Why Responsible Contractors - www.responsiblecontractors.com

Refinishing a Front Door

So your front door is weathered?

We all know the signs. The wood begins to warp, the paint begins to crack, the hinges rust, the corners may even dent. Over time, weather and usage take a grueling toll on your front door. Often times, the desire is simply to replace the door with something that is mass-produced, contains metal and fiberglass, or is low maintenance. Sometimes, however, a truly timeless door should be salvaged. This can be done by refinishing a wooden door.

Once you make the decision to preserve and refinish your door, how do you begin? Fortunately, this can be an inexpensive project.  

1. Preparation
   
   To get started, isolate your wooden door. Take it out of the doorway and remove all the hardware. Lay it flat across a couple sawhorses to create a workspace for yourself.
   
   
2. Sand
   
   Start with a rough, 80-grit sandpaper to remove old varnish. Go over it again with a 100-grit paper, and then once more with a 120-grit paper to fully clean the wood. Remember to pay close attention to folds and crevices where the old varnish is likely to have collected. For troublesome spots, including spots where the sander will not reach, you can go over it with small, sharp scrapers, and again with a sanding sponge. Once completely sanded, use either a small vacuum or a duster to remove excess and settled sawdust.
   
   
3. First Coat
   
   Before completely covering the door, go over the edges of it with your sealant. Once the edges are dried, rehang the door in its doorway without its hardware. This will keep the finish from being damaged by rehanging later. Using a new, China-bristle brush and spar varnish (preferably one with UV-protection for outdoor use), begin applying the finish to the door. Start first at the panels, then move out towards the moldings, rails, and stiles. Remember to brush with the grain. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely without closing the door for the first 24 hours.
   
   
4. Second and Third Coat
   
   The next day, take a 220-grit paper to gently smooth the first coat and remove any clumps. After giving the door a quick dust, brush on a second coat, once again letting it dry over night. Finally, on the third day, use an even finer paper for a last smooth down. Then dust, and apply a third and final coat. Once dry, reapply the hardware and enjoy your new door!
   
   Refinishing a door is a simple, inexpensive update that will keep the front of your house looking clean and fresh. Spending three days every 3-5 years is a great way to maintain an attractive entry way.

Responsible Contractors Newsletter September 2013

Responsible Contractors

Connecting Consumers with Qualified Contractors

PO Box 287 * Milton, WA 98354 * 253.891.1397

Newsletter, September 2013

Welcome to the Responsible Contractors newsletter, a forum for us to highlight company news, feature some of our most highly regarded contractors, and include customer testimonials.

Company News

     Responsible Contractors is now listed on the Women’s Resource Directory, a professional network promoting local businesses and services.

·       On Wednesday, September 25, we will host a booth at the 2013 impressLOCAL Business Expo at the Pacific Sports and Events Center, connecting local vendors and businesses with our contractors’ services.

·   Responsible Contractors is looking for news about upcoming Home Shows in the Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis counties. We want to keep consumers informed of opportunities to meet local contractors. If you know of a local show, please email Nikeyla at Nikeyla@responsiblecontractors.com.

Home Improvement Tips

Now is the time to prepare your home for fall weather with these four tips:

1.    Check your heating system – replace filters and clean ducts

2.    Clean debris out of gutters and downspouts

3.    Seal off potential drafts by checking doors and windows; caulk and weather-strip

4.    Clear out the garage so you have a place for your cars, tools, and summer toys when the weather changes!

Featured Contractors               

RCW Construction is based in Gig Harbor and serves homes throughout the surrounding counties with building, remodeling, repairing, and restoring their homes. 

They specialize in custom homes and expert renovations, providing quality service at a great value.

The Fullertons were impressed with RCW’s attention to service, “Thank you for checking on us. That is very much appreciated. Most contractors you don’t hear from again after they are done with the work. Your forman is very talented and knows what he is doing. He knows how to make and do things right. They used materials wisely and were not wasteful. We were very impressed.”

