Category: Construction

Dry Rot Versus Wet Rot: Silent Infestations that Destroy Timber

Do you know the one mistake that so many homeowners make? Ignoring the first signs of water damage on wood and timber in their homes.

Left untreated, water damage can end up costing you far more than simply fixing a leak or faulty gutter. What looks like minor damage that you’d be tempted to ignore can quickly become a large-scale wet or dry rot issue and end up costing you thousands.

When too much water infiltrates timber, this provides a fertile ground for fungus to germinate and grow. Most homeowners will at some stage likely encounter dry rot or wet rot: it could be small-scale damage to a garden fence, or it could be more significant damage to windows, doors, or structural timbers in roof or walls.

Dry rot and wet rot are both forms of fungal decay that attacks wood. The dampness and conditions determine which kind of fungus develops, and how they grow and spread.

Excess moisture can come from rising damp from the ground, external penetration through leaks or cracks in the wall or roof, or internal moisture from trapped condensation.

Once established, they spread quickly to destroy even more timber nearby and cause even more damage, so taking action early is important.

Dry rot and wet rot are different fungi, so they require different kinds of treatment.

Dry Rot

Dry rot can cause very serious problems to homes. Dry rot comes from a fungus called Serpula lacrymann, also called brown rot.

It often grows in dark, humid areas and you might not notice it for a long time. Conditions in Oregon are ideal for dry rot to develop.

Dry rot attacks the cellulose in the wood, drawing moisture from the wood, which turns dark brown and becomes brittle.

As it grows, it searches out more wood that it can infect, even if the wood is dry and doesn’t have excess moisture. At this stage, it can simply colonize healthy wood and grow more than a meter every few months.

It’s not as common at wet rot, but it is more serious. Dry rot can grow on wood that has become wet, usually with more than 20% moisture content.

What to look for

Keep an eye out for:

Shrinking or cracked wood that’s dark or with cube-like cracks
White or grey fluffy cotton-like growth (mycelium) with ‘teardrops’ (where the fungus gets its name from) on it
Orange or deep red fruiting bodies with big rust-red pores around them
Wood strands that are brittle and dry, and crumple in your hands
A moldy, damp, musty smell

Wet rot

Wet rot is more common and less serious than dry rot. Wet rot can be caused by several different types of fungus such as Coniophora puteana or Poria vaillantii, unlike dry rot which only comes from Serpula lacrymann.

Wet rot doesn’t spread to healthy dry wood and only affects wood or timber that has been wet for a long time and has 30-60% moisture content levels. Typically, this will happen when there are plumbing, guttering, roof, pipe leaks or even a leaking washing machine that keep the timber wet consistently.

Any damp and humid condition with poor ventilation increases the chances of getting wood rot. The excess water is the perfect breeding ground for the fungus to grow, feeding on the wood and destroying it bit by bit.

What to look for

Keep an eye out for:

Localized fungus on wet timber or wood
Spongy and soft timber (rather than crumbly like dry rot)
Wood that looks darker than other wood nearby
A bleached appearance to wood
Flaky or damaged paint with soft wood behind it
A musty, damp, moldy smell
Wood surrounding an obvious leak

What to do about dry rot and wet rot

If you have wet rot, the easiest thing is to find and eliminate the source of moisture, and then remove and replace the water damaged timber. That should take care of the wet rot issue. If you’re replacing timber, make sure it’s treated to protect from future infestation in case of moisture.

Dry rot may require a more intense chemical treatment to remove the infestation, because it may have spread beyond the damaged wet timber and attacked the dry, healthy one. A professional will try to expose all the infested wood and find out the extent of the infestation.

The source of the moisture still needs to be found and dried out, the area cleaned, and all timber surrounding the dry rot area treated.

Call a pro

It can be hard to spot wet rot or dry rot before the infestation is well established, because frequently the initial growth is hidden behind wall paneling or deep in lintel cracks or joist ends.

It’s not an exact science identifying the type of rot you have, as it can affect timber in different ways: best to deal with leaks and excess moisture immediately, and call in a trained pro if you think you have wet rot or dry rot issue.

If you have a leak or suspect water damage, give us a call—we’re here to help.

Tips for DIY Cabinet Painting

For some of us, a redesigned kitchen is what dreams are made of. Expensive dreams.

But did you know that can completely transform your kitchen and give incredible results, for a fraction of the price: repainting your own kitchen cabinets.

DIY cabinet painting won’t last as long as a professional refacing job or a complete kitchen remodel, but a fresh coat of paint can give your kitchen a completely new lease of life.

It’s not for the faint of heart, and not for all kitchens, but if you’re going to give it a go, read these tips first.

1. Choose the right paint (and color)

Repainting cabinets can give your kitchen a completely new look, so the paint color and quality is really important.

We can’t overemphasize how vital good quality and durable paint is for kitchens: oil and acrylic primers and enamels work well. The paint needs to look good for years, throughout all the cooking, cleaning and wear and tear.

There’s a wide range of high-quality paint options these days, some even waterproof and mold resistant – get advice from your local Oregon DIY store.

Choose a color that will add a pop or one that will match your appliances and countertops, blending well with them or complementing them.

You’ll want a color that will stand the test of time: what was trendy 10 years ago now may just look dated. Choose the wrong color, and it won’t just be you who’ll tire of your kitchen: it may be potential house buyers, too.

Many people play it safe and choose neutral colors, but don’t be afraid to try something brighter that will truly make it feel like home sweet home. You can always repaint the cabinets if you decide to sell up or simply change the style.

2. Give yourself a few days

DIY painting, even if you’re an old hand, takes time. Even for small kitchens.

You’ll need several days for several coats, and organizing your family around this kind of job can be a task on its own.

Cook a few things in advance or plan a few outings to restaurants—you won’t be using your kitchen for a few days!

3. Prep your kitchen area

Does painting sound like fun? Think again! There’s an awful lot of work involved, and prepping your kitchen area is key to hassle-free painting.

