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For our design/build clients we stand in the middle of very complex projects. We design, plan, coordinate, manage, and DO. It is a service that requires professional expertise. Adding an addition on to a home may have 30 different trades come together on that project, and we direct that process. But what about the simple stuff - the hassle of maintaining your home?

Listener Q: I don't want to look at my ugly furnace or water heater. I want to build a wall around them. How close can I put it?

Take a quick glance down at your hands. What color is your ring/watch/jewelry? Do you like your jewelry? If you were married before 1997 is it or was it at one time gold? What color is the door hardware, cabinet pulls, plumbing fixtures, and light fixtures in your home? Does it look current to you? If it is brass and you love it then this post is not for you. Live and let live, and Love Where You Live. The color of your hardware may be a frivolous conversation but then again this may be the minor change that makes all the difference in selling [or being willing to stay in] your home.

**Check out a podcast of an interview Ben did on this topic on West Michigan's Morning News with Gary Allen & Steve Kelly at 8:07 on 1/19/2011 Podcast Link

1. Spyder Scraper ($13) - this blade turns a reciprocating saw into a power scraper

Ask yourself these questions before buying any tool:

For a lot of us it just seems silly to heat water all day long in a big tank to dose it out just at the beginning and end of the day. On first glance it just makes more sense to use an on-demand water heater. Here is a brief checklist of some of the hurdles many of our clients have been struggling with over the last 5+ years and honestly it keeps coming back to installed cost and their expectations of "unending hot water." My experience - I have a conventional water heater in my home. I wish I had an on-demand water heater but it doesn't quite make sense in my home. I first stayed in a house using on-demand water heating in Japan a few years ago and loved it!

I am so happy to be experiencing a culture shift in my client base. The Jones family no longer has the influence over their neighbors as they used to...in fact, I'll argue that they have left the neighborhood. Envy is at an all time low. Conspicuous Consumption is underground.

Here is the transcript of an interview Kristin did with Better Homes & Gardens in November 2010 regarding our two bathrooms in our home. Publish date scheduled early 2011.

Alpha Women's Center is a local pregnancy care center that serves young parents and their children. Help Alpha distribute warm coats to some of the neediest women, men, and children in the Grand Rapids area.

Care: The best way to prolong your carpet’s life is to vacuum regularly, as it prevents dirt from being embedded. Use scissors to clip snags do not pull at them. Professional cleaning is recommended every 18 to 24 months. Always pre-test a hidden area before using a cleaner to remove a stain. Never saturate carpet with liquid.

Natural Tile (slate, marble, travertine, etc.)