Q: I’m thrilled we’re getting more sunshine, but my yard doesn’t have much privacy. How can I create separation from my neighbors so I can enjoy the great outdoors?

A: As the rainy days slow to a trickle and the sun settles in for the summer months, we’re all heading outside. If you live in a typical Seattle neighborhood, you probably have little yard space and very close neighbors, which can make relaxing outdoors difficult. To help you out, I’d like to present a few project ideas to add a little privacy to your outdoor living space and help you make the most of the warm weather.

Build a DIY privacy fence

If you live on a busy street, you know that a fence can make a big difference in privacy. You probably also know that contractor bids can easily sail over your budget, especially if your home is on more difficult terrain. The good news is that building a privacy fence yourself is doable with one long weekend and a little sweat. You can build one with horizontal slats or vertical slats for a look that suits you; with so many materials and finish options to choose from, it’s easy to customize it to match the style of your home. Consider adding a decorative fence topper to spruce it up.

Make a garden trellis

A garden trellis is great for apartment dwellers looking for a simple solution for separating balconies. The best part about a garden trellis is that you can design it to suit your specific space and alter the size of the openings based on the amount of privacy you’d like. Like most DIY projects, a garden trellis is customizable, which means you can match it to your aesthetic and budget. Plus, having a spot for plants and vines to climb is a perfect way to add a little green. I recommend Holboellia coriacea (blue china vine), Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), or Hydrangea petiolaris (climbing hydrangea).

Build a framed-panel fence

A framed-panel fence can add a distinctive touch to your yard. There are several companies that make decorative panels (you can also make your own) that screw directly onto your fence frame for a look that packs more personality than your average fence. Some panels are made from wood-poly composite, which means they have the look, feel, and durability of natural timber but require no sealing, painting, or maintenance. Other panel screen products are made from woods like western red cedar that offer beauty as well as natural rot resistance.

Make a vertical planter

Like classic garden trellises, a planter wall is a smart solution for small-space dwellers. A vertical wall planter—picture a small section of a horizontal-slatted fence with hanging planter boxes—creates more space by growing up instead of out. This is a fantastic solution for small backyard patios during the summer months. Plus, it’s always handy to have fresh herbs nearby for dinner al fresco and sunset cocktail parties.

Build a raised bed

Sometimes, it’s less about privacy and more about separation. Consider building a raised bed. You can make it as long, wide and tall as you please to draw a line between your yard and your neighbor’s. Fill it with fruits, vegetables, and flowers for a divider as beautiful as it is functional. Please note that if you decide to build your raised bed higher than average, it’s wise to layer the base with newspaper, bark, old brown leaves, grass clippings, or straw so you can save on soil.

With just a little bit of creativity and effort, you can turn your yard or apartment balcony into a private outdoor oasis in one weekend or less. Now get to work and enjoy having your space all to yourself.

Kirsten Dunn is a proud fifth-generation Dunn family member and employee at Dunn Lumber, a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you’d like answered by one of MBAKS’ nearly 2,800 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

Q: My partner and I moved into our dream home over a year ago and we still have rooms littered with boxes because we don’t have as much space as we thought. We’ve been eyeing our garage as a potential storage room, but we’re unsure how to best proceed. Any advice?

A: Rare is the home that doesn’t have a bit too much stuff in it. Many of us are blessed with tons—literally tons—of belongings. But the space to store all of it is shrinking as our population grows and more people move to urban areas.

The good news is you’re already on the right track. The garage is a very useful space that can serve many purposes other than housing cars, recyclables, and miscellaneous junk. It can potentially be a workshop, a game room, a place to hang out, or a fantastic storage space for organizing your overflow of goods.

If you’re taking on a garage storage project from scratch, start by taking inventory. What do you have and, more importantly, what do you actually need? Give away the things you don’t need and you’ll already be halfway there.

Next, prioritize the top ten or twenty things—the essentials—that you definitely need and want to organize in your garage. What are your immediate needs or everyday hobbies? Once you’ve determined what’s going in, you’ll need to determine the dimensions of the space to get a sense of its capacity.

Next, draw your garage to scale, sketching a plan that shows where the essentials will go and how much space they will use up. Make sure to look up because there is usually ample space high up in the garage that can be used to store mementos, painting supplies, and anything else that you want to keep but don’t often use. Just make sure not to store heavy objects up high, as they can be a serious pain—figuratively and literally—to get up and down. Also, don’t forget to leave room for adequate lighting.

