SICBA 2024 Home & Garden

42nd Annual SICBA Home & Garden Show

Welcome to the 42nd Annual SICBA Home & Garden Show!

We’re so excited you’re here, where you’ll find the professionals and resources you need for all of your home and garden projects! With over a hundred exhibitors of all kinds you can tackle all of your improvements confidently with the help from local businesses and knowledgeable affiliates.

There’s truly something for everyone - to kick things off on Friday there will be a Line Dancing Class Party, FREE with entrance and delicious bites from some of our favorite food trucks! Saturday is packed with fun - bring the whole family out for birdhouse building, a LEGO contest, a Young Entrepreneur Vendor Market, make n’ take classes, a beekeeping seminar, and back by popular demand is our tasting event featuring local breweries and wineries. We welcome Ciscoe Morris back to the show on Sunday March 24th, speaking on spring gardening and answering questions.

Don’t forget to stop by the SICBA booth in the F Building to pick up a referral directory for contractors in both Skagit and Island Counties and learn more about who SICBA is and what we do.

Thanks for spending the weekend with us!

TICKETS

(One ticket is good for all 3 days)

Adults: $7

Military: $5

Seniors: $5

Children under 15 FREE

DIRECTIONS

Northbound on I-5:

Tickets & Parking - Page 3

Schedule of Events - Page 4

Sponsors - Page 5

Seminars - Page 5

Map - Page 6

Vendor Directory - Page 7

Food & Drink - Page 11

Family Events - Page 13

SICBA Stage - Page 17

About SICBA - Page 45

ARTICLES:

How to Finance Your Home Improvement Projects Page 9

How to Recycle Unwanted Household Items Page 18

Choosing the Right Professional to Help You Stay in Your Home Page 28

Technical Education Can Lead to a Fulfilling Career Page 32

PARKING

• FREE for the Home & Garden Show

• Parking is permitted in the South lot

• Disabled parking can be accessed at the North entrance puirchased in the South lot

• The North entrance is reserved for walk up or disabled parking only

Southbound on I-5:

From I-5 take Anderson Road Exit #225, LEFT off the Freeway on Anderson Rd, RIGHT at stop sign on Old Hwy 99 S, LEFT at the light on to Blackburn, RIGHT on Cleveland, LEFT on Taylor St. South Parking Lot is straight ahead.

From I-5 take Anderson Road Exit #225, RIGHT off the Freeway on Anderson Rd, RIGHT at stop sign on Old Hwy 99 S, LEFT at the light on to Blackburn, RIGHT on Cleveland, LEFT on Taylor St. South Parking Lot is straight ahead.

Rachel Patrick Patrick and Sons Construction and Excavation LLC 2024 Home and Garden Show Committee Chair

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY - March 22nd - 12 - 7pm

4:00 -7:00pm: LINE DANCING - Line dancing classes with Char from Lynden Line Dancers (SICBA Stage or Pavilion if it rains)

5:00 - 7:00pm: MAKE & TAKE CLASS - Painting by Island Girl Paint Party (A Building)

ALL DAY: Fairy House Scavenger Hunt (All Over Fairgrounds) & Bird House Building in the Pavilion until supplies run out

SATURDAY - March 23rd - 10am - 7pm

10:00 - 3:00pm: Young Entrepreneur Vendor Expo (B Building)

11:00 - 1:00pm: SEMINAR - Subtropical planting in the PNW by Seth Smith (A Building)

11:30 - 12:00pm: Lego Build Contest - Ages 5-8 (Pavilion)

12:30 - 1:00pm: Lego Build Contest - Ages 9-12 (Pavilion)

12:00 - 3:00pm: LIVE MUSIC - Savanna Woods (SICBA Stage)

3:00 - 7:00pm: TASTING EVENT - Beer, Wine, Cider, Spirits (C, D, F Buildings)

4:00 - 7:00pm: LIVE MUSIC - Enchantrix (SICBA Stage)

ALL DAY: Fairy House Scavenger Hunt (All Over Fairgrounds) & Bird House Building in the Pavilion until supplies run out

SUNDAY - March 24th - 10am - 4pm

11:00 - 1:00pm: SEMINAR - Beekeeping Basics by Seth Smith (A Building)

12:00 - 3:00pm: LIVE MUSIC - Pacific Twang (SICBA Stage)

1:30 - 3:30pm: SEMINAR - Ciscoe Morris - Ciscoe's Spring Garden Tips followed by Q & A session( A Building)

ALL DAY: Fairy House Scavenger Hunt (All Over Fairgrounds) & Bird House Building in the Pavilion until supplies run out.

www.SICBAHomeShow.com

SEMINAR in Building ‘A’

Sunday, March 24th @ 1:30-3:30

Stump the Chump

Enjoy a lively session of Question and Answer. Ciscoe will help all of your garden dilemmas. You may even win a prize but you have to answer one of Ciscoe’s tough garden stumpers.

About the Presenter Ciscoe is well known in the Pacific Northwest. He appears regularly on TV and radio, plus he writes for local publication. His book, Ask Ciscoe, was a best seller. When he is not speaking or writing, he is often gardening at his home in Northeast Seattle or off hosting a garden tour somewhere in the world.

