Hudson Remodeling News
Increase your home’s value with outdoor construction projects
Posted 21 May 2013 by Charlie
With summer on its way, now is the perfect time to start planning outdoor construction projects that will increase your home’s value and curb appeal. Maybe you want to paint, replace old siding, or entertain more on a new deck. Whatever your project is this year, Hudson Remodeling is here to help.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan for outdoor construction projects this summer:
- Ready to replace the siding on your home? Consider material selection carefully. We recommend and frequently install HardiPlank, a fiber-cement siding that is durable (it can last 50+ years), looks like wood, and is insect-resistant. HardiPlank holds paint incredibly well so future maintenance costs will be lower.
Inspiration: pinterest.com
- Time to repaint your home? Remember to keep the color scheme of your doors, windows and even the roof of your house in mind. You’ll want to choose colors that complement those features. Keep in mind that darker paint colors can absorb heat, which may be beneficial during Whatcom County’s cold winter months, but not during warmer summer months.
Inspiration: pinterest.com
- Need to build a new deck or repair an existing one? Make sure you allow enough space to accommodate tables, chairs, a BBQ and people comfortably. Being in the lovely Pacific Northwest we can rarely guarantee sunshine – consider adding a cover to your deck so you can still enjoy the outdoors without getting wet. You will also want to consider what decking material will best fit your needs. Maintenance, durability, overall look, and sustainability are a few we consult with people on during the planning phase.
Inspiration: pinterest.com
As a licensed general contractor in Whatcom County, Hudson Remodeling crews are ready to help with any deck or HardiPlank siding projects you’d like to undertake this year – our customers love our work and so will you!
Contact Charlie Hudson for a detailed estimate today.
Top 6 bathroom remodeling tips
Posted 3 May 2013 by Charlie
Have you been thinking of modernizing or renovating a bathroom in your home?
While bathroom remodeling projects are a piece of cake for Hudson Remodeling, we know they can make homeowners nervous, anxious and frustrated. With that in mind, we have assembled a list of top bathroom remodeling tips to keep in mind as you work through the DIY (do it yourself) process.
- Consider updating your bathroom’s floor plan. Simply rearranging the toilet, vanity and tub can improve the flow of your bathroom. Adjusting the floor plan through careful design can maximize the space available to its fullest. Hire a bathroom designer or work with or an experienced remodeler to develop a detailed plan.
- Choose energy efficient products. Use low flow or dual flush toilets, Energy Star lighting fixtures and water saving shower heads. Incorporating these environmentally friendly remodeling products into your design will save you money over time.
- Think about lighting. Bathroom lighting is more than just 4 bulbs around a vanity mirror. Look for places to incorporate additional lighting in the ceiling, bathing areas, closets, and more.
- Add natural light when possible. Skylights and solar tubes are a great way to add natural light to your bathroom.
- Go neutral. Stick to a somewhat neutral color palette when choosing pricy items (tile and granite). Add splashes of color with less expensive things like paint, shower curtains, throw rugs, and accessories.
- Splurge a bit. Even if your bathroom remodel project is small in size it’s still nice to treat yourself to something fun. Upgrade cabinet hardware or sink fixtures; add a heated towel bar, color changing shower head or waterproof speakers and an iPod dock so you can listen to music while bathing.
Lastly, as you are planning for a bathroom remodel, keep universal design in mind. Consider making doorways a bit wider, replacing your traditional tub with a walk-in shower or installing the behind-the-scenes framework so grab bars can be added later. A bit of consideration and planning now will make a difference down the road.
As an experienced general contractor in Whatcom County, Hudson Remodeling has worked on many bathrooms. We have helped homeowners through the bathroom design phase, demolition and product selection. Our crews are master tile installers (floors, tub enclosures and free-standing showers) and we are detailed when it comes to cabinetry and trim work. Give us a call with any bathroom remodeling questions you may have.
Remodeling with universal design in mind
Posted 9 April 2013 by Charlie
Think universal design is just for elderly and disabled people? Think again.
