A faucet is comprised of a spout, handle(s), and at least one valve. The valve is the part that gets the most wear and tear. Faucets and valves keep this world in running water. We couldn’t have the water systems we have today without the controls afforded by pipes and valves. The only problem is that all valves leak over time. If we don’t keep our faucets in good repair, they will leak. Single basin faucet. Although not common in most homes these days, it still has the most common compression... more

My house was painted two years ago, and I already have mold and mildew forming in a couple places? Why? The northwest has a wet and damp climate, the perfect formula for mold and mildew to grow. Most high-quality paints have Mildewcide (a mildew control for wood surfaces) added to them, but given time they will break down due to our wet weather. Shade is mold and mildew’s best friend. The side of the house that never sees sun is more prone to developing mold and mildew growth. If you have trees,... more

Unlike original kitchens and bathrooms in vintage homes, vintage fireplace fronts are less commonly remuddled (although it does happen). However, homeowners do confront the issue of how to properly restore something that has been inappropriately altered or address other types of damage to vintage fireplace fronts. It is challenging to find a craftsperson who has an in-depth knowledge of how to approach damaged tile fireplace fronts. But never fear, there is indeed an expert who can make expert repairs... more

If you’re buying or selling a home, you’ve probably been advised by your realtors to test for radon levels. For the rest of us, though, radon testing probably hasn’t made it onto our home improvement to-do lists. But, according to public health officials and agencies, radon should be at the top of everyone’s list — especially those of us who live in Oregon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. In more populous counties of the Willamette... more

Nothing compares to the natural warmth and beauty of wood cabinets, floors, and trim in the home. But over time, dirt build-up, wear and tear, and age-discolored finishes make wood look flat and lifeless. It used to be that once woodwork in the home reached the point where it looked terrible, the options were limited to stripping, sanding, and refinishing, or completely removing and replacing with new. Neither solution is very attractive to anyone mindful of the expense and environmental impact.... more

Homeowners Joe and Jane Dvorak had just completed a major renovation of their Portland period home, and while enjoying their “new” home began to think about how to make sure it stayed in great condition even if the unexpected occurred. “A seismic retrofit had been on our to-do list for a while now,” said Joe. “We decided that after completing the remodel and while the basement was still unfinished, now was the right time to do it in order to protect both the house and the new investments.” Is... more

They say a messy desk is the sign of a genius. But what they don’t tell you is that the same mess can ruin your Douglas fir floor. So, heed your Dear Auntie’s advice and keep it clean. It’s as simple as knowing what to watch out for and knowing when to clean, so your Douglas fir floor can keep on keeping on for years to come. Dents and Dings Though durable, a Douglas fir floor is not fail-safe. It can dent and ding, especially with the hustle and bustle of daily life. When moving the oversized... more

We renovate our homes for many reasons — whether for making better use of existing space, adding space for growing families, general upkeep, or increasing value. Ideally, renovation projects should start from the foundation up. Nobody would just paint over failing siding or shingles. The same applies to renovating a house sitting upon a deteriorating foundation. Today, many older foundations have decayed beyond repair, and the days when bad foundations were superficially repaired with a skim coating... more