Are You Ready To Rock Out?

If you’re thinking of “rockin” your counter tops with natural granite you’ll need to understand beyond its mystical beauty of how to make it work for your specific purpose and space. Mottled, monochromatic or veined; gold or bold blue; affordable or budget breaking, granite defies nearly all typecasting, except that it is all the rage for kitchen surface durability. It's a natural stone, so every individual slab of the hundreds of named colors is unique in its hue, patterning and shading. And because the choices can be overwhelming to the uninformed, here are some tips for finding your perfect rock.

Paying for more than you use. Typically, suppliers will charge you for the whole slab, regardless of how much you use. Keep in mind that a unique natural pattern may require more than one slab to keep the flow within your counter top looking “natural”. Ask if there will be remnants. You may find you’ll have enough left to replace the powder bathroom vanity top too.
Differences in color. Mother Nature creates some common colors such as in natural hues, however with some rarer colors, costs will increase for slabs with a scarcer hue(s). Some granites contain semiprecious stone with flecks of labradorite, which can also increase the slab's cost.
Availability. Not only the quantity of stone, but also access which can be restricted by seasonal quarries or political unrest, can affect the cost.
Sources
While granite is found nearly worldwide, most granite is mined from Brazil or India. Indian granite is typically very dense, and is available in larger slabs and has lots of movement but is affordable. Brazilian granite is plentiful and handsome.

Composition
Not all granite slabs are actually granite. For countertops, "granite" is an umbrella term that includes several quartz stones that are acid resistant. ”Standard” granites with smaller consistent patterns are excellent for the look but can help eliminate waste when laying out a template with joints.
 

Names of colors can vary. Adjacent quarries, or even different suppliers, might have different names for the same stone. For example, this slab goes by the names Luisa Blue and Van Gogh.
 


Rock lingo. "Japurana," a term that appears in many slab names, signals a slab with a flowing pattern. "Giallo," another term that appears in multiple slab names, is Italian for "yellow" or "gold."

Counter top finishes.  

Polished: The most common finish; it's mirror-like, stands up well to stains and is the least porous

Honed: A matte finish that is typically not recommended, as it can stain and scratch more easily

Brushed/satin: Similar to a honed finish, though less matte in appearance and better performing

Leather: More polished than a honed or matte finish, but with a little texture

Flamed/thermal: Created by running a flame over the slab surface; has a rough, textured appearance and a varying surface depth

Antique: Has a brushed, dull appearance that is slightly textured

With all the variables in choosing the perfect rock for your project, ask the experts and "hone" in on their knowledge, it may make your investment rock solid.Resources for this article attributed to Houzz.com , Michelle Jeresek  

Go Ahead… Make A Statement

This Wilsonville home’s staircase is the first thing you see upon entering. Transformed from contractor cookie cutter to sensational it now makes a statement that was long desired by the homeowners. Let’s face it carpet has lost its appeal in high traffic areas due to its containment of dust, odors, pet dander, and other allergy annoyances. It’s just a pain to keep clean, especially on stairs, in corners, and it wears out within seven years even if you maintain it.

 

The former staircase had an angled step where now there is a proper landing. Carpet is deceptive in hiding structural imperfections, and this staircase was no exception, after demo we had to rebuild the stringers to accommodate correct spacing for the new treads.  

 

We built up the sides of the staircase and encased it with wood and molding. The wimpy railing was replaced with a beefy curved top rail attached to Alder Fluted newel posts. The bottom two posts were moved onto the bottom step verses the original entry floor to allow more room and all were stained to match the new treads.  Straight black wrought iron balusters with a sequenced mix of scrolled ones along with decorative knuckles are the eye candy for this new look. The treads are Shing Palace Strand Hand Scraped Bamboo matching the flooring we installed on the main floor. This stuff is not only beautiful but durable with kids and a very large poodle named Barkley. Finicky as we are, we painstakingly attached the treads with fasteners from underneath in order to avoid having any nail holes. The risers, stair skirts, and staircase wrapping were painted a glossy white to match the existing trim in the house.