Presenting Sponsor & Gate Sponsor: WECU

Tasting Event Sponsor:

PNW Construction & Energy Services

Lego® Contest Sponsor:

Smith Plumbing

Hospitality Room Sponsor:

Mountain Pacific Bank

Birdhouse Sponsor:

Connolly Construction

Entertainment Sponsor:

Seamlessly Gutters

Keller Supply Company

CISCOE MORRIS

Topic: Spring Gardening Tips plus Q & A and Book Signing.

John Piazza Jr Construction & Remodeling

SEMINAR in Building ‘A’

I’m a commercial beekeeper managing several thousand colonies in Skagit & Snohomish Counties, with over 15 years experience. I grow sub tropical plants such as figs citrus, avocado, guava, loquats, exotic berries, roots, and greens. Sub-Tropical

BOOTH

O113

C18

F15

C23

G11

D45-47

O101 D5 C5

C27 D1

F38-39

F35-36 D33

C13

D38-41

D26

O127

D44 G9

F32

D15-16

D17 C7

C15

C14

VENDOR

A.B’s Hillbilly Gyros

Adair Homes

All Serv Cleaning

Asphalt Sealcoating, Inc.

Augusta Lawn Care Services

Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing

Baxter Excavation & Tree Removal

Burtons Merch

Century 21 North Homes Realty

Cleaner Guys

Clearwater Systems

Complete Landscape Edging

Connolly Construction Company

Cozy Heating Inc.

Crawford Garage Doors Inc

Culligan

Cutco Cutlery

D Bennett Construction

Denali Plumbing

Devine Countertops LLC

DeWaard and Bode Appliances & Mattresses

Discount Fence

Donut Seed and Corney Dog Co.

Dry Guys Restoration

Eco-Restore Consulting & Design LLC

Elite Interiors & Design LLC

Evergreen Home Exteriors

Global Credit Union

Granite Transformations

GREAT FLOORS

Gutter Helmet by Lednor Home Solutions

Harley Exteriors

Heritage Homecraft, Inc.

HiDow

HVAC Pros of Skagit County LLC

Inspire Homes

Integrity Stonework

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel of Seattle

Johnny’s Septic Service

O128 D21

Kona Ice of Skagit Valley

Lautenbach Recycling

LeafFilter Gutter Protection

LeafGuard of Seattle

Lenz Enterprises

Liberty Lane Realty

Merry Maids

Misfit Menagerie Homestead & Apiary

Mt. Baker Roofing

Namaste Gardens

Natural Way Chiropractic

Olympus Containers / Circle A Trailers, LLC

Patrick and Sons Construction and Excavation LLC

Peaks NW Roofing

PNW Construction and Energy Services

Polar Bear Exterior Solutions

Puget Sound Energy

Purelight Power

Rainy Day Basement Systems

Red Barn Burgers and Hometown Grill

Renewal By Andersen

Ronk Brothers

Seamlessly Gutters LLC

ServiceMaster Cleaning by Roth

ShelfGenie

SHGeneral

Silverlode Gardens & Seed Company

Simple Streams

Skagit County Noxious Weed Control Board

Skagit Habitat for Humanity

Skagit Landscaping LLC

Skagit Plumbing

Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association

Stilly River Mechanical, Inc.

System Pavers

Tandem Wheels Photography

Topside Roofing and Siding

Urban Blossom & Co

USA Insulation

US Bank

Valentine Roofing

WECU

Western Solar Inc.

How to Finance Your Home Improvement Projects

Saving up for a specific project and using those funds is the ideal way to pay for a home upgrade. However, that isn’t always possible, and you may need to apply for financing instead. In this article, we’ll explore several options for financing home improvement projects.

Credit Cards

Credit cards can be a convenient option for financing smaller home improvement projects or purchasing appliances. Many credit cards offer 0% APR Annual Percentage Rate periods, allowing you to make purchases without accruing interest for a specific period. Additionally, some credit cards offer rewards programs, allowing you to earn cashback or points on your home improvement purchases.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

by Paul Cover WECU Home Lending Skagit County

A HELOC allows homeowners to borrow against the equity of their home. Unlike traditional loans, a HELOC allows you to access funds as needed, pay interest only on what’s borrowed, and repay the balance over time. This makes it an ideal option for financing ongoing or unforeseen home improvement projects like a new HVAC or kitchen remodel. HELOCs typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards, making them a costeffective, flexible, and secure financial solution.

Home Equity Loan

Similar to a HELOC, a home equity loan allows homeowners to borrow against the equity of their home. However, unlike a HELOC, a home equity loan provides a lump sum payment with a fixed interest rate and predetermined repayment term. This makes it a suitable option for those who want to know exactly what your monthly payment will be and when you can expect to pay your loan off.

Pros

• Welcome bonuses and rewards programs like cash back or points

• 0% APR cards allow you to not pay interest if you pay back the balance within the introductory time period

• Flexibility to spend funds up to your limit as you need it

Pros

• May have lower interest rates than other financing options

- during the draw period, you may only be required to pay the interest on the amount borrowed

• Flexible repayment options with terms from 1-20 years.

• Pay only on the amount you use, not the total equity available

Pros

• Fixed interest rates ensure your monthly payments won’t change

• Payments are for a set period of time

• Lump sum payment can be beneficial for large, one-time expenses

Cons

• Interest rates are high if you do not pay off your monthly balance

• Easy to overspend

• Annual fees are common

• Not the best option for large projects

Cons

• Requires prudency to ensure measured borrowing to keep balances in check.

