Seattle Home Remodeling Events - January 2009

January 8: Sustainable Kirkland Monthly Meeting
Our next meeting will be January 8th at 6:30 pm in Kirkland. Please join us - your neighbors and fellow green community members - for a friendly dinner, discussion, and planning.

January 10: GreenDwelling Seattle Home Tour
Meet at ecohaus for green product information and refreshment, then carpool to the new West Duo Home project for a tour by the builder.

January 13: Fremont Greendrinks
The Fremont neighborhood version of Seattle Greendrinks will be hosted by Sound Speed Scooters on 13 January 2009. The event will take place at Sound Speed Scooters, at 132 N Canal Street. Thanks, too, to supporting sponsors PCC Fremont, Theo Chocolate, and Skillet Street Food. Please bring your cups! For logistical questions regarding the Fremont Greendrinks, please call 206.632.2699.

January 13: Greenwood/Phinney Ridge Greendrinks
The Greenwood/Phinney Ridge branch of January Greendrinks is being hosted by SPACE Design Center, at 7601 Greenwood Ave N. Please enter on 76th, on the west side of Greenwood. As with all Seattle Greendrinks gatherings, the event will begin at 5:30pm on Tuesday, 13 January. For logistical questions, please call 206.706.1054. Thanks to SPACE Design Center for hosting!

January 14: Electrical Basics
Gain an understanding of your residential electrical system. Learn how to avoid, diagnose and repair electrical problems with safety and confidence.

January 21: Drywall & Plaster Repair
Learn about the tools and techniques involved in this special skill. Try your hand with the taping knife and some joint compound on our "practice wall".

January 20: Green Home Talk with Jon Alexander
Got a home renovation project? Want to remodel sustainably? Jon Alexander, green home expert will give us an overview presentation on green home remodeling and then will have some Q and A time.

January 27: Green Materials: No Longer a Hidden Value
Whether a real estate agent or homeowner, get the knowledge you need to capitalize on the green trend and successfully sell homes with this 3 hour class. Topics will cover: What makes a material or product green? How does material selection fit into sustainable building practices? Receive valuable information for not only successfully selling a Green Home, but also for identifying green features in a conventional home that add selling points. The class will be instructed by Brenda Nunes, Certified Sustainable Building Advisor and developer of the award-winning Built Green Home in Suncadia.

January 28 - February 1: Tacoma Home and Garden Show
Click here for a $2.00 off an Adult or Senior Weekday admission to the show!

The Tacoma Home and Garden Show is the foremost show of its kind in Washington state featuring exhibits for the do-it-yourselfer and the professional contractor alike. The show is a unique marketplace to shop, compare and save on a total selection of home-related products and services for building, remodeling, gardening and decorating. All this plus accredited seminars and award winning display gardens await you all under one roof.

January 28: Weatherization 101- NW Ecobuilding Guild
Interested in green building? Join homeowners, tradespeople, manufacturers, suppliers and others interested in ecologically sustainable building for a new topic each month. The Guild facilitates green building practices that protect human health, encourage sustainable resource use,and foster long-term economic vitality.

January 29: Solar Primer
Learn about the design, installation, costs and benefits of both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar hot water systems in order to help them decide which options best suit their particular goals and resources.

After attending the presentation, participants may choose to gain a more in-depth understanding of one of the technologies by attending a Solar Works! Introduction to Solar Electric Systems, a Solar Hot Water 101 workshop, or by registering for a course at Shoreline Community College.

To RSVP, call the Seattle City Light's Conservation Help Line at (206)684-3800 or go to http://solarprimer.eventbrite.com/

Top 9 Remodeling Predictions for 2009

In Chicago Tribune's latest home remodeling article, "Nine home renovation projects that make sense for 2009", a recent survey of Chicago remodeling professionals reveals some of the home improvement trends to look for in 2009. The largest trend of the year: Small projects will dominate the remodeling scene, while big additions will scale back.

1) Siding replacement and window replacement
2) Energy efficiency and all things green
3) Deck additions
4) Cosmetics
5) The pizazz factor
6) Kitchen remodel
7) Bathroom remodel
8) Teaching old rooms new tricks
9) Electric radiant heat

Bathroom Remodeling Advice: 5 Quick Tips

Here are some quick tips to consider when remodeling your bathroom.

1. The focal point in most bathrooms is usually the bathtub or shower. If you spruce up the main
focus, the entire bathroom freshens up.

2. Replacing bathroom fixtures with modern designs can make a bathroom pop with decorative style.

3. A new paint color can change the appearance of the room dramatically, with little cost. Remember to use a mold- and mildew-proof primer.

4. A common rule of thumb is to never move any fixture if you don’t have to – leave your fixtures where they are.

5. No matter if you’re building or revamping a bathroom, you need to check whether or not your septic system can accommodate the increased water usage.

We've Joined Twitter

We've joined the Twitter community!

You can follow us at http://twitter.com/homesavvi (@HomeSavvi). Find home remodeling tweets, in real time.

Give us your Dusty Dirty Home Remodeling Pictures - and get a FREE $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Many of us have been through remodeling projects - a bathroom, kitchen, or an entire floor or home. HomeSavvi wants your story - and your pictures! We want your dusty, dirty demolition and remodeling photos - and we'll give you $10 for them. An early holiday gift from HomeSavvi!

Find out how to earn $10 now!

Don't forget to share this opportunity with a friend!

How to Work with a Contractor

Top 13 Recommended Tips on Working with a Contractor

1) Be sure to carefully review drawings with your contractor and make decisions on materials together and put them in writing.

2) Once you choose your contractor, you and the contractor should make a written contract that consists of both of your names, addresses and details of all the work to be performed along with the materials used and agreed payments and dates.

3) If you have doubts after you've signed the contract with your contractor, remember that contracts signed in your home with your contractor or his agent can likely be canceled by you within three working days. Discuss this with your contractor.

4) Make sure that all materials are specified by brand, model, color, quantity, size, etc.

5) Start dates and completion dates should be noted. Allowances should be specified for uncontrollable delays.

6) No work should occur until you have approved the plans.

7) Check for a procedure on handling changes once a project has begun.

8) Ask your contractor for a timeline of what happens when, the order of steps, and the length of each step. This will help you and your contractor set expectations.

9) Be sure to clearly articulate your vision for the project to the contractor, along with your budget.

10) Don't be afraid to ask your contractor questions and show your interest in the project, but try to avoid micro-managing.

11) Some states require contractor workmanship warranties. They must be noted as either FULL or LIMITED. Be sure you discuss and understand all workmanship warranty details before accepting a contract.

12) The contractor is responsible for calling inspections - but it's up to you to make sure they actually happen.

13) Ask your contractor what you can expect in terms of disruption of your daily life and how long it would be.

For additional advice on how to work with a contractor, read Tips for Remodeling Your Home.