Home Improvement, 2013 by Sequim Gazette

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Improvement 2013

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2 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 3

MARKING FIFTY YEARS Story and photos by Elizabeth Kelly Beal Carpet & Drapery 213 E. Washington St., Sequim 683-6246 bealcarpet@yahoo.com David Beal, owner and proprietor of Beal’s Carpet & Drapery, chose as the slogan for his business, “Quality First – Since 1963” for two simple reasons – the first being that 1963 was the year he started his career. As a high school junior in Santa Cruz, Calif., Beal took a part-time, after-school job hanging drapery. After working as an installer of window coverings for 20 years

in Santa Cruz and then San Jose, Calif., he and his family moved to Sequim where he has lived since 1983. A Washingtonian by birth, Beal said, “We saw Sequim as a good place to raise kids.” When he moved to Sequim, Beal said he was going to stay with window coverings only, but at the time “there wasn’t much around” for floor coverings in the area, so he decided to expand his business to include carpets and other flooring. He had rented a 13-foot by 17foot space near Washington and Seventh streets and was there about a year, but “I’m an independent cuss,” he confessed, “so I decided to hang out my shingle for carpeting, too.” Sound Publishing, Inc. 147 W. Washington St., Sequim, WA 98382 Phone: (360) 683-3311 • FAX: (360) 683-6670 e-mail: pcoate@sequimgazette.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT 2013 is a special section of the Sequim Gazette © 2013 by Sound Publishing, Inc. General Manager: Debi Lahmeyer • Special Sections Editor: Patricia Morrison Coate Publication Design: Cathy Clark

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4 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

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Samples of carpet and flooring line Beal’s showroom. His next venture came with a big plan in the community,” Beal continued, to have plumbing, cabinet making, a including helping organize the Boys & garden nursery and a flooring/drapery Girls Club, supporting the Dungeness business all in a space in the grain Valley Health & Wellness Clinic, Olympic elevator edifice near that same location. Theatre Arts, Irrigation Festival and “It was a good idea, but by the time we Sequim Library, providing scholarships moved in, all the others had left,” Beal and much more. One of the good things said. A couple of years after that, his the Sequim Rotary does is help with the current location (at 213 E. Washington annual Duck Derby, he said. The toy Duck St.) became available and Beal’s business Derby race originated in Arizona, but is now held in many cities around the U.S. has been there since. Most of Beal’s customers come from as fundraisers. The Olympic Peninsula word of mouth, he said, and he also has Duck Derby benefits Olympic Medical a long repeat clientele list. Realtors and Center and many of the organizations contractors send work his way, as well, listed above, Beal explained. They will due to his many years of experience in hold their 24th annual race this year. the window and floor business. “I’m In 2012, a total of 28,085 ducks were an old-fashioned business person,” he “adopted” in the Sequim-Port Angelessaid, “where a hand shake is better than Forks area, and per capita, it was the a contract.” most successful duck race to be held Shortly after the Beals moved to anywhere. Beal is proud to be a part of Sequim he joined the Sequim Rotary the Duck Derby and has several yellow Club “to meet people and get to know ducks lining the shelves of his office to them,” he said. “They do a lot of good Continued on page 6

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Home Improvement

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 5

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B&W PAGE 6 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette

Marking Fifty Years, cont. from page 4

prove it. His business is often referred to as “Duck Central,” Beal quipped. On a more serious note, Beal noted that entrepreneurs tend to forget the fact that there are no retirement perks when you own your own business. “You just keep working,” he added. Beal said the secret to success is to stay out of debt, live within your means, pay your bills on time and maintain a high credit score. No project is too big or too small for his company, Beal said, adding that he has six carpet and flooring installation crews that he rotates as the jobs come in. He also does a lot of the work himself, “but at 66, I don’t do skylights, anymore,” he said. He also mans the showroom, with occasional help at vacation or appointment times from one of his carpet installers, Jody Hennessy. Beal and his company have done extensive work for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, including intricate upholstery work around the stage of the casino, and flooring in the administration building, restaurant and guest shop. “Everything they do is first class,” Beal said. Other large flooring projects Beal has completed are newly remodeled storefront businesses on the West 100 Above: David Beal explains the advantages of vinyl tile. Below, left: Vinyl flooring from such makers as Armstrong also is available through Beal Carpet & Drapery.

block of Washington Street, Sound Community Bank, the Sequim Senior Activity Center activity room and at Sherwood Village. Beal said he still does window treatments, but the majority these days are cellular or pleated shades that pull up from the bottom and down from the top, referred to in the business as “top down/bottom up” shades. He carries all major carpet brand samples plus a full line of laminate, bamboo and hardwood flooring. A favorite floor covering for many of his customers these days are vinyl tiles. They are easy to work with and long lasting, he said. “We all get along in the window covering business. We cooperate and send each other business when required,” Beal continued. “I’m hoping that things will get back to normal for all of us and we can all get along in the flooring and carpet end of things, as well.” Which brings us to the second reason for his chosen slogan: He always insists on quality materials. Beal added that he doesn’t mind losing a bid if it’s “apples to apples,” but he won’t bid against inferior materials. “Like my slogan says,” Beal repeated, “Quality First – Since 1963.”

Below, right: Beal is proud to support the Duck Derby and has several yellow ducks lining the shelves of his office to prove it.

