Category Archives: Home Improvement

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.

Siding Repair and Siding Replacement Options

Pacific Northwest weather can take a toll on a home not properly protected. Selecting a quality siding product and ensuring it is properly installed is paramount in protecting your home from sun, wind, and moisture. In addition to protecting the home from outdoor elements, updating the exterior can also increase energy efficiency, raise the value of a home, and update its overall appearance.

Some common siding products are vinyl, fiber cement, and cedar or wood siding. When choosing which siding product will work best with your home consider the maintenance, cost, longevity of the product, and similar architectural styles in the neighborhood.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is an affordable, resilient, and versatile product. It’s constructed out of a PVC plastic resin, which makes it strong, resistant to rust and rotting, and if properly installed will hold up well against the elements. Vinyl is man-made and can be produced in any shape or color and can imitate textures such as painted wood. In addition to its strong exterior properties it is one of the more affordable options and relatively easy to install. Upkeep for vinyl siding is as simple as an annual cleaning. Because the color, or dye, is cast throughout the entire product you never have to paint vinyl siding. A downside to this type of siding is the color can fade over time from extensive exposure to sunlight.

Fiber-Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is a cost-effective material that can imitate the appearance of wood, requires little maintenance, can withstand extreme weather conditions, and provides fire protection. Combined with certain weather barriers and insulation it will increase the home’s energy efficiency. It is impervious to damage caused by heat, wood-boring insects, rot, and is resistant to deterioration from salt and UV rays. Its impenetrable exterior requires no maintenance and usually comes with a 50-year warranty. Due to its strength and durability fiber cement siding is often favored by home owner insurance companies. A drawback to fiber cement siding is the cost. It is priced much higher than vinyl siding. Special tools and additional labor is required to install properly.

Wood Siding

A visually appealing and natural look for the outside of a home is cedar or wood siding. Cedar can be cut into various styles and stained into several shades that fade handsomely over time. Cedar or wood siding is the product that vinyl and cement try to emulate. It matches almost every architectural style and is an eco-friendly choice that is 100 percent biodegradable and can last up to 75 years. Since the siding is natural wood, it is flammable, prone to rot and insects, and needs re-staining or painting periodically. It is also expensive when compared to other siding options.

LP Siding

If your house was built in the late eighties or early nineties, there is a good chance it is covered in LP (short for Louisiana-Pacific) siding. If this is the case, you may be due for siding replacement. LP siding was made from wood chips glued together to form a board, such as plywood, and was meant to look like real wood. The issue with this type of siding is that it fails wherever it’s exposed to weather (which in the Pacific Northwest, is often). Once water clings to the bottom edge of the siding it saturates, swells and deteriorates. If your home has LP siding that is deteriorating, let us help you find a qualified contractor to assist with your siding repair or siding replacement.

If you are looking to update your siding and give your home a facelift let us help you find the best siding replacement contractor for your home improvement project!

Planning A Kitchen Remodel

For many, the kitchen is considered the most important room in the house, whether it’s for entertaining, family gatherings, cooking a meal, or enjoying a moment of silence at the beginning or end of the day. Because the kitchen is a such a significant room in the home, renovating it can be daunting and expensive. From minor kitchen updates to a complete kitchen remodel, it is necessary to carefully plan your kitchen remodel. Soliciting the help of professionals who specialize in kitchen design and remodeling is crucial.

When deciding if a kitchen remodel is in your future, there are some important things to first consider.

What is the overall goal of the kitchen remodel?
Does it need modest cosmetic updates or a more extensive renovation?
How often is the kitchen used?
Will it be used for entertaining?
What is the maximum budget?

Considering these questions will give you a starting place in your kitchen design and remodeling plan.

The design is an essential aspect of a kitchen renovation. Considering the questions listed above is beneficial in discovering which design and style will fit the kitchen’s remodel goals. It’s necessary to align your kitchen’s style so it’s coherent with the rest of your house. Below, are five of the most popular design-styles used in kitchen remodels today.

Country Kitchen

Cozy, comfortable, and inviting are the goals for a country-style kitchen. Farmhouse tables and rustic-looking pieces will significantly elevate this theme. Although wood is the main aspect of a country-inspired kitchen, splashes of red, yellow and blue tones are usually present.