Repainting kitchen cabinets is a big task, so prepare well in advance:

Remove everything from the kitchen that can easily be removed (accessories, anything hanging around the counters).
Protect the floor, counters, tables, and appliances with brown paper or similar.
Remove/unscrew drawers, doors, pulls, and handles from all cabinets.
Remove or seal off anything in the cabinets.
Apply masking tape to every edge of the kitchen that the cabinet touches.
Clean all surfaces of your cabinets and remove all traces of grease.
De-fuzz your roller (new or old). You can do this with masking tape, giving it a few squeezes before you unwrap it from the roller.

4. Number your pieces

Skipping this step is perhaps one of the biggest regrets of DIY enthusiasts. Once the cabinet doors, shelves, drawers, pulls and handles (and all their respective screws) are out and strewn about, it can be a really tough puzzle to put them back together again.

How to avoid this headache? Make a rough drawing of your kitchen, and give each cabinet, door, and drawer a number, working your way through the kitchen layout. Then use masking tape and a marker to write down the same number on the matching cabinet, door, and drawer.

Next, remove the hinges and pulls and write their cabinet number on it, then put it in a Ziploc bag along with any screws and bolts. Every cabinet gets its own bag.

When it comes to putting everything back together again, you’ll have a handy diagram and all the bits and pieces in one place, ready to go.

5. Decide to sand or not to sand

Experts are divided over the issue of sanding the cabinet doors or not.

Some prefer to sand the cabinets so that the primer sticks better (also helped by having a thoroughly grease-less cabinet!). Others feel that sanding down wood makes the cabinet more vulnerable to moisture and bacteria.

The general consensus is that if the old paint is chipping or damaged, or if you want to change how the surface of the cabinet looks, then you’re probably better off sanding. Also sand if you’re going to use water-based primer.

Sand lightly (or not at all) if your cabinets are bare wood or have a factory finish, as the paint will likely adhere quite well. Use a light sander to even out scratches or blemishes if you need to.

If you’re going to sand, wear a dust mask and vacuum the cabinet doors and kitchen floors and surfaces, so that dust doesn’t come back to haunt you during painting.

Finish this step off by filling dents, scratches, and holes with wood filler so the primer will go on evenly.

6. Prime with patience

Priming takes time, and it’s the step that many first-time DIY painters tend to skip in their impatience to get started.

But priming is a really important step. Sadly, it’s a step that elicits fear in the heart of first-time painters: standing back to look at your freshly primed cabinets may make you really regret doing it on your own. But fear not: all is as it should be. It’ll look better once the paint is on.

Prime the cabinets the same way you would a wall with a roller, then use a brush for the harder-to-reach areas. If your kitchen cabinets are dark, you may need a second coat of primer once the first is completely dry.

Primer can take several hours to dry completely: look for fast-drying kitchen primer at the store. Waiting also has an added benefit: check everything and make sure all dents and holes have been fixed (you’ll see them better with the primer than without: use a bright light).

Tip: If you want to keep going without having to wait hours to paint the underside of a piece, use push-pins in the corners and flip the cabinet piece over, resting it on the pins as you do the other side.

7. Get a paint sprayer

Once the primer is completely dry, two coats of paint should do the trick.

For professional-looking results, use a spray gun/paint sprayer, which will spread the paint evenly without streaks. It’s much faster to apply and gives a smoother finish (no brush hairs stuck to the paint!). It’s also usually easier to reach those nooks and crannies with a sprayer than with a brush or roller.

But don’t start with this if it’s your first time: it does take some getting used to.

If you’re using rollers and brushes, buy really good professional quality ones. Use plastic wrap in between coats or when you’re not using them; this stops them from drying out. Get the best advice from local paint stores in Oregon.

8. Paint with passion

When it comes to the painting process, keep the faith and keep going!

Start with the inside of the cabinet to get a feel for how your tools, cabinet surface, and paint interact. Mistakes there won’t be seen as easily.

Follow the wood grain and give it light coats of paint so the paint doesn’t drip down the sides of the cabinet pieces.

Don’t be tempted to go heavy on the paint to make it go faster: Any drip mark and you’ll have to sand them down all over again.

When the first coat is dry, use an extra-fine sanding sponge to gently remove specks of dust or little bubbles of paint. Vacuum again if you’re sanding so the dust doesn’t resettle on the new layer of paint.

9. Buy new handles and drawer pulls

After all this hard work, the last thing you’ll want is lackluster results. Changing the handles and drawer pulls will give your newly painted kitchen cabinets a completely new look.

The hands and drawer pulls are where you can really express your personality, especially if you’ve held back on the color, because there are so many great options. Knobs, pulls, handles come in all colors and materials, and so many of them are now easy to install.

It’s so easy to change handles and pulls that you won’t have to worry about wanting to change the look in the future.

An easy way to shop for these is to bring your current one to the hardware store. It’s easiest to buy new ones that have the same screw-hole and will match the cabinet door thickness.

Handles and knobs can feel quite different in the hand, so test them for grip and comfort on mounted boards if possible before making your choice.

10. Consider hiring a professional

We hope these tips have been helpful, but if it’s starting to feel like it’s just going to be too much work, consider hiring a professional painter to do the job for you.

It can be very time consuming to repaint kitchen cabinets, because you have to prep everything, remove the cabinets entirely, prime, paint, wait, and then do everything over again in reverse.

Perhaps consider refacing instead of repainting, which is a cost-effective alternative and offers you lots of design choices. Refacing is simply replacing doors and drawers of your cabinets with new ones, and covering them with a veneer or wood stain. You can reface kitchen cabinets without having to take them apart entirely, and the results will be very professional.

And if you want to change the layout of your kitchen, or if your cabinets are in bad shape, consider a kitchen remodel. A dream, but possibly not unattainable.

How to Choose a Countertop for Your Kitchen

Don’t take it for granite!

Cabinets are usually the first thing people notice in kitchens, but the big decision really is about countertops these days.

The choice of countertop surfaces has a huge impact on the overall scheme of your kitchen—and of your living room, in the case of open-plan kitchens.

