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BY ELIZABETH KELLY Having worked in the business of cabinetry for many years and owning his own business, Discount Cabinets of Washington Inc. for 15 years, Jere Colman describes himself as a CSKD — a common sense kitchen designer. designer His company has filled more than 3,500 orders for cabinets in the 15 years he has been incorporated. “We design and sell cabinets manufactured manufacture by the two top-rated brands made in the United States,” Colman said. Omega Omeg and Fieldstone made in South Dakota and Iowa, respectively, have the reputation repu for being the top registered cabinetmakers nationally, he added. As of o 2002, there were 30,000 registered cabinetmakers in the U.S., Colman said. “We tried to keep it all in Washington state, but were surprised to find the Midwest companies were better and cost less,” less ” Colman said. less, said The main reason re for this is that the type of wood needed for good, strong cabinets is i found in the Midwest, South and East, but not as much in the West. Even including inclu uding the th shipping, Colman said, he still is able to offer uniquely designed, top quality q cabinets for less by buying from these two, as well as five other U.S. companies. compaanies. He H does sell cabinets made by one company outside the U.S. (China), but finds th that most of his customers prefer those made in the United States. Colman got his start in the cabinetry business while working for fo or the Sequim S Ernst Home Center, Center a home improvement impro ement company compan established in Seattl Seattle. After working for Ernst for five years, and thinking he probably would work there th until
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Jere Colman takes initial measurements. he retired, the company dissolved in 1997, leaving Colman looking for a job. “I helped the liquidator and bought the computers I had used there,” Colman said. He then enrolled full time at Peninsula College in an entrepreneurial training class. This was about the same time the Rayonier plant in Port Angeles closed, he said, adding that a lot of people in his class were doing the same thing he was. “As it turned out, the contractors in the area kept bugging me to keep working (as a cabinet designer and salesman). I liked the idea, but I got so busy I had to quit school,” he laughed. Even though the contractors he was working with wanted him to open a showroom, Colman said that he didn’t want to take on that much overhead. He decided that he could work out of his truck and the contractors — who are the majority of
4 • Wednesday, February 22, 2012
his customers — liked the idea. “I’ve been pretty busy ever since,” he said. While working on a job in Sunland, Colman met a cabinet installer Steve Cunningham. They talked about designing and before long Colman had offered Cunningham a job as a cabinet designer. He explained that Cunningham’s knowledge of installation is a great help in his work as a designer. Working together from the basement of Colman’s home, the two of them, with valuable help from Colman’s wife, Lexie, do all the work. “We don’t do any installation,” Colman said, “nor are we licensed to install. We are licensed as retail sales.” He maintains an extensive list of cabinet installers, finish carpenters, countertop specialists, electricians and general builders whom he refers to customers. They are all in the Olympic Peninsula area. “I like to work with people who do a good job.” Colman added that often the homeowners will install their own cabinets and he offers a printed guide for do-it-yourself-installation. “We service the entire North Olympic Peninsula,” Colman said, “from Forks to Brinnon.” He added that once in a while he sells to Alaska or the Seattle area, but mostly he keeps the work closer to home. “Most all of the cabinets we design and sell are ‘green,’ which involves the way the manufacturers manage forests and treat the wood and trees,” he said. The U.S. companies he represents, Omega, Fieldstone, HomeCrest, Waypoint, Armstrong, Kitchen Craft and Founder’s Choice, all list themselves as “green” manufacturers. When a customer calls to inquire
Steve Cunningham, Lexie and Jere Colman
Submitted photo
HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012
The Discount Cabinets warehouse is at 1400 E. Washington St. in Sequim. about new cabinets for a kitchen, office or other room, Colman makes an appointment to come to the site where the cabinets will be installed. “Hopefully, all concerned will be there,” he grinned. He uses a tape measure and electronic measuring devices. He also Discount Cabinets can scan a customer’s plans into the Of Washington, Inc. computer for use in the CAD (Comput1400 E. Washington St., #5 er-aided Design) program. Sequim, WA 98382 In his new box truck, Colman brings Tel: 360-683-9171 Fax: 360-681-0554 with him door samples of many types discountcabinetsofwa@olypen.com of woods and stains to choose from. Because the cabinets all are manufacture-specific, he is able to price the job instantly at the first visit. After placing the order and receiving a delivery date to their warehouse in Sequim, Colman said they try to deliver the ready-to-install cabinets the same day they receive them. By working out of the home and truck, Colman said they have cut corners wherever they could to hold prices down for the consumer. He is optimis-
Colman with his new Discount Cabinets box truck tic about the future, noting that many people are remodeling these days to increase the value and equity in their home should they decide to sell some day. “Remodeling a kitchen considerably adds to the value of a home,” he said. Discount Cabinets of Washington has been a presence at the annual KONP Home Show for 14 years, Colman said. “And we’ll be there for the one coming up in February,” he assured. The 30th Annual KONP Home Show will be held on Feb. 25-26 at Port Angeles High School.
Phone: 360-683-3311 • FAX: 360-683-6670 e-mail: patc@sequimgazette.com “Home Improvement 2012” is a special section of the Sequim Gazette.© 2012 by Sound Publishing Inc. Publisher: Sue Ellen Riesau • Special Sections Editor: Patricia Morrison Coate Page and Cover Design: Mary Field
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012 • 5
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Dorothy and Claudio Gonzalez own Classic Hardwood Floors in Sequim. The company installs new coverings as well as repairing and refinishing existing floors.