 

 

This remodel changed the first impression of the home’s entry and now displays a pride of ownership with practical qualities that will be timeless for years.       

 

How to Plan a Kitchen Workflow That Works

Every kitchen has workflow needs as unique as the people who use it. Here's how to design your space to suit your needs

Before starting anything else, kick off your kitchen remodel with a space plan. Picking out all the pretty things is the fun part, but function comes first — and that means deciding on a workflow and traffic plan that'll work for your lifestyle.

Determining Function
Deciding on the right layout for your kitchen is a personal decision — each individual or family uses the kitchen differently. Think about your workflow in terms of everyday function and social use. How you use your kitchen, how many people cook there at the same time, if your kitchen is also an entertaining or social space, and what your long- and short-term goals are for the kitchen.

After you've decided on your wish list, take a good look at what can actually fit into your kitchen. Some things, like islands, require a lot of space and just don't work in narrower spaces. Refrigerators can only fit in certain areas, and the kitchen layout's relationship to windows and doors is also a big priority.

Do you want an open or closed-off kitchen? While open kitchens have become trendy, a closed-off one can maximize wall storage and hide clutter after meals.

Counter Space
Focus on your sink when deciding on your workflow. The linchpin of the kitchen is the sink. It's where you spend the most time, and where it is most likely that you will want either a good view to the outside or a good connection to the social spaces in the house — or both.

Aim to have at least 18 inches of counter space on either side before putting in other appliances — with the exception of an undercounter dishwasher, of course, which works perfectly right next to the sink.

36 to 42 inches of counter workspace is workable. Don't forget to put counters around the refrigerator too, so there's room to set down items when raiding the fridge. Elbow room on either side of a range or cooktop is important too.

Of course, the function of the counter or island space depends on how a chef uses the kitchen. While some prefer putting a cooktop on an island, so the cooking is integrated into socializing, others like that space to be completely clear.

Walkway and Flow
Note your entrances and exits when determining your layout. Exits and entrances can really wreak havoc on an efficient layout. Give a cook some dedicated workspace out of the general circulation flow.

Try to stay between two and three exits — more than that makes things complicated and cuts into counter space and storage. Two ways in and out of the kitchen keeps a nice flow, especially during parties. Make the walkway for a double-sided workspace a minimum of 4 feet wide — just avoid placing appliances directly across from each other to keep the pathway clear. For a single-sided workspace, stick to 3 feet minimum.

 

For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5650992/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u200&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 

Quick Bathroom Updates for the Holidays

Ok, so the family are due round, as are the neighbours and some friend from work. How can you give your bathroom the shot in the arm it so badly needs without spending vast amounts on a dramatic redecoration? As the Christmas season approaches, we all tend to glance around our houses and panic a little bit at the thought of guests and visitors, who we are convinced will notice every minor flaw in our homes. Well, the bathroom does not need to be a cause for concern. For very little outlay and just a small amount of effort, you can revitalise and update your bathroom so that when the guests arrive, it is a talking point for all the right reasons.

Firstly, let's cover the basics: A new coat of paint takes a couple of hours and can immediately refresh a room that is feeling a little worn and tired. In the bathroom, opting for white walls or a light pastel shade is usually the safest bet, for their light and space enhancing qualities. Next, check any grouting and sealant you have on display. If they are stained or housing mildew, then replacing them is a cheap job that will ensure there are no small faults to detract from your overall design and aesthetic.

On to the larger updates to your bathroom, then: We all tend to accumulate toiletries, cosmetics and cleaning supplies over time, and without sufficient storage space to house them all, even the largest bathrooms can feel cramped and cluttered. Bathroom furniture, fortunately, has recently made a triumphant return to the world of bathroom decor, so you can install some storage units to streamline and organise your bathroom safe in the knowledge that you in line with the latest in bathroom styling.

