Author Archives: Cari

About Cari

Cari Barron, owner and founder of Contractor Hotline, purchased a home in need of various repairs in 2002. The process to find a quality home remodeling contractor proved to be a complex challenge. The first-hand experience was the inspiration behind founding Contractor Hotline in 2006. Connect with her on Google+

Slide out shelving courtesy of ShelfGenie

Future Lifestyle Improvements

According to AARP, approximately 90 percent of adults 65 years of age and older plan to age-in-place in their current home and community. Some of the top reasons are neighborhood familiarity, social connections, and relationships with health care providers.

If you are among this population and share the same ideals there are many ways to ensure your home will be safe, functional, and serve your needs for many years to come. Modifications can range from simple upgrades like installing safety rails or improved lighting, to a complete remodel of the kitchen, bathroom, or entire living space. Even if you don’t plan to stay in your current home through retirement, these are smart improvements that can appeal to prospective new buyers.

Bare Minimum Modifications

It is not necessary to engage in a large-scale renovation to make some very useful and affordable modifications. Stability bars in the bathroom, shower, and near the bed will assist with daily functions in locations where falls are most frequent. Increased lighting in dark spaces of a home, inside and outside, help minimize trip hazards.

Doorways

Doorways are a critical area of the home when it comes to accessibility for the elderly or disabled. Current Universal Design standards recommend no less than 32 to 36-inch wide doors, but 40-inch wide doorways are even more accommodating for mobility devices, such as a walker or wheelchair.

Accessible Bathroom

A bathroom on the main floor is optimal for this home improvement project. Widen the doorway or add a space-saving pocket door, replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower, install stability bars in the shower and near the toilet, add a pedestal sink for easy access. These are just a few unique ways to make a bathroom safer and accessible.

Lower Countertops

Lowering kitchen countertops makes the workspace more accessible and safer to use. Standard countertops are 36 inches. Reducing the countertop to 30 inches makes it easier to use from a seated position. Although this modification can be completed anytime, the ideal time is during a planned kitchen remodel.

Other considerations in the kitchen are installing an easier to grasp lever type faucet and slide-out cabinet shelves for easier access to those hard-to-reach places.

Non-slip Flooring

Although a glossy surface may be more visually appealing, slightly rougher surfaces are a better non-slip option. Do some research on what type of floor would fit your lifestyle and design preferences. Vinyl, wood, and laminate are hard, durable options. Area rugs are trip hazards and best limited to out of the way places or eliminated altogether.

It is never too soon to increase your home’s safety and functionality. Updating your home to be more accessible benefits you, as well as family and friends. Many simple features will make your home easier for visitors to navigate and the transition of merging households a smoother process. Even if you decide to sell the home at some point, these modifications will appeal to a broader market.

Home Energy Audit – What You Need to Know

A home energy audit helps you learn how much energy your home uses and identifies ways to improve its efficiency. If you answer yes to any of these questions, an energy audit could help.

  • Are your energy bills excessive?
  • Are the floors cold in the winter?
  • Is there moisture on the windows?
  • Does the heating and cooling system run constantly?
  • Are there drafty rooms or variable temperatures throughout the house?
  • Is your home uncomfortable during hot and cold seasons?
  • Do you have excessive dust?

Other times to consider an energy audit is before making a significant home improvement, such as replacing a furnace. Addressing air leaks ahead of time will increase the efficiency of your new HVAC system.

Planning a remodel? Having an audit completed before starting a remodel will help you plan and incorporate energy saving upgrades into your project.

A thorough inspection will provide you with a good understanding of your home’s energy efficiency, recommended improvements, and an idea of estimated costs and potential annual savings in energy bills. A professional audit can cost upwards of $400 or more but when used wisely can pay for itself in a short amount of time.

A professional auditor uses a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of your home. A thorough audit will include:

  • Blower Door Test (used to de-pressurize the home and expose air leaks)
  • Infrared Camera Scan (reveals air infiltration and missing insulation)
  • Combustion Safety Testing (detects carbon monoxide leaks)
  • Complete Basement to Attic Inspection
  • Survey of Appliances & Lighting Systems

The video Energy 101: Home Energy Assessment provided by the Department of Energy explains each of these steps in detail.

