Contractor's Guide Spring 2018

CONTRACTORS GUIDE SPRING 2018 | A DAILY RECORD PUBLICATION

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CONTENTS 5

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS

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INSULATION AND HEATING BILLS

10

OTHERWORLDLY LUNAR HOME

13

THE MOVING BLUES

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WINTERIZING TIPS

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INSTALLING A ROOF IN WINTER?

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PROPERTY LINES

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SAVING WATER IN THE KITCHEN

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INDOOR AIR QUALITY

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Because everyone can use A Handy Guy from time to time.

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS What’s hot and what’s not in 2018

By Megan Linhoff Angie’s List

With each new year comes a fresh set of interior design trends. And those topping the list for 2018 are sure to inspire homeowners making updates big and small. Angie’s List recently attended the shows at Design and Construction Week for a first-hand look at what’s up and coming in home improvement. Here’s a look at some of the themes shaping today’s interior spaces, according to distinguished designers.

Nature-inspired spaces The hustle and bustle of daily life has homeowners craving the harmony of nature, designers say. And what better way to fulfill that desire than by bringing the outside in? In a move toward nature-inspired spaces, homeowners are incorporating stone, white oak and wood-grain elements to create a visual connection to the outdoors. And they’re

also embracing natural color palettes with warm whites and serene greens and blues.

Scandinavian decor and furnishings are topping off the look.

Simplicity Less is more in 2018. This year, designers are embracing an uncluttered aesthetic that favors clean lines and craftsmanship and honors interest over things. Overdecorating is discouraged. Every detail from the kitchen countertop to the flower vase is meant to serve an authentic and functional purpose. Simplicity centers on creating a visually organized space.

Thoughtful storage solutions will help you achieve the look.

Style blending and personalization: Interior design is trending away from a one-style aesthetic, encouraging a mix of fashions new and old. Traditional meets contemporary, industrial meets organic,

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Blinds & Draperies LLC

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RE CO RD

2014 L AI ED

Y

County

As voted by the readers of the Daily Record.

V

Kittitas

RE THE BY ED OT

RS ADE

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www.nvblinds.net

2211 West Dolarway, Ste. 5 • Ellensburg, WA Office hours vary. Please call for an appointment.

As voted by the readers of the Daily Record.

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and rustic meets modern as designers tailor spaces to satisfy homeowners’ unique needs and tastes. This trend celebrates the purposeful mixing of styles, materials, patterns and textures to create a truly personalized home.

Combining different metals and finishes is encouraged. Displaying items with sentimental value is celebrated. And the modern farmhouse look is a favorite of homeowners and designers alike.

Bold colors After years of embracing neutrals, homeowners are now looking to incorporate bolder colors to reflect their personalities and liven up their spaces.

Paint manufacturers are on point: PPG Paints’ color of the year is a moody indigo called Black Flame; Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is a radiant red called Caliente; and the 2018 Pantone color of the year is a bold purple titled Ultra Violet. Appliance manufacturers are also following suit, offering boldly colored ovens, refrigerators and more in addition

ASCENT

to the timeless stainless steel. Look for bold colors to complement muted hues and warm grays and whites, which are still very much in style. And consider colorful patterns in tile and wallpaper to add an extra bit of oomph.

Livability Smart home technology, clever storage and universal design elements are coming together to create a home that is as livable as it is beautiful. Motionsensing faucets and lights facilitate safety and convenience. Lower kitchen cabinet drawers offer easy access to pots and pans. Designated storage cupboards keep microwaves and other small appliances at arm’s reach but out of plain view. And smart appliances and thermostats make everyday life a little easier all around.

What’s more, floating vanities, open shelving and no-threshold showers are not only popular and attractive design elements, but they also make it easier for homeowners to continue living in their homes as they grow older.

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

MONEY

Insulation can help keep heat bills down

By Paul F.P. Pogue Angie’s List

I

nsulation plays an important role in keeping your house cool in summer and warm in winter. But because of its passive nature, it’s easy to forget that it needs to be maintained from time to time. As you move into the coldest part of winter, don’t overlook the role of insulation in preserving the heat you’re spending so much money to pump into your house.

