DIY: Fun and cost-effective, or costly?

The do-it-yourself movement has been slowly on the rise for the past few years. This has families doing fun crafts, innovating with their interior design, and tackling projects they never thought they’d touch! But with increasing amateurs posting ideas online, how can you know when to do it yourself, and when to hire a professional? Here’s what to know before you tackle that project alone.

Knowledge, Experience and Skill

If you’re considering a crafty project that requires a low skill level, little to no experience may suffice. There are some parts of the house, however, that should not be touched without proper training. These include electrical wiring, plumbing, and anything relating to the structure, or the home’s integrity. Tradesman spend years in apprenticeship and training for a good reason: The risks involved with these can be serious. Sometimes, such as with electrical, the risks can involve serious injury or death. Other times, such as when dealing with plumbing, you may not be at a great personal risk, however mistakes can lead to further damage such as flooding.

In addition to safety and damage risks, there is a knowledge level that is involved. Even when renovating your own home, you must adhere to building codes and regulations. Doing a project that changes or upsets the building’s structure in any way can lead to building violations. You may think you won’t get caught, but is it worth the risk?

Without proper training, certain projects should be left to a professional. The small amount of money you expect to save by doing the labor on your own is not always worth the risk of a project gone wrong.

Assess the costs

What about a low-risk project, such as installing new flooring? You may not be as concerned about your safety, but you should be concerned, at the very least, of having a job done well.

If your DIY project involves a trip to the fabric store for some decorative pieces, and you’re spending a relatively small sum, the cost may be worth it! Each project varies in cost. Before you begin, assess what you will spend in material and time. The amount you spend will be the amount you risk. If the project goes south, and the materials are not reusable, can you live with the amount you just lost?

If your project is an investment, take into consideration the amount you could lose if there’s an accident. For a flooring project, potentially hundreds or thousands of dollars could be on the line. Can it be done on your own? Maybe! Are you willing to sacrifice your initial investment if it doesn’t work out the way you hope?

For the do-it-yourselfer, design, crafts, and updates can be fun and exciting. Many make hobbies of it. You can protect your home and your family by knowing where to draw the line. If there are safety risks, damage risks, or large costs involved, save yourself the worry and risk, and hire a pro! Having a job done right is the number one priority. When you’re ready to make updates to your home, visit responsiblecontractors.com to find the right professional for the job!

7 Tips to Make Summer Better!

Summer is one of the most beloved seasons! Your kids love it, your dogs love it, your neighbors love it, and you can love it! We know you’ll be in the backyard with a barbecue at some point. So here’s a few ideas to get the most out of your time outside!

Invest in Bug Repellent

Maybe you’re thinking right about now that you need to pick up that spray can, and spritz your arms before heading out. That could work. Alternatively, there are options available for a more expansive bug-free zone. Purchases such as insect eliminators, and mosquito zappers can deter bugs from hanging out nearby. If you are eating outside, you don’t want chemicals sprayed near your food.

Check and Update your Fencing

This is especially important for families with small children and animals. Having a reinforced fence will give you peace of mind, knowing that your children and pets can run around outside. An updated fence also creates a safer yard! Rotting fences pose the risk of splinters and old nails, which can be hazardous. On top of this, it will give your backyard a fresh look!

Landscape Lighting

Like many of us, you may enjoy the warm evenings, and want to spend time outside even after the sun has set. Porch and landscape lighting can be relatively inexpensive. And, it’s a fun way to get creative with your yard’s look!

Irrigation

The proper irrigation system will keep your grass green and healthy, and add value to your home. If you have one, and it hasn’t been checked since last summer, now is the time to have it looked at. Irrigation systems can leak, clog, break, and develop problems with pressure. You’ll want to test it, and if you notice anything out of the ordinary, have a professional look at it.

Clean Out & Repurpose your Shed

If you have a shed on your property, there’s a possibility it has become an aged storage room. Maybe you want to get more use out of it this summer! By cleaning it out, you can use it as an additional outdoor space, such as a buffet, playhouse, reading nook, craft room, or whatever creative idea comes to you! Getting rid of clutter can also be pleasing in itself. But don’t worry! There’s always a way to reorganize and find room for the treasures you want to save.

Add Outdoor Seating

Maybe you have a couple trees that are just begging for a hammock! Or a fenced porch that would make the perfect space for benches. When outdoor seating is present, it will encourage you to spend time outside. It’s a fun and simple way to get more time with family and friends outdoors.