A fitted basin unit will provide you with ample storage space for all your bathroom products, will create a focal design point in your bathroom and fit over your plumbing and pipe work, resulting in a more streamlined and calm bathroom. Upgrading your bathroom mirror to a mirrored cabinet in the same finish as your vanity unit will also provide you with some handy extra storage space and complete the look of your new and improved basin area.

Exchanging your bathroom radiator for a chrome heated towel rail will instantly give your bathroom a modernising boost. Not only will you and your guests have access to warm, dry towels whenever they are needed, but it will your room and create a boutique hotel ambiance will it does so. A little multi-purpose marvel.

None of these changes need to be expensive or time consuming, and implementing them will mean that your bathroom is something you definitely won't need to worry about this Christmas.



For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://goarticles.com/article/Quick-Fix-Bathroom-Updates-Before-Christmas-Season/7107104/

She Had A Vision

This 1993 Lake Oswego kitchen was perfect in size but the dated oak cabinets and laminate counter tops were a major turn off to the new homeowners.  She had a vision, her dream kitchen, and after many years of living in various homes she knew exactly what she wanted and we delivered. The preliminary design by Revive included all her wants, Wolf appliances placement, than it was fine-tuned to perfection with the details.   

 



Custom cabinets with shaker style doors and slab drawer fronts encase the new kitchen. A few selected glass doors were designed to display items. Cabinet drawers and roll outs have full extension and bottom mount soft close guides. Inside the corner cabinetry is the premier “lazy Susan” that cleverly folds out for easy access and folds back in to utilize typically wasted space. White Carrera Marble counter tops give the space a light clean classic look coordinating with the Benjamin Moore HC-64 “Pure White” painted cabinetry. Backsplash was done in Artic White 3” x 6” subway tiles from counter top to upper base cabinets accented with LED under cabinet lighting.

The massive 5” x 8’ island, a gathering place, houses the Wolf gas range with a downdraft system, Kohler Vault Prep Sink with Rohl Faucet. Island cabinetry also has pull out spice racks hidden behind the faux posts on either side of stove top, custom shelving on the ends, and more storage is tucked under the eating bar supported by stylish posts. Three stylish Clemson 14” Polished Chrome pendant lights from Restoration Hardware hang over the island add character.

 

 

What gives a space character has a lot to do with textures. The white palette is softened with the warm tone of oak hardwoods, movement in marble counter tops, and polished nickel finishes. This dream kitchen is now sophisticated and welcoming to all who gather there.



Bypassing Remodeling Fatigue

Living through the experience of remodeling your home is not easy. As creatures of habit and human nature, remodeling can disrupt the sanctuary of your home, normal family schedules, and can test your patience to another level if you’re not prepared. Here’s a few ways to deal with the onset of remodeling fatigue.

Get mentally prepared: Your contractor should inform you as to what to expect while living through the construction. Things that might affect you like the noise, the dust, shutting off your water, change orders and the decisions that come with final selections and unanticipated challenges. Just as a doctor would do with patients regarding medications, a good remodeler will warn clients that it is likely there might be side effects experienced during the remodeling process. By doing so homeowners can recognize the warning signs so they will be able to mentally and physically adjust.

Get physically prepared: Living through the remodeling process can be much easier with some preparation. For example, you may not be able to cook while your kitchen is being remodeled. You may want to consider pre-cooking and freeze meals easy to microwave and or take advantage of the process and collect take out menus for the justified means of eating out a lot. If you are renovating your only bathroom as part of a project, ask what you can deal without a toilet for a few days or more. Or even shower. Maybe you or your contractor can set up temporary spaces to tide them over until you get your home and your livfe back.

Don’t be dismayed or frightened of the remodeling process, after all it really is only temporary and the end result will outweigh the inconvenience to the many years of enjoyment in your new space. Just like anything in life, if you’re prepared you can deal with the process and avoid remodeling fatigue.  