A Home Energy Auditor should be certified through either the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Both BPI and RESNET have set standards for home energy professionals and are recognized by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. Find a certified BPI accredited contractor near you.

If you are not ready to commit to a professional audit, there are things you can do on your own, such as caulk and weather strip around doors and windows, or wrap exposed water pipes. You can also conduct your own energy assessment. It won’t be as thorough as a professional audit, but it will help identify some of the more accessible areas and remedies.

Do-it-yourself audits are a good start but are no substitute for a professional home inspection. A home energy audit is an investment to help you determine the best steps to increase your home’s efficiency.

Prepare Your Home for Fall and Winter

Fall is a gentle reminder that dark, wet, and windy days will soon be the norm. Make sure your home and family is prepared for fall and winter.

Tree Trimming

Remove dead or diseased tree branches that could fall and cause injury, damage property, or take down power lines. For large trees this task is best left to the experts. Trim any trees or bushes away from the side of the house or hanging over the roof and gutters.

Gutters & Drainage System

Gutters and downspouts should be flushed and inspected for leaks. Ensure the downspouts are properly diverting water away from the foundation. Keep storm drains clear and inspect gutters, downspouts, and drains regularly throughout the rainy season.

Tools & Furniture

Clean and store summer tools and furniture. Ensure winter tools like snow shovels, blowers, and deicer are accessible and ready to use.

Chimney

Have the chimney inspected and cleaned, especially if you use a wood stove or fireplace regularly. On average, your chimney should be cleaned after every two cords of seasoned, dry wood is burned. Stock an adequate supply of dry, seasoned firewood. Store firewood away from the side of your house in a location where it will remain dry and has good air flow.

Roof

Inspect the roof of your home and outbuildings for any signs of leaks or damage including buckling, curling, or missing shingles. Shingles and metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and in valleys should be secure.

Outdoor Faucets

Once all the yard work is completed, remove, drain, and store hoses for winter. If you have an inside valve for each outdoor faucet, turn these off and open the outside faucet slightly to drain any water left in the pipes. Attach insulated covers over outside faucets. Blow out sprinkler systems.

Siding, Doors & Windows

Take care to remove any soil or organic matter in contact with the siding. Check siding, doors, and windows for any gaps where air and moisture can pass through. Remove old caulk and thoroughly clean areas that need repair. Allow to dry completely and apply a quality, exterior caulk to seal any gaps. Check and replace worn weather stripping on all doors and windows. Have the garage door and automatic door opener serviced to ensure it continues to operate properly.

Heating System

Have a professional inspect and service your heating system each year to ensure it is operating efficiently. Replace air filters as needed. Ensure all vents and wall heaters are unobstructed.

Dryer Duct

Clogged dryer ducts are a fire hazard. Have the dryer duct cleaned and clean the lint trap after each load of laundry.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Inspect all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries in each device annually or sooner if needed.

Insulation

Consider having your home’s insulation inspected in the attic and crawl space to ensure it meets the proper R-value specification and that there isn’t any water or rodent damage. Wrap your water heater with an insulated blanket. Wrapping exposed water pipes in the crawl space or basement and garage will cut your energy bill, as well as help prevent pipes from freezing. Check for air leaks where pipes enter the house on exterior walls. Caulk or add insulation as needed.

Emergencies

Last but not least, prepare an emergency kit for you and your family in the event of a power outage or other emergency. Stock an ample supply of water and non-perishable food, medications, battery operated lighting, and pet supplies. Make and practice a family emergency plan.

Click here for tips from the Red Cross and a comprehensive list of essential items. If you already have an emergency kit, rotate food and medications due to expire.

Tips for Hiring Contractors in High Demand Times

Quality home improvement contractors remain in high demand. It can be frustrating to get time and attention from highly recommended professionals and risky to settle for less.

With some advance planning and patience, there are things you can do now to expedite the process and not compromise your choices.

Advance preparation and a little patience will go a long way toward getting the best results from your favorite contractor.

Get Your Ducks in a Row

Depending on the size of your job there may be a lot to consider when planning your next home upgrade or remodel. Prior to meeting a contractor, take some time to prepare. This will show the contractor you are serious and ready to move forward and will help you get that much closer to starting your project.

