Spotlight on: Avatar Painting, Inc.

by responsiblecontractors

The do it yourself movement has grown into an impressive trend. Jumping on that bandwagon can be fun and exciting! However, without experience, and the proper tools and skills, it can also result in the unnecessary spending of your valuable time and money. When it’s time for your home to receive a new coat of paint, whether outside or in, we recommend hiring a professional to paint your home. And who better for the job than Avatar Painting, Inc.?

Located in Sumner, Washington, Avatar Painting brings skill and expertise to the surrounding Puyallup and Tacoma communities! Jason M. Mobley founded Avatar Painting on his fifteen years of experience as a tradesman. Painting is a skill that requires special attention to detail, and as such he holds his employees to a standard of excellence, so as to bring the highest quality of service and results!

For Avatar Painting, the proof truly is in the pudding. As multiple customers will attest to, their standard of work exceeds expectations! One construction company has even remarked:

“Matthew Reid Construction Inc. has been using Avatar Painting Inc.’s services since 2008, and has no plans to change. Avatar has completed over 40 projects from $300 to over $30,000. With over $150,000 in work completed to date since 2008, I would say I am qualified to access the professionalism and excellence of Avatar Painting Inc. I have worked with many painting contractors in my 25 years of construction experience, and not one painter cares as much as Jason Mobley. Avatar Painting Inc. has been consistent in producing quality work on-time and on-budget, proving over and over he, Jason Mobley, and his company, Avatar Painting Inc., stand for the pursuit of excellence in the painting profession. Amazing quality of work, great value.” – Matthew Reid Construction

Additionally, Jason values the community, and because of this offers both senior and military discounts. Whether coming to the rescue to repaint after water or smoke damage, giving the exterior a new protective coat, or updating the space with a color you will love, Avatar Painting has you covered! When the passion and experience of a tradesman such as James Mobley meets painting needs within the community, you can have confidence that the job will be done right!

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We proudly recommend Avatar Painting, Inc., for all your painting needs! To read more about this company and see other contractors we recommend, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com.

Quiet Time: Soundproofing the Home

Your home is your sanctuary. You sleep there, talk there, entertain there, cook there, watch tv, listen to music, and more! For families, so do your children! It’s no secret that home isn’t always quiet. Dogs bark and children play. As a parent, quiet time is a treasure. Soundproofing your home may be on the list when a remodel is in order! Here’s what to know about making your walls noise-resistant:

During a remodel or new construction, the foundation of soundproofing will be your insulation. Choosing the right insulation is key, as it will absorb sound waves that would otherwise travel through the walls. Fiberglass is a common and affordable insulation option. And while it will certainly help, it is a rather mediocre sound barrier. A great alternative is rockwool insulation. Whether you use fiberglass, or a more sound-resistant insulation, however, the soundproofing efforts should not stop there!

One common method is to use more layers. Each layer will absorb more sound, making each room that much quieter. Some accomplish this by using thicker or soundproof drywall. Others will add a layer of caulk, mass-loaded vinyl, or even acoustic panels. Eliminating gaps is also an essential element. In areas where there is a hole in the drywall, such as ceiling fixtures, switch boxes, receptacle boxes, and door casing, an acoustical caulk can seal the gap and prevent an escape route for the sound.

For those who need to reduce the noise but aren’t doing a remodel anytime soon, there are some options that can be quickly and easily applied! The more sound-absorbing items you have in a room, the less will escape it. Strategically place heavy drapes on the walls, and use rugs to minimize sound escaping through the floors. Potted plants sitting in corners will also help to absorb sound! If you notice gaps along the corners and edges, you can re-caulk your home in a day’s time and reinforce its sound barrier.

If you fall somewhere in the middle, and aren’t ready for a full-scale remodel, but are ready to make a few structural changes to decrease your home’s noise level, contact a professional who can make this happen! It is absolutely possible to build a home that your kids can play and laugh in, without hearing it throughout the neighborhood! At Responsible Contractors, our goal is to connect you with the professionals you can trust to take care of your home’s needs. Contact us, or visit responsiblecontractors.com to find the right company to make your home soundproof!

