As a kid in the 1970s, I remember all my neighbors having those cheesy, metal sheds with a barn-style roof in the backyard. Yes, one of those where they kept all the Christmas stuff, the lawnmower — you name it. They were patently unattractive, rusted and dented easily, and the doors didn’t close. They were […]
Judy Granlee-Gates
A native Washingtonian, Judy Granlee-Gates has lived in Poulsbo for nearly 30 years. She and her husband own Joe Gates Construction, Inc. in Poulsbo, specializing in custom building and remodeling. The company is also an authorized StarMark cabinet dealer. Judy has been in the construction industry for 28 years and enjoys seeing a home go from ho-hum to fantastic. She has been recognized nationally by Custom Home magazine for outstanding customer service, and on the state and local level for the company's new home construction and remodeling excellence. She is a past president of the Kitsap Building Association's Remodelers Council and past board member of the Kitsap Building Association.
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Extend Your Living Space with an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor spaces can offer a lot of extra living space in the warmer months of the year in the Pacific Northwest. Outdoor kitchens, from simple to spectacular, give you a new way to entertain and enjoy your home. It is important to think about how you cook and entertain, so you can refine your wants […]
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Final Touches and the Big Move to Your Smaller Space
You have made the decision to downsize, sorted all your stuff, gotten rid of loads of things, and planned for your new space. Now it is time to put the final touches on and actually move. Even though you have carefully planned your new home, if you are doing any improvements, remodeling or building, pay […]
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How to Prepare Your New, Downsized Space
Now that you’ve decided you want to downsize into a smaller home and have put some thought into how to purge the things you don’t need, you need to think about how your new, downsized space will look. Preparing for this new space is a lot of fun, and there can be many options. Perhaps […]
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How to Purge what You Don’t Need
The thought of moving or dealing with years’ worth of accumulations of personal belongings can strike fear into the hearts of many. In fact, I am quite certain the mere thought has prevented a large number of folks from even attempting it. Like eating an elephant one bite at a time, you can do this. […]
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Downsize Your Home — Upgrade Your Life!
Why downsize? Just look around your home or any other. Americans love stuff, and we consume more than people in any other country. We live in larger homes than any other country. We like having our things — they bring us comfort and happy memories. For my husband and I, downsizing was part of a […]
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Bathroom Upgrades for Improving Style and Function
It seems bathrooms are often the most neglected rooms in the house when it comes to sprucing things up. Naturally, the main bath or powder room gets the most attention, since it is the “company bathroom.” When the time comes to remodel or improve your baths, here are few ideas to help you improve style […]
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Ideas for Trendy Finishes for Your New Home or Remodel
Whether you are remodeling or building, there are a variety of trends and fun finishes that you can incorporate to give your home extra style and personal flair. Tile continues to be big in all types, styles and formats for a variety of surfaces, including full wall heights. In both kitchens and baths, this can […]
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Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Home
If you have spaces that could use new floor coverings, you have a lot of choices. Before you make a decision, consider the possibilities — and the people and pets living in your home. Carpet: It’s soft underfoot and looks nice, while also helping with some noise control. Carpet is a good option if your […]