Best of Houzz Award Winner 2023!

Awarded Best of Houzz 2023 

The annual people’s choice award recognizes professionals among the Houzz community who stand out in both talent and customer service

February 15th, 2023 – Design Set Match of Berkeley CA has won a “Best of Houzz” award for Design and Customer Service on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design, including the all-in-one software solution for industry professionals. The “The 13-year old kitchen and Bath design firm” was chosen by the millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 3 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

Best of Houzz awards are given annually, in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honor professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including a pro's overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2022. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award.

“Best of Houzz 2023” badges appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help the more than 65 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts on Houzz to identify popular and top-rated home professionals for their projects.

Design Set Match’s process assists their clients with focused, bite-sized decisions, computer generated renderings of proposed “after” photos, and reduces the amount of time our clients would spend making selections on their own by doing it together.

"We are thrilled to highlight incredibly talented and customer-driven pros from the Houzz community through the Best of Houzz awards," said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. "At Houzz, we strive to support professionals from building their brands and attracting clients, to managing their business efficiently and profitably, and collaborating with clients. The Best of Houzz awards provide a distinctive mark of credibility for homeowners looking for pros on Houzz. We congratulate all the winners for everything they’ve accomplished in 2022 and look forward to seeing their work and positive reviews in the year ahead."

You can see more of Design Set Match’s work on Houzz at https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/design-set-match-pfvwus-pf~1384214050

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing an all-in-one software solution for industry professionals and tools for homeowners to update their homes from start to finish. Using Houzz, people can find ideas and inspiration, hire professionals, and shop for products. Houzz Pro (houzz.com/pro) provides home industry professionals with a business management and marketing SaaS solution that helps them to win projects, collaborate with clients and teams, and run their business efficiently and profitably. The Houzz community is made up of millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals around the world. Houzz is available on the web and as a top-rated mobile app. For more information, visit houzz.com. Houzz is a registered trademark of Houzz Inc. worldwide.

Making Your Home Work Better

How a Universal Design Expert Remodels Spaces To Make Them More Accessible - With Stephen Beard & Alisa Hofmann

Alisa recently had the pleasure of being introduced to Steven Beard, though her affiliation with Alameda Senior Transitions and an article in The Oaklandside Magazine . After a fantastic conversation over a scoop of Ice Cream at Tucker’s in Alameda, Steven invited Alisa to join him in a discussion on his regular audio podcast, “Accessible Housing Matters”.

Stephen is a real estate agent and Accessibility Specialist. He created this podcast to help raise awareness about accessibility issues and housing. His website is for fans of the podcast, It’s all about connecting people with unique knowledge or expertise about housing and accessibility.  

Listen weekly as he interviews people from all walks of life about their ideas and experiences in the intersection of accessibility and housing.

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Several projects were referenced during their conversation and we’re providing some quick links for you to enjoy these portfolios.

Kitchens

• Lowered Countertop area

• Various Counter Height

• High- Contrast Counter/Cabinet/Wall

• Multi-Task Sink Area

• Bathrooms

  • Tiny Bathroom with Wheel-Chair Access

  • Child-Friendly Bathing Area

  • Tiny Bathroom with Flexible Access

  • Primary Bathroom with Bench and Hand-Shower

How Long Will My Remodel Take? A Look at the New Reality.

How do we find harmony with our need for more or better space and continue to live, work, and school together? It’s tricky, but not impossible. With some persistence, planning and a whole lot of patience, your dreams of a remodel that fits your new reality can come true. 

Start by making initial contact with several remodelers that catch your eye, and set up your initial consultations. This process can take up to two weeks, depending on schedules. 

Once you select your remodeling team, come up with a detailed plan and timeline, but keep it realistic. Your plan should include the following elements: 

Schematic Design (approximately 4 weeks) 

Design Development (between 4 to 10 weeks) 

Pre-Construction (up to 6 weeks) 

Materials Coordination (between 4 to 10 weeks) 

Construction Administration (anywhere from 6 to 20 weeks, including weekly meetings). 

In these unprecedented times, giving your project a longer leash to be completed will help you from feeling frustrated if things don’t go exactly as planned. Keep in mind that even the big box stores and online retailers are out of stock of certain times, and may not be able to promise a delivery date.

• Take into account extended lead times for all stages of the project. Many vendors are backed up on projects. For example the lead time for cabinet companies has jumped from 8 to 10 weeks to 18 to 20 weeks.

•  Keep in mind that building departments are still back-logged and working through multiple requests. They are human too and can only work so many hours in a day.

• Be flexible with plans and decisions. If the materials you desire are on back-order, decide if you can wait for them, or compromise and choose something more readily available.

Water-Savers: So Many Choices

Earth Saving Science!