6 • Wednesday, February 22, 2012
BY ASHLEY MILLER LERR Claudio Sr. Sr. r and and d Dorothy Dorot orrotthy h Gonzalez Gonz on nzale zaleez like liike to to do d things thi hings ngs the ng the hard haard h d way. way ay.. The hardwood dwo wood wood d way, wayy, that thatt is. is is. The couple own Classic Hardwood Floors in Sequim and specialize in the installation, repair and refinishing of hardwood floors. As a wholesaler, the company offers all types of hardwood flooring and related products and can access other floor coverings — such as laminate and vinyl — with ease through the sister company CHF Distributing. The only floor covering Classic Hardwood doesn’t offer is carpet. Even though they install other types of flooring, the Gonzalezes highly recommend hardwoods as the superior choice. “Hardwood is the only floor covering that you can install and it never depreciates,” Claudio Gonzalez said. “It’s an investment that gives you a return.” Some people have misconceptions about hardwood floors that Dorothy Gonzalez hopes to extinguish.
HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012
Classic Hardwood Floors is located on the east side of Sequim near Jiffy Lube and the Lighthouse Latte & Gourmet Food stand. “People think wood is a hard product to care for or that it doesn’t go well with pets or o children,” she said. “That’s simply not true. It’s a lifelong product for all lifestyles.” For customers who worry that hardwoods aren’t durable enough, there’s a new generation of high-tech finishes that aren’t susceptible to scratches. Plus, most normal wear and tear can be fixed by applying a maintenance coat over the existing finish every five years or so. A maintenance coat is less than half the price of a complete refinishing and should be done before the finish is worn down to the wood. In between applying maintenance coats, proper cleaning is crucial to the lifespan of hardwood floors. Against popular belief, steam mops never should be used on hardwood floors, Claudio Gonzalez warned. “Steam mops use heat and water and will expand the wood cells,” he explained. “This can lead to the finish cracking and moisture getting into the cracks which ‘pops the grain.’” Waxing products also should be avoided.
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The 2,400-square-foot Classic Hardwood Floors showroom gives customers an idea of the variety in colors, brand, price and quality available in hardwood flooring. “Hardwood floors have a sheen that should last a lifetime and you only need to dust mop and use cleaner that is designed for hardwood floors,” Claudio Gonzalez continued. “You don’t want to use anything that leaves a residue — and that includes oil-based soaps.” He advises customers to beware of any products that claim to “renew the luster” to hardwood floors. “Not once have I seen a client’s floor that these products were used on and it worked,” he said. “They always say ‘I shouldn’t have done that!’” Another misconception about hardwood floors is that they cannot be installed over a concrete foundation. They can, assured Dorothy Gonzalez. In fact, the Classic Hardwood Floors showroom has a concrete base and is covered with hardwoods. Not only are hardwood floors more durable than people tend to believe, they are attractive and affordable, she said. “There is a hardwood floor for every budget and if you’re going to spend money on flooring, you
might as well make it an investment,” she advised. “There’s no ‘wrong’ or going out of style because wood is always fashionable — that’s the beauty of it.” In addition to beauty that transcends the years, hardwood floors can help combat allergies.
“A hard surface is best for allergies because everything on the floor can be swept or vacuumed up instead of getting trapped in the carpet,” Claudio Gonzalez said. The Gonzalezes are passionate about their career and have their business calls transferred to their personal cell phones during after hours. If a customer has a hardwood emergency day or night — such as water damage — they encourage them to call Classic Hardwood Floors first. “With hardwood floors we like to be the first responders so that the wood gets properly taken care of,” Claudio Gonzalez said. “And, I can honestly say I’m an expert at dealing with Claudio Gonzalez compares the thickness and durability of two hardwood floor samples. Photos by Ashley Miller
8 • Wednesday, February 22, 2012
insurance companies.” The couple moved to the North Olympic Peninsula from California in 1995. With their two young children in tow, the couple decided Sequim was the perfect place to raise a family. In 2000, they opened Classic Hardwood Floors and then Classic Hardwood Floors moved into the cur190 Center Park Way, Sequim, WA rent location five 683-8500 years after that. Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday; With a weekends and after hours 2,400-square-foot by appointment showroom and a Website: www.classichf.com 6,000-square-foot warehouse the business has a lot of room to continue growing. As the economy has changed, Classic Hardwood Floors has seen a shift in business from mostly new construction to a lot of repairs and refinishes. Often people think a hardwood floor is damaged beyond repair and are surprised to find that the wood simply needs some TLC to look brand new again, the couple said. The best bet, Claudio Gonzalez said, is to call and schedule a free consultation and estimate. HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012
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Experience matters BY ELIZABETH KELLY Following in the footsteps of his great uncle, who first established the business in 1928, Brad Buchser took over managing AAwnings & Sunrooms of Distinction in 1989, and has been running the company since. With help from his wife, Susie, and one foreman, Buchser does most of the work himself. “I subcontract out a little electrical,” he said, “but basically I do everything myself.” When the Buchsers moved from West Los Angeles to Sequim in 1996, they brought the company and the experience of working in the business with them. Being a fourth-generation designer and builder, Buchser plans, sells and installs sunrooms, awnings, solar screens,
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AAwnings AA i & SSunrooms off Di Distinction ti ti 141 Timberline Drive, Sequim, WA 98382 360-681-2727 • asodinc@gmail.com • www.asodinc.com wind walls, railings and decks. He said he takes pride in his work and always offers value, excellent craftsmanship and honest sales in every job he undertakes. One of his most successful products is the exterior solar screen. “They began first in Europe,” Buchser said, but then companies started to distribute them to the U.S. and dealers in passive solar climate control began selling them. Passive solar takes advantage of the heat from the sun in the winter and resists the heat in the summer months. An exterior solar screen conserves energy by allowing filtered light to come into your home, thereby reducing the amount of harmful UV radiation by as much as 98 percent, while also cool-
ing the temperature in glassed, sunlit rooms up to 25 degrees, he said. The screens are made to be operated by a remote control device or manually by a pull cord. The darker-toned screens are easier to see through in daylight, but either offers the same control of sunlight that penetrates the glass. Awnings also can reduce temperature by 20 degrees or more. Buchser designs and installs both fabric and aluminum awnings. When it comes to sunrooms and solariums, “they are a unique entity,” Buchser said. The building code has been updated to include them, he explained. Sunrooms are made from a variety of solar-cooled glass, titanium coatings and
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At right, Brad Buchser in his office at AAwnings & Sunrooms of Distinction.
