After exploring various options with our design team, the front of the house is determined to be the best location for the new master suite. The back of the home includes a previous Powell Construction addition, a large back yard, and a concrete porch (which will be getting remodeled once the ... Read More about Week #1
Kings Blvd -Intro
Two women have combined resources to create an environment where they can share a home yet each enjoy their own privacy. Ruth Stiehl, Professor Emeritus at OSU and owner of The Learning Organization, and Dee Martin, owner of Home Care and Elder Services, have worked with Powell Construction to ... Read More about Kings Blvd -Intro
Remodeling, A Strategic Plan for Falling Home Prices
During this recession many homeowners have seen the value of their home drop dramatically. If you were to sell your home today, you might be getting a much lower price than you are willing to sell for. Therefore many people are deciding to stay in their current homes much longer. While you might ... Read More about Remodeling, A Strategic Plan for Falling Home Prices
Cork Flooring
Cork, a beautiful and sustainable approach to flooring, was popular in the late 19th century and has been used ever since. There are many reasons cork continues to be popular to this day. It is insulating and durable, if properly installed and cared for. Cork flooring provides cushioning while ... Read More about Cork Flooring
Countertops
There are so many different surfaces to choose from these days that it can feel overwhelming. Countertops help dictate the look of the kitchen. But it's important to know how functional and durable the options are. Here's a quick guide to some of the most popular choices. The most familiar ... Read More about Countertops
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? To gain additional space, you will probably have to move into a more expensive house. You'll pay about 7 percent of the sale price of your existing home on ... Read More about Move or Remodel?
Investing in Your Home
According to Oregon Home magazines's remodeling supplement, "Housing values remain stronger in Oregon than in the rest of the country, and that goes for remodeling too." With interest rates still relatively low, it's a good time to remodel. Home improvements are one of the few investments that ... Read More about Investing in Your Home
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? Oregon Remodeling, a supplement to Oregon Home magazine, states that "Housing values remain stronger in Oregon than in the rest of the country, and that goes ... Read More about Cost vs. Value
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 facade. Facelifts can be done on their own or combined ... Read More about Give Your Home a Facelift
Rainwater Collection in Corvallis
With environmental issues increasingly at the forefront, I have had several homeowners asking about rainwater collection. The first question usually is: can I collect water on my property and is it legal? The answer is yes but there are some rules. It is legal in Corvallis to collect rainwater ... Read More about Rainwater Collection in Corvallis
Remodling Blog
When my wife and business partner, Heidi, started the Powell Construction Remodeling Blog last year, the world of blogging was new to us. We've since come to realize that many people don't know what a blog is. A blog (a contraction of the term "weblog") is a type of website, usually maintained by an ... Read More about Remodling Blog
Types of Wood
Oak has for years been the most popular wood for cabinetry. It's a durable wood and can be stained in a variety of depths of color. A combination of birch and alder is becoming increasingly popular as homeowners are turning to a less grainy look. Birch/alder is not as hard as oak or cherry, however, ... Read More about Types of Wood
Kitchen Designs
First off, have your kitchen designed professionally. The design is a small fraction of the cost and can make all the difference. All the professional craftsmen in the world can't make a poor design functional no matter how beautiful the granite or how amazing the convection oven. A good designer ... Read More about Kitchen Designs
Sink Options
Three of the most popular types of sink material are stainless steel, enameled cast iron and solid surface. Stainless steel is the most durable and comes in a wide range of styles and prices. It's more heat resistant than cast iron and can't chip or shatter. The downside of stainless steel is that ... Read More about Sink Options
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 ... Read More about A Living Kitchen
Flooring for Kitchens and Baths
Today's homeowner has lots of wonderful choices when it comes to floor coverings. Wood remains popular, whether it's a hardwood like oak or softwood like pine. Wood floors are sanded and finished in place after installation. Be prepared to stay at a friend's or a hotel for the night to avoid fumes ... Read More about Flooring for Kitchens and Baths
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 ... Read More about The Importance of Kitchen Ventilation
The Luxurious Bath
In this fast-paced, high-stress world, more and more people are looking to their homes as a refuge for peace and tranquility. Homeowners are simplifying while at the same time outfitting their homes with quality products that provide them with comfort and ease. Currently in the Corvallis and ... Read More about The Luxurious Bath
Choosing a Contractor
Partnership. A project should be a team effort between the contractor and the homeowner. An open exchange of information and ideas is paramount. Personalities need to mesh for a successful project. Communication. The burden of communication – on the details of the design, terms of the agreement, ... Read More about Choosing a Contractor
The Three Bid Myth
I was at Safeway the other day and picked up a copy of "Kitchen Remodeling for Dummies." I have to say, I was curious to read the advice the publication was offering. Not surprisingly it advocated getting three bids. "Be sure that all three contractors work from the same materials and labor list. ... Read More about The Three Bid Myth