Homes with technology features are prevalent now more than ever. From large appliances to smaller gadgets that connect to your mobile device, there are plenty of opportunities to stay connected to the activity in your home. One key home accessory gaining in popularity is electronic doorbells. These devices can be personalized to fit your needs… Inviting, accommodating and a feast for the eyes — wet rooms are showing up in more and more homes and wowing visitors at new-home showcases. Wet rooms — essentially open-concept or barrier-free bathrooms — are tiled continuously from floor to ceiling and across the floor surface, giving a sleek, unified appearance. The shower is open…
Sponsor spotlight: All the buzz about electronic doorbells
Sponsor spotlight: Wet rooms are today’s choice for beautiful, usable bathrooms
Sponsor spotlight: Much ado about ceilings
A ceiling with a pop of color, a stylish ceiling fan or detailed trim work can give a room personality and character. Ceiling décor also can add drama to an otherwise dull space, give the illusion of height in a compact room, or increase the feel of intimacy in a large one. Making a ceiling…
Once the location of Alderwood Mall Sears, Avalon Apartments taking shape
The changing face of Alderwood Mall: Gone is the Sears store; in its place will be this 328-unit apartment complex. Avalon Apartments will have two buildings, each six stories high. The ground floor will be reserved for retail. Completion is scheduled for 2022. — Photo and video by David Carlos
Sponsor spotlight: Purposeful planning in a hot market – Ginny’s Girls has your back
Washington’s housing market is soaring. In simple terms, with so many cash offers over asking price, it just feels crazy. Trying to keep up is a huge stressor, causing some balls to get dropped along the way. For those of us looking to move and who need to liquidate or downsize, there’s a clear road…
Sponsor spotlight: Mid-summer home maintenance checklist
Have you noticed that your home has begun to show the signs of an active summer already – both inside and out?? Take the time now to do a few maintenance tasks to keep your home humming through the rest of the summer. Keep hot air out. Hopefully you’ve already had your air conditioner/mechanical system serviced…
Sponsor spotlight: Professional home building and remodeling designations make a difference
With more time spent at home this past year, many people are thinking about buying or remodeling their home. Purchasing a new home or modernizing an existing home is an investment in time and money. A home builder or remodeler with a designation can ensure your working with a professional that is committed to staying…
Sponsor spotlight: Assessing online reviews when looking for a remodeler
If you visited a dozen websites and read hundreds of reviews just to decide on which toaster oven to purchase, then how about when it comes time to select a home remodeler? That remodeler will be doing a significant amount of work to your biggest investment: your home. So choosing the right one is a…
Sponsor spotlight: Simple ways to brighten your home’s exterior
With longer and warmer days ahead, now is the perfect time to brighten up your home’s exterior. Keeping your lawn trim and yard tidy is a good start, but there are other opportunities to boost your home’s curb appeal. For example, adding new exterior lighting options or putting a fresh coat of paint on your…
Sponsor spotlight: Top kitchen features that promote cleanliness
The pandemic renewed a focus not only on our personal hygiene, but also on surfaces throughout the home. In the kitchen, there are many areas that are touched frequently that are more likely to stay dirty and have many different types of germs. While experts say the transmission of viruses on surfaces is low, there…
Sponsor spotlight: How to plan for a kitchen remodel
Kitchens are not only for cooking, but the kitchen is also a popular place in your home where you spend time with friends and family. If your kitchen is dated or no longer fits your lifestyle, you may want to consider remodeling. An upgraded or modern kitchen also can increase the value of your home….
