Home and Garden Show Preview 2018

Home

Whatcom County

&Garden Show Preview ÂŽ

March 2 - 4, 2018

Friday, March 2: 11am to 8pm

Northwest Washington Fairgrounds

Saturday, March 3: 10am to 8pm

Henry Jansen Ag Building

Sunday, March 4: 11am to 5pm

Western Solar brings energy efficiency and major cost savings to Whatcom County................................. C6 Custer-based Skilled LLC tackles home additions, remodels, repairs...................................................C14 A supplement of the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

C2

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

K300 Fully Cassetted Retractable Awnings

Difficult Installations have Simple Solutions www.nuimagepro.com

Walls & Windows Inc. Window Coverings * Awnings * Sun Screens

(360)676-5223

Blinds & Shades Repaired - All major brands

4131 Hannegan Road, Suite 104, Bellingham, WA. 98226

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

C3

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

The show — for all things home and garden Ideas and services will fill the fairgrounds Henry Jansen Building this weekend LYNDEN — ­ All sorts of ideas and assistance for home and garden improvement fill the Henry Jansen Ag Building on the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds through this weekend.

It’s the 39th annual rendition of a Whatcom County Home & Garden Show, presented by the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County, Friday through Sunday, March 2-4.

The 2018 show includes over $5,000 in prizes given away. Several food vendors are lined up.

There will also be beer and wine tasting. Friday evening is Date Night, and on Saturday there will be live music in the indoor garden area of the show.

At noon Sunday, well-known Northwest gardening expert Ciscoe Morris returns for his animated talk that has become a staple of the Whatcom event.

The sponsors bill this to be “where your project begins.”

The hours will be: Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free on the grounds.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 and older, with under age 16 getting in free. Coupons cutting the entry fee to $6 are available at Peoples Bank branches.

More than 160 exhibitors will have a presence at the show. This list will give

you an idea of the extensive diversity they represent: • home builders/general contractors • heating, ventilation and air-conditioning • insurance and lending services • stonework • decks and fencing • tree services • yard and garden tools and equipment • home and garden products and services

• kitchen and bath remodeling • garage door sales and service • solar power design and installation • windows, window coverings and doors • landscaping and lawn care, greenhouses • water treatment and filtration • real estate assistance • painting • insulation • closet systems and storage solutions

• appliances • nursery stock • home furnishings • roofing, siding and gutter services • flooring, cabinets and refinishing • security systems • decorative design • handyman services • health services • awnings and solar screens • machinery and equipment • backyard specialities and spas • fuel supply

Licensed, Bonded & Insured / Lic. # ASCENTS835Q7

Today’s Forecast

60%

chance of rain

40%

100% chance of sold

chance of sun

Bryce & Brandy VanDeKop, Windermere Real Estate Web: www.bryceandbrandy.com Email: bryce@windermere.com Phone: 360-319-8573 or 360-319-1980

REALTOR

Serving Whatcom County for 13 years ®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

C4

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Home Show kicks off raffle for house tiny

Home was built by CAZ Energy Services to benefit Kulshan Community Land Trust

CAZ Energy Services recently unveiled the tiny house, which will be raffled off in September at a Bellingham openhouse event. The tiny house will be at the BIAWC Home Show this year. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune)

Visitors to the BIAWC Home & Garden Show could come away with a tiny house of their own — if they get very lucky.

Bellingham’s CAZ Energy Services spent 58 days constructing a tiny home beginning in December, and the home show will be the first public event at which visitors can purchase $25 raffle tickets to win the home later this year.

The tiny home was constructed as a fundraiser for Kulshan Community Land Trust. Dan Dunne is president of the trust’s board and owner of CAZ.

“I think housing in this town is at a crisis level,” Dunne said about BellingContinued on C5

We are the new local Cub Cadet Dealership.

Full line of sales and service!

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1959.

www.littauharvester.com 6881 E. 5th Place, Lynden Phone: 360-398-9845 • Cell: 360-410-0064

Dave Sneve, Manager • daves@littauharvester.com

Jack & Michelle Johnson

When it comes to servicing and repairing your garage doors and openers, no one does it better than Overhead Door. No matter what brand or model... from simple tune-ups and repairs to full replacement and upgrades...trust the experts at Overhead Door to get the job done right – right away.