Most garages have three walls that can be lined with cabinets and open storage areas to keep the space neat and tidy. Open storage areas are great for garden tools, as well as ladders and raw materials. They’re also perfect spots for installing bicycle racks. If you have the space for it, I recommend installing a good workbench to transform your garage into a workshop.

Cabinets can store tools, cleaning products, and other useful household items. The addition of pegboards will allow you to hang screwdrivers, pliers, and other hand tools. Shelves can hold wood and metal materials for home improvement projects. Cabinets can also store gear, supplies, and first aid. A specialized sports cabinet can be employed for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreation gear.

If you adequately plan and take your time to get it right, this process will be very rewarding. Once you’ve turned your garage into an organized storage solution, you will be astounded by how much room you now have in your home.

Kevin Kartak is the owner of AAA KARTAK Glass & Closet, a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you’d like answered by one of MBAKS’ nearly 2,800 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

April marked the second month in a row in King County and the third consecutive month in Snohomish County that the month’s supply of housing inventory was below two months. While this is below the four-to-six-month level—many industry analysts consider as an indicator of a healthy market—the year-over-year gain in inventory is significant.

The Builder's Bulletin is intended to provide a convenient way to track housing in our market and includes information from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, State of the Cities Data Systems, Office of Financial Management and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Download this month's report:

Q: We’re considering a major remodel of our dining area. The possibilities are exciting, but this is our first remodel and we’re a little stressed out about getting the details right. Any advice?

A: One thing we always hear from first-time clients is that they’re stressed out because they’ve never been through the remodeling process before. Without knowing all the necessary steps, they’re unsure where the project will lead them and what it will involve. We all fear what we don’t know and we’ve all heard the horror stories from friends and family who started a remodeling project only to realize—too late—that it was going to take far longer and cost a lot more than they thought.

So, how can we avoid becoming a character in our own horror story and sidestep these unexpected surprises? First off, it helps to think about a construction project in terms of planning rather than building. This may seem counterintuitive, but without a well-thought-out plan and strategy to achieve your vision you won’t have a clear picture of how to achieve results.

The horror stories usually start with the same misguided approach: we know most of what we want, so let’s just start and figure out the rest as we go. This may work well for some things in life, but improvisation is a terrible approach for a remodel. There are simply too many small pieces and critical details that must come together seamlessly. A good remodeler knows that jumping blindly into a construction project is highly risky and they will make sure that you start with the design.

The time and energy that goes into the design phase can be a little frustrating because when you approach a remodeler, you’re ready for the change now. But a professional knows that how you start a project will greatly impact how you finish it. They will take the time to put together all the necessary elements for you and make sure that you are happy with all of them before beginning.

This may mean multiple rounds of looking at conceptual drawings and sampling materials. But be patient. The time to experiment is during the design phase and not during construction when experimentation can be costly.

For accomplished design/build remodelers, the construction phase is the easiest part of a project. All key decisions have been made, and all parts and pieces have been selected, laid out, and accounted for. We know everything fits in its proper place and will perform as designed because we have put the whole project together already—on paper and in specifications, probably multiple times.

With effective planning, the vision is already in place. The only thing left to do is install that vision in your home. Now comes the fun part!

Gary Potter, CGR is president of Potter Construction, a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you’d like answered by one of MBAKS’ nearly 2,800 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

Q: As my husband and I began the spring-cleaning process, we discovered that we now find our décor a tad gloomy and claustrophobic. Is there something we can do to “refresh” our surroundings?

A: Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to give your home an energy boost to support your family, life, and pets. Feng shui is the Chinese art of placement and a design system based on the concept of “chi” energy—the life force that exists in all things—that aims to create harmonious living spaces.

Here are a few feng shui tips to energize your home:

Clear the Clutter

Clutter is like clogged arteries in the energy flow of your home. Household items are considered clutter if they get in your way, distract you from what’s important, and don’t have a use or place in your life. If you’re spending too much time managing your stuff, tackle one room at a time and donate unused items to charity or pass them along to someone who can use them. When you remove clutter, you create space for new opportunities.

Move Your Furniture

Human beings have a primal need to feel safe. The location of key pieces of furniture in a room, such as your bed, desk, or sofa, determines if you are in a proactive or reactive relationship to your surroundings. Check each room to see if your furniture is in the “command position.” Is it outside the direct path when entering the room? Is its backside against a solid wall so you’re facing the entrance when sitting or sleeping on it? Do you have a clear view of the entrance from it? Is it the focal point of the room? If you answer “no” to any of these questions, consider moving the furniture to a better spot.