Sure universal design is great for senior citizens and it’s necessary for people that use mobility aids, but it can also be beneficial for children and folks that are recovering from injury or illness.
The benefits of remodeling with universal design in mind are many. Whether homeowners are updating a master bathroom, renovating a kitchen or just upgrading fixtures, there are choices that can be made now that will make life easier down the road.
When it comes to making a home work for any age or stage, it’s a good idea to take a proactive approach. Consider adding a ground floor master suite, incorporating walk-in shower units, installing grab bars, widening doorways, having a variety of counter heights in the kitchen, and even making sure there is at least one step-free entrance to the home.
Hudson Remodeling would love to help people of all ages incorporate universal design elements into their Whatcom or Skagit County homes. As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Charlie Hudson is a great resource for those wanting to make a change.
Looking for a bit of inspiration? We have found Pinterest to be a great resource for universal design ideas. Take a look at these images and consider incorporating some into your next home remodel project. http://pinterest.com/search/?q=universal%20design%20homes
Find us at the Whatcom County Home and Garden Show, March 8-10, 2013!
Posted 1 March 2013 by Charlie
Stop by Hudson Remodeling’s booth at the largest home & garden show north of Seattle. Chat with Charlie Hudson about your home renovation ideas and check out inspiring photo displays of kitchen, bath and whole-house remodeling projects completed by Hudson Remodeling.
The Whatcom County Home & Garden show offers the biggest and best displays of products for your home and garden in Northwest Washington. More than 200 vendors will be represented at the event this year.
New this year – craft beer tastings. Local craft brewers will be paired with home show exhibitors (including Hudson Remodeling) from 5 to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. The tastings are just $5 (plus home show admission)…sample local craft beers while you wander the show.
Full details including open hours, workshop schedules and ticket prices, are available online. http://www.biawc.com/homeshow/
See you at the show!
Remodeling with universal design in mind
Posted 5 December 2012 by Charlie
Photo courtesy of Delta Faucets
Have you heard the terms ” aging in place” or “universal design”? These words are often used to describe building and remodeling projects that are visually appealing and usable by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life. This means homes are designed or renovated in a manner that allows able-bodied, disabled, youth and the elderly to comfortable use living spaces. The spaces work for long-term living needs as well as short-term situations like recovering from an injury or surgery.
Planning ahead can allow people of all ages to stay in their own home as long as possible. Here are a few tips to consider if you or a loved one are considering modifying a home to incorporate universal design features:
Aging in Place/Universal Design Tips:
- Install bath and shower grab bars. When properly installed, grab bars are effective in helping prevent slips and falls. Typically, they are the first item people turn to when looking to improve bathroom safety.
- Replace a traditional tub with a walk-in shower unit. Wonderful step-free shower units can be created in the same space currently used for a bathtub. Walk-in showers can be installed as prefabricated units or as a custom project using materials like tile and glass.
- Consider remodeling to add a ground floor master suite. This type of remodel not only allows seniors to stay in their own home as long as possible, it can also help those recovering from injury or illness.
- In the kitchen, relocate (or raise) the level of your dishwasher to make loading/unloading easier; install pull-out shelves in lower cabinets for easier access.
- Change hardware throughout the house; using levers or “D” pulls can make it easier for all abilities to open and close doors and cabinets.
- Install handrails along interior and exterior staircases; make sure those areas are well lit as well.
As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Charlie Hudson of Hudson Remodeling can help Whatcom County residents modify their homes to improve safety and long-term comfort. Feel free to contact him with any questions you may have.
Remodeling Trends for 2013
Posted 8 October 2012 by Charlie
Remodeling Trends for 2013
National construction experts are starting to compile lists of the top home remodeling trends for 2013 that will add value and provide a great return on investment. Here are a few of our favorite remodeling trends, along with links to online galleries, to consider incorporating into your home.
