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+

Sustainable Home Improvements

In today’s world “go green” encompasses a more impactful meaning than it did even a few short years ago. As society moves toward a more eco-friendly mindset, you might think about how a more sustainable home can help your pocketbook and decrease your carbon footprint. Creating an energy efficient home is an investment. It involves a lot of initial planning and upfront costs. In the long run it should decrease overall energy consumption, improve your home’s comfort, and increase value and desirability at resale. Another benefit, some energy efficient upgrades also qualify for tax credits and reimbursement programs.

If you plan on renovating your current residence or building a home from the ground up, this is an ideal time to optimize energy efficiency opportunities. There are multiple ways to make your home more sustainable. Some of the most popular are water heating, solar energy, lighting and daylighting, air-sealing and insulation, appliances and home electronics, sustainable building materials, and water conserving plants and landscape design.

Water Heating/Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater uses 30 to 50 percent less energy than units with tanks. It can save the average family about $100 each year. It is smaller and more compact than a standard 40 to 50-gallon storage tank. Instead of continuously heating a large water tank, it works by only heating water on demand and allows a continuous supply of hot water (i.e. no more cold showers!)

Solar Panels

According to EnergyInformative.org the U.S solar market grew 76 percent in 2012. This is largely due to the sizeable return on investment savings. In most places, solar energy can save the average homeowner roughly $100 per month in heating and cooling costs. The federal tax credit (extended through 2019) can reduce your tax bill by 30 percent of the total installation cost. In addition, Washington has some of the best state solar incentives. Take advantage of incentives while they last. In addition to saving you money, it creates energy independence and reduces emissions. Solar energy is the cleanest energy source available.

Lighting and Daylighting

This might seem like an obvious choice. Installing energy efficient windows in strategic locations can increase natural light in your home, reduce the need for artificial light, and decrease overall electricity consumption. Skylights have the same effect and are also aesthetically pleasing. Energy savings vary depending on how many windows or skylights are used and where they are placed.

Air Sealing and Insulation

Taking time to ensure your home is weatherized and air-tight will make your home more comfortable and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. Caulking and installing weather stripping can be an inexpensive DIY project. Caulking is best used for smaller cracks around window frames while weather stripping is more appropriate around door frames and windows that open.

Ensuring the attic and crawl space are properly insulated will help keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer. Insulation works by conducting heat and maintaining warmth in the existing space. During warmer temperatures, insulation confines cooler air and deflects warm air from entering the home. Depending on how much you increase the R-Value, you may be eligible for rebates from your energy provider. To get the most benefit, be sure the insulation contractor you hire is an approved installer with your local utility service.

Appliances and Home Electronics

Electrical devices account for more than 30 percent of the average energy bill. Energy-efficient or solar powered appliances are designed to greatly reduce energy consumption. When choosing more energy efficient appliances look for the Energy Star labels. These products are designed to use an average of 30 percent less water and 20 percent less energy than their lesser efficient counterparts.

Sustainable Building Materials

When renovating your home for energy efficiency, building materials aren’t always something that initially come to mind. However, like the rest of the energy-saving products above, they can save you money and reduce environmental impact. Sustainable building materials are durable, reusable, and derived from natural sources or recyclable materials. Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly building materials on Earth. It is a sustainable and attractive wood alternative for many home building applications. It is a fast growing, perennial grass that continues to grow without having to be replanted. It is also prevalent around the world, thus, easy to find. It is particularly durable, making it an excellent choice for flooring or cabinets.

Landscape Water Conservation

Who says you need a machine to save water? Take conservation efforts to your garden by using water-conserving plants. Replacing water thirsty lawns with drought tolerant vegetation saves time on upkeep and money on reducing water usage. Plants such as lavender, sea holly, and kangaroo paw, need little to no water to survive. If you prefer indoor plants, start collecting succulents which only require water once every couple of weeks, or less.