With so many more options available nowadays, the decision of which countertop surface to choose is that much harder to make.

Materials for kitchen countertops vary greatly, and so do their properties, advantages, and disadvantages. Some are more durable than others, some more luxurious, and some more easily maintained. Some need to be fitted by experts, some are easier to install. Some are more costly than others.

Always consider function first: how often do you cook, and how do you use your kitchen, generally? What does the rest of the kitchen and house look like?

The choice of kitchen countertop for a country home of a large family that loves to bake won’t be the same as that for the kitchen in a sleek downtown apartment owned by a single professional who rarely cooks.

The kind of sink you have also matters: if you want an undermount sink, this can work with granite and quartz, but an integrated one will need solid surfacing or natural stone.

Here’s a quick breakdown to give you a solid overview of the most popular countertop materials to help you choose the most suitable for your kitchen.

Natural Stone

Natural stone looks amazing, and each slab has unique veining and coloring.

Natural stone countertops are very popular in kitchens around the US and in Oregon. They can be styled with a matte or gloss finish to match your kitchen’s look. They’re highly durable, but they have to be ‘sealed’ regularly because they’re porous.

Granite

Granite is stone formed from volcanic magma that has cooled: as you expect, it can withstand very high temperatures, including a hot pan placed right on top of it.

Granite is very durable and will resist chipping and scratching. It’s easy to clean with a mild detergent and generally resistant. But on lighter-colored granite, it’s better to wipe stains away quickly, especially damaging oil, wine, and citrus- or acid-based foods.

With granite, there’s an element of uniqueness: no two kitchen countertops pieces will look the same. You’ll have a huge amount of variation and options in design. As it’s a natural pattern, you’re getting more than one slab, the coloring may differ between them.

You’ll need a large budget and a professional fitter to install the counter. It needs to be treated and sealed regularly.

Granite is a sophisticated, popular, and beautiful choice, but an expensive one.

Properties

Durable

Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Expensive

Marble

There’s a good reason Michelangelo chose this beautiful stone for his sculptures.

Marble is beautiful and elegant, and comes in a variety of decorative and natural colors, patterns, and designs. Like granite, the shade may vary between slabs, but this only adds to its appeal.

It’s also highly durable but needs to be sealed properly and more caution is needed. It’s a little softer and more porous than granite, and can more easily (and quickly) absorb damaging liquids like coffee, oils, acidic foods, and can get scratched easily. To prevent damage, you have to maintain and seal it every year

This doesn’t make it a great choice for busy kitchens (but bakers will love it).

Properties

Durable

Not Heat Resistant

High Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Expensive

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone that has become very popular in elegant Oregon homes of late. Soapstone is dark and beautiful with grey, green, and black tones. Some pieces have veining, but they’re usually much more subtle than either granite or marble, giving it a sleeker look.

Like granite, soapstone is highly durable and heat-resistant, so you can put your pans straight from the stove onto the countertop.

Soapstone is non-porous, so it’s more resistant to acidic stains than granite or marble, but it can scratch easily (and visibly). Soapstone is a hygienic surface that’s easy to clean – it just needs a little soap and water. Oiling it regularly brings out its dark, smooth beauty.

Properties

Durable

Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Expensive

Engineered (Man-Made) Stone

Man-made or engineered stone (are mostly made by compressing natural stone and resin (‘quartz composite’), producing low-maintenance surfaces that are quite durable.

Quartz

As an engineered stone, quartz comes in a variety of beautiful, consistent, glossy colors and patterns. You can add a real pop of personality to your countertop with the choices of color.

Quartz is a much harder and highly durable material that won’t dent or scratch easily. It’s non-porous and won’t stain as easily as some of the natural stones will.

It doesn’t need maintenance, usually comes with a long warranty, and is really easy to clean.

With such qualities, you’ll wonder why it’s not used as much as it could be. The drawback? Quartz isn’t resistant to heat, and it can easily be damaged by hot pans or pots (or direct UV light) placed on it without a heat pad or trivet.

It’s not as expensive as natural stone, and in the case of quartz, you get what you pay for in terms of quality.

Properties

Durable

Not Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Expensive/ Affordable

Many Color Options

Ceramic

Ceramic, which is made of clay fired up at high temperatures, is one of the oldest man-made materials (we’ve gotten quite good at making it, on the whole.)

Ceramic is very decorative and has a really nice homey feel to it. It comes in lots of different colors and shapes to suit all tastes, and you can truly personalize your kitchen with customizable patterns on the tiles. The pattern can be identical on every tile, so you have a smooth and consistent look.

Ceramic is quite hard, and although some ceramic materials are now more heat-resistant, they may crack under pressure direct impact or high heat – so not too much banging of the pots and plans, please.

Ceramic countertops are easy to install. The tiles are mostly low maintenance and won’t scratch or dent easily. But because of the uneven surface between the tiles, it can stain easily. These stains can be difficult to clean properly, and too much cleaning can leave the tile looking dull.

Properties

Durable

Not Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Hard to Clean

Affordable

Many Color Options

Concrete

You might not immediately think of concrete as an option for a kitchen countertop, but modern innovations have made it an increasingly popular choice.

New concrete is much lighter than before, looks very modern, and comes in lots of color varieties, and you can extend that to integrated sinks or backsplashes.

It’s highly durable, as expected, and usually won’t scratch or stain easily if it’s been prepped with a sealer or finishing wax. Once sealed, it can resist heat quite well without a problem. It’s great for food preparation and looks beautiful paired with glass or glossy materials.

Concrete is very affordable. It does need to be installed by a professional, though (or you need to really know what you’re doing).

Properties

Durable

Can Be Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Affordable

Many Color Options

Laminate and solid surfacing

You’ll find laminate and solid surfacing countertops in plenty of American homes, including lots in Portland, Oregon.

Many of us will be familiar with the term Corian®, Formica® and Staron®, after the brand names. Laminate is a mixture of resin, paper, minerals, and colors formed over high heat and high pressure.

