Storm Windows

It is certainly the time of year to keep warm air inside while considering winter storm protection for windows. Storm windows can be made of glass, rigid plastic panels, or durable plastic sheets and they can be installed on the outside or inside of a home's existing windows. The cost of storm windows have [...]

By |2020-12-30T00:15:49+00:00December 29th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on Storm Windows

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 [...]

By |2020-03-25T03:23:04+00:00March 24th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on Health & Safety

Good Bugs vs Bad Bugs in Outdoor Spaces

Summer is a great time to enjoy gardens and outdoor gathering spaces. Soaking up the sunshine or feeling a warm breeze under the moonlight is even better without having to swat away mosquitoes or deal with other irksome bugs. There are various ways to help make spending time in outdoor spaces fun with fewer swarms [...]

By |2018-08-07T23:06:54+00:00August 7th, 2018|Blog|Comments Off on Good Bugs vs Bad Bugs in Outdoor Spaces

Earth Buildings

Earth buildings are structures that are made from earthen materials, such as straw or adobe. An earth building can range from a simple garden shed to a residential dwelling that is large enough to be called home by multiple people. Earth buildings are environmentally sustainable, affordable, stable, strong, comfortable, and are appropriate for a variety [...]

By |2017-08-07T23:11:33+00:00August 7th, 2017|Blog|Comments Off on Earth Buildings

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 [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:01:45+00:00April 13th, 2017|Blog|Comments Off on Recycling and Reuse Centers for Construction Materials

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 [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:02:13+00:00February 18th, 2017|Blog|Comments Off on Sick Building Syndrome Solutions

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 [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:08:34+00:00November 10th, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Landscaping with Native Plants

Solar Panels

  Solar power can lead to financial savings in the long run as well as being beneficial for the environment. The yearly reduction in carbon from generating electricity from the average 4 kilowatt home solar power system is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by half an acre of trees. There are four primary [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:09:02+00:00September 9th, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Solar Panels

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 [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:09:29+00:00August 8th, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Flipping Houses