Spotlight on: Innovative Dream Builders

There are many contractors out there with many specialties. It’s important to know who specializes in your particular project’s needs. General contractors can often work on most aspects of the home, and still be strongest in a specific category. When it comes to windows, your home will be best in the hands of Innovative Dream Builders. Specializing in the envelope of the home: windows, siding, roofing and painting, Innovative Dream Builders comes with the highest guarantee.

Founded by the George and Thompson families, Innovative Dream Builders prides themselves on being on time, on budget, using high quality products and maintaining the highest level of service, to ensure that every customer is well cared for. Above and beyond an in and out company, Innovative Dream Builders has you covered in the long term. What sets them apart is knowing who you are working with, and knowing whose cell phone to call if you ever have a problem: even years down the line. But is knowing they are a reliable company a reason to contract them? How will you know when to call them?

Signs of defective or deteriorated windows to check your own home for are: single pane glass, sweating or fog in between double pane, condensation around the frame, drafts, cracks or daylight showing, high energy bills or an A/C that needs to run all the time, and mold mildew or rot. If you’ve noticed any of these on your own home recently, it’s time to give Innovative Dream Builders a call. Defective windows can lead to higher energy bills, water damage, rot, UV damage to your floors and furniture, and allow mold and mildew to grow inside the home. Good windows are an important part of your home’s structure!

Think all windows are built the same? Think again. Will you use any piece of glass to defend your home against weather and outdoor debris? If there is any part of you that is unsure, we encourage you to get a free estimate. Have a conversation and allow them to give you a detailed proposal so you are equipped with knowledge and understanding, to make the best choice for your family’s home.

Windows are not the only service they offer, but they are one of their specialties. When you need windows, siding or painting for your home improvement, renovation, or remodeling project, remember Innovative Dream Builders and “Update your home with purpose!”

At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We proudly give our highest recommendation for Innovative Dream Builders for your home’s windows! To find them and see more contractors we recommend, visit us atresponsiblecontractors.com!

Spotlight on: DistribuDoors

It’s one of the first things people see when they drive past your house. It’s the gate keeper, guarding against weather, rodents, bugs, and intruders. It protects your valuables, and keeps them warm and dry. Your garage door plays an important role in your home’s overall safety and design. Shouldn’t you give it the care and attention it deserves?

When it comes to garage doors, there is no one we will recommend more highly than
DistribuDoors! Founded in 1985, DistribuDoors has built a strong reputation, and is known for its exceptional product quality and superior customer service. Offering both residential and commercial services, they provide options for automation and customization.

Servicing Pierce, King and Snohomish counties, DistribuDoor is available where you need them! Offering competitive services such as same-day service, and exclusive company-employed certified technicians, they provide a flawless design and fantastic product. All with competitive pricing.

DistribuDoors recognizes that every customer has different and unique needs. Their variety of automation options, accessories and designs give them a product solution for nearly every customer, and every budget! But the glue of the company: what makes them so great? Their commitment to honesty, high ethical standards, and excellence in their profession. Thousands of happy customers are a testament to their impressive portfolio. One customer recently reflected: “We had a broken garage door on an attached garage, so home security was compromised. A short notice fix was critical, but that is what we got. Extremely pleased with the service.”

Fully stocked and ready for almost any repair, DistribuDoor does more than just new door installation. Tune-up and lube service, torsion and extension spring replacements, and even smaller repairs such as hinges, track, brackets, gears and more, are all in their range of services! Not only are they ready to give you a beautiful new garage door, they are only a phone call away to fix the one you already have and love.

You know you need a reliable, effective, good-looking garage door. Now you know where to go to get it! At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We highly recommend DistribuDoors for all your garage door needs!

Is He the One? Choosing a Reliable Contractor

Responsible Contractors exists to arm you with companies you can count on. It’s no secret that crooks will go where the money is. Remodeling and home improvement in the US is more than a $500 billion industry. While there are many honest companies out there, it’s important to be prepared to spot a scam when you see one. Here are some tips for knowing whether or not you can count on a company.

License and Bonding

Washington has many safeguards in place to prevent contractors from scamming the public. Information on every approved contractor is available to the public, so you can check out the company for yourself. Home improvement and remodels come with a lot of specifications. There are permits required, and building codes to which all homeowners and contractors must adhere. A contractor who does not build up to code can end up causing trouble for you as a home owner down the line. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure your home meets all state requirements. Before working with a contractor, verify he is legitimate through WA State LNI. If you can’t find him on LNI, don’t work with him.

Permits

In addition to being properly licensed and bonded, a reliable contractor should take out the building permit for you. If asked to attain your own building permit first, be wary. Untrustworthy contractors may ask this so that any failure to meet state requirements will fall on you alone. A trustworthy contractor will take out the permit for you, so the state will know he is the one doing the construction, and will be the first point of contact if something isn’t up to code.

Financial Structure

It is normal for companies to request 10%, or up to $1,000 up front, relative somewhat to the scale of the project. If a company is requesting that an excessive amount be paid in advance, it is a red flag. It’s more difficult for you as a homeowner to walk away, or fire a company, that now has a large chunk of your hard-earned money at his disposal. They know that. Be careful about how you turn over your money.

Transparency

Another red flag to look for is a contractor who asks you to take his word for your requests, and will not put it in writing. A good contractor will be transparent. Every promise should be in writing, and every question should be answered. Contractors that try to scam you will sound agreeable, friendly, and persuasive. They may assure you that even though it isn’t in the proposal, they will be happy to do that for you. Be careful: If it isn’t in writing, it isn’t guaranteed. A contractor that is unethical will make assurances and promises that aren’t in writing in order to win your business, without any follow through. If it isn’t in writing, there is little to no legal obligation on their end, regardless of hearsay. Read the proposal carefully. A contractor you can rely on will be open and transparent with all your concerns!