There’s a huge variety of color and design options, and some now even look like natural stone. It’s a great option for modern kitchens: you can get countertops that are really flashy, like spring green, fire-engine red, and sea-blue, which can give a real pop to your kitchen style.

Laminate is very affordable and super easy to maintain and clean (but harder to repair just one section), making it a great choice for rental properties.

Laminate is durable (though not as much as natural stone) and new varieties are much more scratch- and stain-proof than before.

You don’t need to be an expert to fit a laminate countertop: plenty of DIY enthusiasts install it themselves, but laminate can absorb moisture and warp if it’s not sealed properly around sinks and water sources. Properly installed, it gives a seamless wrap-around look to the entire kitchen.

Properties

Not Durable

Somewhat Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Affordable

Many Color Options

Stainless steel

When you think of stainless steel kitchen countertops, surely you have an image of a restaurant or hospital kitchen.

Not so anymore. Stainless steel has become a popular option for modern kitchens. They look great in kitchens with an industrial look, especially combined with softer colors and materials.

Not everyone loves steel though, which can feel a bit ‘cold’, so think of resale value if you go for this type of countertop.

You can’t get more hygienic than a stainless steel countertop, so easy to clean, stain-proof, and very resistant to heat and water damage. However, you do have to keep removing traces of fingertips all the time!

Over time, stainless steel surfaces can collect scratches and dents, but some like the aged, natural look.

Properties

Durable

Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Very Easy to Clean

Affordable

Industrial

Wood

Chefs love the wooden “butcher blocks” for an island or for a regular countertop. Solid wood countertops can warp over time, but butcher blocks, which are assembled hardwood, are much more lasting.

Butcher blocks give a natural, warm, traditional air to a kitchen, but wooden countertops work equally well in modern homes.

Wooden countertops are very functional and offer a great surface for cutting, but the cut marks may make it harder to clean.

Wood stains easily, and is prone to damage from heat and water so it’s best to use this material away from the sink and stove (use on an island, for example). However, you can sand and refinish butcher blocks relatively easily. It also needs to be oiled and maintained regularly.

A great choice for eco-conscious buyers, who can buy butcher block countertops from sustainably harvested FSC- accredited (Forest Stewardship Council) source.

Properties

Durable

Not Heat Resistant

High Maintenance

Not Easy to Clean

Affordable

Traditional

Glass

For a modern touch, glass gives kitchens that wow factor. Glass reflects light and can make a space feel larger than it is.

As it’s non-porous and smooth, it’s easy to clean and very hygienic. Moisture won’t be an issue, though watermarks will show quickly and will need to be wiped if you want to maintain the look.

Glass is somewhat heat-proof if it’s made for the purpose, but it’s better not to risk direct heat and use trivets. Glass can be hardened to make it more durable and less prone to scratches (which can be polished).

Properties

Durable

Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Somewhat Affordable

Modern

Up, Down, In, or Out: 4 Directions for your House Extension

Ever get that eerie feeling that your house is… shrinking?

You’re not the only one. If you bought your house as a young couple and watched your family grow, it may feel like lately, we’re finding that the house is a little smaller than it used to be: it’s not filled with children, friends, toys, pets, and all the objects we accumulate with time.

And that’s ok, that’s life.

But what if you want to regain a little space for yourself? Well, you could move. But moving is expensive, and if you love your home and your neighborhood, that option is off the table.

The better option is extending your home – it’s a great way to increase your living space.

Thinking about what kind of space you need will help you determine what kind of extension best suits your family – and which direction you should extend in!

Up

If you want a little more space, but you don’t have the room to extend outwards into your yard, or you just don’t want to lose your outdoor space, going up is a great way to go.

That extra space is perfect for separating living spaces from bedrooms, or for adding a granny flat for guests, offering you a little more privacy. It may also be a great idea to extend up if you have great views you can capitalize by adding another floor.

A second-floor extension can be added to many different types of houses. It might even be cheaper to extend up rather than down because there’s no need for expensive foundations or preparation work on the ground.

You may even think of transforming your downstairs to an open-plan space and to group your dining and kitchen areas together.

You’ll lose a little space on the ground floor for stairs, and of course upward extensions aren’t suitable for all houses, but we think it’s a great way to create more space.

And an extra bonus: real estate markets can be hard to predict, but houses with two floors often have a higher resale value.

Extend up for: Attic conversions, children’s or extra bedrooms, home offices, granny flats, additional bathrooms, balconies, roof gardens.

Down

Extending downwards is another great way to create more living space for your family without affecting your outdoor space. It’s not always possible for our neighbors in southern states, where high water tables make it too cost-prohibitive to extend downwards, but up here in Oregon, many home renovations are basement conversions.

If you have an unfinished basement, you can exploit that space and turn into extra habitable space. You may even be able to extend downwards by creating a basement.

With the right kind of insulation, basements can be warm and cozy, a quiet little refuge. Finished basements often increase your home’s value.

To keep it within budget, you could keep the renovation work to simply creating a little more space in the basement as a kitchen cellar or pantry. You might not even need planning permission, though your construction company will evaluate the extension design plans for structural integrity.

Extend down for: Dens, home offices, children’s playrooms, guest rooms, extra bathrooms, kitchen pantries, wine cellars.

In

When looking to add space to your house, you might not initially think of looking in, but reconfiguring the layout of your house to create more space is often an overlooked and inexpensive renovation, compared to full extensions.

Renovating internally could let you make the most of natural light, add a little privacy, enhance your views, give you a little more space, and improve access.

You could remove internal walls and door – or add them – to get the look you need and integrate a new extension. Some houses with high ceilings are great candidates for creating a mezzanine or split-level space, while others can accommodate raising the ceiling so the room feels bigger or creating vaulted ceilings into the attic.

These renovations can be very affordable compared to digging down or building up. They’re also a great way to add structural visual interest to the inside of your house.

Extend in for: Mezzanines, bedrooms, open-plan designs, entertainment spaces, extra storage, visual interest.

Out

Like the upwards extensions, outdoor extensions are extremely popular and add an enormous amount of space. They often add value to your house, too!