B&W PAGE Sequim Gazette

Home Improvement

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 7

Home remodeling tips for baby boomers entering their golden years As America’s 77 million baby boomers reach retirement age, one thing is absolutely clear — they are not going to retreat quietly into their golden years. The most active generation in America’s history wants homes that will support their active lifestyles and homes that will accommodate the challenges boomers will face, from bad knees to working from home to taking on grandchildren. That’s why building and remodeling homes for aging baby boomers represents one of the biggest trends in the home improvement industry today. It’s primarily in response to how baby boomers view themselves: Many don’t believe “old” starts until a person turns 80, according to a Del Webb survey. While many boomers see themselves running, cycling, downhill skiing for many years to come, the reality is that aging creates physical challenges, ranging from arthritis to stiffness to balance issues that could result in debilitating falls. Expecting so much of themselves, many are starting to rethink the design of their homes to accommodate their changing lifestyles. To meet the needs of this active generation,

home builders and remodelers are developing new design and building techniques that incorporate universal design principles. Universal design means creating products and designing spaces that allow the widest range of people of varying physical abilities to use one space, from babies to 80-year-olds. Because the typical American home is designed for an active American family whose adults are in their 20s and 30s, many do not meet the needs of boomers who want to age gracefully in their own homes. Universal design is about balancing style with the functionality people need as they move from one stage of life to another. It allows empty nesters to live in their homes longer, allowing them to pursue their goals and passions regardless of the physical abilities that aging may impose upon them. If you’re among America’s baby boomer generation, here are some tips offered by Gardner on how to design and remodel your home to meet your needs today and in the future: • Don’t wait until the last-minute — If

you intend to live in your current home into your 60s, 70s and 80s, don’t wait until health challenges force you to make changes to your home. Create a master plan using universal design principles that can be implemented over time to spread out the costs of your remodeling investment. • Get an expert – Seek out builders and remodelers who have earned the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) age-inplace certification. These design/build firms are knowledgeable about universal design principles and in building and remodeling homes that meet the needs of aging boomers. • Plan for one-level living – As you remodel your home, create a plan so that everything you need is on one floor, easily accessible to your main entrance on the ground floor. This includes a bedroom, a bathroom with shower, washer and dryer, kitchen and dining area, and access to technology (TV, computer and phone). • Low-maintenance – High-maintenance projects, like painting a home, cleaning the exterior side of windows, or sealing cracks and seams in your siding are physically challenging

and time-consuming. For example, if your home needs to have the siding replaced, instead of wood or fiber cement siding, which requires re-sealing and repainting every few years, consider fiberglass siding that doesn’t need to be repainted or resealed when properly installed by a remodeling professional. • Zero-step entry – Whether you’re maneuvering a stroller through the front door, carrying a load of groceries or navigating your mother’s wheelchair, invest in a new, wider front door system, featuring a low-maintenance fiberglass door frame, door and lever handle (not door knob) for easy entry. • Task lighting – Add more lighting for closeup tasks such as cooking, reading, hobbies (knitting, fly-tying) and working from home. • Remodel the bathroom – Create an accessible ground-level bathroom for guests of any age by installing a zero-entry threshold shower base, a handheld shower head and shower rails. Don’t forget to give the shower a non-skid floor treatment and to add antiscalding protection to the sink and shower. Courtesy of Brandpoint

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8 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

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Sequim Gazette a half decades. The biggest change, Tobias noted, has been pricing. Construction prices have both skyrocketed and plummeted but in the end people can expect a financial break in the cost of heating and cooling equipment in particular, he said. “A heat pump may have cost $10,000$15,000 a decade ago but can be purchased for closer to $3,000-$5,000 now,” Tobias said. “That might sound like a lot of money up front but will save a homeowner approximately $100 per month in the winter.” Alpha Builders is certified with the Clallam County PUD and Puget Sound Energy to install energy efficient purchases. A weatherization program through First Federal bank and Clallam County PUD that combines a rebate and a low interest loan also is available. Tobias has extensive experience in new constructions, remodels, long-term energy efficient projects and property management. Green building practices are in high demand and include working with energy saving projects such as high-efficiency heat pumps and hot water heaters, structural insulated panels – casually referred to as “SIPS” – solar systems and more. For Tobias, providing good service is the most important thing in his line of business, followed closely by a passion for designing

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 9

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10 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Alpha Builders cont. from page 9 and creating. “It’s not about money for me, it’s about quality of life,” he emphasized. “I like relating to people and watching a project go from the beginning to the end. To design something and then see it come out of the ground is beyond exciting.” One satisfied customer recommended Alpha Builders highly by saying, “Their ability to accomplish requested tasks diligently and scrupulously, working with timelines of other contractors and helping to find solutions, made my job so much easier.” Though he’s been trained in CAD, Tobias prefers approaching a project the old-fashioned way: by sitting down at his desk and putting pencil to paper in sketches. “And that’s something that will never change,” he vowed. For additional information about incentives, rebates, loans, specialties, weatherization, roof coating, heat pumps, additions, water heaters, SIP, etc., go online to Alpha Builder’s website www.abcpa.biz, which will soon be switching to www.alphabuilder.us. Also this year, Tobias said he plans to open an additional office in Kitsap County. To contact Alpha Builders, call 452-3154.

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Sequim Gazette

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 11

Tips for choosing the right water heater for your home If all is working well, most homeowners put little thought into their water heater. But when this critical appliance fails, it can be a nightmare that halts a home’s productivity completely. With no hot water for washing dishes and clothes – let alone for bathing – homeowners are left scrambling to find a new water heater as fast as possible. While waiting until an emergency occurs to take action isn’t uncommon, more and more homeowners are taking the proactive approach by making updates before the life expectancy of their current heater ends. Newer units have many benefits, including better efficiency and lower operating costs, if you choose the right one for your home. Because heating water is the second largest energy drain in a home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, many people are choosing modern options that heat water much more efficiently, which helps save money and is better for the environment. Here are the three main types of water heaters and their many benefits. Traditional tank models Most homeowners have a traditional tank water heater. This option works by continuously heating water in a holding tank throughout the day, providing hot water to the home when there’s a demand. If you already have a maintenance closet or storage area where a tank heater is located, you may select a modern tank heater to replace the old one since the space is already set up for one. The good news is today’s tank heaters are more efficient than ever, providing more hot water while using less energy.

