Category: Reviews

Siding Comparisons: Vinyl vs. Cedar Lap vs. Fiber Cement »

If you are considering re-siding your home, you have several good options to choose from. Here in the Pacific Northwest you’ll see homes with log siding, redwood siding, and steel siding. In addition, you are just as likely to see vinyl siding, cedar lap and fiber cement board siding. Rather than try and address all […]

Review: Concrete Countertops vs. Granite and Quartz »

Granite has been the countertop of choice in mid-range to high-end homes for nearly three decades. And let me go out on a limb and say its popularity is just now beginning to affect its status as a luxury item. Don’t get me wrong, there are still some beautiful and unique granite finishes, but since […]

Comparing Roofs: Cedar Shakes, Composite, Concrete Tile »

If you started reading this article because you’re trying to decide what kind of roof to install on your new or existing home, let me first ask you this simple question: When you see a beautiful home, do you even notice the roof? If the answer is no, then save yourself a little angst and […]

Review: Tankless vs Traditional Hot Water Heaters | Pros and Cons »

Tankless hot water heaters provide instantaneous hot water because they heat the hot water as it is needed. Traditional hot water storage tanks hold and heat a pre-determined amount of water so that water is hot and ready to use whenever you need it.

Converting Your Home to LED Lighting: Is it Really Worth It? »

If you want to save energy at any cost, then LEDs are a great way to go green. If you are planning to stay in your home for 10 years, then there’s a good chance you will recoup the money you put into your LEDs. But if you are on a strict budget, then LEDs might just be too expensive for you to convert all your lights.

Review: Soapstone versus Granite and Quartz »

Soapstone can be an elegant and unique (at least here in the Pacific Northwest) surface to choose for your kitchen countertops, but you’ll either love it or hate it.

Ductless (Mini-Split) Heat Pumps for Your Home »

Since the housing market is still finding its bottom, many homeowners  looking for an upgrade or for more room are turning to renovations and additions in the face of flat or declining home values. This is especially true here in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas. Given that, I thought it would be good to […]

Review: Windows and the Energy Star Window Tax Credit »

If you live in an older home in Southwest Washington or Oregon this time of year (and especially this past week as temperatures have stayed below freezing) you probably have started to notice a little wisps of cold air lapping at your feet or down your back when your sitting around the house. There are […]