While you may lose a little outdoor space, how much is entirely up to you. Extending out is a great way to personalize space because you can truly create an extension that’s highly personalized and can be adapted to so many different uses.

The possibilities are endless: Add an open-plan kitchen extension to cook to your heart’s desires, a living or dining room extension to entertain, an extra den for the teenagers in your life, a cozy home office with great views, or an extra closed-room bedroom for guests.

If you’re in Oregon like us, outdoor extensions like sunrooms and conservatories can provide a cozy way to get more use of your garden and the sunlight in winter. And with the amount of snow we have in Oregon, garages connected to the house are always popular to protect us from the elements as we bring the kids and groceries in and out of the car.

Extend out for: Front porches, home offices, sunrooms and conservatories, sheds and garden rooms, kitchen and living room extensions, garages, “she-sheds” and “man-caves”.

Extending your home in any direction can seem a little intimidating, but we have great news for you: we can help with every step of the way, from the dreams and design to the construction and completion.

Feeling like you could use a little more space? Let us help you create it: give us a call at Keith Green Construction.

10 Dream Kitchen Design Elements if you Love to Entertain

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If you’re more likely to be found in the kitchen at a party rather than in the living room, then you need a kitchen designed from a chef’s perspective!

The key to a dream kitchen is designing with details in mind. Whether you have an open design or an enclosed space for your kitchen, you can transform the heart of the house into a luxury dream kitchen with small renovations and adjustments.

Here are 10 of our 2019 must-haves ideas for your dream kitchen designs!

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1. Striking lighting

Create the right mood with soft lighting: make your kitchen more Michelin-inspired than diner-inspired with attractive and unique-looking lighting. The design is as important as the lighting itself.

Make sure it has:

Enough wattage to allow you to see what you’re cooking
A distinctive and attractive look that matches your kitchen’s style (statement lighting for a minimalist kitchen, rustic lighting for a coastal home, bohemian lighting for an easy-going kitchen, etc.)
A dimmer so you can adjust the lighting to cooking or entertaining

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Photo by Edwards Interiors & Design, LLC – Browse kitchen photos

2. A fully stocked bar area with seating

Encourage your guests to hop up at “the bar” and feel at home. Have everything at hand in your bar area and pour them a glass as you put the finishing touches on your fantastic meal.

Make sure it has:

Enough counter space to place everything you need (glasses, bottles, lemons, etc.) Comfortable – not just pretty – bar stools
Electrical sockets/plugs
An under-the-counter or table-top drinks fridge

Photo by Design First Interiors – More kitchen ideas

3. A fridge made for entertaining

Some of the newest fridges are made especially for the party-conscious chef: convertible compartments that can be used as either refrigerator or freezer sections. Along with the oven, the fridge is a make-or-break item for many dream kitchens.

Make sure it has:

Convertible refrigerator/freezer compartments
The right dimensions (so it doesn’t stick out past your cabinets when installed)
An icemaker and filtered water dispenser
Split shelves (to store those large bottles of bubbly)

Photo by London Contemporary – Discover kitchen design ideas

4. A beautiful counter-top island

An island is a must-have these days. Use it for extra prepping space or to let your guests sit with you as you cook. Even in a small kitchen, standalone islands can incorporate enough space to pull up a stool.

Make sure it has:

Good quality counter (quartz, granite, or marble)
Enough counter space to lay out a small spread
Subtle overhead lighting
Custom under-the-counter and slide-in storage space

Photo by Kitchens by Eileen – Discover kitchen design inspiration

5. Wireless speakers

Creating the perfect ambiance – even in the kitchen – is all about the details. Add a wireless speaker to the kitchen (top shelf, so moisture doesn’t get to it) so you can cook to your favorite tunes. A Spotify membership will ensure you’re not fiddling with song lists while you cook.

Make sure it has:

A sleek, modern design (or one that matches your kitchen color accents)
Long battery life (if you want to move it around the house)
Great sound, suitable to your kitchen space
Good WiFi reception, if your modem is far from the kitchen

6. Lots of hidden storage

It’s lovely to keep your counter minimal and shiny, but to do that, you need space for everything else. Cabinets, sliding pull-out drawers, and shelves add hidden storage without overwhelming your kitchen cabinets.

Make sure they have:

Deep drawers that slide in and out effortlessly for easy reach
Enough space for larger items like serving platters
A custom design appropriate to your kitchen space (so your cabinets and drawers can integrate features like banquettes)

Photo by Kirstin Havnaer, Hearthstone Interior Design, LLC – Search home design pictures

7. A deep sink

Chefs know the importance of prepping and cleaning. A deep sink is ideal for tight spaces and for those big pots and pans. (Also great to hide an item or two in a deep sink so they’re out of sight).

Make sure it has:

Two basins (60-inch to clean and 40-inch to prep)
Touch-activated, hands-free faucets (ideal for bakers)
A built-in food waste disposal unit
16- or 18-gauge (the lower, the better) if buying a metal sink

Photo by Connecticut Stone – More kitchen ideas

8. A chef’s oven

The one thing your dream kitchen – or any kitchen for keen cooks – can’t do without is a great steam-convection oven so everything bakes evenly…and beautifully. Large glass doors will let you see what’s cooking. Add a backsplash with the same material as your island counter to give it the wow factor.

Make sure it has:

Dual ovens (so you can cook the turkey AND the pie at the same time)
Good ventilation and a (hidden) range hood
Easy-to-use controls so you can focus on recipes, not technical details
A baking drawer (if you love to bake)

Photo by thirdstone inc. [^] – Search kitchen pictures

9. A walk-in pantry

Great cooks need lots of equipment, we know that. And you need space for your homemade wine, kefir, pickles, jams, and experiments. A dream kitchen isn’t complete without a small walk-in pantry where you can place all the tools and ingredients that allow you to create your cooking masterpieces.