Larger projects may require plans prepared by an architect or designer. You can hire a design-build firm that can take you through the entire process. Alternatively, you can start with an independent architectural designer. Either way, if your project requires building plans this process will take time. Plan on 3-6 months from when you first speak with an architect to when you have a preliminary set of plans ready to review with a contractor.

Selecting finish materials (cabinets, countertops, flooring, plumbing and light fixtures, etc) takes more time than you might expect. The more research you can do in advance, the better. Keep your ideas organized in a paper or electronic folder, or both. Keeping a visual list of your favorite floor plans, finish materials, and colors will help the designer or contractor better understand your preferences and needs.

Budget

Decide on a budget before meeting with contractors. You may not know at this point what your dream kitchen would cost, but you likely have a limit of what you are willing to spend.

Sharing your budget up front will help the contractor or designer steer you in the right direction. If your budget for a kitchen remodel is $50,000, but your tastes reflect a $100,000 remodel, you can spend a lot of time and money on design only to discover you need to revise your plan.

Think Off-Season

Many trades have a high and low season. Scheduling your projects during the off-season whenever possible is worth considering. Contractors may be more readily available, and you may save some money. Some trades even offer discounts during the off-season. Be sure to ask!

In the Pacific Northwest there are many opportunities throughout fall, winter, and spring where the weather cooperates for these often overlooked ‘seasonal’ projects. Following are a few.

Roofing

Most roofs can be removed in a matter of hours, promptly followed by the installation of a waterproof felt paper. It usually only requires one reliably dry day for this procedure. The new roofing material can be installed during inclement weather without compromise to your home. Most roofs will be completed in less than a week, start to finish.

Decks & Fences

Calls for deck and fence repair and new installations peak in spring and summer. Fall is a great time to start talking with these type contractors. They are winding down from summer and welcome your business in winter. Your project will be completed and ready to enjoy by next spring or summer.

Kitchen & Bath Remodels

Remodeling contractors do not have much down time these days. That said, there is still a spike in spring and a slow-down during the winter months and holidays. This can be a tremendous opportunity to get your remodeling project completed timely and with less competition than the rest of the year.

Remember, a remodel requires some advance planning. If you are close to finalizing your plans, this could be a great time to get on your contractor’s schedule for winter.

Seismic Retrofit

If your home was built prior to 1980, chances are it was not designed to withstand a significant seismic event. Prior to 1980, building codes did not require anchor bolts and shear walls that help prevent structures from sliding off the foundation during a severe earthquake.
We live in a region that is vulnerable to seismic activity. If you were in Seattle during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake you probably recall the impact the 6.8 magnitude quake had on our city. Imagine the impact an 8 or 9 magnitude quake could have.

The good news is there are relatively easy and comparatively inexpensive ways to retrofit your home. The peace of mind that comes with protecting your family and your home may be worth the cost alone.

Most residential retrofits cost between $10,000 and $15,000, a fraction of the cost compared to restoring a significantly damaged home. Not to mention lengthy delays caused by a widespread incident and displacement if the home is unsafe to inhabit.

Ryan Vytlacil of Seattle Seismic details what is involved in a seismic retrofit. The following link takes you to Ryan’s post A Detailed Look at Seismic Retrofitting. This informative article covers the process, step-by-step.

To schedule an assessment of your home or commercial building, please Submit a Work Request. If you contact Ryan directly, please let him know Contractor Hotline helped you find him. We are available for you throughout the entire process to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Home Energy Audits

Home energy audits help us understand how much energy a home uses and identify ways to improve its efficiency. There are many things you can do on your own, such as caulk and weather strip around doors and windows or wrap exposed water pipes. Many homes, however, are so inefficient that even after completing the more obvious improvements, there are still many ways to further reduce your home’s energy consumption and increase comfort.

A professional audit can cost upwards of $400 or more, but when used wisely can pay for itself in a short amount of time. If this is out of your budget, there are do-it-yourself alternatives. For starters, there are easy online surveys such as Energy Star’s Home Energy Yardstick. The survey compares your home’s efficiency to similar homes in your area. A more comprehensive self-study is the Home Energy Saver.

While an online audit can be a good starting point, it is no substitute for a home inspection by a professional energy auditor. A Home Energy Audit is an investment to help you determine the best steps to increase your home’s efficiency.