• Secured to your home increasing risk if the loan goes into default.

Cons

• If your property value declines, it could impact your ability to refinance in the short term.• You risk losing your home if you default on your loan

• Home equity loans may come with closing costs which can add to the overall cost of borrowing

• Lack of flexibility- lump sum payment requiring full payments from inception vs a HELOC that lets you borrow as needed from your available line.

continued on page 40

Don’t forget to stop by the food trucks!

Food Vendors are indicated with the Dining Icon on pages 6 & 7.

Tasting Event Sponsor

MAKING ASPHALT GREAT AGAIN

Asphalt Sealing & Crack Sealing

Parking Lot Striping & Maintenance

SERVING WHATCOM, SKAGIT, ISLAND AND SNOHOMISH COUNTIES!

CALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

Tickets can be purchased at www.SICBAHomeShow.com

We use Heavy Duty Sealers blended specifically for the Northwest. Made in the state of Washington.

Heavy Duty Sealer Fibers are added for reinforcement creating a more durable coating. Highly Durable Sealer provides a tough surface reducing power steering marks. Our sealer is formulated specifically to protect and enhance asphalt pavement surfaces. Commercial or residential parking areas. We will beautify your Asphalt with a new protective black finish .

BOOTH C-27

Saturday - ALL DAY

Hunt for a fairy house in the C, D, and F buildings

LEGO® CONTEST

Kids ages 5-8 will compete at 11:30 pm.

Kids ages 9-12 will compete at 12:30 pm.

• Each participant will receive a Classic Lego® Medium Box of 484 Legos® and a 10 x 10 Lego® pad. Every box of Legos® is the exact same.

• Participants will have 30 minutes to build a “building.” To be qualified, the structure must have a door or a place for a door.

• Judging will take place privately after the final session.

• Ribbons will be awarded in the Pavilion at 2pm, Saturday.

Danielle

Inman

Saturday, March 23rd

- 3

Line Dancing Classes

Line Dancing classes by Charlene (Char)

Lenn of Lynden Line Dancers

Savanna Woods

Former contestant on The Voice, Local Stanwood favorite, singer/ songwriter plays ‘Americana Grunge’ both folksy and raspy rocker.

A big Thank You to the sponsors of SICBA Stage and Musical Guests!

Enjoy Live Music!

Friday, March 22

4 to 7

Line Dancing Classes

Enchantrix

Guitar driven, awesome female vocals, and a big sound.

Pacific Twang plays Country, Swamp Rock and Americana, featuring beautiful vocal harmonies and stellar musicianship.

Saturday, March 23

12 to 3

Savanna Woods

Saturday, March 23 4 to 7

Enchantrix

Sunday, March 26 12 to 3

Pacific Twang

How to Recycle Unwanted Household Items

by Charles W. Crider Executive Officer, SICBA

Your home may be filled with items that are no longer useful but can potentially be manufactured into new products. Not only will getting rid of household items declutter your home, it also will help reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve natural resources and create jobs in recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States. Before you toss out your unwanted household items, consider recycling the following:

Glass: Bottles, jars and non-food glass containers such as perfume or face creams are recyclable. It is important to clean and dry items before recycling them. Leftover particles or liquids can contaminate other recyclables. Corks should be removed from bottles and can be composted.

Larger glass items such as vases, glass drinking cups, window glass and glass cookware cannot be recycled. Lightbulbs are also not recyclable.

Paper: Beyond documents, many types of paper can be recycled. Mixed paper is a common household item and can include discarded mail, magazines and cardboard. Your home office may contain recyclable content such as letterhead, files, phone books, copier paper or envelopes. Shredded paper is recyclable. Do not recycle paper that is wet, greasy or soiled. Tainted paper is unsuitable for reuse.

Large Appliances:

Even if a household item does not fit snug in a curbside pickup container it still may be acceptable for recycling. Large household appliances such as stoves, washing machines, refrigerators or dishwashers are eligible for recycling. Appliances contain metal that can be reclaimed. You may be eligible for a rebate from a local retailer or utility company if you turn in your old appliance for a new energy-efficient unit. Your local waste management or public works department may have curbside pick-up available. Local scrap metal recyclers may be interested in your old appliances as well.

Hazardous Materials:

Toxic materials should be carefully disposed of to prevent harm to people or the environment. Older materials found in your home, garage or shed can be considered dangerous, such as paint stripper with the newly banned toxic chemical methylene chloride. This type of toxic substance should be removed from your home with the appropriate personal protective clothing such as gloves. Empty containers may have hazardous residual chemicals. If your community does not have a local hazardous material recycling center or designated days for pickup, some businesses could properly dispose the substance. For example, some garages may accept used motor oil for recycling. continued on page 41

Is your small backyard causing you planning problems? Not sure how to make the most of the space?

If you have a small backyard, you may be wondering how to design your garden and still have enough space for kids and friends. You needn’t worry. There are many ways to enjoy nature and the great outdoors, even if you have a small backyard. With well-arranged flowers, decorative pottery, and small shaded areas for entertaining, you can transform your small, cluttered yard into a beautiful oasis.

Small Backyard Landscaping

Before you start landscaping the backyard, check it out from all angles. Write down the features you want to get rid of and the ones you want to showcase. Here, you also need to take into consideration the architecture of your home, so that you plant shrubs and flowers that complement the style and design.