Brad Buchser working on a sunroom addition. HOME IMPROVEMENT
aluminum or wood framing. They are different from room additions, which have to have at least one solid wall, he said. In designing a sunroom, you “really need to know your business,” Buchser said. The energy savings depends on which way the room faces, he added. “The first thing I try to find out is just what the customer wants,” Buchser said. “When done right, a sunroom provides an environment specific to the needs and wants of the customer,” he said, and every house is different. Do they want an entertainment room, a garden room, a solarium, a greenhouse or something else? he asked. Then he went on to say that the most important thing he, as a designer, can do is to listen carefully to what the customer says. He usually does a sketch of what he hears from the customer on the spot and takes time to consider all the logistics of the project, such as the direction of the sun and prevailing winds. A thermally designed sunroom will increase the beauty and value of any home, he said. He further added that a lot of his business comes from having to repair improperly designed and installed sunrooms. “We have to go in and fix a lot of poorly constructed work,” he said. Buchser said that in over 43 years of working in the business he has never had an L&I (Labor and Industry) infraction. He likes living on the peninsula because he can talk face-to-face with people and he gets to create exactly what the customer wants. He wants to promote local industry and feels that educating the consumer is beneficial to everyone. One thing that would be of help to people is for them to know how to control their contractors, he said. “People have to stage their payments according to performance,” he explained. Many companies want 100 percent of the money for a project up front and some people end up getting stung by that, he added. Even though his business has been down due to the slow economy, Buchser said he and his company are doing fine. He has cut his staff and is tightening the belt in other ways. “Owe no man anything but love and good works,” is his motto, he said.
Exterior bronze-toned sun screen Wednesday, February 22, 2012 • 13
Electrical hazards in every home BY JERRY KRAFT Common electricity may be the scariest and most dangerous hazard in your home. Because we use it every day and take it for granted and because in our increasingly technology-heavy world virtually everything we own plugs into the wall, chances are most people never give it a thought until something bad happens. That something bad can be anything from a light shock to a major power outage to literally burning down your house. The good news is that many of those dangers can be easily prevented, and simply with a greater awareness of how you’re using your electricity, you can make your home safer for everyone living there. Scott Smasal is an electrician with more than 20 years of experience, and as the owner of Extra Mile Tech and Electrical, he has great knowledge of the electrical problems, needs and hazards found in everyday life. I was a bit surprised at how obvious his first “danger” was. “Extension cords,” Smasal said, without hesitation. “There are so many ways they are misused.”
He explained that many people simply will run an extension cord from the wall outlet to a portable heater without ever considering how much power the heater is drawing as opposed to the capacity of the cord. It also is common for people to plug two or more extension cords end to end without recognizing that the increased distance reduces the capacity of the cord. Most common extension cords are intended for light usage, for a lamp or a TV set or a single appliance. When you plug one into an appliance with great draw, like a heater or a hair dryer, you are likely to overheat the cord and that can cause a fire in and of itself.
Warning! Special caution should be taken with electric space heaters. You never should use an extension cord to plug one of these heaters into a power source. There have been numerous house fires due to such heaters having been plugged into extension cords due to the extreme amount of wattage they carry and the amount of amperage they use. Instead, they should be plugged into separate outlets in your walls, but be careful not to exceed the amperage rating on that circuit. If the circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows on the circuit you are plugged into, unplug the heater at once and try another circuit with heavier wiring.
14 • Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Cords in poor condition, with worn or damaged coverings, also can result in shocks, especially if there is any moisture on the surface. Especially during the holidays, people will use light, indoor extension cords for outdoor decorations. It also is common for people to plug two or more appliances into an extension cord just because there are multiple outlets at the end. People also tend to circumvent a grounded cord outlet to use a two-prong outlet. That is done either by cutting off the grounding post or using a three-prong to twoprong adaptor. In either case, it defeats the purpose of a grounding wire and allows the plug to be inserted into the opposite polarity intended. Along those lines, the use of GFI circuits can make outlets near water sources much safer. These outlets, now
required near sinks, exterior outlets or in shops, have a circuit breaker built into the outlet to cut off power if there is any sort of short. While it may be a minor irritation to have your power cut off because of an overload, it is a great long-term protection. Homeowners also should keep that in mind when they are tempted to increase the resistance of the fuses in a fuse box. While it may prevent pesky power cutoffs, it does nothing to decrease the power draw or the heat building up on your wiring. As for the question of wiring, I asked Smasal how a homeowner knows if it’s time to have the wiring in the home inspected. “If the power goes on and off, that’s a sign,” Smasal said, “Or if you have bad smells, especially that distinctive smell of hot electricity. If you’ve ever smelled it, you know what that means. It’s like nothing else. Also, if there are strange noises coming from your outlets or your appliances, or heat coming from switches or panel covers.” On the outside of your house if you see frayed wires, or if tree branches have fallen on wires and stayed there for some time, or if you have any indication that there might be moisture interfering with any of your electrical service, it‘s time to call an electrician.