The many benefits to a Home Energy Audit and related improvements include:

• Improved comfort & safety

• Enhanced appearance

• Increased salability

• Reduced environmental impact

• Assists in tenant retention of investment property

Many home improvements, such as adding insulation or replacing the furnace, can be costly. Having an audit conducted before making these improvements will help you prioritize the best approach for long-term value. It doesn’t do much good to install a new heating system if the air leaks have not been addressed. Planning a remodel? Having an audit completed before starting a remodel will help you plan and incorporate energy saving upgrades into your project.

Following are things to consider when determining if your home operates as efficiently as it could.

• Is your home comfortable during hot and cold seasons?

• Are your energy bills excessive?

• Does the HVAC system run constantly to maintain a desired temperature?

• Are there drafty rooms or variable temperatures throughout the house?

• Are the floors cold in the winter?

• Is moisture on the windows?

• Do you have excessive dust?

A thorough inspection will determine what components are negatively affecting the comfort and efficiency of your home. Based on the inspection results, you should have a good understanding of recommended repairs and improvements, along with an idea of estimated costs and potential annual savings in energy bills.

A professional auditor uses a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of your home. A thorough audit will include:

• Blower Door Test (used to de-pressurize the home and expose air leaks)

• Infrared Camera (reveals hard-to-detect air leaks or missing insulation)

• Combustion Safety Testing (detects carbon monoxide leaks)

• Complete Basement to Attic Inspection

• Survey of Appliances & Lighting Systems

The following video Energy 101: Home Energy Assessment provided by the Department of Energy explains each of these steps in detail.

Home Energy Audits alone won’t save energy. The results of the audit will help prioritize repairs and put a short or long-term plan in place, depending on the extent of improvements needed and your budget.

A Home Energy Auditor should be certified through either the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Both BPI and RESNET have set standards for home energy professionals and are recognized by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. View a list of certified BPI accredited contractors near you.

Seattle City Light customers have many options to save money and energy for both their home and business. For more information visit the Home Energy Solutions page of their website or call an Energy Advisor at 206-684-3800.

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) offers its customers a variety of rebates for energy efficient products and services. You may request a referral for a PSE Recommended Energy Professional (REP). For more details, contact a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482.

Snohomish County PUD offers customers with electric heat a variety of rebates and special offers toward energy-saving home improvements. These include heat pumps, insulation, windows, duct sealing, and more. Contact the Energy Hotline with questions at 425-783-1700.

Beware – Energy Saving Scams! Snohomish County PUD warns of scams committed by phone, mail, text, and even in-person visits to homes and businesses. If you received a notice in the mail, someone visited your home or business, or you received a text or phone message demanding payment of an unpaid bill, please beware. Call 425-783-1000 for more details to report or avoid becoming a victim of an energy saving scam.

Home Improvement Cost vs. Value

Have you ever wondered what a kitchen or bathroom remodel may cost these days? Or what type of home improvements are likely to bring the highest return on your investment?

The Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value report is a valuable resource for any homeowner. The information will help you budget realistically and know when a contractor is providing a fair proposal. Perhaps your goal is to make improvements that are the best value. The report will help with that, too.

As in prior years, exterior improvements such as new siding and garage door replacement remain at the top of the list. Interestingly though, this year a new improvement has made the list. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) ranks second place in Seattle for highest return on investment. Technology has evolved significantly as demand increases for electric heat pumps. If warmer temperatures have you thinking of adding AC to your home, now might be a great time to consider this project.

According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, the following top five projects in Seattle are expected to bring the largest return on investment.

Download the free Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) to see all 23 featured projects and a more in-depth scope of work and cost. Input your zip code for details that even more closely resemble those projects in your neighborhood.

Siding Replacement | Fiber-Cement

According to the Cost vs. Value Report, this improvement can yield a whopping 151.3% return on investment. It includes replacing 1,250 square feet of siding with new fiber-cement that has been factory primed and painted. Now that’s good value!

HVAC Conversion | Electrification

Converting from a fossil-fuel-burning furnace to an electric heat pump is next on the list with a potential 103.4% return on investment. The example reflects adding an electric heat pump for heating and cooling a 2,000-square foot-home.

Siding Replacement | Vinyl

Upgrading your home with new vinyl siding rates as the third highest value investment. This improvement could yield a return as high as 99.2%. It includes replacing 1250 square feet of siding with factory trim around openings and at corners.