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Tankless options Although tankless water heaters have been used for more than 50 years in other countries, only in the past decade have they become more popular in the United States. A tankless heater uses energy to heat water only as it is needed, so energy is used efficiently and utility costs may decrease. Plus, tankless water heaters can provide a steady stream of hot water that doesn’t run out. These types of water heaters are about the size of a medicine cabinet and are hung on a wall, perfect for homeowners with limited space. Depending on what climate you live in, you might be able to put a tankless water heater on the outside of your home. Most tankless water heaters are gas fueled. Hybrid tank units Hybrid water heaters offer homeowners an option that is more than twice as efficient as standard electric units. Consumers who switch to a hybrid electric water heater with heat pump technology will save $286 annually on their electric utility bills, compared to those who have a standard 50-gallon electric model (with a 0.90 energy factor), according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates. How do hybrid water heaters work? These tanks are set up with a heat pump as well as electric technology. The units have three settings: heat pump only, electric only or hybrid mode which uses both. Depending on the demand put on the system, the homeowner can select the most energy-efficient

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12 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette

Find inspiration for your home in 2013 with the latest

design trends

veryone’s looking forward to a fresh start at the beginning of the new year: Whether it’s an updated fitness regime, pursuing new hobbies or getting organized, there is a slew of resolutions to try. In 2013, why not make a few changes not only to yourself, but also to your home? By incorporating cutting-edge design trends, you’ll add style and color that’s perfect to kick-start the year.

Patterns that pack a punch

“No one wants a house that lacks personality,” says HGTV designer and television personality Taniya Nayak. “The easiest way to infuse your style — while being on-trend — is with an impactful pattern.” According to Nayak, there are a few prints to be on the lookout for in 2013: • Chevron: a bold, dramatic, V-shaped pattern • Geometrics: graphic, colorful shapes, delivering a vintage-modern look and feel • Ombre: subtle color gradation of similar shades that’s extremely versatile • Ikat: tribal, swirls and diamonds reminiscent of tie-dye • Moroccan: culturally inspired, timeless and exotic motifs “These powerful patterns can be achieved easily with a fresh coat of paint and a premium painter’s tape,” Nayak says. When using bold patterns, it’s best to find the right pairing of both the color and the print not to overwhelm your space. If you’re looking to use bright colors, incorporate the patterns onto one accent wall or window treatments. If you’re using neutral hues, try using a pattern on a larger scale, around the entire room or even a piece of furniture. “You don’t want the elements of a space to fight each other,” advises Nayak. “Considering the color, scale and intensity of any pattern in relationship to the rest of your decor will leave you with a finished space that is perfect for 2013 and beyond.”

Mixing up materials

“The key to updating your home with the latest trends is finding a balance,” says Nayak. “It’s all about making it personal and adding elements that fit your lifestyle and design personality, without

breaking the bank.” One great way to make a big impact on a small budget is to mix materials, creating a blend of polished and raw in a room with modern and industrial elements. “The rustic look will be extremely popular in homes in 2013, as it’s elegant and comfortable,” adds Nayak. “It provides a feeling of richness and warmth, while still being comfortable to actually live in the space.” A great material for achieving the industrial and modern look is reclaimed wood. From frames to furniture, this aged, repurposed wood can bring richness and a dose of style to any space. Mixing materials also can mean utilizing different finishes throughout a room. In the kitchen, using contrasting materials makes your space look personalized. Try a mix of wood and painted finishes for a more layered and collected feel. By resisting the urge to perfectly match every piece, you’ll have a space that looks current and works nicely together.

Look for the unexpected

“Just because a product is made for a specific purpose, doesn’t mean you can’t re-imagine how

Maintaining your home investment Home ownership is an important investment that can create both a sense of pride and a place in the world that is all your own. While the investment in purchasing or building your own home is sizable, letting your home fall into disrepair can be even more costly. However, home maintenance doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following a few simple steps and making maintenance a regular activity, you’ll not only preserve the quality of your home, but you’ll likely save money over the long term.

Keep a regular maintenance schedule

Whether you’ve just moved in or have lived in your home for decades, it’s important to establish a regular routine to maintain your home. Some tasks should be checked off the list regularly, while others are more seasonal. Start a list or put reminders on your calendar for these important to-dos: • Regularly test fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. • Replace air filters for heating and cooling systems according to owner’s manuals. • Schedule regular furnace and water heater maintenance. • Check electrical outlets to ensure proper function. • Weatherproof doors and windows according to the season. • Don’t underestimate regular cleaning to keep your home in top shape.

Invest in items that protect your investments:

Regular home maintenance is worth your while and certain investments can ensure your home remains in top shape for years to come. There are many different products designed to help you maintain your home investment by making it easier to clean, protect, update and more. For example, if pets are part of your family, investing in a great vacuum can help keep your house pet hair free, while a home security system will help ensure your home and possessions are protected at all times.

What’s on the outside counts, too.

While you may experience the benefits of interior maintenance more regularly, outdoor maintenance is just as important in taking care of your home. Tasks like making sure gutters are clear and siding is clean and damage-free help ensure that the exterior of your home stays beautiful. Strategic landscaping can help with heating or cooling costs by allowing light in or providing shade where needed. It also can help by diverting water away from the house to avoid leaks or damage. Additionally, an investment in

the exterior of your house can enhance the curb appeal and make it a joy to come home to every day. Courtesy of Brandpoint

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette it could be used,” says Nayak. “For example, hanging materials on the wall that are typically used as flooring can be breathtaking. Wood planks or concrete panels, featured vertically and not just on the ground, add richness and texture.” Another great tip to accomplishing this trend is to look at construction materials in new ways. Molding and paneling can add architectural detail well beyond crown molding and baseboards. Installing framing on a wall and painting it with complementary paint colors can change the look and feel of any room. “Unique treatments instantly increase the texture, depth and visual appeal, without spending a lot of time or money,” says Nayak. “And the greatest feature is that these updates

aren’t permanent, meaning you can continue to change your space as your style — and home design trends — evolve.”

