7 Hills of Kirkland and Remodeling - are they related?

May 29th, 2009

My good friend, Libbie, encouraged me to write about the ride on my blog.  How can this be?  How can the 7 Hills of Kirkland Century relate to remodeling?  As I thought about it, it didn’t take long for me to realize that they are very similar.  Like a remodel, I was anxious for it to start, and by mile 85 was very ready for it to be over.   The more prepared you are, for both, the better your experience will be.   Choosing the right team, surrounding yourself with great people, and sharing a common goal are key aspects to a successful century and a successful remodel.

Now that it’s been several days later, I can say that was a fun ride and I look forward to doing it again.  We were quite lucky - no flats, no road rashes, no crashes - just sore butts and good times.   We were also very luck to have met two great guys who rode most of the way with us.   They really helped us step up the pace!

Like a remodel, there were moments in the century where I thought, “What am I doing?”  But, after the metric break away, I was committed to seeing it thru - there was no going back.  Once the walls are torn down, the remodel is under way and no turning back!

Whether you’re riding a century, or doing a remodel, know there are times when you’re really going to have to dig deep to get thru.  The better prepared you are going into the century or remodel, the more enjoyable your experience will be.  When it’s all over, congratulate yourself on your commitment and success!

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Seattle Remodeler - Kitchens

May 5th, 2009

coombs-kitchen1 Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes.  Maximizing space and efficiency are the biggest challenges and offer the greatest rewards.  No matter how wonderful the rest of your home is, during the long, wet winters in Seattle, guests tend to hang out in the kitchen.  It’s important to have a floor plan that makes it fun and enjoyable for not only the guests, but the chefs as well.  How frustrating to have people chatting away in your work space while you’re putting the finishing touches into the meal!  We’ve installed everything from kitchen islands, large countertops, separate knooks and open floor plans to accomodate the entertainment style of our clients.  I’d love to help you layout a kitchen that allows for great entertaining and cooking.  Please give me a call at 425-313-1813 or email me at kallen@acs-allen.com for suggestions!

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Swine flu - one more reason for a Seattle Remodel!

May 1st, 2009

I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that I’m being given a message loud and clear - Stay home!   This is a great opportunity to create a more inviting, fabulous entertaining and relaxing retreat right in your own home.   Instead of traveling away from Seattle, now’s the time to tackle the home improvement projects and remodel rooms that you’ve put off.  Is your kitchen ready for a makeover?  How about your bathroom or basement?  Are they ready for a remodel?

Let’s face it - getting away can be a lot of fun - but it often has a lot of chaos and headache that goes along with it.   And with Swine flu - there’re added risks.  So, why not stay home, relax and enjoy yourself and family.  A few tweaks on your already loved home will bring your vacation to you without all of the risks.  Consider including some of the luxuries that destination vacation spots offer.    Have you thought about adding towel warmers to your soon to be newly remodeled bathroom?  Heated flooring, multiple shower heads, music throughout the house, granite countertops, the list is endless of the many ways that you can bring your vacations to your home.  Tantalize every sense - fill your kitchen with your favorite foods, set the table with your fine china, bring the spring flowers inside and inhale their wonderful aromas.  Create an outside dining room or retreat with a water feature and decorative lighting, teach your children to make umbrella drinks.  They can deliver them to you pool side (you do have an inflatable pool for your yard don’t you?)

Allen Construction Services, Inc. doesn’t teach cocktail making, but we do remodel, build and create value for our clients.  We have helped many local families (Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kent, Renton, Redmond and more) remodel their homes - kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, decks, patios, new additions, basements and more.  We’ve helped transform houses into homes that are great places to live and love.

Fall in love with your home again  so it lures you in and makes you want to be there.

Give Allen Construction Services, Inc. a call to see how we can help you vacation at home - without sacrificing!   Send me an email with some of the fun home improvement projects you’ve tackled.

