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.