For those who are planning on some remodeling this year, there are more and more counter top alternatives that are easier on the environment. And, in many cases, they're also better for your health. It's funny how often those two things line up!

One of the new products I've been looking at is Icestone. The product is made of mixing cement with recycled glass. As you can imagine, it's very durable. It's also good for the environment as it's made up of 70-75% recycled materials. For those sensitive to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and outgassing, there are none with this product. And, best of all, it's gorgeous! And, it's customizable so you can get just the right colors.

Another new product is Toscana Stone Designer Marble. This is made out of recycled marble chips. In addition to being gorgeous as a countertop it can be used as flooring or on walls, say, in the bathroom. And, again, there are lots of beautiful colors available.

If you're looking for a website to give you some other green countertop options check out http://www.greenable.net. It's a Philadelphia resource for green and sustainable products. Even if you don't choose to buy from them their web site is an excellent educational tool.

And, if you're looking for a more local source of information on green products and services, drop me an e-mail or give me a call. There's so much out there, even if you're not finding it in your local homebuilding store. I'm happy to help!

A real estate news company called "Realty Times" recently came out with their list of what's in and what's out for 2007. While some of the items are probably not interesting to most of you, there are some items on the list concerning homes that may be of interest if you're contemplating any major or minor remodeling projects in 2007. And, some items are just interesting as marks of how society is changing. Today I'll let you in on what's in. My next blog entry will cover what's out.

What's In:

Third places or officetels - While there are more and more home offices in our homes, not everyone wants or is able to work there. Sometimes we need a little more social interaction. Sometimes we need a little larger distance between us and the distractions of home, but still without the hours long commute. So there will be more in between places where you'll be able to rent short term offices, cubicles or conference rooms. You can see this locally in Vint Hill where you can rent a cubicle with high speed internet connections for those days you just can't face that long ride into Northern VA or DC.

Upscale garages - These days people are looking for garages with cabinet and storage systems, mini-refrigerators and, of course, fully finished with heating and air conditioning. Now even our cars live better than the homeless!

Two home offices - One isn't enough any more as there are more and more families where both spouses are telecommuting for at least part of the week.

Caving - This is space devoted to one person in the household where they can go and play without being disturbed.  Think crafts room or workshop.

Rejuvenation Rooms - In case you wondered how the other half lived! This is a one-stop space for exercising, meditation, yoga, sauna and fancy steam showers. And, if that's not enough, even the showers are going upscale. There are now waterfall fixtures, programmable temperature and water flow controls are what's "hot" now.

Heated patios, walkways and driveways - Having been born and raised in Minnesota, this has strong appeal to me. I wonder if Dad would have gone for the heated walkway to the barn?!

Snoring Rooms - These are now being offered as options in some new homes as a way of restoring harmony in marriages where the night noise has gotten out of control!

Modular Housing - Modular options and quality are different from what most of us remember. They now encompass everything from a 1200 sq. ft. starter home to an 11,000 square foot monster!

Sustainable Design - This is near and dear to my heart. This is based on three areas; energy conservation, indoor air quality, and resource conservation. My hunch is this will be big with future generations who are growing up much more concious of our impact on the earth.

Structured Wiring - This is now entering the main stream and is becoming a must-have for technology based home buyers. Coax TV cable (RG-6), Category 5E voice and data lines, distributed radio and remote camera security are all wired through the home into multi-outlet boxes called, in the trade, home network centers.

Mixing finishes on kitchen base and wall cabinets. Everything matching is soooo old school! The new look has stained-wood base cabinets and painted wood upper cabinets. This may be an acquired taste!!

Watch this space for news next on what NOT to do to your home in 2007!