Safety Reminder
Discard or repair extension cords that are missing ground connections, show signs of extreme wear or have cuts and bare wires exposed from the outside coating of the cord. Drop cords without ground connections can be dangerous to the user. Nicks and bare, exposed wires can cause electrical shock when users pick up the cord with their hands or wind an extension cord up to put it away. “Mostly, if you have old wiring, or you’re concerned about the safety of your wiring, have someone come in and look at it,” Smasal said, “It’s not expensive and it can prevent much, much larger problems.” Along with these common sense approaches to your electrical usage, Smasal also emphasized the importance of smoke alarms. “Current standards are to have one in each bedroom, one outside each bedroom and one at the highest point in the house. They should all be tied together and connected to a battery backup.” Anyone who has ever moved into an older house or apartment probably is aware of how many fewer outlets there were than in a modern place. We have so many electrical appliances, so many gadgets and entertainment and technological devices that it’s very easy to just
assume that as long as you can plug it into someplace and it works, everything is fine. The most important thing for us to remember about the vital electricity that powers our lives is that it is, first and foremost, a power, and that we always must be aware that it is being used safely. Editor’s note: See Page 16 for a list of electrical hazard warning signs. HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012
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There are more opportunities for electrical hazards in homes and businesses than one might imagine. If you experience any of these warning signs, act immediately by contacting a licensed electrician, or if an emergency, call 9-1-1 for the fire department. • Power outages — Fuses need replacement or circuit breakers need resetting frequently. • Electrical panel — Contains fuses or circuit breakers rated at higher currents than the ampacity (current capacity) of their branch circuits, sometimes called over-amped or overfused. • Dim/flickering lights — Lights dim or the size of your television picture shrinks often. • Arcs/sparks — Bright light flashes or showers of sparks anywhere in your electrical system. • Sizzles/buzzes — Unusual sounds from the electrical system. • Overheating — Parts of your electrical system, such as switch plates, receptacle outlet covers, cords or plugs, may be warm but never should be
hot, painful to touch or discolored from heat. • Odors — Burned or overheated wires often give off an odor of hot insulation. • Permanently installed extension cords — Used to extend the home wiring system for a long period instead of being used temporarily to connect some appliance with a cord too short to reach the receptacle outlet. • Loose plugs — Attachment plugs that wobble or pull out of a receptacle easily. • Damaged insulation — Cut, broken or cracked insulation on any type of cord or wiring. • Electrical shocks — Any shock, even a mild tingle, may be a warning of danger — electrocution. From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Guide to Home Wiring Hazards. See www. cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/518.pdf.
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Heating your home effectively and responsibly Everwarm Hearth & Home brings warmth to peninsula residents BY ASHLEY MILLER Business is heating up at Everwarm Hearth & Home. After a much-needed expansion and remodel about one year ago, the family owned company has more to offer than ever before. In addition to traditional steel, elegant European-style and contemporary stoves, fireplaces and inserts, Everwarm also sells and has on display wood, gas and electric combo cook stoves, windows, shower doors, custom mirrors, fireplace mantles, solar tubes and skylights. Everwarm Hearth & Home was established in 1977 when owner Terry McCartney bought an insulation machine from a friend. He used it on his own home and then started bidding jobs for other people on the side. By 1981, McCartney was in business full-time. From there, things just kept looking up. In 1982,
18 • Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Everwarm Hearth & Home 257151 Highway 101, Port Angeles, WA 98362 452-3366 Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Website: www.everwarmhh.com he added windows to the product and service lines and then stoves two years after that. Most recently, the company expanded by carrying and installing custom frameless showers. After McCartney bought the building Everwarm currently is located in eight years ago, he agreed to rent a portion of it to the friend and fellow business owner he purchased it from. Meanwhile, he was running both the former Port Angeles branch and the new center located between Sequim and Port Angeles. After one year, McCartney decided the
central branch was thriving and closed the one in Port Angeles. Finally, when his tenants announced they were closing their business, McCartney set in motion his plan to expand and remodel. “It’s completely redone,” he said proudly. “We keep adding new things.” Because Everwarm Hearth & Home has been in business longer than any other stove company on the Olympic Peninsula, it’s got the best products and selection, according to McCartney. Not to mention the fact that McCartney and his employees all are certified with the National Institute of Fire Engineering and Safety. “It’s not rocket science but 95 percent of our contractors have us install (stoves) for them,” McCartney said. “Yes, people can do it themselves but we do it every day, are factory trained and can guarantee our work.” HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012
At left, the newly remodeled building of Everwarm Hearth & Home shows customers what different stoves, fireplaces and inserts might look like in their homes, including this fireplace positioned below a flat screen television. Below, Terry McCartney, owner of Everwarm Hearth & Home, heats up the showroom by starting an open fire with one of the floor model wood-burning stoves. Photos by Ashley Miller
Despite the store’s wide variety of products, wood stoves remain the most popular and cheapest heating source for the area, according to McCartney. Each fall, McCartney creates a cost sheet that shows how expensive it is to heat with electricity, propane, pellets and wood. His latest research showed that to create 1 million BTUs it costs: $34 using gas propane, $24 using pellets, $19 using electricity and just $13 using wood. Despite its increased expense, propane is the second most popular heating source with Everwarm customers. “Gas is still a very popular heating source, the advantage being that you get instant heat at the flick of a switch and you don’t have to store wood,” McCartney said. “Plus, you don’t lose your heating source when the electricity goes out and once you have a propane tank
you can add other appliances to the line.” Pellet stoves offer the most even heat flow throughout the day but have the disadvantage of not working without power. While some people still use baseboard heaters in their homes, they are “outdated and not very efficient,” McCartney said. Everwarm Hearth & Home doesn’t stock baseboard heaters or electric heat pumps. “A lot of people building their
dream house will install a wood fireplace and a gas fireplace,” McCartney noted. In addition to selling and installing fireplaces, stoves and inserts, Everwarm cleans and inspects chimneys. New and existing customers are encouraged to schedule a free consultation: McCartney will walk through the entire house to discuss problem areas, create a cost-effective plan and help customers make educated decisions they’ll be happy with forever. “I like to look at the whole house and find out what the customer is thinking about,” McCartney said. “Does the house have good insulation? Are the windows old? That all makes a difference on the stove that we put in a home.” With so many customers choosing wood as their primary heating source, McCartney has some words of advice.