Sponsor spotlight: Move managers and moving companies – here’s the difference
Moving is hard, plain and simple. Being one of the most overwhelming tasks in life, wouldn’t it be nice to have a professional manage it all? Sure, you can hire a great moving company to pack up all of your belongings and transport them to your new place. On the other hand, all of the…
Sponsor spotlight: Outdoor living design ideas
With more time spent at home this year, getting some fresh air and spending time outside the home is growing in popularity. Even before the pandemic, the demand for outdoor living space has been growing. A majority of home buyers (87%) ranked “patio” among the top essential features in a home, according to a recent…
1st Security Bank adopts new home mortgage closing program
Mountlake Terrace-based 1st Security Bank said Wednesday it has adopted a new Hybrid/eNote program to increase the efficiency of its mortgage closing process while decreasing its environmental impact. The platform enables home mortgage clients to conveniently sign most of their closing documents from any location with web access, resulting in a faster, more secure process…
Sponsor spotlight: Thinking of selling your home? Hot housing market requires tax knowledge
With housing prices skyrocketing, more homeowners are considering cashing out to multiples over list price. Especially since one of the largest tax breaks available to most individuals is the ability to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 married) in capital gains on the sale of your personal residence. Making the assumption that this gain exclusion will…
Sponsor spotlight: Choosing the right professional to help you stay in your home
While some homeowners might dream of retiring to a private tropical island, more and more are choosing to “age in place” and live independently, comfortably and safely in their own home, regardless of age or ability. As the Baby Boomer generation embraces this stage of life, many are searching for builders and remodelers who can…
Irons Brothers recognized among top customer service leaders in residential construction industry
Irons Brothers Construction has received a 2021 Guildmaster with Distinction Award from GuildQuality “for their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.” This is the design-build firm’s fourth year in a row receiving this award for their company’s distinguished customer service. Since 2005, GuildQuality, an Atlanta-based third-party customer satisfaction software surveying company, has sponsored the Guildmaster Award…
Sponsor spotlight: Add green to your home — and your pocketbook — by remodeling
The rapid growth of green building means that new homeowners can take advantage of the lower operating and maintenance costs that come with these energy- and resource-efficient homes.But for the 120 million existing homes in the United States, remodeling is the only way for homeowners to incorporate green practices. NAHB Remodelers offers the following suggestions…
Sponsor spotlight: Bright ideas for home interior lighting
It’s hard to beat the great natural light of spring and summer, but fall and winter do not have to be dark and gloomy. Take the opportunity now to add interest, comfort and function to a room with lighting. A lot of rooms are really a blank canvas when it comes to lighting. You may…
Sponsor spotlight: Don’t try this at home — DIY mistakes to avoid
Spring is here, so you might be motivated to tackle a household project that you’ve been avoiding all winter long. Regular household chores such as changing air filters or replacing lightbulbs are low cost and easy ways to keep your home running optimally. If you’re preparing to take on a bigger project, you may want…
Sponsor spotlight: Spring cleaning tips that pay off
Owning a home is a big responsibility, and that fact becomes even more obvious every year when spring rolls around. Spring cleaning for home owners typically means much more than just cleaning out the garage and washing windows. For most, the to-do list can be quite extensive. So if the thought of spring cleaning makes…
Sponsor spotlight: Estate sales — the environment’s choice
There is no question that sustainable living and climate action are becoming crucial parts of our daily lives. Communities, infrastructure, businesses, cars, appliances, and day-to-day items are all being built to decrease their carbon foot print. We find ourselves asking more often if the choices we are making every day are good for the planet….
Sponsor spotlight: Important spring cleaning safety tips
If spring cleaning is on your to-do list this month, it’s important to work safely, whether you’re simply clearing winter debris from your lawn or tackling a major renovation project. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure that you are protecting yourself, your family and the environment as you check off the…
Sponsor spotlight: Top color trends for your home in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new meaning and purpose to the concept of home as a place to live, work and play. The colors in your home can create a rejuvenating environment that improves your mood or outlook. Each year, the leading paint manufacturers announce their most inspiring color and color palettes of the year. Not…
Introducing new advertiser Pinnacle Roofing Professionals
We’re happy to introduce our new advertiser, Pinnacle Roofing Professionals. They are local and specialize in both residential and commercial roofing. The weather has taken its toll this year, and many homeowners and businesses have had roofing needs that have arisen this winter. Be assured, when you call Pinnacle Roofing Professionals, they are very particular…