Kanon Electric Inc. understands how sound electrical systems keep homes and businesses running safely and efficiently. 

Kanon’s electricians are trained in installations, upgrades, and repairs, and pledge quality service in a timely manner.

Roxanne P. recommends Kanon because, “I had four different light fixtures to be installed in my project to update the canned lights in my house. Jim was very professional and knowledgeable. He showed respect for my home by protecting the floors and cleaning up. He did an excellent job of installing them. I would definitely recommend Kanon Electric for any electrical needs.”

Olympic Blinds are the window-covering specialists, who offer quality products that complement your home’s overall design. 

They offer a variety of blinds and shades that are generally priced lower than those found in home improvement stores.

Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of Washington, thanks Olympic: “Thank you for the work you did on my shutters and blinds at the Executive Mansion. The work is outstanding. The Sun Room is exactly what we hoped for: the Roman shades provided warmth to the room and the added color makes it a much more comfortable space for breakfast meetings, lunches and small dinners.”

Interested in Listing With Us?

Whether you are a new contractor or an ongoing client looking to renew your membership, Responsible Contractors is always looking for Qualified Contractors to add to our online directory.

If you have three verifiable references, and are licensed, bonded, and insured, you are invited to apply here.

If you’re already a member, please share Responsible Contractors as a resource with your colleagues and customers!

Announcements?

We are happy to post announcements in the upcoming Responsible Contractors newsletter. Email Nikeyla at Nikeyla@responsiblecontractors.com to submit an announcement.

Newsletter June 2013

Responsible Contractors

Connecting Consumers with Qualified Contractors

PO Box 287

Milton, WA 98354

253.891.1397

Client Newsletter, June 2013

Welcome to the Responsible Contractors newsletter, a forum for us to highlight company news, feature some of our most highly regarded contractors, and include customer testimonials.

Company News

·         Responsible Contractors is advertising on Klay AM 1180 once more, a station serving over a million people in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Listeners include high-earning homeowners and business owners.

·         Contractors now have the opportunity to submit photos of your work for Responsible Contractors' new Photo Gallery page. Photos will be tagged, linked, and labeled with your company’s name. Photos will then be pinned to Responsible Contractors’ Pinterest page again crediting your company and expanding your exposure.

·         Our contractors now have access to the local military community through Responsible Contractors’ advertisement in the upcoming publication of the Washington Military Resource Directory. Your listing will reach 145,000 military personnel, active and retired.

Best Home Improvement Tip

             

             Responsible Contractors will award a

         $10 Starbucks, Best Buy, or WalMart Gift Card

                 for your home improvement tips

         and you will get credit on our Best Tips Page!

                Continue to submit your tips here.

Updates

·         

      Rainier View Construction and Roofing has relocated to:

 3702 West Valley Hwy North; Auburn, WA 98001

Featured Contractors

Assisted Custom Construction (A.C.C.) Custom Homes provides people with custom homes, tailoring the design and construction to individual needs and preferences. With over 30 years of experience, A.C.C. builders offer the opportunity for homeowner’s to participate in crafting their own dream homes.

Craig Romney recommends A.C.C. Custom Homes, saying: “A.C.C. Custom Homes maintains the standard of the true craftsman. I have built two homes and one remodel with this company. They are real professionals. A.C.C. Custom Homes would be my only choice.”

Ranger Tree Experts, Inc. use the best equipment to remove trees and clear land safely and efficiently. Ranger Tree Experts have the experience and skill to take down trees to prevent damage to yourself or your home. Call in the professionals for your land clearing needs!

Canterwood Golf Course Superintendant says: “Managing a golf course with over 4000 trees in a housing community with another 5000 trees can be a daunting task for anyone. Ranger Tree Expert has been my only choice since 1998 and will continue to be my selection. The quality and quantity of work at the price they deliver is unsurpassable. Just as important is the expertise that comes with the service. Micah Glastetter is extremely knowledgeable and genuinely concerned about the health of the trees. In my 20 years in this industry I have found no one better. Don't hesitate when it comes to Ranger Tree Expert.”

