As a homeowner, it can be fun and exciting to decide how best to use your space. Let’s put our creative thinking caps on and consider some of the many ways to better use some underutilized space around the home. Whether it is creating more storage, a special cubby for some quiet time, or getting better organized, I bet there is some place in your home that isn’t living up to its fullest potential. Read More >>

For those planning to sell their home in 2019, spring can be the opportune time to place it on the market. In addition to the right timing, selling a home in a reasonable amount of time for the best possible price requires some careful strategy.

Step 1 – Consult with a Real Estate Professional

The first and most important step is to consult with a real estate professional. They will walk you through the steps of what to expect and how to best prepare and show your home to maximize return. You only have one chance to make that all important first impression. Following are tips we have gleaned from the real estate professionals we know and trust. Read More >>

Is your family outgrowing your home? Do you want more living space but selling and buying a larger house is out of the question? A good solution might be right under your nose, or roof that is.

In multi-level houses, the main floor tends to be the most utilized and gets the most attention. Typically, this is where the primary entrance, living room, and kitchen are located. While this might continue to be the family hub, there could be a gold mine of extra space potential in either an unfinished attic or basement. Before uprooting or considering a costly home addition, it might be worth taking a closer look at underutilized space you already have. Finishing an attic or basement could give your family some much needed extra space, add value to your house, and could be less expensive to accomplish than many other significant home improvement projects. Read More >>

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. Read More >>

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. Read More >>

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. Read More >>

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. Read More >>

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. Read More >>

Not to get personal, but let’s talk bathrooms! A bathroom could be considered a little oasis inside of your home; a place to escape the chaos and enjoy a private moment alone. It is also the most important room in a home and in today’s modern standards wouldn’t be livable without it.

If your bathroom is outdated or too small for your family, perhaps you have considered a bathroom remodel or upgrade. Although a bathroom renovation is no small task, it can increase a home’s value, improve functionality on a day-to-day basis, and maybe stop a fight or two between siblings. Whether it’s enlarging a bathroom, installing cosmetic updates, or a complete renovation, careful planning from start to finish is necessary for a successful outcome. Read More >>