Greg and Susan Humm were getting sick of their drab, mauve master bathroom and beat-up cabinetry in the kitchen. With their kids out of college, freeing up some cash, the couple decided it might be time to upgrade their Lake Oswego home.

"It was something we had put off for several years," Greg Humm said. "We thought the timing was right, both from a perspective of our personal life and the market."

Remodel spending in the Portland area has been in a steady decline since a 2007 peak of $304 million, according to building data aggregator Construction Monitor. Last year, homeowners spent $210 million on home improvement projects.

But as the economy turns around, remodeling contractors are taking aim at the homeowners who might have sold and moved up in the boom days. Today's homeowners, with more confidence in their job security but less equity in their homes, are more likely to stay put.

The Humms' home is one of 12 to be featured in the Tour of Remodeled Homes this weekend, a showcase for local remodelers' best work. Contractors in the showcase will make the pitch that investing in the extras makes their stay a little more comfortable.

If you go

Tour of Remodeled Homes

When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While remodel spending has fallen, the number of permits issued have stayed near their 2009 peak, ending just under 4,500 last year.

But in 2009 and 2010, most of the jobs were low-cost maintenance projects, said Mitch Stanley, the owner of Stanley Renovation & Design. The painting, replacing windows and improving energy efficiency that kept permit numbers high didn't fetch the high price tag of the whole-home remodels of years past.

See original here:
Portland-area remodelers expect stronger year, bigger projects

Dee Ryan

Sun staff photos can be ordered by visiting our MyCapture site.

LOWELL -- A kitchen redo or bathroom remodeling is no laughing matter -- unless you're someone like Dee Ryan, who can poke fun at herself and make others laugh.

That's the Tewksbury native's goal in DeeConstruction, a one-woman comedy she'll show off in a staged reading at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, at Merrimack Repertory Theatre.

"I got addicted to home repair -- electrical rewired, plumbing re-pipes, French-door upgrades and landscaping makeovers -- when we were living in L.A. and I started writing these short pieces about it as part of my comic ladies support group," Ryan said recently by phone.

Over several years and varying stages, it has evolved into the show she brings to Lowell.

"It's been done in a bunch of theaters in L.A. and also at a theater in Reston, Va., and the Pittsburgh Public Theater," she said. "It's been about eight years and the thing about the piece is that it's very personal and a lot of people will recognize themselves in it."

It chronicles her odyssey across the turbulent waters of tyrannical contractors, siren architects, monster neighbors and clueless husbands.

Bringing it to Lowell came about after her husband, Austin Tichenor -- co-creator, director and performer of the Reduced Shakespeare Company -- brought it to the attention of MRT artistic director Charles Towers when RSC was in Lowell this season for its Christmas show.

"Charles loved it, but said he already was planning a one-person show, so

Continue reading here:
'DeeConstruction' a woman's comic take on renovation

With a rich home remodeling blog, great deals on home goods, such as kitchen and bathroom fixtures, lighting, home decor and a growing catalog of well priced products, HomeThangs.com opens its doors with a bang.

(PRWEB) March 02, 2012

But the site has other perks, too. The HomeThangs.com blog - http://www.homethangs.com/blog/ - features daily updates on home improvement trends, new products, product reviews, decorating ideas, DIY home improvement tips, as well as seasonal topics. HomeThangs.coms Facebook page and Twitter feed - @HomeThangs offers followers deals and coupons. The site is rich with information about the items it sells, offering consumers detailed overviews of both the item they are looking at and the brand in general on the same page. It also gives consumers the chance to reviews items and reads others reviews. In addition, HomeThangs.com has a physical base in its two showrooms, both located outside of Philadelphia.

2012 will be a big year for HomeThangs.com. The dedicated team behind the site bring in new brands, like Uttermost Home Dcor, Bathroom Vanities by Wyndham Collection, unique exclusive wall art pieces and much more. They also plan to expand the site to sell furniture with which consumers can fill their newly remodeled homes. While expansion will continue throughout the site, there will be particular focus on luxury and designer brands for furniture, lighting, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Consumers can expect to be wowed by top-tier products and not feel so bad splurging on a few since HomeThangs.com continues to work diligently to secure better prices on all of its items, bringing discounts and deals to the consumer.

Keep an eye on HomeThangs.com. The site is growing quickly, to the benefit of all consumers looking to spiff up their home with both major and minor improvements.

