Do You Want It Cheap?

Do you want quality or less expensive cost when it comes to a renovation project? Simply put, you can’t have both. The end result and look of a renovation depends on your contractor’s skill, but its longevity depends on the quality of the materials used and how they are properly installed.

Sure, a finished renovation done with cheaper products looks just as good new as one done with higher quality products. But within five years, you’ll be able to see a difference — both in the way it looks and in the way it performs. For example Ikea cabinets verses semi or custom. We can guarantee you that the custom cabinetry built with better wood product verses particle board, hardware, and finishes will last longer. The question then becomes, how long do you want your renovation to go on looking good and performing? Less than five years or do you want your investment to last considerably longer?

When it comes to building supplies, not all are created equal. Suppliers, most offer everything from top quality products right down to the cheap stuff: At the bottom end of the spectrum they tailor to customers whose top priority is cheap. Again we emphasize quality and cheap don’t coincide. Take paint, for another example. Why are some brands twice as expensive as the other? White paint is white paint, right? Ask a professional painter who has experience with all the different brands. They’ll tell you about adhesion, ease of use and application times, getting a good bead to paint a clean edge, and about durability. Any professional painter will have a preferred brand, but it’s rarely the bargain brand. Why? Because painting with the cheap stuff means you’ll need to paint again in two years time.

Higher quality and higher priced materials have added features, such as moisture and mould inhibitors, harder woods, or better hardware (ie: drawer glides). Extra steps are also taken in their manufacturing process to achieve higher durability, making them more resistant to wear and tear. Side by side on the shelf in the store, the two products could look identical except for the price tag.

Bottom line, you need to do your research on the products you’re considering during your next renovation project, talk with your contractor during the budgeting process. Find out if there are alternatives that deserve consideration to increase the longevity of the work, and have the budget adjusted to include those products. Make sure you get it done right the first time and don’t settle for the cheapest option available when your home deserves better.

Clever Bathroom Design Solution

AFTER

Got a bathroom that is compartmentalized into two separate areas? This Beaverton bathroom makeover became one cohesive bathroom that just oozes therapeutic calming by removing the inner door into the toilet area and shower, opening up the space. Keeping all the plumbing in the same locations, helped keep the cost down. The clever key element of adding a transom window incorporated into the shower wall gives the illusion that it’s not really separated and brings in more natural light.

BEFORE

BEFORE

The new 18”x x18” porcelain floor tile was laid in a diagonal pattern to add subtle interest. The same tile was used on the custom shower bench. To acquire a natural look the shower floor was laid in Random Series Grey Marble Flat Pebbles and the 13” x 39” paneled multi-dimensional tile on the shower walls Ona Natural PV can be installed either horizontally or vertically. It gives the shower a textured and unique look.

 

AFTER

 

BEFORE

The new vanity with shaker style doors and under cabinet rollouts, was cut on site for the unique corner, and topped with Ceasarstone’s Quartz Pebbles Polished slab stone that continues the soothing gray and white clean look. Just left of the sink where the previous medicine cabinet was, we converted that niche with mirror and glass shelves, with the bottom shelf a polished remnant of the counter top, used for practicality & display. 


AFTER

 



Making the Right Window Choices

With so many features to consider, choosing the right windows can be a daunting task for a homeowner. "There's a lot of information to digest," says Jeff Lowinski, vice president of technical services for the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA). "As consumers get several quotes that means they're having to digest not only that information, but also, one guy said this, and another guy said this."

If a window package is part of your next remodeling job, use this seven-point checklist to help you find the best window for your project.

1. Cost. Prices can vary from a few hundred dollars a window to a few thousand, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The trick, experts say, is to find that sweet spot of style, value, and practicality that fits the trim level of the home—and your intentions for staying in it.

"If there's anything a homeowner needs to think about when it comes to new windows, it would be resale value," Lowinski says. But that can only go so far.

"If you have a $250,000 home, you shouldn't spend $20,000 on windows because you're never going to get that money back," cautions Dave Hull, vice president of franchise development for Glass Guru, a Roseville, Calif.-headquartered window replacement and restoration specialist. He adds that if homeowners are planning to stay in their home long term, a bigger investment may be worth the cost.

2. Manufacturer. Manufacturers offer warranties on their windows—some even give lifetime warranties. "You pay a little more," says Seattle remodeler August Bergdahl," but you get peace of mind." However, those guarantees are worthless if a company goes under. Hull recommends looking for an established manufacturer with a track record for quality customer service.

3. Materials. Window frame choices have grown in recent years. Along with the standard wood and vinyl, frames also come in fiberglass, aluminum, and steel. All have pros and cons. Wood-framed windows offer the bonus of good insulation but can be heavy and high maintenance. Vinyl-frame windows insulate well and don't need painting. Fiberglass, one of the newest frame materials, offers the benefits of vinyl, with a higher-end look and can be painted, says Bergdahl. Aluminum windows, once considered cheap, are now on par with the quality of other windows, he adds.

4. Style and Color. The basic style choices are single-hung, double-hung, sliding casement, or awning and hopper. You also need to decide on grids or divided light, fixed or operable.

Hull says grids can help with curb appeal, but they can hamper the indoor view. Bergdahl cautions that some grids have a cheap look, and says remodelers would be wise to advise their clients to visit a showroom to look at window choices. He also notes that narrow frame windows work well with modern style homes if homeowners prefer that look over a more traditional style.

When it comes to color, even vinyl windows can now be custom-ordered to fit the hue of your home, though it adds significantly to the cost, Hull says. Lowinski adds that it's important to think about color both outside and inside the home. And don't forget about how the hardware works with the color, he says.

5. Energy Efficiency. Look for the National Fenestration Rating Council's window label. It helps compare how well windows let light in, while blocking cold, heat, outside air, and condensation.

