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Hudson Remodeling News

How Hudson works with home designers

Posted 28 February 2018 by Team Hudson

At Hudson Remodeling, we don’t do things halfway. We pay attention to the smallest detail while always keeping the big picture — what our clients want their homes to look and feel like — in view.

When we’re done with a project, we want the homeowner to be awestruck by the beauty of their homes and to continue to be impressed the more they live in the space.

When homeowners have remodeling ideas, our in-house design team is adept at facilitating a smooth transition from dream to reality. We also work with a number of outside designers in Bellingham and elsewhere who draw up brilliant plans and then hand them off to our crews for completion.

We love working with outside designers. Here’s why:

Designers are experts in home design. They know how to make the most of the space in the home, whether designing for flow, efficiency, comfort, style or all of the above. Because designers stay up-to-date on design trends — including those that haven’t even started yet — they’re able to design just the right look and feel to ensure a home meets its owners desires, both now and in the future.

That’s where Hudson comes in. One of the biggest reasons that Bellingham and Whatcom home designers choose Hudson is our ability to produce exactly what the designer intended. Our expertise in carpentry, tile-setting and project management ensure that we can handle any project given to us, on time and on budget.

In creating their plans, designers must take into account any number of a homeowner’s priorities. Some homeowners want less clutter and a clean, open look. 

Others want the comfy feel of built-in bookshelves, fireplaces and kitchen islands. And then there are the homeowners who want modern updates that will allow them to age in place and enjoy their home for decades without worry.

Whatever the priorities and whatever the plans, Hudson is adept at making them happen.

Consider the details in this waterfront room, which we transformed from an outdoor patio to comfy indoor space — for humans and dogs alike. Or how about the tile work in this gorgeous Bellingham bath. Whatever designers come up with, Hudson Remodeling’s team of experts can handle.

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Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Design, Flooring, General Contractor, Kitchen Remodeling, Products and Services, Remodeling Photos | No Comments »

Design/build: Seamlessly breathes new life into your home

Posted 27 December 2017 by Team Hudson

Hudson Remodeling is a design/build contractor intent on giving our Whatcom County clients the best possible home remodeling experience.

How can we do that? One word: teamwork.

One of the reasons we use the design/build model at Hudson is because of the opportunity it affords us to work together on nearly every aspect of a home remodeling project. From the initial meeting and project estimating to the final walkthrough, teamwork and continuity are tools that create a successful project and a happy homeowner.

Simply, the home remodeling process at Hudson includes two main stages:

  • In the design stage, the homeowner’s ideas for the project are translated by an experienced building designer into construction plans that show exactly what will be done on the job. On larger construction projects, 3D renderings are employed to give homeowners a clear picture of what they can look forward to.
  • In the building stage, Hudson Remodeling’s team of remodeling carpenters and finishers translate those plans into the new kitchen, bath or porch that the homeowner envisioned.

The most important thing to remember about the design/build process is that with this system, both the designer and the builder are on the same team. They understand each other, they work well together and they have a vested interest in ensuring that the project proceeds as smoothly as possible. Each side works with the other to obviate any potential hiccups before they happen. The designer won’t make plans for things the contractor can’t build, and the contractor has direct communication with the designer in case they bump into unanticipated challenges during construction.

Here are a few reasons why Whatcom County remodeling clients love the design/build process:

  • The homeowner signs just one contract and works with one team throughout the process.
  • Everyone involved knows the project scope and budget. The team works hard to work within those guidelines.
  • Communication is strong throughout the process, from design to demo to “done!”
  • Design/build jobs tend to be more streamlined, meaning projects sometimes start sooner.

At Hudson Remodeling, we like to sum up our design/build process this way: It’s all about working seamlessly as a team – homeowners, designer, carpenters – to breathe new life into a home.

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Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Best Bath, Decks, Design, General, General Contractor, Kitchen Remodeling, Products and Services | No Comments »

Why Hudson Remodeling focuses so strongly on jobsite safety

Posted 25 October 2017 by Team Hudson

The crew at Hudson Remodeling aren’t only satisfied with quality home remodeling work that closely matches the homeowner’s vision. We also like the construction process itself to be as stress-free as possible.

It’s why we create accurate schedules, pay close attention to budget and communicate carefully with customers. It’s also why we do what we can to ensure that jobsites are workspaces are orderly and organized.

Fewer tripping hazards means that most accidents can be avoided, and secured construction materials means that falls are far less likely.