Spotlight on: Sweatman Young Incorporated

As fashions change, trends come and go, and styles rise and fall, homes can become stuck in a design that quickly expires. However, as the old saying goes: “Home is where the heart is.” When you love your home, the out-of-date design may seem of less importance. Alternatively, you may find yourself dreaming of a complete redesign that will make your home both more pleasing to the eye, and more functional. The good news is that it is entirely possible to have the best of both worlds! 

Sweatman Young Incorporated specializes in historic restoration and remodeling. Their specialists have a keen eye and refined skill, to allow you to stay in the home you love for decades! Their knowledge and expertise becomes a part of your home! Remodeling needs arise from many areas. For some, it’s the need for more space. For some, it’s functionality. Sometimes it’s design, or a combination of all three! For the homeowner who wants an upgrade, but doesn’t want to lose the history of their house or the unique character that makes it home, Sweatman Young can give it the facelift it needs!

Sweatman Young caters to the empty nesters by adding accessibility and anticipating long-term needs. They will design your remodel in a way that meets your functional needs, provide maintenance and repair to keep it up to date, and incorporate a timeless design that you will love for years to come! From the small bathroom remodel, to whole house reconstruction, they have you covered. Additionally, they understand the homeowner’s specific needs, and put a priority on staying on schedule and on budget.

For 25 years, Sweatman Young has built a positive reputation and track record! Their crew is hand-picked according to their high standard of craftsmanship. Testimonials from the satisfaction of clients throughout Pierce County attest to their level of skill. After all: Building your dream is their passion.

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry! We are proud to recommend Sweatman Young Incorporated as a solid choice for remodel projects! To read more about them and find other contractors we recommend, visit us atresponsiblecontractors.com. Happy remodeling!

Springtime Renovations

by responsiblecontractors

Spring has finally made an entrance in the Pacific Northwest. The sun is shining brighter, and the weather is getting ever warmer. Through the winter your home has endured harsh weather, and maintenance may be needed. This is the right time to check your home’s exterior, make yearly updates, and prepare for any upcoming renovations. Here’s what to look at:

Gutters and Downspouts: Check that there are no bends or leaks. Also ensure that there is no excess buildup. Leaves and other debris can get stuck and cause blockages. Your gutters should flow without puddling, and your downspouts should drain away from the foundation.

Roof: Your roof needs to be checked for cracks, dips, and other wear and tear. A single winter should not cause significant damage, however if your roof hasn’t been inspected in a while it’s definitely best to do so.

Paint: Harsh weather can give your paint a beating. Take a quick walk around the house and look for peeling, cracking, or bubbling. If the winter caused any damage to your house’s paint job, you’ll need to have it redone. Paint is more than an aesthetic addition: It is an additional layer of protection.

Low Spots: Walk through your yard, and check for any dips or low spots. Rain buildup can cause minor flooding, which has the potential to reach the foundation and cause more significant damage. You can have any low spots filled with compacted soil to prevent spring rain from becoming a problem.

Hoses: The cold weather can cause freeze damage. Check your hose faucets now, so that by the time you are ready to wash your car and turn on sprinklers, your system is ready to go. If you notice the water pressure seems low, there is a possibility the pipe itself will need to be replaced.

HVAC: You’ve gone months without needing the air conditioning on. You may not need it now, but as the weather gets warmer you will want it working properly. Call a heating and cooling professional to have the system checked and serviced. While looking at air conditioning, a professional can also check your heating and ventilation systems. Even if everything seems to work, yearly maintenance is suggested.

This checklist will help you transition your home from the cold, wet seasons into the warmer, dryer ones. We know you are excited for the sunny days to return: Help your house be ready, also! For contractors that can help with maintenance, inspection and repairs, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com. We know just the right people to help your home!

The Pet Friendly Home

by responsiblecontractors

We love our furry friends! For many of us they are more than pets, they are a part of the family! Unfortunately, not all homes are built with pets in mind. Over half of homes have a pet residing, and it’s definitely worthwhile to do home improvement with pets in mind. There are certainly ways to make your home safe and convenient for your furry family member.