DO I NEED TO UPGRADE MY INSULATION? According to the EPA’s Energy Star program, adequate insulation is one of the most cost-saving projects you can undertake. Proper insulation and weatherstripping can reduce your heating costs by 20 percent. Two-thirds of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation.

Large ice dams on the roof or large icicles hanging from the overhang of your house are an early sign that your insulation isn’t performing properly.

Icicles and ice dams form because heat is escaping your house through the ceiling, melting snow and ice, which then refreezes on the roof or overhangs.

The attic is often a culprit in the insulation problem _ if you can see the studs, it’s not insulated enough. But don’t underestimate how much you might be losing in your walls, either. A professional home energy audit can

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COOL HEATING BILLS

help determine where you’re losing heat.

HOW TO HIRE AN INSULATION CONTRACTOR Insulation is not a DIY job; many factors impact what goes into where and how insulation needs to be installed. When you hire an insulation professional, ask what professional certifications they hold. You can also look into a preferred or participating contractor for your home energy provider. A qualified contractor will know what energy rebates you can take advantage of for the type of insulation you use.

A typical insulation project will cost between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the size and age of your house and how much old insulation needs to be replaced.

INSULATION TYPES Insulation comes in many forms. The most common type is fiberglass, which is the least expensive and easiest to install. Spray foam insulation is effective in enclosed walls, new wall cavities, and unfinished attic floors. Cellulose insulation is a loose-fill material made from recycled paper. It’s environmentally friendly, but it needs to be replaced every five years because it absorbs moisture over time.

2018 SPRING CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

Insulation is measured by R-value, which indicates both its durability and effectiveness of guarding against heat penetration. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. For most attics, Energy Star recommends an R-value of R-38, which offers about 12 to 15 inches of padding. An R-value of 49 may be recommended for cold-weather areas of the country.

DON’T FORGET THE WINDOWS Your windows represent one of the biggest sources of energy loss during the winter. In fact, adding insulating window film can help retain up to 55 percent of your home’s heat during the winter.

But you want to do more than just duct-tape plastic over your windows.

Your best bet is to purchase window film and a window insulation kit from a hardware store, which shouldn’t cost you more than $30. Installing it involves stretching the plastic over the window, then using a hair dryer to shrink and seal the plastic around the edges, rendering it airtight against leaks.

This quick fix can save energy and money, but if you’re losing a lot of heat through your windows, consider hiring a professional window replacement company to permanently solve the problem.

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

LIVING

The eagle has landed

A naval architect adapts boatbuilding techniques to create an otherworldly lunar lander

By Sandy Deneau Dunham The Seattle Times

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ouston, we have a project. Technically, it is not a starship, but it certainly has proved quite the enterprise.

Our DIY commander, Kurt Hughes, has systematically designed and built his very own livable, lovable lunar lander, securely perched on an acre of peaceful Central Washington terrain. It is out-of-this-world spectacular.

Hughes launched this inspired mission about 10 years ago: His youngest daughter, Kiku, attended space camp at The Museum of Flight, so Hughes printed her a lunar-module graphic, and then actual Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise signed it. (The graphic, now framed, hangs in a spot of honor just inside the lander’s portal.)

“I never have seen anyone living in a lunar lander,” Hughes says. “They’re mostly uninhabitable. But Haise said to my daughter: ‘The one we took was pretty comfortable.’ “ Hughes is a naval architect whose Seattle-based company, Kurt Hughes

2018 SPRING CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

Sailing Designs, caters to comfortable. “If you go to Maui, about half the tour-boat catamarans are my designs,” he says.

With the lunar lander, though, Hughes saw a space challenge, and more than one opportunity.

“Typically, an architect can look at a building and understand what’s going on,” he says. “I looked at the lunar lander and couldn’t figure it out. While it always was, ‘Don’t just do a box, like almost everybody else,’ this is a proof of concept for building a house like a modern boat is built.”

