Author: Michael Thompson

Your home gym shouldn’t double as a place where laundry goes to die. Yet somehow that bench press becomes a very expensive clothes hanger when the room feels off. Bad design kills motivation faster than a 5 am alarm. When you’re tripping over dumbbells or squeezing between equipment, workouts become a chore before they start. Good design isn’t about looking like a fitness magazine. It’s about creating a space where you actually want to train. Wise equipment choices matter too. Multifunctional systems replace multiple machines, giving you more breathing room and less clutter. Whether you’re working with a spare bedroom…

Home improvement projects can be exciting, but they can also be overwhelming if not properly planned. When it comes to exterior upgrades, such as replacing windows, doors, siding, and roofing, the sequence in which these projects are completed matters significantly. Choosing the wrong order can lead to unnecessary damage, higher costs, and additional work. Our team has helped countless homeowners in Washington state navigate these upgrades efficiently. Here is a comprehensive guide on the correct order to tackle these critical exterior improvements. 1. Start with the Roof The roof is the most critical component of your home’s exterior, protecting everything…

Home renovations are one of the best ways to increase your property’s value, especially if you’re planning to sell or improve your living space. The right upgrades can boost your home’s appeal and make it stand out in a competitive market. A well-planned renovation project can yield a substantial return on investment, ensuring you get the most out of your efforts. In this article, we’ll highlight the top 10 home renovation projects that can significantly raise your property’s value. 1. Roof Replacement or Repair The roof is one of the first things potential buyers notice when looking at a home.…

Carpenter bees don’t feed on wood the way termites do, but they still carve perfectly round half-inch tunnels to raise their young. Those galleries weaken boards, invite rot, and return season after season if you ignore them. Everyone agrees that a sealed surface discourages new drilling, yet homeowners still debate whether a penetrating stain or a thick coat of paint offers better long-term protection. Below, you’ll find a data-backed comparison, two real-world case studies, and practical maintenance guidance so you can choose with confidence. Can a Finish Really Keep Bees Out? Most pest pros start their checklist with “eliminate food…

A well-installed driveway typically lasts 25 to 40 years, though many factors can shorten or extend this period. Hidden influences include freeze-thaw cycles in cold weather, poor soil preparation beneath the slab, heavy vehicle loads, and exposure to de-icing salts or chemicals. Quality of the original work, regular sealing, and prompt crack repairs play big roles in longevity. Options like concrete pavers can offer alternatives with different durability traits. Introduction Picture pulling into your driveway after a long day. The surface feels solid under the tires, free of deep cracks or uneven spots. Yet over time, subtle issues creep in…

Why Surface Choices Matter More in Australia Australian homes face conditions that destroy inferior materials faster than you might expect. I have seen benchtops fade, floors warp, and garage coatings peel because homeowners picked products tested for milder climates. Our intense UV exposure, coastal humidity, tracked grit, and summer heat demand surfaces that genuinely perform. In this guide, I will walk you through benchtops that comply with new regulations, wet-area floors that stay safe, living spaces that handle traffic, and garage systems that resist hot tyres. You will learn the metrics that matter and how to match them to each…

The 10×10 kitchen remodel is one of the most commonly referenced benchmarks in home renovation pricing. If you have been researching kitchen upgrades, you have likely seen this size mentioned repeatedly. But while the footprint is standard, the costs are anything but universal. So how much should a 10×10 kitchen remodel cost? In 2025, the answer depends on scope, material choices, labor, and how much of the kitchen is being changed. Understanding how pricing breaks down helps homeowners set realistic budgets and avoid surprises mid-project. What Does a “10×10 Kitchen Remodel” Actually Mean? A 10×10 kitchen refers to a space…

As interest in sustainable living, minimalist architecture, and natural settings continues to rise, more homeowners are seeking properties that balance comfort with environmental responsibility. Remote islands along the West Coast have become particularly desirable to clients seeking privacy, forested surroundings, and the opportunity to build a home deeply connected to nature. But creating a high-performance residence in an off-mainland location brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. One of the most thoughtful recent examples of this kind of work is a Net Zero custom cabin built on Gambier Island, a boat-access community in the Howe Sound region of British…

Improving outdoor areas has become a priority for many homeowners. More people are looking for solutions that keep their properties functional, attractive and environmentally responsible. Permeable paving is gaining attention for exactly these reasons. It provides a stable surface for everyday use while helping manage water more naturally, creating a cleaner and more resilient home environment. Permeable paving looks similar to a traditional paved surface, but it behaves very differently. Instead of forming a hard barrier that forces rainwater to run across the top, permeable systems allow water to soak through the surface and into the ground below. This simple…

Thinking about a new roof or repairs? Understanding roof pitch is your first step. A 6/12 roof pitch is one of the most common roof pitches used in residential homes. Mastering the calculation process empowers you to discuss projects knowledgeably with professionals and budget accurately. Your roof protects everything inside your home, so understanding its basic structure matters more than most people realize. This will help you through the simple math behind pitch calculations using everyday language. This directly impacts drainage efficiency and material selection. What Does a Roof Pitch Mean and Its Sizes? Roof pitch describes the steepness or…