“iPhones and iPads have transformed how people orchestrate their lives, both personally and professionally, and the ability to operate a home’s systems remotely with the swipe of a screen is no exception,” said Larry Weinberg, CEO of BOWA. “After a home undergoes a large-scale addition or renovation project, the focus turns to managing the house to ensure its systems are in sync and user-friendly. Smart phone apps offered by industry leaders are an efficient way to make life a little easier, while impressing guests and making the most of technology in the home.”

From home control systems to entertainment and energy conservation, there are many iPhone and iPad apps that enhance a home renovation:

• Lutron offers a free app that manages a home’s lights, music and overall ambiance to create a complete entertainment experience. Being able to turn off a light remotely can help families be more energy conscious.
• The free app for Control4 users orchestrates lights, thermostats, audio, video, web cameras, security cameras, and more – all without having to change screens.
• The app option from Crestron controls a home’s climate, security, lights, drapes and more. For around $100, families can prepare a comfortable environment while on the way home from a trip or when en route to a vacation home.
• The free Sonos app allows homeowners to select and play music from anywhere in the house. The app can access an iTunes library, free Internet radio stations, and popular online music services, like Pandora and SIRIUS.
• DIRECTV’s app can set an episode or series recording remotely. Homeowners can browse the free app for shows and movies by channel, time or date up to 14 days in advance.
• Ecobee’s app helps families conserve energy, save money and reduce their environmental impact by transforming the iPhone into a thermostat, allowing for adjustment and control of a home’s temperature.

About BOWA
BOWA transforms houses into homes™ through the design and construction of large-scale, luxury renovations and additions. From the very beginning, BOWA provides the single point of accountability for its customers, guiding, executing, and managing their design, construction, and client experience. Drawing on a tradition of excellence for over 20 years, BOWA’s professionals have found that complex projects require input from numerous experts. Having one party that assembles and manages the team, takes accountability for the entire process and looks after the client’s best interests is the key to having a world-class remodeling experience. BOWA has been honored with more than 100 local and national awards of excellence, including being named National Remodeler of the Year by Professional Remodeler Magazine and largest Whole House Remodeler by Qualified Remodeler Magazine. With offices in McLean and Middleburg, Virginia, BOWA serves clients in Suburban Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. For more information, visit www.bowa.com or call 703-734-9050.

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Spring  2010
New BOWA Logo Gets Rave Reviews 
For the first time in 22 years, BOWA has updated the company logo
and modified its name.

Fall 2009
Added Incentive to Live a Little Greener
Federal and local incentives encourage higher-performance homes

Spring 2009
Green Building is Smart Building
Emphasis is on making homes healthy, comfortable and efficient

Fall 2008
Expanded Warranty Adds Peace of Mind
BOWA Announces New 3/15 Year Warranty Coverage

Spring 2008
A Good Time to Remodel
Our advice, plan now to take advantage of market conditions

Fall 2007
BOWA Gets Even Greener
Environment-friendly construction practices benefit us all

Spring 2007
What Goes Around Comes Around
Reclaimed materials and deconstruction benefit us all

Fall 2006
Experience Movies as They were Intended
Design is key to making home theater technology work for you

Spring 2006
Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen?
Not anymore. Today’s kitchens are warm and inviting.

Fall 2005
The Luxury of a Day Spa at Home
Today’s baths are clean, neutral and comfortable

Spring 2005
Lights, Camera, Home Automation
Integration provides convenience, comfort and safety

Fall 2004
Need a Little Rest and Relaxation?
Try your own backyard retreat

Where the Heart Is

Many people have spent years making memories in their homes, and have grown to be deeply connected to their neighbors and the community. So instead of uprooting and leaving their home’s rich history for a new property, couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved homes into spaces that fit their specific immediate and long-term needs. The solution may involve optimizing existing space by reconfiguring the layout and incorporating a user-friendly residential elevator, or it may be adding more ground-level square footage in a style that complements the home’s architecture.

