Daniel Mackey Construction


January 2011	Volume 3, Issue 1

Happy New Year 2011!

We Have Over 20 Years of Experience Specializing In:

• Kitchens	• Bathrooms	• Additions
• Whole House Remodels	• Custom Homes	• Green Building
• Custom Cabinetry	• Home Automation	• Window Coverings

And More!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Experience wildlife and wild rides at America's only combination theme park, wildlife park, and oceanarium. Come see how more than 30 exhilarating rides, 10 shows, and 35 exotic animal attractions add up to one amazing adventure.

The Tech Museum of Innovation

The Tech Museum is singularly focused on inspiring the innovator in everyone it reaches. Truly hands-on and interactive exhibits, divided among themed galleries, offer guests a truly memorable experience.

Waterworld USA, Concord

Waterworld USA is an exciting water park featuring pools, slides, thrilling rides and more located in Concord.

Green Remodeling FAQs

Daniel Mackey Construction completes all jobs using Green Remodeling techniques in order to provide the healthiest, most comfortable environment possible for our clients. But what exactly is Green Remodeling, and why is it important to a homeowner? Here are some great FAQs

from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's green website to help you understand more about green, and why we feel it is so important in today's remodeling industry.

Q: How does Green Remodeling benefit me?
A: Green Remodeling reduces operating costs in the home by increasing efficiency, conserving natural resources, increasing the value of the home, improving indoor air quality and in turn, overall health; reducing waste, reducing emissions costs, and increasing productivity of occupants, and improving quality of life.

Q: How can I implement green concepts into my home in smaller ways?
A: Green Remodeling can be done in small ways and doesn't necessarily have to encompass the entire home. It's easy to pick and choose elements that fit each particular homeowner. The following can be used:
• Non-toxic paints and sealants
• Programmable thermostats
• Energy efficient appliances
• Natural flooring
• Local building materials
• Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
• Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
• Energy efficient lighting
• Insulated hot water pipes
• Tankless water heaters
• Quality insulation
• Native plants for landscaping

For more FAQs and other great information on home remodeling, green building, and much more, check out NARI's green website at www.greenremodeling.org.

A New Approach To Universal Design

A home remodel should be a project that provides benefits for many years to come. One way to get the most out of your investment long-term is by incorporating elements of universal design, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Universal design is an approach to the design of products and environments that makes them easy and comfortable for everyone, regardless of age, ability or situation.

As the boomer generation ages, and lifestyle needs change, more professional remodelers are helping homeowners modify their existing homes to accommodate universal design standards. Even if you're not sure you need some of these features right now, it's often easier and less costly to plan ahead for future needs than to remodel later on.

There are many features homeowners can install into their existing homes to make them more user friendly. For example, in the kitchen, make sure there's plenty of clearance between counters and pantries. Clever storage solutions, such as a lazy susan or rollout drawers, can make pots and pans accessible to anyone. Bathrooms planned with universal design in mind have walk-in showers with no steps, a bench in the shower and hand-held showerheads. Installing plumbing fixtures closer to the outside of the fixture also aids accessibility. Removing lower vanity cabinets creates much-needed knee space for people in wheelchairs.

Overall, there are seven basic principles to universal design that homeowners should keep in mind, according to NARI:

• Equitable Use: The design accommodates any type of user.
• Flexibility in Use: The design may be used by people with a wide range of abilities.
• Simple and Intuitive Use: Design is easy to understand and "figure out".
• Perceptible Information: The design itself communicates efficiently to the user.
• Tolerance for Error: The design is safe and minimizes consequences of accidents.
• Low Physical Effort: The design can be used without strenuous exertion.
• Appropriate Size and Space for Approach and Use.

For the latest information on green remodeling, visit www.GreenRemodeling.org.

If you are interested
in having Daniel
Mackey Construction remodel your home

info@danielmackeyconstruction.com
2593 Hebron Ave, San Jose, CA 95121

Phone (408) 274-6060
Fax (408) 274-6799