Bang for Your

for your BUCKBang What does it cost to remodel in Marin and what are the benefits? BY DAWN MARGOLIS DENBERG

WATCH ANY HGTV home improvement show and you quickly realize the cost of remodeling in Marin County isn’t exactly commensurate with prices in the rest of the country. In fact, a luxury kitchen can cost as much as a turnkey home in other parts of the U.S. “For projects in Marin, you’re looking at renovation costs of around $400 to $600 per square foot,” says Michael McCutcheon, owner of the Berkeley-based McCutcheon Construction. But that’s only a rough estimate, he adds. “We’ve done jobs that cost the owner as little as $250 per square foot to as much as $2,000 per square foot. It depends on an owner’s expectations.”

While costs are admittedly steep, there’s a silver lining to living in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the nation: “Every dollar you spend on a kitchen or bath remodel returns up to $4 per square foot in resale value,” says Thomas Dreyer, president of the San Rafael–based Marin Realtors Association. There’s also value in simpler projects like creating a user-friendly entryway, updating flooring, redoing lighting, landscaping or just painting, assuming you don’t over-improve for the neighborhood. “The metrics are obviously different for a modest home in Terra Linda and a luxury estate in Belvedere,” Dreyer says.

Exact costs depend on a range of factors, including scope, finishes and just how much hand-holding you need. The all-in price for a DIY project, for example, will relieve you of considerably less cash than one that engages architects, engineers, contractors and interior designers.

Price aside, noise, mess and general interruption into your daily life during a full remodel is just too much for some homeowners. As an alternative, consider a soft remodel — one that doesn’t require construction, but can still go a long way toward making a dated house feel new. The results you can achieve simply by refreshing paint, flooring, fixtures and window treatments can be astonishing, especially if you spring for new furnishings. “It’s the reason I encourage clients to hire a stager when it comes time to sell,” Dreyer says.

To get a snapshot of what is possible, we asked three Marin County homeowners to tell us about their recent renovations.

Room to Grow

Bringing your work home can put additional stress on a family. But if you’re an interior designer tasked with transforming a young child’s bedroom into a coming-of-age retreat, and the client happens to be your daughter, you wind up the hero.

“My daughter, Kate, came to me one day and said she didn’t want a pink room anymore,” says Linda Baron, a mother of

two and owner of StudioBARON in Corte Madera. “This was understandable, as she was now in middle school.”

So Baron whipped out a color wheel and her basket of textiles and asked Kate for input. “The palette we chose ended up coming from a favorite fabric, which we used to create bulletin board panels in her closet and as a bolster for her bed,” Baron says. But the piece that pulled the whole design together was an early 20th-century Louis XV–style full-size bed frame snatched up at a price representing a fraction of its actual value due to structural defects. “I paid $1,800 for it and had my contractor put in new slats and reinforce the joints. Now it’s probably worth $5,000,” Baron says.

For the walls, she and her daughter settled on a spa-blue color enhanced with a hand-painted motif. “We created a wall stencil influenced by that pom-pom flower people blow on to make a wish,” Baron says. “The walls give the space a calm, floaty, ethereal feeling.” Stealing space from an adjacent bathroom, she was able to turn a 24-inch-wide closet into a roomier 53-inch-wide space. The footprint tweak also allowed for the addition of a tiny alcove makeup vanity.

TOTAL COST $8,570 $ STEAL Rather than spring for built-ins to organize her daughter’s closet, Baron spent $673 on Elfa shelving from the Container Store. Design includes short and long hanger space, roll-out drawer baskets and shelving. $$$ SPLURGE A window treatment customized at a cost of $2,000 including material and labor.

Bathroom on a Budget

Ellen Kogan and her family moved into their current San Rafael home five years ago. From the get-go, they knew the ’70s-style master bath would have to go.

“We did some minor renovations before moving in, but put offdoing the bathroom because, well, life just got in the way,” Kogan says. But as her kids, now 9, 14 and 16, got older, tackling the problem bathroom seemed considerably more doable. So she hired a designer to help her work out a plan. And while she found the professional help indispensable in terms of figuring out the layout of cabinetry and fixtures, there was a disconnect between the finishes the designer was suggesting and Kogan’s intended budget. “I wanted to keep this project in the $25,000 to $30,000 range, but whenever I added it up, the finishes she was suggesting put us in the $60,000 range,” Kogan recalls.