Simply put, a cleaner, more orderly jobsite is a safer one, and that’s what Hudson strives for on every job.

Safety is the reason that work crews engage in regular safety meetings, both on the jobsites and off. At these meetings, team leaders ensure that crews are up to date on company (and OSHA) policy regarding scaffolding, head protection, ladders, fall protection, eye safety, proper communication and more.

According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, construction workers are at a higher risk for fatal injury than are workers in other industries. It’s not surprising, given the nature of construction work. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, and Hudson Remodeling takes every possible step to ensure its workers are safe.

It’s not just worker safety that’s at stake. Naturally, homeowners often want to visit the sites to see how work on their homes is progressing. The safest place is always away from the site, of course, but when homeowners do visit, Hudson Remodeling crews want to ensure they are as safe as possible while they check out the exciting work being done to the homes they love. A clean jobsite and adherence to jobsite safety rules go a long way toward making that happen. Hudson also works with homeowners to ensure that they respect the jobsite boundaries to keep both themselves and crew members safe.

For construction and remodeling work that’s held to the highest of standards — both in the quality of work and in the safety of the jobsite — contact Hudson Remodeling in Bellingham. We are 100-percent committed to every home improvement and remodeling project we take on, and we always assure customers of our best work. It’s one reason we get reviews like this: “Thank you for all your hard work, patience and professionalism. Your responsiveness was unsurpassed by your peers in the community. I cannot thank you enough for providing quality service; more importantly, trustworthy service.” See what other Whatcom and Skagit County customers have had to say about our performance.

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Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Decks, Design, Flooring, General, General Contractor, Handyman Services, Hudson Remodeling In the News, Kitchen Remodeling, Products and Services, Remodeling Photos | No Comments »

Change your home’s personality with new flooring

Posted 23 August 2017 by Team Hudson

Is your home’s interior looking a little tired these days? Looking for a project to breathe life into your home, but you’re just not sure what?

One effective way of giving your home a makeover is to redo the flooring.

Plus, new flooring means hiding the carpet wine stains from Christmas 2004 and the path worn through the kitchen by Sadie and her clackety claws.

But what to choose? From carpet to cork, from bamboo to berber… the myriad possibilities can seem overwhelming. Here are a few flooring options that have been experiencing a resurgence in popularity lately for Bellingham and Whatcom County home remodels.

Vinyl flooring: Luxury vinyl plank flooring is pretty hot right now. (Note the “luxury” in the name; there are cheaper options that don’t look nearly as good.) LVP can be made to resemble pretty much anything you can think of, from weathered, reclaimed wood to Brazilian Oak to slate tile and more.

Linoleum: Like vinyl flooring, linoleum is experiencing a resurgence. Made largely from linseed oil, linoleum is popular among people looking for renewable, eco-friendly options. In fact, linoleum is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. And because it’s manufactured, you can get it in just about every color, pattern and texture you can think of.

Cork: Cork flooring is environmentally friendly, comfortable to walk on, durable and cost-effective. Like wood, it can be stained in pretty much any color imaginable, so it’s a versatile option for homeowners who like thinking outside the box.

Bamboo: Made from the familiar fast-growing grass, bamboo flooring can be as hard and durable as any hardwood. Lately, we’ve been seeing an explosion of colors and styles, making this renewable flooring all the more attractive. Bamboo often resembles hardwoods in look, too, though its interesting grain patterns offer something unique.

Concrete: As an interior flooring material, concrete is another surface that has come a long way in recent years. It can be textured, colored, stamped, stained and polished until it shines like a mirror. Whatever your style, concrete can probably match it.

Reclaimed wood: People are using old barn siding or other reclaimed wood as flooring with gorgeous results. It can be harder to find than more traditional flooring options, but it’s stunning and already proven to stand up to wear and tear. As an alternative, there are some tiles that do an impressive job of emulating the look and feel of reclaimed wood. An excellent choice for a floor or even a quirky backsplash in a modern kitchen.

Engineered hardwood: If you want the traditional look of hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood is a great way to go. It layers an actual slice of hardwood — usually oak, hickory or cherry, but other options also are available — over high-quality plywood, and it actually stands up to moisture better than solid hardwood, because it’s less prone to warping.

If you’re looking for a fun, effective way of rejuvenating or remodeling your home’s style, flooring is a great way to go. Contact us at Hudson Remodeling to chat about flooring trends in Whatcom and Skagit counties and how we can help upgrade your style.