Most ratings, such as air leakage, are self-explanatory. U-factor, which rates how much heat escapes through a window, is important in cold climates. Solar heat gain, which rates how much heat from the sun is allowed in, is important in warm climates. Low-E, short for low-emissivity, simply means the window has a special coating for better energy efficiency.

Some windows seal argon gas between panes of glass to increase energy efficiency. Hull says most of these windows aren't worth the extra cost, unless they help reach a rebate requirement.

To determine optimal ratings, check the Energy Star requirements for your area, then shoot for ratings just above those minimums, Lowinski advises.

6. Cleaning and Maintenance. Consider the home's location. If the windows will need frequent cleaning, homeowners might be better served by windows with a tilt-in sash that allows easy cleaning. Bergdahl says this option is especially popular for upper-story windows.

The rest of a window's maintenance is in the frame. Consider sun exposure and overall weather conditions to determine the best frame material and cladding, says Bergdahl.

7. Codes and Regulations. Check local codes to ensure that any windows under consideration comply with them, Lowinski says. Building codes provide structural, impact resistance, and strength requirements, and let the remodeler know whether special windows are called for due to climatic conditions (hurricanes, tornadoes) or location (earthquake zone).

It's also worth advising clients to check your homeowners' insurance and utility companies to see if there are discounts or rebates available for certain kinds of windows.—Gary Thill

Article By Remodeling Magazine July 2014 Produced by Hanley Wood Strategic Marketing Services, sponsored by Milgard Windows & Doors

Improper Deck Installation Can Cost You Thousands…Again

It’s hard enough to swallow the cost of a new deck these days, but even more maddening to spend thousands of dollars on a deck replacement because the one you had built has deteriorated within seven short years. This Southeast Portland home’s deck had a composite Trex like material decking boards on it, but because the installer had installed it improperly it buckled and therefore needed replacing before its time.

 We demo’d  the decking, beefed up the existing substructure to enable proper installation and then  replaced it with Gossen PVC Tongue & Groove decking boards. Because the deck was 20 feet long we were able to install it with 20 foot boards giving it a seamless look. Using the hidden clip fasteners adds to the seamless look thus it eliminates any chance of water penetration which ultimately is the killer of Pacific Northwest decks. The railing balusters were repurposed with new ones for code spacing regulations. Also, a new gate at the steps was built for the homeowner grandchildren’s safety. Fresh paint on the new railings completed this deck makeover.

Kitchen Remodeling: Things to Consider

A kitchen remodel is an expensive and stressful process. That might not be something that you would expect a contracting company to tell you, but let’s just be honest: unless you have an unlimited amount of funds available to hire a giant crew of interior designers and renovators that know your tastes perfectly and have a supernatural talent for predicting style trends, you’re going to have to put a lot of thought into your remodel and make every dollar count. A great contractor can make things a lot easier for you and give you sound advice during the planning stages of your remodel, but there are still plenty of things you need to think about going into the remodel. It is for this reason that we have started a guide on things to consider when planning your kitchen remodel. Hopefully, this will assist you in your planning so that when your remodel is finished you will have a kitchen that you love and no regrets about how it turned out.

Style

Your kitchen’s new style is something that you need to think about in-depth before you begin spending money. You want your kitchen to reflect your tastes without being too loud or trendy. The reason you don’t want your remodel to be too trendy is because you don’t want your kitchen to date itself just a few years down the road. Certain colors that are loud and in style now, may seem tacky or distasteful in the future. It is one thing to paint your kitchen these crazy colors, but installing countertops and backsplashes that cannot be easily replaced would be foolish. Go for more traditional and subtler colors for these things as they will be the most difficult to replace if their look becomes outdated.

Another thing you should keep in mind when remodeling your kitchen is that stainless steel does not have a very “warm” look to it. While stainless steel does look appealing, saturating your new kitchen with it can give it a cold and almost surgical look. Limit stainless steel to your appliances and sinks, but don’t use it for countertops or anywhere else.

The most important thing you can do for your kitchen’s style is to ensure that it is not boring. While I warned against using loud colors before, that doesn’t mean paint everything white. You can still have a colorful kitchen, just be sure you don’t overdo it. Work with an interior designer or contractor to find out what your color options are for countertops and get their input on what they think looks good. Also, there are a limitless amount of interior design and kitchen remodeling websites you can visit, such as Houzz that provide a limitless amount of images that are categorized by style. Some of the photos you come across will even provide the names of the manufacturers of cabinets, countertops, and hardware featured within them. This will allow you or your contractor to track down the exact components you want for your kitchen.

Layout

There are a few things to remember when laying out your kitchen, otherwise you might find it inefficient and difficult to cook in or clean. First off, don’t ever place an oven by itself. As a matter of fact, it’s often good to keep things you use frequently close together. One of the main rules I’ve seen different contractors abide by is that you want to keep the stove, sink, and refrigerator close together. This will make cleaning and cooking a much smoother process. Obviously, you want the dishwasher within arm’s reach of the sink. While it is healthy to exercise, you don’t want to jog a half mile after washing off a dish just to put it in the dishwasher.

One mistake people often make with the layout of their kitchen remodel is under planning countertop space. Make sure you give yourself plenty of counter space, as you will not only use it to prepare food, but also to place various kitchen appliances. Juicers, blenders, toasters, mixers, and various other gadgets that you use frequently should have their own spot on the counter, as it is a hassle to store each of these things in a cabinet and then retrieve them back out to use them again a few hours later.

A few other things you want to consider when laying out your new kitchen are the lighting and ventilation systems. It is dangerous to cut food when you can’t see it, so make sure you install sufficient lighting in every nook and cranny of your kitchen. Once again, it is possible to have a well-lit kitchen without overdoing it and having it be too bright. As far as ventilation goes, make sure you have a good vent hood over your cooking area and a ceiling fan at the very least. Even the Gordon Ramses of the world burn things from time to time and you don’t want that smoke billowing up with nowhere to go.

