By Kimberley Martin, Cyneburg Scapes

Q: With warm weather around the corner, what are some often-forgotten outdoor projects I can get started on to improve the overall health of my home?

A: Do you have a deck? If so, now is the time to address it.

The thing parents worry about most when allowing their child out into the world for the first time is whether they will be safe. Same goes when buying a car; most of us think about the safety ratings of the vehicle first and foremost.

But what about your deck? Do you know the condition of the structure of your outdoor entertaining or lounging area? It may have been inspected when you bought your home, but have you thought about the safety of it since?

You may be asking yourself, "Why would my deck have been safe when I purchased my home but may not be now?"

There are a few reasons that immediately come to mind. First, rot or decay may have made your deck unsafe since you moved in—especially if you have a wooden deck and have not done proper yearly maintenance.

The second reason is that, over the years, the way we build decks has evolved and is dramatically different from how they were built even five years ago. As decks fail (meaning they collapse, or people fall off them), changes are made to make them safer. This means that your deck will not collapse even if you have 15 of your best friends out dancing on it. Or if your Uncle Bob has a wee bit too much to drink and stumbles heavily into the deck railing, he won't break through and fall.

What should you look for? Here are a few items that indicate that your deck may not be safe and could need repairs or an upgrade.

• It has soft spots where the deck boards give.
• The deck sways side to side with a few people on it.
• There is some rot in the railing or the railing is wobbly.
• The steps have a lot of bounce to them.
• You hear creaking, cracking or squeaking when you walk on your deck.
• The deck boards have started to come away from the structure underneath.

The next important question is: What should I do in the event I see (or feel) one or more of the above items? If you have the skills and the tools, and you have time to review the codes to repair the deck, take the time to do so as soon as possible.

If you are like most people, however, and are not qualified (or just do not have time), you can call a licensed contractor. Make sure they have experience with decks and deck repair, and have them come out and take a look at the deck. Most will do an initial consultation and estimate at no charge.

After ensuring your deck is up to standard, go ahead and give Uncle Bob a call. He misses your backyard barbecues.

Kimberley Martin is the owner of Cyneburg Scapes and a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). HomeWork is the group's weekly column. If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you'd like answered by one of the MBAKS's nearly 3,000 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

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A well-designed home accommodates the needs of all family members—including your pets.

By Cynthia Chomos, Catio Spaces

Q: Loved your recent Year of the Dog article. Do you have more solutions for coexisting with four-legged housemates of all types?

A: A well-designed home accommodates the needs of all family members, including pets. Whether your fur family consists of dogs, cats or other creatures, a peaceful coexistence is possible without sacrificing the enjoyment of a beautiful home.

Pets that spend most of their day indoors have basic needs for shelter, nourishment, elimination, and enrichment. Affected by the daily rhythms of your household, it's important to maintain a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. This can lead to a happy pet and less cleanup due to anxiety or unmet needs.

Here are some tips for creating spaces you and your pets can enjoy, indoors and out.

A place of their own. Create a haven for your pet with a cozy bed located in a calm area with a view of family activities. Pet beds come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs to complement your home décor. For sun-worshipping cats, consider adding a window shelf with attractive brackets for catnaps and bird watching.

If your comfort-seeking pet likes the sofa or chair, a slipcover or throw can protect fabrics and be removed for cleaning or when guests visit. Durable fabrics include leather, synthetic microfibers, and various outdoor textiles. Patterns and darker colors will hide pet stains.

For pets that chew and scratch, metal-legged tables and furniture are a good choice. A cat scratcher, essential for removing nail sheaths and daily stretching, can be placed in a family room out of direct viewing.

Pet-friendly flooring choices include bamboo, engineered hardwood, cork, vinyl, tile, or stone. Add attractive, slip-free rugs for warmth and doormats to help keep muddy paws from tracking dirt into your home.