Refresh Your Surroundings

Give your home a deep clean. Open windows to release stagnant air and clean window panes for sparkling views of the outdoors. Wash décor, bedding, and pet beds, and, of course, dust, vacuum, and clean your floors. If you have a busy household, think about hiring a green cleaning company—preferably one that avoids toxic cleaning chemicals. Consider aromatherapy scents to clear your mind and energize your day. Therapeutic-quality essential oils, such as lemon and orange, used in a diffuser or room spray can help create a stimulating and uplifting atmosphere in your home.

Add Color and Décor Accents

A new coat of paint for the interior or exterior of your home is a low-cost and high-impact way to change the energy of your surroundings. Yin rooms (quiet, private rooms) benefit from soothing and calming colors including blue, green, and muted colors, while yang spaces (active rooms) benefit from red, yellow, and energizing colors. Whether you add new pillows for your sofa, artwork for the wall, or placemats for your dining table, color can positively affect how your feel in your home.

Enhance Outdoor Pet Spaces

Pets enjoy fresh air and exercise just as much as their humans. A pet door installed in a window, door, or wall offers them freedom to enjoy the stimulation of the outdoors. Fenced backyards keep a dog contained, but cats can scale a fence and encounter many outdoor hazards. If you’re a cat owner, the addition of a catio, an enclosed “cat patio” for a window, porch, patio, deck, or yard can provide a solution while complementing your home. Be sure to provide fresh water for your pets when outdoors and remove toxic lawn or garden chemicals to protect pets, birds, and wildlife.

As you change your surroundings this spring, may positive energy flow for a harmonious home.

Cynthia Chomos is a feng shui consultant, color designer and the founder of Catio Spaces, a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you’d like answered by one of MBAKS’ nearly 2,800 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

Q: With a big remodel on the horizon, I’m worried about all the dust and debris in my home. What can I do to keep my air safe and breathable?

A: Homebuilding has advanced considerably over the last few decades. Newer homes are more airtight and less drafty, warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. Indoor air quality is a lot better these days, too, which is a good thing since we spend about 80% of our time indoors.

A lot of ink has been spilled on how to maintain indoor air quality, but what about air quality during a remodel or construction project? Remodel projects are creative, but they’re also messy because they get into the walls and guts of your home.

Before you start knocking down walls, here are some things to consider.

Microscopic particulates are a major concern during remodels. Putting in a new kitchen and bath or repurposing a space often requires some demolition, leading to drywall, wood, and concrete dust in the air. Construction means sawing, drilling, grinding, and even more dust, while finishing (paint, sealants, adhesives, finishes) can off-gas after being applied. Carpets can also off-gas.

While most construction companies will completely seal off the working area, it’s still essential to monitor and remove particulates throughout the process. This doesn’t just benefit you but also creates a safe work environment for carpenters and trade professionals working in the space. Particulates are insidious. Once a remodel project is completed, an intensive deep clean to remove dust from all nooks and crannies is highly recommended.

As a homeowner, the best thing you can do is proactively ask questions up front before the remodel begins. Don’t be afraid to find out everything you can about the policies and procedures the design-build or construction company employs to ensure good indoor air quality during a remodel—especially if you and your family are living onsite during construction.

It’s critically important that the company you hire can answer the following questions:

• Are they specialists or certified through any air quality programs?
• Do they seal off the construction portion of the project, and how? What methods and materials do they use?
• Do they monitor air quality with equipment that can measure the volume of particulates?
• How do they ventilate the project so dust and gasses are released safely outdoors?
• How do they report air quality levels throughout the project?
• Did they ask you about your family’s respiratory health during the interview or onboarding process? This is especially important if members of your family are already impacted by respiratory conditions.

If a company can’t provide this basic information, find another company. No remodel is worth the health and quality of life issues that poor air quality can cause during and after a project. A reputable design-build or construction company can get you that dream kitchen or add-on without the coughing fits and medical bills. You’ll breathe easier knowing they have you covered.