Everwarm Hearth & Home owner Terry McCartney and office staff Shelby Dumas, Nata Baars, Linda Alger and Dan Wilson, left to right, greet customers.
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What’s the most effective way to heat a home? According to Terry McCartney, owner of Everwarm Hearth & Home, to create 1 million BTUs, it costs: • $34 using gas propane • $24 using pellets • $19 using electricity • $13 using wood.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012 • 19
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The staff at Everwarm Hearth & Home prides itself on excellent customer service, superior products and reasonable prices. First and foremost, burn only dry “seasoned” wood. “In the Northwest, dry wood is defined as being cut, split and stacked a full year off the ground and under a shed with a roof,” he said. “Then, when you make a fire let the flames fully engulf the wood before you damper it down. If you hear a hissing sound, the wood is still wet.” The advantages of burning dry wood are threefold: the fire burns hotter and creates more BTUs, less creosote builds up in the chimney and it’s better for the environment, McCartney said. “Most people don’t know it, but you should only see visible smoke coming from the chimney for the first 20 minutes after starting a fire,” he said. “If smoke is vis-
Everwarm Hearth & Home, located directly off the highway between Sequim and Port Angeles, has a large selection of stoves, fireplaces, inserts, mantels, windows, shower doors and more on display and for sale. ible all day, it’s not burning hot enough.” Another mistake wood burning customers often make is to use artificial logs that are designed for open fires and “gum up” stoves, McCartney cautioned. “You can, however, burn sawdust logs that don’t contain any glue or artificial binders and can burn anywhere from three to 12 hours,” he said. In fact, McCartney advises wood stove owners to use such logs rather than burn wet wood.
“Using wood responsibly is actually a very ‘green’ thing to do.” Employee Linda Alger has worked in the office at Everwarm for five years. She describes McCartney as “an absolute peach to work for” and commends him on his “do it right or make it right” attitude. “In a community this size you don’t stay in business if you don’t make people happy,” Alger said. “He wants to do it right every time.”
Tax credit and deduction tips for home improvement in 2012 With the new year under way, you may be thinking about needed home improvements and how you’ll use your credit to fund them. While it’s important to understand your credit before making major home improvement decisions, you also should consider another kind of credit — tax credits for energy efficient home improvements. For the past few years, the federal government has offered tax credits for certain home improvements aimed at increasing a home’s energy efficiency. While the most popular and generous tax credits, such as the one that allowed you to claim up to 30 percent of improvements such as a new roof or hot water heater, have expired, you still can get credit for other significant energyefficient improvements. According to www.EnergyStar.gov, you can claim a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost of installing a geothermal heat pump, small wind turbine or solar HOME IMPROVEMENT
energy system in your home. The credit has no upper limit and applies to both existing homes and new construction, but not to rental properties. This credit is good until Dec. 31, 2016. You also can get a credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of residential fuel cells, up to $500 per 0.5 kilowatts of power capacity, www.EnergyStar.gov says. This credit is also available until Dec. 31, 2016. While the initial cost of these improvements may seem significant, they can dramatically decrease home energy bills in the long run. Depending on the type of home improvement or repair you undertake, you also may be able to claim a deduction on your taxes. Before launching a significant home repair or improvement, it may pay to consult with your tax accountant to see what, if any, portion of the cost may be deductible. And, as you do home repairs throughout the year,
keep receipts and discuss the improvements and possible deductions with your accountant when he or she is preparing your tax return. Knowing ahead of time which, if any, tax credits or deductions your home improvement may qualify for can help you make a better decision about how to use credit to fund the work. Since how you use credit affects your overall credit score, knowing the cost of a project before starting it can help you better manage your credit. If you’re unsure how a home improvement project may affect your credit score, credit reporting websites can help you understand your credit. They often offer a credit score estimator that can help you understand how big financial decisions, like applying for a home improvement loan, may affect your credit score. To learn more about tax credits for energy efficient home improvements,
visit www.EnergyStar.gov. To learn more about tax deductions, visit www. IRS.gov. You can find a list of regional tax credits, rebates and savings at energy.gov/savings.