Overall, designing and developing a more sustainable, eco-friendly home takes careful planning and renovating. In the long run, you’ll have a more self-reliant house that naturally saves you money and has a more positive impact on the world.

If you need assistance with any of these projects or upgrades, we can connect you with the appropriate service professionals for your specific needs. Just let us know how we can help by completing our online work request today! 

Fireplace Reface

The fireplace is a natural focal point in your home. Left untouched it can make the entire room appear tired and dated.

These before and after photos from a fireplace renovation project in Snohomish, WA, is an example.

BEFORE

AFTER

However, replacing a fireplace is no small undertaking and can be messy and expensive. A more cost-effective and efficient approach may be to reface the fireplace. A reface focuses on upgrading the visible surface of the fireplace, without changing its functionality or how it heats the room. Think of it as giving your fireplace a facelift. If the fireplace is otherwise sound and in proper working condition, refacing may be a good alternative for you.

Before any renovations begin, and especially if you have an older fireplace, it’s recommended you hire a certified chimney sweep to thoroughly clean and inspect the fireplace and chimney. They should be checking for any safety concerns or recommended maintenance or repairs. Once you are confident the fireplace is in good, operable condition, let the fun begin!

The cost of refacing a fireplace can vary greatly depending on what materials you are using, how drastic you want the refacing to be, and how large the fireplace. There are several refacing materials to choose from. Depending on budget and what kind of design you are looking for a few options are concrete, tile, wood, or stone slabs, such as slate or granite. All of these and more are viable options for breathing new life into your old fireplace.

Concrete or Stucco

This material can be applied directly over the surface of an existing masonry fireplace and finished with a design appropriate texture. The dry mixes can be combined with water to create a clay consistency. It is applied by hand and finished with a trowel or any number of tools to create either a smooth or unique texture. This is a creative and inexpensive way to upgrade your fireplace, and you can do it yourself.

Wood Facing

Wood is a natural material that is versatile enough to upgrade any area of a home, the fireplace included. Wood planks or panels work well for this type application. Options are limitless in size, texture, and color. If applied over masonry, you’ll first need to install wood batts so there is something to attach the wood panels. Before proceeding be sure to check with your local building authority. Fire code limits how any combustible material, including wood, is installed around a fireplace. If you aren’t sure how to proceed, this application might be best left to a professional.

Tile

Tile is a traditional and often used material for fireplace refacing. The multiple choices for color and design make it easy to match your home design. Price varies and can be quite affordable or expensive, depending on your taste and choice. Tile and stone slabs can be applied directly to most smooth surfaces, such as drywall. Uneven surfaces like masonry must first be prepared, usually by smoothing the surface with a coat of mortar.

These are just a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing for your fireplace refacing project. Have fun exploring your options and choose a design that will complement your home’s style and your budget. Do your fireplace a favor and give it a much needed “spa day.”

Smarter Than Alexa

“Alexa, let me know when someone is breaking into my home,” said no one ever. Let’s assume her response would be honest, as in, she can’t. As technology evolves to make our lives easier, smart homes are the newest addition to technological convenience. Although digital assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri, can recite the weather or play your favorite song, they cannot stop an intruder from entering your home. Luckily, smart home security systems can. There are several smart home security options to choose from. Make sure to do some research before you put your house on lockdown.

Smart Locks

Pretty self-explanatory, these are replacement locks for exterior doors that can be controlled by your smartphone. It is an easy way to manage your locks from afar and to never lock yourself out of your house again – unless you lose your phone.

A smart lock can range from $100 to $300, depending on how advanced the options. Most smart locks include an easy-to-use app in which to lock and unlock it remotely. The most advanced smart locks offer features like voice activation; auto-locking, that locks after its been unlocked for a specific amount of time; and geofencing, which automatically locks after your smartphone leaves a preset perimeter around your home. In some cases, installation might be complicated. Hiring a locksmith knowledgeable in new technology will help get your locks installed quickly and correctly.