Make sure it has:

Lots of shelves and drawers
An even temperature
Great lighting
Extra counter space

Photo by The Closet Works, Inc. – Search kitchen pictures

10. Stunning artwork

Why doesn’t your kitchen deserve the same attention to décor as your living room? Buy artwork that speaks to you and display it in the kitchen. It’ll inspire great dishes and will serve as a talking point for guests.

Make sure it has:

A special meaning for you
Elements that pick up your kitchen’s colors
Protective glass so the canvas doesn’t absorb moisture or cooking odors
Custom-made lighting to show it off

Photo by Gregory Davies Photography – Look for kitchen pictures

A few dream items can translate into a wonderful world of cooking and entertaining. We hope these ideas have inspired you.

At Keith Green Construction, we’ve been designing dream kitchens for clients like you who love to cook, eat, and entertain. Contact us to chat about how we can help you transform your kitchen into a cooking haven.

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A Home for Everything: Built-In Storage Units (and Where to Add Them!)

Small or large, we love our homes. Anyone who’s ever moved knows just how much stuff we tend to accumulate over time: clothes, shoes, toys, books, tools, souvenirs, cookware… it goes on and on.

But there some really clever ways to create space to store all our stuff: built-in storage units.

They create functional spaces unique and special to you to keep your most loved possessions out of sight but easily within reach.

Smart storage spaces are a great way to:

Squeeze a little more living space out of your home
Reduce the amount of furniture you need (think bookshelves, wardrobes)
Add pizzazz and visual interest to your rooms

Get inspired by some really clever built-in storage ideas for every room in your home. Then give us a call and let’s make it a really fun, functional, and fabulous project.

The entrance

One of the most underused areas – the entrance – can certainly use a resdesign.

Cut down on clutter and create a built-in unit complete with a coat rack and cubbyholes, doubling up as a built-in bench. Perfect for Oregon’s wet winter weather. it’s a great way to redesign what’s typically a very underused area.

Under the windows

What could be better than relaxing and enjoying Oregon’s beautiful autumn season from a comfortable built-in window seat? Bring a book and a cup of tea and it’s a party for one. Add drawers or a fold-up storage area beneath the seat, and a niche on either side to display your favorite books, photos, or ornamental pieces.

Along the walls

This one’s for the book-lover in your family. Make a stunning display with an otherwise empty wall by creating wall-to-wall bookshelves for all your favorite reads (including, of course, Portland author Brian Doyle). A blank wall transformed to the central feature of the room. Genius.

‘Post-and-lintel’ doors

Accessorize your dullest doors with floor-to-ceiling units to create a stunning frame for an ingenious bookshelf storage unit. Not a big reader? Place your most prized photos or ornaments on display, and enjoy them every time you pass through your door.

Around the radiator

It’s hot – but only because it’s really smart. Add shelving units around and above your radiator to create a seamless surface that extends to your walls. You’ll have ample space to transform a boring space into a really functional one.

Under the stairs

If Harry Potter must live under the stairs, then surely we can at least give him great storage.

No one enjoys that uneasy feeling of reaching into under-stairs closets to find what they’re looking for. So forget closets, and think slide-out drawers that fold right back into the wall. Make the handles small and transparent to keep the hallway looking clean.

Stair landings and staircases

Stairs are a treasure-trove of unused space. Create one, two, three or more pull-out drawers out of your first few steps. Use them for practical hallway items like shoes, scarves, or gloves handy for Oregon’s cold winters. Or hide your valuables there instead, where no one will think to look!

Bedroom walls

Bedrooms are perhaps our most private rooms in the house, where we retreat to be ourselves. And we always need just that little bit more space. Use the walls of your bedroom to install a built-in desk, complete with shelves for your paperwork. You’ll add even more character to the room you love to be in.

Bathroom

Often, the bathroom is the smallest room in the house, but it doesn’t have to be the one with the least amount of storage space. Custom-made vanities and glass-front cabinets and provide light and easy storage for all your essentials.

Kitchen islands

Kitchen islands are perfect for adding extra cabinets for those – everythings – we tend to buy for the kitchen. Maximize the space with built-in bar counters, bookshelves, and drawers to free up space for all the much-loved non-essentials.

Along a hallway

Dead spot? Do something creative with what would otherwise be wasted space. Transform a wall into a vibrant storage unit and display area.

Beside the laundry machines

If you could have the laundry room of your dreams…what would it look like? Make it a utilitarian heaven by adding storage above or beside your washing machines. Just imagine… counter space, drawers, a cabinet for the laundry basket… Ah, the possibilities!

A niche or alcove (between wall studs)

Simple, functional, stylish: shelves, counters, drawers. Everything you need, right between two walls. Maximize storage in places you’d least expect it.

In the dining room, instead of chairs

Feeling a little squashed in your dining room? Install a banquette with storage space for a modern, practical seating option that doesn’t take up any room. Perfect for bright corners.

By the bed…or beneath the bed

Your bed can do a lot more than help you get a good night’s snooze. Create nightstand ledges and platform drawers that not only set the bed apart from the rest of the space, but also offer lots of storage. And great for pets – you’re welcome, Fido.

Up by the ceiling

It’s not a last resort, but nearly. If you’ve run out of room everywhere else, consider a ledge just below the ceiling to display your most favorite ornaments or books.

In the attic

Attics can look a lot larger than they are with the right renovations. You’ll need creative storage solutions, but this is the space where you can really experiment. Use mirrors to open up the space, and glass doors to lighten the area. New bedroom? Check.

Convinced? Built-ins can help you get rid of bulky wardrobes and bookshelves, find new spaces for all your stuff, or just create beautiful areas with visual interest,

If you’re ready to talk built-ins, let Keith Green Construction give you some great ideas to help you design, build, and love your home.

When One Door Closes, Another Opens: Our Top 5 Tips for Choosing Doors

“Every wall is a door.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have you ever walked past the gigantic bronze doors of the 100-year-old US National Bank Building in Portland, Oregon, and thought they look quite…old?

Not surprising, since they were inspired by the antique bronze doors of Greek and Roman temples.

In fact, we haven’t moved very far from those designs since then: contemporary doors still have the same basic design of vertical beams, horizontal beams, and locks.

