Using your smartphone to find remodeling inspiration.
One of the best tips that we give our clients we they are contemplating a remodeling project is to get out and take a bunch of pictures with their smartphone. You’ll find inspiration for your upcoming project in your neighborhood, while commuting to work, visiting a friend or simply cruising around on your Harley. The important thing to remember is to collect a lot of images and then select the architectural details that best match your home and your remodeling goals.
The added bonus is that you are able to see how things are holding up in the Pacific Northwest. If it’s failing as a result of the harsh weather on your neighbor’s house chances are it will also fail on your house unless it is properly engineered by a professional.
Check out this awesome Mailbox enclosure I found today while walking with Trooper.

The number one recommendation that we have for homeowners that selecting a contractor to complete a remodeling project, install custom cabinets or other project is to make sure the contractor is familiar with the architectural style and is capable of executing that style above expectations.
Just like in any profession, there are some carpenters and cabinet makers that rely upon putty, caulk and other materials to cover up imperfections in their work. The photo below show one such questionable butt joint in the top of a twelve foot long Walnut bookcase. In my opinion this is unacceptable for such a visible piece of furniture. The second photo shows a poorly executed mitre joint that required a lot of colored putty.
As the homeowner in the greater Seattle and Bellevue area, be sure you ask your contractor some tough questions and let them know your expectations.