According to PCMag.com the top choice for a smart lock is the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect. It costs under $300.00 and is easy to install. Its features include geofencing, voice activation, and IFTTT support.

Smart Home Security

If you want to upgrade more than just your locks, a smart home security system is an option. Although it’s more expensive than the alternative smart lock, it offers a more comprehensive security system to keep intruders out and your family and belongings safe.

Options depend on what you are looking for and how advanced you want your security to get. There are self-monitoring systems with 24/7 surveillance by professionals who will notify the police or fire department if suspicious activity occurs.

A smart home security system uses Wi-Fi to connect to your home and can be monitored by an app. Most programs usually include window and door sensors or a motion detector that communicates to a wireless hub. More comprehensive programs include door locks, garage door openers, smoke detectors, surveillance cameras, lights, and more. The app will allow you to access, control, and customize all the features the security system offers, and will also notify you if any of the options are triggered.

If you want eyes on the outside of your home, an outside camera can provide 24-hour surveillance accessible from your phone. According to PCMag.com, one of the top choices for a smart security system is the ADT Pulse. It offers the best app and web services with fast and knowledgeable service reps and comprehensive security options. However, it is on the spendy side and requires a three-year contract with a termination penalty.

Overall, regardless of your budget, there are several options to improve your home’s security intelligence. From a simple, smart lock installation to a comprehensive smart home security system with 24-hour surveillance, as technology advances there are more and more options with “smarter” solutions to help keep you and your home safe and secure.

 

That’s What She Shed

Move over men, the female revolution has arrived. For every Man Cave, there should now be a She Shed. A She Shed, or Babe Cave, is the female equivalent of a Man Cave, and is a tranquil space to relax and rejuvenate from the many responsibilities women have.

Like the Man Cave, the She Shed should reflect what is most important to you, but in an environment separate from the chaos of everyday life. This can include an area for hobbies such as yoga, a personal library, horticulture, crafting, or even a place to escape for a much-needed nap.

This is another fun home improvement project because it allows you to use your imagination and design a space specifically for you. She Sheds are typically a separate space from the house in another small building, similar to a tiny-house or storage shed. However, a home or room renovation can incorporate a She Shed into your existing living space and re-utilize rooms you already have.

Garage

This is an easy and inexpensive way to create a She Shed without an extensive renovation. Borrow an unused corner and frame in a small space. Finish with drywall, paint, lighting, and ventilation.

Patio

If your house includes a large patio, renovating it into a She Shed is a simple way to incorporate your own personality and touches into an existing space. The renovations would be limited with minimal costs, and it also provides ample space for entertaining.

Separate Space

If you don’t have an existing space to incorporate a she Shed consider adding an out building in a portion of your backyard. If you currently have a storage shed, you can clean it out and utilize that space. This is the most convenient way to create a She Shed, and it will give you the motivation to cross off shed cleaning from the to-do list. The renovations are easy because the base walls are there, so the primary goal is designing the inside. If you don’t have an existing shed you can buy an easy-to-build kit or purchase one at a home improvement store, such as Home Depot.

After establishing a space for your She Shed the design possibilities are endless. It’s up to you to define the purpose for your She Shed and how to incorporate it into your life. Basic design ideas are a fresh coat of paint, fill the space with unique pieces or antiques that reflect your personality, incorporate some greenery, make an inviting entryway, add appropriate lighting, and include an area for entertaining if that is an important element.

These are just a few ideas to help you get started in creating your unique oasis. For many this is a fun and relatively easy DIY project. If that’s not your cup of tea, we can help you find a certified contractor to assist.

Man Cave Essentials

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.

If you are in the market to remodel an existing room or transform space in a garage or basement to create the perfect shrine of testosterone and a little piece of heaven for the man in your house then below are a few tips and steps to get you started. A man cave renovation can be as simple or as complicated as you want, it all comes down to space, design, and budget.

