The sun will come out! Tomorrow! What a beautiful week it has been. A little chilly here and there but the sun came out! That is so exciting. Snow is pretty but also really cold and makes everything dark from the clouds. With the sun coming back out people are getting back outside for those outdoor activities. I know I did. I just went with my family to Deception Pass for a day trip and it was gorgeous. Definitely had a good amount of wind, but other than that it was very nice being outside enjoying nature. When it starts getting nice out I wish I had a home and not an apartment so I can hang out in my backyard, barbecue some good food and have company over. In an aparmtnet there is no luxury of a yard. There is a porch but not much space. Those of you with the yard, do you have the space to have company over for a barbecue? Do you have a porch to barbecue on? If you have the space but nothing to enjoy the space, give us a call so we can chat 425-224-2004
There is no greater honor than having our past clients/friends recommend us to their friends, family and co-workers. To show our appreciation, we would like to invite you to participate in our exclusive client referral
program.
When you refer a friend, family member or co-worker to our company and they sign a
construction contract with us, you will receive 1% of the total project cost on a future project with our company or cash. A $100,000 project=$1,000 credit.
The people who you refer to our company will also receive 1% off of their project costs to be used with their current project.
There is no limit on how many times you can use this program, so the more you use it, the more money you can earn.
We look forward to working with you, your friends and your family.
Trivia Question:
Q: What planet is the Month March named after?
Call in correct answer for $10 Starbucks Gift Card 425-224-2004
(Where are my winners at?!)
Classic Remodeling NW Inc. hired on two new guys, Manny and Eric. They are a great addition to the team. We have a few projects running at this time, a whole house remodel, a remodel of the lower level of a split level home, a sunroom repair, and an addition. We just had a kitchen remodel and deck remodel sign, so we will be gearing up for that project as well. Homeowners have started their process of either designs for permit or even got a bid for the work as there is no permit needed for their project and it is wise to do so, since we are about to be in spring officially, this is when construction starts getting pretty busy. You may be thinking of later in the year, but to get with a company now would be best so you can figure out what all you can do and what you want to do. So, if you have a project, we are just one phone call away at 425-224-2004
War No More! How To Keep Your Relationship Intact While Tearing Apart your House
[realtor.com: Meera Pal]
Two true tests of any romantic relationship include building IKEA furniture together (without losing any of the tiny parts!) and, of course, renovating a house.
As you and your partner work together to achieve the perfect home, even the most straightforward projects can spark arguments, battles, and long-term resentments.
“Home renovations, like any major life change, can bring a lot of stress into a relationship,” says Candace Kotkin-De Carvalho, a licensed social worker and clinical director at Absolute Awakenings in Northern New Jersey.
So before you start looking for couples counselors and building contractors, here are six things to remember when tackling a big home project with your significant other.
Make a Solid Plan
Before construction begins, discuss how you each envision the renovation. This has enormous potential to eliminate headaches in the long run.
“Before getting started on any project, couples need to discuss their expectations and timeline upfront,” says Kotkin-De Carvalho. “Misaligned expectations can lead to disagreements down the line that really strain a relationship.”
Planning out the renovation from a functional and aesthetic perspective allows each partner to consider design options and choose the plan that works for them as a couple.
“This way, no one will feel like their ideas are being disregarded or ignored,” says DR. Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani, medical director at Psyclarity Health in Boston.
Get On The Same Financial Page
Money tends to be the stickiest of sticky subjects for most relationships, and adding the pressure of a home renovation can push partners to their limits.
To avoid a fight down the road, be open, honest, and realistic as you agree on the bottom line together.
“Make sure you’re both on the same page about the budget for the project, as well as who will be responsible for what tasks,” says Joni Ogle, a licensed clinical social worker and CEO of the Heights Treatment in Houston and Los Angeles.
And it’s essential to understand from the beginning that the price of a renovation often exceeds the initial estimate, sayd Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani.
So be sure to have a contingency plan in place when you draw up your project budget.
Connect With Each Other
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the pressure of renovation timeliness and budgets.
But don’t let that stress overwhelm your entire relationship.
Brunswick, GA-based matchmaker DeAudra Reed recommends regularly engaging with your partner away from home-and not talking about the renovation while you’re out together.
“Getting away from the project will help to create positive feelings and relieve stress, freeing up the emotional and mental capital you both need to endure the renovation process,” says Reed.
Prioritize Open Communication
In the midst of a home reno, you can easily get swept up in the excitement of choosing fresh paint colors, cabinetry, lighting, and other design elements.
But to ensure both partners feel heard, it’s important to maintain an attitude of compromise in every conversation.
“Scheduling regular check-ins to discuss how the project is going can help keep emotions from boiling over, as well as ensure that expectations are met on both sides,” says Kotkin-De Carvalho.
And there’s hope even for couples with entirely opposite design tastes.
Ben Kuhl, CEO of Shelf Expression, a custom shelving company, recalls a couple on opposing ends of the design spectrum. One partner preferred a modern, minimalist look, while the other liked a traditional, rustic style.
“Initially, they struggled to agree on a design concept, and there were times when they were dismissive of each other’s ideas,” says Kuhl. “However, with open communication and a willingness to compromise, they found a design that incorporated elements of both their styles.”
Don’t forget that you’re both working hard toward the same goal: a beautiful comfortable home. In that spirit, don’t forget to celebrate the little wins (and the big ones!) together.
“If you’re only emotional experience together is to yell while holding up a two-by-four, then it is going to cause issues in your relationship,” says Dr. David Helfand, a psychologist in Saint Johnsbury, VT. “So make sure you also celebrate finishing that bathroom framing or when the painting is done. This will help create positive experiences and memories.”
Designate a physical space where you can retreat from the renovation disarray.
Melissa Gugni, a professional organizer in the San Francisco Bay Area, recalls that she and her husband lived in limbo during a kitchen renovation in their two-bedroom, one-bath apartment. The refrigerator was in her office, while the only running water was in the bathroom. And the constant cloud of dust was miserable for her allergies.
“I decided that to live in that chaos for four months, I needed one room that was as calm and clean as possible,” she says.
So she and her husband set aside their bedroom as the safe space.
“I kept the room tidy and lit candles at night,” says Gugni. “And it ended up being a special place to retreat every night.”
Bananas Foster
Time
Active 25 Mins. Total 55 Mins
Ingredients
Directions:
ENJOY!!!