Relaxing Backyard

Even if you have a small backyard, you can still install a pergola. Get a customized DIY pergola kit that comes with precut parts and all the hardware and instructions you require to set it up.

continued on page 35

Landscaping Ideas for Small Backyards

Small Backyard Plans for Simple Living

People today are leading busy lives. This hardly leaves time for things we enjoy. So, people are choosing an avenue towards simple living. Taking this concept a little further, and set the stage for simple planting.

This basically means not cluttering up your small backyard. Instead, space out the tree and shrubs in such a way that there is still sufficient space to move around and create a haven that becomes your escape for privacy, quiet, and tranquility when you want it. Moreover, when deciding your small backyard, be sure to pay attention to the type of shrubs, trees, and flowers you want in your garden. Take into account, their growth pattern, as it could crowd your backyard and make it appear even smaller than what it is. Remember the maxim – less is more in this case.

So, you want to build a retaining wall...

6 things to know before you start

(BPT) - When you want to enhance your outdoor living space, consider building with retaining wall units. Segmental retaining wall (SRW) units are the basic building blocks of landscaping, and you will save on design and labor costs when you do it yourself. Whether you want to level a slope, build a sitting wall or add a raised patio, it's essential to get informed before starting your project.

1. Check local rules. "Call 8-1-1 before you dig" is essential. Do-it-yourselfers also should check with their municipalities and homeowner's associations for building codes, permits and/or property variance rules. Some municipalities require permits for walls up to four feet tall, although engineering might not be needed for that height with most SRW systems. A retaining wall taller than four feet might require geogrid for soil reinforcement and an approved design by a professional engineer. A landscaping supply store will know local permitting and can identify plans that might require an engineer.

2. Consider where you will buy supplies. A landscaping supply store is a great place to get educated, purchase landscaping products and rent tools such as a compactor. A dedicated landscaping store can help you choose which wall system is best suited to your project, calculate the materials you will need and offer advice before, during and after installation.

"Do-it-yourself customers are the foundation of who we serve at Patio Town stores," said David Johnson, who manages one of Patio Town's three locations in St. Paul/ Minneapolis. "We have a team that will listen to what customers are thinking of doing, and then offer solutions and options. Should customers decide a project is more than they want to do, we can refer them to our designbuild division, Villa Landscapes."

3. Learn about retaining wall systems. Some systems are easier to install, and some require specialty pieces for corners, curves and steps. The VERSA-LOK Standard

retaining wall system is easy to install, and no special pieces are needed to build features. VERSA-LOK Standard is a solid unit that is renowned for ease of installation as there are no voids in the unit to fill. Splitting the unit allows you to create curves, corners, columns, multiangled corners, freestanding walls and steps.

4. Mark off, measure and photograph the project area. In addition to giving details about your project to your landscaping supplier, you might need advice to determine soil conditions or stormwater requirements. For example, clay soil retains water so it may need amendment, or the wall might require drainage pipes based on soil and other factors. You can discuss the content of your soil with landscaping store staff, who can offer ideas on remediation if needed.

5. It is all about the base. The base is the most important course. Retaining wall manufacturers and landscape suppliers can offer product-specific details on how to excavate and prep the base. After excavating a trench for the base, the subsoil should be compacted before a few inches of gravel is added and compacted. Make sure the area is level before starting the base course, which should be embedded half of the block's height at a minimum. With solid units such as VERSA-LOK, there is no need for concrete footings as the base course serves as the foundation.

6. Finishing touches to consider. After each unit is placed and leveled, fill and compact the gravel placed behind the wall. Finish off your wall with capstone units that can be secured with adhesive; be sure your adhesive has elastic properties as modular walls are flexible so they can withstand freeze-thaw cycles.

Another important point to consider is the weather! Bad weather can hinder your installation. With a little planning, know-how and a trusted landscaping store that shares advice throughout your project, you can build successfully with retaining wall units.

Plants for Shady Spots

Do you have a shady corner in your yard where nothing grows? Evergreen groundcovers are well-suited to soil conditions in the shade.

Dry Soils

Carpet Bugle

Cotoneaster

Bigroot Geranium

Bellflower

Average/Moist Soils

European Ginger

Wintergreen

Salal

Foxglove

Creeping Phlox

Clay Soils

Creeping Zinnia

Alyssum

Ajuga

Creeping Juniper

How to Add Functionality to the Kitchen without Sacrificing Style

(BPT) - As the heart of the home, you want your kitchen to reflect your style but also help you get the job done - whether that’s cooking, cleaning, entertaining or numerous other tasks. If your current kitchen is slowing you down, you may want to consider functionality upgrades.

Keep in mind, functionality does not equate to lackluster style. Expert designers look for upgrades that enhance the kitchen’s usability and appearance. This blend of fashion and function will help you create a kitchen that will truly stand out.

Even if you can’t completely renovate the space, you can make strategic changes that make a big impact to your lifestyle. How do you decide where to invest time and money

improving the function and style of the kitchen?

“Invest in products that are going to be the focus of the space or things you are using every day,” said Alex Yacavone, Kohler Design Studio manager.

For example, the sink is large and can be a focal point within the kitchen. By upgrading to a sink with a beautiful finish and thoughtful material, you’ll enhance style and function while elevating the overall aesthetic.

