Ahh, the iconic man cave. An escape from screaming children bouncing from one wall to the other, household chores, yard work, and any other “manly” responsibilities one might have.

A home improvement project to build a man cave is an opportunity where the man and the man alone, has free-range for design and creativity. An article from Men’s Health Magazine stated, studies from a 2010 survey done at the University of Southern California of couples in their 30s and 40s found that men’s cortisol levels significantly dropped when they had more solo leisure time in their own homes. Want your man less stressed? Start planning. Read More >>

Downsizing can be challenging, especially when it comes to reducing the amount of ‘stuff’ one has. After living in a home for an extended period, possessions tend to pile up. However, making the effort to clear the clutter and reduce your possessions to those ‘must-haves’ can be very liberating. Plus, there are many financial and physical benefits of moving towards a smaller home, including a smaller mortgage or rent, lower property taxes and insurance, and reduced utility costs. Intangible advantages include a “less is more” mentality and reduced home maintenance and upkeep. Read More >>

If you plan to build a home from the ground up, remodel an outdated home, or add-on to an existing home, it helps to consider the latest trends in home design. The patterns in 2018 focus on functionality, bold colors, and Accessory Dwelling Units.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

One trend that has been gaining popularity for several years is turning your basement, attic, or other additional living space into an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU,  for extended family members. The extra living space can include a separate entrance, kitchen, or bedroom to accommodate aging parents or provide a private space for guests. This home improvement project involves more planning and in-depth updates, so it’s essential to hire a certified contractor to guide you in the right direction. Read More >>

The Pacific Northwest weather is as reliable as winning the lottery, which might cause the outdoor spaces around your home to be overlooked. Although it’s easy to forget, in my opinion there are at least three months in the summer when the weather is perfect. Those days are nearing and it’s time to get your outdoor space up-to-date and ready to enjoy the summer sun.

When creating or upgrading an outdoor space you might consider lighting, a dining area, a water feature, patio options, an outdoor kitchen, and fire pit variations. Including or upgrading one or more of these features can add value to your home and provide summer-long enjoyment for your family and guests. Read More >>