Deck Remodel – Portland, Oregon
This deck remodel replaced an older deck that been recently expanded. We replaced the older decking to match where the newer deck was tied in to the old structure.
Health & Safety
It is officially springtime, however it is still the season for coughs and sneezes. Colds, flu, and a new respiratory illness are all reasons to take precaution for contractors and non-contractors alike. This new respiratory illness, the novel coronavirus or officially known as COVID-19, is spread person-to-person through respiratory secretions. Similar to cold and [...]
Geothermal Heat Pumps
A geothermal heat pump, also known as a ground-source heat pump, is a central heating and/or cooling system that uses the constant below-ground temperature of soil or water to heat and cool a building. In the cooler months, this system draws heat from the earth or water and brings it inside the building using a [...]
Green Insulation
Insulation is a crucial component of energy efficient buildings. It helps keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, heating and cooling costs are 50-70% of energy use for the average household in the U.S. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by the ability of the [...]
Radon
Radon gas is a natural chemical element that affects the air quality inside of buildings. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It forms when uranium breaks down to radium, which further breaks down to form radon. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled into the lungs. Radon is emitted from the ground [...]
Recycling and Reuse Centers for Construction Materials
Recycling construction and reusing salvaged materials not only helps to conserve natural resources, but also saves money. According to Metro (oregonmetro.gov), as much as 90 percent of construction waste could be recycled or salvaged for reuse at a lower cost compared to disposal. Garbage disposal fees in the Portland metro area are approximately $94 per [...]
Sick Building Syndrome Solutions
Sick Building Syndrome comprises of various non-specific health symptoms that appear to be related to spending time in a building (EPA, 2009). To learn more about SBS and the contributing factors of SBS, please see our previous article. Various buildings across the globe have been surveyed for SBS and studied further. An example of a [...]
Sick Building Syndrome
Contagious illnesses, such as the common cold, tend to travel rapidly in office environments, partly because of people working so closely together in the same building. But people in some buildings have also reported an increase in other ailments, such as headaches and allergies. Source: Mold Solutions NW In the late 1970s, it [...]
Landscaping with Native Plants
The often rainy, yet beautifully green Pacific Northwest has a surprisingly accommodating climate for a wide variety of plants to grow and thrive. Tropical-looking, but cold tolerant palms and banana trees have been grown here as well as plants that require chilly temperatures, such as apples, lilacs, and tulips. Despite the ability to grow such [...]
Flipping Houses
source: housingwire The current housing market in Oregon, especially in Portland, has led to an increase in house flipping. A “flip” refers to a home that is bought, usually renovated, and then sold within one year for a profit. Individuals can flip houses within limits and strict guidelines, however if a business buys [...]