The last thing pertaining to layout that I could recommend is that you place an island carefully. If your kitchen is big enough to have an island without looking cluttered, go for it. Just make sure you leave about 42” around it so your kitchen doesn’t feel too claustrophobic and present too much of an obstacle.

Cabinetry

Cabinetry is something that you do not want to go cheap on. Cheap cabinetry is easy to sniff out amongst even the most inexperienced home buyer. The cheap premade cabinets they sell at Lowes and Home Depot are basically garbage and should never be used for your kitchen remodel. They will break and are not resistant to water damage in the least. Make sure your contractor can install high quality cabinets that have a solid warranty.

The placement of your cabinets is also important. I recommend running them up to the ceiling so you don’t lose out on any storage space. Open walls are not something that you usually want in a kitchen, with the exception of where the backsplash is or in the area behind the counter. Inadequate storage is something that ranks high up there in the kitchen remodel regrets category, so don’t waste any space.

Final Words of Wisdom

There are just a few other things I can tell you when it comes to planning your kitchen remodel. Make sure that you utilize your space efficiently. While you want plenty of storage, make sure your kitchen doesn’t feel crammed. Another thing to keep in mind is that you want to watch your budget closely during the remodeling process. Unless you are positive that you don’t want to ever move and will only settle for the absolute best materials and designs, spending more than 20% of your home’s value on a remodel is almost a waste of money. Lastly, try to stick to your plan. Don’t let your contractor sway you away from your dream kitchen for the sake of taking a shortcut or making you spend more money. Good luck!

Ceramic Vs Vinyl Tile for Kitchen or Bathroom Flooring

Your kitchen and bathrooms take a beating. Water is flying everywhere in both rooms, all kinds of soaps and chemicals are spilling on the floor, and both get their share of various stains and scrapes on the flooring. So, when faced with having to put in a new kitchen or bathroom floor you might have narrowed your replacement materials down to either ceramic or vinyl tile. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to both materials that should give you some direction in your decision making.

Vinyl Tile

Ok, so first off let’s start with the advantages of vinyl tile. Given that vinyl tile is synthetic, it is much easier to nail a particular look or style that you may be looking for. Your options in color and design will be much greater, thus finding something that fits in with your vision will be easier. Given that it is flexible, and often comes in a peel-and-stick format, you can install it much easier than other types of tile without have to do as much tearing up or demolition before your begin your project. Also, if you live in a house that has a foundation that shifts frequently, you are much less likely to end up with cracks in your flooring with vinyl, whereas a hard material such as ceramic, stone, or porcelain would break. Lastly, the price of vinyl is going to be much less than the other available materials, both in materials and labor.

The disadvantages of vinyl tile are mostly in the durability and appearance categories. Vinyl tile will usually not look quite as good as its harder contemporaries. As far as durability goes, vinyl has a tendency to rip and tear more easily. Sometimes the color might fade over time, giving it a dull appearance. Also, vinyl tile will not increase the value of your property as much as putting in a harder alternative would. Some people argue that it is not as easy to clean and can harbor more germs than a hard tile alternative, such as ceramic.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiling typically looks better than vinyl tiling, and brings with it more durability than vinyl. It is so durable, in fact, that there is still ceramic tile from ancient times in various Roman and Egyptian ruins. Given how easy it is to clean, it is an excellent flooring choice for bathroom and kitchens. Ceramic tile can also be used for your walls and backsplashes throughout your kitchen and bathroom. Whereas you generally don’t want vinyl tile to be exposed to a lot of water, ceramic tile can handle plenty of it without peeling or fading/wearing out. Generally, ceramic tile is a better investment, albeit more pricey for installation and materials than vinyl.

As stated in the last paragraph, ceramic will be a bit pricier than vinyl. You also need to pay attention that all of the tile you are getting is from the same lot, as sometimes the colors and sizes will vary from lot to lot, even if you are purchasing the same brand and style of tile. If you have a foundation that moves a lot, it can cause large cracks to appear in your tilling. Also, if a crack appears in your tiling, it is a much bigger ordeal to replace ceramic tile than vinyl.

The Verdict

While both types of tiling prove to be worthy investments of time and money, if you have a house that is on sturdy ground and the available cash, ceramic tiling would be the better investment of the two. Now, this is just my personal opinion and it is always wise to consult different contractors, real estate agents, and interior designers if you want a really well-informed opinion from someone that is more familiar with your area and type of house. There are probably plenty of situations where the vinyl might be a better choice. As with any type of renovation or repair in your house, you should do plenty of research before shelling out ANY cash. 

Checking Up On Your Roof

Unless there is a major storm that results in serious damage, or you notice some leaks coming through your ceiling, it is easy to forget about your home’s roof. Your roof falls under the “out of sight, out of mind” category of home maintenance, so it often goes without the periodic checkups that it deserves. Without checking your roof on a regular basis, you could have a problem that goes unnoticed for an extended period of time, resulting in a major disaster that could end up costing much more than fixing the problem earlier on. For example, a roof failing due to a problem that went unnoticed could lead to damage to the interior of your house, as well as further damage to the roof itself.

Note: If you are of able body, then grab a ladder, otherwise find someone to check your roof for you, and never attempt to inspect your roof by yourself. Always have another person with you as a safety precaution.

Typically, the first place to check on your roof is from within your house. Study the ceilings in every one of your rooms for signs of leaking. You’ll see darker areas of the ceiling in a concentrated area where a leak has occurred. If you see a leak, then you know for sure you have a problem with your roof. Either way, you should continue up into your attic to check for additional leaks, as well as visible holes in your roof or flaws in the framing. If you notice that parts of your roof look saggy or wobbly, then you have a problem on your hands. It’s also a good idea to see if you can detect sunlight coming into your attic from the roof, as that could mean there is a gap in your roofing or perhaps a roof vent, pipe, or chimney is not properly sealed off with metal flashing.