Choosing a space

Unless you have an abundance of extra rooms in your home this can be a tough decision. A den or office space is an ideal room to transform into a man cave, but usually, space is limited. Make detailed plans that align with what you deem the most important part of the room. For example, a bar, or entertainment center would be an excellent place to start. If you plan on installing additional plumbing or alternative water sources, make sure to hire a contractor to ensure your renovations are installed correctly.

Budget

Other than choosing a space, this is an essential part of prepping a man cave, because you could quickly go broke. Create a list of essential items you want for the room. For example, one of the most envy-inducing elements of a man cave is a big screen, HDTV. A budget will help you limit your desires from an unrealistic fantasy to only the necessary ones.

Layout

Designing a layout is a crucial part of any home improvement project, including a man cave. Center your design around a critical object, like an entertainment center or a bar.  Make sure the most important element (to you) is the focus of attention. Complete the room’s look with plenty of comfy and relaxing furniture.  A bar might be an essential piece of a man cave. You can either hire a  contractor or extend your budget by building your own. Construct a bar using 2X4’s for the frame and standard plywood for the base–available at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Use granite, tile, or similar material for the countertop, and paint or tile to dress up the front.

Developing a space, sticking to a budget, and figuring out the perfect design are just the basics of creating the ideal man oasis to escape into, but putting your personal touches to your man cave will make it your own. If you’re doing any major home improvement projects, it may be best to hire a certified contractor to help with the renovations. Let us help you find the perfect one today!

Upside to Downsizing

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.

According to the census bureau, in 2016 the median size of a completed single-family house was 2,422 square feet. This size is smaller than the all-time high square footage from the 2015 census, which was 2,687 square feet. As a society, we are moving toward less square footage year by year.

A smaller, more compact home is much easier to manage because of the limited space available. Therefore, it’s essential every area of the house is utilized. Creating flexible spaces that can accommodate versatile furniture is useful and necessary. For example, transform an open area to a space with better storage capacity. Or, convert an existing space into a multi-purpose room, like combining the laundry and mudroom.

If you are looking to significantly downsize a tiny house might be an excellent option to consider. Tiny houses are becoming more popular for both functionality and affordability. Think of a tiny-house as a better version of a motorhome. It can be hitched up to a trailer and travel anywhere. Some tiny houses are entirely self-sufficient and include rain catchers and solar panels; others need water and energy hook-ups.

The cost to build or purchase a tiny house is significantly less than a traditional home. The price can range from $20,000 to $50,000, which is a substantially lower mortgage. A tiny house is also super energy efficient. Say good bye to those high energy bills. Whether it uses solar power or needs to be hooked up to a power source, the energy needs of a tiny house are much less than that of a traditional home.

Perfect for the environmentalist a tiny house is so small it can be made of recycled or repurposed materials and molded into a design that you can get creative with. If you are thinking of downsizing into a tiny home, there are a few questions to ask yourself. Are you prepared to rid yourself of most of your belongings? Why do you want to downsize? Does everyone in your family want to make a move?

Downsizing into a tiny house is a dramatic move that’s not for everyone. If you plan to design a house from scratch, you might be best served consulting with a professional contractor who specializes in tiny home design and construction.

We’re moving toward an age where “less is more,” and downsizing is a perfect way to declutter your life. Whether it’s transitioning to a smaller place or moving toward a tiny home, living in a smaller space is practical, more affordable, and overall easier to maintain.

Bedroom Make-Overs for Maximum Results

A bedroom remodel or make-over can be a minor home improvement project with maximum results

You know those people who wake up looking refreshed and rejuvenated for the day? Waking up refreshed has a lot to do with your bedroom environment. With a bit of thoughtful planning, a bedroom space can have a positive effect on your mood and disposition.

Remodeling a bedroom can be a minor home improvement project with potentially maximum results. Even small alterations such as a fresh coat of paint or adding a functional piece of furniture can transform your bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary. Below are five ways to turn your bedroom from a functional room used only for sleep to a tranquil refuge of rejuvenation.