Call me or email with any questions!  Looking forward to helping you vacation at home,

Kelly Allen, 425-313-1813, kallen@acs-allen.com, www.acs-allen.com

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Happy Earth Day - Remodel Seattle!

April 23rd, 2009

A look back over the last 50 years and it’s noticeable that we, as a society, have evolved in our efforts to preserve planet Earth.  The construction industry continues to introduce new technologies and innovations to go  “Greener”.   In many cases, the cost to go green is still more than standard practices.  Why is that?  Do we get real answers when we ask, “Why?”   I did.  I recently visited Ecohaus in Bellevue and asked candid questions about the products and I got candid answers.  I was asking about the catch phrase, “carbon footprint” of transporting exotic woods vs. using manufactured woods, why one stain that was 300% more expensive than the traditional was better for the environment, and many other Q&A.  The bottom line is this - it’s my responsibility and yours to ask the questions and to make decisions that are right for each unique situation and individual.  What is “Green” for one person, will not be for others.  Awareness is the key - asking the questions that are meaningful to you and making the purchases that support your values.

At Allen Construction Services, Inc. we take the time to find out why our clients want to have their kitchen remodeled, the deck enlarged, the patio resurfaced, the bathroom renovated.   In the Northwest, our clients are particularly aware of  “green” remodeling.   But, there are many shades to green and we try to find the right one for our clients.

Seattle homeowners choose to live in an area that is surrounded with nature - from the waters of Elliott Bay and Pacific Ocean, to the Cascade Mountain range - beauty and nature are luscious and ready to be explored.   We look for ways to live with consistent values that include preserving that which brings us so much joy - the environment and our homes.

If you would like to find out more about Green Remodeling in Seattle and neighboring areas, please give me a call.   Or - just send a comment to me requesting a copy of our free newsletter!  I look forward to hearing from you.  Kelly Allen, 425-313-1813.  Kallen@acs-allen.com

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Seattle Kitchen Remodel

March 23rd, 2009

To remodel or not to remodel, that is the question.   In really good times when cash is readily available and accessible, banks are viable and the housing market is booming, a remodel makes sense.   But does it still make sense in today’s market?  Absolutely - go ahead and spend the money on your home.   Where else can you find enjoyment and get away from the stresses of the world outside?

When you’re remodeling, though, it’s very important to have a plan.  What do you want renovated and why?  Be sure to ask the why.  We often find that once we dig deep to the “Why” we uncover aspects of the project that are essential while eliminating items that may be costly but serve little purpose.

For example, as part of a recent Seattle basement remodel that added approximately 500 sq ft to the house, it became clear that the current furnace would not meet capacity.  Therefore, the cost of the project would increase for a new furnace.  Not the end of the world.  However, instead of incurring the additional expense, our client was able to select a highly efficient gas  fireplace to add to the basement space.   True - the gas fireplace did add costs to the project, but it also added ambient value.  (And the cost of the fireplace was a fraction of the cost of a new furnace!)  The fireplace created a warm and inviting atmosphere that otherwise may not have been achieved.  It solidified the project.

Go ahead - add value to your life by remodeling your home.  And - give us a call to help you plan, remodel and create value.  Kelly Allen, Allen Construciton Services, Inc.  425-313-1813, www.acs-allen.com

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Spring Time

March 19th, 2009

spring

With tomorrow being the first day of Spring, now is a great time to get the house ready and prepared for the spring and summer months.  With this wild and crazy weather we have had all winter, I am looking forward to a little more warmth and a lot less snow.  I think now I am fairly confident in saying the lowland snow is gone for good!   Below are some helpful hints to prepare your home for the coming months:

  • Replace/clean your furnace filter. The filter should be checked on a monthly basis.  Most dirty filters can be rinsed out with a garden house and re-installed once it has completely dried.
  • Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and filter. Keeping the filter clean of grease can prevent stove top fires.
  • Check the home’s electrical systems. Look for any signs of burn marks.  Reset the GFI circuits throughout the house by pressing the test button followed by the reset button.   Visually inspect all switches and outlets.  If any look worn, they should be replaced by an electrician.
  • Check fire extinguishers and detectors. Check to make sure you have an easily accessible fire extinguisher and it is still properly charged.  Make sure everyone in the family knows it’s location and how to safely use the device.  If you forgot to replace the batteries in the smoke detectors during the time change, now is a great time get those replaced.
  • Check all lighting. Even with the long summer days and less use of light, it is important to check outdoor and indoor lighting for safety.  Make sure the bulbs all function and the replacement bulbs are the proper wattage.
  • Air Conditioners: Check to make sure it is free of debris, and leaves and other items have not accumulated behind the conditioner and the house.  Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance directions and have it serviced if necessary.
  • Check roof for damage. With the amount of snow we recieved over this past winter it is important to check the roof for any damage caused by the snow.  Having multiple days of snow piled on the roof can cause stress damage in the structure.  Inspect the attic and look for any cracks or splinters in the rafters.  Look for water marks in the plywood.  Outside look for areas that appear to sag or droop.  If you feel confident and safe walking on your home’s roof, wait for a dry day and carefully remove leaves that have accumulated in valleys or in the gutters.
  • Repair cracks in driveways/walkways. Cracks and high points are trip hazards to your family and any guests.
  • Water Heater. Check to make sure the vent is free of obstruction and is clean.  Check around the heater for signs of leaks.  If rust or water marks are observed, have a plumber come out and look and the heater and decide if it needs to be replaced.
  • Water shutoff. Check to make sure the water shutoff in your home still is functioning.  Check to make sure it shuts the water off completely in case of a plumbing emergency.  Check that everyone in the family knows where the valve is located  and how to turn it off.
  • Clothes Dryer. Clean all lint out of exhaust ducting and underneath dryer.  Lint is a fire hazard and a build up in the ducting will cause your dryer to run at lower efficiency wasting time and money.
  • Extension Cords. When the power tools and vaccums come out for maintenance, so do the extension cords.  Old and worn cords should be replaced.  They can cause electrical shock and fires.  If the ends of the cords feel loose when plugging in items, replace the ends.  They can be purchased at any hardware store.

Hopefully you found these suggestions helpful.  If you need any help and/or guidance with any of these items, Allen Construction Services, Inc. is available to help.  We can tackle any handyman/maintenance project and can repair any damage you may see.  We also have wonderful electricians and plumbers we work with on a regular basis if you find any damage to the plumbing and electrical systems.  Contact us today if you would like a home check up or have any questions.  Call 425.313.1813 for more information.

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    Seattle Remodel - it’s all about the journey

    March 10th, 2009

    Snow in March in Seattle.  A lot like a Seattle Remodel.

    What - how can March snow be like a Seattle Remodel?  Let me tell you…   Thanks to the unexpected snow, our plans were thrown out the window yesterday as our family all had to shift into snow routes to get home.  It took the children almost 3 hours and a really frustrated bus driver to get home; I found myself in a long traffic delay and taking an alternative route, leaving my car on the side of the road to be picked up later; our daughter walked a fair distance home; and my husband, Doug, became the chariot for several neighborhood children, a neighbor and myself - getting us all home safely.   In many ways, yesterday’s travels home reminded me of a remodel project.  Our day started with a plan.  We all knew when we had to be at our destination, how long we would be there, how we were getting home, and when we would get home.

    A remodel, also starts with a plan - architectural drawings, a contractor and scope of work, and a  schedule.   Like our day, unexpected things do come up that change the plan, may change the outcome, prolong the project, etc.  Like our day, the remodel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.  With a remodel, being able to expect the unexpected is a great skill that will help you endure the journey.  Remodels in Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, Renton, Kirkland and all other cities have a building jurisdiction that may impact the journey.