The next place to inspect is on the roof, itself. First, scan for areas that might be sagging or uneven. This could be an indicator that there is an issue with your roof’s structure and is a major red flag. I would not recommend walking on your roof any further if you see something like this, and immediately call a professional to come and look at it. Next, take a look at your gutters. Make sure they are clean and clear of any debris and will route water away from your house to where it needs to go. Also, make sure your gutters are tightly in place. As stated before, double check all of your roof’s fixtures for metal flashing, as that can easily lead to a leak. Of course, you want to make sure the entire area of your roof, with all its nooks and crannies, is completely clear of any sort of debris.

The final step in checking your roof is taking a close look at the shingles. Shingles can be an easy indicator of your roof’s condition. For example, if you notice that some of the shingles are curling or have darker areas on them, you could be due for a new roof.

How to Give Your House Curb Appeal

One of the most important factors of a house is its curb appeal. Just ask any real estate agent and they’ll tell you the same thing. Curb appeal greatly affects the value of your house and is especially important if you plan on selling it in the near future.

So just what is curb appeal? Curb appeal is the wow-factor of your house. When people are driving down your street, you want them to slow down a little as they pass your house to soak in the glory. “What gives a house great curb appeal?” you may ask, well there are a number of things:

Awesome Exterior

Whether your house has brick, vinyl, or any other type of siding, you want it to be in tip-top shape. Siding with splotches of black rotting wood or faded paint look terrible and greatly decrease your house’s curb appeal. Not only does shoddy siding look awful, but it also can lead to energy leaks that cost you a great deal of money during the summer and winter months. Do plenty of research on what type of siding works best for you and get a contractor or three to come out and give you their opinion and a quote on fixing your exterior.

Once you’re sure that your siding is in good shape, you’ll want to have a good coat of paint put on it. Before you decide on your own, or have your tacky Aunt Beatrice tell you what color to paint it, make sure you talk to a few realtors to find out what colors and styles of paint are currently appropriate and desirable for your neighborhood. Just because you love the color turquoise does not mean painting your house that color will give it great curb appeal; it might actually make your house look much less appealing.

Windows

Windows are where it’s at when it comes to curb appeal. Make sure all of your windows are kept very clean and are in good shape. A broken window is a HUGE no-no when trying to build your house’s curb appeal. People love houses that have giant, beautiful windows, but if your house doesn’t have these you can work around it with custom shutters or by accenting them with your garden. Having your curtains or blinds drawn in your front living areas will make your house look nicer; just make sure everything inside your house that can be seen through the windows in the evening is in good order.

Once again, I highly recommend working with a contractor that really knows windows when replacing them. A window is a very important component of your exterior both cosmetically and functionally. Make sure all of your windows not only look great, but are also functional (open and close completely). A window that doesn’t open can be dangerous during a fire and one that doesn’t lock can be a security breach!

Garden

Now gardening is not something that we’re all good at. I have what my wife calls a “brown thumb,” meaning everything I touch that is of a botanical nature is bound to die within a few days. If this is the case, enlist some help. That being said, gardening is something that most people love to do, as it is a relaxing outdoor activity. If you don’t have any sort of plant life in your yard, your curb appeal is probably just as dead as the tomato plants I tried to plant in my backyard last week. There is a plethora of gardening blogs, both organic and conventional, that will let you know what to plant in your area during this time of year.

If you need ideas of what kind of garden looks good in your area, just drive around your neighborhood and take notice of the gardens that jump out to you. Take note of what people are doing with their gardens and how they bring out the best in the person’s house. Many people grow vegetables in their front yard, making their gardens not only cosmetically appealing, but useful, too.

Your Front Porch

How many times have you driven by a house and seen a porch that looks so cool that you wished you had one just like it to hang out on? Even if you don’t spend much time on your front porch, you should make it look like a place that you would want to. If you have the room, get interesting decorations and seating for your front porch. Seasonal decorations for your front door that don’t look too tacky are a must. Rocking chairs or porch swings, etc. always make a front porch seem more like a place one would want to spend time; and part of the whole idea of curb appeal is making your house look like a place that one would want to spend time, is it not?

Other Tips

Okay, so you’ve got the awesome siding/exterior, paint job, windows, garden, and porch going, what next? Well, here are some other things you need to keep in mind when looking to boost your curb appeal:

·         No trash or clutter ANYWHERE in your yard… Ever! – instant curb appeal killer.

·         Keep all fences painted and in good order. – no gaps or missing posts allowed.

·         Pick up animal poop! – gross.

·         No broken down vehicles in yard or driveway – you’re not Jeff Foxworthy.

·         Mow/rake your lawn – You’d think this would be a no-brainer, but…

·         Political signs – This might be controversial, but save it for the voting booth.

·         Your cars affect your curb appeal - even if your car is older, wash it if it’s going to be parked in your driveway.

·         Your mailbox affects your curb appeal – whether on your porch or at the front of your yard.

I’m sure there are countless other things I could write about curb appeal, but this should at least give you some ideas on where to start. Now go get your house looking great! 

Kitchen Add-on and Remodeling Tips You Might Not Have Considered

A kitchen remodel is something that you have been planning for months, and now it’s time to begin. But wait! There are still a few things to stop and think about including in your remodel that might add convenience to your day-to-day life. Let’s look at some things that make food preparation and cleanup faster, give your kitchen extra storage space, and make your kitchen a much more pleasant place to spend time, shall we?

Oatmeal, instant coffee, tea, thawing foods- the list goes on forever! “What list?” you may ask. Well, it’s the list of reasons why you should strongly consider incorporating an electric hot water dispenser into your new kitchen sink. Hot water dispensers usually float around the $200 range, but when you consider that time is more valuable than money, they pay for themselves. Just the amount of time you save boiling water for hot cocoa during one winter justifies the purchase. It can also make cleaning crusty tomatoes off of your pots and pans a much quicker experience. Usually you can find a dispenser with a faucet that fits in with your style of remodel.