- Kitchen makeovers. Refinish or reface cabinets, update appliances; add a breakfast bar or island. http://tinyurl.com/9tm4ap2
- Turn you master bathroom into a mini-spa. Add a Jacuzzi soaker tub, quartz or granite counters, vessel sinks, and bronze fixtures. http://tinyurl.com/9hwmfcq
- Remove walls to create open floor plans. Some older homes were built with walls that separate living spaces, like between living, dining and kitchen areas. Many homeowners today prefer open, less formal spaces. http://tinyurl.com/8en4c35
Say good-bye to carpet. Hardwood, tile, bamboo and slate floors are a much better option for people with allergies. They are easy to clean and maintain and instantly make a room look fresh and modern. http://tinyurl.com/976kgbw- Add more living space. Families are merging, parents are aging and moving in with their children…for many it may be time to convert unfinished basements into additional living space. http://tinyurl.com/3qdlohh
I hope the ideas above (and photos in our online galleries) will provide a bit of remodeling inspiration for projects that will modernize your home and make it more comfortable for years to come. Our crews have experience in all these areas and would be happy to talk with you about remodeling projects you may be considering. Call or email Charlie Hudson today!
Alzheimer Association of Washington – Miles for Memories Walk/Run
Posted 3 August 2012 by Charlie
Hudson Remodeling is sponsoring and participating in the 2012 Alzheimer’s Society Miles for Memories walk taking place on August 11th in Fairhaven.
Members of the Hudson Remodeling team and some of our clients have been closely impacted by the affects of dementia; we are proud to support local efforts to help those dealing with the disease.
We are in the process of collecting pledges of any size to support this fundraising effort. Please contact Charlie if you are interested in helping our team raise money for this community event.
Feature Remodeling Project: Subtle, Affordable Kitchen Remodel
Posted 11 July 2012 by Charlie
We love remodeling kitchens! It is very satisfying to take a space that is tired, worn out and inefficient and turn it into something fresh and user-friendly.
Kitchen remodeling pricing can vary greatly depending on the scope of work. Some customers want a ‘gut job’ where we pull out everything down to the studs and rebuild the space. Others opt for subtle, more affordable tweaks that improve living spaces (photo).
Earlier this year we had the pleasure of updating the kitchen of a local real estate agent, Sharon Allen. We helped improve flow in her living areas by removing a wall and then made subtle, affordable changes in the kitchen that really made a difference.
If you have been considering a large or small kitchen remodel please give me a call. I’d be happy to come take a look and chat with you about layout and design options.
Charlie
Hudson Remodeling Joins Pass The Hat – Supporting Whatcom County Residents
Posted 15 June 2012 by Charlie
Hudson Remodeling is proud to support Pass the Hat, a wonderful local organization that provides financial relief for Whatcom County families who have been involved in tragic events.
“Tragedy brings more than just grief and loss, it also brings hospital bills, ambulance bills, funeral expenses, and more. It’s too much to bear for families already facing heartbreaking situations, ” shares Pass the Hat organizers.
The mission of Pass The Hat is twofold. First, they help families. Second, they inspire and allow people to become philanthropists by making it easy and affordable for everyone. You can make a difference in the lives of Whatcom County residents by simply signing up with a credit card to give $2 a month, every month, that’s it.
We invite you to take a look at this FAQ page to learn more about the group. If this charity seems like a good fit for you (or your organization) we encourage you to join us in supporting Pass the Hat.
Summer & Fall Construction Projects – now is the time to plan and schedule
Posted 3 May 2012 by Charlie
In NW Washington, June through October is the best time to work on larger remodeling projects that may expose your home to the elements.
These types of construction projects may include:
- Expanding interior living spaces with custom-built additions
- Adding outdoor kitchens, decks and patios for entertaining
- Upgrading windows, siding and roofing
- Installing new garages & carports
- Working to improve drainage around your home
If you are considering a larger construction project this summer, now is the right time to talk with your contractor and put together a design plan, budget and project schedule that allows time for necessary permitting.
Hudson Remodeling has helped local Whatcom and Skagit County homeowners with a wide variety of home additions and remodeling projects; read more in our Spring 2012 Toolbox newsletter.
I would be happy to chat with you about your ideas and then provide a detailed budget for the project…just give me a call and we’ll get started!
Sincerely,
Charlie Hudson