Splash Some Neutrals

This might seem like an obvious idea, but a fresh coat of paint can help take your walls from a dull white to the soothing hues of a day spa. However, don’t stray from a neutral color scheme like soft grey, or very light yellow. The soft neutral palette of pale blues and greys are also useful and eye-pleasing, and an elegant mixture of taupes, creams, and whites is equally tranquil. If you want a splash of color an accent wall can add dimension and creativity without being overwhelming.

Add a Seating Area

This might seem silly if you don’t spend a lot of time in your bedroom. However, adding a chaise lounge or accent chairs with a small table can open up a room and add a place for quiet solitude.

Invest in High-Quality Bedding

Emulate sleeping in a luxury hotel every night by investing in some quality bedding. Look for 100 percent natural fiber sheets such as cotton or linen. The softness of your sheets and pillowcases are healthy for your skin, and you will feel like you are on vacation every night. A fluffy comforter or duvet cover with soft patterns or neutral colors will complete the look.

Embrace Minimalism

This might be further on the list, but it is the most important. Clutter is a prerequisite for stress, so the less clutter you have laying around, the more relaxed your room will feel. Also, try and rid yourself of unnecessary belongings, or create a well-organized storage area.

Invest in a Headboard

To complete the look of a more minimalistic, calming atmosphere, a headboard can be the focal point of a room. If you like to read in bed a neutral-colored, upholstered headboard is a cozy backdrop to lean against. A wood headboard may be a good choice for a more rustic atmosphere. Get creative, have fun, and choose something that meets your needs and compliments your décor.

When remodeling, the most thought goes into the public areas of a house, and the bedroom is often overlooked. Considering we spend a third of our lives sleeping, it’s almost ironic we don’t focus more on the tranquility of a bedroom. To experience ultimate tranquility in your bedroom don’t overlook neutral colors, functional accent furniture, a prominent bed-frame, or minimalism.

If you would like to be connected with a designer who specializes in room make-overs, we can help! Submit a work request today and see how your space can be transformed into a peaceful sanctuary.

Home Design Trends for 2018

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.

Kitchen Design Trends

Kitchen design trends seem to be continuously evolving. One popular kitchen trend includes open kitchen shelves. Open shelves allow you to show off your dish collection and provide more storage options for larger items. The overall design of the kitchen is elevated and gives it a brighter and more open look.

Smart Homes

Another trend gaining popularity quickly are moves toward a “smarter” home. One convenient way to transition toward a smart home is smart lighting controls. Not only can they be customized to your liking but save energy. There are many different types of “smart lighting.” One example is a light switch controlled using an app from a mobile device, and another is an actual light bulb that controls the brightness and color desired. Installation is relatively simple, so in most cases is an easy DIY home improvement project.

Tankless Water Heaters

It’s about time, but thankfully tankless water heaters are becoming more popular. The gas-fired and electric models utilize space better and provide hot water only as needed. It doesn’t produce standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which saves energy and money. The upfront cost is more than a conventional water heater, but the long-term payoff is worth it, and it can last up to 20 years vs the 8-12 year lifespan of conventional water tanks.

Interior Decor Trends

Interior decor varies greatly, but this year oversized furniture, dark colors, and textured walls are all popular trends.

Oversized Furniture

Oversized furniture is an excellent way to fill space in open areas. Make sure accent furniture and wall decor are more modest, as to not overpower the room with too many significant pieces.

Wallpaper

Patterned wallpaper and texture are making a comeback. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to update your home’s interior. It also adds dimension to a room. Make sure furniture and accent pieces are more neutral, so the area doesn’t come across as too busy.

Dark Colors

Surprisingly enough, dark, moody colors are transitioning their way into 2018 trends. A dark room allows the eyes to rest, in contrast to bright whites that have been popular for so long. They make a statement and have a calming effect.

