When a multi-level deck might be right for you:

• If you’re seeking a low-maintenance yard option that includes a deck, a multi-level version may be ideal because you can create different entertainment spaces without costly landscaping design or significant lawn maintenance.
• When you want to create useful space below the deck that can be utilized if planned in advance.
• If you’re looking for a cool design, different from the average deck.
• If you’d like to have a separate space for cooking, entertaining, seating, etc. this could make sense for you.
• If you’d like to have two different deck areas, one covered in case of poor weather and one open to the elements.
• If you have a sloping lot and want to make the most of the area, a multi-level deck could be a great use of space and limit the number of stairs needed to get to the bottom.

When you should think twice:

• If you like a multi-level design with one deck directly above another, but don’t intend to create a covered area below, the lower deck will be regularly abused with water, goop, dirt and pine needles.
• If you have a short lot that doesn’t allow for a multi-level deck easily, you may need to use a spiral staircase to tie two spaces together, or you could end up with too small a space for what you intended.
• If you’re on a limited budget, creating a quality multi-level deck is going to cost more than a traditional one-story version in terms of materials and labor.
• If you intend to do this yourself, a multi-level design may prove to be a much larger and more complicated project than you had planned requiring engineering, additional knowledge, and a team of skilled workers.

In general, decks are a great opportunity to bring interest and excitement to your home. They should complement your home’s style and offer an opportunity to make the most of our sunny days.

One last tip we may offer is that we find many of our clients are seeking an attractive, but low maintenance outdoor living space. While no material is maintenance-free, our recommendation to those clients is to use a composite material with a picket, glass or cable railing. Cedar or Ipe decks, while beautiful and pest-resistant in our area, require regular maintenance.

If you’re ready to talk about a new deck, contact us today!

According to Daly’s website, to keep your deck in tip-top shape, they recommend that you first use a stripper product to remove any old stain. Then, a wash product that will remove any mildew and dirt our climate tends to support. Finally, using a semi-transparent deck stain will make your deck look and feel brand new.

Lynn and Daly’s recommend using it earlier in the season than later summer or early fall because the dew can sneak up on you, making your stain sticky or patchy. Plus, Daly’s is quick to add that it’s ideal if you can avoid applying a stain in direct sunlight, opting for a cool, overcast day, although one without rain in the forecast.

For additional product instructions, refer to Daly’s product FAQ’s here. If you’re ready to try Daly’s Deck Wash for yourself, you can find it in their Seattle or Bellevue retail locations or you may purchase it online. Want to talk to Lynn about her personal use of Daly’s? Call her at the office!

Lee and her husband had built the Duvall home in the 1980’s and had over 20 years of life experiences and laughter in the home, but knew it was showing its age and wear and tear. She loved the home and wanted to bring it back to life and feel really good about what she was passing on to the next owner. Her main goals for the project were to address any safety issues, redo the worn areas and allow the next owner to love it as much as she did. The home was structurally sound and didn’t need any fascia or siding renovations, but needed attention throughout much of the interior.

While the home had hardwoods throughout, years of love from her cats, had damaged some areas and others were in generally poor shape with no live-in occupant to care for them. The home, set deep in the woods, just east of Duvall, required a crawl-space clean up after a previously unknown entrance allowed for critters to enter and exit at their leisure. Her appliances were dated and needed replacing and much of the wood in the home needed to be shellacked to bring out the once lustrous color. Also, since the home was constructed in the 1980s, some structural changes would be beneficial so that the property was code compliant. In addition, the location of this home lent itself to some inherent logistical challenges for material deliveries and on-demand project needs as well as cell-phone service. Thankfully, Lee provided a land-line so that our team could stay in contact with the office and trade partners.

Since Lee had already worked with us once and trusted Sales Manager, Mark Jensen and Job Manager, Rich Lockhart explicitly, she communicated her budget, expectations and desire to see the finished product, but requested that she not be consulted throughout the remodel. This style, while unique, allowed her to limit the emotional aspects the remodel would incite for her. To avoid the selection process, she trusted Selections Coordinator, Lynn Goodwin and Mark Jensen to choose finishes that she would approve of and that made sense for her budget and for resale. For Mark, his approach to the project was simple: “I wanted to honor the home’s original look and feel. I wanted the changes to complement the existing character for resale purposes. This project was particularly fun because of my relationship with Lee and the freedom she allowed, so that I could select items that made sense for the space.”