    In a recent Mercer Island remodel, the detour began on day one.  When we began our excavation, we found a buried septic tank.  This wasn’t a huge detour from our plan, but we did need to figure out what to do with it.  In spite of the detour our client says,  “We had such a great experience working with you, and Doug”- Nan Mitzel

    Is it possible to anticipate detours?  Absolutely.    The critical points of the project are when you’re working in areas with unknowns.  So, to be ready for the unknown,  think about the points in the project where some details may be missing, where there are unobserved conditions, or when you may still need to make some decisions.   Key areas are at excavation - who can really know what’s under the ground?  Places where the remodel may tie into the existing structure.  For example, an addition to an existing house has a new roof that tied into the existing roof.  Because the old and new are coming together, there’s a limited amount of responsibility that the roofing company will have for the existing roof.  Obviously, they can’t guarantee that the existing roof is not going to leak and won’t need further repair.    And the third place that can be nerve-wracking, is the finish phase.  During this phase, all of the final details are brought together.   Having your finishes picked well in advance will minimize the frustration and delays.  Be sure to check lead times on cabinets, tile, granite, and other specialty items.

    At Allen Construction Service, Inc., our goal is to make the journey as enjoyable as possible.  Communication is key.  We talk to our clients about what are the potential detours in every phase of the project.  We provide a drop dead date for finish selections so we can avoid potential delays due to delayed orders.   We find out what your biggest fears are in advance of the project so we can address those and give you a great experience.   Our service areas are most of King County and a p0rtion of Snohomish, including Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, Redmond, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Seattle, Wedgewood, Sandpoint, Queen Anne, Bellevue, Somerset, West Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Issaquah, Renton, Sammamish, Newcastle, Fall City and more.

    At the end of yesterday’s snow day, we all made it home safely.  As we gathered around the kitchen island, enjoying warm left overs from the night before, we all shared our experiences and felt very happy to be home.  The journey was long and we were glad for the comfort of home.   We want to make your journey a great experience, complete with the comfort of home.

    Please call me at 425-313-1813 or email me at kallen@acs-allen.com to find out how we can make your remodel project a great experience.

    Kelly Allen

    www.acs-allen.com

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    Remodel on a budget - Seattle and Bellevue

    February 24th, 2009

    There are many ways to remodel your house within a budget.  It all comes down to the planning…One of the best things a homeowner can do is to spend time on the front end definining your project.  Start by creating a wish list of everything you really would like to have…This may include a new kitchen, raised ceilings, radiant floor heating, walk in pantry, deck off of master bedroom, new master suite, any and everything that you want.  In a perfect world, your home would already have all of the square footage that you want and all of the fun details.  But, who are we kidding - this world’s not perfect!

    Once you’ve thrown out all of the would like to have’s, narrower your list to the top 3 gotta have’s.   These are the 3 things that are so important to you that you may consider trading one of your children for them!   Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can really begin to focus on your remodel project.   This is really the fun portion of the project.  Clip pictures from magazines, visit showrooms for finish selections, put together a palette board of fabrics, solid surface selections, tiles, etc.    Be sure to select a couple from each price range - allowing yourself flexibility to stay within your budget.

    Define your budget - how much are you willing to spend on your remodel?   This is actually one of the most difficult and important  parts of your remodel.  Without a reasonable budget, everyone involved is likely to become frustrated quickly.  Even in today’s market where contractor’s are cutting their costs, there are true material costs that are not being discounted.  By discounting labor, the contractor may not be around when your project falls into the warranty period.   Today more than ever, defining a fair budget that is reasonable for the work being performed is critical to the success of your project.

    The best way to find out if your budget is reasonable is to confide in your contractor.    Be open and tell the contractor what your budget is and ask if it’s a reasonable amount for the work to be performed.   Here’s where the palette board and finish selections will come in handy.   Those finishes will make the biggest impact not only on the feel and look of your project, but also on your budget.   That’s why it’s so critical to get samples from several price points.

    Not every project can be done on a shoe string budget - having a realistic budget is the key.