Which left Kogan wondering if her expectations were simply unreasonable. Fortunately, fate intervened. “I bumped into a friend who has renovated several area hotels,” she says. “He told me I could easily get a bathroom done for $20,000 and laid out a budget with realistic allowances.”

Kogan parted ways with her designer and became her own project manager. Keeping costs in check required lots of research and even calling in a few favors.

“My friend met me at a plumbing supply store, and this allowed me to use his contractor’s discount,” Kogan recalls. And while she used top-quality fixtures, a few well-placed Ikea purchases helped offset the cost of wish-list splurges. The dated closet, for example, was demolished and the contractor recessed in an Ikea wardrobe with high-gloss double doors. The result was a custom look, at an off-the-shelf price. “The door to the old clothes closet would swing out and hit the door to the bedroom,” Kogan says. “This change made a real difference in terms of the flow of the room as well as in the overall look.”

TOTAL COST $26,000 $ STEAL The bath cabinets, glass quartz stone countertop and two sink bowls were purchased as a package on wayfair.com for $2,100. The counter arrived with a minor scratch, so the company offered Kogan an $800 refund in exchange for accepting the product “as is.” $$$ SPLURGE $7,000 for tile material and labor.

Shoot-for-the-Stars Kitchen

Meg Sorota and Brian Lahart of San Rafael are no strangers to remodeling. “We put on an addition that included a guest bedroom and bathroom that also functions as our home office,” Sorota says.

And after a few years of downtime, they were up to the challenge of re-envisioning the nerve center room of practically every family — the kitchen. As this is their forever home, they were willing to make a significant investment.

To see their dream to fruition, they hired interior designer Michele Dugan of Michele Dugan Design, who’d helped them on the earlier project. “She was fantastic at synthesizing what I wanted and helping me home in on it,” Sorota says. The result was a contemporary space with all the bells and whistles, including top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, highend fixtures and a long list of modern conveniences. But “I liked that we also gave a nod to the rustic farmhouse,” Sorota adds.

Those homey touches include barn wood cladding around the skylights, open shelving, and simple oak tractor stools around the kitchen island. Also a throwback: a baking cart on casters that rolls out from under the island. “I love this feature because I’m height challenged and it allows me to prep on a surface that’s table level instead of counter level,” says Sorota. “It’s also great for baking with the kids and allows me to store all my supplies in one place.”

Conversely, nothing says contemporary like a kitchen with a dedicated beverage center. Cold beverages get stored in one of two refrigerated drink drawers. And made-toorder drinks are available at the touch of a button. “The Top Brewer Station makes you any kind of coffee you want; it can also do fizzy water, and it steams and froths milk,” Sorota says.

TOTAL COST $250,000 $ STEAL Restoration Hardware bar stools cost just $179 each and blend seamlessly with the room’s many custom finishes. $$$ SPLURGE The Top Brewer Station was $15,000, including plumbing installation and cabinetry.

Home Renovation Guide

Plan your next project with the experts on the following pages.

BUILDERS & CONSTRUCTION Artistic Lighting & Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Black’s Farmwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Ceramic Tile Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Corbets Ace Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Creative Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Golden State Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Kasten Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Lamperti Contracting & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 McCutcheon Construction Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 North Coast Tile and Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Roto-Rooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Solarcraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

DESIGN & INTERIORS Audio Video Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Bauer Interior Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 California Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 City Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Ethan Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Pine Street Natural Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Port & Manor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Room & Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Sandra Bird Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Sarah Evers Hoffman Interior Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 HOME FINANCING HomeStreet Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Bradanini & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Pedersen Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Shepard Design Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Black’s Farmwood

RECLAIMED WOOD BEAMS, FLOORING & SIDING

Black’s Farmwood is a leading provider of the finest available reclaimed wide plank wood flooring, rustic paneling, weathered barn siding, antique wood beams and more. Perfect for your one-of-a-kind remodel, new construction, green building project or historic restoration.

By appointment only • San Rafael, CA 415.454.8312 • blacksfarmwood.com

Room & Board

MODERN, AMERICAN-MADE HOME FURNISHINGS

685 Seventh Street San Francisco, CA 415.252.9280 roomandboard.com

Since 1980, Room & Board’s focus has been the simple idea that good design should be beautiful, affordable and long-lasting. Dedicated to sustainability, more than 90 percent of our collection is made from natural materials by American artisans. Whether furnishing a home or commercial setting, our Design Associates have firsthand product knowledge and the experience to help customers create a space they love. As shown above, Julian Dining table, $1,799 Handcrafted by expert American craftsmen in Wisconsin, our Julian dining table adds modern elegance with its sculptural design and mix of natural materials. An oval shape and pedestal base allows for maximized seating, while smooth edges encourage guests to cozy up and linger longer.

