Homeowners over the age of 55 make a large percentage of those having remodel work done on their homes. Many older homeowners wish to remain in their home rather than move out as they age. This creates a need for remodeling with accessibility in mind. Whether you are of “that age” or not, it is always…

Many basements have at least got drywall up and some lighting, but oftentimes that’s about it. So they end up being a dungeon for rarely-used stuff, only you do actually use that stuff and would really like to be able to find it when you want it, without having to spend an entire day searching.…

Anyone who has had to use a standard, box-store-cabinet kitchen arrangement knows they would do anything for a decent pot & pan drawer. So when you are remodeling, be sure to include two or three deep drawers for your pots and pans. Nothing will get stuck in the back if you can pull out a…

If you don’t have a lot of room, don’t despair! Walk-in closets are like any other room in the house – they are not all the same size. They can be large and spacious or compact. The idea is to make it easier to organize and store your clothes, while making it quick to locate…

Which you probably already knew; however, you can update parts of your bathroom during the interim-between-complete remodels. If you’re not financially or mentally up for a complete shut down of the master bath for possibly a week or so, you could certainly update certain elements in the bath at any time. Replacing an outdated medicine…

Hmm . . . the basic answer is, you love it! But that probably isn’t the answer you were looking for. So here are the details: A design style that you will love as much 5 years from now as you do today. Some kitchen trends may be only a fad – how do you…

Larger showers are proving popular – and who wouldn’t love a roomy space to luxuriate in during your morning shower? Kitchen and Bath Design News states that more than 2/3 of homeowners remodeling their master bath are increasing the size of the shower. Sometimes this is accomplished within the same size room footprint by eliminating…

The one room everyone enters when they visit your home in the summer is the bathroom. If you are tired of the outdated tile and style in your bathroom it’s time for a change. One popular bathroom trend is clean and clinical themes; variations of the same color throughout the bath, using sleek polished or…

If the summer is too hot for you to enjoy being outdoors and barbecuing as often as you would like, consider having a roof built over all or part of your deck. The shade will make a huge difference in outdoor comfort. Roofing can be built of regular roof materials with skylights; or built like…

If you’ve been thinking of re-doing your , but aren’t sure what you want, one way is to look at the latest design trends for inspiration. What looks, finishes and features are popular this year? One is a style that focuses on floor tile; a feature floor tile adds style without overwhelming the space and…

Home owners want a home that is sustainable, energy efficient and user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities, so they can have a home that will last a lifetime. When upgrading the outside, adding a deck increases value to the home, and increases the existing space by opening up new places to entertain and…

What is more annoying than searching for a pan you can’t find, or the baking powder you need to make those special biscuits you had planned dinner around? What you need is the right storage for the way you use your kitchen. Here are some ideas: Make the walls do their share of the work!…

What does that mean if you are planning on remodeling part of your home? Remodeling magazine has some interesting articles on this topic – it must mean there are a lot “boomers” out there! There is a growing movement called “Universal Design” (UD) that studies the way we have traditionally built homes, and how those…

How much do we really know about our awesome neighbors to the north? For those of us in Bellingham, they are only about 25 miles away, a mere 30 minute drive. Many Canadians shop and visit here in Whatcom County, including buying vacation homes that then need remodeling from time to time, creating work for…

Cabinets can be really dressed up by the right knobs and pulls. Whether your kitchen style is classic or modern, there is cabinet hardware that will complement your style. Glass knobs have come back from the victorian past; my grandmothers house, built around 1910 had cut glass door knobs. Now this style can be incorporated…

  The kitchen sink handles most of the daily chores. That’s because it’s the only working area used to both prepare meals and to clean up after. Even high quality sinks wear out; finishes start to dull or chip, and annoying leaks appear around the rim and drain. Kitchen sinks come in a variety of…

What is it? Universal design refers to a broad range of ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to older people, people without disabilities and people with disabilities. It is used in home remodeling to make things safer, easier and more convenient for everyone. It does not mean turning a…

Outdoor kitchens can be added to any deck; they can be as small as a barbecue and a counter or as elaborate as a full outdoor kitchen complete with refrigerator, sink, oven, and seating area. Outdoor appliances must be purchased for outdoor installation. They are sturdier and freeze-protected. Piping for water, waste and gas will…

If you are frustrated at the wasted space in your kitchen’s corner cabinet, Hafele America makes great shelves that will allow you to utilize every square inch of that space. Have additional shelves installed inside your cabinets if you find you have a lot of unused space between shelves. Dinner plates don’t need 12″ of…

  There are many reasons a home can feel too small: A growing family, a need for another bathroom; a new hobby that needs its own room; accumulation of too much “stuff”; or perhaps the kitchen is too small, with little room for company, or you might need a play room for the kids? Adding…

It’s been said that it’s the details that make a remodel perfect. What would bring your kitchen or bath remodel to perfection? Here are some ideas to consider: Have a mural incorporated into the kitchen backsplash or the shower walls; or even on the bath floor. What about unique pendant lights that will add style…

Most discussions on this topic focus on recouping the costs of the remodel when you sell your home. What if you don’t plan to sell anytime within the next 10 years? Does that mean you have to live with your kitchen “as-is” until you come closer to that day you might sell? Absolutely not! The…

Did you know that the young and the elderly person can recieve burns from shower fixtures and tub water temperatures that are too high? In the U.S., tap water burns cause an estimated 1,500 hospital admissions and 100 deaths per year. According to research, human exposure to hot water at 140 deg. F can cause…

Have engineered quartz installed on your cabinets instead of granite or marble. It is a popular kitchen countertop material; it’s man-made, durable, low-maintenance with the look and feel of natural stone and can be found in a multitude of colors and patterns. It is an excellent choice for those who seek a kid-proof, budget friendly…

If you have a deck already, you may fall into the category of dissatisfaction with it’s design. And if it is nearing the end of it’s life, this would be the time to have your contractor assist in re-designing the deck before demolition and construction of the replacement. A good deck can capture a view,…