It’s a classic.

Good designers know the aesthetic value of a high-quality door. It’s the crowning glory of a renovation project.

Of course, style isn’t the only reason to replace your door – if it’s old and worn, it could be letting heat escape, decreasing the energy efficiency of your house and increasing your energy bills.

But how do you choose the right one for your home?

Start with these five tips!

1: Budget for the extras

You’ll have a wide range of options when you’re buying your doors, from choosing materials and styles to whether to buy a single door leaf or door set.

A door leaf – just the door – may sound cheaper, but once you factor in the door frame, hinges, lock, and handle, you may be better off buying the door set.

Our tip: Consider buying all your doors at once – many suppliers will offer discounts for bigger orders. And use most of your budget for the exterior door, where you’ll have the most bang for your buck. Then spend the rest on the most visible interior doors; with the cheapest doors on the upper floors, where guests don’t see them.

2: Go for as high quality as your budget allows

The quality of your door should be your foremost consideration.

With Oregon’s winters, insulation is really important. Any gaps in your front door or door frame will let the heat out and the cold in. Replacing your doors with a new, well-fitted energy efficient ones will have a positive impact on your wallet as well.

Wood is always a favorite for doors, but it can also be affected by rain and sun, and could crack or warp. Cheap wooden doors won’t last as long and will need more maintenance. If you’re looking at wooden doors especially, aim for the highest quality you can afford.

Our tip: You door works double-duty, keeping the heat in and the noise out. A good quality door will keep your home safe – and stylish – for years to come. Invest in solid, beautiful exterior and interior doors that will set the tone for your décor and give you the instant wow factor.

3: Choose the right material, style, and finish

A humble door is the one item that can have an enormous impact on the look of your house, inside and out. It seems obvious, but many people make the mistake of buying doors for their style or quality but forget how it’ll fit into the overall design of their house.

Whether you have an Oregon period house, a country cottage, or a contemporary apartment, consider how the door complements or enhances the architectural style of the house.

Doors should match the flooring and windows, rather than the other way around. It’s much easier to change the soft furnishings to match a door than to change the doors to match the décor.

Your choice of material can also be guided by how much use that door will get. Solid core wooden doors have the heaviness of that lovely ‘thud’ when you close the door. Wood veneer is more affordable but won’t be as high quality. You can also look for fiberglass or steel doors (not as ugly as they sound!).

Our tip: Internal glazing is great for darker rooms with small windows. It’s a great way to bring in more light without losing insulation or privacy (opt for frosted glazing). These are great options for home offices or conservatories.

4: Get it fitted by a professional

Our tip: Installing a door seems like it should be simple, but it can lead to a lot of drama. It’s easier to get a professional to do it.

Here’s what can go wrong:

Measuring the door opening wrong. There’s nothing worse than coming home from the home store with new doors only to realize that there’s not enough space for the lining, or that the door is too thick and blocks access when it opens.
Installing a door level but not taking into account that a wall or floor isn’t. That’s why some doors always swing closed or get stuck when opened. The door may have to be adjusted so it fits just right.
And speaking of not shutting properly, the wrong sized screws over time can cause the door to scrape. If they’re not screwed in just right, the screws could also cause the door to warp.
And there’s more! Installing the shins improperly will also cause the door to shut badly.
Not getting the reveals even, which will also cause the door to warp over time.

5: Keep security in mind

A good quality door will make your home more secure.

Exterior doors need solid-core, not hollow, construction, to make them stronger and more resistant to break-ins.

Loft and garage doors should be fire resistant, at the very least. But you can also invest more for fire-resistant interior doors, which will slow down the spread of a potential fire.

If you’re buying door sets, make sure the lock that’s included is of high quality. Look for anti-pick, anti-drill, anti-snap, and anti-bump. That’s a lot of antis, but it’ll also make your house more anti-burglar!

Some people like to have glass on their front door to let the light in – but if you’re doing this, make sure the glass is at the very top of the door. Consider wooden doors with carvings, which will make your front door more secure.

Our tip: Add extra security features like smart doorbells and smart locks. With the help of a little technology, keyless entry and video-calling on exterior doors can put you in control of who’s coming in and out of your home.

5 Ways to Make your Bathroom More Eco-friendly

Here at Keith Green Construction, we live up to our name in more ways than one. We care about our environment and finding eco-friendly approaches and building materials whenever possible.

There are lots of reasons why eco-friendly construction methods and materials make sense. They support local Oregon businesses and strengthen our economy, and also improve the health of the planet and that of our own families.

So in that spirit, we’d like to share some ideas on how you can make your home a little greener, starting with one of the most used rooms in the house: the bathroom.

1. Green planning from the start

Think eco-friendly right from the start, before you actually start any renovation work.

If it’s the first time you’re considering making eco-friendly renovations, read these tips and then look into the types of materials that you’d like in your bathroom. You want to aim for eco-friendly, but also functional and luxurious so you’ll love your new bathroom.

Speak to your construction contractor about greener materials, like non-toxic paints, recycled or sustainable flooring and countertops options, and ways to reduce energy and water consumption.

2. Reduce your water consumption

Water overconsumption is widespread but there are plenty of ways to go more eco-friendly in the bathroom.

Toilets tend to use more water than washing machines or dishwashers! Replace them with a low-flow model with a dual-flusher, which uses just the right amount of water to flush.
Adding a motion-sensor faucet to your sink will also help save water: many people use more than they want or need to when brushing their teeth or washing their faces and hands.
Install a low-flow showerhead that uses less water with the same water pressure (Portland’s water isn’t hard, so simple low-flow showerheads will do: you don’t need a hard-water softener.)
Look for the WaterSense label for your showerheads, sinks, and faucets, and check for rebates for WaterSense labeled products in your area.
You can also install a grey-water system, which collects water from the shower drains, sinks, and washing machines and redirects it to the garden, for example.

