Newsletter #48

Snow is Falling!!

The snow is pretty, but very cold. We are getting hit with some really cold temperatures this week. I have been seeing it fluctuate, but I am seeing we are getting as low as 11 degrees Fahrenheit in some places? Some places are even colder, but that is the coldest I have seen it. Make sure you stay inside where its warm or if you plan to go out you dress appropriately. Eat some yummy warm comfort food and sip on hot chocolates to keep your belly warm. Around this time of year most people are celebrating holidays with family members. Do you see how many people are in that kitchen that isn’t big enough? Is there enough room for all the food you are preparing? Is the dining room big enough to seat everyone? How about that bathroom? Just like the kitchen, there will be a lot of people using this space. Is it up to date? Are there more people than there are restrooms to accommodate them? Maybe that extra closet isn’t really needed and it can be turned into another bathroom? Give us a call so we can chat 425-224-2004.

After photos of a kitchen in Everett

List of Work We Perform:

  • Whole House Remodel
  • Additions
  • Bathroom Remodel
  • Kitchen Remodel
  • Custom Home
  • Design & Build
  • New Construction
  • Decks
  • Outdoor Living
View of kitchen from dining room, also in Everett

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: What was the height of the worlds largest snowman?

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

Seattle kitchen perspective from back door. Makes the kitchen look longer this way.

Classic Remodeling NW Inc. just started our addition project in Marysville. Concrete cutters, excavation and demolition happened this week. With the recent snowfall we are having to hold off on some things as the ground is frozen. But as soon as it is warm enough outside we will be pouring concrete and starting the framing. Additions can be done in winter but homeowners are a little more hesitant to cut open their home during the cold months, so why not a kitchen or bathroom remodel? We can do your additions anytime of year, just plan accordingly around the holidays and know that for a period of time you will be exposed to the cold during your renovation. With the right contractor, like us, we plan around the cold weather. Just one phone call away at 425-224-2004

6 Home Renovation Mistakes Most People Make During the Winter

[realtor.com: Brittany Natale]

Renovating a home, no matter the time of year, can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. However, renovating in the winter may come with its own set of additional issues.

Exterior renovations are especially risky during the colder months since the ground at your construction site can be slippery and wet. Plus, you need to take holiday travel schedules, inclement weather, and freezing temperatures into consideration. All of this can make finishing your remodel on time eve more challenging than it already is.

To help you better prepare for wintertime home revamps, we tapped a few experts and asked them to divulge into a wintertime home renovation.

Choosing the wrong materials and equipment

Nota all materials can withstand freezing temperatures and snowy conditions.

“Choosing materials that will stand up well against colder temperatures and adverse weather conditions is essential,” says James Leroy, contractor, owner, and founder of Pro Home Remodeling in Tigard, OR.

For instance, keep in mind that plastic window sealants might not stick and timber might expand when it’s freezing.

“Do some research before starting your project,” says Leroy. “And make sure you have everything you need before getting started-including plenty of spares.”

Not paying attention to electrical safety hazards

Working with electricity in the winter can be dangerous if there’s recent heavy snowfall. Circuits and fuses can malfunction when wet, and poorly insulated wires can become damaged from low temperatures.

Downed power lines on your property might also be energized and cause electrocution if touched.

What’s more? Snowstorms often cause power outages that could prevent work from getting completed.

Not taking snow and ice into consideration

We all know wintertime weather means having to content with snow and ice, but many homeowners underestimate just how these factors will affect construction projects. 

“Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t do any renovation work,” says Leroy. “But you need to consider that temperatures will be lower than usual and that snow and ice can cause problems.”

Snow and ice around the outside of the home can create slick surfaces that could cause slips and falls. Ice debris, from roofs and scaffolding, can fall and injure workers when outdoors. And ice temperatures can also increase the risk of cold stress-related  injuries like hypothermia and frostbite.

Try to plan your work schedule around the weather, but if you must continue on, dress appropriately. 

Forgetting about holiday schedules
Zach Barnes-Corby, head of construction at Block Renovation in New York City, says that preparation is key.

“This is true for renovations generally speaking, but particularly true during the winter,” Barnes-Corby says.

Holidays and travel schedules can cause disruptions to your scope of work.

“You don’t want things being held up because a shipment of tiles got stuck in the holiday rush, or your contractor is set to travel halfway through your project,” Barnes-Corby says.

Barnes-Corby advises getting ahead of the holidays when planning a home renovation. Many contractors and suppliers close around the holidays, but planning well can help avoid any headaches.

Not making indoor space available for subcontractors

Subcontractors, like painters or tile setters, are essential to any renovation. They’ll need plenty of space to work, and you should be especially thoughtful of their needs, especially during inclement or cold weather.

Most tradesmen set up shop outside or in a garage to do “messier” portions of their work, says Jordan Obermann, co-principle and co-founder of Forge + BOW Dwellings in Fort Collins, CO. “However, during winter it can be very cold, so they’ll need space within the house to set up and run their tools,” he says.

Keep an open line of communication with your subcontractors, and make sure they have all the space they need to get the job done correctly.

Taking on certain projects at the wrong time of year

Indoor home renovations are easier to complete in the wintertime because the climate can be controlled. But for outdoor projects like a home addition or new roof, it’s probably best to hold off until the temperature heats up.

You can’t excavate frozen ground or pour concrete if it’s lower than 40 degrees out, points out Mathew Miller, principal and founder at StudioLAB in New York City.

Working on a roof during poor weather can be difficult, too. Roofs are inherently slippery, but recent rain, snowfall, or ice can make roof construction downright dangerous.

“In a nonregulated winter environment, you don’t want to install items that need to be temperature-controlled,” Miller says. This includes projects like installing doors, windows, and flooring.

Arrabiata Sauce

Total Time

Prep 5 Mins. Cook 15 Mins

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion-chopped
  • 1 tsp minced garlic(about 2 cloves)
  • (1) 14.5ounce can diced tomato
  • (1) 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flake

Directions:
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes and salt. Simmer until reduced slightly, about 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
  3. Use an immersion or regular blender to blend sauce to your desired consistency. 
  4. Taste and season with salt if needed.

ENJOY!!!