The newly remodeled kitchen contains all-new stainless steel appliances and beautiful Alder cabinets. Laminate countertops complement the newly refinished hardwood floor. The wood ceiling, walls and railing were clear shellacked for a refreshed and eye-popping feel.  A new heating system and new electrical switches, plugs and fixtures brought the property up-to-date. Lynn chose warm palette colors with neutral accents, rather than real estate beige for the wall color transformation. A new small side deck, allowed for safe entrance to a hidden courtyard, perfect for relaxing on a lovely spring day.

The project took roughly four months for design, finish selections and construction, and it was especially efficient because we didn’t have to work around a live-in occupant. At the final walk-through a nervous Lee was thrilled with the results. “I am very happy with the remodel of my Duvall house. McAdams has done a spectacular job and the house shines…This is the second large remodel that McAdams has done for me and I would never ask anyone else to do a remodel for me,” said Lee. While she’ll be sad to see this much-loved home go on the market, she’s happy that the next owner will be receiving such a beautiful space.

House Update: We’re happy to report that her lovely home sold within 24 hours at full asking price! Are you ready to add value to your home? Call us for a remodel today!

To start, it’s helpful to understand what refinishing a hardwood floor looks like. Refinishing involves an intense sanding process to get the flooring down to new wood. Any gaps or holes are then filled prior to staining. Replacing hardwood is exactly as it sounds. You are removing the old, damaged hardwood and replacing it with a new version. As a general rule, it’s far cheaper to refinish your hardwoods than replace them; however, we recommend the following rules of thumb:

Replace your hardwoods if:

• Your flooring is really old and has been sanded down to the nail heads
• Humidity has caused major gaps between boards
• Your floor has deep scratches, gauges or dents that no amount of sanding will get out and involves a large portion of the floor, not just a few boards.
• The wood is soft and bouncy indicating significant damage, questionable structural integrity, or sub-floor problems
• You really dislike the species of wood you have and want to replace it for a different type, for instance, oak for cherry wood
• You want to change the width of the wood or the direction of the wood
• Matching existing flooring is unlikely and you desire a unified look
• There is significant water damage or pet odor deposits on the floor

Refinish your hardwoods if:

• Your floor has shallow scratches that can be buffed out
• Your floor has been waxed, refinishing will be needed to start anew
• You want to change the color of your stain
• You’re adding some new flooring and retaining some existing. Plan to refinish the existing flooring so that you are starting with net-new wood all around and then stain new and old all at the same time, creating one cohesive space
• Squeaky boards are driving you crazy

Our go-to hardwood floor trade partner, John Carlson with Heartland Floors agrees. “We love creating the warmth and beauty that hardwoods bring.  New or old, you can have beautiful hardwood floors,” says John.

For regular hardwood floor maintenance we recommend dust mopping with Original Endust as needed and occasional cleaning with Woodwise. Both products are user friendly and can be found in most grocery stores and on Amazon.com. Please follow the directions found on the packaging for proper usage.  If you’re doing additional cleaning, you could be causing more harm than good. Have more hardwood questions? Call us, we’re happy to help!

When developers, or even individuals buy property to use the land, they still have to pay the market price. Their competition is no less than it is for another property, especially in a desirable neighborhood.  Don’t forget that you found something interesting in the home you purchased and so will someone else. However, if the windows are old and moldy and the kitchen has seen better days, those factors will be reflected in the market price for your home.

Some items to consider before remodeling or selling are:

Local Zoning Codes. Remodeling in an existing home may allow items to be done that wouldn’t be allowed within new building zoning codes.

Property Taxes. Additional square footage to a home will likely be assessed at a higher rate resulting in higher property taxes; however, updates to an existing space, like a kitchen remodel, will likely keep your property taxes the same. If building net new, there is no doubt that higher property taxes would be assessed for a net new dwelling. The only way to know for sure if updating your home will result in higher taxes is to call your local tax assessor’s office.

Structural Integrity. If your home is structurally sound, then a remodel may make sense. On the other hand, if the structural integrity of your home is in question, think twice about investing additional capital in a home that requires significant improvements.

House systems. If you have knob and tube wiring for electrical and old copper pipes for plumbing, you may need to think twice about remodeling unless you intend to stay in the home for many years as both systems are expensive to replace.

Your intentions. Do you intend to move in the next three to five years? If so, remodeling may not make sense for you as you’re unlikely to reap the rewards. If you think you’ll stay in the home for awhile, then a remodel should definitely be considered.

Sentiment. Does your home contain sentimental value to you? If it does, a remodel may make sense to bring new life back into the home.