The first is to consider your location. Are you on or near a busy road? Even if you walk your dog on a leash, being near the highway can pose a threat to animals that may sneak out, or want to follow you to your car. If you live near a road, consider adding a barrier to discourage your animals from running out. You may decide to invest in having your yard fenced or reinforcing the gate on an already fenced yard. Another option is an invisible fence, if you plan on letting your animal roam. Also, know the foliage in your area as well. Many plants can turn a curious cat into a sick one. When landscaping, avoid insecticides and fertilizers. When you hire a landscaper, talk to them about using natural and organic methods that will be safe for your animal.

Another consideration is anything your pet may ingest. One common, deadly substance found in many garages is anti-freeze. Make sure if you keep any around, it is properly stored and secured. If it were to leak onto your driveway, your dog or cat could be in danger. They love the smell of it, and a teaspoon is enough to cause fatal poisoning. Anti-freeze claims approximately 10,000 pets’ deaths each year. Don’t let it be yours!

Inside the home, there are many unlikely hazards that may be lurking, undetected. Look for anything your pets could get a hold of and chew. Is it hazardous to their health? Could they choke? In one year alone, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center handled over 140,000 cases of pets who were exposed to toxic substances within their own homes. It’s important to keep dangerous foods, chemicals and objects out of their reach! Do your garbage cans have lids, to prevent them from pulling old bones and wrappers out? Are your chemicals and foods properly stored? Do you leave leftovers on the counter where an animal can jump up and eat them?

When cleaning, make sure that you not only properly store the products used, but keep the recently cleaned area off limits for a short time. For example: When cleaning your toilet, keep it out of reach. If your dog were to try to drink water with leftover bleach residue, it could lead to gastrointestinal distress, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. A great alternative is to switch to non-toxic cleaners.

Check your home’s windows as well. Cats can be especially adventurous, and most animals don’t have a well-developed concept of height. Windows that are left open without a screen are accessible to pets. If your window has a screen, make sure it is properly installed and sturdy, to prevent an animal from pushing it out. While window guards may be great for larger dogs, most cats will squeeze right through them. If your windows aren’t sturdy and guarded, consider having them replaced by a professional. At a minimum, have your screens replaced and reinforced.

You love your pets, and as you continue to make improvements to your home, work with professionals who will to choose options that are safe for your furry friends! If there’s an improvement that your home needs to make it more safe, visit us atresponsiblecontractors.com for a list of companies we recommend to take care of you!

Spotlight on: Moore Renovations

by responsiblecontractors

We know. You’ve been dreaming of updating your kitchen, bathroom, and living room for months. Your vision is a beautiful one, and it’s time to take the next step. When it comes to luxury and redesign, few will take better care of you than Moore Renovations. Owned and operated by Kim and Dana Moore, they have worked with and served homeowners for seventeen years from Tacoma to Seattle.

Kim and Dana love their community, and love what they do. They are continuously challenging themselves to better their company. They love thinking out of the box, and presenting new possibilities and ideas to clients. It is a passion for them to stay up to date on new trends, materials, and various advancements in the industry. Staying up to date gives them a competitive edge, and serving the client means balancing that edge with the homeowner’s needs. They tailor every project to the client’s lifestyle, and keep within the style of the home to create a truly fitted space for the family.

Moore Renovations has an extensive network with dependable vendors that offer only the best products. This makes them a strong force in the community, and brands them as being of the highest quality in their work. Their reputation is outstanding, and satisfied clients frequently show appreciation like Greg & Cheryl, who remarked: “We are very pleased with the quality of your work. Originally we had considered doing the job ourselves, but seeing the excellent results make us very glad we contacted you. Your price was very fair and we will certainly call you for future needs.”

In addition to the full-scale remodel, Moore Renovations is available for repairs. Homeowners that have had a past remodel and love the design today can call them to keep it looking brand new. Repair and maintenance are a service that makes them stand out! Another unique specialty of theirs is aging in place. That is: Incorporating universal design principles, so that you will love your home for many years to come. This is an ideal service for couples that are becoming empty nesters, and looking to build the dream home in which they will spend their retirement.

Kim and Dana have built a company that is on the cutting edge, backed with a great reputation, and brings a personal family touch that relates with the homeowner. They are a force to be reckoned with in the remodeling community. At Responsible Contractors, our goal is to bring you the best of each industry, and we proudly recommend Moore Renovations for your interior remodeling and repair needs! To read about them and more companies we recommend, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com.