Grand Entrance | Fiberglass

Nothing makes a positive impact on a home’s street appeal quite like a stately front entry. The example includes a ‘grand’ entrance upgrade from a standard 3-0 door to a fiberglass door with a wider opening to accommodate dual sidelights, new threshold, lockset, and decorative half-glass to match sidelights. This investment in your home’s entry is expected to bring an 89.6% return.

Garage Door Replacement

Lastly, replacing the garage door ranks fifth on the list with an anticipated return of 88.7%. This investment includes replacing an older 16×7-foot garage door and tracks with a new, four-section, insulated, high-tensile steel door, with a lifetime warranty. Includes new heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks (reusing existing motorized opener), factory-applied paint, thermal panel seals, and insulated windows in the top panel.

© 2023 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Exterior Home Care

Winter is hard on homes. Spring is fast approaching and the best time to inspect your home’s exterior for damage or wear.

Start with a visual assessment from top to bottom and compile a list of any noticeable damage or areas that need attention. Pay special attention to the roof and gutters, siding, paint, windows and doors, chimney, the deck or porch, and fences.

Roof & Gutters

The roof and gutters are a home’s first line of defense against the elements. Maintaining them will protect your home and help to prevent future costly repairs.

During your inspection, look for curling, buckling, cracked, or missing shingles. Ensure flashing is firmly adhered around skylights, vent pipes, and chimneys. Clean debris from roof and valleys. Apply moss retardant, if needed. Ensure gutters are secure and correctly sloped for proper drainage. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent leaks and back-up. Seal all gutter seams where leaks are evident.

If you suspect any concerns, or your roof is nearing 20 years old, you should have a professional inspection.

Siding

We don’t often think about maintaining siding until we see mildew, cracks or holes, and even broken or missing pieces. With a little preventive care, siding upkeep or repairs will be minimal, the product will last much longer, and the outside of the home will continue to look its best (think curb appeal!). The proper siding can also increase energy efficiency and the home’s value.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is an affordable, resilient, and versatile product. Although mostly maintenance free, vinyl siding must be checked regularly for cracks and broken or missing pieces. Clean regularly to prevent dirt and mildew build-up.

Fiber-Cement Siding

Fiber-cement siding is a cost-effective material that emulates wood and requires little maintenance. Annual inspections are recommended to spot any cracked or broken siding. Cleaning when needed with a low-pressure garden hose is usually adequate. Avoid pressure washing.

Cedar Siding

Cedar or wood siding is a popular choice in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure it is properly sealed or painted as moisture is wood’s worst enemy. Termites or other pests can be detrimental; regular inspections are recommended. Other things to look for are cracks or breaks in the wood, which can lead to moisture leaks.

While every type of siding requires slightly different care the most important thing is to prevent moisture from getting past the siding, thus shortening the lifespan of the product and its effectiveness to protect the home.

Paint

Exterior paint is more than just for show. In addition to providing a visual pop, a quality exterior paint acts as a protective layer.

Regular inspections help to identify problem areas early, before siding and trim begin to deteriorate. Staying on top of minor repairs, replacing worn caulking, and regular touch-up painting helps maximize the overall life of the paint job.

Chimney Care

Although not all homes have a chimney, those that do are often older so maintaining it is even more important. If you use a wood burning fireplace regularly, the chimney should be cleaned and inspected annually. Doing so in the spring will beat the fall rush (and may save you money by avoiding the high season).

From the outside, inspect for any mortar or brick damage. Cracked or crumbling mortar should be removed and replaced, known as re-pointing. If you find significant mortar or brick damage it is generally best to consult with a professional.

Decks

When the first warm days of summer arrive, you’ll be grateful your deck is ready to BBQ or to simply relax and enjoy the weather. A thorough cleaning and inspection is the first step.
Different types of decks require slightly different cleaning methods. Choose an appropriate cleaner for your type of deck. They vary for wood and composite surfaces. Most of the time a soft to medium bristle brush or push broom is a sufficient tool, followed by a rinse with the garden hose. If using a pressure washer, avoid damaging the deck by using the right tip or nozzle for the job.

Once the deck is clean, inspect for rot. Make sure all wood posts, beams, planks, and stairs are secure. Re-secure or replace any loose, broken, or rotted sections. Apply a protective sealer to wood decks.

