The main concerns of people thinking about removing a wall to open up a kitchen are loss of storage; after all, what is on that wall? Usually cabinets, below and oftentimes above the counter. And what is on the other side of that wall? If it’s not the dining area, then maybe keeping the wall…

Typically kitchen faucets can be expected to last 15 years or more, but there are signs that it’s that time, even if 15 years hasn’t gone by yet. High quality faucets will be worth having repairs, but a typical, low cost faucet should probably just be replaced. Here are some of the indications that it’s…

Kitchens that are open to the dining or living rooms are still requested. For a busy family, being able to move between these rooms with little or no barrier makes for more efficient moving about. Soft-close drawers with hidden storage; more of the kitchen noise can be reduced with quietly closeable drawers. Storage can be…

When planning a kitchen remodel, it is often a need to replace the countertop; if you are not sure what you want, going with a less expensive material will give you time to think about what material to install in the future. A good contractor can help you decide what is important to you in…

Just because there is not room enough for a full bath, doesn’t mean you should go without that additional bathroom. Some homes have enough space for a compact corner shower, the smallest being 30″ by 30″. Sometimes built with a rounded shape, these can feel roomy, they also come in square dimensions, and of course,…

Spring will be here soon, and people are thinking about how to get more out of their outdoor spaces. The traditional deck is a sure winner, but you can take it further if you want more relaxing and less work. The outdoor kitchen takes the concept of the backyard barbecue a step further. A roof…

We have had some calls to build custom greenhouses for clients. Many times a standard greenhouse either cannot access a yard, or the shape and layout of the yard make a manufactured greenhouse impractical. So a dedicated gardener gets a huge benefit from a greenhouse; getting a start on the growing season and a place…

One of the more popular kitchen changes we see is the open concept kitchen. This means removing a wall or sometimes it can be a peninsula that has a cabinet hanging down from above. This blocks off the space as effectively as a wall would. Replace the flooring in the the kitchen. A vinyl plank…

Too many old bath vanities are basically boxes with sinks on top. Modern homeowners are changing this by having those annoying nearly useless vanities replaced with vanites chock full of shelves and drawers. Here we show an example of an otherwise nice looking bath lav, but lacking in storage capacity. Here we have a couple…

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and remodel the bathroom. You know you want to update the room in a way that you will still be happy with years down the road. It can feel overwhelming, but here are some ideas to help clarify what is important. We love to help our clients in…

The biggest improvements that really make a difference are the main surfaces and fixtures that affect everyday use. Nearly all kitchen remodels include countertops, backsplashes, sinks, cabinets and faucets. As in any home remodel, how you use your home should influence any changes you make. Be sure to think about future changes your family might…

Expanding your home through well-thought out additions increases your living space and adds to the value of your home. That additional space means you can have a customized room to suit your preferences and needs. A well planned addition means you can choose custom features and make the space truly your own. An addition can…

Installing pull outs for the undercounter cabinets is a great way to make space you already have more functional. Even that pesky corner that seems to absorb pots into a dark recess so that you never see them again, can be made useful. Some homeowners choose to turn undercounter spaces into drawers (as seen in…

Bathrooms need upgrading more often than most other rooms in the house, as the moisture from showers can be wearing on surfaces and materials. If you are thinking about that next bath remodel here are some ideas from a local home that we had the privilege to remodel. Notice the tile around the tub with…

The old fashioned cabinet style for undercounter storage is gradually giving way to the far more useful and efficient drawers. This seems like a “no brainer”, but for decades homeowners suffered with the poorly organized cabinet design. Todays homeowners often request at least a few pull out drawers installed during a kitchen remodel, and not…

Every home, even new ones, have something about them that just does not work for the homeowner; things that might have been overlooked during the purchase process, or not thought important at that time. But after living in the home, there are quirks that show up and can turn out to be quite irritating. Some…

Most homes have a tub/ shower in one bathroom; these work best for families with children, but if that’s not you, then you may be longing for that full size shower. Removing a tub often means you can get a 5 foot shower in that space. A walk in shower with tile and glass walls…

A typical kitchen cabinet finish should last 10 years or more, depending of course on the finish and how it is cared for. Everyday use can leave scratches, dents and wear out paint especially where we grab the pulls to open and close. You will know when this has gotten to the point that you…

Here in Bellingham we have lots of older homes built in the 30’s and 40’s, and they often have small garages, some of which are falling apart by now, but that is another story. Why were those garages built so small? Can you even open your car doors when parked inside them? I don’t have…

Tile is a large part of a bathroom; so picking just the right tile will make the bathroom stand out. It can be the color selected, or perhaps or the contrast in choosing a large format tile for the rooms floor, and a small format tile for the shower. Some homeowners choose a darker color…

Garages are funny things; many of them are too full of “stuff” to put a car in, which was the original idea, putting a car in there. However, they have evolved into many things, including a storage room. But also they have become exercise rooms, home offices, second family room, and guest bedroom with bath.…

Most of us, when we think of building an addition on to the house, think of an entire room – such as a new bedroom, perhaps with a bathroom. But additions can be anything from a small bump out to accommodate a new gas fireplace, or a bay window to brighten up the breakfast nook.…

Decks are a great place to add a grill, comfortable seating, an outdoor dining table, and much more. Another option for extended seasonal use of a deck is a roof; it keeps you dry if it might rain, and cooler if the sun gets too warm. You can also include radient heaters, and cooling fans.…

The best kitchen will be the one that works for you; your family size, ages, and meal prep styles. After that, functional spacing, appropriate arrangement of cabinets and appliances, and a color scheme that you love. Lighting that allows you to see the countertop corners under the cabinets, pleasing colors that go well together make…

If you like the open-concept home then here are some additional benefits that you may not have thought of. Those single level homes (mostly) with kitchens open to the living and dining area have the added benefit of incorporating again in place features. After all, it will be easier to navigate with fewer walls, whether…