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+

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Following is a comprehensive home maintenance checklist to help you prepare your home for fall and winter. Whether you live in a condo or single family residence, there are sure to be a few items that can use your attention. Taking time now to ensure your home is prepared for rain, wind, and colder temperatures will give you peace of mind, increase your homes efficiency, and could save you money on costly emergency repairs.

For more details and helpful hints click here to visit our blog post Prepare Your Home For Winter.

Fertilize and apply weed killer to lawn

Trim trees/bushes from sides of house and hanging over roof/gutter

Remove, drain and store hoses

Insulate outside faucets and close shut-off valves if available

Clean and store or cover outdoor furniture, BBQ and tools

Ensure winter tools are accessible and ready for use

Inspect drainage system around foundation of home

Inspect roof for signs of leaks or damaged shingles and flashing

Flush and inspect gutters, downspouts and storm drains; inspect regularly

Inspect crawl space and attic for rodents and adequate insulation

Have garage door and opener serviced

Replace worn thresholds and weather stripping around doors and windows, caulk as needed

Wash windows inside and out; remove screens and install storm windows

Wrap exposed water pipes in crawl space, basement or garage

Check for air leaks on exterior walls where pipes enter the house; caulk or add insulation as needed

Wrap water heater with insulated blanket

Have chimney cleaned and inspected

Clean dryer duct; clean vent after each use

Have heating system inspected and serviced

Replace furnace filters monthly, or as recommended

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly; replace batteries annually

Prepare emergency kit in the event of a power outage or emergency

In The Market To Buy Or Sell A Home?

Are you planning to purchase a home in the near future? There are many different financing options available – some you may not have considered or even heard of before. Taking time to research different loan options and getting pre-qualified for a mortgage will best position you to move quickly (very important in a seller’s market) once you find your dream home.

Below, Brenda Alfano of Absolute Mortgage shares some interesting facts for home buyers. You are also invited to attend Brenda’s free one hour seminar on buying or selling a home. Some of the topics covered include Real Estate and Mortgage Market Prediction, Qualifying for Financing, and Appraisal & Property Condition.

WHEN & WHERE
Tuesday, September 9 @ 7 pm
Absolute Mortgage
115 2nd Ave N, Suite 200
Edmonds, WA 98020

Please call Brenda at 425-330-2039 to reserve your spot, seating is limited. Each attendee will receive a $30 gift certificate from Edmonds Hardware & Paint to be used toward picture framing.

Hello! Brenda Alfano, Mortgage Consultant, dropping in to give you some news of the industry for first time buyers and even 2nd time buyers. Many people think they will never be able to buy because they don’t have 20% down. Not sure where this myth started but it is simply not true! There are mortgages that allow for only 3.5% down – some even have 100% financing depending on where the property is located and the income of the buyers.

WSHFC (Washington State Housing and Finance Commission) has a down payment assistance program that, if a borrower qualifies, will lend 4% of the loan amount, zero percent interest, payable in 30 years or until the home sells or loan is refinanced or transferred. You do not need to be a first time buyer either! It is for the purchase of your primary and only residence.

Another possibility for down payment is the NHF Grant. This is Grant money so no 2nd mortgage involved, free funds for those who qualify. Qualification is quite generous and you do not need to be a first time buyer with this program.

Next time I will talk about the different 1st mortgage loan options available that do not require a 20% down payment. Till then!

Brenda Alfano
NMLS# 229897
Absolute Mortgage
425-330-2039

Kitchen Remodel – before and after

Remodeling an outdated kitchen can be one of the most rewarding updates. We are excited to share pictures of our most recently completed kitchen remodeling project. This beautifully remodeled kitchen belongs to long-time customers, Jeff and Kristina. They did a wonderful job designing an open floor plan. You can see from the pictures how removing a few walls and adding a few feet to the kitchen completely transformed the room. What was once an area that was mostly closed off from the dining and living room became an open floor plan, inviting family and friends to mingle and share the open space.

The new cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and paint colors compliment each other nicely. Clever placement of cabinetry added more storage capacity than the previous kitchen provided. Tying the three rooms together with beautifully finished wood floors adds an earthy and classic look to the overall space. Thank you, Jeff and Kristina, for allowing us the opportunity to assist on this fun and exciting project. It’s a beauty!

