New Year's Resolution: Your Home

With the holidays behind us, many are setting up their resolutions, writing their goals, and preparing to kick in the new year. As you’re looking at different facets of your life, don’t forget your home! It is both your sanctuary and your biggest investment. Here are some ideas to add to your list of resolutions for next year!

De-clutter and Clean

Living in a clean, organized environment promotes positive change. If you haven’t recently, having your house professionally cleaned and organized can be a breath of fresh air for your home. Additionally, it allows you to see more clearly areas of your home you’ll want to update in the future. How worn is your carpet? Do the walls need to be repainted? A clean home will allow you to more effectively set home improvement goals for the year.

Evaluate and Improve Your Home’s Efficiency

Cutting down on energy costs is a great way to not only make your home more efficient, but can also help the environment. Here are some ideas! The first is to add ceiling fans, which can help circulate both hot and cold air. Update appliances to Energy Star rated appliances. Even though it costs money to purchase up front, making the switch will save an average of 30% on energy costs, which can equate to hundreds of dollars a year. To go a step further, consider consulting an electrician to have your wiring checked.

Safety and Protection

Updating your home’s safety is more than just protecting against intruders. While it’s good to check your home alarm system, or consider having one installed if you haven’t yet, there are safety elements inside the home you should be checking as well. One key element of home safety is airflow. It is surprisingly common for people’s bathrooms and attics to lack the necessary ventilation. Whether the vents have been clogged, covered, or just not installed where they’re needed, a lack of proper ventilation can lead to the growth of mold. When dealing with airflow, also check your radon levels. Radon is a commonly forgotten, odorless gas that, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is responsible for around 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. You can purchase a test kit at your local hardware store for under $30.

With your home updated, decluttered, safe, clean, and efficient, you’ll be able to set goals for major improvements. From flooring to roofing and everything in between, updating your home is an investment worth making for a new year. You can increase your quality of living while adding value to your home! To see a list of contractors we trust to get the job done and take care of your home, visit us at responsiblecontractors.com. And Happy New Year!

Last Minute Holiday Checklist

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and many families will be home preparing to host large Christmas dinners! Here is a checklist of household chores and appliances to check, to make sure you are ready for Christmas day!

Check your vacuum cleaners

If something spills, or animals run loose, you may have a vacuum impulse. Now is the time to change bags, and make sure it is stored in a ready-to-access space. If you won’t need it on Christmas, it’ll make next-day cleanup a little easier!

Clean and prepare coffee

Whether your have kids jump on your bed as soon as the sun shows itself, or you get up early to put the turkey in the oven, there’s a good chance coffee will be making a triumphant rescue Christmas morning. Check the drip opening by unplugging the coffee maker and turning it upside down. You can clean it with dish detergent and warm water.

Sharpen your knives

Cutting the turkey or ham dinner is easier done with knives that work. It’s a quick and easy fix, so there’s every reason to make sure your knives are ready for showtime! Also check handles, and tighten if necessary.

Check light bulbs

Light bulbs dimming? Does your dining room look like it has unplanned mood lighting? Check the lightbulbs around the house now, so that you won’t have to fuss with it Christmas morning!

Stock firewood

If you’re planning on using the fireplace, stock firewood 24 hours before. Especially if you’re bringing in wood from outside, it’s important that it has a chance to dry so that it will be ready to burn when you need it. Who wants to walk out to the shed to get firewood in their nice holiday attire, anyways?

Clean the microwave, let the oven rest

Your microwave will come in handy for some of your dinner preparation. Clean it out now to reduce the lingering odor, as well as make sure it will be in top working order. Wash the plate and wipe the inside. But let your oven rest! It will be doing most of the work Christmas day, and the self-cleaning cycle it has can actually cause it to become over taxed. The last thing you need is for the oven to give out while the turkey is in it. If it needs to be cleaned, pull out the trays and wash them, and gently sweep out lingering ashes.

Stock the basic (and easy to forget) supplies

No point in making a last-minute store run on Christmas day when you can run a checklist ahead of time! Here’s what to check for: Garbage and plastic bags, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, containers for leftovers, kitchen string, cleaned cooking utensils, enough place settings for your guests, and an oven thermometer.

With these few steps, in a couple hours you can have your home that much closer to holiday-ready! If you ever have a problem in your home and need a helping hand, we are happy to recommend a professional who can assist. For a list of trusted professionals, visitresponsiblecontractors.com!

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

We all love the idea of a snowy December. Children dream of waking up to a white lawn on Christmas day, and carolers sing of the snow. Whether or not we actually get snowfall however, we know that Christmas day is likely to be cold. Frosty air and cold rain can do just as much to our homes as snow. So in preparation, let’s go over a few tips to inspect and reinforce your home against the cold.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are one of your home’s first lines of defense. They exist to let in and
keep out, from intruders to weather changes. So in preparation for and reinforcement against the cold weather, let’s go over a checklist you can review. Start with weatherstripping. Check the window frames and door frames for leaks, as leaks will allow heat to escape. If you do have damage or leaks, the weatherstripping may need to be replace. Next to the weatherstripping, look at the frames themselves. Inspect for signs of rot, decay, termites, or any excessive wear. Ultimately this becomes an issue of structural integrity, and during the cold season can be magnified. With frames and weatherstripping intact, check for drafts. If you still feel a draft you may invest in caulking, as a further defense against escaping heat. Also be sure to check for cracks. If you want to invest further, you can invest in storm doors and storm windows where your screens would be.