Finishes. There are different levels of finishes one can choose. Everything doesn’t have to be granite and marble. Instead, if you’d like to improve a space for the time you plan to live in the home, one option is to choose lesser expensive finishes that are still attractive.

One of a Kind. Rather than live in a home that’s one of many in a development, a remodel allows you to put your individual stamp on a home, creating a one-of-a-kind space.

Our recommendation is to answer these questions for yourself and then engage a quality remodeler (like us!) to help you determine if a remodel makes sense. We’re happy to help!

Job Requirements:
• 5 years minimum full time carpentry experience, including supervising others.
• Be competent at all phases of construction from foundation through finish.
• Accurately read plans and follow specifications.
• Complete jobs on schedule and within budget.
• A reliable vehicle and all tools necessary for demolition and rough and finish carpentry.

What to do now:
If you are interested in moving forward in your career, please email your resume and a cover letter to dale@mcadamsremodeling.com detailing how you would fit into this environment and what you would hope to get out of it.

No phone calls please
Principals only, no recruiters
Submissions without a cover letter will NOT be considered.

The Pros:

• Plate depth is not an issue. The average deep bottom drawer is 20 inches deep versus an upper cabinet depth of 10.5 inches. Many plates are 10.5 inches or larger in diameter and so are challenging to fit within a standard size upper cabinet.
• Increased functionality. Our shorter clients really enjoy having deep lower cabinet drawers as it reduces the need for a step-stool in the kitchen. Taller clients will still appreciate a one-size-fits-all mentality for all people in their home.
• Ideal for people of all abilities. With deep bottom drawers, arm strength or other limitations becomes less of an issue. Transitioning plates from the dishwasher to drawer or drawer to table is easier than ever before and a great Universal Design Remodeling solution.
• Less plate chips. Drawer pegs can be installed within deep bottom drawers eliminating dish rattling and ensuring each type of dish, plate, bowl, etc. has their own space and won’t slide around when opened and closed.
• Feels more open. Having fewer upper cabinets can really open up the kitchen and create a more entertainment-friendly room with the kitchen flowing into a dining room or living room with ease.
• Easier to find things. No longer do you have to root around for that one item you’re seeking. Instead, with a full extension drawer, you can look down into the drawer and have the contents in view without having to search.

The Cons:

• It’s a mind shift. Doing away with upper cabinets for many will be something they just can’t grasp.
• You might have to wear shades inside. With less cabinetry blocking your view, you might find that sunglasses are required indoors with all that extra light!
• No excuse for new dishes. With more space and less rattling of dishes, you might find that your dishes last so long, you might need to find a new excuse to replace your existing ones.
• It’s a stacker’s paradise. More space can equal more stuff and deep bottom drawers are no different, but just because you can add more, doesn’t mean you should.
• More expensive. While deep bottom drawers are more expensive than their upper cabinet counterpart, we think the efficiency and view are worth the cost.

How can you reduce the upper cabinets while maintaining or increasing overall storage capacity you ask? Easy! In many client kitchen remodels, original upper cabinets aren’t going to the ceiling initially, so when we create the new design, we recommend removing a soffit if one exists and adding an additional shelf for storage in the remaining upper cabinets. Combined with the more robust full-extension deep bottom drawer, you’re left with additional storage capacity and convenience.

View our kitchen gallery here.

The couple loved to cook and desired a full kitchen remodel within the existing 100 square foot area, but needed an experienced remodeler that was capable of walking them through the design process in order to capture their wish list that included: better cabinetry, a peninsula with a more open design and additional storage capacity. They wanted to keep the existing hardwoods in the kitchen and add hardwood to an accompanying entryway that would blend with the original. Part of the project would also be to update a small powder bathroom and refinish nearby stairs.

McAdams Remodeling & Design’s Sales Manager, Mark Jensen, and Clint Noyes with KC Fine Cabinetry put together a kitchen design that met Carol and Bill’s wish list along with recommending a more open plan than their current design allowed. They opted to keep the stove in its current location since it maintained the recommended appliance triangle and moving the venting would have wreaked havoc with the design and added to the cost of the project. New stainless steel appliances replaced the old. The cabinets previously had a soffit but would now go to the ceiling, giving an extra shelf in each. This allowed Mark and Clint to remove the few upper cabinets that separated the kitchen from the living room to create a great open floor plan for entertaining while also increasing storage. In addition, they removed an existing pocket door that separated the dining room and the kitchen also contributing to better flow. The only other entrance to the kitchen, from the front entry contained a narrow pocket door which was removed and a five foot entrance was made.

