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+

Window & Door Replacement

Replacing older, inefficient windows and doors helps make your home more attractive, comfortable, reduces outside noise, and cuts down on heating and cooling costs. Replacing old windows, doors, and skylights with Energy Star certified products can reduce heating costs up to 15%.

There are many window and door materials and styles to choose from. Material choices include vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and wood clad. Styles can include picture windows, single and double hung windows, horizontal sliding windows, casement windows, awning windows, and specialty items, such as bay or garden windows. Door choices include French doors, sliding patio doors, and entry doors in a variety of colors, styles, and material choices. With so many options it can be difficult to decide. Our goal is to help make that decision a bit easier.

We are excited to welcome our most recent window and door specialists into our growing network of home improvement professionals. The owners, Grant and Randy, are actively involved on each project and guarantee complete customer satisfaction. They enjoy educating their customers and helping them decide on the best product. Budget, style of home, whether you are looking to change the size, shape, or location of windows to maximize natural lighting or coordinate with remodeling plans, are all important considerations. Avoid feeling pressured into purchasing a specific brand. Grant and Randy offer many of the leading brands including Comfort Design, Lindal, Marvin, Pella, Ply Gem, Marvin, and Simonton windows and sliding patio doors. You can also choose from Codel and Simpson French and entry doors.

If you would like to arrange for an in home appointment to learn about all the options available for you, please let us know.

Pest Control and Prevention

Did you know April is designated as National Pest Management Month? Spring has sprung and with warmer temperatures we start to notice all the creepy, crawlies around our home like ants, bees, wasps, and spiders. It is also when birds, squirrels, rats, and other rodents seek out safe places to nest and have their babies.

Many serious health risks are involved with insect and rodent infestations that get out of control. Additionally, termites, rodents, and carpenter ants can cause significant property damage. It is important to be proactive in the prevention of pest infestation. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends home and property owners follow these steps to prevent pest infestation:

Trim tree branches and plants away from house and buildings
Seal openings along the foundation that allow access to the crawlspace or basement
Eliminate standing water and repair any leaks such as a dripping outdoor faucet
Keep trash receptacles clean, both indoor and outdoor, and make sure outdoor containers have tight fitting lids
Avoid leaving pet food outdoors for prolonged periods
Use screens on windows and doors and repair any torn or damaged screens
Keep all food containers tightly sealed
Keep kitchen counters clean by wiping regularly and empty garbage frequently
Sweep and vacuum floors regularly

If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional immediately. If you need a recommendation, please give us a call at 425-775-9085.

How To Get The Most Value From Your Home Improvement Project

Kitchen Remodel, Bothell

We all want to get the biggest bang for our buck, especially when it comes to home improvement. While it might be tempting to hire the cheapest contractor you can find, that can and often does backfire. There are many other ways to cut project costs. Following are some useful tips that can help you save money without sacrificing reliability and quality of workmanship.

1. Shop carefully for materials. You can save a lot of money shopping sales and comparing materials at different suppliers. For example, if you’re installing hardwood floors, you may be able to save several thousand dollars on materials by choosing flooring that runs $10/square foot vs. $14 that is just as good.

Habitat for Humanity’s Home Improvement Outlet Stores can be a valuable resource. They are open to the public and offer deep discounts on a wide variety of home furnishings including appliances, doors, windows, flooring, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and much more. At the same time your purchases help finance low-income housing for qualified Habitat families. Two nearby locations:

The Habitat Store Snohomish County

2302 Broadway

Everett, WA 98201

The Habitat Stores King County

21 S. Nevada St.

Seattle, WA 98134

13500 Bel Red Rd.

Bellevue, WA 98005

Additional bargain shopping opportunities:

Second Use

3223 6^th Ave S

Seattle, WA 98134

The RE Store

1440 NW 52^nd St

Seattle, WA 98107

2. Consider doing projects in the off season. Most contractors start getting busy in the spring and slow down during late fall and winter during the holidays and colder winter months. If you plan your project when their schedules are open you won’t be competing with other homeowners who may have bigger budgets or bigger jobs.

