Unlike any other home remodeling project, a kitchen renovation encompasses so many things--from the simple to exquisite, and can easily overwhelm even the most determined homeowner.

On the flip side, a fine kitchen remodel instantly raises the value of your home, provides you with a more productive work space, and makes you the envy of all of your friends. So, before beginning this tough-but-rewarding project, ask yourself:

1.   What Are My Needs and Desires?:  Is your kitchen a disaster zone where you can't even manage to boil an egg? Or do you just want to freshen the place up with new appliances, countertops, floors, and cabinets? A need might be: I need kitchen cabinets because my current ones are falling apart. A desire might be: I desire a new dishwasher because my current one is ugly and noisy, though it works perfectly well.

2.   Is It Worth It?: Do you want work crews in your home for extended periods of time? Do you want to spend money and put yourself through this headache? Although kitchen remodels are one of the more expensive home projects, they retain their value very well should you decide to sell your home. According to Remodeling Magazine™ Annual Cost vs. Value Report, You could expect anywhere from 65% - 80% of a return on your investment should you decide to sell.  

3.   Deep-Down Renovation or Surface-Level?: Be honest. Is this a $50,000 total kitchen remodel or a less ambitious surface-level kitchen renovation? No shame in either choice.

4.   Can I Reduce the Cost of Remodeling?
Think about this now before you get too involved in the project. Mike Wood Builders knows how to accomplish your goals according to the budget you have. We offer design/build options and can show you what your kitchen will look like BEFORE any nail has been driven.

Do you want your lawn to be the envy of your neighbors?  I do!!

Then it's time to get started.  A little extra work in the spring can make a huge difference in the WOW factor all summer long.

             If you had trouble spots in your yard last year, consider taking some soil samples to your local garden shop and see if the pH (pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity in soils) is off.  If it is, treat with line or sulfur as needed. I did this a number of years ago and was told what type of fertilizer I needed for my area of the country and have just repeated that same treatment every year since.

            Good lawn maintenance requires paying attention to those young but n-a-s-t-y weeds! Use one of several types of weed killer right about now and then several weeks from now (for the ones you missed). I like Weed-B-Gone but there are several out there that do about the same thing. Your grass will love you for it. Besides, weeds grow faster than grass, and you end up having to cut the grass several days before you should have to.

If you're really getting into this yard season and love the smells and sweat, there are several more things you can do that sure perk it up. Power raking a lawn (also known as dethatching) is a great way to remove the buildup of excess dead grass clippings, improve water and nutrient flow to the roots and to stimulate new grass growth. I actually don't do this with my lawn but I do try to be good about the next step...

            Aerating. Aerating pulls little plugs of grass/soil out so that when the fertilizer gets broadcast it can more easily penetrate the soil and get down to the roots.  This also helps the water soak in instead of standing on top.

Now that your lawn is on its way to beautiful just relax on your deck or porch and enjoy!  What??!!  You don't have a deck or porch? Give Mike Wood Builders a call!