Modern Kitchen

A modern design is sleek and minimalistic. A kitchen with this style has shiny surfaces and high-tech appliances. Gray, white, or black colors with granite countertops and small wood accents set a nice scene for someone looking for a sophisticated update.

Contemporary Kitchen

This kitchen style is ideal for entertaining and has an overall, “welcoming” look to it. The curated old and new materials are usually casual, but polished. An island is an ideal addition to this remodel because it allows more counter space and room for people to interact.

Traditional Kitchen

A traditional kitchen is perfect for a life that revolves around family activities. Its comfortable, timeless style is welcoming to everyone. The kitchen has a “vintage” look and may include white tiles, cupboards, or paneled glass cabinet fronts. This kitchen design is a classic and will never go out of style.

Old-World Kitchen

Solid craftsmanship is the goal of an old-world kitchen design. Combining history and luxury, this style utilizes dark woods, detailed wood carvings, and stone or wood floors. This type of kitchen incorporates a seasoned beauty in a historic home.

Although the payoff is worth the inconvenience, living through a remodel while trying to go through everyday life can be challenging. Some common renovation issues to anticipate (and get accustomed to) for the duration of a kitchen remodel is the mess, dust, contractors moving in and out of the house, noise, and to assume the unexpected.

A kitchen remodel is a significant project not to be taken lightly. If a kitchen improvement project is in your home’s future, first establish a comprehensive plan, design, and budget. Additionally, it’s essential to hire a contractor who understands your remodeling goals and can transform them into your dream kitchen. Keep in mind you will be working closely with this contractor and their team for several months. Choosing a remodeling contractor with the ability to achieve your goals and whose personality is compatible with your own is essential to the success of any large-scale home improvement project. Let us help you find the right contractor today!

Roof Replacement or Roof Repairs

Roof Replacement

When it comes to home improvement, replacing or repairing a roof might not be as exciting as say a kitchen remodel, but what good is a nice kitchen when the roof is falling in, right? Your home is a big investment. Just like a car, proper care is necessary to keep it well maintained and beautiful.

The following describes the many different types of roofs and the pros & cons of each.

The term, “putting a roof over one’s head,” is usually used as a figure of speech, but the saying should be taken literally when thinking about the best type of roof for your home. Whether you are looking to hire a roofing contractor for roof repairs and maintenance or roof replacement, we can help!

The Pacific Northwest has an array of weather patterns that might leave you confused as to which type of roof replacement is the optimum choice for your home improvement project. Just like roofing contractors, not all roofing material is created equal so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each and the role each plays as your home’s first line of defense against the elements.

Asphalt:

Asphalt composition shingles are the most popular roof replacement, because of their versatility in look, color and low-cost in maintenance and installation. Asphalt shingles are made of fiberglass and organic products that are mixed with asphalt and coated in colored mineral granules.

While the cost to install asphalt shingles is low, many have limited warranties of 15-30 years, and can be easily damaged in rough weather. High winds, heavy rain, and excessive heat can cause the shingles to blow off, crack, curl, or streak, which decreases the roofs’ effectiveness and appearance.

To ensure your asphalt shingle roof stays in optimum condition, it’s important to regularly check for issues. Look for debris buildup near drains or areas behind structures, such as a chimney. In damper climates, like the Pacific Northwest, it is also common for moss or algae to build up and deteriorate your shingles. Zinc strips or various treatments will minimize this issue.

Pros: Easy to install, low-cost, versatile color and texture, deflect UV-rays

Cons: Easily damaged in weather, doesn’t last as long as other roof varieties

Cedar:

Cedar roofing is a beautiful and long-lasting way to upgrade your home. In addition to “aging well,” it can last 30 to 40 years. Cedar is a natural insulator and is an energy efficient way to be eco-friendly and save on heating and cooling bills.

Regular maintenance is required to keep the moss, debris, and rogue tree branches at bay. To help control moss, zinc or copper strips are often installed. Overhanging branches should be trimmed away from the roof to prevent debris from building up and minimizing damage by a falling limb.

Pros: Long-lasting, natural insulator, visually appealing

Cons: Hard to install, expensive, frequent maintenance required

Metal:

Metal roofing is an easy and quick way to update your home. Its durability and simple installation is eco-friendly and lasts 40 to 70 years. It is primarily made of aluminum or steel, but copper, zinc, and titanium are also used. Metal roofing is perfect for keeping out water leaks, resistant to high winds, sheds snow, and does not burn.