A serene feeding area. Avoid placing water and food bowls in traffic-flow areas of the kitchen as this can affect your pet's digestion (and become a tripping hazard for two-legged family members). Choose a calm location and consider a raised feeder, which can provide easy access while promoting better posture. Water-resistant placemats and oversize, decorative canisters can add a creative touch.

Odors and litter boxes. There is nothing pleasant about walking into a home and smelling pet odors. Open the windows often and wash pet materials including beds, blankets, and stuffed toys. Consider unscented litter deodorizers, an air purifier, or aromatherapy oils, such as lemon or orange. These natural scents help eliminate odors and also uplift your spirits.

If your pet eliminates outside of designated areas, consider whether there is a health issue or changes in the home such as a new baby, remodeling, or other factors that could upset your pet. If so, a trip to the vet or designating a calm room can help them through the transition.

Pet-safe plants. Many indoor and outdoor plants are toxic to pets. For a complete list, visit American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' website.

Outdoor spaces and catios. Pet doors offer freedom to enjoy the outdoors. Fenced backyards keep a dog contained but cats can scale a fence and encounter many outdoor hazards. To keep your cat safe and happy, consider a catio, an enclosed "cat patio" designed for a window, porch, patio, deck, or yard.

Always provide fresh water for your pet outdoors and avoid using toxic lawn or garden chemicals to protect not only your pets' well-being, but also the health of birds and wildlife.

Cynthia Chomos is a feng shui consultant and a designer with Catio Spaces in Seattle. She is also a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). HomeWork is the group's weekly column. If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you'd like answered by one of the MBAKS's nearly 3,000 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

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These discussion points can help you decide whether to engage an architect or designer in your project, and if permits apply.

By Melissa Irons, Irons Brothers Construction

Q: When remodeling, the world of permits and hiring a professional is a scary one. Can you walk me through the basics?

A: Most projects require design help and require permits. These initiatives not only maximize the investment you are spending on a remodel, but they also ensure that your project is built to minimum code and safety standards.

Design help, whether an architect or designer, can help you achieve the best product use in your space and within budget. Here are five discussion points to help you decide whether o engage a professional in your project, and if permits apply.

1. When do I need design help?
   • If your project involves adding more square footage or structural changes.
   • If you are changing the use of the space.
   • If your project will affect egress and safety.
   • If intricate details are required for construction and installation.
   • If a specialty need is involved, such as aging in place or accessibility.
   • If you are reconfiguring spaces and floor plans in the living areas or basement.
   • When the project involves more than removal and replacement.
   • For assistance with color and finish detail selections. (Note: These will all most likely involve the permitting process as well.)
2. When do I need a building permit?
   • When adding onto or expanding the current footprint.
   • When the project involves making structural or wall changes.
   • When changing unconditioned space to dwelling space (e.g., a garage conversion or basement remodel).
   • When changing the use of space, like turning a rec room into a bedroom.
   • When it affects egress and safety.
   • In commercial or multifamily properties, especially those with ADA requirements.
   • When the scope of work involves utilities (gas, plumbing, water, sewer, electrical, etc.).
   • If the project involves work not listed on the jurisdiction's permit exemptions list. (Check with your local building department on permit exemptions in your location.)
3. What happens without a building permit?

   Check with your contractor or designer on the project scope and permitting needs. You can also find out when permits are needed by checking with the local building department.

   That said, without a proper permit:

   • Property sales transfer can become difficult.
   • Resale value can deplete.
   • Your homeowner's insurance could become void.
   • Safety hazards may be overlooked.
   • No code enforcement is conducted.
   • Your project may receive a stop-work order from the building department.
   • You can be assessed penalties and fines.

   It's not worth waiting to find this out until it's too late in most cases, so do your research and get the required permits!

4. Can I get a permit exemption?

   Every building department is different, and so it's worth double-checking. Typical projects exempt from permitting include flooring, cabinet installation, painting and wall coverings, roofing, siding, fencing, countertops, and sheds and accessory buildings.