House Plants

As society is becoming more conscious about the environment, house plants are making a statement in homes this year. Use larger plants as a color pop or focal point in a corner. It is a simple and inexpensive way to add color and improve the air quality in your home.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with design trends that are always changing. When choosing which direction to follow, make sure it fits the overall space and improves your home’s comfort and functionality. The most important trend is what best serves you and your family’s needs.

What new trends will you bring into your home this year?

Outdoor Living Spaces

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.

Outdoor lighting

Landscape lighting is a key installment for your property. Outdoor lighting makes it easier and safer to navigate dark pathways and stairs and helps ward off intruders. Landscape lighting also extends time spent outdoors and doesn’t limit your lounge-time to the sun’s schedule. Architectural lighting also allows you to draw attention to different areas of the house or plantings that might not be highlighted in the daylight.

Dining Spaces

As evenings become longer and nights grow warmer there is nothing more relaxing than enjoying an outdoor meal. Transforming a piece of your yard or patio into an al fresco dining area will make this an easy transition. Take note of the amount of space allocated for your table and chairs. Position the furniture within close proximity of the outdoor kitchen (if you have one) or easy access to the indoor kitchen. Adding a shade source, such as an umbrella or removable awning, will extend the use of the space during peak daylight hours.

Water Features

If you want to make your outdoor space a place of relaxation and tranquility, maybe it’s time to consider the addition of a water feature. A water feature is visually appealing, refreshing, and emulates the soothing sounds of a natural pond or stream. Water plants are cost-effective, and if properly designed and maintained, fish can be added to enhance the feature.

Patios

Adding a patio can be a pricier improvement, but it adds value to the home and elevates the outdoor experience for your family and guests. A patio space can be used in a variety of ways but is the perfect plateau for an outdoor table and chairs. Two common types are stamped concrete and paver patios.

Stamped Concrete: This is a popular option because of the beautiful aesthetics and durability for your outdoor environment. It doesn’t take a lot of maintenance, such as required with a wood deck. Typically, the surface is sealed, which protects and gives the surface a “wet” look. Re-sealing is generally required every three to five years.

Paver Patios: Paver patios are an excellent choice if you’re looking for another long-term option. They are anti-slip, durable, and over time will withstand cracking and weather damage. It also comes with unlimited design options and virtually no maintenance costs. The only disadvantage is the potential weed-growth between the cracks, which isn’t anything a little natural, vinegar-based weed killer can’t solve.

Outdoor Kitchens

If you’re a self-proclaimed Martha Stewart in the kitchen, and enjoy the great outdoors, why not converge the two for an outdoor kitchen extraordinaire? Outdoor kitchens are a useful way to utilize outdoor space and provide an elevated dining experience, not only for entertaining but for everyday use.

If you are contemplating installing an outdoor kitchen don’t cut corners on quality, make sure the location is near the kitchen and has minimal exposure to the elements-or rain, for us Pacific Northwest folks. Keep in mind the outdoor kitchen needs a water supply, access to an electrical outlet, and possibly gas. Since plumbing, electricity and zoning rules might get a little tricky for this home improvement project, a certified contractor is helpful for this type of outdoor upgrade.

Outdoor Fire Pit

The popular Christmas Song lyrics “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” didn’t materialize out of thin air. There definitely was an outdoor fire pit to initiate that famous melody. Even so, an outdoor fire pit is useful for more than just roasting chestnuts. It can extend the amount of time one can spend outdoors during all seasons.

The common options are gas and wood burning fire pits. Gas is clean and easy to light and doesn’t give off smoke. If you like chopping wood and enjoy a natural flame, then a traditional wood burning fire pit is for you. However, check with your city’s zoning and planning to see if wood-burning fire pits are allowed in your area.

Each of these outdoor enhancements are a guaranteed way to sizzle up your summer, convince your guests into thinking they stepped onto the pages of Landscaper’s Digest, and get the kids away from being glued to their screens.

We invite you to get creative. Even the smallest of updates can elevate the outdoor experience for yourself, your family, and your guests. For larger projects such as a kitchen or patio installation, make sure you have a certified contractor who specializes in that specific type of outdoor renovation.