REBATE PROGRAMS Clallam County PUD offers rebates to qualifying homeowners for the following energy-efficiency measures: • EnergyStar® appliances • High-efficiency fixtures • Rebates for EnergyStar® manufactured homes • Weatherization Visit www.clallampud.net/conservation/, call 565-3249 or 800-542-7859 x249 or e-mail utility.services.info@ clallampud.net. Wednesday, February 22, 2012 • 21
window
energy efficiency
22 • Wednesday, February 22, 2012
BY JERRY KRAFT Replacing the windows in your home can be one of the most cost-effective things you can do to decrease heating costs, raise the comfort level of your home and improve its appearance and value. There also are incentive programs available through the government and local utilities to lower the cost. Ward Dunscomb, the president of Glass Services Company of Port Angeles, has a great deal of experience in the costs and details of replacing your home windows. “To be eligible for the rebate programs it must be an existing single-family home or apartment with either single-pane windows or double-pane windows in aluminum frames. Doubleframe windows in wood frames or vinyl frames are not eligible,” Dunscomb said, “The difference in heating efficiency between old winGlass Services dows and the new window products Company is at we offer is amazing.” 255652 Highway He explained that using the stan101, just outside Port Angeles. dard “R” rating system for insulating efficiency of a single-pane glass window is rated at R-0.5, double-pane aluminum at 1.5 and standard, modern windows at 3.3 to 3.5. There even are triple-pane products with an efficiency rating of R-5. “We’re going to be doing a project soon where we’re taking out R-3 windows to put in new R-5’s,” Dunscomb said. There are many, many kinds of glass to choose from in choosing efficient new windows. Replacing old windows can be a real financial benefit. “By just doing windows you can lower your heating cost by 20-25 percent,” Dunscomb said. “The rebate is $6 per square foot of window area. It covers about 20-25 percent of the whole project. On the average they can pay for the investment through savings in heat and electricity over a 7-9 year period.” How do you know when it’s time to replace your windows? First, ask yourself if your windows get condensation or frost build-up. “If owners cover their windows on the inside, it’s likely that they will create a “dead air” space which will encourage condensation,” Dunscomb said, “but if the window condenses on its own, you need to think about replacing it.” He explained that condensation is a natural function of the house, with moisture coming up from the foundation and through the floor and joining with the moisture generated inside the house. That comes from washing machines, hot water heaters, cooking, baths and showers and so forth. If the house is well Modern vinyl windows can increase the beauty and efficiency of your home and save you a lot of money over the years. There are many kinds of energy-efficient glass to choose from, increasing the heating efficiency and beauty of your home. HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012
Glass Services Company has years of experience in energy-efficient glass replacement. Ward Dunscomb believes they’ve probably done more homes than anyone else in the county.
insulated and the windows are energy efficient, that condensation should not accumulate on the windows. There are other ways to determine if you need new windows. If the inside of the window is cold to the touch in the winter or warm to the touch in the summer, that suggests that it is not insulating properly. If sitting next to the window feels colder than the rest of the house, it also suggests that the glass is not properly insulated. You can take a lighted candle and hold it so the flame is in line with the window frame and slowly trace the frame. If the flame flickers at any point there probably is a draft, cold air coming in. You also can examine your windows for obvious signs like cracks or breaks in the glass and drying or damage in the frames. If windows won’t open or close easily, or stay closed, it’s probably a sign that the frame is damaged. There have been enormous advances in window technology in the past couple of decades and if your windows are older than that, you may very well want an appraisal from a company like Glass Services. In addition to energy savings and heating costs, modern windows increase the value of your home and make it a more comfortable and healthy place to live.
“We’ve been in business since 1981 and we’ve probably weatherized more homes in this county than anyone else,” Dunscomb said. “I know the products and the applications and I’ve done it hundreds and hundreds of times. There are many companies doing this work in the area, but they are not all expert window installers. We’re here, we’ve been here and we’re going to be here. This is what we do. And we do it really well. Word of mouth is the best advertising and we have a great reputation. We’re not always the cheapest, but we’re always the best.”
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When it comes to home improvement, most homeowners have two “to-do” lists: the things they need to do, such as paint the shutters and clean out gutters, and the list of those they want to do, such as fun and easy projects that add visual interest or practical enhancements to the outdoors. Since budgets for both lists usually are limited, it makes sense to seek out projects that are easy, affordable and that create the most impact in a short amount of time. Spring outdoor projects often show up on both lists. Upgrades can provide a welcoming retreat for your family or can improve your home’s marketability and appeal to potential buyers when it comes time to sell. Fortunately, it’s easy to find simple projects that take only a weekend and a modest budget to accomplish. “Adding elements like planter boxes and raised garden beds is a great way of creating impact without a huge commitment of time,” says home improvement expert Mark Clement, co-host of “My Fix it Up Life” which airs nationally, on iTunes, Blog Talk Radio and at MyFixit UpLife.com. Clement offers some easy tips to help guide weekend projects that anyone can build:
Spruce-up projects
it-yourselfers to inject some personality that transforms the look from simple to elaborate and tie into the character and style of your home. “Even if you’ve never built a box, you can create a classic look by adding a bit of thin trim to the top and bottom of the box,” Clement said. “You also can buy wooden brackets to support the window box for a more traditional look.”
Simple structures
YOU CAN TACKLE THIS SPRING Raised bed gardens
Some of the most abundant vegetable, herb and cut-flower gardens grow exceptionally well in raised beds because there is less soil compaction and they allow for excellent drainage. While raised beds are extremely functional, they also can add style to your yard and garden. Their organized appearance lends a structural element, particularly if you construct them with quality materials like cedar. “By carefully selecting the right materials, your garden bed will last longer and look better. Western red cedar is a good
choice because it is easy to work with, rot-resistant, and it ages beautifully and maintains its shape and strength over the years, even when exposed to extreme weather,” Clement said.