###

Tanya Tymoshuk HomeThangs Home Improvement Store (267) 670-3883 Email Information

Read the original here:
HomeThangs.com: New Home Goods Store Opens Virtual Doors

Local Broward County plumbing company, John’s Plumbing, has been in business for over 27 years and continues to work closely with clients to ensure projects are finished properly, quickly, and affordably. A fully licensed and insured plumbing contractor, John’s Plumbing treats every project with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. These Fort Lauderdale Plumbers provide residential and commercial services, fully guarantee their work, and are available 24/7, and now also have recently increased their vehicle supply to ensure more availability and faster service.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

John’s Plumbing is a reliable and professional company that has been providing quick and efficient bathroom repair and other Fort Lauderdale plumbers services to clients throughout Broward County for over two decades. Their fully licensed and insured team of technicians provide residential and commercial plumbing services ranging anywhere from water heater installation, kitchen sink repairs, and dishwasher repairs, to bathroom remodeling, and toilet and shower repairs and installation. John’s Plumbing also specializes in underground leak detection, leak repair, and works closely with insurance companies. They claim they “really can do it all.”

When using John’s Plumbing, customers can expect a licensed Fort Lauderdale Plumber from the company to arrive promptly, assess the situation, fully explain what the repair will entail, answer any questions, and then put it all down in writing. They even encourage their clients to compare their prices to those of other local plumbing services, to see that they truly do offer the best deals and reliable service. And even more importantly, if the customer happens to find a lower quote, John’s Plumbing will not only match the price, but they will beat it! It is with services such as these that they can so strongly pride themselves on creating personal relationships with their clients. John’s Plumbing also takes pride in their quick response time, their competency, and their availability. Not only do they fully guarantee their work, but they are available 24 hours a day, with an always open “Emergency Service Line” contact line.

Whether you are searching for licensed Fort Lauderdale plumbers for new remodeling, renovations, a tiny leak, or 24 hour emergency service, John’s Plumbing is the answer. They offer free, no obligation estimates, and tackle on a plethora of types of projects including bathroom repairs, video inspections, kitchen faucet replacement, sink drain issues, water heater repairs, supply and drain lines, backflow prevention, and many, many more. Whatever the situation, a certified plumber in Fort Lauderdale from John’s Plumbing is sure to handle it, and get it done right and on time, with no hidden costs or fees. And now, with more vehicles, their success and effectiveness can only increase. Perfect timing for the upcoming “World Plumbing Day” celebration on March 11!

Contact:

Louis Rivera

John's Plumbing

Phone: 954-639-9405

###

Louis Rivera
Johns Plumbing
954-639-9405
Email Information

More here:
John’s Plumbing Expands their Fleet of Vehicles to Provide Faster Fort Lauderdale Plumbers Services to all of Broward ...

Published: February 23, 2012 12:01 AM EST
Updated: February 22, 2012 4:16 PM EST

Dear Abby

Jeanne Phillips

Dear Abby: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it's his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I'm in there.

He says it's coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don't have locks -- or even doors -- to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he's coming. He says he "forgets."

If I'm in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I'd prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I'm overreacting. Am I? -- Bothered In The Bathroom

Dear Bothered: Feeling as strongly as you do, it's surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you're overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

Dear Abby: I am married to a wonderful and unique man. Despite his privileged upbringing he is very down-to-earth. His parents' affluence afforded him many opportunities and still does.

Unfortunately, my in-laws are snobbish, self-absorbed and competitive. They are critical of everyone -- especially their grown son. They put him and each other down constantly. They cause scenes and can't enjoy life.

My husband is trying to be patient because he knows his parents aren't going to change at their age. But they consume so much of our energy with their constant dramatic highs and lows. Any advice for dealing with drama queens (and kings)? They do love us and can be considerate. -- Living In The Real World In New Jersey

Dear Real: It may help you and your husband to understand that people who act the way your in-laws do are usually insecure on some basic level. They put others down to inflate their egos and reassure themselves that they're "OK" by magnifying (or inventing) flaws in others.

When your in-laws start to criticize, be pleasant and make a point of saying something positive about their target. It will short-circuit the rant.

Write to Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

See the original post:
Dear Abby: Couple's bathroom a battleground

Dear Abby: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it’s his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I’m in there. He says it’s coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don’t have locks—or even doors—to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he’s coming. He says he “forgets.” If I’m in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I’d prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I’m overreacting. Am I?

—Bothered in the Bathroom

Dear Bothered: Feeling as strongly as you do, it’s surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you’re overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

Shell out for sitter

Dear Abby: I’m a 40-year-old working mother raising a daughter who is the joy of my life. Once in a great while I’ll accept an invitation to go on a date and hire a baby sitter to watch my daughter.