Hiring on the Spot

There are companies out there that do not allow the customer time to check out their references and licenses. Often times a company will drive up and knock on your door, claiming they have leftover product that they can give you a great bargain off if you say yes immediately. Whether paving a driveway, landscaping, or storm repair, it’s risky. There are times it may be a good financial deal, but if anything goes wrong, without prior diligence, you will have little to no protection. It’s worth spending a little more to ensure you’ll work with a company who will take care of you long after the fact.

Scams do exist, and companies do fail to provide what they promise, but you don’t have to be a victim of this! Know what to watch out for and how to check out a company. When you’re ready to remodel, visit responsiblecontractors.com first! We endorse companies that are properly licensed, ethical, trustworthy and reliable. You’re putting thousands of your dollars up to create the home of your dreams: You should have peace of mind throughout the process.

Weekend Home Projects

Looking for a Weekend Project?

Sometimes you need a change, but just don’t know where to start. That full kitchen remodel is still over a year into your future, and you don’t have it in your budget to re-floor. But you do know one thing: You need to make an update! Here are some ideas of low-cost updates you can make to your home this weekend:

Paint the Trim

This is a great project for those who just need an aesthetic lift to an outdated room. You may not have the time, energy or funds to repaint your entire space, but for significantly less you can redo the trim. Choose a room, then sand and either paint or stain the trim, including floorboards, doorframe and window sills. This will give an instant, subtle upgrade to almost any space! Estimated cost: $50

Redo the Closet

Maybe the space that has become a headache for you is a more intimate one. Redoing your closet can allow you to be more organized, feel as though you have a little more control in the mornings, and be more pleasing for your eyes. Empty your closet, clean out what you don’t need, and update your closet’s shelving and organization. You can keep it simple and invest in wire shelving for less than $100, or find an organization system you like. Major home centers will sell a variety of closet organization systems, so you can find one that works with your budget and lifestyle. Estimated cost: $100-$400

Change out your Hardware

You’re not ready to redo your kitchen cabinetry? One easy step that doesn’t need to cost more than $100 is to update the hardware. Pick out a style you like, and give your cabinetry new handles. You can even take it a step further by updating your sink’s faucet. This is a great in-between update, as the hardware you choose can be kept if you decide to give your entire kitchen a makeover. It is a small investment that will make a big difference in your kitchen! Estimated cost: $100 – $200

Wallpaper or Paint One Accent Wall

If you need more of a dramatic change, but only have one free day, you may want to add an accent wall. There are many decorative paints on the market to choose from. If you want to be a little more dramatic, you can even find a wallpaper you like! Accenting a wall in the living room, bedroom or dining room makes a huge difference in your home’s overall design. Estimated cost: $100 to $250.

Give your Bathroom a Mini Makeover

Your bathroom gets a lot of use, why not give it some TLC? For under $500, you can give it a makeover. From new lighting, to a new vanity, to updating the sink and hardware, there’s a lot of ways to redo a bathroom. Granite vanity tops can cost as little as $150. A new sink and faucet together can cost as little as $200. In addition, there are mini updates you can make, such as a new shower curtain, bathroom accents, even rugs! Give yourself a budget, decide what you want to change the most in your bathroom, and work outward from there. In 2-3 days you can have a transformed bathroom! Estimated cost: $400-$500

We know you don’t always have time or money for the big projects. That shouldn’t stop you from being able to make updates to your home! These are great ways to begin making changes to your home that will encourage you to make the larger investments down the line. Can’t do the labor yourself? Inspired to take on a larger remodel? We know people who can help! Remember, if you aren’t completely confident you can do something without incident, it’s always best to call in professional help. A job done wrong isn’t worthwhile. To see a list of contractors we trust to get the job done right, visit us online atresponsiblecontractors.com.

Spotlight on: Capitol Duct Cleaning

There are a lot of moving parts to a healthy home, and some of those parts go unnoticed until a problem arises. Parts of your home like air ducts, vents, and furnaces work from behind the scenes to keep your home comfortable and clean. But, who can you trust to take care of cleaning your home’s HVAC system?

We recommend Capitol Duct Cleaning! Based out of Olympia, and serving Pierce and Thurston counties, they can be at your doorstep ready to help when needed! For many homeowners, they don’t realize the significance of having your airways cleaned until they see the before and afters. The truth is, a lack of maintenance can lead to severe air contamination, which is recognized as a serious indoor air quality issue. This can lead to even more pressing issues such as mold growth, and can impact your family’s health. Other advantages to having your air ducts regularly cleaned include energy efficiency and a better room temperature. You’ll end up spending money either way - wouldn’t you rather spend it on good maintenance, than higher electric bills?

 

So when do you need to have them cleaned? Anytime renovations happen dust is circulated through the air, and it’s a good time to clean them out. Your lifestyle will have an impact on this too. Anything that impacts your breathable air will impact your airflow systems, including smoking, pets, and illness. At a minimum, if you haven’t had it cleaned in a couple years, you should!

But wait: Airflow is a big deal, isn’t it? How can you know which company to trust? A good air duct cleaning company will be fully licensed, fully insured, a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, certified with NADCA and HVAC systems, and come recommended by previous clients. Why do we recommend Capitol Duct Cleaning? Because they meet all these criteria!

The question to ask is: Are you confident the air you’ve been breathing is clean? If not, it’s time to give Capitol Duct Cleaning a call! At Responsible Contractors, we aim to bring you the best in each industry. We proudly recommend Capitol Duct Cleaning for all your air duct cleaning needs! To read more about them, and see other companies we recommend, visit us online at responsiblecontractors.com

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!