 A “Suite” Addition

The most common “aging in place” project involves adding a more-accessible master suite to the main level of the home. This convenient change allows a couple to go about their day-to-day living without having to navigate stairs for cooking, bathing or doing laundry, while still having ample space upstairs for visiting children and guests. When managed correctly, this type of remodeling project is relatively unobtrusive and allows the family to remain living in their home during construction with minimal disruption.

 Details that Matter

When planning a renovation ensure there is enough space, especially when a person with a wheelchair or walker is involved.  Creating a five-foot turning radius with wider doorways, hallways and open areas, can greatly improve maneuverability for someone with limitations but also feels a bit more spacious for the active family.  Other popular requests with noted value include appliances with lever doors, varied countertop heights, and minimal steps through passageways. And large curb-less showers with grab bars and hand-held shower heads are common features even for families without disabled loved ones.  Additionally, first-floor laundry facilities and outdoor ramps also add convenience to the new space if needed.

It’s a reality that many people will endure some kind of temporary mobility challenge in their life, perhaps from surgery rehabilitation or an accident, so it makes sense to design your home in a practical, universal way to accommodate such unpredictable circumstances. But, with all of these changes, it is important the project is well designed and executed to complement the look and feel of your home and ensure your satisfaction.

 Overcoming Barriers

In instances when a small lot or zoning restrictions hamper the ability to add on square footage for a master suite or other room, there are alternative options to help a family stay in their home. There may be seldom-used space on the first floor that can be reconfigured into a cozy master suite thanks to the expert eye of a skilled design-build team. Working with a partner who is accountable for the project from conception through completion helps to make sure your needs are met with the optimal solution and that the renovation process is seamless for a family on-the-go.

Transforming a home to accommodate your later-year needs allows you to create a place that is easier to manage and maneuver without having to give up the opportunity to reminisce or surrender the cherished role of hosting distant family and friends.

“We’re helping more families transform their backyards into resort-like havens, creating luxurious pools with kids’ needs, exercise, convenience, and comfort in mind, ” said Larry Weinberg, CEO of BOWA. “Not only can residential swimming pools blend in to be aesthetically seamless with a backyard’s landscape, but incorporating innovative materials in the design can create a comfortable and fun environment.”

From smart design techniques to easy pool maintenance, there are many ways to enhance outdoor spaces. They include:

• Negative edges create the illusion of water flowing over the side of the pool, and are especially aesthetic over elevated ground. Also called infinity or zero-edge pools, the secret is an out-of-sight water collection reservoir.
• Special heat and slip-resistant walkway materials create a safe environment, with people opting for darker, more dramatic color palates.
•  Therapeutic pool exercise improves circulation and tones muscles without putting stress on joints. Manipulating the water current with a jet-propulsion system elevates the intensity and convenience of any workout.
• Water features, such as unique waterfalls, multi-tier fountains, or arcs of water can be customized to serve as a backyard focal point. Swimmers enjoy the built-in entertainment that adds drama and optional color to a pool.
•  Halogen light systems offer a wide spectrum of colors underwater capable of changing color continuously or locking on a color of choice to reflect the desired mood.
• Raised “beach areas” in the pool with very shallow water allow people to lounge with their feet in the water.
• Energy efficient natural and propane gas pool heaters use off-peak heating strategies to cut energy costs.
• Advanced purification systems ensure non-salt, non-chemical pools that are similar to swimming in bottled water. Robotic automated cleaning systems eliminate debris collecting even in tight corners or on steps.
• Mosquito misting systems emit biodegradable, chemical-free insect repellent, keeping the backyard a mosquito-free zone.

About BOWA

BOWA transforms houses into homes™ through the design and construction of large-scale, luxury renovations and additions. From the very beginning, BOWA provides the single point of accountability for its customers, guiding, executing, and managing their design, construction, and client experience. Drawing on a tradition of excellence for over 20 years, BOWA’s professionals have found that complex projects require input from numerous experts. Having one party that assembles and manages the team, takes accountability for the entire process and looks after the client’s best interests is the key to having a world-class remodeling experience. BOWA has been honored with more than 100 local and national awards of excellence, including being named National Remodeler of the Year by Professional Remodeler Magazine and largest Whole House Remodeler by Qualified Remodeler Magazine. With offices in McLean and Middleburg, Virginia, BOWA serves clients in Suburban Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. For more information, visit http://www.bowa.com or call 703-734-9050.