J. Mosley Images

Finishing touches

“The key to incorporating any trend is to make sure it accurately represents your style,” adds Nayak. “The finishing touches are the final way to infuse personality into your updated space.” Whether it’s utilizing accents like pillows, throws and frames in your favorite colors or a rug that reminds you of a beloved piece of clothing, your home will truly come to life when it depicts who you are in its designs. Courtesy of Brandpoint

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 13

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14 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette

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Story and photos by Elizabeth Kelly 5th Avenue Furniture 609 W. Washington St., Units 18-20, Sequim 681-7804

hen Jon Hall, owner of Sequim’s 5th Avenue Furniture, walked into an unfinished furniture store in Seattle in 1983 and bought a Brentwood rocker, he could have had no idea how that single purchase would change his life. At that time, Hall was living in Bremerton, working for the U.S. Navy as a citizen employee and traveling a lot for his job. He said he still had at least 15 years until he could retire and had to make a decision as to whether to stay on with his current job or do something else. After he successfully applied a new finish to the rocking chair, he went back to the same store and bought another

piece of furniture to work on. He liked the experience of finishing furniture so much that he attended an unfinished furniture event in Las Vegas, Nev. He then took a leap of faith and opened his first store selling unfinished furniture in Bremerton. “Thirteen days after we opened,“ Hall said, “the store burned to the ground.” About that same time another unfinished furniture store in the area also burned down. Hall hired their manager to help him in his new store when he rebuilt two months later. They were successful for a while, but people began to stop buying unfinished furniture for a number of reasons, he said. People were either afraid they couldn’t do a good job or they didn’t want to take the time it took to make a good finish. Also, around that time, Hall remembered, “a lot of manufacturers quit giving a discount on furniture that was unfinished.” Hall said he then started doing a lot of the finishing himself. “Finishing furniture can be a time-consuming and messy job,” he added. Most of the finishes are oil-based, and after doing a lot of it, Hall joked that his

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette pants “could have stood up by themselves.” The change over to selling upholstered and finished furniture was a gradual one, Hall explained, starting one piece at a time. When they moved to Sequim 18 years ago, he and his wife, Margy, still had the Bremerton store, and the new store they opened on Fifth Avenue in Sequim was called the Oak Tree. They weren’t happy with the name of the store because, “a lot of people thought they only sold oak furniture, “so she held a raffle for people to come up with a better name for the store,” Hall said. The winning contestant of the raffle picked the name “5th Avenue Furniture,” and even though they are no longer on Fifth Avenue, he said he likes the location they are in currently and they are going to stay with the name. “It’s too difficult and involved to change the name,” he said. At the full-line furniture store, Hall said, recliners, glider rockers, reclining sofas and motion sofas are his best sellers. “Secondbest sellers are mattresses,” he added. Hall buys most of his furniture from Best Home Furniture, which is manufactured in Ferdinand, Ind. A family owned and operated business, Best Home has facilities

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 15

A variety of dining room tables and chairs are in stock to suit any taste.

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16 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette 5th Avenue Furniture cont. from page 15

5th Avenue Furniture has many recliners to chose from.

that cover over 1.1 million square feet in five locations with over 1,000 employees. It is becoming one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world. “They have been in business for 50 years,” Hall said, adding that he gets a delivery from Best every seven to 10 days. “Our prices are very competitive,” Hall said. He looks at other stores that carry comparable furniture and said that his prices are many times the same or less. “We are a full-line furniture store,” he said. Plus he has catalogs that customers can look through. Rows and rows of recliner chairs plus any type of furniture a person could need are available at 5th Avenue Furniture. There are examples of most pieces on the floor of his 16,000-foot showroom and when people find something they like in a catalog, Hall or his longtime store manager, Greg Russell, one of his three employees, can show them an actual piece on the floor. Then they can order specific varieties of that piece from the supplier. One of the things Hall likes best about being in the furniture business is meeting and talking to new people.

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Sequim Gazette

Home Improvement

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 17

5th Avenue Furniture has a 16,000-square-foot showroom.

Jon Hall, owner of 5th Avenue Furniture, said recliners and reclining sofas are his best sellers.

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Home Improvement

18 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Sequim Gazette

Peninsula Screens

Story and photos by Patricia Morrison Coate

Peninsula Screens 220 Carlsborg Road, Carlsborg 681-2442 he chill of winter may be upon you now, but one day in the not-so-distant future you’re going to want to fling open your windows and doors for some fresh air. Don’t let torn or tattered screens spoil your view — call Peninsula Screens for custom replacement screens to repair or replace those damaged by sun or pets. Owner Patrick Cook bought the business in 2004 and moved it from its Hooker Road location to 220 Carlsborg Road in Carlsborg in 2007. If a job has anything to do with screens, Cook’s one-man operation can handle it. “I repair them and manufacture new screens for windows and install screen doors,” Cook said. “The majority of my work is rescreening. Typically screens last 10 years and frames last longer, depending on if they’re on the sunny side of the house or not,” he said. Cook’s workshop is adjacent to his home and he

Patrick Cook demonstrates the ease of a rollaway screen door at his Carlsborg home.

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offers a drop-off/pick-up system for the convenience of customers who tag and leave their screens for repair or replacement. He then calls them with the cost and provides next-day service. “The advantage with me is that you can’t just go buy screens off the rack, plus the next-day service. Glass shops that sell screens can take up to two weeks to have them manufactured,” Cook said. He also makes house calls for custom installation of screens for any size window, “pet-proof” pet screens and doggie doors, rollaway screen doors, sliding door screens and solar screens and can design and install screen rooms. Solar screens block the sun’s heat and glare and Cook often installs them as an add-on to skylights. Rollaway screen doors are designed to preserve door views while blocking insects. The doors are made to roll out easily when in use and smoothly roll away when not, disappearing into an unobtrusive canister. Another custom service Cook provides is fabricating old-fashioned wooden screen doors — he said the owners of log homes are especially partial to them.