202 Ohio St., Bellingham, WA | (360) 734-5960 | ohdbellingham.com

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

C5

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Proceeds of the CAZ Energy Services tiny house raffle will go to benefit Kulshan Community Land Trust. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune) ham at a ribbon-cutting for the house on Feb. 22.

Kulshan Community Land Trust holds land in trust for permanently affordable home ownership, and it offers financial and educational services.

Dunne said that while tiny homes aren’t necessarily the right option for everyone, he hopes they can contribute to the cause of affordable housing as a whole.

“I think everybody should be able to afford a roof over their head,” he said.

The home was built through a collaboration led by CAZ and includes donated services from A-1 Builders, Favinger

Plumbing and other local contractors.

The 220-square-foot house on wheels has an estimated value of $39,000. It features a living room, kitchen, bathroom, sleeping loft and storage loft, plus propane space and water heaters. The sleeping loft accommodates a queen-size mattress.

“This is perfect for out-of-town guests or use as an accessory dwelling unit or an extra bedroom,” Dunne said.

“I’m excited to see so many local contractors partnering to help support KCLT’s mission.”

Founded in 2010, CAZ has provided affordable energy conservation services to thousands of clients across Whatcom,

Skagit, Island and San Juan counties.

While the home show is the first event to feature the home in public, it certainly won’t be the last. KCLT’s Kendra Meyer said this structure will pop up at farmers markets, tours and other events throughout the year before the final drawing happens at KCLT’s community party at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Boundary Bay Brewing Company in Bellingham.

Bellingham-based Kulshan Community Land Trust strengthens community by holding land in trust for permanently affordable homeownership and other community needs. It also offers financial and educational services to people of lim-

ited means.

CAZ Energy Services, founded in 2010, has provided affordable energy conservation services to more than 2,000 clients in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties. It offers attic, wall and floor insulation, ductless heat pumps, heat recovery ventilators and more. For information, call 360-389-1056 or visit www.CAZenergy.com.

To find out more about the tiny house or buy tickets apart from the home show, visit the KCLT office at 1303 Commercial St., No. 6, Bellingham, or call 360671-5600.

— Brent Lindquist

C6

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Going solar

Western Solar makes the environmental, financial case for renewable energy Bellingham has one of the highest adoption rates per capita of solar power in Puget Sound Energy territory. With many financial gains to be seen from switching to environmentally generated power, now is a good time to consider the move.

Luckily for attendees at the Whatcom County Home & Garden Show, panel installation company Western Solar will be present with a booth this year to make the case for renewable energy in person.

The Bellingham-based business was established in 2002 by former environmental Huxley College professor Jack Hardy.

It began with a green-design architecture slant, but in 2006 the business jumped into solar electric systems and this remains the primary focus of the solar company today.

The solar industry has grown greatly since around 2008. Western Solar has now installed just over 1,000 systems. The business employs 15 servicing homes along the Interstate 5 corridor and also the San Juan Islands and areas south of Seattle.

Some might think that housing structures in the Pacific Northwest, with the amount of rain and shade we get, would make for a poor location for sun-dependent systems. Markus Virta, director of sales and business development for Western Solar, said that’s simply not the case.

“Solar is a good fit for folks trying to lower operating costs of their homes in our state,” Virta said. He added that the best option is to have a south-facing roof to optimize sun exposure. Other angles to the sun will work as well, but won’t produce as much voltage.

But Virta stresses how affordable solar systems can be — with customers often seeing a six- or seven-year payback on their investment.

“So if you have a good site the system essentially pays for itself right away,” he said.

Many folks who jump into sun power prefer to finance the costs out. The monthly payment typically sits at around $200 per month, but with a combination of state and federal rebates and the decrease in electricity costs, that price is significantly decreased.

Of the financial incentives for switching to solar, there’s a 30 percent federal tax credit from the 2009 Stimulus Package and annual production credits through Washington State.

And considering the abundance of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, the

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Western Solar installs solar panels that can offset more than 150,000 pounds of carbon dioxide for a house in 25 years. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune) choice to invest in your own solar-electric system likely pairs with feel-good environmental benefits.

The average solar photovoltaic system in Western Washington offsets approximate-

ly 162,527 pounds of carbon dioxide during its first 25 years, according to Western Solar.

This amount is comparable to the typical emissions seen from driving 175,526 miles and the annual greenhouse gas emis-

sions from 26.4 tons of waste sent to a landfill, the energy company states.