Upkeep of this roof style is minimal because of its resistance to mildew, insects, and rot. It can resemble other roof varieties, and it can often be installed over an existing roof.

Pros: Lightweight, recyclable, deflects UV rays, long-lasting, weather resistant, low-maintenance

Cons: Noisy during heavy rainfall and hail, temperature fluctuations might cause panels to loosen

Tile:

If roofing materials had a “best in class” contest, tile roofs would take the cake. It lasts more than 100 years, is visually appealing, durable, and can withstand high winds, hail, rain, and fire. Tile is usually made of terracotta, slate, concrete or plastic and is available in a variety of styles and colors to match any home design. Like aluminum, it is impervious to rot, mold, insect damage, and decay; because of these reasons it requires little maintenance and when properly installed, will never leak.

Pros: Recyclable, eco-friendly, helps regulate indoor temperatures, long-lasting, weather resistant, invulnerable to decay

Cons: Expensive, difficult to install, heavy, tiles are brittle

If you have a flat or low pitch roof we can also connect you with the right roofing contractor for the job. Flat roofs can double as a roof-top deck or allow for the easy installation of new technology, such as solar panels. They also require less material and therefore can be less expensive than steep-slope roofs. Below are common materials and coatings used for flat or low pitch roofs.

Torch Down:

Torch down is a type of flat roof which got its name from the administration used to install it in your home. The material that makes contact with the covering underneath is torched to seal the material, which secures the hold and creates a waterproof seal. Torch down roofing can last 15 to 20 years, and provides resistance to leaks and protection from the heat.

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin):

TPO, short for thermoplastic polyolefin, is a newer roofing material that is energy efficient, UV-resistant, and heat-resistant. TPO is a single ply roofing membrane consisting of three layers. Polymer base, polyester-reinforced fabric center, and thermoplastic polyolefin compound top ply. Usually filled with fiberglass, carbon fiber, and talc. This roof home improvement is economical and affordable, fits different home styles, is durable against mold, dirt, and its lightweight material is easy to install.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride):

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a formula when ethylene and chlorine are combined to produce a vinyl glass that’s converted into a powder and compounded. The PVC membrane comes in rolls of various sizes and thickness and are bound together through heat welding. The material is resistant to chemicals, grease, acid, oil and UV-rays. It’s a lightweight and cost-efficient option.

Whatever type roof you have, proper maintenance, including cleaning and moss treatment, will prolong the life of the roof and keep it protecting your home for many years to come. Regular maintenance and annual inspections are as important as changing the oil in your car. Ignoring a leak or not replacing the roof before it begins to fail is like throwing money to the wind.

If it’s time to replace your roof, we suggest you get several bids and carefully review the fine print, including warranties. Hiring the best roofing contractors for your home improvement is important to ensure your roof is installed correctly and will last as long as possible. We can connect you with a roofing contractor that aligns your wants and needs into a roof best fit for your home.

Contact us for free roofing contractor referrals, roof assessments, and free proposals.

Our expertise is matching customers with the most appropriate service professional for their project. We take the initial steps to ensure they are professional and dependable. Each contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured, successfully passed a thorough screening process including reference checks and regular credential audits, and continue to meet high standards of workmanship. We are committed to helping our customers achieve their home improvement dreams and goals, safely and efficiently.

Aluminum and Cedar Fence

This unique and attractive fencing system is designed to hold up to the harsh Pacific Northwest weather, combining the strength of metal with the warmth and beauty of wood. The support posts and panel stringers are black powder coated aluminum and the panels are constructed of 6” cedar boards. Cedar panels have been finished with Penofin Oil to bring out the natural beauty of the wood and protect against weather and UV radiation.

Porch and Stairs Restoration

This is one of the latest projects completed for one of our Greenlake area customers. Restoration of the front stairs and porch flooring (as needed) on this beautiful, 1913 Greenlake craftsman home. Project included removing existing stairs and portion of porch flooring, installing new decking, constructing new handrails and posts, building new stair stringers, and installing new decking on stair treads. To be finished with Penofin RenewAll elastomeric waterproof coating.

Biggest Bang For Your Buck

Everyone wants the most bang for their buck, especially when it comes to home improvement, right? Ideally, you want to make improvements or upgrades that benefit you and your family’s needs and lifestyle, while also making smart investment decisions. It can be challenging and time consuming to research the myriad options. Luckily, there is a handy resource available to help. The Remodeling 2017 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) is a valuable tool for homeowners.