Outside the Home

Although we don’t expect much stormy weather, the cold can bring the unexpected, and there are outdoor preparations we should make. Have your roof checked for leaks or weak spots, and check the property for branches that could fall if the weather picks up. Consider having any water lines that run along the outer walls of the home insulated to prevent water from freezing. If you have snow-removal equipment, make sure it’s in working order, and have it serviced if needed. Have your exterior faucets shut off and outdoor pipes and valves drained. If you have handrails or lights outside, make sure they’re secure and working to prevent accidents along an icy walkway.

With your home prepared for the cold, Christmas can be a cozier, warmer season. If we do wake up with a white Christmas, you’ll be able to enjoy it without worrying about the cold getting in or causing damage. If you do need to have your home inspected or updated, we are happy to recommend a professional who can help! Visit us atresponsiblecontractors.com for a list of trusted professionals!

Spotlight on: Hardwood Perfections

We all love the look of a shiny, glossy hardwood floor. It can be homey, eloquent, warm, and exquisite! The versatility of hardwood and it’s aesthetic application makes it a desirable choice for flooring, both for homeowners and commercial buildings. Finding the perfect hardwood, however, can be a challenge. Choosing one that not only looks good, but also comes with longevity and durability is an important piece that can be difficult for the average homeowner. That is why it’s important to have someone in your corner you can rely on! And who better to turn to for the perfect hardwood floor than Hardwood Perfections?

Located in Marysville, WA, Hardwood Perfections has been family owned and operated for nearly a decade. Every home and building they have floored has been given their personal touch. As the homeowner, you will have confidence that they will be attentive all the way through! From the initial consult until the last coat of finish has dried, you will have their attention and communication. Their belief is that it is important to not only complete a job, but make sure the client understands the choices made, understands what’s going on with his floors, and why.

The same applies to the pre-flooring process. Before beginning a project, the consultation involves informing clients enough to make decisions and customize their floor projects. Backed by the guidance of Hardwood Perfections, you can truly have the custom floor that you’ve always desired, with the confidence of knowing it’s been done right, and will last! If you were to speak to his clients, you’d hear consistently that Hardwood Perfections will go beyond expectations to truly complete a job right.

Hardwood Perfections specializes in hardwood flooring and tile, and also works on a variety of other flooring types! For homeowners looking to do multiple rooms, this gives them the option of working with a single company throughout the process. For Hardwood Perfections, “Because Your Floor Deserves Perfection” is more than a slogan; it’s a promise. It is the promise of superior craftsmanship, the promise of having it done right, and the pride of being the only hardwood company you’ll ever need to contact.

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We are proud to recommend Hardwood Perfection for all your hardwood needs. From the smallest home project to the large commercial building, we are confident that you will have a job well done from a company you trust. Go from ordinary to extraordinary with Hardwood Perfections! To see more contractors we recommend, visit us atresponsiblecontractors.com.

An Efficient Kitchen

During the Christmas season you may find yourself spending more time in your kitchen: going to cookie exchanges, making casseroles and pumpkin pies, and preparing for the big Christmas feast! While you may not notice your energy usage throughout your day, the holiday seasons bring in the highest in utility bills. But there are some ways you can increase your efficiency throughout your kitchen, saving on energy and lowering your utility bills. Here’s a few ideas!

Lighting

Longer hours in the kitchen coupled with shorter days can equate to long-burning bulbs. Choosing an energy efficient bulb is one of the easiest steps you can take toward a lower energy usage. The longer your bulb burns, the more efficient the bulb should be. If you haven’t already, check the lamps throughout your house and look for a sticker on each one that indicates the maximum wattage allowed. Make sure you use bulbs that do not exceed it. Also, consider using automated devices to help control your usage. You may install a timer to automatically turn your lights off, or motion detectors so that when you leave the room, the lights turn themselves off.

Appliances

Large appliances are investments, and most of us don’t go out and buy a new one when we want to increase our energy efficiency. Thankfully, there are options beyond just choosing a new efficient appliance. For cooking, while stoves and ovens are not currently rated by the EPA, you can make small choices that are more efficient. Crock-pots use the least amount of energy and are a great option for preparing meals. For small dishes, rather than popping them in the oven, use a toaster oven instead! Also don’t forget your microwave, they are efficient because they are fast.

Water

Water is one of the most used resources in the home, and has the potential to be one of the biggest sources of waste. But it doesn’t have to be! In the kitchen, you can conserve hot water usage through faucet updates. Instant hot water dispensers are energy savers. They heat small amounts of water as-needed, rather than large amounts of unneeded hot water. Another option that you can invest in for under $20 which will save you on your water bill is a faucet aerator. You may not notice the difference in the water flow, however may reduce your water usage even as much as 50%. Also, keeping a watch on your water goes a long way. Repair leaky faucets immediately. Use dishwashers as much as possible, as they use about a third less water than hand washing. One last tip is to check the temperature on your water heater, as there’s not usually a reason for it to surpass 120 degrees.