As a bonus, Hughes’ lunar lander (and its pad of riverfront land, near Beverly) honors his past (he went to Royal High School, “20 miles up the road”), and the space program’s. “I wanted an homage to an era when anything was possible,” he says. “And, the Apollo astronauts trained only a few miles from here.”

Practically, Hughes says, the lunar lander “will be a weekend getaway place, especially for creative work, and for the kids to visit the Gorge events.” (He lives full-

time in Seattle with his wife, Eugenia; they have two grown daughters: Mariko and Kiku the space-camper.)

Structurally, Hughes envisioned “a habitable dwelling with the latest marine composite technology, providing creature comforts with low impact on the land and high amazement factor.”

Modestly, he calls it “an unusual project.” We’ll just say: We are highly amazed, and unusually impressed.

This is no tiny house that vaguely resembles something space-y, fellow Earthlings. This is a “retrofuturist” and officially permitted lunar-lander tiny house (total weight, less than 3,000 pounds; total square footage, 250). It kind of stands out.

“There are four sides and four truncations — it’s technically a hexagon,” Hughes says. “The intent is that it’s cool from every side.”

Six stretchy cables act as tethers; three spidery steel legs attach to reinforced concrete pads; and a fourth stabilizer holds the 12 solar-lighted steps that lead to the front door, which, naturally, has a porthole. On the other side, under a sunshading array of photovoltaic panels: a deck for two, perfect for watching the Columbia roll on.

Inside, on the main level (an airy, open space with “external modules for the bath, galley, breakfast nook and storage”), a clear, geodesic dome overhead lets “light stream in, down, all around,” Hughes says. Down the interior ship’s ladder: “a soft lounging pit and bed” (and required fire egress).

All systems go away, tucked in the hexagonal ring under the living space.

The work (and ingenuity) behind all of that is staggering: • Eliminating “the need for old-style nail framing,” Hughes built his own structural insulated panels (SIPs). “I am expert in building (them) easily: much higher strength and quality than commercial ones,” he says. “I pioneered using Ziploc Space Bags for vacuumbagging smaller SIPs. A shop vac, bubble pak and Poly Tarp are all that is needed.”

• Epoxy coats every part, he says:

“Epoxy keeps everything dry, and mold cannot get a foothold.” (He even created a phosphorescent epoxy floor for the bathroom — so aglow, it “rarely needs nightlights.”)

• Hughes used a rubberized nonskid paint, Evercoat, on the ship’s ladder treads. “Out of the can, it looks like pale alien hurl,” he says. “I added graphite powder to the mix to give a dark-gray, OSHA-looking result.”

• While saving space (the toilet tank is only 3 inches wide, front to back), Hughes also prioritized energy savings, with a quarter-ton ductless heat pump, air-to-air heat exchanger, and “state-ofthe-art marine 12-volt electrical systems and LED” lighting.

There were a few delayed liftoffs: Fitting the door handles took “a crazy amount of time,” he says. It didn’t occur

to him originally that he’d need an attached exterior ladder so he actually could work up high — but there’s one now. And with the shower door, “The goal with composite construction is to drill as few holes as possible,” he says. “I tried to hang it with only high-strength 3M VHB tape so I could escape drilling into the plywood. It failed. Now I know: I must drill.”

There’s a universal lesson there, he says: “It’s real important to build the stuff you’re designing. I design boats for others, and build for myself. Too many builders don’t get their hands dirty.”

Hughes has taken giant steps for doit-yourselfers-kind, but his lunar lander remains an active exploration.

“At some point, I’ll be done enough,” he says. “When I’m 85 and sitting in that captain’s window and sipping absinthe.”

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

LIVING

THE MOVING BLUES Tips for a stress-free (as possible) move

By Cathy Hobbs, Tribune News Service

DIY MOVING ADVICE

Moving is typically one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. But it doesn’t have to be. From choosing the right mover to DIY tips, here are some do’s and don’ts to help ensure your next move runs as smoothly as possible.

5. Request your more fragile items are wrapped in a careful manner.

DO: 1. Check references. Quality movers will not have issues.

