Do You Need a Handyman or a Specialist?

I often get asked for referrals for home maintenance. Sometimes it's obvious what the person is looking for. If it's an appliance I can recommend an appliance repair person. If it's a furnace an HVAC person. Sometimes however I need more information. I found this great chart on the HomeAdvisor website that gives a better understanding of the skills you're looking for when you do these projects.

Check it out, do you need a handyman or a specialist?

Kitchen Thoughts

My kitchen is need of some updating so I've been reading articles about kitchen remodels and design. I realized there are some other criteria to consider other than just what kind of counter tops I want and should I paint my custom oak cabinets white.

It never occurred to me that the type of hood fan I choose might be dictated by the local building code. I sure wouldn't want to have a violation and have to redo my hood fan.

I also am thinking about drawer pulls or knobs because right now I don't have any. I do love the look of my unadorned cabinets but I know that new hardware will update the look. I just never thought about the fact that I might need two or three different types or sizes to work on all the different types of door and drawer fronts.

Then there are the counter tops. I assumed that I would just replace the counter tops with granite or quartz and straight edges like I currently have but now I'm thinking they should be an eased edge or slightly softened corners. I think that's more in style with my kitchen than the bull nosed or very rounded look.

I have thought about the sink. I already know that I want an undermount sink so it's easier to keep the area clean. It also looks so neat and tidy.

The last thing I can think about today is the toe kicks. Hmm.. I guess these don't need to match the cabinets especially if they're white. Maybe stainless steel would be good, especially with the stainless appliances.

What about you? Are you thinking about making changes or updating your kitchen. What kinds of materials are you thinking about?

Pricing to Sell

http://www.inman.com/2015/03/20/the-one-item-needed-to-sell-a-home-for-top-dollar/

great article about pricing homes to sell for top dollar.

Remodeling or Moving, what to do

I was reading AARP magazine recently and there is an article about the option to remodel rather than move. Universal Design is the concept of (not gimpy)...a home for kids, and also for older people who may have a hard time getting around. In general, a home that works for all abled and not so able bodies, and looks...not sterile.

I am keenly aware of this as today I'm going to get my mom who has been in a nursing home for 100 days following emergency surgery prompted by cancer treatment. She would stay, but medicare won't pay after today. She had a bit of trouble getting around her house when we took her there a couple of weeks ago for a 3 hour visit.

Today she goes home to stay with her stepmom, a woman in her mid eighties. Her house has grab bars and the things one needs to get around if your body isn't so agile anymore.

By the way, my favorite Seattle Contractor is Jeff Reddan and my favorite Seattle Architect/designer is Barry Senter .

I would trust these guys to remodel my own house, or my grandmother's... 

Profits Again by Reducing Mortgages

This New York Times article hit a nerve.

NO BLOGGING about bad real estate photos

New rule from the NWMLS. Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

NO BLOGGING! Check this box, if you allow blogging. I am not allowed to give my opinion on a blog about anyone's property. What? Well, here is my favorite worst photo of the day. I won't say what house it is from, because it's a good representation of a million bad photos. Really...people! Hire a professional photographer. Please.

Cymric Silver

It's really gray, but this color was suggested by a friend/designer and it is on all the walls and ceilings of our house. It looks so fabulous!

Paint color Here

Contractor Cleans Up!

Wow! This man did an amazing job on the repair to the holes in my walls after the plumbing repair, and best of all, he cleaned up after himself. I love that. If every contractor did that, I'd be so much happier with the jobs they did.

Plumbing, contractors and all that

Wow, I have had a glimpse into the reality of home ownership. I have decided the best way to enjoy a home is to constantly repair and beautify it. My house is a home built in the 1940's and remodeled from time to time since then. It seems that every time a system breaks, I get to see how well the person who fixed or remodeled it last did it, and, it turns out, I am constantly disappointed. The latest sad story is the bathroom leaked into the lower level. Two places, same reason. Bad workmanship from the person who did the last bathroom remodel. The shower, and the toilet...both leaking into walls and floors.

Which brings me to the next observation. There are contractors who people refer because they are awesome. I have had a plumber, a tile guy, and a fix it guy...all stomping through my house with their dirty shoes on, and leaving a mess. (Actually, they clean up somewhat, but there is still dust, grime and dirt, and spare parts left behind) If only these guys would do a great job, and clean up! Would I be happy then?

Maybe when the fan works again...