Newsletter #39

Spring Into Spring

Birds are chirping and the sun is trying to make appearances but Washington just likes to keep it hidden. We just sprung forward time wise and walked into Spring on Sunday so where is the nice weather? Living in this state that is always the question we have around this time of year. We are all ready for warm weather and clear skies that allow us to be outside more and not get wet. Don’t get me wrong, this rain is nice, but after a while, I think it’s safe to say we are all ready for some nice weather. Don’t even need to go far, just to be able to walk outside and not get rained on would be a bonus! With warm weather comes fun construction projects like outside living space or an addition. Give us a call so we can chat 425-224-2004

Shrubs in front of this home are just enough to give that visual appeal and not too much to take focus off the home.

List of Work We Perform:

  • Whole House Remodel
  • Additions
  • Bathroom Remodel
  • Kitchen Remodel
  • Custom Home
  • Design & Build
  • New Construction
  • Decks
  • Outdoor Living
Extended deck to the back of the home was closed off giving more space for entertaining.

Referral Program:

There is no greater honor than having our past clients/friends recommend us to their friends, family and co-workers. To show our appreciation, we would like to invite you to participate in our exclusive client referral
program.

When you refer a friend, family member or co-worker to our company and they sign a
construction contract with us, you will receive 1% of the total project cost on a future project with our company or cash. A $100,000 project=$1,000 credit.
The people who you refer to our company will also receive 1% off of their project costs to be used with their current project.

There is no limit on how many times you can use this program, so the more you use it, the more money you can earn.
We look forward to working with you, your friends and your family.

Trivia Question:
Q: Which US national park was founded in March 1872?

Call in correct answer for $10 Starbucks Gift Card 425-224-2004
(Where are my winners at?!)

This homeowner had plenty of property so extending the back deck to accommodate outdoor living was a no brainer.

Classic Remodeling NW Inc. is filling up more of their schedule. We have a few projects that have recently signed and are starting to fill up our winter so now would be the time to reach out and start the discussion. Especially if you are looking at adding onto the home and need plans, this is something that will take a few months for designs and then another few months for permitting, so you would want to get this started well in advance. We can assist with the plans and getting the permit. We are your one stop shop for your remodeling needs just one phone call away at 425-224-2004

6 Backyard Rules You Should Break

[realtor.com: Ana Durrani]

By now, the birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and cloudless sunny skies are ahead. Warmer weather means more people will be spending time outdoors-and there’s no better time to rethink your backyard design and try something new. 

“While confined to our homes in 2020, many of us had to recreate a sense of normalcy using any extra space we had. An empty backyard provides the perfect canvas to paint a new reality,” says Ashley Renne Nsonwu, host of the show “Ashley Renne” on Smart Healthy Green Living streaming service.

The way you decorate your yard is definitely a personal preference. If you like your barbecue grill front and center, then by all means go for it. But if you’re looking to push the envelope with your outdoor décor, our experts have some suggestions.

Rule No. 1 to break: Neutral is best

Who wants a bland outdoor space? Our experts recommend experimenting with color, pattern, and texture. 

“Today, there are more options than ever to create interesting patterns on the ground using different-size pavers, whether they be three-piece, single, or mixed,” says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes with Belgard. “Add in contrasting inlays or borders, and your outdoor living space can be transformed into a work of art.”

He recommends following the rule of three by limiting mixed items to no more than three combinations.

“Once the layout of the pavement is complete, bring those same elements up into the features such as fireplaces, kitchens, and walls,” says Raboine.

Rule No. 2 to break: Your lawn should take up the most space

Let’s face it, the lawn has traditionally been the crowning glory of a backyard. Not so much anymore!

“People are shifting away from the idea of an unused lawn. In 2021, turn that manicured lawn into a functional, outdoor sanctuary,” says Nsonwu. “You can use your yard to grow food, compost, collect rainwater, and attract pollinators. You can create an outdoor yoga/meditation space, kids play area, alternative work environment for your Zoom calls, socially distanced seating areas for visiting friends, or even a greenhouse.”

Rule No. 3 to break: Manicure your shrubs and trees

Tailored backyards are so yesteryear. In a post pandemic world, formal outdoor spaces with perfectly manicured shrubs and cookie-cutter trees have to go. 

“We want spaces that feel natural, not curated. Sprinkle trees and shrubs throughout your backyard to elevate your space sculpturally,” says Nsonwu.

“When playing with your yard design, try to evoke that same sense of wonder you get while walking through lush forests, wild deserts, or untamed fields,” she adds. “Invite your woodier plants to mix and mingle with your flowers. This will create a more dynamic ecosystem for wildlife and a deeper sensory experience for you.”

Rule No. 4 to break: Outdoor living is only for daytime

Outdoors is the new indoors, so design your backyard space for enjoyable evenings in. The key element for a livable backyard that can be used at night is lighting. 

“LED lighting has made it simpler than ever to add outdoor lighting,” says Raboine. “These lights can be incorporated throughout the landscape and can be controlled with apps. You can even change the light colors with the seasons and holidays.”
Rule No. 5 to break: Keep it simple

“Outdoor living spaces aren’t just for barbecuing and relaxing,” says Raboine. Outdoor games are more popular than ever, so consider rounding up a few for your backyard.

“Add a feature like an outdoor chess set, cornhole, a pool table, or a bocce ball court,” he adds. “Not only will these look great, they will be engaging spaces that will make your backyard the places to be.”

A permanent feature like a bocce court can also add value to your home in case you ever want to sell.

Rule No. 6 to break: Exotic plants are a must

With sustainability being such an important issue, people are clued in to how their purchasing decisions can affect the planet, and that includes the plants you buy for your backyard. Exotic plants may look fabulous with their colorful, sculptural blooms, but they can do more harm than good in your backyard. They may be detrimental to native plants and wildlife and can require more maintenance (and more resources, like water and artificial sunlight) to keep them alive.

“A more earth-friendly approach to gardening means turning to native plants to dress up your backyard rather than invasive, exotic ones,” says Nsonwu. “Find native plants from your local nursery that work with your desired aesthetic. They are essential to keeping the ecological system from going out of whack, whereas exotic plants cause a loss in biodiversity.”

Perfect Fish Tacos

Total Time

35 Mins

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 lb. cod (or other flaky white fish)
  • 1/2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving

For The Corn Slaw

  • 1/4 c. mayonnaise
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 2 c. shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 c. corn kernels
  • 1 jalapeno, minced

Directions:
 

  1. In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne.
  2. Add cod, tossing until evenly coated. Let marinate 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, make slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and honey. Stir in cabbage, corn, and jalapeno. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Remove cod from marinade and season both sides of each filet with salt and pepper. Add fish flesh side-down. Cook until opaque and cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes before flaking with a fork.
  5. Assemble tacos: Serve fish over grilled tortillas with corn slaw and avocado. Squeeze lime juice on top and garnish with sour cream.


ENJOY!!!