DON’T: 1. Go with the lowest quote. Get at least three quotes and evaluate quality of service with price.

Looking for tips to do your own move? Aspects relating to a residential move such as packing your own artwork may be a task you decide to do on your own. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

2. Think bigger is always better. A smaller company may provide a higher level of customer service.

• High-end artwork may need to be first covered with a specialty paper to prevent fading.

3. Forget to check to see if there have been any complaints against your mover. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to begin.

• For less fragile art pieces, cardboard mirror cartons can be used.

4. Sign a contract without understanding the pricing.

• Building a custom crate can be ideal for higher-end pieces.

5. Move at the beginning or the end of the month if possible. These are peak periods for movers and may make it more difficult for you to secure the mover of your choice.

• Bubble wrap is key, especially when it comes to protecting the corners of artwork.

2. Ask for proof of insurance. In the case of condominium buildings especially, a mover will not be able to enter a building without proof of the proper insurance.

3. Ask for a firm and binding quote.

4. Be honest. Nearly all movers base their quotes on labor and materials. It is in your best interest for a mover to have an accurate picture of the scope of work involved in your move.

• Paper pads can be used to further protect artwork during transport.

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

EFFICIENCY

WINTERERIZING 10 ways to protect your home against winter elements

With bitter cold temperatures gripping much of the country in recent weeks, what are the best ways to properly prepare your home for winter? Whether it’s your full-time residence, weekend home or a property you rent out, being prepared can help make sure your home doesn’t suffer any damage during winter.

Here are some tips to keep in mind.

By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service

2. Make sure typical fall home prep items have been completed such as cleaning out gutters and making sure HVAC systems are in proper order.

1. Winterize outdoor areas. If you haven’t already, close all outdoor faucets.

3. Make sure you have enough fuel. Having enough fuel on hand will be critical, especially during an unexpected heavy storm.

4. Program your thermostat when away.

The recommended temperature is typically between 55 and 60 degrees.

5. Insulate pipes. The potential of freezing 14

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2018 SPRING CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

pipes can be a real concern during periods of prolonged low temperatures.

6. Have an emergency or backup plan in place. Especially if you only use a residence part time, having a property manager or reliable friend or neighbor to check in on your home may be helpful.

7. Review your insurance coverage and warranty information. Should mechanical systems break down or damage occur, you will want to know you are protected.

8. Secure vendors. From snow plow companies to plumbers and electricians, having a vendor to call can be invaluable.

9. Bring in all outdoor furniture.

Wintry winds, especially in extreme cold temperatures, can be powerful.

10. Check all windows and doors. Windows and doors are the prime point of entry for the elements. Making sure windows and doors are well insulated and working properly can not only save you money but help keep you warm.

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2018 SPRING CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

HOME REPAIRS

going against the grain

Can you install a new roof in winter?

By Paul F.P. Pogue Angie’s List

R

eplacing your roof represents a serious investment of time, commitment and money. So, unless you’re responding to a roofing emergency, the real answer to the question “When is the best time to install a new roof?” is “anytime you’ve planned ahead, thought everything through and know you’re not making a rash decision.” That said, time of year does play an important role in roofing installation. And you might be surprised what you can accomplish in winter.

HOW DO SEASONS IMPACT ROOFING WORK? Summer offers ideal roofing weather, but that comes with a price (literally). It’s the busiest time of year for professional roofers, so you may have to wait longer for a reliable contractor. And prices for both labor and materials may also be higher.

Materials suppliers tend to increase their costs in the spring. So, if you get ahead of that change, you’ll get better prices than you would have if you’d waited a few more months. Roofers can do their jobs in the colder weather so long as it’s not raining or snowing. And even the best roofing contractors tend to be less busy in the winter months. That means you may get a good deal, and be able to begin work sooner, if you hire someone in the wintertime. Just be sure to ask your contractor what measures they’ll be taking to prevent slips and falls in potentially icy weather. Also, ask what steps they’ll take to ensure your materials remain in good condition.