3. Consider doing your project in stages. If you’ve found a reliable contractor but his bid is too high and there’s no room for negotiation, consider doing the project in stages. A good contractor will recognize that gaining a customer for a smaller job with prospects for future work is worthwhile.

4. Talk to References. Before hiring any contractor, ask to speak with other homeowners who hired the contractor for a similar project. Ask them about their experience and where they felt they could have saved a few dollars.

5. Consider doing prep work yourself where you can. For example, if you plan to have the exterior of your house painted, you can save money by clearing the area around the house yourself and power washing just prior to when painting is scheduled to begin.

6. Reconsider your plans. Review the details of your project with your contractor and ask if there are any design elements in your home that can stay and be incorporated into the job rather than replaced. For example, perhaps you can save money (and not compromise too much on design) if you paint and reuse doors rather than purchase new ones.

Deck Maintenance & New Deck Construction

Deck maintenance or building a new deck goes hand in hand with spring. When summer arrives in Seattle we want to be ready to enjoy it to the fullest. What better place is there to entertain friends and family than outside on your deck?

Maintaining your deck is necessary to ensure it remains in good condition. If you have a wood deck, you will want to examine it for damage or wear from the past winter. Cycles of wetting and drying will cause it to expand and contract, leading to cracking and warping. Keep the deck clean of debris and mildew and replace rotting boards or loose nails as needed. Apply a coat of stain or sealer to stabilize moisture loss and help prevent decay.

If you are thinking of adding a new deck to your home, careful planning will help you enjoy your deck for years to come. Consider your outdoor lifestyle when deciding on how large your deck should be. Allowing for a useable dry space underneath may be a useful option. There are several building materials to consider, including redwood & cedar, treated wood, or engineered wood, such as TimberTech or Trex. Often decks are built using a combination of one or more of these materials. Please note: City and county building regulations require a permit for both new and reconstructed decks. Before construction begins, be sure to obtain a building permit. Permits are not required for general maintenance or minor repairs.

Another option is to install a durable yet attractive polyurethane waterproofing material over an existing deck or when building a new deck. There are many reasons to consider a waterproof deck, balcony, patio, roof, or stairway. Waterproofing will protect and beautify the surface, increase usability, and enhance resale value. If the surface is above a living area, or essentially functions as both a floor and a roof, it is critical the surface remains waterproof to avoid any damage to the occupied space below.

Flat rooftops can be beautifully transformed into useable outdoor living areas. The finished waterproof product is seamless with no gaps, overlaps, or ridges to threaten the integrity of the structure.

Consider waterproofing decks that extend from an upper level where there is a patio, walkway, or access into the home underneath. Waterproofing the upper deck creates a dry, usable space underneath for storage, outdoor seating, or simply dry cover to access the home during inclement weather.

Pacific Polymers polyurethane waterproof deck coatings can be applied over concrete, plywood, or metal. Properly applied and maintained, the polyurethane deck covering is skid-resistant, long-lasting, wear-resistant, fire-retardant, and easy to maintain. Special granules or aggregate provide a textured surface safely designed for foot traffic. Unlike paint or stain, polyurethane products resist damage and fading from harmful UV rays, moisture, and extreme heat or freezing temperatures. With proper cleaning and care your waterproof deck will continue to provide many years of satisfactory service.

Spring Exterior Home Maintenance

Exterior Home Maintenance Start your spring exterior maintenance plan by grabbing a pen and paper and taking a walk around the full perimeter of your home. Compile a list of any necessary repairs you discover. Breaking these tasks down later into categories and prioritizing them will make the list more manageable.

Trim Trees & Bushes You need relatively clear access to your home’s exterior to complete most maintenance tasks. A good place to start is to trim back any trees and bushes from the side of the house and hanging over the roof, gutters, and power lines. Remember to give the same attention to any outbuildings, such as a detached garage or storage shed.