With these few tips under your belt, you can go into the Christmas season ready to bake, cook, entertain, and clean, all without worrying about skyrocketing utility bills. At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. If you need recommendations for energy upgrades, or help with water and lighting, visit us atresponsiblecontractors.com for a list of contractors we trust to help!

Spotlight on: Tony's Roofcare Inc.

 Remember the day when you woke up, stretched, and wandered into the kitchen to make coffee, only to step in a puddle of water seeping through the roof? Not the most fun experience, was it? Fortunately, it doesn’t have to happen again! Your roof is an investment. More than keeping your home dry and offering aesthetic appeal, it serves to keep your family safe, and improve the health of the household. And to top it off, will add significant value to your home. Any of these benefits sound good to you? Then look no further than Tonys Roofcare Inc. When it comes to investing in a new roof, they bring you the best! Serving Tacoma, Puyallup, and Federal Way since 1997, they are dedicated to providing top quality work with guaranteed results.

Tonys Roofcare specializes in roofing, but it is not the only thing they do! They can handle your windows, siding, and exterior painting as well. When it comes to the exterior of the home, they save homeowners time and money by being a singular point of contact. Even more, their customer care doesn’t conclude with the project! They believe in educating their customers on proper care and maintenance, and being available long after a project has finished. They do roof cleaning and general roof maintenance, so you know your roof will be cared for! 

Being family-owned and operated, with all installers having at least 5 years experience puts Tonys Roofcare on the edge of good quality, matched by their personal devotion and exhaustive experience. When you hire them, you not only know you’re getting a good product, you know you’re working with good people. Another mark of good character is their transparency! On their website (www.tonysroofcare.com) they share detailed information about their products and services. And the process is made simple: It all starts with a commitment-free quote!

Whether your roof is leaking, or it’s just time to invest in improved performance and add to the value of your home, we highly recommend Tonys Roofcare as a superb local choice. At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best of construction! To see more about Tonys Roofcare and for other contractors we recommend, visithttp://responsiblecontractors.com/. Happy roofing!

Holiday Home Improvement

With Thanksgiving having reunited us with loved ones, and Christmas around the corner, many of us are preparing our homes for guests. Whether relatives coming to town and staying in your guest bedrooms, or friends coming for your Christmas parties, one thing becomes true: You’re going to be spending the season hosting. Counting down the weeks until Christmas day, what can you do to get your home sparkling? There are many updates you can do, and they don’t have to use your entire Christmas budget! Let’s focus on three of our favorite updates that will cost you less than $500, and take less than a week.

The Bathroom Vanity

If you live in an older home, you likely have a standalone sink. If you live in a newer home, you may have a bathroom counter, or a vanity. For guest bathrooms with the latter two, these are small enough to be simple projects, and will bring an elegant flare to your bathroom’s design. Start by purchasing a new granite top from your local hardware store. This can cost you as little as $150, depending on the size and design. Make sure you pick a size that matches your counter or vanity. Next, choose a new faucet that speaks to your inner designer. Before installing either, inspect all sides for damage. If you have extra room in your budget, you may opt for a new mirror, or accent piece such as towel rack or lamp. This is an installation project that can be completed in a weekend, and will add character to your bathroom!

Halogen Track Lighting

Good lighting can make or break any room’s mood with ambience. During the season for Christmas lights, fireplaces and evening get togethers, properly lighting your home is a great investment! Why did we pick track lighting? Not only is it beautiful and customizable, it’s efficient! The layout of the lighting will let you put the spotlight exactly where you want it. Halogen bulbs are also known for the ability to illuminate colors well, thus enhancing your interior design! Other advantages of these bulbs are that they are inexpensive, lightweight, do not contain mercury like fluorescent lamps, and have a color temperature that is meant to mimic sunlight. They can be made dimmable as well, which is great news for anyone interested in mood lighting. Kits for these are sold for between $100 and $300, depending on the design and size. When purchasing, make sure you get a kit that will connect to your ceiling’s junction box, to prevent the need for a Transformer. If you already have an electrical box in the ceiling, this is an installation project that will only take a couple hours.

Carpet Cleaning and Repair

While it may seem like a temporary fix, the truth is that a professional deep cleaning service will add a clean face to your home that will improve it aesthetically, making it look,
smell and feel newer. Consider having your carpets professionally cleaned. This can cost somewhere around $200, and will help lift stains, brighten the color and improve the texture. For seriously worn carpet, you can hire a professional repair company. These companies repair carpet by replacing patches that have been torn or burnt, and stretching carpet that has been deformed or crinkled. Your guests never have to know the damage your pets have inflicted! Together these services can cost you under $500!

There are many options available for updates and repairs, that don’t have to steal your entire Christmas budget. As you’re preparing for the holiday season, consider which will bring the most value to your home. Should you need a hand with any of these projects, we are happy to recommend a trusted professional. To see a list of all our trusted contractors, visit responsiblecontractors.com!