The Cost vs. Value Report examines 29 popular projects ranging from lower cost improvements to upscale remodels and home additions. It compares average costs by region across the U.S. and the value those projects are expected to yield at resale. Below you will find the top five projects in the greater Seattle area, according to and more fully described in the Cost vs. Value Report.

Garage Door Replacement

Topping the list with a potential 115% return on investment in Seattle is the replacement of an older garage door and tracks with an upscale, 4-section, insulated, high-tensile steel door, with lifetime warranty. Includes new heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks (reusing existing motorized opener), factory-applied paint, thermal panel seals, insulated windows in the top panel, galvanized steel hinges, and ball-bearing urethane rollers.

Alternatively, replacement with a mid-range, 4-section door and galvanized steel tracks yields a lesser, but still significant return of 84.6%. The example used also includes reusing the existing opener, and is an uninsulated, single-layer, embossed, painted steel door with galvanized steel hinges, nylon rollers, and 10-year limited warranty.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Stone Veneer Accent

The second project with the highest possible return includes adding a stone veneer accent to the front of the home. This relatively modest investment can dramatically change the exterior and increase curb appeal. Imagine a street of similarly designed homes and one of them has been upgraded with this classic look. If you were shopping for a home on that street, which one would pop out at you?

At a significant potential return of 102%, this upgrade has great value. The example includes removing 300 square feet of vinyl siding from the entire bottom third of the front of the home. Replace with a manufactured stone veneer, two layers of water-resistant barrier over bare sheathing, corrosion-resistant lath and fasteners, and a ½ inch mortar scratch coat and setting bed.

Attic Insulation (fiberglass)

Adding or upgrading fiberglass insulation in the attic comes in as the third highest valued investment. It is estimated the improvement could yield as much as a 96.2% return on investment.

The project example describes air-sealing a 35×30 attic floor to address air leaks from conditioned space to unconditioned space. Fiberglass loose-fill insulation is then added, placing it over the top of any existing insulation that may already be present, until an R-30 insulation value is reached.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

Minor Kitchen Remodel

Coming in at number four is a modest remodel of a 200 square foot kitchen that is currently functional but in need of cosmetic updates.

Leaving the cabinet boxes intact it includes replacing the cabinet and drawer fronts with shaker style wood panels and new hardware. Replace laminate countertops, sink, faucet, flooring, wall covering, and paint the trim. Replace cook top/oven range and refrigerator with new energy-efficient models. Being careful to stay within a modest budget this type of remodel could yield a 94% return.

Entry Door Replacement (Steel)

We all know how important first impressions can be. Nothing spruces up the look of a home quite like a new front door. Replacing the entry door is a relatively quick and easy job and adds instant curb appeal. For those handy around the home, it might even be a DIY project.

Ideally this investment may reduce utility costs and has a potential 91.5% return on a midrange 20-gauge steel door, including half-glass panel, new jambs, aluminum threshold, and new bored-lock lockset.

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.

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

Washington State requires businesses in the construction trades to be registered as contractors, which includes being bonded and insured. These requirements help inform and protect consumers from fraud, damages, and liability. Simply put, hiring a contractor who does not meet this criteria puts consumers at significant risk. Skimping on credentials to get a job done cheaply or not verifying a contractor’s legitimacy is risky business, often costing consumers thousands of dollars.

Following is a detailed explanation of the terms Licensed, Bonded, and Insured and how the state requirements are designed to protect consumers.

LICENSED

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries requires contractors be licensed as either a general contractor or a specialty contractor, such as drywall or painting. Licensed electricians, plumbers, elevator mechanics, and manufactured home installers require special certification, in addition to a license.

The contractor’s license number must be posted on any marketing materials such as their website, business card, or print advertising. Anyone can visit the Department of Labor & Industries website and verify a contractor by name, license number, workers’ comp account, or UBI number. This search will tell you if their license, bond, and insurance premiums are current, if they have any safety violations or citations, and allow you to track a contractor.

Once licensed the contractor is bound to comply with state building procedures and standards. If a property owner hires a contractor that is not licensed, they may not be protected by state policies. There is often very little that can be done if an unlicensed contractor disappears from a partially completed job or does a job incorrectly. News stories regularly report contractors disappearing with deposits or full payment, botched jobs requiring even more money to re-do them correctly, and sometimes much worse.

