Just because everyone knows that paint adheres longest to clean surfaces doesn’t mean that everyone should use a pressure or power washer to prep a surface for primer and paint. Yes, exterior surfaces are covered with dirt, environmental pollution, mildew, moss and chalking, peeling, and flaking paint. However, pressure washers are dangerous tools that should not be operated by a weekend do-it-yourselfer. A pressure washer utilizes an electric or gas engine with a pump to increase the water pressure... more

Remodeling For Independence Together (ReFIT) is a non-profit, volunteer organization providing home modification services for physically and financially challenged homeowners who wish to remain living independently in their homes. Started by a small group of volunteers including Bill Markt of Markt and Company Construction, the group wanted to help those with physical or age related barriers. Original entry from the garage was not wheelchair compatible for homeowner Samir Taha. Finished... more

Flea market gems can make or break a redecorating or restoring project. Flea markets, however, have nothing on the Portland ReStore. Unlike the search and destroy practices that overstock our landfills, here it’s all about search and reuse. This process is good for the pocketbook, good for the community, and great for the non-profit sponsoring organization, Habitat for Humanity. If it’s quality materials and great prices you are after, here you can hit the mother lode. When entering... more

There’s a definite buzz over the custom exhaust fans from Laurelhurst Fan Company in Portland, OR. The vice president of the Seattle-based plumbing distributor Keller Supply Co., Patrick Murphy, offered, “In the world of decorative plumbing showrooms, these fans are very unique. It’s great and exciting to see something both beautiful and functional. And even more fun is to see them working…because you see another level of interest with the fan blade moving. Showroom visitors are drawn to... more

His own nightmarish experience as a client inspired Wade Freitag to found one of Portland’s most respected design/build firms, Craftsman Design and Renovation. An architectural designer at the time in 1994, Freitag hired a general contractor to restore his 1907 dream “fixer” home but ultimately finished the job himself. Arts and Crafts kitchen integrates period style cabinets with the latest appliances for a timeless design. Mid-Century kitchen combines restored and new cabinets... more

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed on February 17, 2009, by President Obama has made significant changes to homeowner tax credits for qualifying energy-efficient, residential tankless water heaters placed in service between the years of January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. Federal Tax Credit Tankless water heaters need to have an energy factor of 0.82 or greater to meet the required standard of “Qualified Energy Property” under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act... more

The Latest Dirt… I know it seems like a stretch that we may have a summer where it doesn’t rain for 22 days straight, but it really can happen, like last year. With very little effort your garden can use less water, less of your time, and could leave more time for, say, a great happy hour. While I fully appreciate 70º days, I don’t like taking a lot of time to water (I have a big garden) and drag the stupid hose all over the place. Therein lies the topic of the month, Xeriscaping and Hell... more

Approaching a badly needed kitchen-remodeling project can be a daunting task, especially if it needs to be accomplished by yourself and on a budget. These days we all feel the need to add more value for less money. Maybe you have champagne tastes and envision those top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and gleaming cherry cabinets and only have the beer budget to accomplish it. Here are some tips to help you get creative, trim the dollars from your project, and along the... more