Fences

Walk the full perimeter of the fence and check for any weak spots, loose nails or planks, or loose and damaged posts. Re-secure or replace any loose or damaged portions.
If your fence is constructed of wood, mildew can be a nuisance. Scrub the fence with a mildew cleaner to prevent build-up. If you want to give your fence a facelift and extend its longevity, paint or stain the fence every few years.

Have Some Fun

Home maintenance doesn’t have to be all work. While you’re at it, use the opportunity to enhance your personal outdoor space in ways you will enjoy for years to come.

An easy and inexpensive way to make the most of your outdoor space is to add or build a fire pit. A cozy fire extends the amount of time you can comfortably spend outdoors and provides a conversational gathering place for family and guests.

Ensure your backyard and deck have ample lighting to keep the party vibes high. The choices are endless from landscape lighting, to LED patio lights, to solar options.

If you really want to go all out, consider an outdoor kitchen. This more substantial improvement will elevate your dining experience and create a space for year-round entertainment.

Making exterior home maintenance part of your spring routine will keep your home well-maintained and looking beautiful. Preventive care saves time and money in the long run.

Composite deck

Outdoor Living Spaces

The advent of ‘streateries’ as a solution to indoor dining restrictions inspired innovative ways to maximize outdoor spaces. Demand for outdoor living space at home gained traction and remains a popular improvement. Depending on available space and budget, the opportunities to elevate your outdoor experience are endless.

Is dining alfresco something you enjoy? Consider converting an underutilized area into an outdoor dining location.

Perhaps add or convert a patio or deck into an outdoor kitchen. With some thoughtful overhead protection and a source of warmth, enjoying the great outdoors year-round is a practical expectation.

A simple outdoor fire pit creates a cozy spot to gather with friends and family after sunset.

These are just a few ways to elevate your outdoor living experience.

DECKS & PATIOS

Decks & patios add value to the home and provide a variety of uses. They are the perfect location for a table and chairs or container gardening.

Traditional wood decks can be less expensive to construct than an engineered deck but require regular maintenance.

Decks made from engineered products, such as Trex or Azek cost a bit more initially, yet longer-lasting and easy to maintain.

Some popular types of patios are stamped concrete and paver patios. Stamped concrete is a popular option because of the beautiful aesthetics and durability. Re-sealing is recommended every three to five years.

Paver patios are another good choice for a long-term solution. Paver patios require minimal maintenance, anti-slip, and durable. Design options are unlimited.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Do you love to cook and entertain? Enhance the alfresco dining experience even further by combining a love of cooking and entertaining with an outdoor kitchen. Adding a kitchen is a larger commitment and investment. Like a patio, it adds value to your home and entertaining options.

Outdoor kitchens are designed to withstand exposure, within reason. Typically, they are constructed with some type of overhead cover and open air on the sides. This design, along with a heat source, allows for maximum use nearly year-round.

An outdoor kitchen will need to have water and electricity, and possibly natural gas or propane. Construction and zoning rules are considerations for this type of project. Working with a certified home improvement contractor who specializes in outdoor upgrades will be helpful.

SUN PROTECTION & LIGHTING

Keep in mind how your outdoor space will serve you, day and night. By day, you might want protection from the sun. Just type in sunshades or awnings in your favorite browser. You will be amazed at the variety of designs and options available.

After dark, outdoor lighting plays a large part in the ambience and usefulness of your space. Experiment to find that perfect balance of not having to play hide and seek with your guests while maintaining a soothing glow on those warm summer nights.

Don’t forget about pathways. Strategically placed solar stake lights are inexpensive and will help avoid anyone tripping on the journey to your outdoor mecca.

FIRE PITS

Another source of light and warmth is an outdoor fire pit. Adding a fire pit to your patio or outdoor kitchen pulls everything, and everyone, together. Common options are gas and wood burning fire pits. Gas is clean and easy to light and doesn’t give off smoke.

If you enjoy a natural flame, then a traditional wood burning fire pit may be a desirable choice. Be sure to check your city’s zoning rules to see if wood burning fire pits are allowed. Consider how a wood burning fire pit may impact your neighbors, as well.

Any of these outdoor enhancements are a guaranteed way to sizzle up your summer and expand your home’s living space. Even the smallest updates can elevate the outdoor experience for you, your family, and your guests.