Paul Kocharhook is the owner of Pathway Design & Construction, based in SODO Seattle and a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you’d like answered by one of MBAKS’ nearly 2,800 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Caia Caldwell
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.460.8213

King and Snohomish County Remodelers Win REX/T-REX Awards

MBAKS Event Celebrates Remodeling Excellence

BELLEVUE, Wash.—May 4, 2019—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) hosted their Remodeling/Trades Remodeling Excellence (REX/T-REX) Awards at the Seattle Design Center. 

Dozens of local remodeling companies attended the dinner event to enjoy an evening dedicated to celebrating gorgeous and innovative remodeling projects.

REX/T-REX entries were judged on the following categories:

1. Aesthetics—How is the remodel visually appealing?
2. Special or unique design solutions—How was the space planned and was livability considered?
3. Quality workmanship—What are the special features of the project and is there attention to detail?
4. Use of appropriate building material—Does the remodel complement existing structure and design?
5. Budgetary consideration—How did the project keep within the budget and still deliver client expectations?
6. Challenges and obstacles—Were there any unexpected obstacles that called for adjustments?

Our 2019 Winners

(Additional photos available upon request):

About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has grown to become the largest local homebuilders association in the NAHB federation. With nearly 2,800 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region.

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Q: I have a long list of home improvement projects I want to tackle. How do I prioritize and plan for them?

A: First off, congratulations on planning ahead. Most people start tackling projects on their wish list without thinking much about the future, resulting in homes that don’t meet their family’s needs, lack any cohesive look, and cost more over the long term. As the old saying goes, if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

A better approach is creating a long-term plan (or master plan as we call it in the remodeling industry) that encompasses work you are doing now but also looks ahead to your future needs and wishes. Here are some common considerations to help you start your master planning process.

Planning for Kids

If you have or are planning to have kids, your needs may change drastically. Where will your kids play, sleep, and do homework? Sometimes it’s as simple as converting a guest bedroom into a kid’s bedroom or splitting it into two smaller bedrooms. Be sure to include enough space for at least one full-sized bed, as most kids will grow out of a twin bed quickly. Avoid costly built-ins for toy storage. All those toys will be gone someday, so storage solutions should be simple and inexpensive.

Keeping Basements Flexible

Basements can be designed for maximum flexibility. With proper planning, a finished basement can transition over the years from a workout room to a media room to a playroom for kids to a hangout space for teenagers. Utilize easily moveable furniture to make room for board games, fort building, or parties. Sliding screens or a room divider can provide private guest sleeping space when needed.

Aging in Place With Universal Design

There are many ways to prepare your home for when you or a loved one is older and less able-bodied. Consider including wider doorways for wheelchairs and installing no-threshold showers, which look great and make independent bathing easier. In the kitchen, use drawers and lower cabinets for storage as they’re much more accessible than upper cabinets. Locating the master bedroom and bath on the first floor is another popular universal design choice with obvious benefits. You may never need these features, but universal design details can make your home more livable for anyone.

Planning for Resale

When planning renovations, one of the most important considerations is how long you think you will be living there. If you believe this is your “forever home,” it may make sense to customize it to suit your own needs. If you think you’ll be moving within five years, you may want to focus on renovations that add the most resale value. Remodeler magazine recently found that in our region, deck additions, siding replacement, and kitchen remodels retained most of their value at resale.

Maintaining a Cohesive Look

If your goal is to space out your renovation projects over several years, make sure to tie the overall design together. You don’t want a hodgepodge. Determine if you want to maintain the original style throughout or introduce more modern elements in certain sections. Often, kitchens and baths receive more modern designs, while original period details are preserved in bedrooms and living areas. Introducing a new style is most effective when you carefully integrate it with the original style.

Looking to the Outdoors

If you want to add on in the future, plan for your home’s increased footprint. It doesn’t make sense to invest in extensive landscaping in an area of your yard, only to tear it out in a few years to make room for a bump-out addition, deck, driveway, or backyard cottage.

Using Floorplans

Making changes to the layout of your home is one of the costliest home improvements you can pursue. It’s important that you plan now for any future work. For example, future renovations may be much easier and cheaper if you leave room for a staircase that you will need to reposition one day, or if you add wiring and plumbing for a future bathroom while the walls are still open.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Creating a master plan now will help you save money and headaches by keeping you focused on what you really need now and in the future.

(Please note that if your vision involves moving walls or other major renovations, you should enlist the help of a design professional.)

Leslie Eiler is the design manager of CRD Design Build, a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you’d like answered by one of MBAKS’ nearly 2,800 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.