Sequim Gazette For metal window and door screen frames, Cook offers them in bronze, white, almond, grey and mill, an aluminum finish. Screens are available in grey or charcoal. If a customer wants a nonstandard screen color, Cook can paint them, too. “It takes kind of a finesse to get them right. If you get them too tight, they get an ‘hourglass’ effect. Too loose and they

Home Improvement sag,” Cook said. Tools of his trade are bulk rolls of screening, a miter saw, miles of spline, a spline roller and the right touch gained from years of experience. Summer is Cook’s busiest season, so if your screens are looking raggedy, take advantage of his 20-percent winter discount for a better view in six months.

sale Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 19

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Home Improvement

20 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

For home improvement & building projects, start with us!

Sequim Gazette

The evolution of

Hi-Tech Electronics

Story and photos by Ashley Miller

Hi-Tech Electronics, Inc. 723 E. Front St., Port Angeles 452-2727 Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Website: www.gotohitech.com

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you need a contractor, we can help you get started on your next home improvement or building project. As employee owners, we care about your building, maintenance and repair projects. We have the years of industry experience to help you choose just the right lumber, paint, hardware and building materials. Plus, if you’re looking for a builder, roofer, painter, remodeler or handyman — ASK US. We supply materials to some of the best contractors on the peninsula. We also offer valuable services such as delivery throughout Clallam County, including forklift and rooftop delivery, materials lists from your blueprints, free estimates, tool and equipment rentals, as well as custom cutting and bending services for metal and rebar. Visit us today to get all of your questions answered and to get started on your project right away!

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and furnaces, as well as propane or natural gas. From a single camera used to monitor your front door to a 64-camera commercial bank surveillance system, Hi-Tech experts can design, install and monitor a system that meets your requirements and budget. “Peace of mind has never been so affordable,” Politika said.

ith more and more headlines about burglaries and home invasions, people might be wondering about how to protect themselves and their assets. Hi-Tech Electronics wants everybody on the Olympic Peninsula to know that it can help. In the past decade, the family owned electronics store has been busier than ever installing and monitoring burglar and fire alarm systems in homes, gas stations, schools, banks and businesses. Freedom from danger, fear and anxiety isn’t the only advantage to installing a security alarm or surveillance system, according to Joe Politika, sales manager. Most insurance companies offer a reduction in rates for homes with monitored alarm systems and some are even requiring such systems in larger homes and businesses. Especially suited for existing buildings, a combination of wired and wireless door and window sensors, motion sensors and smoke detectors simplify the installation process. With the new cellular module, security isn’t compromised even if the power and phone lines are down. Because today’s systems are easier to use and built with more advanced electronics, false alarms are greatly reduced. Improved motion detection devices use a combination of passive infrared and microwave technology to reduce false alarms caused by pets. Advanced detectors identify the presence of odorless and colorless gases caused by improperly burning fireplaces Sales manager Joe Politika assists customers with all of their electronic needs.

Sequim Gazette In addition to installing a security system, homeowners can add outdoor lighting and remember to lock their doors to ensure safety, he reminded. Hi-Tech Electronics opened its doors in early 1983 as a small electronics repair shop, working on just about anything that came through the front door. Television sales and repair was the business’ mainstay and carried it financially through the earliest years in operation. But as television prices have decreased significantly — a 50inch plasma flat screen that sold for $6,999 in 2004 can now be purchased for as little as $550 online — other products and popular accessories have been added to the showroom. In addition to televisions, consumers can expect to find name-brand home audio and sound equipment, satellite TV and radio services, DVD players, cables, headphones, remote controls, wall mounts, surge protectors, batteries and more. “We can provide all of your electronic needs,” Politika said. “Great service at a fair price has always been our thing.” In fact, Hi-Tech will even install equipment purchased elsewhere. Just call and set up an appointment. “Being here 30 years, we know this area,” Politika said. “We follow up with people and get to you in a timely manner if there is a problem because at the end of the day it is really the service that sets us apart.” One of the only things Hi-Tech doesn’t sell or service is computers. “We’re not computer people and we never will be,” Politika said. “We’re not that hi-tech,” he joked.

Home Improvement

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 21

Above: Hi-Tech Electronics showroom. Below at left and right: Hi-Tech Electronics can provide customers with a “theater-in-a-box” for doit-yourselfers or experts on hand can custom-design a system tailored to your needs, wants, room size and budget. Carrying brands like Sony, Denon, Niles and Acoustic Energy, Hi-Tech is dedicated to providing the best products available on the market.

B&W PAGE

22 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette

ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency through lighting

t’s easy to instantly trim your energy consumption and boost the eco-friendliness of your home. The key to easy energy savings is lighting. For many homeowners and renters, however, knowing how and what to do to improve their home’s lighting energy efficiency can be confusing. To alleviate that confusion, the American Lighting Association offers eight easy energy-saving steps: 1. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs). To make an immediate impact on your energy consumption — and your utility bill — swap out your most-used incandescent bulbs with CFLs. “It’s the easiest way to start improving your energy efficiency,” said Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design. If you have not used any residential CFLs in your home, you might be surprised at their range and versatility. The newest CFLs do not flicker like those of old and they have much better color quality than even just a few years ago. A close look at the color temperature listed on the bulb package label can help you get the right product. “What happens is that people buy a color temperature that’s too cool and they absolutely hate it,” said Rey-Barreau. Instead, choose a bulb that’s labeled “residential color,” “warm” or “soft white.” 2. Replace dimmable incandescent bulbs with dimmable CFLs. As the color range of CFLs has improved, so has their ability to be dimmed, said Rey-Barreau — and dimmable bulbs are a proven way to decrease energy use. However, while the technology has come a long way, CFLs still do not have the dimming range of incandescents. “At about 20 to 30 percent, the CFL will shut off,” said Rey-Barreau. 3. Buy name brands. It is frustrating to invest in a longer-lasting bulb only to have it burn out quickly. To avoid that, buy recognizable brands for improved quality and color. 4. Revamp outdoor fixtures. Your outdoor lighting fixture may be beautiful, but it may be an energy guzzler, too. Start outside as you slowly replace fixtures with more energy-efficient versions. Look for those that use either CFLs or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or those that activate using a motion sensor or photocell. 5. Buy Energy Star-qualified fixtures and bulbs. Energy Star is a U.S. Department of Energy certification most recognized on appliances though it’s also used on lighting fixtures and bulbs. “Any time someone buys a product that has the Energy Star label, they’ll know it has both efficiency