My question is, who should pay for the sitter? The man who asked me out or should I? I have yet to have a suitor offer to pay. Is that just the way it is, or are these men just cheap?

—Mom On a Budget

Dear Mom: Paying for your daughter’s sitter is YOUR responsibility. When you become involved in a steady relationship and the cost of a sitter becomes a financial burden, discuss it then with your boyfriend, who should be willing to share some of the cost.

Link:
Bathroom becomes battleground

DEAR ABBY: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it's his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I'm in there. He says it's coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don't have locks -- or even doors -- to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he's coming. He says he "forgets." If I'm in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I'd prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I'm overreacting. Am I? -- BOTHERED IN THE BATHROOM

DEAR BOTHERED: Feeling as strongly as you do, it's surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you're overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

DEAR ABBY: I am married to a wonderful and unique man. Despite his privileged upbringing he is very down-to-earth. His parents' affluence afforded him many opportunities and still does. Unfortunately, my in-laws are snobbish, self-absorbed and competitive. They are critical of everyone -- especially their grown son. They put him and each other down constantly. They cause scenes and can't enjoy life.

My husband is trying to be patient because he knows his parents aren't going to change at their age. But they consume so much of our energy with their constant dramatic highs and lows. Any advice for dealing with drama queens (and kings)? They do love us and can be considerate. -- LIVING IN THE REAL WORLD IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR REAL: It may help you and your husband to understand that people who act the way your in-laws do are usually insecure on some basic level. They put others down to inflate their egos and reassure themselves that they're "OK" by magnifying (or inventing) flaws in others. When your in-laws start to criticize, be pleasant and make a point of saying something positive about their target. It will short-circuit the rant.

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 40-year-old working mother raising a daughter who is the joy of my life. Once in a great while I'll accept an invitation to go on a date and hire a baby sitter to watch my daughter.

My question is, who should pay for the sitter? The man who asked me out or should I? I have yet to have a suitor offer to pay. Is that just the way it is, or are these men just cheap? -- MOM ON A BUDGET

DEAR MOM: Paying for your daughter's sitter is your responsibility. When you become involved in a steady relationship and the cost of a sitter becomes a financial burden, discuss it then with your boyfriend, who should be willing to share some of the cost.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To order "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

Here is the original post:
Couple Can't Come To Terms Over Bathroom Battleground

By Jeanne Phillips

Updated: 2012-02-21T18:14:58Z

Q. Dear Abby: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it’s his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I’m in there. He says it’s coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don’t have locks — or even doors — to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he’s coming. He says he “forgets.” If I’m in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.I’d prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I’m overreacting. Am I? — Bothered in the BathroomA. Dear Bothered: Feeling as strongly as you do, it’s surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you’re overreacting. However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.In-laws can’t break pattern of dramaQ. Dear Abby: I am married to a wonderful and unique man. Despite his privileged upbringing, he is very down-to-earth. His parents’ affluence afforded him many opportunities and still does. Unfortunately, my in-laws are snobbish, self-absorbed and competitive. They are critical of everyone — especially their grown son. They put him and each other down constantly. They cause scenes and can’t enjoy life.My husband is trying to be patient because he knows his parents aren’t going to change at their age. But they consume so much of our energy with their constant, dramatic highs and lows. Any advice for dealing with drama queens (and kings)? They do love us and can be considerate. — Living in the Real World in New JerseyA. Dear Real: It may help you and your husband to understand that people who act the way your in-laws do are usually insecure on some basic level. They put others down to inflate their egos and reassure themselves that they’re “OK” by magnifying (or inventing) flaws in others. When your in-laws start to criticize, be pleasant and make a point of saying something positive about their target. It will short-circuit the rant.Parents, not their dates, pay for baby-sittingQ. Dear Abby: I’m a 40-year-old working mother raising a daughter who is the joy of my life. Once in a great while I’ll accept an invitation to go on a date and hire a baby sitter to watch my daughter.My question is, who should pay for the sitter? The man who asked me out or should I? I have yet to have a suitor offer to pay. Is that just the way it is, or are these men just cheap? — Mom on a Budget A. Dear Mom: Paying for your daughter’s sitter is your responsibility. When you become involved in a steady relationship and the cost of a sitter becomes a financial burden, discuss it then with your boyfriend, who should be willing to share some of the cost.© 2012 Universal Uclick 2/23

Write Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Read this article:
Dear Abby | Wife wants her bathroom privacy

*Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Do you have a real estate story that you'd like to share? Sign up with the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own finance articles.