Kitchen - before remodel

Kitchen – before remodel

Kitchen - after remodel (looking toward dining area)

Kitchen – after remodel (looking toward dining area)

Kitchen - after remodel (east wall)

Kitchen – after remodel (east wall)

Kitchen - after remodel (looking toward living area)

Kitchen – after remodel (looking toward living area)

 

 

 

Taste of Edmonds, Aug 8-10

Looking for something fun to do with the entire family this weekend? A Taste of Edmonds is this Fri-Sun, Aug 8, 9 &10. Arts & crafts, live music all weekend, LOTS of fabulous food vendors, rides for the kids, and a beer and wine garden! There’s plenty of free street parking, entrance is an incredibly cheap $4, and kids 12 and under are free. Come join us, and have an Edmonds Kind of Day. I personally will be available to serve you up a frosty cold one in the beer garden Sat, 4-7 pm. Spike & The Impalers will be on stage from 4:00-5:30 followed by the Gold Diggers from 6:00-7:00. Check out the entire weekend’s music line-up and all the fun events. We hope to see you there!

 

Exterior Home Repair & Painting

Exterior home repair and painting contractors are in high demand. If you need help this summer with your projects, you should contact your favorite contractor soon to secure space on their schedule. Many are already booked into fall.

We recently had the pleasure of helping one of our customers, Phyllis W. with her exterior painting and repair work (see pictures below). A new window was installed, concrete porch poured, and the entire home and garage exterior painted. It was a pleasure working with you Phyllis. Thank you for the nice review!

Phyllis Wilbourne

Dated: 2014-06-23

I found Cari at the Everett Home Show in February and engaged her services. She put me in contact with a couple of contractors. I chose one to do all I needed done (one was painting only). I was very pleased with the contractor and his crew and Cari’s follow-up throughout the entire project. Thanks, Cari. I’m handing out your card to friends to are DIYers. I hope they will contact you so they can enjoy some island time with me this year!

Exterior Painting Project (before) in Everett

Exterior Painting Project (before) in Everett

Exterior Painting Project (after) in Everett

Exterior Painting Project (after) in Everett

Kitchen and Bath Remodel – Arlington

Mr. and Mrs. Feris in their newly remodeled kitchen.

Mr. and Mrs. Feris in their newly remodeled kitchen.

Kitchen and bath remodels can be tricky projects. Careful planning goes into place to ensure the job is completed as quickly as possible and with the least amount of disruption and mess. Our most recently completed remodeling project in Arlington included a kitchen remodel, two bathroom remodels, and new flooring throughout most of the house. The Feris family was wonderful to work with and they did a fabulous job with design input and material choices. Each room turned out absolutely lovely. Milt, his crew and Contractor Hotline sincerely thank the Feris family for the opportunity to be involved and hope you enjoy your newly remodeled home for many years to come.

Following are a couple before and after photos of the kitchen.

 

Kitchen Remodel (before)

Kitchen Remodel (before)

Kitchen Remodel (After)

Kitchen Remodel (After)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen Remodel 2 (Before)

Kitchen Remodel 2 (Before)

Kitchen Remodel After (2)

Kitchen Remodel After (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Things To Do Before Vacation

Returning home after a well-deserved break, only to discover a flooded laundry room or kitchen is not how most people want to end their vacation. Follow these simple steps to avoid coming home to a big mess and costly repairs.

1.  Turn off the water

Water leaks can cause devastating damage to your home in a short amount of time. A failed hose connection, plumbing fixture, pipe fitting, or appliance can leak gallons of water in no time, resulting in costly repairs.

  • Turn the main water supply off completely unless someone will be watering plants or pet sitting in your absence. Turn off the individual water supply to sinks, toilets, and washing machine.

Most hoses that come standard with new washing machines are low quality, often lasting less than five years. High quality burst proof replacement hoses, such as those available at Floodchek, can be purchased for around $40. This small investment can potentially save thousands of dollars in damages.

2. Unplug appliances and electronics

Defective household appliances, electronics, and wiring can be a fire hazard. Some are also prone to damage from power surges. In addition to fire risk and damage they can draw power and waste electricity, even when not in use.

  • Unplug kitchen appliances and household electronics like the TV, DVD player, and computer.
  • Ensure electrical outlets are not overloaded.
  • Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords, plugs, and power strips.
  • Turn down heat or air-conditioning to conserve energy or turn it off completely if practical.

3. Secure your home

Nothing speaks louder to a potential intruder than an overgrown lawn or newspapers piled on the porch. Secure your home by taking some simple steps to make it look lived in during your absence.

  • If you have a home security system, contact the service provider with the dates you will be gone and how best to reach you in case of emergency. Instruct the house sitter how to operate the system.
  • Place a hold on mail and newspaper delivery. Visit the United States Postal Service website to cease mail delivery for the dates you specify.
  • Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye out for door flyers or packages. If possible, ask the neighbor to park their car in your driveway.
  • If leaving garbage bins out to be emptied, arrange for someone to remove them from the curb once the garbage is collected.
  • Arrange for the grass to be cut in your absence.
  • Store tools and ladders out of sight and lock outdoor shed or storage area.
  • Remove outdoor spare keys.
  • Keep trees and bushes trimmed away from windows and doorways.
  • Install timers for interior and exterior lights and set them to mimic your regular habits.
  • Ensure all windows and doors are locked, including basement windows and the door from the garage leading into the house.
  • Move expensive electronics, jewelry, etc out of sight from windows and doors. Secure valuables in a home safe or safe deposit box.
  • Leave a house key, contact information, and itinerary with a friend or neighbor.
  • Notify the local police station with your plans so they can include your home on their neighborhood watch list.