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and quality verified,” said Rey-Barreau. 6. Retrofit recessed lighting with LED fixtures. Recessed fixtures can be easily replaced with super energy-efficient LED versions without any messy construction. “You just take off part of the existing fixture and the replacement fixture fits into the old housing,” said Rey-Barreau. “LED fixtures have a high initial cost but the fixture will last literally the lifetime of the project.” 7. Replace your under-cabinet lighting. With long life and super high efficiency, some LED lighting also offers fairly easy installation, including pucks and strips used as under-cabinet lighting. As an added bonus, LED lights will not give off the undesirable heat of incandescents. 8. Be realistic in your expectations. While upgrading some or all of your lighting is a good way to improve your energy efficiency, it is not a one-stop solution. “One of the things sometimes misunderstood is that people assume if they replace all of their incandescent lighting with energy-efficient versions they are going to save this huge amount on their electricity,” said Rey-Barreau. They will save, of course, but since lighting only accounts for about 10 percent of all electricity consumption, the amount saved will be relative to that. The most savings comes over the long term with continued lower utility bills and fewer burned-out bulbs. Visit your local ALA-member retail showroom to see the newest products and to talk to an expert about how to improve the energy efficiency of your lighting. To find your closest ALA-member lighting showroom, visit www.americanlightingassoc.com. Courtesy of Brandpoint

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B&W PAGE Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette

How to make your patio truly an extension of your home As you contemplate ways to improve your outdoor area, think about projects that can both extend the hours you spend outside and make the time you spend there more relaxing.

f you’re like many homeowners, you consider the patio an extension of your home. So it’s fair to ask: Would you be just as comfortable nestled in with your favorite book or preparing a meal in your outdoor space as you would in your living room or your kitchen? As you contemplate ways to improve your outdoor area, think about projects that can both extend the hours you spend outside and make the time you spend there more relaxing.

Just as technology continues to make life indoors easier, more sophisticated awning systems, heating options and lighting can make your outdoor space that much more pleasant. Here are a few areas to consider as you plot your next round of improvements for your outdoor living space: • Temperature control: One of the best ways to make your patio pleasant for more of the day — and more of the year — is to add simple

temperature control features. If you live in a place where it gets uncomfortably hot during the summer, install misters around your favorite sitting areas to cool things down. Likewise, if you often find yourself heading inside because it gets too chilly in the spring and fall, a few strategically placed overhead heaters can extend your patio season. • Shade matters: Awnings and umbrellas also play a huge role in regulating the temperature and

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 23 comfort of your deck or patio. And now, shading options have become more sophisticated and easier to maintain than ever before. You’ll never have to worry about damaged awnings on a windy day with motorized awning systems and wind sensors that work together to automatically retract your awnings when winds become too high. Retractable awning systems also can be accessorized with sun sensors that signal motorized awnings to open as soon as the sun rises, keeping your outdoor space cool from the start of the day. If adding a hint of warmth is needed, simply install an awning heater. All of these accessories can be managed by the same remote that controls your motorized awning. With a system like this, you can leave the days of fiddling with fussy patio umbrellas behind. • An outdoor kitchen: No patio is complete without a grill but do you find yourself making frequent trips inside for other prep work? Make outdoor cooking easier by adding a prep island that can be placed near your grill. And if you really want to go all out, look for options that feature outdoor sinks or small refrigerators hidden under the countertop. • Entertainment connectivity: Well-placed speakers can bring the stereo sound of your indoor system out. By upgrading your system so it can be controlled from your wireless device, you can bring the conveniences of your digital music system outdoors and eliminate the need to get up to turn up the volume or flip to the next song. • Take a look at your lighting: High-powered outdoor lights on sensors might be helpful when you’re bringing in the groceries at night, but patio entertaining calls for a little more subtlety when it comes to lighting. Consider zero-energy solar-powered fixtures around the perimeter of your patio for a gentle ambiance to light up your evenings. Motorized systems also can be connected to your lighting, allowing you to adjust brightness as needed from the comfort of your patio lounger. Now is the perfect time to plan for this year’s patio season, and with the right improvements, you can make it the most comfortable one yet. Courtesy of Brandpoint

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24 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette

carpet

The surprising truth about

arpet has gained quite the reputation in the past decade, fueled by a multitude of assumptions. But is there truth behind the rumors about this very popular flooring option? With a little investigation you’ll find many are completely false — making carpet a viable flooring option that can benefit everyone, from allergy sufferers to penny pinchers to the elderly. Who can benefit from carpet Carpet isn’t just comfortable and stylish, it’s a safe flooring option, too, reducing slips and softening falls if they do occur — ideal for both the elderly and very young. Carpet also improves a home’s acoustics because it absorbs noise rather than reflecting it back into the room. Those who want to save money welcome the fact that carpet provides actual thermal resistance (R-value) — meaning when it’s cold, it retains warmth longer, conserving energy and reducing heating bills. Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about carpet is that it’s bad for people with allergies. But the 60 million Americans the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says live with respiratory ailments might be surprised to learn that the opposite appears to be true, according to multiple studies. Allergy and asthma carpet studies A 15-year Swedish study found no link between carpet and allergy and asthma attacks. In fact, when carpet usage in Sweden decreased by 70 percent, allergy reactions in the general population increased by 30 percent. In 2003, a study of school children in New Jersey found that having carpet in a child’s bedroom was associated with fewer missed school days and less need for asthma medication. These are just two of many studies showing no correlation between carpet and allergies or asthma. How carpet helps asthma and allergy sufferers So if carpet isn’t contributing to allergy and asthma problems, how is it helping those with the conditions? Carpet acts much like a filter, trapping allergens and keeping them out of the air you and your family breathe. These trapped allergens, such as pollen, pet dander and dust, can then easily be removed through proper cleaning techniques. Think of your carpet like you would a sweater in your wardrobe. If you wear a sweater, it eventually gets dirty and needs to be washed. Your carpet is walked on by people and pets frequently, and much like a sweater, needs to get cleaned regularly to look its best and last a long time. To keep your carpet in great shape, reduce allergens and retain good indoor air quality, consider these tips from the Carpet and Rug Institute: 1. Vacuum regularly How often do you really need to vacuum? High-traffic or pet areas should be vacuumed daily, medium-traffic areas need to be vacuumed about twice a week and light-traffic areas should be vacuumed weekly. Use a CRI-certified vacuum for optimum soil removal, dust containment and to avoid damage to your carpet. 2. Limit dirt intrusion Keeping as much dirt and grime off the carpet as possible is ideal. Be proactive and put