3. Save energy

Reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bill with small and significant changes:

If you have windows, consider repairs and upgrades to keep the seal airtight. If you have a fan instead, upgrade it with an Energy-Star fan, which will give you lots of energy savings compared to old models.
When you’re ready with light fixtures, switch to LEDs, which now come with the warm colors that give that cozy glow we were used to with incandescent bulbs. LEDs not only consume less energy and function at a lower wattage, but they also last nearly 25 times longer.

4. Use renewable and natural materials

Using recycled and sustainable materials is a great eco-friendly option for your bathroom.

Buy pre-loved cabinets and fixtures, or shop around for some made out of reclaimed or recycled wood.
Wood from sustainably grown trees is renewable and recyclable, and we’re lucky in Oregon to be a national leader in wood production, so you can shop green AND local. Thanks to the Oregon Forest Practices Act, sustainable forest management practices are enshrined in law in Oregon.When looking for sustainable wood materials, ask about FSC, American Tree Farm System, or Sustainable Forestry Initiatives certification. You should also know that thanks to strong state laws and practices, Oregon wood meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria for green building projects.
Quick-growing bamboo, is very strong and perfect for walls or flooring. Hardwood is also a good green choice, as it’s durable and sustainable.
Ask your contractor about using recycled steel, which is gaining in popularity as a green building material for structural use, and recycled concrete.
When it’s time, replace your hot water heater with a more efficient one, which can save you a lot of money off your energy bills.

5. Green your products

One of the easiest ways to “greenovate” your bathroom is to go more natural with your bathroom and cleaning products.

Replace your PVC shower curtain liner with a glass shower door.
When it’s time to replace your towels, choose comfy, organic towels: conventional cotton production uses enormous water resources and is very polluting.
Ditch the anti-bacterial soaps and conventional shampoos and shower gels. Replace them instead with natural, organic ones, free from parabens, toxic preservatives, and other harmful chemicals. Swap biocides and harmful cleaning products for natural ones with baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils.
Chemical-saturated products aren’t good for the planet, and they’re not good for you, either. By buying natural, organic products, you support organic farmers, fair-trade organizations, and companies that place value on sound environmental practices.

Final Thoughts

Building green is really about reducing our impact on the world around us. For some, it means reducing energy consumption by upgrading your roofing and house insulation; for others, it means using non-toxic or sustainable materials.

However you see it, if you’re ready to transform your bathroom into a greener version of itself, call us at Keith Green Construction. Together, we can find ways to make your home more environmentally friendly in a way that suits you.

How to Make the Most of your Basement’s Untapped Potential

Running out of room? Here’s how to create a haven in your basement

Many houses in Portland have basement areas that have a lot of potential and can be completely transformed, adding value to your home.

In our 20 years+ in the industry, we’ve seen some seriously interesting basement transformations:

Tiki bars
Artist studios
Giant playhouses
Wine cellars
Recording studios
Man caves and she-sheds
Home gyms
Study rooms
Home offices
Guest bedrooms
You name it!

Some people have even transformed their basements into apartments that they can rent out or work kitchens for home-based businesses.

With basement renovations, homeowners can explore design ideas that they might not feel comfortable applying to other areas of their house.

Homeowners in Oregon are increasingly retrofitting their basements for protection against earthquakes, and if you’re planning on doing this, it’ll have to be done before you finish the walls inside the basement.

Ideas are limitless, but what might not be is your budget.

Converting a basement is time-consuming and can run up significant costs, depending on the design. That’s why working out how to make the most of your basement space is crucial. The good news is that can increase the value of your home and improve your quality of life at home. Realtor.com reports that homeowners can get a return-on-investment of nearly 70%.

Our Top 5 tips to get the most out of your basement renovations

1. Keep to your budget

According to experts, basement renovations rank pretty high in terms of return-on-investment, along with attic, deck, and kitchen renovations.

Basement space doesn’t have the same value as above-ground space. However, creating a living space apartment in your basement can have long-term investment potential.

Whatever your budget, there are plenty of possibilities for using the space and adding value, whether it’s creating a simple nook to relax in or a completely self-sufficient living space.

Consider all the options and speak to your contractor about how to keep the costs down. For example, you can save money by using simple but functional materials and furnishings.

The key is staying on budget. Plan ahead before the work starts and know exactly what permits you need, what needs to be done to the space, and what furnishings you’ll add once the work is done.

Photo by April Acquavella – Browse home design ideas

2. Use the space in a way that suits your family

A good investment is important. But first and foremost, focus on a redesign that adds value to your life.

Does your teenager need a quiet space to study or to have friends over? Do you long for a place to watch the big game or exercise in private? Or maybe need that extra bedroom for guests?

Your family’s needs and happiness should come first – and then plan ahead on how you’ll keep those plans within budget.

Photo by Mosaik Design & Remodeling – More basement ideas

3. Choose a design that you’ll still love in 5 years’ time

Part of the problem with Tiki bars and other creative basement designs is that they’re great the first few times you use them, and then you get bored very quickly.

You then find that your space isn’t quite functional and you’ve lost an opportunity to create a space that will endure as your needs change and your family grows.

Photo by Lynn Ronan Design – Look for basement design inspiration

4. Keep potential buyers in mind

Remodeling a basement is an investment, there’s no question about it. But if you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, a finished basement area – even if small – will add value to prospective buyers and inspire them about how they could use the space.

When planning your basement remodel, think of creating a space that can be versatile and useful – something potential buyers will also be interested in.

Photo by Grace Hill Design – More basement ideas

5. Get the right permits

In Oregon, you’ll need to be aware of the permits and codes (and fees) to convert an unfinished basement to a living space.

For example, the ceiling must be of a particular minimum height and the area has to be ventilated and insulated. In some cases, some existing features of your basement may have to be renovated or updated to meet the requirements for a living space.

If you live in Portland, check out the city’s official site for living area conversions. Contractors must be registered by the State of Oregon, and they’ll be able to guide you through the process.

Final thoughts

Whether you want to play pool in peace or party privately, Keith Green Construction is passionate about making your ideas come to life. Trust us to give you honest advice, professional construction, and quality customer service.