The kitchen contained a small walk-in pantry, which Mark and Clint kept because it was functional and contained a structural wall. A fresh coat of paint on the shelves and the door made it look and feel brand new.  The existing business center was replaced with new Alder wood cabinetry with a brandy stain and a Cambria countertop in the color Devon, consistent with the rest of the kitchen. The new area contained a 26 bottle wine and spirits refrigerator, perfect for these wine aficionados.

A unique feature to this kitchen design was the round raised kitchen bar with a complimentary Cambria countertop that stood 42 inches high that also served as the peninsula and eat-in kitchen nook. Not only did it provide a great standing work space, but also a place for the couple to informally dine during the week and it opened up the walkway to the deck. During parties, it provides the perfect spot for guests to congregate near the kitchen while still allowing for movement in and out. The adjacent 36 inch tall angled bar has storage on both sides, maximizing overall storage capacity.

New switches and outlets were installed throughout to match the new color palette of the countertops and walls. Task and under-counter LED lighting were added along with peninsula pendants for an attractive focal point.

Carol and Bill love their new kitchen. It’s more functional, is better for entertaining and fits their lifestyle. Plus, with the remodeled powder bath and refinished stairway, they feel like their 1979 builder grade home has a new lease on life.

-Fill nail holes and touch-up paint. Most of us have a few spots here or that that could use a fresh coat of paint or that got scuffed when we last had company. This is a perfect time to tackle these.

-Prune your trees. Now is ideal to take the dead limbs off and invigorate new growth. If you let a tree run stagnant, it will produce less fruit and blooms.

-Start seedlings inside. We’ve had a few days of freezing temps, so it’s still too early to start your garden outside, but you can get seeds started in soil and put them in a sunny window sill for now.

-Start weeding now. With the sunshine and rain we’ve gotten, nothing grows faster than the weeds in your yard. If you weed a little each week, it will keep your yard under control.

-Get lawn and garden tools in shape. Sharpen blades, replace broken tools and purchase what you’ll
need to make it through the next gardening season.

-Start and finish your taxes. Your tax documents should all be in by now, so engage your favorite tax professional or use online software to get your 2014 taxes complete!

-Dust light fixtures and vacuum up dead bugs. It happens to the best of us during the winter. Take advantage of the additional light and remove dust bunnies, spider webs and any leftover bugs so that your lights are clean and clear.

Once you’re done, find a comfy seat and relax and watch the daffodils and tulips brighten your day.

These clients, Sasha and Chris, found us online after a few disappointing experiences with other contractors. Since she’d already had a poor contractor incident, she told Mark he needed to blow her away. Thankfully for all concerned, it was a McAdams/Client match!

The original master bathroom in their 1970’s tri-level home had a unique floor plan. There was a vanity in the bedroom that was seldom used, while the bathroom itself contained a second vanity and a separate shower and toilet room. The bathroom, while functional, needed a face lift and felt small even thought there was decent square footage.  Since they intended to remodel both bathrooms, one after the other, it meant that they would take that seldom used vanity space in the bedroom and re-purpose it to add more square footage to Chris’s bathroom.

Chris’s hall bathroom space contained a tub/shower combination and small vanity and while attractive, lacked storage, character, and felt a little cramped. With the additional square footage claimed from the master bedroom, he was able to fit both a custom vanity and linen storage cabinet in the room, created for him by KC Fine Cabinetry in a Cherry-Spice color. Topping off the gorgeous vanity cabinet was a striking marble slab in Rainforest Green.  A new Mirabelle bathtub with frameless glass doors, chrome fixtures and new arctic white ceramic floor and wall tile throughout made the space gleam.

Sasha’s master bedroom, now with no vanity mid-room, contained fresh sheetrock, paint and a lovely new piece of art complete with an art-focused light bringing the room a more traditional and classy look. We removed the wall and door that previously separated her shower and toilet from the vanity, opening up the bathroom. A new beautiful maple vanity in a praline color replaced the old and was separated by a half wall to give the wall-hung Duravit toilet privacy. The shower, previously with a pan base, was exchanged with a beautiful Travertine Capistrano tile laid horizontally with clear Agalite frameless glass doors. A shallow vanity-matching cabinet above the toilet gave Sasha additional toiletry storage space she needed.

Sasha and Chris were ecstatic with the results of their respective bathrooms. The project had gone smoothly and their new spaces were reflective of their individual tastes and needs. Plus, they were happy to be able to donate all of their previous bathroom items to Habitat for Humanity for use in other projects.

If you’re ready to kick of your bathroom remodel, contact us today.