5. Which projects should I assume will need a permit?

   Again, every building department is different, but in most cases, these projects require a permit: decks, garage or carport additions, large accessory buildings (cottages, DADUs), interior wall removals, converting a garage, attic and basement conversions, heated floors, and tub-to-shower conversions.

   Remember to check with local officials to confirm permit requirements and exemptions.

Using this information—along with resources from your building professional or remodeling contractor, design professional, or your local building department—will help you plan your project to create a successful outcome worthy of your time and investment.

Melissa Irons is operations manager of Irons Brothers Construction and a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). HomeWork is the group's weekly column. If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you'd like answered by one of the MBAKS's nearly 3,000 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

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Pet-friendly add-ons include washing stations, pet doors, and more

By Emma Zimmerman, Model Remodel

As a city with more than 150,000 dogs, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau and CORA, the Year of the Dog is a welcome designation here in Seattle. We love our furry companions and any excuse to think about them! And while the Chinese New Year doesn't exactly have to do with actual dogs, we think this year might be the perfect time to consider how your home functions for your canine and what upgrades you could make to your home to help you and your dog live more harmoniously.

If you're planning a remodel or simply looking for your next home-improvement project, turn to your dog for some inspiration. Some changes might be obvious, but others might require you to think like your dog.

Feeding stations

One of the most common dog-friendly remodeling ideas is the built-in feeding station. Not only can you raise food and water bowls off the ground, reducing spillage, but you can also make it easier on your dog's neck.

With feeding stations, you can really get creative. They can be fully hidden in a pullout or bottom drawer, or simply built into the end of an island or cabinet so they can't be accidentally kicked around.

Pet doors

If you have a fenced yard, consider adding a pet door. The latest door trend is techy: it works with your pet's existing microchip to keep trespassing animals out while allowing your dog back in. They can even be programmed to let only one of the dogs out if you need to take a personalized approach for each dog.

If you're interested in something more ordinary, consider a new dog door. You can create a double-door that keeps cold air from getting in or out, depending on the season. You can even build it into a cabinet or a side panel next to the door.

Scratch-resistant flooring

Okay, this one might be more for your benefit. But if you're re-doing your floors and haven't considered your pets, you could be making a big mistake. Non-porous surfaces are best, so you'll want to save the carpet and softwoods, such as pine, hemlock and fir, for another time.

Carpet and softwoods will gather dirt and be prone to scratching. Tile and concrete, on the other hand, are the most durable flooring options. Bamboo and hardwood can be durable, too, depending on the size of your dogs.

A lesser-known but eco-friendly option is cork flooring. Cork's anti-microbial properties will help it stay clean and it doesn't show scratches easily or make noise "underpaw."

Mudroom washing stations

If you don't already have a designated mudroom area, you probably dream of one. Mudrooms are incredibly useful spaces to take off shoes, hang coats and—of course—bring the dog inside from a walk.

Mudrooms are normally built with easy-to-clean tiled floors and have doormats to catch mud and dirt particles. Take it even further with a pet-sized washing station. Depending on the size of your pup, you can consider a washing basin or even a small, curbed shower with a handheld showerhead. A washing station is multipurpose for the avid gardener or weekend hiker who may come inside with muddy gear.

Custom nooks

In one of our recent Seattle design-build remodels, we helped the homeowners create built-in pet beds in their living room. After all, dogs are family. If they aren't allowed on the couch, what better way to show them affection than giving them their own space? Dog bed nooks can be built under the stairs, in living room cabinetry or as a cubby in the mudroom. You can also play with shapes and sizes to fit your dog and space.

We think these solutions will benefit both you and your pooch. After all, you both have to live under the same "woof!"

Emma Zimmerman is the marketing specialist at Model Remodel in Seattle and a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). HomeWork is the group's weekly column. If you have a home improvement, remodeling, or residential homebuilding question you'd like answered by one of the MBAKS's nearly 3,000 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

Kat Sims, our new executive director, shares her priorities for her first 90 days here at MBAKS.

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