Power Wash Power wash the siding, porch, deck, patio, walkways, and driveway, wherever there are stubborn dirt stains, fungus, mold, or mildew. If you plan to use detergents or bleach solutions, be sure to use safe, biodegradable products recommended for the specific surfaces you are cleaning.

Chimney & Fireplace Inspect the chimney for any mortar or brick damage. Cracked or crumbling mortar should be removed and replaced, known as repointing. Examine the brick or stone for signs of peeling or flaking, known as spauling. Significantly damaged or missing stones should be replaced. Some minor masonry jobs can be done yourself. Thoroughly cleaning and then sealing the chimney’s entire exterior surface with a high quality brick and stone sealer will help reduce further damage. If you find significant mortar or brick damage it is generally best to consult with a professional.

Once the heating season has passed, have the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, especially if you use a wood stove or fireplace regularly during winter. Doing this in spring or summer will avoid the fall rush and you may even get a break on the price.

Roof, Gutters & DownspoutsInspect 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 firmly adhered. Consult with a roofing specialist if you suspect repairs are necessary. Gutters and downspouts should be flushed and inspected for any leaks. If you find leaks, thoroughly dry the area to be repaired and apply a quality, exterior caulk to seal any holes, joints, or gaps.

Siding, Doors & Windows Inspect for gaps where air and moisture can get inside. Remove old caulk and thoroughly clean areas in need of repair. Allow to dry completely and apply a quality, exterior grade caulk.

Foundation, Driveway, Walkway & Patio Inspect the concrete for cracks or pits. Minor defects can often be repaired on your own but larger jobs may require a professional. Keep in mind it can be difficult to match a patch to existing concrete. Carefully consider repairs in high visibility locations. If you notice significant cracks or damage to the foundation you should have it professionally inspected immediately.

Decks & Porches Examine decks and porches for any damage or rot. Replace any deck boards in poor condition and secure loose boards or railings. Apply stain or sealer to wood decks to prevent decay. Resurface waterproof decking as recommended by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Lawn Maintenance

Remove all fallen branches, leaves, and other debris from the lawn. De-thatch the lawn with a good raking prior to the first mowing. Mow lawn down to two inches, being careful not to ‘scalp’ the grass with the first mowing. Lightly apply a quality fertilizer that contains an effective weed killer.

Spring Lawn Care

Spring Lawn Maintenance

Spring cleaning for your yard is just as important as it is for your home. If you want your lawn to be healthy all summer there are a few things you want to do this spring to help it along. First of all, remove branches, leaves, litter and other debris from your yard. Next, you’ll want to de-thatch your lawn with a good raking. Generally, a thatch build up of more than a ½ inch is considered excessive.

The next step is to mow, being careful not to ‘scalp’ the grass with the first mowing. Experts advise mowing down to two inches, but never removing more than ½ inch of growth at a time so you want to start early enough in the spring and preferably before the grass is over 2.5 inches tall. The shortened grass will allow fertilizers to reach the soil better and stimulate new growth for the coming months. And don’t concern yourself with collecting all the clippings during this mowing. They will decay quickly and actually help fertilize your lawn, which is the next step.

After you have mowed, applying a good quality fertilizer that contains an effective weed killer will promote new growth and help keep your lawn looking beautiful. Fertilizing should be limited to late spring, early fall and late fall. Fertilize lightly in late spring for a lush, green lawn in summer and then concentrate most of the fertilizer application in fall. Too much fertilizer in spring can lead to disease and more weeds.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May the luck of the Irish be with you!!!

Top 5 Home Improvement Projects

Kitchen Remodel and Full Home Renovation

If you are planning a home improvement project we have good news to share with you. According to the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), for the second consecutive year the value of home remodeling projects is rebounding, with a 5.5% jump (national average) from last year and the largest increase since 2005. A consistent trend in real estate’s rising resale value is driving the overall improvement.

The survey includes data from 35 projects ranging from lower cost improvements such as entry and garage door replacement to upscale remodeling projects and home additions. The report compares the average cost for these improvements against the value they are expected to yield at resale. Actual numbers will vary depending on specific neighborhoods and how closely the improvements match the report’s project description.