Millworks Custom Sheds crafts hand-built sheds for a variety of needs, including playhouses, garden sheds, and storage sheds, that are both beautiful and functional. Millworks builds all of its sheds from recycled materials and uses trees from local sustainable forest operations.

S. Marshall was impressed with the playhouse Millworks produced for his grandchildren: “We love the playhouse/lookout you built for our grandchildren. I cannot get over the construction and the quality of the materials you used (I guess it makes a difference when you produce it yourself).  It is unlike any other product I have seen on the market.  It is certainly the ‘leader of the market.’” 

Contractor Testimonials for Responsible Contractors

Contractors who list with us get results, including increased profitability and expanding their exposure to target markets both online and in-person.

“Responsible Contractors has been a great way for our company to gain public exposure both by word of mouth and by search engine optimization.  We have had a number of great business leads and we are extremely impressed with the enthusiasm Nikeyla exhibits with regards to helping our business grow.”

~ Michelle Luna - MyPhd Services

“Thank you so much for helping my company to grow. Your contractors’ website – Responsible Contractors - was my first web presence and I’ve gotten 2 nice remodeling jobs from it. I’m looking forward to many years of working with you to help your web business and my construction business achieve our goals. I will be letting my all of my subcontractors know how happy I am that I signed up to be a part of Responsible Contractors.”

~ Chris Wise - RCW Construction

Interested in Listing With Us?

Whether you are a new contractor or an ongoing client looking to renew your membership, Responsible Contractors is always looking for Qualified Contractors to add to our online directory.

If you have three verifiable references, and are licensed, bonded, and insured, you are invited to apply here.

If you’re already a member, please share Responsible Contractors as a resource with your colleagues and customers!

Announcements?

We are happy to post announcements in the upcoming Responsible Contractors newsletter. Email Nikeyla at Nikeyla@responsiblecontractors.com to submit an announcement.

When is it time to replace your roof?

When is it time to replace your roof? The average roof will last 10 to 20 years. Inspect your roof at least yearly. Look for signs of wear and tear, broken shingles, cracking, curling, bubbling, areas of loose granules on asphalt shingles and heavy moss growth. 

Also, look around the interior of your home for damp or dark spots especially around chimneys and vents. 

Waiting too long to replace your roof can be costly. Moisture damage can lead to expensive repairs. If you think it might be time to replace your roof, contact a professional to check it out. Find a list of qualified contractors at http://www.responsiblecontractors.com/roofing_contractor.html

Kitchen design should be both comfortable and practical.

Kitchen design should be both comfortable and practical.


Kitchen layout, organization and storage determine how comfortable the space feels and whether the workflow is effective for the homeowner’s lifestyle. Lighting in the kitchen is especially important, from how the overhead adds the ambiance that you want, to the task lights that make your job easier. Is your kitchen the hub of family activity, a place where you spend hours preparing gourmet meals, or just a convenience as you grab and go? Determining your lifestyle needs will help with the overall design of your kitchen including color, storage, ease of care, durability, counter space, and selection of appliances.

Choosing a Kitchen and Bath Contractor

Choosing a Kitchen and Bath Contractor:  Whether it's a bathroom or kitchen remodel, renovation, upgrade or repair, an experienced contractor will make all the difference. Consider what you will be needing - cabinets, countertops, new plumbing, new fixtures, floor coverings, lighting, electrical updates, new paint, tile or stonework. Using a remodeling contractor that can make it all happen on time and on budget, while considering the need for permits, floor plans, upgrades to current codes, and help you select the right materials for your bath or kitchen, will make your whole project a better experience. Interview and get bids from multiple contractors -  not only comparing prices and materials, but make sure the contractor you select is someone you feel comfortable working with over a period of time and having in your home. 

Quick Tip: Kitchens and baths are hubs of the home. Be prepared to work around the construction process including times when the power or water may be shut off.

http://www.responsiblecontractors.com/kitchen_bath_contractor.html