Yacavone recommends farmhouse kitchen sinks, like the Whitehaven sink in the color Truffle. This apron-front kitchen sink

features a versatile farmhouse style that complements any decor. A large single basin accommodates large pots and pans, while the sloped bottom helps with draining and cleanup. Crafted from enameled cast iron, this sink resists chipping, cracking or burning for years of beauty and reliability.

continued on page 26

A Gnome for Every Garden!

Garden gnomes are modeled after mythical creatures whose folklore arose during Renaissance Europe. Gnomes appeared prominently in Romanticist art and fairy tales. Gnomes are said to protect and guide humans when they meet.

continued from page 23

Whether it’s a sink, faucet, lighting or appliance, once you decide which features to focus on, it’s time to research. With so many options available, this can feel overwhelming. Remember, you do not have to sacrifice style for functionality.

Spring Roof Maintenance Tips

• Clean out the Gutters

Winter ’s harsh nature could potentially cause your gutters to fill with the autumn leaves or damage your shingles, which could lead to a leaky roof in the future.

• Trim and Prune Your Trees

Check your trees to ensure their branches are not touching your roof. Overhanging tree branches are one of the biggest dangers to your roof.

Yacavone’s advice: “The kitchen is a place where people gather, so it needs to be functional. The best way to not sacrifice style for function is to pick timeless styles and finishes to ground the space. Then you can add personal touches that showcase your unique style,” she said.

Finishes like chrome and polished nickel can feel elevated, but also complement a lot of different styles and colors. This allows you to play with tile and paint colors, while knowing your metal finishes won’t clash.

For example, the Crue Touchless faucet in chrome blends function with classic styling. The silhouette - a simple arched spout and single lever handle - offers a straightforward style that adapts to nearly any kitchen design.

Another noteworthy finish with staying power is French

• Inspect your shingles

You may find a few missing or damaged shingles. Curled and loose shingles should also be replaced. The sooner any of these issues are addressed, the better.

• Check your Attic/Crawlspace

Simply look at your attic ceiling for large water stains, stale water or mildew odor, sagging ceiling, or discoloration.

gold. The Purist faucet in Vibrant French Gold is a stunning faucet with a strong architectural form and simple-to-use features. The high-arch swing spout maneuvers easily around large cookware, while the side lever handle controls temperature and flow.

Yacavone said warm colors like this have a connection with nature and are currently gaining popularity. These can make the kitchen feel calm and soft, evoking positive emotion in the space.

For personal touches that inject your own unique style, consider investing in a backsplash in graphic tiles or a favorite color. This showcases your personality and can make the room one of a kind.

When it comes to style and functionality in the kitchen, you don’t have to choose. With this expert insight and some strategic planning, you can update your kitchen and enjoy it for many years to come.

Choosing the Right Professional to Help You Stay in Your Home

by Wayne Crider Executive Officer SICBA

If you are like most Americans over 45, you want to continue living in your same home and community throughout your maturing years. Baby Boomers’ existing or older homes are often unequipped to meet their needs. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), a third (33%) of 50-plus adults believe they will have to modify their current home to make it safe and accessible to continue to live there as they age.

To help make a smooth transition into this stage of their lives, many Baby Boomers are searching for builders and remodelers who can help turn their home into a more convenient place to live as they age. Home owners should consider working with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in partnership with AARP, developed the CAPS designation.

Professionals who have earned the CAPS designation are experts in designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments. They have been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population and apply strategies and techniques to provide comprehensive and practical home modification solutions. CAPS professionals help home owners find aging-in-place solutions that fit their needs and budget. Trained CAPS remodelers and builders understand the unique needs of aging adults without sacrificing the home’s aesthetic value.

While there are various ways CAPS remodelers can help make your home work for you, some of the most common aging-in-place renovations include:

c Wide doorways. 32-36 inches wide doorways let wheelchairs pass through and make it easy to move large items in and out of your home.

c Extra floor space. The space allows homeowners and their guests to feel less cramped.

c Floors and bathtubs with nonslip surfaces keep everyone on their feet. Handrails on steps and bathroom grab bars will also help home owners maneuver easier.

c No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get in and out of the home.

A CAPS Designation Makes a Difference

Aging home owners looking to renovate need to be able to find a remodeler they can trust completely. A CAPS designee works closely with remodelers and health professionals, such as occupational therapists, who understand the challenges of aging and can provide safe, attractive and accessible modifications to your home.

In addition, CAPS designees pledge to uphold a professional code of ethics and must take continuing education to maintain their designation. They are trained to listen closely to your specific needs and will only push you to add renovations you need.

If you’d like to find a builder or remodeler in your area with a CAPS or other designation, contact the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association at (360)757-6916 or info@sicba.org.

You can also search the online directory at nahb.org/capsdirectory.

Technical Education Can Lead to a Fulfilling Career

by Curtis Banta President Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association

Graduation season is around the corner. For new graduates, this can be an exciting yet daunting time as they contemplate the next chapter. If you know a soon-to-be or recent grad seeking new opportunities, encourage them to explore technical education opportunities that can lead to professional and personal fulfillment.

Each February, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and industry leaders in our community celebrate Careers and Technical Education (CTE) Month. CTE includes several fields, such as information technology, advanced manufacturing and construction. In addition, this nationally recognized month shines a spotlight on the educational opportunities available for high school students, college students and adults.