Revamping an Outdoor Space

The homeowners of this Beaverton Bull Mountain Home wanted to jazz up their patio with a sophisticated look with low maintenance. The original concrete portion was okay, but they wanted the decking and patio all one level as to expand the living space for entertainment. The fun challenge was lifting the Jacuzzi tub up the enclosed area in order to lay the new concrete pad. It took seven guys and a whole lot of grunting. Who needs a crane when you have manly muscle available?

Demo Day!

A beautifully stamped large paneled look concrete stained in a multiple pattern of browns, tans and blacks give depth and a stone character to the new patio. Gone is the wood deck next to the house and wooded steps, also in concrete.

 

The new steps leading up to the property grounds was constructed of Trex Transcends “Spiced Rum” deck boards, “Vintage Lantern” railing, and “Classic White” posts and caps, the balusters are round black iron, all maintenance free.

Before Steps

During construction.

New Trex Transcends Staircase

 

To complete the new sophisticated look the funky “Y” posts holding the upper deck were changed out to a simpler but decorative wrapped pillar with coved trim. Oh yeah, wondering how we got the Jacuzzi back down? Seven guys and more grunting.  

 

Old Funky Posts

Completed!

 

Removing The Pond Scum

What once was a pond and water plants over the years became an overgrown jungle heap of roots and debris. Our client wanted the pond monster removed so she could unite the two existing decks and have one expansive entertainment space, and she didn’t want the plant maintenance.

 

 

 

 

Once we removed the pool liner, a true mound of dirt was exposed, and it took a line of workers with multiple buckets to remove to haul away. One section of the decking was discovered rotted, so a much needed sturdier substructure was laced into the rotted decking along with the new decking boards all tied into the new mid-section deck. A fresh coat of solid stain completed the deck makeover.

And talk about “recycling”, we utilized one of the stumps removed next to the bird water feeder as a conversation piece. The homeowner says the birds love it and use it as a perch.   

 

 

 

Top 5 Innovative Kitchen Appliances For Your Kitchen Remodel

Every home owner knows remodeling their kitchen can greatly increase the value of their home. For this reason, kitchen remodel is the number one home improvement. Remodeling your kitchen no longer is just about the cabinets, counter top and flooring. Kitchen appliances have evolved to play an important role in kitchen renovation. Over the years, kitchen appliances have become more sophisticated using the improvement in technological advancement. They have also become more convenient, easier and friendlier to use.

#1: Induction Cook tops

Induction cook tops is the new way of cooking using electric but with the speed of gas. If you live in a neighborhood that does not offer access to natural gas, induction cook tops will be a great choice. Induction cook tops generate heat only when there is a pot on that of the cooking surface. Induction cook tops can boil water under a minute. Induction cook top are as efficient as natural gas. They are also very safe if you have kids around the kitchen when cooking. Because the heat only transfers to the pot, you do not have to worry about your child accidently burning his hands on the cook top.  

#2: Computerized Steam Ovens

Steam ovens are catching on fast. With the need to stay healthy, many consumers are adding steam oven to their appliance package as part of their kitchen remodel. Computerized steam oven utilize steam with convection heating to produce great tasting food in record time. The computer on board the steam oven monitor the amount of steam to be used based on the dish you type on the keypad. These steam ovens are so smart, all you have to do is set it to the dish and they practically cook your food.

 #3: Microwave Drawers

A microwave drawer is one of the best ways to save space during a kitchen remodel in a tight kitchen. Microwave drawers are installing under counter with doors that slide out like a regular drawer instead of opening like a door. Besides saving space, these microwaves have high speed cooking, pre-program meal, easy to operate and they are friendlier to operate by those who are handicap.

#4: Dishwasher Drawers

Dishwasher drawers just like the microwave drawers are a great way to save space in a tight kitchen. Dishwasher drawers are not intrusive. They can be fitted with your custom cabinets to give you the appearance of a regular kitchen drawer. They are easy to operate, very friendly for those who are handicap. 