    Please contact me for more information or to see how I can be of assitance in planning your budget!

    Kelly Allen    kallen@acs-allen.com  www.acs-allen.com    (425) 313-1813

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    Bellevue Remodel

    February 9th, 2009

    Remodeling is all about finding a solution to a problem.  The bathroom may be too old, the kitchen too small, the deck too weathered, the basement unfinished.  Whatever the problem, Allen Construction Services, Inc. offers solutions.  If it weren’t for problems, we wouldn’t have a job!

    In Bellevue, one of our clients completed a full house renovation - kitchen remodel, bath remodel, new entry way, pergola, covered deck area, and new addition.   The house is in Somerset, with a spectacular view, massive windows, and full sun exposure (when we have it!).  Air conditioning didn’t seem practical to the homeowner for the few days a year that it gets hot here in the Pacific NW.   In order to maximize air flow and keep the house cool even when temperatures are high, we installed a pretty trick opening skylight system down the length of their hallway (approx 15′ long).    This has made a huge impact for the family - making their house comfortable on those warm days of summer.

    Give us a call for a free consultation at 425-313-1813 - let’s find solutions for your problem!

    Visit our website at www.acs-allen.com

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    Keep your house protected from the next storm!

    January 29th, 2009

    Hopefully you all made it through the winter storms and flooding so far.  As I see it, especially in the Northwest, winter is only halfway over and who knows what else we may see.  Here are a few tips I have compiled to keep your home ready and safe for the next storm.

    1. Heating System: First and foremost, crank you furnace up to 80 degrees for about 30 minutes.  Make sure the furnace runs steady and does not make any noise you are not expecting.  Take a look at the service log.  If it has a been a few years, it might not be a bad idea to have the system checked by a professional.  Slide out the air filters and make sure they are clean.  Also check that you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.  Carbon monoxide is a odorless gas and every form of combustion will release some carbon monoxide.
    2. A/C System: Even though we are in the wrong season for more cool air, make sure your A/C unit is free of debris and covered.  Come summertime, many systems fail due to debris being clogged from winter leaves and bramble.
    3. Chimney and Fireplace: My parents’ neighbor almost lost their entire home to a creosote fire.  Chimneys need to be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.  Ash and creosote will build up on the inside on the chimneys and can ignite the entire home!
    4. Uninsulated Plumbing: No piping should be bared to the elements.  If you have plumbing that is exterior or in a crawl space that is not insulated, it needs to wrapped in foam insulation at the very least.  Even better is wrapping those pipes in heated electrical tape.  Also make sure to disconnect any hoses from the exterior faucets.
    5. Insulation: Check to make sure your hot water heater is properly insulated if it is located in unheated space.  You can purchase hot water heater blankets to wrap the heaters.  This will in turn keep the water warmer and use less energy.  Check to make sure all doors and windows have adequate weather stripping and are sealing properly.
    6. Windows: Here in the Northwest, our doors and windows are inundated with water.  Especially with wooden doors and window, caulking needs to be checked on a yearly basis, and any exposed wood needs to be regularly sealed or painted to prevent rot.    Any rot you may find needs to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading deeper into the structure.
    7. Roof and Gutter: Check for missing shingles and clear gutters.  If downspouts are clogged and water accumulates in the gutters, the gutters may not be able to support the weight and fail.  Poke your head up into the attic and look at the underside of the roof.  If you see any water marks or stains, it is a sign water is seeping through the roof.
    8. Landscaping: If you have any water features or sprinkler systems, make sure they are drained if you haven’t already done so.  Typically it takes a wicked cold snap to lower the ground temperature enough to freeze underground sprinkler, but it has happened and will happen again.

    Allen Construction Services is here to help if you need any of these items professionally checked and if you require any repairs the winter storms may have already caused.   Stay warm and at least lets hope for some more snow in the mountains to help us skiers out!!!

    Take Care, Ryan

    rsmolinsky@acs-allen.com

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