Thanks, RChicago! I've narrowed my choices to either a VAH or a Modern-Aire hood. They offer 600 cfm and smaller hoods that I can vent directly out the back wall. It's too costly and way too complicated to vent the hood vertically (there's a large bedroom window in the way). I had to rule out a number of others because they either were ridiculously overpowered for my needs - no way could I avoid MUA costs - only vented vertically or required at least 24" of vent pipe to vent to the rear (couldn't accommodate), or were too expensive. I've read through dozens of old threads about ventilation, plus I've consulted several experts (ventilation reps and CMKBDs) and I've concluded that 400 cfm will fulfill my needs. I know that's going against GW wisdom that bigger is always better but oh, well. :) Our 20 yr old pop-up downdraft is rated at 500 cfm for our standard gas cook top (rarely used it on high, too danged noisy and it sucked the flames sideways). And yet I'm quite sure that a 400 cfm hood will easily beat the ventilation pants off that old pop-up downdraft. I'm leaning towards the Modern Aire. I like its appearance plus, at 24" deep, it has a better capture area than the 300 cfm VAH (only 21" deep). In case anyone else is on this same quest, here's the list of possibilities I compiled, in no particular order: Imperial Prestige DCS Wolf Modern Aire Viking VAH Kobe ZLine A few brands never made the list because they were poor qual1ty. I looked briefly at Best but their baffles were backed with mesh (what they apparently call their hi-low filter system), which is not what I wanted. This post was edited by lisa_a on Fri, Sep 26, 14 at 11:31

That's crazy, I can still see it. Wolfpackmom (My Page) on Tue, Jan 29, 13 at 16:41 I am thinking of using this in entry way, 2 story foyer and upstairs hall....has anyone used it in that much space - what do you think?? I am really stuck - originally was going with a yellow/gold and after 6 weeks cannot find the right shade. I have seen Soft Fern in several online designer rooms and love it. Anyone have pictures that are true to color?? I will get a sample if needed, but want reviews of it before I put $ out for yet another sample. Thanks! Follow-Up Postings:

This is very similar to the situation that I had last summer. Same era and type of houses. My neighbors (whose garage was only 1 foot from the shared property line, and only 12 feet from my house) wanted to build a 2nd story onto the garage, and extend the structure both in front and in back (which would have brought the rear corner to within just a few inches of the line since their house did not sit square on the property). I had also had some difficulty with them because of trash issues but tried not to let that influence my feelings about the addition. So, I also was concerned about the loss of light and having a view of only the side of their house rom the dining, living and 2 bedrooms (they are close now, but with the garage placement I do get light and see sky and trees). I wasn't sure it would be putting that side of the house in constant shade, but it seemed like it would and I was concerned. This neighbor told me that I shouldn't care because in another, newer suburb, the houses were all constructed like that (which could be why I don't live in that suburb). . I wrote a letter to the board in charge of the zoning variance permit and simply told them why I was concerned. I did not come out and say that I was opposed but had these concerns. The board did take that as an objection and had quite a discussion at the meeting (I read the minutes later). One board member pointed out that although they may think that they will be there a long time, they possibly won't but the changes would affect my house forever and perhaps my home's marketability. They did not approve the variance, the neighbor blamed me, but he chose to sell in order to get the bigger house that they needed. Turns out though, that the addition would have violated state fire code (too close to the property line) and could not have been approved anyway. I have very nice neighbors now, very glad that I didn't have to find out if my fears were founded or not. You have more room between your houses; I wonder if there is a way to figure out if the proposed addition would block much light?

I am looking to install about a dozen or so "XX" dual slider windows in tandem. Basically, I plan on putting one window on top of another. This is similar to what the company "Soundproof Windows" does, except I'm ordering standard windows and having my contractor install two in tandem. Hopefully Oberon can chime in on this one. I did hire an acoustical engineer... however he is not aware of the STC rating for these unique XX dual slider windows. Basically, it's a horizontal slider where both windows (left and right) slide independently. I need these because I have planter boxes directly outside the windows and I want access to the entire section from inside the house. The planter boxes are not accessible from the outside because they are either two or three stories up (homes are three stories tall). Does anyone know if the XX dual slider is appropriate in achieving a high STC rating? My goal is 50 STC with these two windows in tandem: First window (outside) Dual pane 1/4" lam, 5/8" air space, 1/8" plate glass Second window (inside) Single pane 3/16" lam Note that there is about 2 1/2" of airspace between the two sliding windows. So technically, when both windows are closed, I have created a "triple pane" window with a 5/8" airspace and a 2 1/2" airspace. And 3 varying window thicknesses - 1/8", 3/16" and 1/4". Total mass in glass is 9/16" and this doesn't include the two laminate films between two panes which I assume add about 1/8" more. And the reason why I need a ridiculously high 50 STC is because these are bedrooms and the property is located right next to a highway. Any advice is appreciated!