It’s all relative, right? What you are prepared for determines whether it’s a big thing or not. Many of our Bellinghamsters are avid skiiers or snowboarders, so many are OK with the snow, but for the rest . . . not so much. Schools have been closed for 3 days now, some buried in drifting…
Exhaust hoods can be a stylish focal point for your kitchen. If you are unhappy with your current hood, either because of poor ventilation or because the style just doesn’t work for you, it may be time to replace that hood. It needs to exhaust through the roof as well, to properly do it’s job.…
What’s not to like in extra storage and working space? If you have a few square feet that currently only increase the number of steps from your countertop to the stove or fridge, then maybe it’s time to see if an island can be built in there. Undercounter microwave, cookbook shelves and an informal eating…
If it has been quite a few years since it was built, and little maintenance has been done on it, you know how frustrating it can be to have various things in your home frequently break down and have to replace or repair them, one after another! There are so many parts and pieces to…
If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, your bathrooms probably have a lot of wear, and may be outdated. Updating a bathroom adds value to your home, but if you are on a budget, you may be looking for less expensive ways to upgrade. Granite countertops are popular, and since bathroom counters…
And what would that be? The faucet and sink, of course! While we want our sinks and faucets to be stylish, what everyone really wants is the most is functionality we can get. Low maintenance is great too! So what does functionality really mean in a faucet and sink combination? A functional faucet is one…
Lets face it, bathrooms take a lot of wear and tear . . . and moisture damage. They need to be upgraded more often than other rooms in the house. It’s the little details that make a bathroom unique. From the type of shower surround to the color of the tile, a bath remodel can…
There’s no need to dislike that dark little room! Yes, it’s tiny, and probably there is no window, but there is a lot you can do with that little space to dress it up! Powder rooms are a great place to go all out, break all the rules and use materials that might look ‘over…
What does that mean, and who says so? All the studies are showing that seniors are preferring to stay in their homes as long as possible, instead of moving to retirement homes. If you love your home, your neighbors and your neighborhood, why wouldn’t you want to stay there? The problem is that as we age,…
Kitchen countertops take more wear than the floor! Accidental whacks with that knife, dropping a cast-iron pan, and don’t even get me started on what teenagers can do to a countertop. Cutting board! What’s that? As a result, you will find the need to replace it, and why not? That old countertop is just, well,…
Time for an addition! Or if you have an unfinished basement, that makes a great place to expand into. Some attics have enough head height for useable space there. Otherwise, do what so many of your neighbors have done; add a partial second floor, or convert a garage into living space. Typically, garages are not…
Curved shower rods! Instantly upgrade your bathroom with a curved shower rod. It’s not only small bathrooms that benefit from having more space in the shower. Curved shower rods provide more room to maneuver while taking a shower without increasing the footprint of the shower. It’s amazing how much difference a curved rod makes. Single…
What style would you love to see in the bathrooms in your home? Do you like soothing colors, calming patterns, and a spa-like feel, or are you into splashy, bold colors and exciting patterns? Whatever your thing, bathrooms are the best place to indulge your desires! They typically are the smallest rooms in the house…
Most homeowners are happier if repairs and maintenance are kept to a minimum. It’s a good idea to find out the life-span and maintenance requirements of materials when having your home upgraded. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that there are beautiful materials you can select that don’t cost any more than the more…
Anything that helps with organizing the kitchen! Custom cabinetry really helps with this, as you can have specialty drawers built to hold the pans and dishes you use. Pull-out spice racks and charging drawers are great ways to be able to find things when you need them, and put them out of sight when not…
There should be a bathroom on the main floor. A bathroom located where the senior spends most of their time means they can avoid using the stairs. Bathrooms should be large enough to accommodate someone using a cane, a walker or even a wheelchair. Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide to allow a…
Like most homeowners, you probably have an “if only . . .” list. Those things you would like to change to make your home “just right”. Does your home feel like there isn’t enough space? Here are a few ideas to improve the flow, ambient light and “elbow room”. Walls can be removed to improve…
Good idea? Maybe not! Holiday seasons are lots of fun, but also stressful! It’s a good time to plan for your next remodel project. While doing some holiday shopping online, take a break and check out some kitchen ideas or bath upgrades you’ve been thinking about. Make a list of what you would like to…
Here are some guidelines to help you with planning: Least expensive Keep all piping and wiring where it is. (Don’t move the toilet, sink or shower!) Do replace tub/shower walls and door Have a new lav countertop installed. Replace all the hardware and bath mirror. Paint walls and cabinets. Replace the flooring. Have new light…
Many of us want a home office, if not for work, then for paying bills, reviewing articles and books we find interesting; even checking out cookbooks! Reading through recipes isn’t necessarily something you want to do in the kitchen. So, how to create a pleasant, efficient office in the home? Depending on how you intend…
One detail is the kitchen faucet. You could have a professionally remodeled kitchen, with all new appliances, but if the faucet leaks or isn’t tall enough to fit your large pot under, it can be just downright annoying, taking the glimmer off your beautiful kitchen. Perhaps the faucet just doesn’t have the right features for…
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 235,000 people over age 15 end up in the emergency room because of injuries suffered in the bathroom, and almost 14 percent end up hospitalized. More than a third of the injuries happen while bathing or showering. 14 percent occur while using the…
Some homes are high-maintenance, and that costs time and money. Here are a few ideas on how to turn that high-maintenance home into a low-maintenance one: Select siding such as fiber-cement siding; it is a tough, long-lasting fiber-cement material that is easier on paint (not so much expanding and contracting as wood), and is rot,…
We often get calls requesting additions to homes, and at least half of these are exploring the possibility of going up – adding on a full or partial second floor. We have built many of these second floor additions and can handle the structural requirements, permitting and construction. If you are arriving at the conclusion…
Showers are comprised of shower pans, waterproof backerboard, tile, mortar, and the piping, including a drain, valves and shower head. It’s fun to pick out tile for the shower, and stylish drains can be installed as well. But when it comes to the shower head, your options are truly amazing! A growing trend in showers…