Newsletter #55

Fall Is Right Around The Corner, Or Is It?

Fall is creeping into the air and I am already seeing leaves on the ground. Could be from all the dry heat we have been having but I am going to think its because of fall. With fall being so close, that means holidays are not far behind. All the cooking and company you plan to have may be in the plans but do you have the space for it? Is everything up to date, or are things a little outdated? Are things running properly or do you need to add a few items here and there? Depending on what you need/want done, you may want to call a contractor now. Most don’t want a torn up home during the holidays, so if you act fast, you may be able to get on the schedule sooner than you think.  Give us a call so we can chat 425-224-2004

New remodel in Lynnwood we started a couple weeks ago. This is before we started demo.

List of Work We Perform:

  • Whole House Remodel
  • Additions
  • Bathroom Remodel
  • Kitchen Remodel
  • Custom Home
  • Design & Build
  • New Construction
  • Decks
  • Outdoor Living
Same Lynnwood project, but this is where we ae as of this week and countertops went in today.

Referral Program:

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: How many blueberries did the U.S harvest in 2012?

Call in correct answer for $10 Starbucks Gift Card 425-224-2004
(Where are my winners at?!)

Wild Blueberry Bush

Classic Remodeling NW employees and bosses enjoy fresh fruit and being outdoors. Over the last month, almost all of us have gone out to blueberry farms and sunflower farms to go picking for the fresh ones. The bosses got multiple pounds and I opted for 1 pound, but honestly just being out there in the fields and getting to pick our own was amazing. It is currently getting close to the end of blueberry season, so you may want to go check one out if you haven’t yet. I went with some friends and their kids and let me tell you, watching the joy on their faces was the best. So, take the family and go get some fresh blueberries. You could even use them for the recipe below.

Biggest Kitchen Renovation Ripoffs: 6 Features That Are a Waste of Money

[realtor.com: Kathleen Wilcox]

With mortgage rates soaring, many would-be homebuyers and sellers are choosing to stay put, beautifying what they have, and investing their money in renovating their home.

And while it’s easy to find information on kitchen renovations that have an excellent return on investment – like new flooring, refinished cabinets, or updated fixtures – what’s less clear are the improvements that aren’t worth the cash. And who wants to drop some coin on their kitchen, only to feel ripped off? Nobody!

To avoid wasting your money, read on for the kitchen features you should probably cross off your wish list.

Expensive Backsplashes

Backsplashes are often a go-to for renovators looking to make a big visual impact. But you need to think carefully.

Baron Christopher Hanson, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in the Stuart/Jupiter, FL, office, warns against backsplashes and other touches that potential buyers may find oddly colored or garish down the line.

“Here in South Florida, transient residents import very different tastes and styles,” Christopher Hanson says. “Strong personal style choices when it comes to backsplashes or colored tiling can quickly turn into a waste of money in a few years.”

Designer Appliances

We all love big names for big-ticket items, and then there’s the thrill of knowing you have a highly coveted professional oven. But ask yourself: Is the spend for a high-end oven, dishwasher, or fridge truly worth it?

“High-end branded appliances are the biggest waste of money when designing your kitchen,” says Isabella Flint, an experienced home renovator, professional chef, and CEO of Fanatically Food. “They do the exact same hob as other, lesser-known brands for double the price. My advice is always to do research on the best appliances for your budget. Then look carefully at the customer reviews. They’ll often be just as good as the big brands.”

Trendy Hardware And Accessories

A rose-gold faucet in the shape of a swan may make you happy – but it could turn into a deal breaker when it’s time to sell. You may also find your whim embarrassing in a few years when the trend is over. When choosing hardware and fixtures, try to find a balance between your personal style and broad market desires.

“Certain colors of hardware and fixtures may be trending now, but what about in a few years when just one item needs to be replaced?” asks Karen Yeheskel, a designer at Long Island’s Elite Kitchen & Bath Center. “If they’re not mainstream enough or are too trendy, they will be a turnoff down the line and difficult to replace.”

In both cases, you may face replacing the entire set all over again.

High-Tech Gadgets

Many of us love trying out the latest tech. But when it comes to your kitchen, you should make sure today’s hot trend will still be around tomorrow.

“In renovating a kitchen, investing too much on current technologies can backfire as they tend to get phased out quickly,” says Joe Ferguson, architectural joiner at Skirting Rus. “Instead, focus on tried and tested solutions such as self-cleaning paints, Corian countertops, and sustainable hardwood. Investing in something that you’ll use long term and can recycle is better than scrimping only to spend on out again in the future.”

Relocating Electrical And Plumbing Systems

Tread carefully if you want to change the layout of your kitchen.

“Relocating the electrical and plumbing systems connected to your kitchen appliances is a huge expense,” says Robert Johnson, the marketing director at California’s Coast appliances. “If you’re on a budget, work on the movable and flexible design elements instead of touching the permanent fixtures, like the kitchen sink. The labor cost alone can be a burden on the pocket. You need to hire professionals to do the job right and avoid delays. Material costs are also high due to inflation.”

Open Shelving

Open shelving looks fantastic on Instagram. But in reality?

“Once thins are on an exposed shelf for a few months, they get dusty. try dusting your martini glasses every time you want a cocktail or cleaning out the salad bowl for a meal,” says Carolina Buia, a real estate agent for Sotheby’s in Palm beach, FL.

There are so many ways to upgrade your kitchen, and sometimes narrowing down your list of priorities can be a chore. With the insight above you can remove these six renovation ripoffs from your wish list and opt for improvements that will not only make your kitchen more convenient but also help lift your home’s value.

Blueberry Crisp

Time

Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 40min

Total Time

55 Mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold butter diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons instant tapioca
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 cups fresh blueberries

Directions:
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F(190 degrees C)
  2. Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt in food processor; pulse mixture into coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir white sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon together in a bowl; add blueberries and stir to coat completely. Spoon blueberry mixture into a large baking dish; sprinkle crumb topping over blueberries.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles, about 40 minutes.

ENJOY!!!