Not only can residential swimming pools blend in to be aesthetically seamless with a backyard’s landscape, but incorporating innovative materials and amenities in the design can create a great environment for entertaining, or for lounging with the family in your personal five-star resort.  Here are a few of our favorite products and trends, sure to make any pool the coolest in town. 

 Smart Pool Design

• Live on the Edge: Boost your pool’s WOW factor by adding a negative edge, which creates the illusion of water flowing over a practically invisible wall. Especially appealing when located over elevated ground that drops off, negative edges will leave swimmers impressed and scratching their heads asking, “But how?!” Also referred to as infinity or zero-edge pools, this dazzling visual effect tricks the eye to think the water is extending over the horizon. The hidden secret lies in a water collection reservoir below the negative edge that is not easily seen by swimmers in or around the pool.
• Surround Yourself with Chic Comfort: Special heat and slip-resistant walkway materials are becoming more popular with families set on creating a pool environment that is safe, comfortable and attractive. When creating their dream pool landscapes, BOWA is also seeing more families opt for unique-looking textures like those offered by Pebble Tec. The days of white, generic pools are out, with homeowners now requesting darker, more dramatic color palates and using natural materials to craft a pool backdrop that compliments the backyard’s landscape.
• Feel the Pull: While many families with pools enjoy the opportunity to entertain in a laid back setting, others utilize the water as an excellent opportunity for weightless, therapeutic exercising. With a Badu SwimJet System from Speck Pumps, you can take advantage of water therapy to improve circulation and tone muscles without putting stress on the joints. Manipulating the water force with this jet-propulsion system elevates the intensity of the workout, transforming traditional laps into a completely new experience. 

Extras that Impress

• Let it Flow: Adding a special water element to your pool or spa will give guests something to talk about and generate the feeling of lounging somewhere much more remote than your own backyard. Polaris water features, such as a unique waterfall or WaterStars multi-tier fountain, can be customized to take your pool to the next level aesthetically, serve as the perfect backyard focal point, and act as built-in entertainment for younger swimmers. Channel the famous Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas with Jandy’s Laminar Jets, as clear arcs of water silently add seven feet of drama and optional color to your pool or spa.
•  Set the Mood: Mesmerize after-hours swimmers or outdoor party attendees with a wide spectrum of colors with the world’s first (and brightest!) underwater halogen light system that is capable of changing color continuously or locking in on the shade of your choice. Whatever the desired mood may be-romantic, laid back, lively-Pentair’s halogen lighting delivers a radiant, synchronized underwater display.
• Chill Out: You can move your outdoor lounge area inside the pool to maximize comfort and stay cool. By adding a raised “beach area” with shallow water, typically 12 feet by 5 feet in the center of the pool, friends and family members can relax in special chairs and seek shade under a built-in umbrella, all while dipping their toes in the refreshing water.

Easy, Breezy Pool Maintenance

• Heat with Efficiency: For the “green-minded” swimmer, brands such as Hayward, Pentair and Aqua Comfort bring energy efficiency from the home to the pool with natural and propane gas heaters and heat pumps that you can feel good about. Despite a nationwide rise in electric rates, Aqua Comfort’s off-peak heating strategy allows their environmentally-friendly heat pumps to help offset inflated prices and operate at 27 percent better efficiency than a decade ago.
• Clean Without the Fuss: Automated cleaning systems, such as the pressure system offered by Polaris, are innovations that ensure your swimming pool looks and stays fresh with the ultimate cleaning performance. By reducing pool maintenance to a minimum, you’ll have more time to enjoy the peaceful outdoors with family and friends. Even debris collecting in tight corners or on steps can’t hide from the constant suction and intelligence of Polaris’ robotic pool cleaner.
• Be Pure: Ensure swimmers’ comfort with the most advanced non-salt, non-chemical water purification system available from ECOsmarte. Similar to swimming in fresh bottled water, the system creates a pool environment that removes the swimmer from the unpleasantness of chlorine and salt.
• Say Bye to Bugs: Forget lathering on harsh bug spray or lighting foul-smelling candles that claim to repel pests but often fail. Innovative mosquito misting systems emit biodegradable, chemical-free insect repellent that transforms the entire backyard into a mosquito-free zone.
• Take Total Control: Orchestrate all aspects of your pool while lounging on a chaise or even while floating on the water with a Jandy automated control system. The interface system manages your pool’s temperature, jets, lighting, and circulation on one customizable, easy to handle screen.