These aspects add yet another reason for considering the change.

— Ashley Hiruko

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Clean Green solutions, Where does yard waste go?

• Green Earth Technology • Nooksack Valley Disposal • RDS Disposal • SSC FoodPlus!

Clean Green items include: FOOD All foods including meat scraps, dairy, seafood, fish, shells & bones.

YARD DEBRIS All compostable yard debris:

grass, weeds, leaves, branches & seasonal items.

PAPER All food-soiled compostable items including pizza boxes, to-go cartons, napkins, paper towels, plates, cups & bowls.

NO Trash Bags, pet waste, plastics or litter of any kind

Visit the WECU booth at the Whatcom County Home & Garden Show to get a coupon for

$500 off closing costs*

Limited time offer for purchases and refinances.

…Thank You!

*NO Metal, Plastic, Lumber or painted material should be sent to composting.

• We accept any size of yard waste • We accept sod & soil

800-525-8703 x7390 | wecu.com/RealEstate

• Pay Your Way: Cash, Debit, Credit...

• No minimum charges

Visit biawc.com/events/home-show/ for event details.

• Convenient Hours

Conveniently located between Lynden and Bellingham!

Questions? Call 360.354.4936

Green Earth Technology Meadowlark Rd. Hannegan

774 Meadowlark Rd, Lynden OPEN M-F 7:30-4:30 Sat. 8:00-3:00 (Varies by season)

us!

Pole Rd.

N

*$500 discount on closing costs applies only to the purchase or refinance of a primary residence of $100,000.00 or more. Coupon must be presented no later than June 30, 2018 in order for the offer to be granted.

C7

C8

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Berry Garage Door Company

Let us put you into the

new generation of garage doors Berry Garage Door is a local, family owned and operated garage door company that’s focused on providing you with superior garage doors at competitive prices. We have been in business for over 25 years as Bellingham’s choice overhead garage door company.

• Repairs • New Installations • Accessories • Home Control Systems • Laser Garage Parking Assist

2205 Valencia St, Bellingham, WA 98229 360-671-5121 • www.berrydoorco.com

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

C9

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Wired Coffee brings ‘nitro’ to home show This is the portable version of Muddy Waters' stand at First and Grover streets “How do you like your coffee?” It’s a common question often heard and replied to, and sometimes used as a fun way to determine the qualities of a person.

For Muddy Waters owner Kelsey Tolsma, her go-to drink of choice is an iced americano. The simple drink is a combination of shots of espresso with cold filtered water.

Perfection, in her mind.

Tolsma and her sister Brenna Beld took over the well-located Grover and First streets coffee stand in May 2017, after many years of working for the business. They bring extensive experience in coffee crafting.

“Years of experience plays into a good product,” Tolsma said. “I’m obsessed with coffee.”

At the Whatcom County Home & Garden Show, expect to see the sisters up to their usu-

al ways. They’ll be serving all the traditional — and some specialty drinks — of the usual fare offered at their permanent stand, except now in their mobile coffee cart dubbed Wired Coffee.

They’ll also be introducing a new cold brew at the home show — nitro coffee. The new coffee trend adds nitrogen into the mix, giving the drink a sweet, foamy feel, similar to a pint of beer. It can be served in the can or poured over ice with cream.

For those who may not be fans of that concoction, Tolsma recommends a flavored mocha or a London Fog to help event attendees keep warm during still-chilly early March.

For some time now, Wired Coffee has been showing up at events around the county such as the Northwest Washington Fair, Treasures Under the Tent Vintage Market and even at weddings.

And these ladies do more than coffee.

Non-caffeinated drinks include italian sodas and a variety of blended drinks.

“People really love having us at weddings,” Tolsma said. “We’re a good option for

• Custom Glass Shower Enclosure • Free Gold Detail at Final Touch • Spin the Wheel for Many Prizes • Two Power Wheels Kids Electric Cars

Double Dinner Discounts for Windshields Booked During the Show!

Over 89 Years

Wired Coffee brings Muddy Waters coffee to events countywide. (Courtesy photo)

people who don’t drink alcohol.”

The sisters come from a family of women who have “done coffee.” The family of five girls have all had their feet in the perk-me-up lifestyle. Tolsma even met her husband while working at a local coffee stand.

“I had been out of coffee for a couple of years after I had babies,” Tolsma said of her business purchases. “I saw it was available and thought it would be fun to be in coffee again. I was missing being in it every day.”