BONDED

Contractors licensed in Washington State must be bonded. A bond is essentially a pre-paid savings account with a bank or insurance company that sets money aside in the event a project is not completed according to the contract. This bond or agreement, binds the contractor to the contract with the property owner. If the work is not completed according to the contract the bond will cover any expenses (up to the bond amount) required to complete the job satisfactorily.

General contractors are required to hold a $12,000 bond and specialty contractors a $6,000 bond. If the project is expected to exceed these amounts, the property owner can ask the contractor to post a performance bond. A performance bond covers the full cost of the project and guarantees the property owner compensation for any monetary losses if the job is not completed according to contract. Only the property owner can make claims against a performance bond but it is important to ensure the contract is very specific about the work to be completed.

INSURED

Licensed contractors in Washington State must also carry general liability insurance. Minimum requirements include $50,000 in property damage and $200,000 in public liability, or a $250,000 combined single limit policy.

Damage to persons or property due to contractor negligence may be covered by this policy. In some cases, the property owner could be held liable for personal injury if the contractor does not have insurance.

If the contractor has employees they are required to have a workers’ compensation and industrial insurance policy. Contractor employees injured on the job would be covered by this policy. To verify if a particular contractor’s employees are covered, first pull up the contractor details and click on the link to Verify Workers’ Comp Premium Status.

DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE

In addition to working with a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor, there are several other steps to ensure your home improvement project goes smoothly.

Meet with several qualified contractors and solicit comparable bids. Once you narrow down your choices, speak with several references, particularly of jobs that are similar to yours.

Once you decide on a contractor and the project begins, meet with the contractor regularly. Make sure work is progressing according to the contract and schedule. Check that the proper permits have been obtained and required inspections are conducted.

Once the project is completed, do a final walk-through with the contractor and make sure all punch list items are satisfied before making final payment. If you request lien release documents, avoid making final payment for work performed until you have received the lien release.

Visit ProtectMyHome.net for many more useful links and information.

Contractors In High Demand

Contractor Hotline was founded in August 2006, when the economy was strong and demand for home improvement services was high. Those days were much like the present, when good contractors stayed busy with their customer’s home repair and remodeling needs. But, those days didn’t last long before the recession pretty much brought business to a grinding halt.

Prior to that time, we knocked on a lot of doors trying to get the attention of good contractors interested in new business. By the end of 2008 the tables began to turn and many of those same contractors were seeking out our services. Over time we retained a lot of those original contractors, recruited many more, and built a solid network of quality home improvement professionals. We have been through these times together and value the relationships we have with each other.

Fast forward, we now find ourselves in an interesting housing market. If you have sought out the services of a contractor lately, you likely discovered delays are imminent, especially on larger scale projects. Several factors contribute to current conditions.

Real estate inventory continues to be modest, helping drive home values higher. Many homeowners whose property values were dramatically reduced during the recession are experiencing significant appreciation. This opens up the opportunity for many to make long deferred home maintenance improvements. Others are updating or remodeling their existing homes, rather than waiting to find the next ideal home to purchase. For those who are selling their homes, repairs or updates are sometimes necessary to prepare the home to show well and sell quickly for the best price. New buyers often make improvements such as painting or replacing flooring, before moving in. Each of these circumstances, in addition to an upsurge in new construction, all contribute to an increased demand for good contractor.

Remodeling contractors report they are the busiest they have been in ten years. Some are booking work as far out as 6-12 months. While this can be good news for contractors, it puts an increased strain on the consumer. Homeowners pressured to get work done sometimes take risks, knowingly or unknowingly. Just like the days prior to the recession, stories of illegitimate contractors posing as licensed, bonded, and insured professionals are becoming more common. Contractors disappearing with a homeowner’s deposit, abandoning a job midway, or doing shoddy work are on the rise. Some employees of contracting firms decide to grab the brass ring and strike out on their own. What many of them fail to understand is that it takes a lot more than being a great mason, painter, or remodeling contractor to run a successful business. What goes on in the background such as paying off vendors, obtaining lien releases, and keeping current on insurance premiums and taxes, can impact their customers.

