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Looking to build with character?
Have you ever looked at new homes being built and thought they all looked the same? Do you ever wish you could build a new home, but with an old home floor plan and materials? Builder magazine has a great article this month that focuses on just that. The builder's they have interviewed are building new homes, but with reclaimed materials or with historical designs that have much more character and creativity.
They also indicate that Portland and Eugene are listed as two of the 20th healthiest housing markets for recovery in 2010.
If you are looking to build a new home, give our friends at Blue Stone Homes a call at 503-632-5985. They specialize in craftsman style, Earth Advantage homes. They are also licensed in both Oregon and Washington.
Contractors required to have lead certification by April 22, 2010.
Time is fast approaching for contractors who work on homes built prior to 1978 to be lead certified with the EPA or face a hefty $32,500 fine. If you believe your home or business has lead paint, even if it's been painted over several times, be sure to ask for this credential if you do remodeling work after April 22. Also anticipate an additional cost to remodel if the lead paint test comes back positive.
Below is a survey provided by remodeling magazine that approximates the number of lead based homes in the U.S.
Source: American Healthy Homes Survey, Oct. 7, 2008
When doing your Spring landscaping, pay attention to drainage...
As you begin your landscape preparations for the Spring, be sure and take drainage into consideration. Many times a change in the landscape of your premises can inadvertently lead to water draining directly into your building or home foundation during the Fall rainy months.
Also, the landscape professionals at Changing Landscapes will tell you to be careful what you plant in these next couple of months. The temperatures have been very volatile, and it can be costly to lose plants due to an unexpected frost. Give Steve a call if you have any questions or concerns!
Happy Easter!
Easter falls on April 4 this year, so it's just around the corner. We pray you have a wonderful celebration with family and friends!
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