If you need assistance with any of these projects or repairs, we can connect you with the appropriate service professionals for your specific needs. Just let us know how we can help by clicking on the work request today!

Using Paint to Protect and Enhance your Home

Does the outside of your house need an instant facelift? Are you looking to spice up your interior without going “Extreme Home Makeover” on your home? Lastly, are you searching for ways to elevate design and alter your current style on the inside of your home? If you answered yes to one or more questions, then paint might be the answer to your household qualms.

Paint, or any type of color influence, is an easy and inexpensive way to update a home, both inside and out. A quick change of paint can define the style or personality of a home. Unlike other home improvement projects, it can produce immediate results at a fraction of the cost.

Exterior Painting

If you’re looking for quick, professional results for the outside color of your home, a certified painting contractor is the best way to go. However, if you’re brave enough to tackle this home-improvement project alone then ensure proper procedures are followed so the paint will last and give your home the look it deserves. Keep in mind the best time of year to paint the outside of a home is spring and summer, or when there is the least amount of humidity. In our climate, typically the deadline to schedule an exterior painting job with a professional painting contractor is April or May. Much later, and you risk getting pushed out to the following year.

It’s important to keep the outside of the home painted to ensure your home looks its best. A fresh coat of paint will make a home stand out, increase its overall value, and look less dated.

In addition to providing a colorful pop to its exterior, paint also acts as a protective layer between your homes siding materials and the elements. If the paint starts to flake and deteriorate your siding materials become more susceptible to damage caused by the environment. Therefore, a fresh coat of paint will make your home last longer.

Interior Painting

Like exterior color, painting the interior of a home can have visually substantial benefits in a home improvement project. Whether it’s making an adjacent wall pop with a bright color, cultivating a cozy atmosphere with a neutral shade, or drawing attention to a unique architectural area in your home–the results are endless. This is where you can let the creative juices flow.

Paint can be utilized in several ways, one of which is to enrich different spaces in the home. The first step in your painting self-discovery is primarily research. Search the internet for designs, patterns, colors, or textures similar to your style goals. Home design and lifestyle blogs are a good resource because there are usually a lot of pictures, references, and easy to follow instructions. Pinterest is another excellent website that provides you with an unlimited source of ideas to help you discover how to artistically enhance a room. After finding a design or style of your liking, putting together a plan is important, as is getting a wide range of color swatches for the style you’re trying to emulate.

Although there are endless ways to paint the interior of a home, here are five unique ideas to bring color to unexpected areas:

Painting a door: This is less commitment than painting an entire room, yet still provides a splash of color to an otherwise conventional color scheme. If you don’t want to go extreme with a bright color, even subtle colors have a refined yet effective impact. If you want more of a contrast painting the door frame and door two different colors also has an appealing effect.

Graphic Painted Wall: Different geometric lines can have an interesting, yet profound effect on a blank wall. Play around with various shapes, lines and colors to see which one might best suit your design goals.

Painted Wainscot: A wainscot is wood paneling on the lower part of a wall. An easy way to emulate this look is with a different color of paint. By only painting a wall two-thirds of the way up or half-way from the ceiling down, it can have a nice color contrast without the effort of painting the entire wall.

Color Box: Painting a color “box,” in various areas of a room to complement certain areas is another unique way to be creative with walls and spaces. Use a few different colors to help bring together a room.

Furniture Color-Pop: Painting a piece of furniture is also another way to have a color “pop” against an otherwise neutral looking wall. A variation of that is painting the inside of your cupboards or the inside of a bookshelf to cultivate the absence of color in a certain area of the home.

Painting the exterior and interior of the home has both sustainable, visual, and creative benefits and ultimately elevates the look of your home. Although it’s easy to do yourself, utilizing a painting contractor is beneficial in any of your paint home improvement projects. Let us help connect you with a painting professional today!