— Ashley Hiruko

204 6th St. - Lynden, WA 98264 360.318.1912 | www.homewarddesigns.com

Professional Building Design

Wood Refinishing LOGO

OFF

Before... After!

Call Now

LYNDEN 360-354-3232 • BELLINGHAM 360-734-3840

150

$

360-722-2886 nhance.com/northsound

No Dust • No Mess • No Odor

Any Complete Cabinet Job

Must present coupon.

Offer expires 4/15/18

C10

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Drake Closet Design can help you maximize space Local storage solutions business redesigns closets, garages, pantries and more for efficiency Opened by Sam Drake in 2005, local storage solutions business Drake Closet Design works from the simple idea of helping clientele maximize the space they have available in their homes.

One of the more unique vendors at this year’s Whatcom County Home and Garden Show, Drake will show you just what his quality workmanship can do to accomplish that space-maximizing goal.

Born and raised locally, Drake has over 20 years of experience with custom furniture design, layout and installation.

More than 12 years ago, he quit his job planning office space designs after a fellow employee told him about an opportunity in designing closets. After conducting some research, and installing a closet for his daughter, Drake found a need in Whatcom for a storage solutions contractor.

Today, Drake operates his enterprise entirely on his own, travelling to clients’ homes to conduct free design consultation and handling all the installation responsibilites. The niche Drake has discovered keeps him steadily busy and has allowed him to become entirely self-employed.

“I’m the designer, the installer and the business owner,” Drake said, noting that he has been tackling his business venture entirely on his own for the last eight months out of his Bellingham home.

For this year’s show, Drake will be building a mock closet to put on display.

He will also include plenty of photos from previous projects he has done, including garages, pantries and office spaces in addition to closets.

Drake went to the 2005 show after opening his business and, with strong results, has been coming back ever since.

“The home show is my main venture (to find clients),” Drake said, pointing out that he does not advertise much and relies on client referrals to gain business. “I’ve been very fortunate to get and retain clients (at the show),” At the show, and at the site of a customer’s home, Drake can use a computer program to show prospective customers a virtual mock-up of any design they wish to see. He can also give clients accurate es-

Drake Closet Design offers a number of closet designs with different shelf and storage options available.

(Courtesy

photo)

timates for the cost of any project, using this program.

While his installation expertise can improve the quality of storage in many places throughout a home, Drake said “about 90 percent” of the work he does comes inside the interior of a closet.

In short, Drake’s inspiration in starting his business comes from his interest in making the most of any available

space.

“Maximize space and declutter,” Drake said of the purpose of the work he does.

Drake offers many different styles of closets that can be adjusted with various finishes, drawers, doors, shelves, baskets and other amenities to create a fully functional storage space.

While he also serves Skagit and Is-

land counties, Drake said he has been focused on the growth potential in Whatcom and has been fortunate to build a strong base here in Whatcom.

To learn more about Drake Closet Design, visit www.drakeclosetdesign. com. You can reach Sam Drake via email at drakeclosetdesign@msn.com or at 360-756-6008.

— Nick Elges

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

C11

Gary Honcoop is honored as Builder of the Year He is sole owner after partner Roger Roosendaal retired a year ago Gary Honcoop, owner and president of Roosendaal-Honcoop Construction Inc., was recently honored as 2017 Builder of the Year by the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County.

Honcoop founded the company, a fullservice local general contractor, in 1979 with another lifelong Lynden resident, Roger Roosendaal. Honcoop is now the sole owner since Roosendaal retired a year ago.

Roosendaal-Honcoop Construction offers extensive experience in design-build construction and high-end residential, commercial, food processing, cold storage, public works, industrial and pre-engineered steel construction. The company also assists clients with pre-construction services such as design and permitting.

Honcoop said the company’s most notable residential project currently is Se-

Roosendaal & Honcoop Construction is currently building in the Semiahmoo Shore gated community of Blaine. (Courtesy photo)

Gary Honcoop miahmoo Shore, a 46-unit Blaine development with 14 different floor plans that was recently featured in the BIAWC Showcase of Homes.

We’ve got it all!

We have serious fun!

Lots & Lots of Selection!

Annuals · Perennials · Vegetables · Trees · Shrubs Unusual Conifers · and Everything in Between!