Hiring a contractor during high demand times not only requires due diligence, but also planning as far in advance as possible. Setting unrealistic goals can be stressful and lead to disappointment. Allow 6-12 months for larger scale remodels and home additions. In a soft market when contractors are readily available it can still take weeks and sometimes months to go through the process of meeting contractors, procuring proposals, and obtaining permits. The better prepared you are from the start will help expedite the process. Larger projects may require building plans before contractors can provide bids. Finish materials need to be decided upon and a budget established. Reviewing proposals, checking references, and finalizing a contract are all important steps, prior to getting on the contractor’s schedule. It’s easy to see how it can take months just to reach this point.

Some improvements are seasonal, such as exterior painting for example. Waiting until the weather is ideal is often too late to get on a good painter’s schedule. Starting the process in late winter or early spring helps to ensure there will be multiple contractors to choose from and that your project will be completed during the optimum season.

If you plan to sell your home in the next 6-12 months, now would be the time to have a professional home inspection. A thorough inspection will likely cost less than $500 and well worth the money spent. It should include the structural components, basement or crawl space, foundation, drainage, attic, electrical, plumbing, heating & air conditioning systems, and the full exterior. Allowing plenty of time to address any problem areas in advance will help make the sale of the home go more smoothly. You will also have the option to share the report with prospective buyers, which can be a positive selling point.

Buyers often want to make improvements to their new home before moving in. If the seller is agreeable to allowing prospective contractors into the home prior to closing, this will help expedite the bidding process. Deciding on a contractor and getting your project scheduled prior to possession will save valuable time. Focus on the projects that would be most difficult to complete after you have moved into the home. Painting and flooring are much easier to complete in a vacant house. Larger remodels may require a delayed move-in date or completing in stages so a portion of the home can be closed off from the construction area.

It is realistic to expect the demand for home improvement professionals to remain high for the foreseeable future. Regardless of the size of your next project, it is imperative to plan ahead and be patient.

Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report

Most home improvement projects are initially prompted by a need or desire to expand or modify your home to better suit your family’s needs or lifestyle. Doing some research before finalizing your plans may also help maximize the return on your investment at resale.

The Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) is a valuable resource. The full report examines 30 popular projects ranging from lower cost improvements to upscale remodels and home additions. It compares average costs by region across the U.S. and the value those projects are expected to yield at resale. Following is a local look at the Top 5 Best Value Home Improvement Projects in the greater Seattle area, according to and more fully described in the Cost vs. Value Report

Attic Insulation (fiberglass)

Adding or upgrading fiberglass insulation in the attic tops the charts as the highest valued investment at resale of all 30 projects evaluated across the U.S., as well as the Seattle area. It is estimated the project locally could yield as much as a 150.3% return on investment.

The project example includes air-sealing a 35×30 attic floor to address air leaks from conditioned space to unconditioned space. Fiberglass loose-fill insulation is then added, placing it over the top of any existing insulation that may already be present, until an R-30 insulation value is reached.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Stone Veneer Accent

At a significant potential return of 142.8%, this upgrade has great value. The example in the Cost vs. Value Report includes removing 300 square feet of vinyl siding from the entire bottom third of the front of the home. Replace with a manufactured stone veneer, two layers of water-resistant barrier over bare sheathing, corrosion-resistant lath and fasteners, and a ½ inch mortar scratch coat and setting bed.

Garage Door Replacement

A strong third place contender involves replacing an older garage door with a new, updated door. Even though this upgrade dropped to third place from second in 2015, the resale value actually increased from 121.3% to 141.8% for a midrange replacement door. The report describes a 4-section, un-insulated, embossed steel door on new galvanized steel tracks (reusing existing motorized opener) with a 10 year warranty.

An upscale garage door replacement could fetch up to a 136.9% return, up from 110.5% in 2015. The upscale 4-section, high tensile steel door is insulated, includes insulated glass windows in the top panel, heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks (reusing existing motorized opener), and has a lifetime warranty.

Entry Door Replacement (Steel)

Ideally this investment may reduce utility costs and has a potential 127.9% return on a midrange steel door, including half-glass panel, and new brass or antique-brass lockset.

Window Replacement (Vinyl)

Window Replacement (Wood)

Replacing older, double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, vinyl windows, has multiple benefits.

The investment is expected to again more than pay for itself at an estimated 113.8% return. Not only can it also increase curb appeal, it has the added benefit of outside noise reduction and lower energy costs.