Sandra Bird Designs

DESIGNING FOR BEAUTY AND PRACTICALITY

Awell organized room with good flow, combined with beautiful elements and comfort is integral in each and every one of Sandra Bird’s Designs. No two clients or homes are alike. This is especially evident in bath and laundry. Pictured at the right is a laundry/spa with a fresh new design that is both functional and beautiful as well as an excellent use of space. Photographed by David Duncan Livingston. For the laundry, a folding counter, washer/dryer, storage for laundry products - all sit gracefully under a staircase. The lavi is mounted against a stone wall that hides the concrete foundation and is capped with a Pentalquartz stone ledge. The spa shower and wall-hung commode are concealed behind beautiful opaque glass doors.

To experience Sandra Bird’s portfolio of practical yet beautiful designs . . . please visit Sandra Bird Designs at www.sandrabird.com or follow them on Facebook and HOUZZ.

415.927.1171 • sandrabird.com • Kentfield, CA

Bradanini & Associates

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Bradanini & Associates have been creating sophisticated residential designs for over thirty years. A commitment to design excellence has resulted in a high standard for creative problem solving. California’s tradition of gracious outdoor living is experienced through a combination of space, color, fragrance and sound which capture the individuality of each project, resulting in gardens of simple elegance and enduring beauty.

90 Throckmorton Ave, Suite 16 • Mill Valley, CA 415.383.9780 • bradanini.com

Port & Manor

FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

1654 Second Street San Rafael, CA 415.526.3649 portandmanor.com

An unwavering commitment to quality is a value that has been shared and passed down through three generations of the Bramble home furnishings business. Since our father founded the factory almost 25 years ago, our family has come to encompass all logistics of production from the moment we receive a piece of wood to the moment you purchase a piece of furniture at one of our stores. Our expertise in production allows us to attentively oversee and ensure the quality and sustainability of all our goods. Including the ability to offer you any of our pieces in over 100 different color and finishing options, all done by hand! The latest expansion of the business comes in the form of our Port & Manor retail stores, where we offer beautiful furniture at affordable prices. We will soon be celebrating the one year anniversary of our San Rafael store and would like to thank all of our customers for the sensational response we have received. We look forward to bringing happiness to your home for years to come!

Artistic Lighting & Electric

DESIGN, INSTALLATION, CONTROLS AND SERVICE

In business for 47 years, Artistic Lighting & Electric is one of the Bay Area’s most experienced full-service lighting and electrical contracting firms. Among the firm’s clients who have entrusted Artistic Lighting with the design and installation of comprehensive lighting and electrical systems for their luxury residences are some of the most discriminating and well-known arts and entertainment personalities, high-tech CEOs and sports figures in the Bay Area. Today’s complex and creative lighting systems require sophisticated controls that optimize ease-of-use and reliability. Artistic Lighting & Electric’s skilled, professional team has in-depth understanding of current lighting control technology and its implementation, supporting all of the major lighting controls manufacturers: including Lutron and Vantage. The firm is a full service Electrical Contracting business providing for all your electrical needs.

Artistic Lighting & Electric is a Diamond Certified Company.

Electrical Contracting • Controls • Design / Build Maintenance and Service

285 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Suite G • Novato, CA 415.382.9500 • artisticlightingcorp.com

Chet Stromberg

SOLARCRAFT SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Born and raised in Mill Valley, it has been my life’s passion to bring solar power to Marin. With over 500 projects installed, my clients are excited to reduce their electric bills while remaining true to Marin’s vision of sustainable development. I am dedicated to fostering a responsible environmental ethic while providing an attractive investment opportunity. Kindly call me for a consultation.

SolarCraft – 100% Employee Owned – Est. 1984 cstromberg@solarcraft.com • 415.310.5436 • solarcraft.com

Audio Video Integration

WHERE TECHNOLOGY MEETS DESIGN…

647 Francisco Blvd. East San Rafael, CA 415.526.0070

avimarin.com

Audio Video Integration is a family owned business, serving the North Bay since 1985. We provide our clients with custom design solutions that include home automation, outdoor entertainment, lighting and shade control, high fidelity audio, home theater and media systems - all can be easily controlled from an iPad or mobile device!