According to the report, the top five home improvements with the highest potential rate of return in Seattle are: 1) Entry Door Replacement 2) Minor Kitchen Remodel 3) Siding Replacement 4) Garage Door Replacement and 5) Window Replacement.

Entry Door Replacement (steel): Exterior replacement projects often yield a better return than remodeling projects. They are some of the least expensive and non-discretionary improvements to make that add instant curb appeal. Replacing an entry door is a relatively simple job, highly cost effective, and may also reduce utility costs. According to the report, up to 104.1% of the cost can be recouped to replace an existing door with a midrange steel door and new lockset.

Minor Kitchen Remodel: A minor remodel of a 200 square foot kitchen that is functional but in need of cosmetic updates. It includes replacing cabinet and drawer fronts, including hardware, but leaving the cabinet boxes intact. Replace laminate countertops, sink, faucet, flooring, wall covering, and paint the trim. Replace wall oven and cook top with new energy-efficient models. Being careful to stay within a modest budget this type of remodel could yield a 97.9% return.

Siding Replacement (fiber cement): Siding replacement is good value and can significantly increase curb appeal by improving the overall look of a home’s exterior. Replacing siding with fiber-cement siding can yield an average return of 87.9% on your investment (in comparison vinyl siding yields 67.7% and foam-backed vinyl siding 71%). However, when deciding on the best siding materials for your home it is also important to keep in mind the style of your home and the others in your neighborhood. For instance, replacing traditional wood siding with vinyl may actually detract from the home’s value.

Garage Door Replacement: Replace an older garage door with a new high tensile strength steel door on new heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks (reuse existing motorized opener). The upscale category door is foam insulated with thermal seals between pinch-resistant panels, includes top panel insulated windows, and has a lifetime warranty. The return on this improvement is expected to be 87.6%. The midrange category door is un-insulated, single-layer, embossed steel with a 10-year limited warranty and yields an average 85% return. Similar to replacing the entry door, garage door replacement is a relatively inexpensive improvement that adds resale value by increasing curb appeal. The added convenience of a highly functional door goes without saying.

Window Replacement (vinyl): Replacing older double-hung windows with insulated vinyl windows is the 5^th project with the highest potential rate of return. The highest yield on window replacement is 86.9% and is based on a midrange product, wrapping the existing trim to match, and not disturbing the interior trim. Midrange insulated wood windows with the exterior clad in vinyl or aluminum has a slightly lower return of 82.3%. Alternatively, one can expect a 79.3-86% replacement value when choosing upscale, insulated, low-E, divided-lite vinyl or wood windows. The added comfort and energy savings achieved are yours to enjoy above and beyond the resale value of this improvement. © 2014 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Our expertise is matching customers with the most appropriate service professional for their project. Each contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured, has successfully passed a thorough screening process including reference checks and regular credential audits, and continues to meet high standards of workmanship and professionalism.

Exterior Painting, Siding & Window Replacement

Before

After

Exterior Painting, Siding Replacement, and Window Replacement season is fast approaching. Contractors have multiple exterior painting, siding and window replacement projects already booked for spring and into summer. If you plan to have any of these projects completed this season, now is the time to act. This is also the perfect time to schedule interior painting before the weather turns nice and the contractors are focused on outside work.

The photos shown here are from one of our recent projects in Lynnwood. The owner replaced the LP siding with Hardiplank fiber cement siding, the windows with new Milgard brand windows, and the full exterior was painted with a premium acrylic latex paint.

For a free proposal, call us today at 425-775-9085 or submit a Work Request!

Everett Home & Garden Show

Come visit us at the Everett Home & Garden Show at Comcast Arena this weekend, March 7-9. Enjoy a relaxed and comfortable home show atmosphere while learning about new and innovative ideas for all your home improvement needs.

There is plenty of parking (free parking on Sat & Sun in the Snohomish County Garage on Oakes St between Wall and Pacific Streets), discounted tickets, wine tasting Friday evening from 5:30-6:30, and a variety of public speakers. Call us with any questions. We hope to see you there!