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Posted in Aging in Place, Design, Flooring, General, General Contractor, Kitchen Remodeling, Products and Services | No Comments »

Before you start, here’s what you need to know about kitchen remodeling

Posted 26 July 2017 by Team Hudson

 It’s time.

You’ve decided that the almond-colored range and faux-wood paneling in your kitchen have got to go.

But before you start swinging a hammer, here are a few considerations to make your kitchen planning smoother and easier.

Will I add a pantry? And if so, where? Especially if you don’t have one currently, a pantry can make a big difference in the functionality of a kitchen. But you can’t add it just anywhere. Consider what you’ll be using it for. Daily staples like pasta, cereal and flour? Or deep storage like home-canned fruit and vegetables? Ideally, a daily-use pantry would lie along the edge of the fridge-stove-sink triangle.

Counter-depth fridge, or fridge-depth counters? Counter-depth fridges are all the rage, and for good reason. They can fit seamlessly into the flow of your cabinets, adding functionality without bulging out into your living space. But they can also be quite expensive. To replicate the look and feel at a fraction of the cost, consider making your counters an extra foot deep along the fridge wall. Not only will you gain the look of a counter-depth fridge, but you’ll also gain some bonus counter space, too.

How high should my countertops be? Standard kitchen counter height is 36 inches. For ideal comfort, the countertop should typically be 2 to 3 inches below elbow height. If you’re particularly short or tall, 36 inches might be all wrong. However, there are two additional points to consider: Most kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers and ranges, are designed for standard-height counters. Also, if you plan to sell your home someday, custom heights might dissuade prospective buyers. A compromise would be to raise or lower just sections of the countertop or to have a kitchen island at non-standard height.

Do I want a new kitchen island? Do I want to get rid of one? Large kitchens benefit from the extra workspace an island provides, but small kitchens can seem crowded. If you’re changing the size of your kitchen during the remodel, consider whether you want to add or remove an island. And if you want a workspace at non-standard height, as mentioned above, an island might be the perfect choice.

Do I want a new kitchen layout? Planning a new kitchen while the old one is still in place can be one of the hardest parts of the kitchen-remodeling process. But you don’t want to start gutting the room until you’re sure what appliances will go where, and which walls, if any, will be removed. Here’s where an experienced kitchen designer with computer design skills, like Susan Silva at Hudson Remodeling, can be invaluable. A three-dimensional CAD rendering of your kitchen can help you make difficult decisions without having to fully commit.

 

If you’re considering remodeling the kitchen in your Whatcom or Skagit County home, give the experts at Hudson Remodeling a call. They have years of design/build experience and have seen (and done) just about everything when it comes to kitchen remodels.

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Posted in Design, Events, Flooring, General, General Contractor, Handyman Services, In Progress Projects, Kitchen Remodeling, Products and Services, Remodeling Photos | No Comments »

A few home remodeling projects can make it easy to age in place

Posted 28 June 2017 by Team Hudson

Independence.

As we age, the word takes on a different meaning. At the approach of our sunset years, we begin to think of things that could prolong — or stand in the way of — our ability to be independent.

Independence is always top of mind at Hudson Remodeling. Our craftsmen have years of experience in Whatcom County remodeling homes to improve flow and reduce barriers so that individuals and couples can confidently grow older in the homes they love.

Here are a few tips we’ve picked up over the years that can help maintain independence at home while aging in place.

Consider a step-in shower: Hudson Remodeling recently completed a remodel in which we swapped out a small, high-sided bathtub for a roomy walk-in shower complete with grab bars. The previous tub was a constant trip hazard, and the new shower is incredibly easy to get in and out of. It occupies the same footprint as the bathtub, too, so the replacement job was simple. For those who want to age in place, a bathroom remodel like this is one of the best choices to make. And for those who like an occasional soak, Best Bath also makes a tub with a door that swings open to allow safe, step-free access.

Add grab bars to existing bathroom features: Even those who love their current bathroom setup can benefit from a sturdy grab bar or two. Great for their help in preventing falls, grab bars can be installed for shower stability and to help anyone safely maneuver around the bathroom.

Widen doorways and other paths to reduce tripping hazards: Narrow doorways, hallways and galley kitchens can present access challenges — or be plain impossible to navigate with a walker or other mobility device. Knocking out a wall or two to provide more space — or even widening doorways where possible — can improve the feel of a home in addition to ensuring access.