One recent commercial construction project was a high-tech plant propagation building for Enfield Farms/Northwest Plant Co. of Lynden. Other structures built have been for Innotech Process Equipment of Bellingham, Pacific Tire Co. of Ferndale, Sarbanand Farms of Sumas and T.C. Trading Co. of Blaine. RoosendaalHoncoop also built the water park at John Storvik Playground in Anacortes and did a lab conversion for Whatcom Community College.

Under Honcoop’s leadership now, the company remains an active BIAWC member, supporting programs such as the annual Home & Garden Show in Lynden and the Whatcom County Showcase of Homes.

By developing and implementing educational programs and safe operating practices, Roosendaal-Honcoop employees have worked more than eight years without a time-loss injury and the company has received several awards for its safety record.

C12

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Brian Johnston innovates to start ‘vapor-blasting’ He has learned to improvise his trade after also battling cancer

About five years ago, Brian Johnston — in recovery from battling cancer — was looking for a change.

Vocationally trained, he walked into the shop at Clearbrook Metal Works between Everson and Sumas just looking for something to do while he completed his recovery from a stem-cell transplant.

“I was rehabbing and trying to get my strength back,” he said. “The guy hired me on the spot.”

Johnston was allowed to come in and work whenever he wanted to. Eventually, the owner told him he was selling the business.

“He said, ‘I’m selling, and if you don’t buy me out, you’re going to have to look for another job,’” Johnston said.

Back then, Clearbrook Metal Works was a metal fabrication shop, but that type of business was slowing down. Originally from Lynden, Johnston had often worked as a mechanic at his places of work, and he said he is able to adapt to different kinds of work.

The next step for Johnston and Clearbrook turned out to be vapor-blasting.

What is that?

“It’s kind of like sandblasting,” he said.

“But we use water with our sandblasting system. It’s a specialized system. We use water with it to keep the dust down.

With our system, we can blast just about anything. We blast wood, metal, concrete, without damaging the substrate.”

Vapor-blasting allows Johnston to control how much sand and water are laid down, as well as how much air pressure is used in the process.

A regular sandblaster apparatus clocks in at about 100 PSI. Using Clearbrook’s vapor-blasting system, the PSI can be dropped down to as low as 20, meaning Johnston can sandblast very delicate materials without damaging them.

The vapor-blasting process has been around for a long time, but it has been developed more and more over the past 15 years, making it a more common process. There are only a few companies across Whatcom County that use the process.

It can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces, including cars, patios, floors and more.

Brian Johnston uses the vapor-blasting process on surfaces he wouldn't be able to touch using a typical sandblaster. (Brent Lindquist/Lynden Tribune)

Johnston will have examples of his work on hand at the BIAWC Home & Garden Show in Lynden to show people what

they can expect from the vapor-blasting process.

Clearbrook Metal Works is located at

9318 Swanson Rd. Call 360-988-5054 for more information.

— Brent Lindquist

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

C13

C14

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Skilled LLC goes above and beyond for customers Local general contractor specializes in home additions, bathroom remodels, defect repair

From deck work to bathroom remodels to defect repair, Skilled LLC provides service on a variety of home repair projects. (Courtesy photo)

When you own a home, it’s almost a guarantee that you will need repairs, additions or other work done to keep your house safe and in shape for years and years.

For local general contracting company Skilled LLC, located in the Custer area, going beyond general repairs is the focus for owner Dave Snowden, who has more than 30 years of multi-trade experience.

“My big motivating factor is giving customers a bit more than they expected and giving the best service that we can,” said Snowden, who got Skilled LLC going in 2017. “As long as you communicate with the customer and do more than what they expect, they always seem to be pretty happy in the end. That’s really what gets me out of bed in the morning.”

Snowden moved to Bellingham with his family in 1974 and, despite moving around since graduating from Bellingham High School, he’s always called Whatcom County home.

With an interest in woodworking dating back to his boyhood, Snowden got out of his early work in the auto industry in 2005 and into a general contracting venture in Whatcom. His business partner suddenly passed away just four months after starting the new company, however, and Snowden decided to work as a construction superintendent for almost 10 years.

In 2015, Snowden decided he was ready to be self-employed and filed for an LLC. By the first of the year in 2017, Skilled LLC was rolling with much success.

“I’ve had more business than I can handle, which has been fantastic,” Snowden said.

