Spotlight on: Classic Insulation and Pest Control

Let’s be real for a minute. If there’s one thing attics are good at accumulating, it’s dust. Attics and crawl spaces are some of the most neglected corners of the house. Dust collects, and the lack of movement and constant darkness makes it an attractive home for insects, bugs and rodents. Most of us don’t want to deal with those creepy-crawlies. Good news! Classic Insulation & Pest Control can take care of this for you.

When it comes to the attic, where do you start? Maybe you haven’t touched it in months and it needs to be checked and cleaned. Pests are only one of the problems that can develop. If your attic has gone unchecked, it might be time to look at the insulation and structure. The attic is one of the most overlooked rooms of the home, and yet it also has a huge potential for heat loss. You know what that means: Larger energy bills. In addition to insulation, a neglected attic also carries a risk of damage to the vapor barrier. Your vapor barrier is crucial for your home’s long-term structure, as it protects against moisture damage, wood rot, and mold.

So why do you need Classic Insulation & Pest Control? You need them to inspect your attic and crawl spaces, clean out any pests, living or dead, all damaged insulation and vapor barriers, and to reinstall insulation or vapor barriers as needed. Cleaning your attic will give you access to the storage you’re afraid to dig for, help protect your home’s structure from water damage, and save energy.

Serving Seattle, Eastside, Skagit/Whatcom counties, and Everett, Classic Insulation & Pest Control is a reliable, local choice to help with your attic or crawl space. One customer recently remarked: “I would strongly recommend using Classis Insualtion And Pest Control. I received three different bids for putting insulation in my 1930’s home. The Classic Insulation team shined above their competiton, from their front desk to the estimator, to the installation crew, their professionalism was impressive. Plus, we have saved approximately 30% on our heating cost.”

For 20 years Classic Insulation & Pest Control has been helping families with their homes. Family owned and operated, they value making your home as efficient as possible, paying close attention to detail. At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We would confidently entrust Classic Insulation & Pest Control with your attic or crawl space. To read more about them or find more contractors we recommend, visit us online at http://www.responsiblecontractors.com.

Before You Move

Preparing to move this year? How about in the next five years? For most of us, our home is the most equity we will have in our lifetime. It’s the biggest investment we make, and has the largest impact on our lifestyle. In the United States, the average person will move 11.4 times in his lifetime. While no one fits snuggly into a statistic, chances are still high that most of us have a move in our future. Some of those moves will involve selling our current homes. If you find yourself in this camp, it’s important to choose home upgrades that will add value when the time comes to sell. After all, you want the most for your money, and the next resident will want the best in your home.

Choosing a project that adds value to your home is crucial, and should be relatively straight forward. But sometimes the answer isn’t exactly what you’d expect. Here’s some top projects that will add value to your home:

1. Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is arguably the most important room when considering home value. A kitchen remodel, when done right, can sometimes recoup as much as 120% on your investment. When remodeling the kitchen, focus on the cabinetry, lighting, countertops, and appliances. Energy-efficient appliances in particular are often appealing to new buyers. Be careful when remodeling, however! Your kitchen should be current, and fit with the dichotomy of the neighborhood and the rest of the house. Make it too fancy, and it’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Your contractor can help you make relevant decisions during the remodel.

1. Repurposing a Den

Bedrooms are desirable. Dens, however, are often seen as wasted space. What separates a den from a bedroom? For a room to qualify as a bedroom, it must have a closet and a window. Otherwise, you have a den on your hands. If you’re looking to sell your home, consider how you might make use of this space. Adding a closet to turn a den into a bedroom isn’t always a simple process, and even when the architecture will allow it, it may reduce the room size significantly. Consider removing a wall and adding it to a living space, or expanding a neighboring bedroom. Depending on its location, you may also consider turning it into a home office. Use wisdom when spending, however, and evaluate the return on investment changing the space may provide.

1. Curb Appeal

You don’t need a shining water fountain, koi pond, bushes shaped like artwork, or a golf course for a lawn. However, you do need some curb appeal. This is one of the most recommended upgrades, as it can be inexpensive and create a great first impression for potential buyers. Your lawn should be clean, your driveway, walkway and porch should be put together, and your plants should be alive. Compare your home’s exterior to neighboring houses. If it is evidently lacking, you will need to bring it up to the neighborhood standard.

1. Bathroom Addition

Adding a bathroom can be a significant investment, however under the right circumstances can provide up to a 130% return on investment. You should consider adding a bathroom if you only have one, or if you have too few bathrooms for the number of bedrooms. A family of four or more will not want to all share the same bathroom. Work with a reliable contractor on this, as it’s easy to overspend on this kind of remodel. Remember, luxury is nice, but functionality is crucial. Make it worthwhile for your future buyer.

1. Energy-Efficient Insulation

Insulation is a bare necessity in every home. Bad insulation is, you guessed it, bad for business. If your insulation isn’t good in quality, your home will lose heat, or cold air, and cause the energy bill to skyrocket. In addition to this, bad insulation will let sound travel throughout the home uninhibited. Home inspectors will always check the insulation. Bad insulation will reflect negatively on the report. While checking your insulation, you should also inspect for any potential energy waste. Doors and windows, electrical outlets, lights, ducts, and wiring should all be in order. A home inspector can give you these answers.

Whether you’re selling or not, investing in your home will make for a more livable, functional space. When you come to a season of life where you need to move, you will be ready to sell with confidence! Remodeling your home is no DIY project for those of us who aren’t construction professionals, so be sure to hire a reliable company to help. Hint: We know a few! At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. To see a list of contractors we recommend, visit us online at responsiblecontractors.com.

Spotlight on: Cedar County Landscaping, Inc

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are surrounded by beautiful landscapes and scenery. In Fact, Western Washington is known for its endless forests and fields of green. With the beauty that surrounds us, it’s no wonder we have a high regard for an appealing landscape. For those who desire a well-kept lawn all year round, we recommend Cedar County Landscaping, Inc.

Founded in 1995 initially as a one-man operation, Cedar County Landscaping has grown from a gifted passion into a flourishing business. Founder and President Jason Anderson has been the life of the company from the beginning. His experience as a lawn service specialist and a landscaper has allowed him to bring only the best employees on board to work with him. Always well-trained, professional, courteous, and safety-conscious, the staff of Cedar County Landscaping is among the best.

But what’s the big deal? Can’t any landscaper keep a lawn green? Maybe, but Cedar County Landscaping brings an innovative and imaginative edge to the table that few can match. As a homeowner or commercial property owner, your role is to dream. Every property owner has a unique dream, and a unique property. Cedar County Landscaping has the expertise needed to transform your property into your dream, in a beautiful and functional way. This applies to new construction, remodels, and upkeep on current landscapes.

Homeowners aren’t the only ones that work with Cedar County Landscaping, though! In a professional environment, making a good first impression is crucial. Cedar County Landscaping handles the year-round maintenance for commercial landscaping also. No matter what time of year, or what mood the weather is in, your property should look clean, and professionally maintained.

From new construction, to yard maintenance, and surrounding jobs such as walkways, rockeries, walls, and water systems, Cedar County Landscaping is a confident choice for both the homeowner and commercial property owner. Your yard is your first impression, so won’t you put it in the hands of the best?

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We are proud to recommend Cedar County Landscaping for all your landscaping needs. To read more about them, as well as visit other contractors we recommend, visit us online atresponsiblecontractors.com.