“Life is Short. Buy the Beach House,” says the sign in the kitchen. It’s a motto this family took to heart. Dan and Shannon* and their three daughters first discovered the joys of life by the water in Indianola, but the beach was rocky and Dan’s commute to the Bainbridge Island ferry was long. So […]
construction
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Porcelain Tile vs. Ceramic: How to Choose without Jeopardizing Style
When installing tile, there’s the eternal question: Should you go for porcelain or ceramic tile? The answer will ultimately depend on your budget and what your list of pros and cons looks like. And let’s not forget the important question of style — certain materials and designs look better than others, depending on your choices. […]
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Transform Your Home — Take it From the Top
The roof often goes without notice, greatly underappreciated for its contribution to protecting your house and family. Roofs only account for roughly 5 percent of the building cost of a home but protect the other 95 percent of your investment from the sun, rain, wind and other forces that can damage your home and belongings. […]
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A North Kitsap Barn Raising
Hunter Thompson had a dream. In his imagination was the perfect house, one of space and light and comfort. His house would be timber-framed with the homespun understatement and straightforward lines of a domestic barn. It would incorporate the highest quality materials and systems. Above all, it would be a passion project, handmade by Thompson; […]
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The Bungalow is Back
Walk into Wayne and Anne Blair’s Poulsbo bungalow and it could be 1918 rather than 2018. True to the aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts era, their home features a river-rock fireplace with a mantel shelf made of old-growth maple; stone countertops and tile backsplashes; wood doors and trim throughout; three-over-one window sashes that frame […]
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Remodeling Projects with the Best Return on Investment
As summer approaches and the economy remains strong, homeowners are readying to turn their remodeling dreams into reality. The 31st Annual Remodeling Cost Vs. Value Report takes a deep dive into the 21 most popular remodeling projects in 149 markets. It examines trends and also compares the values those projects retain at resale in 100 […]
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Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Paint Colors
With thousands of color options, selecting a perfect shade for a painting project can seem like an overwhelming and almost impossible task. These are the top painting mistakes and how you can avoid them for a smooth paint selection process. Mistake 1: Assuming a color in the store will look the same in your home […]
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Extending the Home to the Outdoors
Outdoor living spaces for cooking and relaxing are gaining popularity in West Sound. Custom homes are being built with these spaces in mind during the design phase, while owners of existing homes are adding them when time and budgets allow. “Everybody likes outdoor spaces when the weather’s nice, especially on the waterfront,” says Judy Gates, […]
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Solar Homes — What you Need to Know before Going Solar
The sight of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on residential roofs around West Sound is no longer a novelty. Enticed by the idea of saving on their power bills — or perhaps the idea of helping save the planet — homeowners are joining the renewable-energy movement. It’s not a cheap investment. Although PV installation prices are […]