 #5: Oven Refrigerators

Oven refrigerators create great convenience for the working family. With both husband and wife having to work, getting in front of the stove after a long day at work can be tiresome. Oven refrigerators in my opinion, is one of the best innovative idea in the kitchen appliance industry. Oven refrigerators will refrigerate your food during the day and at preset time you have determine the refrigerator will convert to an oven so your dinner will be ready by the time you come home from work.

For more information on this topic, visit the source of this article at http://poetmel.hubpages.com/hub/top5InnovativeKitchenappliancesforkitchenremodels

The 4 Most Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

Content From Remodeling Magazine Article August 2012

What’s the secret to a successful kitchen remodel? Knowing what mistakes to avoid! Almost everyone who has been through a remodel has a war story to share about what they’d do differently. Whether it’s the neighbor’s never-ending remodel, or the friend of a friend whose contractor couldn't get along with the architect, keep your dream kitchen from becoming a nightmare by protecting yourself from these common first-timer mistakes.

Mistake #1: Choosing Design Elements Over Lifestyle

It’s essential that you determine the lifestyle objectives you want your kitchen to hone before you choose its design elements. Why? These objectives can determine the exact types of materials, appliances, and layouts that you should and shouldn’t choose. (Soapstone, for example, is a beautiful counter material, but it requires lots of care—and might not be the best choice for young families.)
Bottom line: Determining your desired kitchen lifestyle before choosing the design elements will save you time and money down the line.

Mistake #2: Thinking Fad, Not Function

Beware of the ‘what’s in’ kitchen. The average kitchen renovation should last 12-15 years, so the last thing you want is for it to feel dated before it’s even paid for. Beware of too-trendy colors and shapes that likely have a short shelf life. Extras like wall-mounted pot fillers are probably only necessary for top-of-the-line chefs; trendy chandeliers might make a statement, but they typically don’t provide appropriate lighting for the space. Similarly, don’t fall prey to over-customization. What works for you today may not work for the next owner of your ho­­me—or even your own family as it grows and evolves.

Mistake #3: Not Hiring Professionals

People often think that doing it yourself is the cheapest route. Not so! Varying aspects of the kitchen require professionals with specific expertise. A kitchen designer is not an architect, an architect is not an interior designer, and a contractor is not necessarily a kitchen designer. Hire skilled (and licensed) professionals who not only understand lead times for your selections but can also test-drive your budget to make sure it’s sustainable. In addition to recommending reputable contractors, savvy design professionals can help homeowners make informed, cost-saving decisions like swapping a kitchen island for a handsome chef’s table or butcher block—that will keep the aesthetic high, prices low and value priceless.

Mistake #4: Letting a Contractor or Design Professional Make Decisions For You

Although it’s tempting to delegate all decisions to the experts (decision-making fatigue is quite common in kitchen renovations!), ultimately it’s the homeowners who best understand their own habits. Is the kitchen also your home office, or do you include the kids in dinner preparations? Those activities might dictate choosing a raised island bar versus a flat island. Flip through magazines, and educate yourself about materials, fixtures, products and costs, “so you will have authentic opinions” when it comes to decision time with design professionals.
Bottom line: Assess your real needs—or even better, what you don’t need—and convey them with confidence.

 

The Costs Of Not Pulling Permits

By Angie’s List

  One of the initial steps to any project is obtaining the proper permits and is often factored into the timeline for job completion. Since unlicensed contractors can't pull permits for home improvement projects, this greatly calls attention to the importance of hiring a licensed contractor.

 
Many consumers are not aware of the full costs associated with contractors not pulling permits.
Here are the primary repercussions to the homeowner when permits aren't pulled on time or at all
Hard to sell - the house likely won't pass inspection should they try to sell it.

Insurance issues - homeowner insurance policy modifications or changing companies often require a Certificate of Occupancy. If the certificate doesn't show structural changes that have been made, the insurance company can decline coverage because it's not code compliant.

Safety considerations - especially when work is completed that could represent potential fire hazards.

Double the costs - any permits pulled after work has already been completed include a fine that doubles what would have been the initial costs of pulling a permit before work was done. First, they need to contact their local building and planning commission as they are now responsible for pulling the permits.