McLean, Va. — BOWA (www.bowa.com), which specializes in the design and construction of large-scale, luxury renovations and additions, will serve as the presenting sponsor for the 10th Annual Autism Speaks 5K Run and One-Mile Walk on Sunday, July 4 in Potomac, Md.

“With one in every 110 children affected by autism, and one in every 70 boys, this national crisis is everyone’s cause,” said Steve Kirstein, BOWA principal and sponsorship chairman for Autism Speaks. “Over the past nine years, we’ve walked, jogged or ran our way to more than $1.5 million for autism research and hope to make this year the most successful race yet by reaching our fundraising goal of $250,000.”

After launching the “Run Anywhere” initiative last year, competitive runners and families are encouraged to participate no matter where the Fourth of July holiday takes them. By registering via the website, people who cannot be at the race site will receive their shirt in advance and be able to raise money for autism anywhere. The local event will kick off at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 4, with a pre-race warm-up with professional trainer Fred Foster. Individuals participating in the 5K will depart from the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac, MD 20854, at 8:00 a.m., followed by the one-mile walkers. Post-race activities will include food, music, prizes and fun activities for the whole family.

“Participating in the 5K is a great way to kick off the holiday and spend time with family and friends,” said Larry Weinberg, CEO of BOWA and a top fundraiser for the event. “We’re proud BOWA will have several teams participating in various locations and hope others will join us in battling autism.”  

For additional information, to register, or to start a team for the 10^th Annual Autism Speaks 5K, visit http://www.autismspeaks5k.org/. Online registration will close at 12 midnight on Wednesday, June 30, but late registration will be available with details on the website. There is an entry fee of $30 for adults and $15 for children under 14. Those that pre-register will be guaranteed a special 10^th anniversary t-shirt. Volunteers are needed and welcome and should contact autismspeaks5k@autismspeaks.org.

Home Control Systems

• Lutron: Looking to set the mood for an arriving guest or save energy when you leave a light on? The HomeWorks Light Control application makes it easy to control your Lutron whole-home lighting system with the touch of the screen. This free app lets you manage your home’s lights, music and overall ambiance to create a complete entertainment experience, even if you’re out and about.
• Crestron: Picture yourself en route to your beach house or returning home from a long trip-the temperature there is most likely not ideal for the current weather condition if the air conditioning or heat has been turned off to save energy. With the Crestron Mobile application, priced around $99.99, you can control your home’s climate, security, lights, and even the drapes so you return home to the perfect environment. 
• Control4: For Control4 home automation users, the free Control4 My Home for iPad application manages your home’s lights, thermostats, audio, video, web cameras, security system, and more-without having to change screens. This is a free application you can download. 
• SAVANT: If you’re using SAVANT’s ROSIE Systems to control your home’s lighting, audio/visual systems, security and more, the $49.99 ROSIE Home Automation app will give you easy access from wherever the day takes you.

  Music

• Sonos: There’s no need to interrupt your poolside lounge session for the sake of the music. With the free Sonos app, your iPhone is transformed into a full-fledged controller for the Sonos Multi-Room Music System, allowing you to find and play all the music you want, all over your house. The app grants access to your iTunes library, thousands of free Internet radio stations, and popular online music services like Pandora and SIRIUS.
• Remote: The free Remote application morphs your iPhone into a remote control, allowing you to manage and play the music in your computer’s iTunes library from anywhere in the house, with the tap of a finger. You can choose a song, shuffle an album, repeat or skip a track and even create and edit playlists with the free app.