Organize Creatively

So your children have toys scattered all over the yard? Maybe you have a bunch of pool supplies for when you bring out your above ground pool? Are you keeping landscaping tools propped up against the side of your house? You absolutely can reorganize without stuffing everything into a shed! Ideas like outdoor benches with built-in storage, using untouched space in the garage, and backyard deck boxes can keep your belongings out of sight, and within reach. There’s no need to be embarrassed by backyard clutter!

A few simple changes and updates might be all the inspiration you need to fire up the grill and invite your neighbors over! Get some fresh air, spend quality time with your family, and make the most out of this summer. Also remember, if you ever need help with any of these projects, we know just the professional to put you in touch with! At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. To see a list of contractors we recommend, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com. Or for a specific request, reach out to us!

Spotlight on: Archterra Landscape Services

The sun is shining, the kids are outside playing, and you keep thinking about mowing that lawn. Maybe your neighbors have prepared their landscape for summer and you’re wanting to catch up. Or maybe you just have the desire to really enjoy your yard this summer! Archterra Landscape Services is here to make that happen for you.

Servicing all kinds of properties, residential and commercial, Archterra Landscape Services offers a wide variety of services to take care of all your landscape’s needs. Does your yard just need a professional touch to become the most lush, green lawn on the block? Do you want to add a creative addition such as a pond or rock waterfall? Need a pathway or staircase? Want a rock wall for additional privacy? Whatever you’re envisioning, they can make your vision a reality.

For those that are ready for a change but don’t know what they want, they offer a free hour of consulting, and provide a plan that fits your space and budget. The process is always outlined so that you know what you’ll spend, and how long it will take. One customer affirmed this in his testimonial: “The Archterra crew was very attentive to detail, prompt, professional, knowledgeable, and overall did a fantastic job for us. I would highly recommend Archterra for any project.”

Archterra also offers fences and arbors. The impact of a fence on a property and its value can be numerous. Fences enhance, secure, delineate, and add increased value in many ways to a variety of fence picks. Most all properties are enhanced by a suitable fence. Archterra can design and install your fence, arbor, or other wooden structure to meet your landscape and security needs.

For a lot of homeowners, the cold winter took a toll on their yards. There may be muddy spots where the grass died away, branches and leaves littering the ground, and erosion that has impacted the overall health of your landscape. This is the perfect time to call Archterra Landscape Services and bring it back to life! You will love spending time outdoors and be proud of your curb appeal all summer long!

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We proudly recommend Archterra Landscape Services as a complete landscaping solution. To read more about them and see more contractors we recommend, visit us atresponsiblecontractors.com!

Summer Breeze: Improving Your Home’s Airflow

During the warm, sunny weather, we open windows and let in fresh air. That summer breeze is longed for and enjoyed! But is your home getting the most from it? There’s a few things you can do to maximize your home’s airflow, and enjoy the fresh air!

Have your filters and vents cleaned

This may seem like a no-brainer, but many homeowners never think to have their ventilation system checked! Both the heating and cooling system need to be checked and maintained every few months. During the summer, we especially want the air conditioning performing well. In fact, having a clean air conditioning system will actually cost less on energy usage than running air through one with a dirty filter. Would it surprise you to know that you’ll save money on your electric bill? Check to make sure your air conditioning vents are clean, and free of dust and debris.

If it’s been longer than a year since you’ve done this, it might be time to call in a professional to check it. Your family will thank you for cleaner, cooler air throughout the summer! Spoiler alert: We know some great professionals that can help you with this!

Upgrade your windows

Windows need to be sealed properly, as well as have up to date screens. Letting the breeze in is wonderful, but without a screen you are also sending out invites to other critters and unwanted guests. Windows and doors are notorious for collecting dust. Having windows that are properly sealed and maintained will help prevent this, so that the air flowing into your home isn’t carrying age-old dust with it. Having your windows checked and upgraded is a must for temperature control, as well as fresher, cleaner air.

Circulate the air

Once the air blows into your house, it needs to be circulated so fresh air keeps moving. You do not want stagnate air sitting around, as this eventually becomes dirtier. Although hard to notice, it can have an impact on your family’s health over time. A simple solution is utilizing a ceiling fan. Keeping it on a low or medium setting may be all your room needs to keep it flowing.