Backsplash! No, it’s not a painful dive you do to impress your friends at the pool, it’s an effective way to improve the look, and value, of your kitchen without spending a whole lot of money. Usually made out of some sort of tile, backsplashes go on the wall of your kitchen behind the counter. Behind the stove is a good place to focus your backsplash. Some people will even shell out for more expensive tiling behind their stove, and use less expensive tiling elsewhere in their kitchen. A backsplash only needs to be big enough to cover your wall in areas that might get splattered with tomato sauce or the contents of a poorly-covered blender, but sometimes people run them throughout the entirety of their kitchen. It’s really up to you, but stick with what looks good, otherwise what’s the point?

Now, most kitchen remodels and upgrades include a replacement of cabinets, but don’t get so caught up in how they look that you forget what they’re there for: storage! One thing we all waste too much time and energy on is shuffling through our kitchen drawers and cabinets as we either search for what we’re looking for or try to make room for something that we’re unloading out of the dishwasher. By using drawers that extend out further and incorporating taller drawers, dealing with the organization of your pots, pans, Pyrex, and all the assorted lids that come with them can become a much easier and streamlined process. For years, I had to bend over and reach far underneath my stove and restack all of my pots, but in my current kitchen the entire bottom of the cabinet acts as a drawer that extends out for much easier access to my cooking wares. Not only does it save time, but it also saves my back.

Speaking of drawers and cabinets, did you know there might be some more places you can add storage in your kitchen that you may not have thought of before? Measure the space that will be above your fridge and see if it’s tall enough to place matching cabinets. Cabinets above your fridge are perfect for storing things that you will only use seasonally, or perhaps not at all (the recipe book your parents gave you). If your fridge is going to be near a corner of your kitchen and will have a wall near the left or right side of it, make sure you leave enough room to open its door without it banging into the wall. If you have to create a gap to keep the fridge away from a wall to its side, you can use that gap to install a tall cabinet with shelves on the inside of it (perfect for storing wine or spirits). The more storage your kitchen has, the less cluttered it will feel.

One thing that always makes my kitchen feel cluttered is the trash. That’s right, you have a giant receptacle in your kitchen meant for collecting trash. The best way to deal with it is to give yourself some space to store your trash underneath one of the counters or behind a corner in your kitchen. You can install a TrashRac to the inside of your kitchen cabinet door to keep the trash out of your sight and away from your naughty dog(s). The only problem with the TrashRac is that it’s only 3 gallons, so you have to empty it frequently.

One last thing to consider before you commence your kitchen remodel is how easy it will be to clean. The two pointers that I can give from experience are that tile is much more difficult to sweep than linoleum or hardwood flooring, as the grout between the tiles is recessed and will collect and hold dirt and that recessing your sink into your counter will make cleaning your countertops way quicker, as you can just brush all the crumbs and other junk into the sink and wash it down the drain (as opposed to having it stick to the sides of the sink that are coming up over the countertop). I’m sure there are plenty of other things you can add on to your remodel or consider to make your life much easier, but sometimes you don’t figure out what they are until it’s too late; so be sure to spend as much time researching and thinking about your remodel as you can.

For more articles like this, visit the source of this article: http://www.repairrenovaterelax.com/2014/04/kitchen-remodel-add-ons-tips-might-considered/

Prioritizing Your Home Renovation

Your house’s condition can be in one of many states of disrepair. It might be dilapidated and falling apart, or it might be brand new and sparkling. Most people’s houses are somewhere in the middle, livable but with some needed love and attention. Often times a house’s problems are in the eyes of its inhabitants, such as an annoying bathroom layout or a kitchen counter with an unappealing color. Regardless of what needs to be fixed in or on your house, you can easily feel overwhelmed when trying to figure out how to prioritize repairs and renovations for it. Well, hopefully these pointers will help out.

Obviously, the safety of your family is going to take priority over everything else on your list of things to fix. If you have wires dangling out of your walls or a ceiling fan that is hanging by a thread, you would probably be wise to address these issues before you throw a new coat of paint onto your garage. When making a list of things to fix, you should always put a star next to the items that could harm your family, or damage yours or your neighbor’s property (such as a dangling tree limb). Leaky pipes are another problem that should take priority over more luxurious renovations, as they can lead to a slew of other problems, such as mold and water damage. If you have a broken window, you should probably put that near the top of your list as they leak energy and could compromise the security of your house.

Now that we have the more obvious urgent renovations out of the way, let’s look at some of the more difficult decisions that you need to make when figuring out what to work on first. Taking the next step in prioritizing your renovations requires you to know whether or not you plan on staying in your house for the long term, or if you’re going to sell it in the near future (five years, or less). If you are planning on selling your house in the near-future, you want to make renovations that will make it more appealing to the current housing market. I always recommend finding a realtor you trust (perhaps the one that sold you the house) to discuss what the current housing trends are. Perhaps everyone is looking for kitchens with a particular type of countertop or a certain color of exterior paint is more disirable than others; regardless of what the trends are, you need to know about them before you start making renovations. Another great way to figure out which renovations you should make when preparing to sell your house is looking up what the estimated return on investment is for each type of project. Also, remember that curb appeal has a great impact on your house’s market value, so plan on doing some painting and landscaping.

If you are planning on staying in your house for the long-haul, deciding which remodels to give priority to can be a little more difficult. Once you have the safety/practical renovations out of the way, really think about which aspects of your house you feel would have the greatest positive impact on your life by improving. 

Given that this is not always obvious, there are a number of things you can consider when deciding which renovations to take on first. Are there any rooms of your house that cause you discomfort? Do your closet doors drive you bonkers every time you are getting ready for work? Is the back burner on your stove broken, and does it throw you off every time you try to make dinner?  It is the daily annoyances like these that you should concentrate on fixing first, as your life will immediately start improving when they are fixed. Improving your life is the entire point of renovating a house you plan on inhabiting for the long term, so focus on what will actually improve your life!