Window and planter boxes
An easy and fun green project, wood planter boxes can be built in an afternoon. Whether arranged in a group or hung as window boxes, they instantly add a warm texture and welcoming touch to your front porch or backyard deck when filled with foliage. This project allows do-
For those looking to tackle a bigger project, invite friends over and make it a do-it-yourself project party. From small decks to barbeque platforms or front door arbors to backyard gazebos, gather friends to help assemble projects that create new spaces and places to entertain or dress up your outdoors. “I love to make things that give my yard and home a finished touch,” Clement said. “And making something as a project makes it truly yours and a part of your home — something you can be proud of and really enjoy.” For detailed steps on how to construct these projects, visit: www.youtube.com/ user/WRCLA/featured. ARA CONTENT
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Kitsap (360) 307-7822 - Clallam (360) 683-3901 - Jefferson (360) 385-5354 SATURDAY CALLS ALSO AVAILABLE *See your independent Trane dealer for complete program eligibility, details and restrictions. Offers valid 02/01/2012 - 03/14/2012 on qualifying systems only. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. The Home Projects Visa card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. 0%/12 Months: Regular minimum monthly payments are required during the special terms period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the APR for Purchases if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. 0% APR/60 Months: The minimum monthly payment will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the special terms period. For newly opened accounts, the regular APR is 27.99%. The APR will vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate. The regular APR is given as of 1/10/2012. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. The regular APR will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.0% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Monthly payment if shown based on $7,100 purchase.
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BY KELLY MCKILLIP Peninsula Nursery has been a presence on the Olympic Peninsula since 1989 when Roger Fell and Douglas Cockburn brought their landscaping and nursery businesses b together. h Eventually, ll Fell ll beb came the sole owner and in 1996 moved the nursery to Sequim-Dungeness Way. Due to family illness in 2004, Fell sold the business to Henery’s Garden Center. Making a full circle, he bought the nursery back in August 2011. Fell maintains two business philosophies that have held him in good stead over the years. The first is: “The best way to keep prices down is to grow plants yourself.” In the time gap between operating the retail nursery, Fell bought a farm on Cays Road and set out to grow trees and shrubs. The timely closing of a local lavender farm allowed him to buy up the inventory and add an entire new line to his business. The farm, which is managed by Fell’s daughter, Jessica, boasts 22,000 square feet of greenhouses cultivating ornamental grasses, perennials and shrubs as well as 80-plus varieties of lavender which are shipped all over the country. “You can’t sell it if you don’t have it,” is Fell’s second rule of business. To that end, the nursery retains a large stock of popular trees, bushes, shrubs, pond plants, perennials and seasonal plants for the home gardener. In addition to the usual and customary, Fell always is on the lookout for unusual and remarkable plants such as the new variety of sweet, high oil lavender that is much less harsh than the common Grosso variety. The plants, which are propagated from tissue cultures, came from New Zealand by way
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Retail manager Angie Webster and Peninsula Nursery owner Roger Fell stand ready to help the home gardener create a beautiful landscape. Photos by Kelly McKillip HOME IMPROVEMENT
This Himalayan rhododendron is one of the unique plants at Peninsula Nursery. It has leaves up to 30 inches long and it can grow to 30 feet tall. Wednesday, February 22, 2012 • 27
Angie Webster demonstrates the correct technique for pruning rose bushes. of The Netherlands and Canada. Peninsula Nursery will be the first in the U.S. to have this unique plant, which is prized for culinary use. Fell also has many rhododendron varieties that range from plants 1 inch tall with pea-size leaves to a form from the Himalayas with 30-inch leaves and a potential height of 30 feet. A new rare conifer area is being designed to feature trees on consignment from Wells Nursery in Mount Vernon. For the gardener whose tastes run tropical, Peninsula Nursery has hardy banana trees on the premises. These ornamental specimens are tricky but have been grown successfully in Port Townsend. Native plants always are on the recommended list and Fell especially likes vine maple, which has great fall color and is easy to grow. For the intrepid, he carries the rare and razor sharp Sequim cactus. Fell travels monthly to Oregon and the east side of Puget Sound to buy landscaping materials for the many professional landscapers he supplies. He is happy to look for special order items for home gardeners during these trips. For customers who don’t know how to care for their plants, referrals to professionals can be made. Fell stresses that irrigation is critical for a healthy garden.
An additional how-to resource is Peninsula’s friendly and helpful retail manager Angie Webster. Webster has nearly 10 years experience and is a Certified Horticultural Professional. Roses are great favorites in the Northwest and Webster is gearing up to receive 800 of the beloved bushes. Webster advises that late February, when the forsythia blooms, is the perfect time for rose aficionados to sharpen their pruning shears and remember the 3 D’s: diseased, deranged and damaged, when removing old canes. Further assistance to the home landscaper will arrive in the form of spring classes covering a variety of topics including pruning, planting and disease control. Peninsula Nursery also has garden sculptures and containers during the growing season. Fell has found a surprising source for beautiful and reasonably
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HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012
priced pots in Vietnam, where he was sent to fight a war nearly 50 years ago. Despite three recent trips to Asia, he’s still untangling the thorny export rules but hopes to have the unique pottery available for customers in the future. Fell and his staff take pride in providing excellent plants and service. Many of the local landscaping professionals use Peninsula Nursery exclusively. One of those, Tom Rankin, of Optimal Natural Arrangement, who created all of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s landscaping projects, has worked with Fell for 30 years and considers him a great plant broker, honest and courteous. The staff of Peninsula Nursery is ready to help local gardeners make their landscapes beautiful. They feel gratified and grateful that so many of their former retail customers have stopped in to say they’re glad that Peninsula Nursery has returned. Peninsula Nursery is at 1060 Sequim-Dungeness Way. Visit on the web at www.pen.nurseries.com or call 681-7953. Winter hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and expand to 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday in the warmer months.