Homeowner accountability – permits pulled after work is completed is the responsibility of the homeowner. It requires the inspection of visible modifications and changes not visible, which need to be detailed by the contractor or a hired structural engineer.

How Do I Notify A Contractor That I Did Not Choose For My Project?

You’ve done your due diligence deciphering multiple bids comparing them as apples to apples and now you made your decision. Next you call the awarded contractor to tell him the four words they want hear, “you’ve got the job”. But, what about the other contenders who didn’t get the job?  

Be sure to notify these contractors as soon as you know you will not be using them; it isn't fair for them to be left wondering when they will hear back or if they should hold open a schedule for your project, etc. You should notify everyone whom you contacted or received a bid from; they spent time to meet with you, prepared and submitted an estimate at no cost to you. In general, contractors are “big boys” that understand they will not get every job they bid, but they should not have to contact you to find out if a decision has been made. Email and regular mail is the least confrontational and easiest method, but phone calls are quite acceptable. It will be appreciated more than you’ll know.

Also keep in mind, you may need one of these contractors again in the future for another project or even help with the current if things go wrong, etc. Don't burn any bridges; and always be professional.

The Truth About Contractors and Scheduling

Ever wonder why contractors have the reputation of not calling back right away, not showing up, or being late. No, it’s not that they’re lazy or too busy playing golf at every waking moment. Contractors typically are juggling more things in a day than a circus act performer. There are appointments for prospective jobs, estimating jobs, employees and jobs to manage, materials to order, pick up and get delivered to the job site, and multiple of other tasks associated with running a business.

Contractors typically are juggling more things in a day

than a circus act performer.

No remodeling project is the same, the estimated time a project will take is not an exact science and sometimes things just take longer than expected. This can throw an entire day of scheduling off. But the biggest offender of a schedule killer is an unexpected discovery of something that needs to be fixed or dealt with during a remodeling phase before that project can continue (like dry rot). It’s a rippling effect on a day’s plan that can literally drive a contractor one step closer to the “nutty” farm. But good contractors will make every attempt to keep their schedule with you, at the very least keep you informed if there is a delay. But, they are after all only human and sometimes things are simply out of their control. So next time you think your contractor is ignoring you, chances are he’s not, he’s simply taking care of someone else’s problems just like you’d want him to take care yours if and when they arise with your project.    

Small Changes Helped Sell This Home Fast

We recently finished this small bathroom remodel for some wonderful friends who were selling their home. The original tub and surround were never level which caused water leakage at the back corner ledge each time the shower was used. We replaced the tub and shower stall and hardware, re-sheetrocked the entire bathroom in moisture proof board, took out the old medicine cabinet, and replaced the old “Diva” vanity light with a new updated one. The old vanity was repurposed and repainted by the homeowners and we installed a new all in one cultured stone vanity top to complete it. The client painted the walls and staged the new towel holders with white fluffy towels. The result? The house sold in 5 days!   

Planning For A Home Remodel

The best home remodeling ideas are the ones that promise to improve your quality of life. Bathroom and kitchen remodels may have the highest average financial return on your investment, but any home remodeling project will likely add to your property value. BIG or SMALL, it’s YOUR hard earned money and that’s why we prefer to spend ample time with you in determining what you want, the size of the project budget, and how to achieve it. Naturally you don't need to have all the answers, that’s what we’re for, but with a clear understanding about what a project may entail and options available, the better equipped you will be for ultimately making the best decision.

Our approach is in the details, remodeling an existing home is a whole different animal than new construction. It requires experience, knowledge, and problem solving skills. Many homeowners are simply ill-prepared when they go into a project. This often leads to higher job costs, low-quality work, or even non permitted work done by unlicensed contractors which can lead to a whole new can of worms for the homeowner. Regardless of the home area you choose to remodel, by planning ahead the more efficient and hassle free your remodeling project is likely to be.