Once you’ve taken care of the minor (or major) annoyances in your house, figure out the grand scheme of what you want your house to be like when all of your renovations are finished. Really sit down and think about it. Write down your ideas and go over them with your partner; renovation is expensive, especially if you don’t know what you want when you go into it. It’s also important to develop a phasing plan when prioritizing your renovations, as you don’t want every room of your house torn up at the same time. For example, if you tear up both of your bathrooms at the same time, you might have to resort to the use of a bucket or a neighbor’s bathroom, and that, my friend, is no way to live. Another way to prioritize your renovations is by looking at the budget for each project. Many people knock out all of their smaller renovation projects first, before deciding whether or not they can afford to take on a major one. For example, you probably want to fix up the existing rooms in your home before you start adding on an expensive expansion. Speaking of budget, I always recommend allocating an extra 15-20% above what you are quoted for your renovations to pay for any unforeseen surprises that might arise during the renovation, such as an unknown termite colony living inside the walls or bad wiring.

Once you have prioritized your renovations, prepare for life while they are happening. Go into the renovation process understanding that your life will feel messy or cluttered while the renovations are taking place, as parts of your house may be torn up and unusable. If you go into the process knowing that your life might be a little bit more uncomfortable than it usually is, you will be less stressed out while it is happening. Also, just keep in mind how much better your life will be once the renovations are completed!

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Attic

If you have been lying in bed and hearing thumps, bumps, and scratches above your head, there’s a good chance that you have a special guest living in your attic. Given that an attic is an enclosed, safe, and often warm area; our furry friends find them to be a very inviting place to spend some time. As much as some of us would like to accommodate these creatures with a comfortable living, the fact is that their presence is not good for your home or your family. They can leave droppings everywhere, particles of which you might end up breathing or eating, and chew through important wires causing expensive electrical damage and even creating a fire hazard.

The most common way people discover they have pests in their attic is by hearing them. Whether it is a squeaking noise made by smaller rodents, or loud thumps made by possums or raccoons, these noises are most commonly observed at night when pests are most active. If you have an alert dog, you will notice his behavior to be erratic or agitated when the pests are moving around. I actually learned this first hand, as one of my dogs would become very upset and pace around my bathroom barking at the ceiling in the middle of the night; when I got up to investigate, I observed faint scratching and thumping above my shower.

One method of discovering that you have unwanted houseguests is by finding their droppings. If you enter your attic and observe droppings, it is very important that you take care of your pest problem immediately, as these droppings can harbor dangerous diseases, many of which can be spread throughout your house’s ventilation system. One such disease is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which can cause a lot of very nasty symptoms and is contracted just by inhaling particles from infected droppings. Health issues aside, having poop lying around any part of your house is just plain gross and unsanitary, so the problem should be addressed immediately. Also, be sure to clean up any sort of droppings in the proper manner to prevent the spread of germs.

Another way to determine if you have pests is by finding holes in any sort of screens that are between your exterior and attic. Raccoons and squirrels will jimmy their way into your screens by prying them open or gnawing at them to gain access into your attic. Here is an excellent video on how to repair damaged screens to prevent them from regaining entry to your attic. Thoroughly check all of your siding and where your exterior meets your ceiling for any holes and use caulk, steel, and wire mesh as demonstrated in this video to seal them. Some rodents can gain access to your house through holes that are as small as a quarter, so be sure to be thorough while checking your siding and roof. After you have sealed the holes in your exterior, you need to find a good means to remove the pests from your attic.

When it comes to removing the pests, there are many approaches. If you decide you want to be lethal, which I do not recommend for bigger rodents, you can use poisons and larger snap traps. The reasons I do not recommend these methods for bigger rodents is that if you cannot reach the corpse of the dead animal, it will start to stink. Also, poisons run the risk of hurting your pets and possibly your family if accidentally ingested. For nonlethal removal of pests, use small baited cages and check them on a daily basis. Some local municipal animal control centers will rent these out to you for free, and even come pick up the cages for you if you catch anything. Mothballs can be used to deter larger rodents from your attic, as can fox urine (gross!). The most important thing about using live-catch methods is that you check the traps daily, so you don’t end up torturing an animal by starving or dehydrating it. Once your pests have been removed, periodically check the areas that you have sealed off and look for droppings or other evidence that they have returned. If they have, double check for more holes, or to make sure the seals you have put in place are still intact.

Making Homeowner's Insurance Claims

Owning a home requires a lot of attention and periodic maintenance to keep everything in proper working order. Even if you are on top of all that needs to be done to keep your house in good shape like changing your AC filters, painting, sealing your deck, etc., there will inevitably be something that goes wrong. Anything from a severe weather storm to a burglar can cause damage to your home or the possessions within, leaving you with the need to contact your homeowner’s insurance company to file a claim. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when filing a claim to help things run smoothly and ensure the best possible outcome.

File You Claim ASAP

By waiting around to file a claim after property is damaged or stolen, you are risking having your claim being denied by adjuster. Most insurance companies have a window of around 14 days to file a claim after damage occurs. Also, if you’re dealing with an issue such as a water leak, more damage could be caused by not being proactive such as mold or damage to wood from moisture. As soon as you notice damaged or stolen property, call your agent and discuss your best course of action.

Take Pictures

As soon as you notice that your property has been damaged, get out your phone and start taking pictures immediately. In most cases, the insurance company will send out an adjuster to take pictures, but it is a good idea to take some immediately, just in case. You never know when an adjuster will try to minimize the extent that your property is damaged to avoid paying out on a claim or reducing the claim payout. Also, these pictures can help you get proper estimates on repairs so you can decide if a claim is worth making or if you would be better off paying out of pocket instead.

Is It Worth It?