out a durable entrance mat for people to wipe off their feet before entering your home. Then require everyone to take off their shoes so less dirt is tracked inside. 3. Deep clean Once a year your carpet should be cleaned by hot water extraction by a professional. This process extracts deeply embedded dirt that regular vacuuming can’t reach. If you suffer from particularly bad allergies, consider cleaning your upholstered furniture, draperies and blinds also. Like carpet, these also need regular cleaning. Drapes and blinds can build up microscopic allergens quickly from open windows. Vacuum and wash regularly and consider hiring a professional cleaner once a year or as needed. Carpet provides many benefits for many different people, including those with allergies. So before you spend a lot of money taking out your home’s carpet, remember why you chose it in the first place. Then take the proper steps to clean it so it complements your home for many years to come. Courtesy of Brandpoint

Sequim Gazette

Home Improvement

DIY home improvement fixes to create a healthier home

ou might not be aware that your home may pose some hidden risks for you and your family. But you don’t need a fat budget to give your home a safe and healthy boost. After all, there is nothing more important than keeping your family safe. Hazards may be lurking in your home, and for $100 or less, you can make the home improvement precautions needed to protect your family from common household dangers. Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the nationally syndicated show “Today’s Homeowner,” recommends these budget-friendly DIY projects for a safer and healthier home: • Mount smoke detectors: There should be a smoke detector on each floor and in or near every bedroom in the home. Installing them is as simple as mounting them 4 inches from the wall on the ceiling. Smoke rises, so opt to place the detector at the highest point of the ceiling if you have an angled ceiling. Estimated cost: $30 • Install a water filter: If you’re concerned about lead, VOCs, microbial cysts and pharmaceuticals in your tap water, or even if you just don’t like the taste or smell of it, install a DIY water filtration system. Estimated cost: $100 • Secure heavy furniture and appliances:

Children are susceptible to bookshelves, televisions or other furniture falling over and causing harm. Use furniture brackets or straps to secure dressers, the stove, audio equipment and more to the wall to ensure passersby are safe from falling and tipping items. In earthquakeprone Washington, securing heavy pieces of furniture to studs is especially important. Estimated cost: $10 or more, depending on number needed • Install carbon monoxide alarms: Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas, is a result of improperly vented or defective home systems such as heaters, furnaces and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide does not rise to the ceiling like smoke, so the alarms can be mounted anywhere, such as plugged into wall outlets or affixed to walls and powered by batteries. Estimated cost: $50 • Install a bathroom vent fan: Poor ventilation in the bathroom can lead to a build up of excess moisture, which is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Install a bathroom vent fan to push the moist air outside the home to avoid creating unhealthy conditions in the room, as well as fogged-up windows, steamy mirrors and eventually ruined walls and ceilings. Estimated cost: $100 Courtesy of Brandpoint

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 25

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B&W PAGE 26 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home Improvement

Sequim Gazette

Spa Shop & Pellet Heat Company Spa Shop & Pellet Heat Company 230-C E. First St., Port Angeles 457-4406 www.spashop.com

Story and photos by Patricia Morrison Coate

ire and water — opposite elements in nature but co-existing nicely at the Spa Shop and Pellet Heat Company in Port Angeles. Owners Mike and Kathy DeRousie both have strong backgrounds in retail and have owned the business selling hot tubs and wood, pellet and gas stoves since 1986. "We've built the business on customer service and we both were brought up to work hard and be sure the customer is satisfied," said Mike DeRousie. "We knew the rest would fall into place if we gave every customer good service." Their location on First Street has a cozy, comfortable feeling rather than that of a big barn store. More than half a dozen spas are on display with several brimming with welcome heated water. DeRousie encourages customers shopping for a spa to bring their swimsuits and towels — there's a changing room — and feel and see the differences of the jets and other features, including waterfalls and lights, among brands and models. The store offers a

This Quadra-Fire gas stove has an old-fashioned feel.

selection of about 20 models by companies such as HotSpring, the largest manufacturer of portable spas, CalderaSpas, Hot Spot and Limelight Hot Tubs. Prices range from $3,000-$13,000 and the Spa Shop has units to accommodate from two to eight people, plus accessories, including all-important sanitizers. "When customers are in the store, there's no pressure to buy," DeRousie said. "We ask questions to find out what their needs are, especially for their therapy needs. A lot of our customers have arthritis and using a spa doesn't cure it but it does allow people to move better, plus there's nothing like a good hot soak. It's a wonderful place to be after a hard day's work, no matter what you do. And the older we get, the better it feels!" DeRousie explained that people will differ on what parts of their bodies need hydrotherapy and to what extent. "Is jet pressure really important to them or do they just want hot water and a good soak with less intense jets?" is one question he asks. "One of the things we're proudest of is the energy cost to run our spas. They're very energy efficient and are built like a thermos bottle, so they hold heat really well," DeRousie said. "Some run as little as $12 a month." After you're as limp as a noodle from a good, long soak in a Spa Shop spa, what would be better than enjoying the warmth of one of its wood, pellet or gas stoves? Dozens of models are available from brands such as Quadra-Fire, made in Washington; Jøtul from Norway; Harman from Pennsylvania; or Heat & Glo from Minnesota. "We have most any design a customer could be looking for and the stoves come in several colors and finishes," DeRousie said. "I think our sales are pretty evenly split among pellet, gas and wood stoves. Usually if customers have had a wood stove and they don't like cutting or stacking wood, they buy a pellet stove. For somebody who wants more convenience and doesn't want to or can't lift a 40-pound bag of pellets, then we'll see them select a gas stove or a gas stove in conjunction with a heat pump. The reason is it's easy to operate but it can cost more to run than the other two." DeRousie helps customers understand the cost formula for the three fuels: 1 ton