As a remodeling contractor in rural communities for many years, I often won bids over competitors by adding services that homeowners would find helpful. One service I performed was taking the project blueprints to the bank or finance company to get a projected cost versus value estimate for the potential client. Until the mid-nineties, a remodeling job often led to an improved bottom line for the homeowner, and being able to show proof on paper gave me the edge in securing a contract.

By the turn of the century, the cost of labor and construction materials had skyrocketed, adding thousands to what once were cost efficient remodels. This made the task of convincing the homeowner to go ahead with the project (even though money would be lost) a difficult sell. Today, the idea of adding equity to your home by adding onto it or by doing a kitchen or bathroom remodel is virtually non-existent.

Now, the cost of a major remodel job will cut thousands from your bottom line. While the cost versus profit ratio varies from region to region, in every case, loss is evident. This chart from, Remodeling Magazine, offers comparisons related to the average cost of the most common remodeling projects in different regions of the United States.

That is not to say, you should let maintenance slide. If your home is on the market, the chances of it selling are greatly increased if the home is eye appealing and not in need of repair. If you do not want to spring for a contractor, and are handy with your hands, you can turn a good buck by tackling projects yourself.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the exterior of your home should be the first area to receive attention. If the paint is peeling, the lawn is not mowed or has a lot of weeds, and the roof looks old and tired, perspective buyers will be turned off.

There are many things a homeowner can do himself or herself that require little more than common sense. Loose siding can be reattached; peeling paint can scraped and repainted. The lawn can be mowed, edged, and reseeded. Driveways can be patched, and windows can be caulked.

Once the exterior is cleaned up, move inside. Check walls and ceilings for cracks and if necessary, fill with spackle and repaint. Move out the clutter to present an airy open look. Clean the windows, and make sure the screens are intact. You may even want to hire a professional cleaning company until your house sells.

Once you have done all you can to improve the home, your odds of selling will be better and you will rest easier knowing you have done your duty and saved a substantial amount of money by taking matters into your own hands.

Original post:
First Person: Home Remodeling Is No Longer a Good Investment

Kempner Volunteer Fire Department seeks funding from Lampasas County Posted On: Monday, Feb. 13 2012 11:17 PM Bathroom renovations to comply with American Disabilities Act

By Mason W. Canales

Killeen Daily Herald

LAMPASAS — County commissioners agreed Monday to consider financing the remodeling of the Kempner Volunteer Fire Department bathrooms to bring them into compliance with the American Disabilities Act before the municipal elections.

Kempner Volunteer Fire Chief Dan Hause approached county commissioners Monday in hopes the governing entity would pay for renovations to a public bathroom in its main station on Pecan Road in Kempner.

"Technically, the majority of the people that come into the building are the public because of the court," said Hause, who noted earlier that Justice of the Peace Sheila Hood also uses the facility.

The Kempner Volunteer Fire Department has allowed the county official to use the facilities for several years at no cost, said Hause.

The restrooms are the closest to the courtroom and do not meet American Disabilities Act compliance.

"When we know there is a handicapped person coming to court, we do make the courtroom accessible, but we do not have restroom facilities there, not even a water fountain," said Hood.

Hause said the fire department already sought one contractor's opinion on remodeling the bathrooms and estimates it would cost about $26,000.

County Auditor Jack Clark questioned why the county would pay 100 percent of the remodeling cost for a joint-use facility, especially when it includes a shower that members of the public probably would not use.

"Over the years, we have been giving, giving, giving, and now we are asking," said Hause.

Clark said the county has helped pay for fire trucks and other equipment since the creation of the department.

Commissioners debated whether the bathroom should be paid for this year or next, until County Elections Administrator Dorothy Person said without ADA-compliant bathrooms, the site can't be used as a polling place for elections.

The facility has the largest parking lot and has served as the polling site in Kempner for years and the county would like to continue to do so, she said. Person said she didn't know the bathrooms weren't in compliance until fire department officials brought it to the county's attention at Monday's meeting.

Commissioners agreed to find funding for the renovations, but asked Hause to seek two to three more bids from contractors by their next meeting, when they plan to formally vote on the issue.

County commissioners also took the following actions:

Appointed Commissioner Alex Wittenburg to sit on the Lampasas committee for the design of the Lampasas City Fire Station.

Requested the county attorney draft a surety bond to cover damages caused by Oncor Electric Delivery on county roadways.

Approved a platting for a seven-lot subdivision on County Road 4700.

Contact Mason W. Canales at mcanales@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7474. Follow him on Twitter at KDHCoveEditor.

Go here to read the rest:
Bathroom renovations to comply with American Disabilities Act