4. Think before sharing

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have made it easier than ever to publicly share personal information. It is very popular to share pictures and personal information of where we are, who we are with, and what we are up to. This information can then be shared with friends of friends, potentially hundreds or more often complete strangers.

  • Think twice before publicly sharing pictures and trip highlights on social media while you are gone on vacation. It might be better to play it safe and wait until you return home.
  • Keep the same greeting on your home phone and turn off the ringer. A ringing phone left unanswered is a tip to an intruder that no one is home.

5. Last but not least

  • Throw out all perishable items in the refrigerator.
  • Take out the trash, making sure lids are secure on outdoor garbage.
  • Water plants (indoor and outdoor).
  • Have a worry free vacation!

 

Storage & Shelving Solutions

Maximize your pantry storage capacity

Maximize your pantry storage capacity

Maximize the storage capacity in the kitchen, pantry, bath, laundry room, or garage, anywhere you have a cabinet. Custom made glide-out shelving is designed to suit your unique storage needs and existing cabinet space.

Transform kitchen cabinets into useful storage with easy access, full visibility, and maximum use of space. No more getting down on your hands and knees to find items hiding in the back of deep cabinets. With the touch of a finger, glide-out shelves will bring those items to you for easy access. Storing small items such as spices or canned goods often result in wasted space in the upper portion of the cabinet. Multiple shelves or storage bins at varying heights accommodate those smaller items and allow use of the entire cabinet space.  

Could you use more storage space in the bathroom? Plumbing beneath sinks in bathrooms and kitchens often creates a void of unusable space. Unique riser solutions allow more storage space around obstructing pipes, maximizing use and allowing easy access to all those under the sink supplies.

Is the garage or shop area outgrowing the existing storage space? Installing heavy-duty customized glide-out shelving or storage bins in your existing storage cabinet reduces clutter, helps keep things organized, and recaptures lost space.

Keep the trash bin out of site

Store the trash bin out of site

Reduce clutter, maximize storage space, and solve those hard to use spaces with a custom system designed especially for your specific home and storage needs. Custom cubbies, under-the-counter trash bins, tray bins for storing cookie sheets and cutting boards, and pull-down shelving for those high shelves – these are just a few of the unique ideas and solutions available.

Please contact us with questions or when you are ready to schedule a free design consultation.

Enjoy a night on us at Salish Spa & Lodge!

We would like to treat you to a special night at Salish Spa & Lodge!

Memorial Day to Labor Day Summer Promotion. Refer a friend between Memorial Day and Labor Day and your name will be entered to win a night for two at Salish Spa & Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls. The resort getaway is a short 30 minute drive from Seattle and the perfect location to indulge in some serious pampering. Second prize winner receives a $100 gift certificate toward the home improvement service of their choice. Apply it toward any home maintenance, repair, or remodeling project you would like to have completed.

FIRST PRIZE: Salish Spa & Lodge, a special night for two*

SECOND PRIZE: $100 Gift Certificate*

Multiple referrals increase your chance of winning. Your name will be entered to win each time you refer someone between now and Labor Day. Referrals must have work completed or scheduled with deposit by Sep 1, 2014. Do you have a project we can help you with this summer? Your name will also be entered to win each time you use our services during this promotion.

Everyone is a Winner! In addition to our Summer Promotion, all referrals are rewarded year round through our Referral Appreciation Program.

$25 American Express Cash Gift Card (for each referral of $500 or more closed business)

$10 Starbucks Gift Card (for each referral less than $500 of closed business)


Submit your referrals via our website, give us a call at 425-775-9085,

*First prize includes a deluxe guestroom for two at Salish Spa & Lodge on a Friday night and $50 credit at Salish Spa & Lodge. Subject to availability and black out dates. Second prize limited to services Contractor Hotline offers and locations served. Please visit our website or call for more information.

Edmonds Business Expo, June 7, 2014

Looking for something FREE and FUN to do in EDMONDS? The third annual Edmonds Business Expo is Sat, June 7 from 10-3 pm at the Edmonds Conference Center (4th Ave & Bell St). The expo is a great way to meet and learn about a variety of service providers who may not have brick and mortar storefronts but who provide useful services to the community. Free entry, door prizes, and promotions from area businesses! Make it a full day and combine your visit with a stroll through downtown Edmonds and the Edmonds Farmer’s Market. The market is open from 9-2 pm and located just one block from the expo. We hope to see you there!