Visit our 9,000 square foot showroom in San Rafael and experience our new Dolby Atmos room featuring Paradigm speakers powered by Anthem. We carry the finest brands, along with a wide spectrum of affordable home entertainment solutions for everyone. Our extensive product line of speakers & displays are ideal because they can be completely hidden or designed to match any home’s décor while still maintaining incredible performance, quality, and value.

Tony Probst, Founder, has been living and breathing audio/video since his childhood and actively involved in the industry for over 30 years. His contributions have been instrumental in raising the bar for this kind of technology in Northern California. Examples include the installation and calibration of systems for David Dolby, Skywalker Ranch, and Channel 2 KTVU. Let our professional design team integrate innovative ideas and elegant solutions to meet your personal lifestyle. Photo features a 75” UHD 4K TV with Paradigm in-wall speakers. For over 30 years, Paradigm has set the standard for innovation and technology in loudspeaker design and manufacture.

Lamperti Contracting & Design

MARIN’S BEST DESIGN AND CABINET RESOURCE

Lamperti Contracting & Design supplies fine cabinetry and provides complete design/build services, specializing in kitchens and baths. As a factory authorized dealer for Bentwood, Columbia and WoodMode cabinetry, we offer fine cabinetry for every taste and budget. Our team of designers are experts in making the best use of your space and designing beautiful and functional environments. In addition to providing design/build services, we are also happy to work with your own building team to ensure that your cabinets are properly specified and drawn.

We understand that you face countless choices during a remodeling project, so let our designers guide you through the process and help you make those important selections.

Our designers and craftsmen take pride in our attention to detail for every phase of your project. We’d love to be part of your team. We welcome you to stop by our showroom.

1241 Andersen Drive • San Rafael, CA 415.454.1623 • lampertikitchens.com

ETHAN ALLEN®

MAKING LIFE BEAUTIFUL

America’s classic design brand has been crafting icons of livable luxury since 1932. Start something beautiful at the Ethan Allen Design Center in Corte Madera, where you’ll discover handcrafted quality styles and custom options to create a home design you’ll love. They also offer complimentary design services by experts who can help as little or as much as you’d like.

325 Corte Madera Town Center • Corte Madera, CA 415.924.8507 • ethanallen.com/CorteMadera

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

CONTEMPORARY LIVING

12 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Larkspur, CA 510.763.2033 californiaclosets.com

At California Closets, we design better lives. From beautiful walk-in closets and entertainment centers to highly functional pantries and workspaces, we design custom storage solutions for every room in the home.

A well-designed entertainment center or an adaptable playroom for the kids creates much-needed organization in shared living spaces without sacrificing style. The garage is an extension of the home, and with custom storage, everything from sports equipment to tools can be neatly organized. Smartly-designed workspaces provide room for special projects, such as gardening and crafting.

Whether there is space for a full walk-in closet or a need to create more storage with a reach-in or traditional wardrobe, a well-designed closet turns the bedroom into a sanctuary. Beautiful design belongs in every room. Innovative storage solutions maximize a home’s hidden potential, making exceptional organization an integrated part of daily life. Call or visit us online today and see what California Closets can do for you.

McCutcheon Construction

HEALTHY • BEAUTIFUL • ENDURING

Award winning McCutcheon Construction is celebrating over 35 years of fine homebuilding throughout the Bay Area. Our experienced staff collaborates with homeowners, designers and architects to develop and build each unique project, providing years of delight and satisfaction to our clients. McCutcheon has been a leader in environmentally sensitive construction. Our Certified Green Building Professionals integrate green and healthy aspects into every phase of development and construction, from simple practices to LEED Platinum Certification. We are committed to the health and well-being of our clients, the community and the environment. Our service area encompasses Marin, San Francisco and the East Bay. Please visit our website for project photos and to learn more about our company and our commitment to our clients.

• Residential remodeling, additions and new construction • Historical renovations • Custom commercial projects

1280 Sixth Street • Berkeley, CA 415.863.8108 • License # 528791 • mcbuild.com

Pedersen Associates

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE/SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Pedersen Associates has provided comprehensive land planning and award-winning design services for estate, residential and commercial clients since 1983. Our projects range from the Napa Valley estate, to the contemporary coastal outpost; vastly different in scope, but unified by thoughtful design and an understanding of California-living. Our team brings experience, innovative ideas and elegant solutions to every project.

