green Mixes With Universal Access in a New House Built in Suncadia
By KATIE ZEMTSEFF
Journal Staff Reporter

Tour Event

The Carrs’ house was designed by 4D Architects and built by Nine Pine Developments.

When Mike and Susie Carr decided to build a vacation home at Suncadia in Cle Elum, they wanted a house that was both sustainable and accessibile to everyone. The result is wheelchair-friendly, but it also offers a number of lessons about design for an aging population.

Universal access means all people of all abilities can use a space. The project is called the Green Access Home at Suncadia, and it opens this weekend at 4047 Swiftwater Drive.

The 2,000-square-foot home is in Suncadia’s Nelson Preserve and has targeted 5 Star Built Green. Weekend public tours will begin later this month.

Mike Carr offers one lesson: With a little thought, people can build a house they can live in long-term. Carr, a director of software development at Amazon.com, has been in a wheelchair since 1996, but he said universal design is useful for everyone. Having a house that can easily accommodate aging people adds value because you can live in it longer.

“One of the tips we got from our architect is envision how you’re going to use the space,” he said. “Especially for a vacation home because people use them when they are retired. You don’t want to build it out, finally retire and not be able to use it.”

The house was designed by 4D Architects and built by Nine Pine Developments. The Carrs live in Bellevue and plan to use it as a vacation home for themselves and friends. It has three bedrooms and two baths.

Carr said it is interesting to watch how universal design and sustainability intersect. For example, he said the house is smaller to make it more sustainable but that also makes it more accessible.

The single-level house sits on a ridge with an elevation change. In front, the house has a long driveway, creating less of a grade change. A viewing deck in back extends about 50 feet from the house, making it easier for people in wheelchairs to experience the outdoors. Carr said the deck will let him watch elk and other wildlife.

The house has smooth, easy to navigate concrete floors. Windows are lower so a seated person can get a better view of the outside. Door handles are another focus. As people age, many develop arthritis, making it hard to turn knobs. The Green Access home has levers on the doors rather than knobs.

The house has wide doors and corridors, a roll-in shower, lower light switches and appropriate tub and bed heights. It has a front loading washer and dryer and an easy access pantry.

One challenge was the kitchen. Countertops are low but a wheelchair user still needs to be able to roll under them, leaving little room for a standard sink. The team used a poured concrete countertop with a built-in sink: “It’s hard to get that out of the box.”

The house is well insulated so air flow was a concern. The team added remote controls that allow Carr to open and close the top part of windows, so hot air will flow out of the home.

Green design also forced some innovative solutions. The guest bedroom, for example, was originally slated to have two twin beds, but that would make it difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. The Carrs added a sleeper sofa instead. “If we weren’t being green, we would have built it bigger with beds that aren’t used. Now it’s cozier and mostly a study,” he said. “It led to a better use of the room.”

The house was sited based on the sun and prevailing winds. A large overhang and eaves will protect the house from passive solar gain. It is built into a hillside, which will provide cooling during the summer.

Susie Carr, a naturopath, wanted a strong emphasis on indoor air quality and non-toxic paints and finishes.

The house has solar energy and a solar thermal heating system will warm water for the radiant system in the floors.

With green systems, Carr said the team had to be concerned about payback. But designing for universal accessibility mostly involved smart design and configuration with no added cost.

Carr said visitors wouldn’t know the house is different if they don’t know the history.

“It’s not like you have to have a giant wooden ramp in front of it,” he said. “The whole intent is to make it accessible without being obviously accessible. Good design is accessible.”

Other groups that have been involved in the project include the Sustainability Foundation, the Central Washington Built Green Association, Senger Construction and Second Nature.

Public tours will be given from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays from Sept. 25 to Oct. 10. On Sept. 18 and 19 the project will be featured during the Kittitas Tour of Homes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information or to learn more about the tour, visit www.greenaccessatsuncadia.com/about.

For the full article click here.

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Green Pet Roof

If you are like me, you always have your eye out for the next excellent DIY project. This green dog house caught my eye because it looks fairly simple to do and would really make a statement.

Hope you enjoy!

