The REHAU Montana ecosmart house project has begun in Bozeman, MT, sponsored by REHAU and led by the Creative Research Lab at Montana State University.  Read more.

Rinnai said that its Web site will remain green through June 4, when the 2010 HGTV Green Home featuring Rinnai products will be given away. The company is also giving away one condensing tankless water heater per week through June 4. More on this.

Blog, Blog, Blog

K/BIS 2010 Highlights by Michelle Henderson, Banner Plumbing Supply

Steam Room Design Brings Back Adolescent Fears by Tim Fausch

Staffing the Large Family-Owned Firm with Non-Family Talent by Scott Benfield

These are just a few of the blogs you can read and comment on at www.supplyht.com, www.pmmag.com, www.bathandkitchenpro.com, www.pmengineer.com and www.tilemagonline.com. Stop by and browse! We'd love to hear what you think!

Remodeling The Kitchen/Bath For Less
Tips from the Wall Street Journal

A full-scale bathroom addition can cost more than $37,000, but that cost can be whittled down to $16,000 by converting the project to a typical 5-foot by 7-foot upgrade within existing home dimensions, including low-flow toilets, new fixtures, mirrored walls and new architectural lighting.
Mirrors and better lighting increase the feeling of space; low-flow toilets save money on water bills; bath fixtures including body sprays give a "spa" feel to the home without the expense of whirlpool baths.

A major remodel/expansion of the kitchen can cost $55,500. Reduce that cost by more than half to $21,000 by remodeling within existing dimensions, including removal of a wall for improved flow between kitchen and dining room, new energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures, new cabinets and flooring, and bigger windows.

Less wall space and bigger windows give a small home the appearance of more space and light; energy-efficient appliances save money on heat and hot water.


Source:  The New Rules of Remodeling, Wall Street Journal, Personal Finance

Can't wait for, or not able to obtain, the print magazine? Our Web sites provide a digital edition of each month's print issue, with all editorial and advertising content.

Artisan Group is launching a line of marble and Saratoga Soapstone, as well as adding five new granite colors to the Artisan Stone Collection. Artisan Stone Collection marbles are: Calacatta Gold, White Carrara, Breccia Sarda, Dark Emperador and Crema Marfil. New granite exotics include: Juparana Persa, Golden Crystal and Bianco Antico. The new granite classic colors are Arctic Pearl and Crema Terra. Saratoga Soapstone is available in Vineyard Green, Saratoga Black and Stillwater Gray. The Artisan Group is an independent organization of North American countertop fabricators that own the Artisan Stone Collection brand.

  Meyda Custom Lighting introduced the Plain Dome Chandel-Air featuring bent stained glass lighting with ceiling fan technology. At 44 inches wide, it is engineered and designed to integrate lighting innovation, energy-saving fan technology and a nostalgic style. It features Beige Iridescent Art Glass and hardware hand-finished in Mahogany Bronze. Energy-efficient lamping options are available. The Chandel-Air blends custom designs with a fan built into the unit that can be used to pull hot air up and keep the space cool in the summer, and reversed in the winter to push down hot air and maintain warmth.

The Vynebar offers a modern, innovative design for wine storage that can be mounted easily in any home or business to display selected vintages. The vertical wine rack utilizes wall space and keeps the countertops clear. Residential and commercial customers can choose the size, color and finish and can include custom engraving. The Vynebars' anodized aluminum colors are created using a chemical bath that embeds the color within the metal itself leaving a permanent finish. Finishes include a glossy polished, flat bead blast, or the classic line of brushed stainless steel or polished mirror finish.

WarmlyYours offers towel warmers, available in both hardwired and plug-in models, manufactured from high-carbon steel with electrostatic coatings and hand finishing for durability. They are heated by embedded double-grounded warming cable for faster warmups and operate on a standard 120-volt circuit. Models include the Riviera (pictured), 24 inches wide by 32 inches high by 5 inches deep in polished chrome finish with a curved tubular profile to accommodate four large towels.

Robern vanities are wall-mounted so the height of the counter can be adjusted. Slim- and deep-drawer options are available. Above-counter vessel sink installations are available for all vanities, and all deep and some slim vanities support below-counter sinks. The sink can be positioned in the center or on the left or right side of select vanities. Color options are White, Black, Beach and Ocean as well as the 10 decorative colors available in the Robern portfolio. The vanities are constructed from aluminum and glass and feature slow-close drawers. Among the optional features offered are a night light, electrical outlets, hair dryer organizer, slim insert drawer, removable glass bins, glass dividers and hanging tray.

Coway unveiled its premium bidet product line, including the BA-13 (pictured) and BA-17 models. The BA-13 is customized for U.S homes to fit any toilet type or size. The BA-17 is the next generation eco-friendly bidet, self-powered using pressure from the water flow to generate sufficient electricity. The bidet uses less than a gallon of water per day for the average family, reduces the need for toilet paper, and saves energy.

Training books and DVDS for bath and kitchen pros

Featured product:
The Basics by Sunny McLean  

This new workbook offers training in sales support skills for associates at high-end tile and stone or kitchen and bath showrooms. The workbook format includes lessons, illustrations, activities and tests, providing a self-managed program that can be completed in as little as eight hours, spread over four weeks. Purchase this item.

View more products at www.AECStore.com.