Reduce trips up and down the stairs: Often, this means an interior remodel. If the master bedroom is on the second floor, for example, the homeowner could make many trips up and down the stairs every day. Adding on or remodeling a ground-floor space into a master suite puts an end to frequent navigation of stairs. It is another critical change to a home in the interest of aging in place.

Add a step-free exterior entrance: In the Pacific Northwest, it’s common to see homes with porches and/or decks at both the front and back doors. They look great, but they can be quite a nuisance to people wary of falls. Independently (or as part of a ground-floor master suite remodel), Hudson has ideas for ways to install stair-free access to a home from the outdoors.

The experts at Hudson Remodeling are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists and can be a go-to source for Bellingham and Whatcom County homeowners who would like to create a space that is accessible for all ages and all abilities.

 

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Ideas for improving your home’s exterior

Posted 24 May 2017 by Team Hudson

Every home could use a pick-me-up now and again, and it’s never too late to return a home to its former beauty. Here are a few tried-and-true exterior remodeling options that can help any home look its best.

New siding: Is it time to replace that old aluminum or vinyl siding with something that looks a bit more natural? Or is the old wood siding so worn that the boards are warped and nails are popping? Few things like fresh siding can restore the beauty of a home — and add to its longevity. Worn siding can very quickly lead to problems with water damage and pest infiltration.

New windows: Not only are updated vinyl windows beautiful, they’re also much more energy-efficient than the wood or aluminum windows they typically replace. New double-paned windows can add decades of energy efficiency to a home. Energy savings can be as high as 50 percent!

P1060467New doors: It’s incredible the facelift that something as simple as a new front door can provide. A fun, colorful door can add character to an otherwise plain facade, or a timeliness wood door can better match a home’s Craftsman character. There are many ways to be creative with doors, too. A set of French doors to replace the old sliding door can add loads of character, for example. And adding a new door to open access — a set of French doors leading to the side yard, for example, inst  ead of that picture window — can improve the way a house flows.

New porch: What often happens in the Pacific Northwest is that, over the years, porch wood can rot and become spongy. Often, this happens without the homeowner even noticing — the change happens slowly, and the homeowner doesn’t spot the incremental changes. But taking a close look at that aging front porch might reveal that it’s time to replace it with something new and beautiful — for the sake of both looks and safety. A composite material such as Trex can provide a beautiful, long-lasting look that doesn’t even need to be painted or stained. Subtle changes to the roofline over a front porch can also add a ton of curb appeal.

A new deck: Consider the possibilities a deck could provide: evening barbecues with friends, relaxing in the sun while the kids frolic in the yard, and a hot cup of morning coffee on a crisp Pacific Northwest morning. Sounds amazing, right? Building a new deck or expanding an existing one just might be the best idea you’ve had in a long time.

For help with these or any other exterior remodeling ideas, contact Hudson Remodeling.

For help with these or any other exterior remodeling ideas, contact Hudson Remodeling. The Hudson team has years of experience providing stellar remodeling services to homeowners in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. They’d be happy to consult with you on your project or stop by and take a look at your home.

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CAD renderings add an extra touch to design/build work

Posted 26 April 2017 by Team Hudson

Are you sure you put the microwave in the right place? Is there enough space around the island? Might those pendant lights get in the way of the cabinet doors?

Looking at a flat blueprint, the answers to these questions are sometimes hard for clients to imagine.

That’s why Hudson Remodeling uses the latest computer technology to help clients visualize the changes to their homes.

Susan SilvaSusan Silva, who designs and manages design/build projects at Hudson Remodeling, creates computer-aided design (CAD) drawings for many kitchen jobs — and a lot of the bathrooms, too — that Hudson works on.

It’s a worthwhile service, Silva says, because it helps clients imagine the changes that will be made to their spaces. In addition to blueprints of plans, the Whatcom County remodeler’s clients can get a virtual walkthrough of their new room and thus are better able to contribute to the remodeling process and make design decisions on the fly when needed.

When clients hire Hudson Remodeling, they get much more than a simple project manager. They get an entire team dedicated to making sure their remodel project goes as smoothly as possible — and that they are equipped to make design choices as the project proceeds.

Because Silva works alongside Hudson’s lead carpenters to provide estimates, create remodeling plans, research supplies and order materials, she knows what each project will look like and how it will proceed. And because she’s able to put that information into a CAD rendering and walk through it with clients, they know, too, just how their home will look.