Television 

• DIRECTV: Have you every left the house without setting theDVR to record your favorite show? Not a problem with the DIRECTV application that lets you set an episode or series recording remotely from anywhere. The free app also lets you browse for shows and movies by channel, time or date up to 14 days in advance while you’re sitting on the train or waiting for an appointment.

 Thermostat 

• ecobee: In an effort to help families conserve energy, save money and reduce their environmental impact, the free ecobee Smart Thermostat application turns the iPhone into a thermostat replica, allowing you to adjust your home’s temperature, humidity and ventilation; receive and set up alerts; and control multiple thermostats from the same screen.

Cool Apps on the Horizon 

• Visible Energy: Interested in visible feedback about your family’s electricity consumption and its cost? The Energy UFO free app by Visible Energy is one of several “up and coming” energy consumption monitoring tools that can help households save energy and lower power bills. The app is available now, but the compatible UFO products have yet to hit the market.
• Nissan: Monitor your electric car to see when it’s charged with Nissan’s planned app that allows “green” drivers to see the charge left in the batteries. Electric drivers on the go can also view the locations of nearby charging stations, compare recharge costs based on nearby prices, and best of all: rev up the air conditioning or heat before getting to the car so you’ll never break a sweat.  

“After talking with many of our clients over BOWA’s 22 years in the home remodeling industry, the one piece of feedback we kept hearing was how we are ‘so much more than a builder,’” said BOWA CEO and co-founder Larry Weinberg. “Our ability to assemble and manage a team of experts, take accountability for the entire design and construction process, and look after the clients’ best interests are true differentiators as we deliver beautiful home transformations and a world-class client experience. We felt a slight shift in the company’s brand name was appropriate to better reflect our unique niche in the design-build industry.”

In most client addition and renovation projects, BOWA becomes involved early in the planning process to assemble a hand-picked design team often consisting of an architect, interior designer, landscape architect, kitchen designer, structural engineer, home automation specialist, pool designer, and other experts as required. In addition to the management and execution of the entire construction process, BOWA takes on a “client advocate” role that involves working with subcontractors, suppliers and local governments to streamline the planning and permitting processes, facilitate selections, and present the best “green” options.

“This new brand direction doesn’t change BOWA’s longstanding commitment to heroic customer service, craftsmanship and value, which has been the cornerstone of our success,” said BOWA President and co-founder Joshua Baker. “The new BOWA name underscores our reputation for making dream homes come to life.”

FEDERAL

• A federal tax credit for updates to your heating, ventilation, AC, insulation, roof, non-solar water heater, windows, and doors is available for upgrades made to your existing principal residence. This tax credit allows for a refund of up to 30% of the cost of the upgrade (up to $1,500) – but pay attention to the fine print, as installation costs for some of these items aren’t included in the refundable amount.
• A federal tax credit for residential energy properties applies to solar electric systems, solar water heating systems, small wind energy systems and geothermal heat pumps. A taxpayer may claim a credit of 30% of qualified expenditures, including installation, for a system that serves a dwelling unit located in the U.S. used as a residence by the taxpayer (does not need to be the primary residence). If the federal tax credit exceeds tax liability, the excess amount may be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year. The 2009 stimulus package removed the caps and specific dollar amounts that were previously imposed on these credits.
• A federal tax credit for 30% of the cost (up to $500 per .5kW of power) of the purchase and installation of residential fuel cell and microturbine systems is available until 2016. These systems must be installed in your primary residence, and both new construction and upgrades to existing homes qualify.
• For more information, please visit www.energystar.gov.

