Scan the real estate listings in the Sunday paper, and the importance of moulding is clear. Terms such as boxed beams, wainscot, plate rail, built-ins, crown moulding, or elegant mantel are evocative of a home brimming with character, whether it’s new construction or a vintage house. Real estate agents recognize that millwork — which defines the style and personality of a home — sells. Casing and Base Chair... more

Whether you are undertaking a large remodeling project or simply hiring a contractor to paint your house, you need to be aware of a powerful tool contractors in Oregon (as well as most other states) hold that allows them to get paid for their services: the ominous-sounding “Construction Lien.” Under Oregon law, licensed contractors may place a lien on any property where they provide either labor or services. At the very least, the filing of a lien can be a headache resulting in stress and possibly... more

PART ONE Read Part 2 By 1846, there were a dozen log cabins etched out of the primeval wilderness fronting the west bank of the Willamette River. Three years earlier the name Portland had been decided by the toss of a coin—three years later, California’s Gold Rush would lure most of the town’s population south to seek their fortune. Above is the Dr.John McLaughlin House located in in Oregon City, OR. Forbes Barclay House located in in Oregon City, OR. Example of a restored... more

“On entering some of our villages, the only color which meets the eye is white. Everything is white: the houses, the fences, the stables, the kennels, and sometimes even the trees cannot escape, but get a coat of white wash… Is this taste?” —Samuel Sloan 1852 Painting the exterior of your largest investment—your home—is a laborious highly visible task. Most people know what colors they like, but agonize over exterior color choices because everyone can see the results. In actuality... more

Bathtubs, no matter who made them, eventually have their surfaces worn off through use, interaction with water deposits, standing water, but mostly the surfaces are worn off from harsh cleansers. No matter how hard you try, if you have an old worn-out tub, there is no way to get rid of the yellowing, or to get the dirt out of the cracks. This is where bathtub refinishing comes in. Bathtub refinishing is a serious trade and those who are good at it have had extensive training and practice. Your fixtures... more

There are a multitude of choices to be made in planning a bathroom “Master Suite,” from the configuration and materials used in the bathing and shower areas to the type of lighting to be used throughout (it should be bright, with flexible ambient lighting as well as dedicated task lighting at required areas; makeup counters, shaving mirrors, etc.). There are space considerations: as amenities have grown in size and... more

Knowing that you’re doing right by Mother Earth is now as easy as opening a paint can. But not just any paint can. The Horizon line of zero-VOC interior and low-VOC exterior, paint from Rodda Paint, is the only complete line of paint to earn certification from Green Seal® the national organization that certifies high-performing products that are environmentally responsible. ”Demand for our Horizon paint has increased as our customers become more conscious of using products that are environmentally... more