For example, look at these renderings from a recent kitchen remodel in Bellingham. The work required reconfiguring some cabinets in a kitchen the clients had enjoyed for many years. Because they had the CAD renderings, it was easy for them to look beyond the kitchen they were familiar with and imagine the kitchen of their dreams.

If you’ve been considering a remodeling project for your Whatcom County home, give the team at Hudson Remodeling a call. In addition to kitchens and baths, Hudson Remodeling handles master suites, exterior projects and even whole-house remodeling.

 

 

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Four tips for hiring a remodeling contractor

Posted 2 March 2017 by Team Hudson

Buying a vacuum cleaner is a shopping experience. Hiring a contractor to remodel your kitchen or master suite is not the same as shopping. It’s more about finding a team you trust and personalities you connect with.

With that in mind, here are a few things to consider when selecting a Whatcom County remodeling pro to renovate your home.

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Choose a contractor you like and trust. When looking for a home remodeler, choose a team you trust, and a contractor who listens to you. Your home is an important asset; try to work with someone who will carefully listen to what you want. The remodeling process can be a long one — from initial conversations, to design, to construction — so you will want to work with a remodeling contractor who you like and trust. Ask friends and family members for the names of local contractors they recommend.

Consider the benefits of design/build. If you choose a design/build remodeling contractor, you’ll have a better chance of coming out of the project with exactly what you want. A design/build team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that your remodeling visions are accurately incorporated into the design and, then, translated seamlessly from the designer to the building team. Design/build remodelers help ensure that plans on paper are buildable, and that designs can be built within your budget.

Choose a great communicator. You want your home remodel to be done right and with minimal impact on your life, especially if you’re going to be living in your home during the construction project. You should always know when your contractor will be on site and what he or she will be doing. Great communication means you’ll know ahead of time if power will be cut or if water will be turned off while you’re home. Look for a contractor who is easy to get in touch with via phone or email.

Hire a contractor with experience. Giving a fast, cheap “ballpark” quote is easy. Almost anyone can do it. But you don’t want to leave your home remodeling project in the hands of almost anyone. You want someone who can produce a detailed estimate so there are no financial surprises along the way. Choose a contractor who has the proper credentials and enough experience to know what hiccups can arise during a remodeling project, and to proactively plan, and budget, for them — and come through it with happy customers.

If you’re looking for a residential remodeling contractor in Whatcom or Skagit County, please consider giving Hudson Remodeling a call. We are 100-percent committed to every home remodeling project we take, and we always assure you our best work.

 

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Why choose a remodeling contractor with an in-house designer?

Posted 29 December 2016 by Team Hudson

p1070635If you’ve spent any time online researching your home remodeling project, you’ve likely come across the term “design/build.”

What does the phrase mean? And why would you choose a design/build contractor?

For starters, the design/build process integrates building design with the actual work of building or remodeling to ensure a smooth, seamless project. Design/build firms have an in-house planning designer who works with clients to translate their visions into a customized, buildable design that is respectful of their budget.

This process, as it plays out at Hudson Remodeling, is much simpler for the client than working with one firm to develop project plans and taking those plans to a separate builder, hoping all the while that they’re properly understood.

Thus, the design/build process gives homeowners a greater degree of control and makes it easier for them to add personal, unique touches to their remodeling project. Because the designer works directly with the builder, any adjustments that the client wants during the remodeling phase are easier to implement.

p1070631Here at Hudson Remodeling, we recently completed a bathroom remodel in Lynden for a couple of homeowners — one super tall, the other of average height — that helps explain the design/build concept in remodeling.

Because of the differences in height of the homeowners, the job was custom at every turn. Our designer met with the clients, and together we devised a plan that was well-suited for them both.

They decided on a new Choreograph shower system with two shower heads — one higher, one lower — and a bank of cabinets crafted at a custom height that would be comfortable for them both.

Throughout the process, our designer was in touch with our remodeling team to ensure that nothing they decided on would be over budget or impractical to build.

In summary here are some benefits of selecting a remodeling contractor with an in-house designer:

  • A design-build contractor won’t design a project that the contractor can’t build.
  • In the design-build process, your project is designed with your budget in mind. The designer works hand-in-hand with the builder to choose finishes and products that help keep the project within your budget.
  • From concept to completion, your entire project is in the hands of one design/build team. This helps provide a seamless, easy experience for the client.
  • There’s no risk of mistranslation between the designer and the builder. Because the designer and builder work for the same company, all of the details you hash out with the designer will show up in the final product.

For more information on Hudson Remodeling’s design/build process, give Hudson Remodeling a call.

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