Keep in mind: Sealants apply at different rates in colder temperatures. And your roofing contractor should take that into account. Of course, getting ahead of

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the unpredictable spring season means you’ll have less concern when it comes to unexpected storms and moisture messing up your roof installation project.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHETHER YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR ROOF? The most important decisions regarding roof replacement come long before the work is done.

Sometimes, a roofing problem can be solved with spot repairs, while other situations call for a full replacement.

Consider these questions before deciding whether to replace your roof: How old your roof? If your roof is more than 20 years old, a replacement is a good idea.

What is the condition of the shingles? Curling, buckling and

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HOW MUCH WILL YOUR ROOF REPLACEMENT COST? Roof replacement costs vary quite a bit depending on materials.

You might shell out as little as $5,000 for a basic asphalt roof and as much as $25,000 or more for higher-end materials. For this reason, you should consider your roofing options carefully and avoid rushing into the decision when possible. You’re going to pay a lot of money and have to live with the outcome for decades, so take the time to get it right.

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missing shingles are a sign of imminent roof replacement.

Can you see shingle granules in my gutters? Shingles lose more granules near the end of their lifecycle. Inconsistent or darker colors on the roof are another sign that granules are wearing away.

2018 SPRING CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

PROPERTY

DRAWING THE LINE M Why are property lines so important?

By Paula Pogue Angie’s List

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any homeowners don’t know the exact amount of land they own or where it begins and ends. Not knowing the precise dimensions of your most valuable asset can lead to a variety of problems.

DO PEOPLE KNOW THEIR PROPERTY LINES? Homeowners often rely on anecdotal evidence, such as their real estate agent or the visual markers that border a property (streets, fences) to delineate their property.

Sometimes people are shocked by how much of their land is owned by the state, especially in subdivisions. “Most homeowners are surprised to find out they don’t own the property all the way out to the curb line at the street,” says James Thurber of Thurber Engineering & Land Surveying. “The state not only owns the asphalt surface, but some of the land that extends into what the homeowners believe is their front lawn.”

2018 SPRING CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

WHY DO PROPERTY LINES MATTER? The most obvious value of property lines is knowing how far you can and should place improvements. A 6-foot variance makes a big difference when you’re putting up a fence.

In some cases, a homeowners association will require certain improvements be made up to the property line.

You also don’t want any nasty surprises during a home sale when you discover the size of the land you’ve been pitching to your potential buyers is off by several feet. You might need expensive repairs right then, or it could scuttle the sale.

HOW TO HIRE A SURVEYOR Licensing requirements vary by state, but all have some kind of surveyor’s licensing board. The profession requires a deep knowledge of law and systems, extensive education and professional experience under a licensed surveyor.

It also requires a bit of diplomacy — surveyors are sometimes asked to explain their findings to angry landowners who discover they own much less than they thought, or that their expensive landscaping extends several feet into someone else’s yard.

Never buy a home without a survey, and if you’re doing landscape or fence construction, it buys valuable peace of mind to know your boundaries.

Angie’s List members report spending between $350 and $600 on a survey. Costs tend to vary by region and extent of the job. For example, Dennis Campbell, president of Blue Ridge Land Surveying in Asheville, N.C., says surveys of properties less than an acre in his area cost between $600 and $1,500.

“A few hundred dollars for a survey and staking property lines could save thousands in fence removal and replacement,” Thurber says. “I always tell clients that a survey is the cheapest form of insurance you can buy.”

WHERE DOES MY PROPERTY RESPONSIBILITY BEGIN AND END? Property lines get more complicated with elements that start on one property but impact another, and insurance and liability come into play.

Trees make up the majority of these problems. If your oak’s limbs extend over your neighbor’s yard, whose problem is it when the leaves fall? Or worse still, if a broken limb causes damage to a neighbor’s yard?

This is another case where your jurisdiction matters. “In Virginia, if a tree falls from my neighbor’s property onto my property, it’s considered an act of God,” Thurber says. “The insurance companies will usually cover the damage that may have occurred to the respective properties, but my neighbor’s insurance company will not cover damages to mine.”