It is a good idea to get some estimates before filing a claim if the damage to your home does not look significant. Filing claims on your policy causes your premium to go up, and some insurance companies will even drop your coverage if you file what they consider to be an excessive amount of claims (in my case, I have three claims in the past three years and I am having trouble finding new coverage!). If you can afford to pay out of pocket for a repair that will not break the bank, go ahead and do it. While it is still always a good idea to discuss things with your insurance agent, repairs that cost just over the amount of your deductible are almost never worth filing.

Protect Yourself From Having to Make Claims

A lot of property damage is preventable. Trimming branches that hang over you or your neighbor’s house, installing smoke detectors, and putting in a security system are just a few of the things that can help protect your from being in a situation where you might have to make a claim on your policy.

Look Out For Yourself

During the claims process, you need to pay attention to everything that is going on. Make sure you look over all of the paperwork. Don’t let the extent of the damage or amount you’re being paid for it be minimized by the insurance company or claims adjuster. Often times, the insurance company will try to offer you a settlement or agreement that will let them get out of paying for the full claim. Don’t let them do that. Also, when reporting your claim, don’t add in what you think happened or what you think should be done about it- only report the FACTS of the situation. Mentioning that you think that there might be mold or some other thing going on with your property is always a bad idea. Also, never lie or be dishonest about what is going on- it will immediately have your claim denied and could land you in jail!

If you feel like you are being mistreated by your insurance company, don’t hesitate to let them know- but do so in a civil manner. Never except a check from your insurance company unless you are sure that it will cover the full extent of your damages. As a side note, some people would advise hiring a lawyer during this process. If there is a lot of money involved and you have a bad feeling about the way your claim is being handled, it might be worth doing so. Patience is a virtue, and it also happens to be something that you’ll need a lot of when dealing with an insurance company during your claims process. If you run out of patience, you could end up accepting an offer that won’t cover your repairs!

Replacing Windows

Windows are not often the first things that come to mind when you are considering updates to your house. Typically, you may feel a need to update something that you interact with more often, such as a kitchen or bathroom sink, oven, or shower. Windows, however, play a large role in the value and energy efficiency of your home and should never be overlooked when considering updates or remodels to your house. Windows, much like your roof or siding, sometimes need repairs or replacing to maintain their function and efficiency.

There are some obvious warning signs that you are in need of replacement windows. The first, and most important, is a difficulty in opening or closing a window all the way. A window that does not close all the way will leak energy and may fail to lock, leaving your house open to break-ins. Windows that are difficult to open can end up being a fire hazard in rooms that don’t contain a door leading to the home’s exterior. Make sure all of the windows in your house can open and close smoothly, and can be locked tightly.

Perhaps one of the most obvious signs that you need a window repair or replacement is a draft blowing through your home. Not only does a draft indicate a major energy leak, but also a severely damaged or inefficient window. A draft in your house can signal a need for both replacement windows and replacement doors, so be sure to check both if your house is feeling windy. The draft can be caused by gaps in the window’s fixture or a damaged seal.  One of the main purposes of owning a house is to protect us from the elements, and inefficient or broken windows diminish our home’s ability to do so.

If you have multi-pane windows and you notice condensation forming between them, you should consider replacement windows. The condensation occurs when the seals of your windows are failing. Because the seal is no long doing its job, moisture may enter and form condensation, indicating that the window is no longer effectively keeping out cold air. Often times you will notice a white film left behind by calcium deposits from condensation, another sign that the seal has failed. If you notice any of these signs, you should immediately replace the window as it is no longer effective at keeping out cold air.

If you feel that one or more of your windows is ugly, or doesn’t fit with how you want your house to look, that is a perfectly acceptable reason to go about looking into replacement windows. Sometimes people will replace their windows just because they don’t like the way that they open, or want a different style. There is nothing wrong with changing a component of your house just because you don’t like the way it looks or operates.

Replacing windows can be a big commitment in both time and money, but it is almost always a worthwhile investment. Windows that are drafty, not functional, or just plain ugly are not doing their job. Not only can bad windows cost you money, but they can also be a hazard; so be sure you take action immediately if you find yours are showing some of the aforementioned signals that they need to be repaired or replaced.

Deciding If You Need a Bathroom Remodel

The bathroom is a sanctuary in your home. It’s the one room in your house that you can have a good excuse to retreat to multiple times a day, whether it be for 30 seconds or an hour. With all of the tile, moisture, faucets, showerheads, and various other things that our bathrooms are made out of, it tends to be the room of our home that requires the most maintenance. At times you may feel that the bathroom is no longer a pleasant place to spend your time, and the environment it provides you no longer gives you any sense of solace or comfort. It is at this point that the idea of remodeling might pop into your head, but given the investment of time and money that usually accompanies a remodel, how can you be sure that you really need one? Well here are a few tips that should help you decide whether or not you can justify the expense of a bathroom remodel.

The first thing you need to remember when remodeling any room of your house is whether or not it will provide you with a return on investment (ROI). According to the Wall Street Journal, a bathroom remodel is the best home improvement you can make when looking at ROI. This is an indicator of just how highly the quality of a bathroom rates on potential homebuyers’ minds. While you may not even be considering the sale of your house, it is always wise to take into consideration how an improvement or remodel will affect your home’s value. Given that you will recuperate your investment in remodeling your bathroom, it usually makes financial sense to do so if your bathroom is in poor shape.

Financial benefits aside, the main reason to remodel your bathroom is to make it a more enjoyable and functional place to spend time. If there are things that annoy you about your bathroom every time you use it, you are probably in a good position to have it remodeled. Typically things that would influence someone to remodel their bathroom are being dissatisfied with the lighting, tiling, layout, or bath/shower setup. Sometimes feeling that a bathroom’s layout is inadequate at making good use of space will influence one to consult with a professional on changing the layout to allow for more storage or a better atmosphere. The tiles of the floor or walls in your bathroom might be outdated or old and chipped, leaving your bathroom with a permanently grimy or dirty feeling. Some people opt for a nicer bathtub or shower setup, making the bathroom more relaxing. A new sink with more storage space, or perhaps less storage space but with a sleeker design might make your bathroom either more practical or better looking. And yes, sometimes people remodel with a better toilet in mind for enhanced comfort and aesthetic appeal.