For larger projects, such as a kitchen, deck, or concrete patio installation, we recommend you consult with a certified contractor who specializes in that specific type of outdoor renovation.

Off-Season Savings

If you hired a home improvement contractor in the last few years you likely experienced some sticker shock and delays getting your job scheduled. Many things contribute to this ongoing challenge. While we can’t control a lot of it, there are some things we can do to minimize scheduling delays and possibly save some money. Understanding what drives some of these setbacks is helpful.

For starters, contractors in Western Washington are in high demand. One long, ongoing challenge has been finding experienced, skilled labor to hire. For many years, there has been a shortage of skilled labor in Seattle and the surrounding area. Contractors must pay higher wages and benefits to attract and retain good employees. This affects both contractor availability (or lack thereof) and the cost of doing business.

Another factor is material costs. The cost of construction materials was high before supply shortages further aggravated price increases. Inflation and supply interruptions have driven up the cost of lumber, steel and aluminum, concrete, gypsum, and plastic products, to name a few. These increases add up on a sizable remodeling project or upgrade.

These reasons, among many others, affect contractor availability and the increased costs associated with home improvement. If you are willing to get a little creative, there are ways to get around some of this.

OFF-SEASON SAVINGS

Many trades have a high and low season. Scheduling your projects during the off-season whenever possible is worth considering. Doing so will minimize scheduling delays and could save you money. Some trades even offer discounts during the off-season. Be sure to ask!

HEATING & AIR-CONDITIONING (HVAC)

The non-heating and non-cooling seasons are the best time to schedule tune-ups, repairs, or new installs of these systems. Typically, HVAC companies provide both heating and cooling services. Aim to have the heating system serviced in the warmer seasons and the air-conditioning in the cooler seasons.

CHIMNEY CLEANING & REPAIR

Chimney cleaning is a great summer project. Oftentimes this important maintenance project is overlooked until it is time to stoke up that first fire. By then, the chimney sweeps are booked for weeks. Thinking of adding an insert? Summer is also an optimal time to refurbish or reface the fireplace or have an existing insert serviced.

PAINTING

Exterior painting is seasonal in Western Washington. There isn’t a lot we can do about that. If you need your house painted it will be done as weather allows. The key take-away is to plan ahead. By late spring, most painter’s schedules will be booked for the summer. To ensure your job is completed while the weather allows, start getting bids in late winter and get your job scheduled by April or May, latest.

On the flip side, interior painting can be done year-round. However, unless you hire a painter that specializes in or prefers interior painting, you may have a hard time getting a painter’s time and attention during the summer season. If you can, plan your interior painting projects outside of the peak summer months.

KITCHEN & BATH REMODELS

Remodeling contractors don’t have much down time these days. That said, there is still a spike in spring and a slow-down in late fall and winter for many types of remodeling projects. Many folks don’t want their home to be a construction zone during the winter holidays. This can be a tremendous opportunity to get your remodeling project completed timely and with less competition than the rest of the year. If it is an option, crash someone else’s home for the holidays or plan a well-deserved vacation and take advantage of this window of time. Keep in mind, a remodel requires some advance planning. Ideally, by summer your plans have been finalized and you are scheduled with your contractor of choice for a fall or winter start date.

DECKS & FENCES

The call for deck and fence repair and new installations peak in spring and summer. The first warm days of spring beckon us outdoors, perhaps reminding us that our deck or fence is in a state of disrepair. By then, deck and fencing contractors are flooded with calls. Get in line. If you are lucky, you might get your deck completed in time to enjoy the final dog days of summer. Those same contractors would love your business in the winter. Fall is a great time to start talking with contractors. They are winding down from summer and able to start scheduling winter projects. Your project will be completed and ready to enjoy by the time the first warm days of spring arrive.

ROOFING

We don’t always think of replacing a roof outside of summer, and for good reason. You certainly do not want to expose your home to adverse weather conditions. A reputable roofing contractor won’t either. Most roofs can be removed in a matter of hours promptly followed by the installation of a waterproof felt paper. It usually only requires one reliably dry day for this procedure. The new roofing material can be installed during inclement weather. Most roofs will be completed in less than a week, start to finish. There are many opportunities throughout fall, winter, and spring where the weather cooperates for this often overlooked ‘seasonal’ project.