Category Archives: Home Improvement

Spring Lawn Care

Spring Lawn Maintenance

Spring Lawn Maintenance

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

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

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

Top 5 Home Improvement Projects

 

Kitchen Remodel and Full Home Renovation

Kitchen Remodel and Full Home Renovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exterior Painting, Siding & Window Replacement

Before

Before

After

After

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

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

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

New Door Installation, Re-Work Existing Door, Lock and Hardware Installation

An eye-catching front door gives your home a touch of class.

An eye-catching front door welcomes visitors to your home with a touch of class

The front door of your house sets the tone for the rest of your home. If you want to spruce up your home’s exterior, consider either replacing the front entry door, or give the existing door a make-over. Selecting an eye-catching front door can give an otherwise plain exterior a touch of class. If the existing door is in good condition you can also add a lot of pop simply by repainting the door with a bold new color. If you’re having a hard time deciding on a color, the following article How To Choose a Front Door Color, by Houzz is full of useful ideas. Don’t forget the hardware. A classy new door knocker, shiny kick plate, or new lockset will give it that final touch. If you need help installing a new door, painting or re-working your existing door (including weather-stripping, thresholds, and sill work), or replacing hardware, we can help. We have exceptional contractors who specialize in just this type of work.

Garage, Work Shop, or Man Cave!

Work Shop

Whatever your needs, we can help. One happy customer, Steve, from Marysville now has an outbuilding he can use for any purpose that suits him.

Contact us if you need help building a custom garage, storage shed, or work shop. We would be happy help make your ‘man cave’ a reality.  Whether you have a custom design in mind or need help assembling a pre-fabricated outbuilding we have the expertise to help, including assistance with permits, excavation, and electrical or plumbing if needed.

Garage, Work Shop, Man Cave!

Garage, Work Shop, Man Cave!

HVAC Contractor

Having an HVAC contractor you know and trust is truly a blessing. Especially when your heating system quits working in the middle of winter. Today I had the opportunity (if you want to call it that) to hire one of the HVAC contractors from my own network of service providers. My furnace quit working over the weekend and I was more than ready to have it fixed today. They would have come Sat but the rates are a bit higher on the weekend so I elected to tough it out. They showed up on time, were courteous and friendly, assessed the problem quickly, and made the repairs, all in about 1.5 hours time. I have to say I’m quite impressed and feel fortunate to be able to try out one of our contractors first hand. If you need HVAC services, whether preventive or emergency, be sure and give me a call and I will gladly and confidently connect you with truly great people!

Fence Staining In October?

Cedar fence, stained and ready for winter

Cedar fence, stained and ready for winter

 

Exterior painting after September is usually unheard of in our neck of the woods. This fall has been incredibly dry and pleasant to wrap up those last minute projects. Thanks to our talented painters they were able to move quickly and complete this project just last week. Thank you Mr. Stewart for giving us the opportunity!

CleanGutters-SeattleContractorReferrals.png

Gutter & Downspout Cleaning, Gutter Repair, Gutter Replacement

How to Clean Rain Gutters & Downspouts

 CleanGutters-SeattleContractorReferrals.pngGutters and downspouts should be kept clear of debris and properly diverting water away from your home. If you don’t mind working from a ladder, this is a job you can do on your own.

First clean out any lose debris using a scoop or simply by hand. Once clean, flush the gutters with a hose, checking for leaks at the seams. If you notice any leaks, thoroughly clean and dry the area before applying a quality outdoor caulk.

Check that the gutters are fastened securely to the home and make any necessary repairs you are comfortable doing on your own. Significant gutter repairs or gutter replacement is best left to the experts.

It is also important to make sure downspouts are positioned properly so water is diverted away from the home and not slowly leaking through the foundation and into your crawl space or basement.

Don’t forget to check and clear storm drains at the same time. Monitor gutters, downspouts, and drains regularly throughout the rainy season to ensure they remain clear and working properly.