Water-Savers: So Many Choices | Most manufacturers standardize their faucet flow rates according to the maximum allowable by code. Trend-setters that we are, California building code requirements have nudged most plumbing brands to adopt the current 1.2 GPM CA maximum for all lavatory faucets because it's just easier than selling two different faucet flow-rates. But we're really trendy in California, so many of our counties have their own codes and/or incentives for even lower flow rates than many manufacturers offer. If your client is dealing with additional water-saving requirements, has an older faucet they want to keep but is putting pressure on their water bill, or they are simply looking for ways to save more water – Neoperl aerators are the answer, with retrofittable models for almost any major kitchen or lavatory faucet brand. Read all about it here!

Derek's Tech Tip: Neoperl Introduction

Saving Water Makes Sense!

You may have heard the awful but unsurprising news about the severe drought in California and the West. There is no single solution to the water shortage we face—the answer will come in many small steps. But a key technology to the solutions in our industry is Neoperl’s pressure-compensating flow restriction.

“I know how to restrict the flow of water,” you say. “You put your thumb over the hose.” That’s exactly right. If you are holding your thumb over the end of the hose and you turn the hose faucet further open, the flow of water through the hose increases, raising the flowing pressure. If you do not adjust your thumb, more water will flow from the end of the hose. But you are an experienced slip & slide operator, and you know that you just need to squeeze a bit harder with your thumb to compensate for the higher pressure in the hose and keep the stream constant.

And so it goes with your faucets and shower heads. Water pressure in a building is ever-changing. When a toilet flushes or a clothes washer starts, the flowing pressure can change dramatically. But the rules for showers and faucets require them to keep within certain flow rates regardless of pressure. GROHE, American Standard, DXV, and other manufacturers need a way to regulate the flow in their products consistently across a range of pressures. Enter Neoperl, the world’s leader in pressure-compensating flow restriction. Neoperl has swapped your thumb with an O-ring in a special holder. This magical (okay, it’s really science) device is in every bathroom and kitchen faucet and every shower head and hand shower sold in the US. You have almost certainly seen one—It’s a colored plastic disc with some perforations and a captive O-ring. As the flowing pressure through the faucet increases, the O-ring gets smashed flatter, covering more of the perforations, keeping the overall volume of water constant. When the pressure is lower, the O-ring relaxes back into its round shape, more of the perforations are open, and the flow is maintained. And Neoperl probably made every one you have seen. Here’s a video of the concept in action.

Soon, the State of California will mandate further reductions of flow rates from showers and faucets. Neoperl has been developing the next generation of flow controls to help manufacturers achieve those rates without time-consuming and disruptive redesigns to existing products.

In addition to providing the flow regulation for over 75% of the showers and faucets sold in the US (and most of the rest of the world), Neoperl also sells replacement flow controls for installed products. If your 18k gold-plated, dolphin spout lavatory faucet from 1998 is still looking perfect to you, and you would like to save on your water bill, you can buy a replacement flow control to reduce the stock 2.2 GPM flow to 1.0 GPM—a water savings of 55%. Here’s a great brochure from Neoperl about their multitude of water saving products. And if you want help figuring out what replacement insert you need, there’s an app for that.

Water efficiency often gets a bad rap, but I can’t tell the difference in a lavatory faucet between 1.2 GPM and 1.0, and I bet you can’t either. That simple, inexpensive change would reduce your water usage at that faucet by 20%. Tell a friend and share the joy of making a small but measurable difference.

Thanks,
Derek

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Reposting with permission from Western Sales Co July 2021 Newsletter

(This is not a paid advertisement)

My Career in Remodeling

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recently asked their members to share how our careers started. Here is Alisa’s testimonial:

Universal Design - 7 Principals for Every Home

Behold the Bidet

I had my first bidet experience while vacationing at the Kensington Park Hotel in London in 1984. My best friend and I stayed at a hotel which had a bidet in the bathroom. We didn’t have a clue how to use a bidet. Needlessly to say, we both got our clothes soaked because I made the error of turning on the bidet while we stood over the basin trying to figure out what the strange contraption was! In North America, until the last decade, a bidet has not been high on anyone’s bathroom remodel wish list. This has changed. 

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak and greater affordability, demand has increased. Many homeowners’ wish lists includes a bidet toilet or bidet seat as their must have for the bath. Studies have shown, for example, the bidet’s usefulness in providing better sanitization in the bathroom. Their value is clear.

In recent bathroom remodels, I have used several different models in various price ranges and functions such as a Toto Washlet bidet toilet seat, heated, with front and rear warm water wash modes. 

The initial 17th century bidet Napoleon used was made of silver sat in wooden stand next to the chamber pot. It must have been incredibly cold in the winter. Many people, including myself, didn’t see the benefits of a bidet until I used a bidet many years later with a heated toilet seat. You want a heated toilet seat. It changes everything. 