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

…

Posted by ReadyMade
Written by Sonia Zjawinski, Photography by Scott Little

When Los Angeles-based landscape architect Stephanie Rubin decided to experiment with green roofs, she wanted to start on a small scale. But, she explains, “It’s really not sustainable to create a display that has no practical application.” She came up with a model that could serve as both an example of her work and a resting spot for her pup. That led to the launch of Sustainable Pet Design, a collection of bird- and doghouses made with eco-friendly woods and materials and topped off with lush green roofs. Since it wouldn’t be sustainable to toss out your old doghouse for one of Rubin’s models, here’s how to give your pup’s pad a green makeover.

Click HERE for step by step directions.

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And as part of the transition, I'm migrating my blog to jaymecarleton.com — don't worry though, all of your old links that say jaymemattson.com will still work, but you'll now be redirected to jaymecarleton.com automatically.  In fact, you won't even notice the difference unless you look at your web browser's address bar.

I look forward to blogging under my new name and bringing even more environmental and safety news to your front door.

Your friend and blogger,

Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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1. Upgrade the Front Door A new front door instantly enhances your home's appearance, and what's more, it can greatly increase resale value. A recent study by door manufacturer Therma-Tru found that upgrading the front door of a house increased the perceived value of a $190,000 home by almost $8,000. Estimates for new entry doors start around $2,500, so you could actually make back triple the money you spend. Jayme Tip: Be sure to get two or three quotes for the front door. Manufacturers can vary a lot in pricing and installation fees.

2. Take Care of the Landscaping Curb appeal starts with quality landscaping that enhances the style of your home. Landscaping doesn't have to be expensive; only well-thought-out, interesting, and cohesive. Pick a theme for plantings (native, tropical) and stick with it. Jayme Tip: Visit a local nursery for advice. Many nurseries carry pre-planted pots of plants or have plants grouped together, ready for purchase, which will give you the most street appeal for the least amount of money. Nurseries are making it very easy now for homeowners to do amazing landscape designs. And remember – be sure to pick plants native to your area. You want plants which are drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.

3. Give the Garage a Facelift Plain beige or white garage doors are a thing of the past. Today's market offers beautiful alternatives such as carriage doors made of composite materials. Keep what's behind the doors beautiful, too. To tidy up the space, add built-in storage or use cabinets, shelves, or pegboards. Jayme Tip: Once again, be sure to get two or three quotes for the garage door. Manufacturers can vary a lot in pricing and installation fees. I am a huge fan of carriage doors as they have an elegant, old world flair.

4. Update Your Hardware Get new house numbers, a new mailbox, and a door latch with the same finish to give your exterior a cohesive, stylish look. Jayme Tip: Check out Home Depot for options. Before buying however, check out the local salvage stores as they receive a lot of left over items from builders and remodelers. There are a lot of good deals at salvage stores as well as eye catching pieces. My favorite Seattle-based stores are Second Use or Re-Store.

5. Install Outdoor Lighting Properly planned and installed outdoor lighting can add safety, drama, and interest to your home. Path lighting should also be an integral part of your outdoor lighting plan. Jayme Tip: Home Depot and Lowes carry many types of solar outdoor lighting. No need to hook up electricity for lighting when you could invest in something which uses natural solar energy and wouldn’t cost you money to run.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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I absolutely love Clever Bottle! It is the gem of Belltown.

I am a huge fan of good drinks and food in a sustainably designed atmosphere and this has it all – excellent drinks, local appetizers, reused wine bottles as flower vases, really cool light fixtures – reclaimed light bulbs and rope with recycled glass globes, minimalistic design, concrete floors, to name a few…

I absolutely love the owner/operator – her name is Kristen Burns. She buys all of her flowers, cheeses, appetizer items from Pike Place Market (supporting our local economy). She takes pride in everything she does and it shows. Kristen makes all of her own simple sugars for her sparkling wine drinks, each unique, just like her.

My to-be husband and I always look forward to going to Belltown just so that we can stop by this quaint bar.

If you are a first timer try the "Lavender Currant Cocktail" or the "Vintage Ruby" they are to die for!

This is a must visit!

Clever Bottle
2222 2nd Ave Ste 100
Seattle WA 98121
cleverbottle.com

Click Here for Yelp Reviews

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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Published: Sunday, May 9, 2010

HeraldNet
Camilla Mclaughlin
For The Associated Press

Few things induce anxiety and frustration more than having a home sale delayed, especially when your belongings have already been loaded onto the moving truck.

Yet few paths from contract to closing are without an obstacle or two. Good real estate agents are attuned to red flags that come up, but consumers should also be aware of potential problems and how to avoid many bumps in the road.

