As published in the...

The Three Bid Myth
The three bid system only gives the illusion of providing a thorough comparison of contractors' prices. Without drawings and specifications it is impossible to know what is included and compare with any meaningful level of accuracy.

What Is Design/Build?
When homeowners hear the phrase "design/build" it is not necessarily familiar to them. This term describes a process in which one company creates the design and also executes the project. The design/build company is accountable for the entire project from start to finish.

Choosing A Contractor
It can be hard to sift through the names of contractors to find the one that best meets your needs. Consider the following key points in making your choice:

Checking References
When selecting a contractor is it really necessary to call references? Isn't checking with the Construction Contractor's Board enough?

Do You Know Your Contractor?
Once you've selected a contractor, do you know whom you're actually getting? Some contractors do all the work themselves while others sub everything out, even the management of the job.

Selecting a Remodeler
Some people think selecting a remodeling contractor is the easy part... just get three bids and pick the lowest, right?

Where Do I Start?
When you are thinking about remodeling, the best place to start is with a professional contractor, who can guide you through the process of design and construction.

Reducing The Stress
Everyone knows that remodeling can be stressful. There are decisions to be made, furniture has to be moved, and there will be dust and noise. During the course of the remodel your space will no longer be entirely your own.

What Women Want In Remodeling
When it comes to remodeling women have a significant influence on decisions. What are women looking for in their homes?

The Keys to Success
Successful remodeling boils down to careful research, scrupulous planning and smart decision making. It's never exactly easy, but the process of moving from dream to execution can be managed in a clear, logical manner.

All-at-Once or Room-by-Room
When you are thinking about remodeling, one of the decisions to be made is whether to tackle the entire project at once or to remodel one room at a time. Which approach best suits you?

How Can I Help?
Homeowner's often ask how they can participate in their remodeling project. There are lots of ways you can help, if you have the interest and time.

Remodeling Dreams
A professional remodeler should be able to create your dream home without wreaking havoc on your home life.

What's Hot and What's Not
What are the "bells and whistles" in kitchen and bath design that are increasing in popularity at the most rapid rates?

A Welcoming Entry
The entry to a home is a very important part of a home's design. Consider the entry from both an exterior and interior point of view.

Creating A Dream File
Before you meet with a design professional, create a clipping file of pictures of houses and rooms that you like. Then scale it down to your five or ten favorites. Think about why you like them. This will help focus your thoughts and help the designer to re-create the "feel" for you.

Visualize Your Project
As you are starting to conceptualize a remodeling project it's helpful to have a good idea of the style you like and the features you are looking for.

Trend Watch
What are the hot design features that homeowners are asking for?

Space: Quality vs. Quantity
Deciding what you want or need in a home can seem overwhelming. Bigger is not always better.

The Importance of Kitchen Ventilation
When designing a kitchen, meticulous care is taken in choosing nearly everything from the style of the cabinetry to the brand of light bulbs used. But, in the midst of this detailed planning one of the most important aspects of the kitchen is often overlooked. Kitchen ventilation is one of the key pieces to a well-designed kitchen.

Flooring for Kitchens and Baths
Today's homeowner has lots of wonderful choices when it comes to floor coverings. Ask your design/build professional which floor covering is best in your situation.

A Living Kitchen
Today?s kitchen is no longer just an area for food preparation. Americans are finding that their families and guests tend to congregate in the kitchen, making it feel more like Grand Central Station than an area for preparing and consuming meals. Food preparation is difficult when you can?t get to all your supplies and ingredients without weaving through onlookers.

Sink Options
There is no "best" sink. When considering sink options think about style, material and mounting.

Kitchen Designs
Everyone wants a great kitchen. It's the hub of the home, the place where guests congregate, the nucleus of the family. But how do you achieve that wonderful kitchen when you are starting with a dated, dark, or dysfunctional space.

Which wood?
Use your own style, guided by some practical considerations, to select the perfect wood for kitchen cabinets.

Countertops
When selecting a countertop material, homeowners have a lot to consider.

Plan Now for Next Summer
If you've been dreaming of putting an addition on your home fall is a good time to start planning for next spring and summer.

Additions: Build Up or Out?
When you want to add more space to your home, is it better to build "up" or "out"?

The Family Studio
A family studio could be the perfect addition to your busy family's lifestyle.

Over-the-Garage Additions
An addition built over an existing garage is a popular way to gain extra room in your house. This space can be used for a child returning home, a master suite, a study, a guest suite, or a mother-in-law suite.

Not So Big Additions
Additions made up of big square rooms do add space to your home, but is it the kind of space you want?

Are You Ready For The Future?
Don't get caught unprepared when planning for your future housing needs. Baby boomers are remodeling their homes to accommodate their changing needs throughout their lives.

Universal Design
People's lives and circumstances are changing all the time and it's important that the design of your home can adapt to these transitions.

Remodeling For The Future
You don't have to change addresses to get the home you want. An open mind about the potential of your home is the key to keeping up with future lifestyle changes.

Move or Remodel?
You may someday find yourself wondering whether the old family home still meets your needs. You can move or remodel, but which is better?

Cost vs Value
When you remodel your home what do you actually add to its value? Which types of projects bring you the greatest return on your investment?

Give Your Home A Facelift
Corvallis has many middle-aged homes with a distinct lack of street appeal. Sometimes the look of a house can be dramatically improved without huge structural changes. Exterior improvements can range from adding a bay window to a whole new fa?ade.

All in the Details
How much detail do you need to give your contractor before he can give you an accurate estimate?

The Scope-of-Work
Limiting the scope-of-work helps the homeowner and contractor to control costs.

Why A Fixed Price Contract?
Itemized estimates and fixed price contracts result in greater homeowner satisfaction. The reason for this is clear expectations. It's in the homeowner's best interest to get a commitment on price up front.

Time And Materials
A few weeks ago I wrote a column entitled "Why A Fixed Price Contract?". After reading that column a homeowner contacted me and told me a "time and materials" nightmare.

Lighting
A well lit home provides a thoughtfully designed mix of natural and artificial light. Effective lighting can provide not only illumination but also accents and drama.

When to Remodel
You may be surprised to learn that contractors work year round. There isn't as small a window as you may think.

Financing Your Remodeling Project
There are several home improvement options available to consumers. Read more to find out what may work for you.

The Luxurious Bath
Homeowners are simplifying while at the same time outfitting their homes with quality products that provide them with comfort and ease of maintenance.

Time To Remodel
There's never been a better time to remodel. Interest rates are low and this makes for a great climate for financing your remodeling project.

Affordable Housing is Available
Corvallis Neighborhood Housing Services and Powell Construction are building 13 new, quality, affordable homes, to make home ownership more attainable for lower- income home buyers.