24 H Street • San Rafael, CA 415.456.2070 • pedersenassociates.com

CERAMIC TILE DESIGN

IT’S THE TILE…

846 W. Francisco Blvd. San Rafael, CA 415.485.5180 189 Thirteenth Street San Francisco, CA 415.575.3785 ceramictiledesign.net

Ceramic Tile Design has been a fixture in the Bay Area for over 30 years, perhaps because there gorgeous showrooms, extensive offerings of unique tiles, and helpful design staff have kept them ahead of the game. They also distribute their products to other tile showrooms throughout California and offer a full service Commercial A&D department.

CTD works directly with more than 70 diverse factories in Italy, Spain, Mexico, China and the US. Take a look at some of their extensive offerings: There US tile collections include Pratt & Larson, Sonoma Tilemakers, McIntyre, Encore, and the historic Rookwood, to name a few. These smaller artist inspired manufactures are what the US tile industry is all about. CTD’s numerous glass lines include Oceanside Glasstile, Villi glass and the best in fine Italian glass mosaics such as Bisazza and Sicis. CTD has always been a proponent of large format tiles and planks and now is in the process importing the ultra large 48” X 96” X 6mm porcelain sheet products to you, reflecting natural stone, concrete and metal looks. CTD will also bring into inventory higher end Quartz counter tops also imported from Italy. We distribute all of the leading Green countertop products: IceStone, manufactured in the Brooklyn Navy Yards, PaperStone from Hoquiam, WA and Durat from Finland. “Tile” is no longer just an efficient wall or floor covering, but now a featured design element in your home or space adding significant “Timeless elegance and value”.

Lou Ann Bauer, ASID

INTERIOR DESIGN-KITCHEN & BATH SPECIALIST

An award winning interior designer with 30 years of experience in the Bay Area. Lou Ann creates one-of-akind interiors combining her art background and design remodeling expertise. Her use of color and combination of materials have garnished her numerous accolades such as “Innovator of the Year” award from House Beautiful magazine.

415.621.7262 • San Francisco, CA louann@bauerdesign.com • bauerdesign.com

Sarah Evers Hoffman

INTERIOR DESIGN AND REMODELING

For nearly twenty years I have collaborated with my clients to design beautiful, comfortable, and timeless homes that reflect their personal style. I offer creative, cost effective designs and expert product knowledge that will make your investment, whether it is home furnishings or a new bathroom, enjoyable for many years. The difference really is in the details.

SarahEversHoffman.com 415.457.8358 • Sarah@SarahEversHoffman.com

City Carpets

FLOORING DESIGN CENTER

At City Carpets, you’ll find much more than the largest selection of carpets and flooring materials. You’ll find a professional staff ready to share their flooring design knowledge. Since 1993, we’ve built our reputation amongst homeowners, businesses and interior designers as the leading flooring design center in Marin County. Visit our showroom and let us impress you.

555 E. Francisco Blvd • San Rafael, CA 415.454.4200 • city-carpets.com • CSL #746886

CREATIVE ENERGY

SPAS AND FIREPLACES

San Rafael • 415.472.7727 San Mateo • 650.574.7600 Pleasanton • 925.551.7100

creativeenergy.com

Creative Energy has been serving Marin since 1976. We take pride in providing worldclass customer service and support while retailing high-end spas and fireplaces. We are the Bay Area’s exclusive dealer of HotSpring® Spas, the world’s #1 selling brand. Using a combination of expertly designed jets, silent operation, high density foam, and an exclusive salt water care system, HotSpring® Spas provide our Marin customers with the comfort, efficiency, and ease of operation they desire. There is no better drought resistant product than an efficient spa. We encourage our customers to warm up in their spa and take a quick shower. If one person reduced their shower time by 5 minutes every day they would save a minimum of 4500 gallons of water a year. Our spas average 350 gallons of water. With the salt water system water can last up to a full year, and can be used to water plants when it is time to drain it. HotSpring® Spas simply reuse water.

With input from BMW Group DesignworksUSA, the stunning new Highlife Collection NXT spas represent the future of spa design. Come visit one of our showrooms to see the latest models and get in hot water.

Jim Corbet’s Ace Hardware

CELEBRATING OVER 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Corbet’s Hardware is a treasure in the heart of Marin. In 1954 Jim Corbet opened his store to fill the needs of the surrounding community. After working for a lumber company, he put his business knowledge to work, and Jim Corbet’s Home Craftsman’s Store became a reality. Today his family honors his achievement, providing the best products and service possible.

