I like when good things get better, sort of like the when the iPhone 3G was released or even better when Toyota announced the totally redone Prius for 09′. It’s great, something that is very good already gets tweaked and rethought to make it more efficient and even better.

When we started getting ready for phase 2 of the Good project we decided it was time to do a little upgrading ourselves. So without any further ado….. its with great pleasure that I introduce to you Good, the 09′ models.

We spent the last several months listening to comments and talking with engineers about areas we can push the limits of sustainability. We tweaked everything we could, added more storage and took an already efficient design and made it even more efficient. Some of the changes are big, and some are just little touches to make the homes more user-friendly, many you would never even know about unless you were digging behind the cabinets or peeling back the drywall. (which we do not encourage). All in all Good just got better and we are darn proud of it.

• Solar – We love solar power, its clean efficient and here in Northern California we have sun light-a-plenty. So why not use it to generate your own electricity, right? The problem is the solar array costs so much to install you won’t start getting a return on your investment for several years. We think we have found the answer! We like what the folks over at Sun Run are doing. What they do is install the system at their cost and all you do is pay them for the electricity at a very discounted rate. So you get good clean power without paying the big bucks! Simple, efficient, clean, it’s sort of a theme for us.

• Curved Shower Rods – Don’t laugh, its a small tweak but will make our cast iron bath tubs feel a little roomier, its like borrowing some of the bathroom to put in the shower when you need it. They are just smart design and we like them.

• A little niche’ shelf at the entry way – We are going to frame out an 18″ section of the wall in the entry and cap it with some more of the black walnut that we like so much. A good place for a sculpture or somewhere to put your keys when you come home.

• Under-stair Storage – Storage, Storage, Storage! Its our new mantra, we looked at every space and tried to think of how to turn it into a neat little storage niche and naturally the space under the stairs was a perfect place. We also found that the tall ceilings in our closets gave us room to add an additional shelf in all of the closets too.

• More Plugs – We heard that one plug wasn’t enough in the bathrooms so we are adding more of them over by the cabinetry for all those extra gadgets and gizmos.

• GreenBuilt Construction Management – We brought GreenBuilt on board as a consultant to manage the onsite construction of our next phase. They are carefully monitoring every process and tweaking it for maximum efficiency. Everything from the framing to the insulation and even the roofing material gets a second look to make sure we are using the most sustainable and efficient materials possible and that they are installed to last a really long time.

• Community Garden – We are going to add planter beds in the park for those of you who want to save the world by growing your own food. 40 steps from your front door – the super efficient food transportation chain!

Micah and Levi