Is The Notice To Lien Document I Received Mean My House Has Lien On It?

Your contractor is required by law to provide the Information Notice About Construction Liens when presenting the initial bid for projects estimated for over $2000. Typically upon ordering materials some vendors will send out a Notice of a Right to Lien document. This notice does not mean your home has a lien on it. It’s only a notice that if they are not paid they can apply a lien on your home. Unless your contractor is a crook and does not pay the owed amount, it’s merely a precaution by vendors who have a substantial amount of money invested.

In Oregon, construction liens generally need to be recorded within 75 days from the date the project was substantially completed, or 75 days from the date that the lien claimant stopped providing labor, material, equipment, or services, whichever happened first. If these potential lien holders have not been paid 75 days after a job has been completed than your contractor is not operating his business ethically. To enforce a lien, the lien holder must file a lawsuit in a proper court within 120 days of the date the lien was filed.

Contractors who have accounts set up with vendors will have specific terms and dates each month that require balances to be paid. If you’re concerned about your contractor’s track record call the vendor who has sent you a notice and ask them if your contractor has been delinquent.  Chances are if your contractor submitted the Notice To Lien Document with his bid he’s a legitimate and responsible contractor, only in rare cases do these liens actually happen.

Apples To Apples vs Apples To Acorns

When comparing bids, it isn't the cheapest or the 'nicest' person you should select. You should understand why there are wide price differences. It could be there is a gap in your design that is interpreted differently by each contractor or what you have asked for, which means there may be arguments later.  If most of the bids are in line, and one is way high or way low, you’ll want to know why before dismissing or selecting them. For example, if you’ve asked for hardwood flooring the applications vary with selected hardwoods (nail in, click together, or glue) and the cost for install will differ. Are all bids for the same application? How about your cabinets? Are they custom built, off the shelf from the big box store, standard factory ordered? Are the boxes made of solid wood, melamine, particle board? Do they come with standard drawer glides or soft close? Believe it or not there are even grades of soft close guides to choose from.

A highly detailed scope of work is important because this is how you know what you are truly buying. What products are being used? HOW are those products being installed? Protect yourself and do your due diligence before eliminating bids only by pricing. On a major remodel, there are typically a few rounds of revisions before a final decision is made. With thousands of dollars at risk, why would you not examine all the details in comparison? There are a lot of contractors who have very basic proposals for a couple reasons: either they want some ambiguity so they have reasonable doubt should something go wrong, or it can be a tactic with low pricing to get their foot in the door knowing they can upcharge additional costs later.

A price-only decision almost always costs more in the long run.

A contract is just a statement of understanding and agreement. It can be changed as needed right up until you sign it. Ask lots of questions, if the answer isn't in the contract, add it. If you do not understand any part of the contract either have it reworded so you do understand it or have it removed; do not sign anything you do not fully understand and feel comfortable with.

Any contractor for improvement should contain a few key points including a highly detailed scope of work, pricing, schedule of payments, and unknown possible fees/contingencies. It's important to have everything out in the open as a protection to both the consumer and the contractor. Upfront communication is key to a well run jobsite and to meet your expectations.

Remember when you’re reviewing multiple bids are you really comparing apples to apples or apples to acorns? The difference can mean a great remodeling experience or a frustrating one.

The potential of utilizing spaces you may have within your home may be a hidden asset.

What once was an unfinished 7 x 10 foot storage room became the third bathroom in this Beaverton home. With a den and extra guest room on the basement level, guests would have to travel up one level to the end of the hallway to access a bathroom facility. Converting the room gave more livable square footage and convenience needs to the basement level.  An enclosed shower wall of 12” x 12” Daltile Monticito in Crema color set in a subway pattern extends onto the floor to give the small space continuity, and the shower floor is set in matching 2” x 2” mosaic tiles. Using a Euro clear glass shower door and panel allows the space to appear larger along with a size appropriate Regal Chicago pedestal sink and louver vanity mirror. This once hidden space nows serves a purpose with style and comfort.