800 Magnolia Ave • Larkspur, CA 415.924.7013 • corbethardware.com

Golden State Lumber

BUILDING MATERIALS RETAIL STORE

Since 1954, we have been providing Marin with quality building materials including lumber, plywood, windows, doors, moulding, decking, a variety of FSC Certified green products, and more. Our experienced staff can walk you through our product lines and showroom to help you find the right solution for any size home renovation project and have it delivered right to your home.

1100 Andersen Drive • San Rafael, CA 415.454.2532 • goldenstatelumber.com

Pine Street Natural Interiors

HEALTHY HOME INTERIOR DESIGN PRODUCTS

Since one of the largest contributors to indoor air pollution is home furnishings, all Pine Street Natural Interiors products are created without using harmful chemicals. Our standards of design are based on principles, which explore the effect of the built environment on human health. Knowledge of healthy products and our design experience ensures your home will nurture your mind, body and spirit.

323 Pine Street, Suite A • Sausalito, CA 415.331.9323 • pinestreetinteriors.com

Kasten Builders

MODERN HOME MASTER BUILDERS

415.897.4500 Est. 1972 Lic #362773 kastenbuilders.com

With a 40 year history in Marin County, Kasten Builders delivers homes that reflect the dreams, sophistication, and style of their clientele. By taking on select projects the family owned business provides hands on, personalized services to both the clients and design associates with whom they work.

A father son team, Denny and Pete Kasten cultivate relationships through service, integrity, and teamwork. Backed by talented field and office staff, Kasten Builders works collaboratively to deliver challenging projects while always ensuring the client’s goals are met. Whether it is in the planning stages of a project or during the actual construction Kasten Builders helps realize the balance between architectural design intent and client expectations.

Contact Denny or Pete - and build tomorrow’s home, today.

HomeStreet Bank

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOMESTREET

HomeStreet Bank is a leading mortgage lender with more than 90 years of expertise and a network of home loan centers throughout California. Founded in 1921, HomeStreet Bank offers mortgage loans for residential, construction and commercial real estate financing. HomeStreet offers a broad range of purchase and refinance loan options as well as specialized portfolio lending.

1111 A Street • San Rafael, CA 415.524.1110 • homestreet.com/grainey

Shepard Design Landscape Architects

UNIQUE AND CUSTOM LANDSCAPE ENVIRONMENTS

Shepard Design Landscape Architecture does not design garden with a “signature look” nor a “cookie cutter” style. He does not use a single type plant family such as all grasses or all succulents but instead creates a unique garden environment, customized to his clients taste and wishes. His thoughtful designs reflect not only the style of home but also the owner’s individuality and good tastes.

AJ Shepard, Landscape Architect • Lic #2343 415.378.7817 • shepardandassociates.com

Marin Roto-Rooter

PLUMBING AND DRAIN SERVICE

Family owned and operated for over 59 years, Marin RotoRooter is known for our expertise and focus on customer satisfaction. Our licensed and insured plumbers deliver fast, dependable, guaranteed service 24 hours a day. Go to www. rotorooter.com for e-scheduling and a complete list of all our services. “Novato Chamber of Commerce 2013 Small Business of the Year Award“ Don Calegari and daughter Mendy Calegari

rotorooter.com · 415.898.2700

North Coast Tile & Stone

FULL SERVICE TILE AND STONE FABRICATION

3854 Santa Rosa Ave Santa Rosa, CA 707.586.2064 nctile.com

Family owned and operated for over 30 years, they are the North Bay leader in tile installation and granite fabrication for residential remodels, new home construction and commercial jobs. From start to finish, North Coast Tile is dedicated to working with you on accomplishing your vision. Hundreds of granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone, limestone and onyx slabs to choose from in their acre large outdoor yard. Inside is a beautiful boutique tile showroom offering hand selected tile lines from all over the world.

Six designers are on staff to help you achieve your vision. At North Coast Tile they are also happy to work with you and / or your Designer, Contractor and Architect. Expertise, knowledge and trust make them the tile company that provides the solid foundation you will need to get your project started. Kitchen above designed by Tamera Embree Designs - www.TameraEmbreeDesigns.com. Glenn Fricker Construction. Photo by Bart Edson