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. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read 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. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read 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. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read 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. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Winter in the Pacific Northwest has officially arrived, with a familiar sting from the higher utility bills and extra maintenance to go with it. This year, instead of feeling trapped by winter’s demands, make some changes to improve the efficiency and longevity of your home. This begins with an energy audit. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Are you tired of repeatedly having to paint your home? If you want to break the re-painting cycle but don’t like the idea of vinyl or metal siding, then you owe it to yourself to take a close look at a protective ceramic coating that gives the look of a freshly painted home year after year. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Nearly half of all investigations for childhood lead poisoning in Oregon found that remodeling or repainting was the source of exposure. Common renovation and painting activities such as sanding, cutting, scraping, removal of plumbing, replacing windows and any work that disturbs painted surfaces can create and spread hazardous lead dust, which can cause lead poisoning. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed... more