“Purchasing a home is an intensely personal and emotional process,” says Walt Danley a Coldwell Banker agent in Phoenix, Ariz. “It is not uncommon for minor hiccups to become major issues due to the emotional nature of the transaction.”

Here are 10 of the most common red flags:

• The buyer has an existing home to sell.

Even if potential buyers have a mortgage preapproval and claim they can buy without selling their current home, when the deadline nears some of these buyers balk. Quite often, the mortgage approval disappears, says Don Bruemmer, a broker with Plumb & Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.

To troubleshoot a dilemma like this, and spare sellers the loss of valuable days on market, Bruemmer specifies a mortgage contingency requiring the buyer to apply to two mortgage companies. A refund of the deposit would only be given if the buyer is declined by both companies.

• Underground oil tank or an old septic system.

Environmental issues can muck up a deal, especially in states with strict regulations. Underground oil tanks were popular in the Northeast at one time but are now considered a hazard because of potential leaks. Typically real estate agents suggest sellers remove tanks before putting the home on the market.

Septic regulations vary by municipality and some states, such as Massachusetts, require a system be inspected and meet strict standards before the home is sold. The repair or replacement can be expensive and time consuming so sellers should get the necessary approvals ahead of time. However, they should follow the timelines and dates required by their state and/or municipality.

• The lender is unknown to the real estate agents.

Delays in approvals or last minute changes in terms can snag a deal. Experienced agents suggest having the buyers be pre-approved by a second lender, one both real estate agents work with and know can complete the work in a timely fashion. Then if a glitch comes up there will be a fallback.

• Phone calls or e-mails are not returned.

Good communication can speed up negotiations. When title companies don’t respond or when an agent dodges calls, it can slow down the process or be an indication of a brewing problem. Although there is no absolute solution, the best precaution is to be proactive.

If the seller is a bank, or the owner needs the bank’s approval (because the home is selling for less than the mortgage), the process can take much longer than a typical sale, and there is little real estate agents or buyers can do to hurry the process.

• A property disclosure statement was left unsigned.

The property disclosure informs buyers about any known problems or defects of the property and explains what sellers have done to repair or resolve them. The price offered by buyers should take the disclosure into account. Experienced real estate agents won’t allow sellers to agree to an offer until the buyer signs the statement.

• Out of town appraiser.

Appraisers who are unfamiliar with a type of property, price bracket or area are a caution flag for real estate agents. Even if there have been multiple bids on a home, banks and mortgage companies will not go above the appraised value. Buyers can still complete the purchase but will have to close the gap between appraised value and sale price with additional cash.

Sellers should ensure agents can back up the list price with recent comparable sales. Although they can’t influence appraisers, real estate agents can give them this information.

• Garages turned into rooms and other additions.

Often the necessary permits were not obtained, have been lost or the municipality can’t locate the records. Usually this occurs when the owners have been in the home a long time. Real estate agents should be on the lookout for potential problems like this. Many will do the research to locate lost documents.

• Inspection opens the door to new price negotiation.

Home inspections are performed to uncover hidden defects that are not easily observable to consumers and real estate agents. Sellers should be proactive and repair everything they can and/or get estimates for any work they know needs to be done, because even minor issues can have buyers questioning the price.

Also, rather than have any repair items deducted from the price, and possibly delay the mortgage approval, some agents suggest sellers make a separate payment to the buyers.

Michelle Bellasari with Real Associates Florida Properties in Boca Raton, Fla., says she troubleshoots potential defects ahead of time, such as a roof repairs which might be a deal breaker.

Most of her first-time buyer clients have limited funds and cannot afford to waste money inspecting a home if there are obvious and expensive near-term repairs.

• A change in the terms of a mortgage.

Suddenly payments on a 15-year mortgage seem too high or high fees offset a low interest rate. Changing terms can restart the clock and delay a deal. By law, a lender is required to provide a good faith estimate of fees and rates within three days of receiving a mortgage application. Even if they are only being prequalified for a mortgage, potential buyers should ask for a good faith estimate so they understand fees and rates.

• An unknown lien is uncovered.

Old paid-off mortgages that have not been registered are the most typical title issue uncovered. In rural areas, water rights, property lines or other easements can cloud the chain of ownership and they are often not uncovered until the title is researched. Experienced attorneys who specialize in real estate can often find a solution so the sale proceeds on time.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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