Today’s bidet integration with a toilet, however, has made it a better purchase. The toilet-bidet combination offers more functions, is fully computerized with robotic cleaning spouts, motion detecting lids, programmed presets, and sleek clean lines looks great no matter what your design style is. Napoleon never had it so good. 

Kohler’s tankless design, for example, the Karing toilet, offers the ultimate in luxury dual flush toilet with remote control, automatic lid, heated seat, deodorizer and LED nightlight.

No matter your design style, today’s manufacturers offer bidets from transitional to contemporary styles and range from inexpensive to high-end. Therefore, for your next bath remodel, consider a bidet toilet seat or combo bidet toilet. I think once you try it you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t do it earlier.

Irma Harris Horne

Touchless Faucets

Since its initial inception in 1700 BC, the faucet has continued evolving to accommodate the end user. In today’s kitchens a touchless faucet is a must-have, cutting down on germs that can be left behind to thrive and transfer on faucet handles. From a hygienic standpoint, a sensor faucet in kitchens and bathrooms makes sense, especially in todays’ world with the COVID-19 virus.

Initially, I started utilizing the touchless faucet in my kitchen designs seven years ago to conserve water and prevent accidental water overflow from an unattended faucet. Many kitchen and bathroom flooding incidents are because someone has left a faucet running.

Trinsic Touch 2.O

Today, when I design, my focus is still focused on functionality, safety, and aesthetics. In addition, I must now address the client’s need for sanitation and well-being. In January, a kitchen I designed incorporated Delta’s Trinsic Touch 2.0 faucet, which is activated by a simple touch of the arm or wrist anywhere. Other safety features include an automatic shut off and LED color changing indicator light (blue - magenta – red) to signify temperature. Red is hot. Blue is not.

As with all technology, touchless kitchen faucets started out being quite expensive. Now, you can buy them in every price range or design to fit your design style. 

As the demand for creating spaces that focus on sanitary environments and reducing the risk of spreading disease increases, manufacturers continue to create technology to address homeowner’s demand for fixtures that reduce spreading bacteria in their home. We are seeing increasing demand in kitchen and bath remodels for touchless or even voice activated faucets. Many homes today have smart technology like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Voice, Kohler and other manufacturer’s have created voice activated faucets as the latest advancement. Kohler’s Sensate and Artifacts, pull-down kitchen faucets, operate via voice commands to dispense specific amounts of water, turn the faucet on / off, as well as  with a wave of your hand with touchless motion.

Whatever your concerns, options among faucets are growing. The only limit seems to be our imaginations. 

Kohler Sensate

New Showroom Experience

Houzz Ideabook with Metro Lighting Traffic Light Pendant

With the onset of COVID-19 and shelter in place policies for the San Francisco Bay Area counties, showrooms and designers are making changes to assist our clients virtually.

Irma and Alisa have been meeting with homeowners via Zoom calls to review material selections online. We use Houzz to collect a variety of ideas that we review together. We are still asking questions as we go through each item to be sure that the faucet is just right, and to narrow options down. Ordering samples for tile, countertops and cabinetry helps us to get important colors in their hands so they can make these important decisions.

Recently, local showrooms have also been working hard behind the scenes. Many have taking this opportunity to start remodeling and cleaning up. One of Berkley’s own small businesses, Metro Lighting, has recently created a 3-d walk-through showroom experience.

While life is still chaotic and the “new normal” hasn’t settled in. We encourage anyone who is stuck in their Home to start day dreaming about their space. Go online to destress, browse and imagine your home of the future.

2240 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94702, USA.

National Home Improvement Month

PPE is important for our Employees & Clients

Celebrating isn’t easy, as the shelter-in-place restrictions are relaxing for remodeling, we are taking as many precautions as possible to keep our employees and our clients safe. Reducing exposure is still the best practice, when it’s not possible and we need to meet in person, the Design Set Match Team is washing hands, using sanitizers/wipes, personal protection equipment, and material samples. We are adhering to the construction guidelines outlined by the Bay Area Counties.

Even when our clients‘ homes are not officially under construction, we are wearing gloves, masks, and safety glasses to drop samples off on our clients‘ doorsteps. We are maintaining safe distances while fine-tuning details and looking at tiles side by side on their front porch.

Our website content is being updated each week as we build homeowner friendly tools for planning our clients‘ investment, timeline expectations, and other helpful tips before starting on their remodeling adventure.

We are excited to be are able to offer new clients who sign up in the month of May, 50% off the wood species upcharge on Dura Supreme Cabinetry or 50% off drawer box upgrade charges on Canyon Creek Cabinetry for new projects in May with orders placed by June 26th!

Update: We are delighted to continue celebrating with Nickels Cabinetry! New projects in the month of June can save 10% Off All Custom Orders that feature any of their “Pre-Finished” Materials with orders placed by June 30th!