MARYLAND

• The Maryland Solar Energy Grant Program and the Maryland Geothermal Energy Grant Program give grant money to individuals to cover a portion of the costs of acquiring and installing photovoltaic and solar water heating equipment. The grant amounts are:
  – Solar Water Heating: 30% of installed system cost up to $2,000.
  – Solar Photovoltaic: for systems under 20 kilowatts, and vary up to $10,000.
  – Residential Geothermal: $500 per ton of cooling capacity, up to $3,000.
• In 2007, Maryland passed a bio-heating oil tax credit that provides for a $0.03/gallon tax credit (up to $500) for individuals that purchase bio-heating oil for space and water heating. To be considered bio-heating oil, it must contain at least 5% biodiesel. This credit ends in 2012.
• Montgomery County residents can receive property tax exemptions of 50% of the total system cost up to $5,000 for heating and electricity generating systems and $1,500 for hot water supply systems. While the amount of the tax credit may not exceed the taxes imposed on the property during a fiscal year, excess credits accrued may be carried forward for up to two additional years.
• The State of Maryland will implement a mail-in rebate program that will help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with new ENERGY STAR® qualified and ultra-efficient appliances. Eligible products include refrigerators, clothes washers and heat pump water heaters. The program is scheduled to begin April 22, 2010.
• For more information, please visit www.energy.m aryland.gov.

VIRGINIA

• Under the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, residents can qualify for rebates on home energy audits, qualified improvements, and installed equipment for any existing building. Among the eligible items are programmable thermostats; heating and cooling equipment; insulation and air sealing, and replacement windows, doors and skylights. Rebates differ depending upon the item purchased/installed.
• Virginia allows a four-day sales tax exemption on certain classes of Energy Star and WaterSense products of $2,500 or less per product, purchased for non-commercial home or personal use. This 100% exemption from the state sales and use tax applies to sales occurring during the special four-day period each October. For certain energy efficient products purchased other times of the year, individuals may claim a deduction of 20% of sales tax, up to $500.
• The State of Virginia will implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace old, inefficient appliances with new, efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. The program is scheduled to begin on April 28, 2010 and if funds are not depleted, will continue in 2011. Eligible products might include refrigerators, clothes washers, gas storage water heaters, gas tankless water heaters, gas furnaces and air source heat pumps.
• For more information, please visit www.deq.st ate.va.us/p2/vise/.

WASHINGTON, DC

• In 2009, the District Department of Environment (DDOE) introduced an expansive multi-year renewable energy incentive program. Currently, residents may qualify for incentives on their first 20 kilowatts produced via photovoltaic and wind energy systems, up to $33,000. Additional incentives will be rolled out throughout the year for solar thermal, geothermal, biomass and methane recovery systems.
• District residents, who live in a single-family home or townhouse that is 4,000 square feet or less, can get a free home energy audit from the DDOE.
• The District of Columbia will implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. The program is tentatively scheduled to begin in late May 2010 and will last until funds are depleted. Eligible products include refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers, and electric heat pump water heaters.
• For more information, visit www.green.dc.gov/.

We hope that you find this information helpful and are able to take advantage of these incentives for any environmentally-conscious upgrades to your home. For a comprehensive state-by-state and Federal breakdown of available credits and incentives, please visit www.dsireusa.org.

“Seven to 12 percent of a home’s heating and cooling loss occurs around windows and doors, as outside air leaks in and inside air escapes,” said Larry Weinberg, CEO of BOWA Builders. “These voids cause higher energy bills as the furnace or air conditioner works overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. Often a do-it-yourself project, installing and maintaining weatherstripping is a simple and effective approach to reducing the loss of energy and related dollars.”

Weatherstripping is the material placed around doors and windows to seal them against the loss of heat and air conditioning and to prevent the infiltration of outdoor air. Tiny gaps in these areas, along with places of intersecting materials and points where wires enter the home, can collectively equate to a one-foot square hole in the wall. Even if the home is well insulated, these small cavities cause heating and air conditioning bills to sky rocket, especially during the cold and blustery winter
greater Washington, D.C. is experiencing.

There are numerous types of weatherstripping available and different varieties are best suited for different types of applications, depending on durability requirements, method of installation and exposure to outdoor elements. As such, homeowners will likely need to use more than one type of weatherstripping around their homes, and should refer to the product description and carefully follow manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure optimal results. The most popular types of weatherstripping include Tension Seal, Reinforced Foam, Rolled or Reinforced Vinyl, Door Sweep, Magnetic, Reinforced Silicone, and Interlocking Metal Channels. For more information, visit http://www.bowa.com/howmuchheatisyourhomelosing.