In some cases, property lines can impact ownership of the tree and who can make decisions about it — another

reason to be well aware of your exact boundaries.

In the end, mutual respect for each other’s feelings makes the most valuable difference. No matter where your property line is, take your neighbors into consideration when making improvements near your property edge.

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toll-free 1-866-962-8444 2018 SPRING CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

PLUMBING

MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN?

Cooking up a plan to save water in the kitchen

By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service

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Question: Dear Ed: My proposed kitchen remodel will include new appliances, countertops, sink and faucet. Since I plan to use efficient appliances, I also want an efficient kitchen faucet. Can you please go over some water-saving kitchen faucet information for me to think about?

— Sasha, Mississippi Answer: In past years, water-saving kitchen faucets have not received as much attention as water-saving bathroom faucets. The thinking was in the kitchen a lot of the water use was to fill things like pots for cooking and cups for drinking. What difference would it make if the faucet used less gallons per minute (gpm), since the end goal was to fill up the pot or cup? However, even with a dishwasher, pots, pans, cups and dishes do get washed in the sink as well.

So, since every drop counts, there is a new push to start installing water-saving kitchen faucets. Usually an efficient kitchen faucet uses less than 1.9 gpm.

But, don’t be a drip, check local codes and choose an approved water-saving kitchen faucet for your area.

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CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE

LIVING

BREATHE DEEP Indoor air quality is important to health

By Megan Linhoff Angie’s List

W

e all know that outdoor air pollution can be hazardous to our health, but indoor air quality presents several risks that we should keep top of mind as well. Sources such as heating systems, certain building materials and even nature itself can release harmful gases or particles into the air inside our homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). And inadequate ventilation can lead to increased concentrations and exposure.

Here’s a look at three common indoor air pollutants and what you can do to avoid unsafe levels in your home: CARBON MONOXIDE Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. Common sources of carbon monoxide include improperly vented gas appliances, poorly maintained boilers and furnaces, and clogged or leaking chimneys. Carbon monoxide can be fatal at high concentrations. And at lower concentrations, it may cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, impaired vision and reduced brain function, among other symptoms.

To prevent high concentrations of carbon monoxide, it’s important to properly maintain all combustion equipment and ensure proper ventilation. (The EPA recommends having a trained professional inspect chimneys, water heaters, gas furnaces, and gas ranges and ovens annually.) It’s also important to keep a carbon monoxide detector in good working order in your home.

RADON Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Like carbon monoxide, it is both odorless and colorless. All homes, new and old, are susceptible to radon. The gas typically enters a home by rising up through the soil and seeping into the cracks and crevices of a home’s foundation, but it may also enter the home through wall cracks, construction joints and water supply sources, among other areas. The EPA estimates

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that one in 15 homes in the United States is affected by high levels of radon.

Exposure to elevated radon levels is known to cause lung cancer and serious respiratory health issues. The best way to ensure that your home is safe is to administer a radon test. You may either hire a qualified testing professional or purchase a home kit to test your home for radon. There are both shortand long-term tests available. The EPA recommends starting with a short-term test. The results of this test will indicate whether you should follow up with another short-term test or a long-term test. The higher the results, the greater the likelihood that you’ll need to hire a radon mitigation specialist to address the problem.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from a variety of household paints, disinfectants and solvents, as well as some building materials _ including certain carpets and flooring. The health effects of VOC exposure will depend on the level of exposure and the amount of time exposed, but VOCs are known to cause eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; nausea; damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system; and, in some cases, even cancer.

To decrease exposure to VOCs in your home, the EPA recommends carefully following label instructions, increasing ventilation when using VOC-emitting products, and safely storing and disposing of unneeded chemicals. Many products offer low-VOC or zero-VOC options; it’s best to choose these whenever possible.

To evaluate your risk for poor indoor air quality, take a survey of your home. Identify where combustion systems are located, inventory how chemicals are stored and assess whether ventilation is adequate. If you’d like further reassurance that your home is safe, contact your local health department for guidance on how to evaluate your home’s air quality with the help of professionals.

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