The lighting in your bathroom also plays a much bigger role in its appearance than you might have previously suspected. If your bathroom is centered in your house and does not have any windows, you might want to optimize the lighting to give it a more natural ambiance. If you find that you have a difficult time seeing yourself in the mirror while you shave or put on makeup, you might want to consider a different lighting fixture above the bathroom mirror. Often times, remodeling the lighting of your bathroom is enough to make the atmosphere of your bathroom exponentially more pleasant. Some people even enjoy dimmer lighting for when they bathe to make the experience more relaxing and meditative.

These are just a few of the reasons that might influence your decision to remodel your bathroom. Sometimes the only reason you need, however, is that you feel that it would improve your life or the way you feel about your home. If you are just thinking about remodeling your bathroom, don’t hesitate to call us and we will see what we can do to help!

January Home Repair and Maintenance List

Every year our houses degrade a little bit more. Rain, snow, hail, wind, and direct sunlight continually pummel our houses’ exteriors, while children, pets, and even the adults wear out their interiors. The only way to keep yourself from being overwhelmed by needed repairs is to stay on top of them throughout the year. By starting the New Year off by taking an inventory of what needs, or soon will need, some attention, you can make a list and check off the needed repairs as the year goes on. Taking inventory of your house’s condition can also prepare you for things that might pop up as the year goes on. If you find anything damaged, take note of it on a piece of paper or on your smartphone.

Begin with the interior of your house and go room-by-room checking for loose electrical outlets, damage to the walls, floor boards, and door jams. Make sure all of your windows can lock tightly and that you don’t feel a draft when they’re closed. If you have tile floor in your house, check for chips or holes in the grout. Make note of any damaged drawers or cabinets in your house that need new hinges or any other sort of repairs. Check to make sure that you can close all the doors in your house and have them latch properly. If you have a screen door, make sure that it closes properly and is in good working order.

Your bathrooms and kitchen should be given an extra attentive look when inspecting your house for needed repairs. First, you should check under the sinks for leaks and moisture. Bathroom and kitchen cabinets can be hotbeds for mold due to the added moisture in these environments. If you have leaky or faulty faucets, now is the time to take inventory of them so you can make repairs or replace them. Check for mold or grime on the caulk around the tiles in your shower or bath and rust around the drains. Run all of the faucets to make sure that your water pressure is good, and observe whether or not your drains are slow or stopped up.

Once you are finished with inspecting the rooms of your house, head outside to give the exterior a look. Check your siding for holes that could cause energy leaks or open your house up for pest infestation. There should not be any gaps along your upper exterior where your siding meets the roof of your house. Be sure to check around all of your windows for damages in the screens. Take a look at your A/C unit’s coils to see if they need to be cleaned. If you have a deck, determine whether or not it needs a treatment. Walk around the perimeter of your yard, looking for damaged panels of your fence and take note of how many there are. Any other sort of blemishes on your exterior should be accounted for, so you can come back to them later.

Obviously, this list is just a basic outline of what you should look out for, so don’t ONLY look for what is listed; by all means, you should take note of everything that needs attention. Don’t overwhelm yourself by tackling everything at once. The point of making this list in January is so you can fix things throughout the year and use the list as a guide in how you can spend your free time to improve your house. Also, remember any major repairs you come across should be left to a professional! 

Designing the Perfect Fireplace Surround

In any room, a fireplace stands out as a focal point. Taking that into account, it's important to plan properly so your fireplace complements the space and existing furnishings. Choose the design, materials, and mantel carefully so they command attention but don't look out of place.

These Tualatin homeowners wanted a clean, traditional classic mantel with surround to tone down the brick of their existing fireplace. We demo’d the top portion of the brick mantel, and in coordination with the homeowner’s, designed the surround to fit the existing structure. Because of the existing window on the right and shelving cabinet to the left, the surround design had some confinements. The custom built recessed panels and layers of trim moldings make this fireplace exude casual elegance. The stately profile of the mantel is eye-catching and because it’s now wider and can house personal treasures. The brick adds texture, but the light color helps maintain the clean look. The new TV mounted above the fireplace signals that the room is suited for relaxing.

 

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER
 

AFTER

 

Do I Need A Contingency Fund?

While creating a strict budget is helpful, homeowners should also have an emergency fund prepared if the remodeling job goes over budget. It is common for remodeling jobs to go over schedule and rack up additional costs, so having extra cash stored away can help homeowners get out of this jam. Contingency funds are for these unexpected items that present themselves during the course of the project.

 

The guideline is to set aside between five to twenty percent of the quoted estimate for contingencies. The actual percentage depends upon the complexity of the project and the age of the house. For instance, a new roof generally does not require other ancillary items be repaired or altered in order to install the roof. Therefore the minimum contingency of five percent is usually sufficient. On the other hand, a large addition to your home involves many more trades and materials that likely require the maximum contingency of twenty percent. For example, relocating one load-bearing wall could likely involve re-engineering; demo subcontractor; concrete subcontractor; framing subcontractor; structural connection supplier; steel supplier; architect; general contractor; lumber supplier; etc. As a rule if any portion of your existing walls, floors, or ceilings must be demolished or opened up in order to install the new materials you need a contingency towards the maximum. Although a contractor may have vast knowledge of the construction process he does not have X-ray vision. Often times there are situations that complicate construction contained within these areas that cannot possibly be known about until the area is opened.

Therefore, it’s advisable to thoroughly ‘live thru’ the plans in a patient and comprehensive manner, so that when one is confronted with the real world reality, it’s no surprise.