While the contracting company does many different types of projects, Snowden said his team — which currently includes three contractors — mostly does home additions, bathroom remodels, deck work and construction defect repair, which is essentially going back and fixing something that was poorly assembled when a house was built.

“Sometimes we’ll get a call for a water leak, and we’ll go back and do a destructive investigation and find out we need to take Continued on C15

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018 the home apart and put it back together correctly,” Snowden explained.

During the summer months, Snowden hopes to have six contractors available for the busy season. One thing he has found difficult, though, is finding qualified local contractors.

“The labor pool is really thin — a lot of guys are inexperienced and others are working for larger companies and are well paid,” Snowden said. After the 2007 recession, the general-contractor labor pool dried up and is still regenerating.

At this weekend’s Whatcom Home & Garden Show, Skilled LLC will have photos on display to depict some of the projects Snowden and company have completed.

Snowden will be there all three days to answer any questions.

“The best part of the home show is meeting new people and talking about your passion with them,” Snowden said. “(Last year’s show) really probably provided us with the bulk of our summer work with the contacts we made. It exceeded our expectations as a new contractor.”

To learn more about Skilled LLC, visit https://skilleddesign.net/. You can contact the company at 360-810-8040 or via email at info@skilleddesign.net.

— Nick Elges

If needed, Skilled LLC contractors can do a "destructive investigation" to get to the root of a problem. (Courtesy photo)

Ralph’s Floors Passing the savings on to you!

C15

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Warehouse Sale Carpet & Vinyl NOW IN PROGRESS Fantastic Savings!

Nation-wide Location System

Auction March 17th (360) 398-2141 (360) 647-1199

·

HEATING ·

·

·

·

·

REFRIGERATION ·

·

·

(360) 354-0268 www.dejongheating.com • info@dejongheating.com

FERNDALE Ready Mix & Gravel Inc.

“FLOORING WHATCOM COUNTY FOR OVER 49 YEARS” 1843 Front Street • Lynden

Ready Mix • Colored Concrete Exposed Aggregate • Grout CDF • Pervious Concrete Crushed Gravel Washed Rock • Sand

www.RalphsFloors.com

360-354-1400

354-4804

CARPET • VINYL • TILE • LAMINATE • WOOD • BLINDS

www.ferndalereadymix.net • 144 River Road, Lynden, WA 98264

C16

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Insurers ready to talk about protection from ‘the big one’ Earthquake insurance should be considered by homeowners Most people can put off the idea that “the big one” — referring to an earthquake along the Pacific coastline, that is — is not a matter of “if” but “when.”

And so most people put off getting earthquake insurance.

A recent 7.9 magnitude quake off the south coast of Alaska caused little damage, but it did stir up some nervousness and fresh advisories from the NW Insurance Council and the Washington State Insurance Commissioner.

Here are some sobering statistics: • The Washington and Oregon coastlines have the highest risk of tsunami anywhere in the continental United States. The Northwest region also has the second-highest risk of earthquake.

• Only about 10-15 percent of homeowners carry earthquake insurance.

Insurers would like to change that risk picture.

Four insurance companies will have booths at the BIAWC Home & Garden Show in Lynden this week, and representatives say they stand ready to talk about earthquake-related insurance along with other more standard aspects of coverage.

The four insurers in the show are: State Farm, American Family, Farmers and Country Financial.

According to the NW Insurance Council, earthquake and tsunami damage are not covered under most standard homeowners, renters and business owners insurance policies.

Amy Warenski of State Farm said she always offers an earthquake endorse-

You want your house to be protected in recovery from an earthquake, but coverage is not included in standard homeowner policies. (Courtesy photo) ment when she quotes homeowners’ insurance, for an added cost usually of a few hundred dollars.

That’s cheaper than if it’s a separate policy, which is more common in some states such as California.

Consumer awareness and support for earthquake insurance still really falls short, although it may be on the rise, Warenski said.

Andy Jewell of Farmers Insurance agreed it can be hard to get up a sense of urgency in people about earthquake insurance until the big shaker actually happens.

“We know it will be a big subject at some point,” he said, and the time for the big one is “overdue.”

A rider on an overall policy used to be the way to go, but it’s getting to be

more standard to have a separate policy covering earthquake and its effects, Jewell said.

Some aspects can be different from normal, such as having a deductible that is 10 percent of the loss rather than a set dollar amount, he said.