There are many reasons to steer someone toward technical education, including:

Promising Career Prospects.

Baby boomers currently fill many trade jobs.

According to a recent Home Builders Institute report, a substantial portion of the construction labor market could retire in the near future. That means job prospects for CTE students are promising, especially in residential construction.

continued on page 42

Growing Flowering Trees

Choosing trees for your property isn’t always simple, but planting trees is an excellent way to add beauty, color, and landscaping to your yard. Whether you want vibrant colors or something more subtle, flowering trees provide endless beauty and fragrance for your outdoor living space.

While you may already know what you want for your own property, take a look at everything you need to know before buying.

The Right Place

Take a few important steps before heading to the nursery. Observe your yard and decide on a planting site before shopping.

Utility Lines

Dial 811 before digging to check for underground utility lines.

Sun & Shade

Observe sunlight in potential planting areas throughout the day, and determine the amount of light & shade.

Space

Trees should be planted 10 to 15 feet away from the house, and 5 feet away from patios or fences.

Privacy

Consider areas where you prefer more privacy and more openness.

Existing plantings

If the area where a tree is being planted has existing plantings, the new additions to the bed should share the same water needs. Drought tolerant plants go together

Take Photos!

All of this information is important to the nursery staff who may help in making your tree choice.

Planting Tips

Carefully consider planting depth before digging the hole for your new trees, and follow the steps below.

• Make the hole twice the width of the root ball, but not deeper.

• Water the root ball before you begin to backfill the hole with top soil.

• Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the trees and water regularly.

Planting trees is an excellent way to add beauty, color, and landscaping to your yard.

continued from page 19

This is perfect for homes that want to have a place for entertaining without using up precious space to installing an outdoor patio. If you are building your own, consider using Western Red Cedar, as this wood is durable, gorgeous to look at, and naturally repels pests. Once the pergola is up, you can decorate it with flowering pots, have a portable barbecue and a few cushions and pillows where you can sit and relax. You can paint the pots with glow-in-the-dark paint and get the illumination you seek. Install a hot tub under your gazebo. Make sure you have a privacy fence around the backyard.

Family-Friendly Backyard

If you have kids and an active family life, such as barbecues, you could choose a pergola with a retractable canopy. This way, you can enjoy your garden, even when the weather is not your best friend. Use this space to add a portable barbecue, music system, and a few strategically placed outdoor furniture pieces to ensure adequate seating. Focus on planting perennials in flowerbeds to enjoy vibrant colors and a relaxing fragrance.

Landscaping Ideas for Small Backyards

A small backyard actually gives you many opportunities to showcase your taste and personality. It hardly takes a couple of weekends to get the landscaping done and you will be able to enjoy your handiwork for years to come. Use these tips to make your small backyard into a haven where you can create outstanding memories and increase the value of your property.

Do You Need a Standby Generator?

6 things to know before you buy

(BPT) - Every day on the news, it seems, there’s a report about another extreme weather event. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was a record year for extreme weather. The U.S. experienced 28 separate, billiondollar weather disasters last year, the highest number ever. That averages out to more than one every two weeks.

Widespread power outages are one of the byproducts of these mega-storms, but it doesn’t take a once-in-a-century flood to cause them. Blackouts happen regularly due to more “mundane” causes, like power grid glitches, ice storms or high winds, even lightning in a garden-variety thunderstorm taking out a power pole. And you’re left in the

dark. Depending on the severity of the outage, that darkness could last awhile.

When the power goes out in your home, so does the heat. And the internet. And the electricity needed to keep food at a safe temperature in the refrigerator. All of your “smart” electronics and appliances that talk to each other (and to you) go silent.

Owning a standby generator is the best way to keep your household humming during a power outage. Because of all of the extreme weather we’ve been experiencing, it’s moving from the nice-

to-have category into a necessity. Here’s what you need to know before buying one.

A standby generator is different than a portable generator. Most people are familiar with the type of bulky generators their fathers kept in the garage, noisy contraptions that needed to be hooked up to cough to life when the power went out. You could run the refrigerator or a space heater, but not both. We’ve come a long way since then. A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that kicks in automatically when the power goes out. These sleek, permanently installed units are a bit like having a power plant on reserve. Some models are able to power the electricity to your entire home. The switchover from the power grid to your generator is completely automatic and usually so seamless, homeowners don’t even notice a disruption.

You must own your home to install a standby generator. Standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home - just like an AC unit or solar panel system - and routed to your home’s electrical and gas systems. For this reason, you must own the property your generator will power.

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New Plant Hardiness Map

Plant hardiness zones are getting warmer across the country, and the USDA Hardiness map has been updated to reflect.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture periodically updates its plant hardiness map, which divides the country into zones defined by their average coldest winter temperatures. Home gardeners and large-scale agricultural operations alike use the map to determine which plant species will survive in their area.

According to the 2023 map Seattle is in Zones 9a (20°F to 25°F) and 9b (25°F to 20°F). This is a change from the 2012 USDA Hardiness Zone Map which has Seattle in Zones 8b (15°F to 20°F) and 9a (20°F to 25°F).

The updated map also added two new zones, Zones 12 and 13, incorporating Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

DOWNLOAD MAPS

National, State/Territory, and Regional maps.

The Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature. Each zone is divided into half zones designated as ‘a’ and ‘b’. Zone numbers are typically listed with the descriptions of perennial plants in catalogs, nurseries, plant suppliers, etc.

Focal Points

Good design can be used in both home & garden spaces. Just like in home design, good garden design directs the eye.

Focal points are plants or objects that stand out from the background: a water feature, garden ornament, or weeping tree can be the basis to build garden around.

TIPS:

• Choose a proven performer.

• Make sure focal plants have long peak period of growth.

• Change it up with colorpots, updated seasonally.

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The type of home matters. A condo or apartment, even if you own it, isn’t conducive to having a generator. If you live in a townhome complex, consult your community’s by-laws before purchasing a generator. Typically, single-family and fixed mobile homes are qualified for generator installation.

Research any necessary permits before you install. Typically, your generator will be installed alongside your home’s exterior in a discrete area, but it is still considered a modification to your home’s appearance. This means you’ll likely require approval, and perhaps permits, prior to installation if you live in a community regulated by an HOA

or other governing board.

Consider your home’s power needs ... and your own. Do you want to power your entire home during an outage, or can you get by with only select appliances or systems running? Analyze your home’s electrical load and your power priorities. This will help you determine potential generator models to choose from. Some are equipped to power your entire home, while others are better for powering the necessities.

Not all generators are created equal. You can find any number of generators on the market today with just a few mouse clicks online. But this is your family’s safety and wellbeing in a potential disaster we’re talking about. It’s not the time to take

chances on an untested product or company. Go with a trusted name in the industry you can count on to keep your household running. KOHLER generators have been on the market for over 100 years and each model has endured hundreds of performance tests to ensure total reliability. They’re built with commercial-grade engines designed to outlast the outage. And they use state-of-the-art technology so you can monitor it on your mobile device or computer.

When a power outage strikes, a standby generator ensures that your family won’t miss a beat. Want to learn more?

Visit KOHLERhomeenergy.com formore information.

Watering Plants?

Use Cooking Water for Extra Nutrition

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Cash-Out Refinance

When you boil foods like pasta, potatoes, or veggies, they release nutrients into the water. Think twice before throwing this beneficial broth down the drain! As long as you haven’t added salt to the solution, you can reuse cooking water

(once it has cooled down, of course) to give your houseplants or garden a healthful boost, and use the same precious resource twice.

Pros

Cash-out refinancing involves refinancing your existing mortgage and borrowing more than you currently owe on your home. The difference between the new and existing mortgage balance is paid out to you, which can be used to fund home improvement projects. This option typically also allows you to secure a lower interest rate than your current mortgage.

Personal Loan

Personal loans are unsecured loans that can be used for various purposes, including home improvement projects. Unlike home equity loans, personal loans do not require collateral, making them accessible to a broader range of borrowers. They typically offer a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments, providing predictability and stability for your budget.

• You may be able to borrow new funds while lowering your monthly mortgage payment by refinancing

• May secure a lower interest rate than what you’re currently paying on your mortgage

• Long repayment period so you can stretch your payments out

Pros

• No equity is required

• Fixed interest rates allow for a more predictable monthly payment

• Can be use for various projects, big or small, without any restrictions

Cons

• You might pay off your current mortgage with a higher rate than your original loan.

• This loan type with come with closing costs

• You risk losing your home if you default on your loan

Financing a home project takes a lot of planning. Before selecting a financing option for your home improvement projects, assessing your financial situation and considering factors such as interest rates, repayment terms, and potential impact on your home equity is essential.

Talking with a financial institute like WECU can help you evaluate your options, crunch numbers, and make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

Cons

• Generally have a higher interest rate than HELOCs or Home Equity Loans

• Typically have lower loan limits which may not cover the full cost of your projects

• Often come with shorter repayment terms which can result in higher monthly payments

At WECU, we understand the importance of finding the right financial solutions for you. Our team of experienced loan officers is here to guide you through the process and help you find the financing option that best suits your needs.

Visit wecu.com or contact 360-676-1168 to learn more about our financing options and turn your home improvement dreams into reality.

Even if you have no yard, you can still enjoy food gardening, whether it be on your porch in a container, or inside your home.

Sun: Vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of sun each day. Fruits will not riped without adequate light. You may supplement with grow lights.

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Plastic:

Jugs, jars and bottles that are plastic can be recycled. Like glass, plastic items must be cleaned and dry before it can be recycled. Keep in mind that plastic cannot only be found in the kitchen. Your bathroom may have items that can be recycled as well such as shampoo, liquid soap or mouth wash. Empty plastic detergent or cleaning bottles in your laundry room or utility closet are also ideal for recycling.

For more information on how to recycle your household items in Skagit and Island Counties, contact Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association at (360) 757-6916

Container Gardening

Soil: Vegetables need soil rich in organic matter. Soil quality impacts not only the growth of leaves and flowers, but the taste of your vegetables.

Companion Planting:

Choose the right combination of plants for better harvests! Lettuce will keep producing if offered some shade from a friend.

Plants with early harvests, like radishes, can be planted with later harvested peppers.

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According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data and analysis by NAHB, the number of residential construction jobs available in November 2022 was 388,000.

Avoid Crushing College Debt.