Peninsula Nursery is conveniently located near the roundabout on Sequim-Dungeness Way.
There’s still lots of winter left!
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Upgrading your home into
Home Sweet Home
Home sweet home. With more homeowners deciding to stay put in their homes, rather than attempting to sell in the current market, that old adage is more meaningful than ever. Staying put doesn’t mean homeowners are settling. Many are upgrading or redecorating their abodes, turning their old home into the stylish — yet comfortable — home sweet home they’ve dreamed of for many years. Upgrading and redecorating a house can be done in small steps, or in one overhaul, depending on your available
time and finances, and the upgrades you want to do. For example, redesigning your kitchen with new appliances, cabinetry, flooring and wall color will require a lot more time, money and decision making on your part than redecorating a bedroom with new linens, wall color and rearranged furniture. No matter if you want to have everything done in one large overhaul, or intend to spread your upgrades out over several years, you need to develop a working plan — one that can be tweaked constantly and updated as the project progresses. Here are some tips to get your working plan started: • Plan on a budget. You can develop a total budget for all the work you want to do, or an annual budget, which will help you divide up all the projects so you are able to afford them over a period of time. When planning your budget, it’s a good idea to overestimate the cost of a project by about 10 percent, just in case something unexpected pops up requiring additional cash. Many a home remodeler can tell you about the simple home improvement project that turned into something much bigger than originally anticipated.
• Set a timeline. This is to determine your availability to work on the project. If you find that you only have a day or two available, you probably will want to plan for a much smaller project. Or you may want to hire out any work you won’t be able to finish yourself. • Ask questions. As you get started in the planning of your project, talk to friends and family who have done something similar, as well as the ex-
perts at home improvement stores. The more information you have, the more prepared you will be to address issues as they arise. Staying in your current house and revamping it into that dream house you always wanted can really pay off. You may find yourself inviting family and friends to come and vacation at your house, so you can stay home and enjoy it.
#PENINP1981BQ
RICHARD PARKS
360 457 6759
REMODELING CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
“Working with people to create beautiful homes and environments.”
Our work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Southern Living Magazine and more
www.trisa.us ■
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360-681-5345
www.peninsulaproperties.biz
360-681-2442 220 CARLSBORG RD.
LIC# PENIN*961CF
COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION
SLIDING SCREENS
SCREEN DOORS
Many in-stock colors & textures • New oven accepts up to 18 feet In-House Prep & Media Blasting
WINDOW SCREENS
CUSTOM SCREENS
Auto • Motorcycle • Bicycles • Marine • RV • Lawn Furniture • Entry Gates & Railings
ROLLAWAY SCREENS
SOLAR SCREENS
503-C South 3rd Ave. • 360-681-5412 • Sequim
PET SCREENS
SCREEN ROOMS
30 • Wednesday, February 22, 2012
HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012
Missing shingles? Leaky roof? Don’t Worry.
There is always HOPE!
Metal Siding Composition TPO & Torchdown
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Decks ■
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Windows ■
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Skylights ■
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Restoring Homeowner Peace-of-Mind Since 1977 ■
Call
360
Reroofs & New Construction
Local, Family Owned and Operated ■
Repairs & Inspections
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Residential & Commercial
385.5653 today for a FREE estimate. ❘ Visit us online at
Drug Free Company
Cedar Shake & Shingle
Licensed. Bonded. Insured.
30th Annual
www.
hoperoofing.com Lic#:CCHOPERRC898RZ
Come See Us at Our Annual Home Show! Presented by
February 25-26, 2012 Over 180 Booths! HOME IMPROVEMENT
Saturday, 9am-5pm Sunday, 10am-4pm Port Angeles High School gyms FREE admission
Great Ideas For: ■ Building ■ Remodeling ■ Decorating ■ Lifestyle Wednesday, February 22, 2012 • 31
INTRODUCTORY SAVINGS!
HURRY - in stock only, while supplies last!
VAIL
LARSON
Available in 2 colors Reg. $649.99
Available in 2 colors Reg. $529.99
Recliner
Recliner
59999
$
$
47999
SHANE
ANDERSON
Available in 2 colors Reg. $499.99
Available in 2 colors Reg. $439.99
Recliner
44999
$
Recliner
37999
$
20-Year Warranty
200V FIRM OR PLUSH
FULL set reg. $177999 $160199 QUEEN set reg. $179999 $161999 KING set reg. $229999 $206999
300V 400V FIRM OR PLUSH FIRM OR PLUSH FULL set reg. $197999 $178199 FULL set reg. $247999 $223199 QUEEN set reg. $199999 $179999 QUEEN set reg. $249999 $224999 KING set reg. $249999 $224999 KING set reg. $299999 $269999
The Peninsula’s Largest Selection of Quality Home Furnishings
ANGELES FURNITURE 1114 East First • Port Angeles • 457-9412 • 1-800-859-0163 Mon. - Sat. 8:30 - 5:30 • www.angelesfurniture.com
32 • Wednesday, February 22, 2012
In Stock Only
HOME IMPROVEMENT 2012