It’s best to have a regular review of Continued on C17

J W, Owner

360.393.4797

FAX: 360.392.0651 5060 PACIFIC HWY, STE 111, FERNDALE, WA 98248 www.PacificPaintandDecorating.com A

Signature Store

360-815-5205

• Lawn Installation • Lawn Renovation • Irrigation & More Lic# WIERSE*909DU

R  C, Landscaping wiersmaent@gmail.com

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018 one’s situation with your insurance person, Jewell said. “Things change. Insurance is not just ‘one size fits all.’ It’s really individualized. It’s important to have that discussion with your insurance professional on a regular basis.”

Seth Carson has found it worthwhile to be at the show representing American Family Insurance since 2013. He said he enjoys just interacting with people on insurance issues, and he also usually has a giveaway or two going on at his booth.

Carson emphasizes that it is the “what if?” risks of life that insurance is intended to protect against, and earthquakes certainly fit the bill.

Earthquake is a standard exclusion on a home policy, meaning you’re going to have to take specific action to get coverage.

But Carson expects that earthquake insurance will more and more rise to become expected, especially as seismic ratings rise on new construction. His homeowners’ book is at about 25 percent coverage now.

In the event of an earthquake, those who have an insurance check ready in hand are, of course, going to be first in line with any rebuilder, he noted.

— Calvin Bratt

C17

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Of course, the Pacific Northwest is in the upper end of earthquake risk, by the calculation of the U.S. Geological Survey. (Courtesy graphic) Licensed, Bonded & Insured / Lic. # ASCENTS835Q7

Farming is hard work.

Serving Whatcom County for 13 years Amy Warenski, Agent 8874 Bender Road Suite 106 Lynden, WA 98264 Bus: 360-354-6868 www.amywarenski.com

I’ll work hard to protect your farm and auto.

Get to a better State . Get State Farm.

CALL ME TODAY. ®

Mark K. Bratt, A.I.A. A R C H I T E C T

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL • State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL • State 1201791 Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL • State Farm Lloyds, Dallas, TX

New Home Design Remodels and Additions Business and Office Church and School

360.319.6447

mark@markbrattarchitect.com

C18

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

My Garden, deWilde’s bringing gardening options to home show My Garden holding gift-card drawings; greenhouse up for grabs as well

LYNDEN — The BIAWC Home and Garden Show’s offerings obviously don’t stop in the home.

A wide variety of garden items and vendors, including Bellingham mainstays My Garden Nursery and deWilde’s Nursery, will be on hand at the show to cater to those interested in the gardening side.

“We have pulled things together from different areas in our store,” said Jenny Gunderson, co-owner of My Garden Nursery. “The entrance to our booth is going to be two fabulous cedars that are in an arch, big enough that people will be able to walk through them.”

My Garden Nursery will also have a variety of different plants for sale.

The 2018 show marks My Garden Nursery’s third consecutive year at the home show.

“We are always very excited to do it,” Gunderson said. “We just love the opportunity to get out and meet the people in the neighborhood and be able to share a little bit about what we’re doing.”

My Garden Nursery will also offer drawings for a $50 gift certificate and a $75 gift certificate paired with a greenhouse for gardening.

My Garden Nursery is located at 929 E. Bakerview Rd. in Bellingham.

Margaret Rudy of deWilde’s Nursery, also of Bellingham, said deWilde’s will be bringing a variety of trees and plants from the nursery’s locally grown stock. She said they will also bring indoor plants for their

My Garden Nursery will bring a variety of plants and other garden items to this year's Home Show, as well as some prize opportunities. (Courtesy photo/My Garden Nursery)

Licensed, Bonded & Insured / Lic. # ASCENTS835Q7

Serving Whatcom County for 13 years

display.

Rudy said deWilde’s Nursery will generally display plants that do well in the Pacific Northwest, and while some may not have leaves on them at this point in the

year, all of them are suitable to be planted locally.

DeWilde’s Nursery is located at 3410 Northwest Ave. in Bellingham.

— Brent Lindquist

Bringing you the BEST in local news since 1888.

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

C19

C20

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | Ferndale Record

Home & Garden Show Preview 2018

Looking for the perfect home?

Looking for the right home loan for your dream home?

Strengthening our Communities Since 1923

Ask about our limited time Jumbo Loan Rate Promotion Krista Jones

Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 946261 360.647.5690

Live Customer Service M-F 7:00am - 7:00pm Learn More > ourfirstfed.com > 800.800.1577