All of these updates together will keep the air in your home fresh, and let you enjoy the breeze all summer around! If your vents haven’t been checked, your windows haven’t been updated, or you need help installing a ceiling fan, we can connect you to the right person for the job! Now is the time to do it, with several months of hot weather ahead of us. Enjoy the summer weather to its fullest this year! To see a list of contractors we recommend, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com. For a specific recommendation, send us an email or leave a comment. We’re here to help!

Spotlight On: Olympic Blinds

Covering the south sound region of Pierce and Thurston counties, Olympic Blinds offers the easiest and most affordable value in window coverings, and you can shop right in the comfort of your home or office! Their style consultants are the most experienced in the window covering trade, and will provide a free in home consultation to assist in your new home decorating or existing makeover remodeling project. They explain and show actual working samples of the products, functions and options available that add design, warmth and insulation within the current market and design trends.

Local award winning designers Brian Utley and Meghan Goodman set up appointments during the work week or weekends (if applicable). Both designers bring the most competitive experience and knowledge to the local market. With 34 years of combined expertise, they offer the most satisfying experience and can find the best value for your price in mind.

Brian Utley, the founder of Olympic Blinds, has traveled extensively to national product trade shows and attended training seminars in design and product function throughout his career. Brian has successfully completed ASID window treatment design credits while attending window covering trade shows around the United States.

Meghan Goodman has an interior design background and was the lead designer with Jubilee at Hawks Prairie, with the Jenamar group, from its inception until 2008. Meghan’s vast product knowledge in the interior design gives Olympic Blinds a huge advantage over the other dealers. 

Furthermore, Olympic Blinds in an independent, local, family owned company, and not a national franchise chain. Therefore, your spending money stays within the community and helps to support the local economy!

Olympic Blinds offers more choices than a national franchise or box store and consistently provides the best value! Since Olympic Blinds is not restricted by corporate franchise management, Olympic Blinds can offer a more unique and satisfying shopping experience!

Where other dealers, franchises, and box stores typically outsource the installation portion of the project, Olympic Blinds hires their own professional installers, all of which are certified by all national suppliers. Michael Hyde, their lead installer, has been successfully certified by the Hunter Douglas window fashions training courses, for all products. Michael has successfully completed the master level of installers courses. Thus, Olympic Blinds will offer a professional installation of your windows, covering products for years to come!

Responsible Contractors is here to show you the best of every industry! We confidently recommend Olympic Blinds as a solid choice for anyone seeking window treatments, residential or commercial! To see more recommended contractors, visit us atwww.responsiblecontractors.com.

Spotlight on: American Home Construction Services

The American dream: A beautiful spouse, three successful children, the perfect home on acreage, with a white picket fence and a well behaved pet. We all have our own idea of what the American dream should look like, and one constant is having a beautiful home! But for the average homeowner, what is realistic? Most of us know that we have to sacrifice luxury in one area, to attain it in another. But how much sacrifice is too much? We live in a construction age where there are more options available than before, and prospective homeowners have room to make choices that support their American dream! One of those options is modernized manufactured homes.

For most, hearing “manufactured” brings to mind an image of a mobile or modular home. However, today’s manufactured homes are far superior! Frequently built on a permanent foundation, the gap between manufactured and custom built homes has significantly decreased. This option is where American Home Construction Services comes in! Independently owned and operated, American Home Construction Services helps new homeowners choose and install the perfect home for them! Their homes are designed to keep overhead low, and still provide quality construction. Included in this process, as a licensed contractor, they prepare the land, set the foundation, and install the home.

There are many advantages to choosing a manufactured home. From close monitoring, to less expensive materials, to better inventory control and less waste, the process of building a manufactured home is generally quicker and smoother than new, custom construction. Another advantage is that American Home Construction Services takes pride in using only products that will make your home more sustainable and green! This results in a home that will be better for the environment and your health. This includes cleaner air, less waste, and more efficient energy usage!

Manufactured homes provide a newer, cleaner option for homeowners that want the advantages of a custom-built home, without the cost and extra time to construct. American Home Construction Services is just the company to install them! They pride themselves in superior customer service, and will walk you through the entire process. From helping you find financing, to land preparation, customization and installation, they will be at your side until you are home!

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring  you the best in each industry. We are glad to recommend American Home Construction Services as an option for manufactured homes. To see more contractors we recommend, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com.