For many individuals, the high cost of college outweighs the benefits. In the 2020-2021 school year, more than half of bachelor’s degree recipients from public and private nonprofit four-year colleges and universities graduated with debt and had an average debt level of $29,100, according to the College Board’s Trends in Student Aid 2022 report. Technical education offers an alternative to the fouryear college track without the burden of sky-high student loan debt. And there are numerous “earn while you learn” apprenticeships available, so you don’t have to wait to complete a training program to generate income.

Escape the Daily Doldrums.

Professionals working in the trades are problem solvers and critical thinkers. Each day has new tasks and challenges that are an ideal match for any talented individual. For example, critical thinkers and detail-oriented individuals would excel as carpenters, ensuring materials are exact; and those with exceptional analytical skills are qualities found among expert electricians and plumbers.

Trades are for Everyone.

More women across the country are becoming a part of the residential construction industry. According to an NAHB analysis, the number of women employed in the construction industry increased to over 1.24 million in 2021. Women make up 11% of the construction workforce, the highest share on record. Generally, a pay gap exists between men and women across most industries in the United States., where women earn 80 cents for every dollar a man earns. However, the gap is much smaller in the construction trades. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns.

Prevent Underground Utility Damage and Injury

The only way you can be sure that you are digging safely is to call 811 a few days before you start digging, and request a FREE underground utility locate.

This includes common projects like planting trees and shrubs, or installing fences and mailboxes.

4 Easy Steps

1. You will need to know the address of where you plan to dig, including the county and nearest cross street.

2. Explain the type of project you’re completing and the exact area on the property where you’re planning to dig. Whether you call 811 or make your request online, you’ll need the same info.

3. Wait for the marks! Utility companies have a few days to respond to your request. Each utility type corresponds to a specific color of paint or a flag. In addition to waiting for marks, you must use the info on your ticket to confirm that ALL utilities have responded before you can dig.

4. Make sure to always dig carefully around the marks, not on them. Some utility lines may be buried at a shallow depth, and an unintended shovel thrust can connect with wires.

Call Before You Dig!

The Utility Notification Center is open 24 hours a day, accepting calls to dig in Oregon, Washington, Montana and Hawaii. Underground facilities will be marked according to the APWA color code so that you can dig safely.

Thank you to Home & Garden Show Committee Members

Rachel Patrick Chairman - Patrick and Sons Construction and Excavation LLC

Hugo Prado - PNW Construction & Energy Services LLC

Jeovanni Camacho – Yonkman Construction Inc.

Joel Pasek – Servpro of Skagit County

Sharman Burnam – TREB Executive Marketing LLC

April Moore – Mountain Pacific Bank

Dee Dee Swartz – Olympus Containers/Circle A Trailers

Kira (Siobhan) Rooney – WaFd Bank

Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association

15571 - A Peterson Rd

Burlington, WA 98233

Info@SICBA.org

(360) 757-6916 | www.sicba.org

2024 STATE DIRECTORS

Kim Piazza, Jay Roberts (CGB & CGP), Charles Locke (CGP & CAPS), Chris Deasy (CAPS & CGP), Curtis Banta (CGB), Dee Dee Swartz, April Moore, Gary Wray, Kathy Sanchez, Patrick Hayes (Life), Bob Moe (CAPS & Life), Dottie Piazza (Life), Ted Clifton (CGB, MCGP & Life), John Piazza Sr. (CAPS & Life), Rick Tremaine (Life), Scott Rainwater (Life), Bob Johnson (CAPS, CGP, & Life)

2024 NATIONAL DELEGATES

Curtis Banta, Gary Wray, Bob Moe (CAPS & Life), Ted Clifton (Life), Dottie Piazza (Sr. Life), John Piazza Sr. (CAPS & Sr. Life)

About SICBA

The Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association was founded in 1979. Now over 430 members strong, SICBA continues to advocate for affordable housing and the health of the building industry this day.

Our partnership with the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) helped create the framework to get the industry safely back to work during the COVID-19 crisis and to serve as an example for other industries in their safe return to work. Our partnership with BIAW also lays the groundwork for the support of

TREB Executive Marketing

2024 OFFICERS

President

1st Vice President

2nd Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Curtis Banta

Hugo Prado

Kathy Sanchez

April Moore

Josh Williamson

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Builder Member

Builder Member

Builder Member

Associate Member

Associate Member

Associate Member

legislation and issues that support and enhance all small business ventures in Washington State. As a result of this, the building industry has been going strong in Washington and we expect that to continue.

SICBA members work and live in Skagit and Island Counties and take an active role in our local community. We host the annual SICBA Home & Garden Show to allow our builders to showcase their craftsmanship to the community and to prospective buyers. We work with charities and nonprofits in our neighborhoods to strengthen our community and help the needy. Our annual golf tournament gives a portion

Gary Wray

Charles Locke

Bob Johnson

Jason Joiner

Dee Dee Swartz

Becki Bell

of its proceeds to charity and our holiday drive raises money for two local food banks in Skagit and Island Counties.

In addition to advocating for small businesses and affordable housing, SICBA keeps an eye towards workforce development. In many trades today, only 1 new person joins the workforce for every 5 that retire out. We advocate for greater emphasis in schools on the trades as a rewarding career path for students. SICBA offers annual scholarships to qualified students who are pursuing studies in construction related fields. Our SICBA Scholarship Application is posted on our website and is available to all who meet the requirements for application.