If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend consider A Taste of Edmonds. Great food, a nice variety of music all weekend. plenty of entertainment for the kids, and it’s inexpensive to attend!
Author Archives: Cari
Refinishing or Sealing Your Wood Deck
Refinishing your deck not only adds beauty to your outdoor living space but is necessary to preserve the wood from sun and moisture damage. Depending on how well the deck has been cared for, you may simply need to have the deck cleaned thoroughly and a new coat of sealer applied.
In some cases, more extensive work is required. The following images show a deck that was previously painted with a traction type product. The owners wanted to restore the deck to its natural beauty. The first step required stripping the product off the wood surface, followed by a thorough pressure washing. Once dry, the wood was sanded to ensure all the old product was removed. The final step was applying the stain. The result is a beautiful deck restored to its original condition.
If you have been putting off refinishing your deck, we can help. You’ll be so impressed at the results you will wonder why you waited so long. Depending on the condition of the deck, the project can usually be completed in 2-3 days. The job could be in progress during the week while you are away at work and by the following weekend you will be home enjoying your beautiful deck!
This particular deck required removing a coat of traction type material that had been painted on several years prior.
Deck surface before sanding
Deck stairs have been sanded and prepped for staining
Deck surface has been sanded and prepped and ready for staining
The deck turned out beautiful. Sanding the old finish down to the natural wood and enhancing with stain brought the deck back to life.
Deck has been stained and is ready to enjoy!
Are You Planning A Kitchen Remodel?
Kitchen Remodel - Courtesy of M. DeBoer
Remodeling a kitchen takes careful planning and patience. Most kitchens are the gathering place for family and guests and used daily to socialize, prepare, and enjoy your favorite meals. Take time initially to carefully consider your lifestyle and how your ‘dream kitchen’ fits into it. Start gathering ideas from magazines, the Internet, home shows, friend’s homes, Street of Dreams tours, and home remodeling and decorating television shows.
Remodeling Home Improvement Magazine shares an article by Orlando Kitchens – Pre-planning for your kitchen remodel, Part 1. It describes the three types of kitchen remodels. Understanding the differences will help you decide on the type kitchen remodel that best fits your needs, budget, time frame, and long term goals.
Once you narrow down your kitchen remodeling needs and dreams you will be ready to put those ideas into action. Discussing these ideas with your favorite kitchen design and remodeling contractor will help put your dreams on paper and develop a plan that will soon transform into your dream kitchen.
Natural Wood Stains
DIYNetwork.com blogger Mick Telkamp shares some interesting ‘recipes’ for natural wood stains. Most of the ingredients are items you probably already have in your garage, kitchen, or garden. These non-toxic alternatives are creative and safe for you and your family. If anyone gives this a try, we would love to know how it worked for you!
Pesticide Free Yards & Parks
Help bring awareness to the use, or lack of, pesticides in our yards and parks. Visit Washington Toxics Coalition to request your free yard sign, letting your neighbors know your yard and garden is pesticide free while bringing awareness to this important topic. You will also find a list of pesticide free parks where you and your family can relax and enjoy nature without worry of harmful chemicals.
Planning To Paint Your Home This Summer?
Painting contractor’s schedules are filling up quickly for summer. One painting contractor reported several weeks ago they already had 35 exterior projects scheduled for the summer! If you plan to have your home painted this summer it would be wise to settle on a contractor soon. This includes staining and painting decks too.
Most of the time contractors schedule their projects on a first come, first served basis. If we have consistent good weather throughout the season it’s a bit easier to stay on track. However, we all know the weather in Seattle is unpredictable. Rainy days will put most exterior projects on hold which can back everything up. Painting is one of those projects where flexibility is a must. Discuss any concerns you have with your contractor up front so they can do their best to accommodate your needs and schedule. The earlier you plan the better.
One of our customers in Lake Stevens recently had the exterior of their home painted. Following are before and after pictures. We have been fortunate to get many painting projects underway and completed this early in the season. June has been great this year for painting!
Lake Stevens home - before painting (front view)
Lake Stevens home - after painting (front view)
Lake Stevens home - before painting (side view)
Lake Stevens home - after painting (side view)
Lake Stevens home - before painting (rear view)
Lake Stevens home - after painting (rear view)
Happy Father’s Day!
Did you know Father’s Day was first observed in Spokane, WA in 1910? Cool story about an incredible, stand up dad. Happy Father’s Day to all the fabulous dads I know, especially my own. I love you Dad!
In 1909, Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Spokane Washington, first proposed the idea of a “father’s day”. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise all his children alone on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.
The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. Mrs. Dodd wanted Father’s Day to be celebrated on the first Sunday in June, her father’s birthday. However, the Spokane council couldn’t get the resolution through the first reading until the third Sunday in June. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a “father’s day.” In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.
Hiring A Contractor Who is Not Licensed & Insured Is Risky Business
Hiring a contractor who is not licensed or insured is definitely not a good way to cut costs on your next home improvement project. The recent article Are Your Pros Insured, by This Old House brings up some very good points, including examining your own homeowner’s insurance policy. For more information on WA State contractor’s license, bond, and insurance requirements please refer to Contractor Hotline’s archived e-newsletter – Licensed, Bonded & Insured – What Does That Really Mean?
Preserving Your Wood Deck, Fence, or Siding – Safely And Naturally
Natural wood siding
Wood decks, fences, or natural wood-sided homes should be treated regularly. Fortunately, there are safe alternatives to using toxic products. Mother Earth News Green Homes blog post titled Safe Exterior Wood Finishes by Vicki Mattern, tells you how.
Is Your Home Underwater?
This sure brings new meaning to the term ‘underwater’! This beach front home in West Seattle had to be completely refurbished after last winter’s King Tides flooded the property, along with many neighboring homes. Our contractors quickly sprang into action. Once they resolved the drainage issues they had the messy job of gutting the entire lower level unit, hauling away multiple loads of waterlogged debris. Then the real fun began as they worked diligently to restore the home back to an adorable, beach front hideaway.
Lower Unit Flooded
Entire Interior Gutted
Inside - After Repairs
Before
After