Above: A variety of stove models are on display in the store’s front room. Below: More than a half dozen spas are on display in the back room.

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Ba Mini rn Fa 460-4202

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Mike, holding Buddy, and Kathy DeRousie encourage customers to “test drive” their spas. of pellets (50 40-pound bags) = 1.5 cords of firewood = 200 gallons of propane = 95,000 BTUs or heating units. That way they can compare apples to apples when looking for the best stove to meet their needs. One bag of pellets per day is the rule of thumb for winter heating. In addition to servicing and repairing the Spa Shop's own and other brands, its four employees provide in-depth customer service

by performing a free site check for the spas and stoves. Sizing in terms of heating capacity and placement for safety and efficiency are key for stoves as is making sure there aren't any problems in delivering, reaching power and water sources and installing spas. DeRousie said before the job is complete, each customer will be walked through the process of using and maintaining his or her investment. "We want to give them as much information

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as possible to make their experience enjoyable," DeRousie said."That's why we do the KONP Home Show, NPBA Building, Remodeling and Energy Expo and county fair. We're out there answering questions and if they like us, maybe they'll buy from us down the road." Look for the Spa Shop & Pellet Heat Company booths at the Home Show Feb. 23-24 at Port Angeles High School and the NPBA Expo April 6-7.

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B&W PAGE 28 • Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Thomas Decks

Photos and story by Patricia Morrison Coate Thomas Building Center 301 W. Washington St., Sequim 683-3393 www.thomasbuildingcenter.com One of the advantages of living on the Olympic Peninsula is that from almost anywhere there are great views and what is a better way of enjoying them than from a backyard deck? “Outdoor living is the fastest-growing segment in construction,” said Tony Steinman, general manager of Thomas Building Center in Sequim. “The industry is anticipating 14 percent growth in that segment.” According to Steinman, for sheer durability and beauty, nothing beats Trex decking materials, a composite product manufactured with recycled plastic shopping bags and sawdust. “It’s a 95-percent recycled product — it doesn’t get greener than that,” Steinman said. “Ten years ago perhaps only 10 percent of all decking in the Northwest was made out of composite materials but last year in the Pacific Northwest, 65 percent was made of composite materials.” Steinman explained an important advancement in composite decking occurred when manufacturers began wrapping the composite core on three sides with a PVC skin, making it fade, stain, scratch, mold and rot resistant. The underside is left uncovered so the product can breathe. Thomas Building Center offers a full line of Trex decking, in 10 colors and several wood

Composite decking can be cut into unique shapes as this inset shows.

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Tony Steinman, general manager, stands on an 1,800-square-foot deck display at Thomas Building Center. grains, plus accessories including railings, posts with and without lighting, trim and pergolas. Trex also offers a steel deck framing system. Customers are welcome to browse the company’s 1,800-square-foot deck display and Steinman said to look for a revamped one this spring. “Trex has a good, better and best and we stock the good and the best, with the better available by special order,” Steinman said. “Probably 95 percent of the decks we sell are using the hidden fasteners. For doit-yourselfers, by utilizing the hidden fasteners, it’s self-gapping and very fast. It’s an easy-installation product. The only tools a DIY-er needs would be a circular saw, jig saw and cordless drill — that’s all.” Although wood decking, specifically cedar radius-edge decking,

still is the store’s biggest seller because of price, Steinman said composite decking has a number of advantages over wood. “The biggest advantage is all Trex products have a wood grain and the decking doesn’t get slippery when wet because the grain gives it a certain amount of traction,” Steinman said. “Also, all wood decks have to have some sort of sealer put on them and they have to be sealed every year. Otherwise, they turn grey, crack and split. A composite deck only needs soap and water to make it look clean.” Steinman added the extra investment is worth it because “a composite deck is going to outlive us all. You never have to sand or stain it — even with good maintenance, you’ll have to replace a cedar deck in about eight years. The resale value of a composite deck, according to national studies, is 90 percent of the homeowner’s investment.” Trex decking planks are 5.5 inches wide, about 1 inch thick and come in lengths of 12, 16 and 20 feet. A composite deck may be more affordable than a homeowner might think — costs for a simple 12-foot by 12-foot deck at ground level in the “good” category would run about $700. Not the DYI type? Thomas Building

Center will work with the homeowner and its recommended general contractors to plan, permit and install any decking project. “On the installation side, we have offered installed decking sales for the past five years and we utilize our local contractor base to do the work. What that allows us to do is customers only have to write one check and they’ll know the work is warranted by a company that’s been here 41 years,” Steinman said. “We’re not in the business to compete with our contractors. Probably 75 percent of our decking business is resurfacing by putting Trex over the old structure and saving the customer money.” For more information on decking possibilities, contact Thomas Building Center at 683-3393.

Key steps for a long-lived deck • Put down a good ground cover over the deck area, such as plastic or landscape fabric, with a layer of gravel over it. • Build the deck on pressure-treated lumber or Trex Elevations steel framing. • Properly secure the deck framing to the house.

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Sequim Gazette

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 29

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