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OCTOBER 2012
In This Issue
Contact Us
Green Halloween
Trick or Treat Tips
Become a Fan
Pumpkin Recipes
Remodeled Homes Tour
5 FAQ's on Remodeling
Contact Us
Client Meeting
Planning a holiday party? Is your house ready for guests? Let us help spruce up your home in time for the holidays. Call us today!

(206) 306-7767
 
Our office is open M-F from 8:30 am to 4:30pm
 
We can also be reached by email or online

Green Tips

 

Go Green for Halloween
  • Make your own costume - all you need are some old/funny clothes, hair spray, and a few accessories
  • Reuse or re-purpose last year's costume into something new and fun
  • Indulge in Fair Trade chocolate and organic candy for your treats
  • Turn out your lights and light some candles for ambiance and spooky effects
  • Instead of handing out candy, try pencils, erasers, stickers, or tattoos
  • Decorate your home with natural decor like - pumpkins, gourds, straw and corn stalks
  • Trick or treat with a reusable buckets, a basket, or canvas bags
Once Halloween is over, don't forget to recycle and compost everything

     

    

Trick or Treat Tips
  1. Never go alone
  2. Always carry a flashlight
  3. Only approach homes with a light on
  4. Always have a parent/guardian check your candy before eating
  5. Be sure your costume is flame retardent
  6. Stay on the sidewalk
  7. Do not cut accross yards or driveways
  8. Use reflective tape on your costume
  9. Always take masks off before crossing the street
  10. Remember, in an emergency 911 can be called free from any phone  

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Thank You 

Remodel Tour Contributors       

To our Home Tour Supporters:

  • All City Electric
  • Armadillo Painting
  • Berman & Associates Architecture
  • Dunn Lumber
  • Ferguson Enterprises
  • Hillside Roofing
  • Lundgren Enterprises
  • NorthWest Stone Fabricators
  • Raymark Plumbing
  • Whole Nine Yards Flooring

Thank you for being a part of this award-winning project with Irons Brothers Construction for the 2012 Remodeled Homes Tour.

 

Come See What's Possible

Bathroom shower bench 

 

Finishes include fine tile work, custom cabinetry, contemporary fixtures, granite countertops, hardwood floors, and more.

 

The tour is Saturday, October 20th and Sunday October 21st from 10am to 5pm.

 

Contact our office 

for free tickets!

 

 

 Home Office     

 

 

We hope to see you there!

For more information on the Master Builders Remodeled Home Tour, and all the homes participating click here and view Home #10.

Become a Fan

Like us on Facebook

 

 

Have a funny construction photo?

Share it with us for our Fun Foto Friday!

 
Irons Brothers  
 
Check out our latest events, information and photos on Facebook
 
What to do with all that Pumpkin? 
Pumpkin Patching
Now that you've carved your pumpkin? What can you do with all the pumpkin and seeds? 

How to make Pumpkin Puree

For the sweetest puree, use "pie" pumpkins
  • Wash the pumpkin, cut in half and scoop out the seeds, remove the stem and put it in a microwaveable bowl.
  • Put a couple of inches of water in the bowl, cover and place in the microwave for 15 min. on high, repeat in smaller increments of time until soft enough to scoop out. About 20-30 minutes total.
  • You can also bake the pumpkin in the oven. Cut the pumpkin and lay face down on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until soft.
  • Scoop out the cooked pumpkin. You may want to let it sit and then pour off any water that accumulates.
  • Puree the pumpkin with a hand blender or mixer.
  • Use your pumpkin puree for pie, bread, or soup.
Now what to do with the puree?

Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin Seeds
  • Plant them and grow your own pumpkin next year!
  • Roast the seeds in the oven until brown and crisp, then flavor with cinnamon sugar, cayenne pepper, or salt

 

Halloween in the Pumpkin

It's Pumpkin Carving Time!

 

Fall has arrived after a beautiful start to October. Get your coats and boots on and enjoy some Fall Events

   

Haunted Houses & Halloween Events:

 

Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkin Patch Pushing    

Here's a link to some free pumpkin carving patterns have fun! 

Remodeled Homes Tour

October 20th and 21st  

 

Remodel Home #10 2012 Tour   

 

 

Ever wonder what your neighbors completed remodel looks like? Learn what the Jones' have been up to next door ...

 

Attend this free event, a remodeled home tour on October 20th and 21st from 10am to 5pm. Visit our events page for more info.

 

Don't miss this great opportunity to see

in-person this award-winning home addition first hand and talk with us, the people who make our client's projects a success time after time.

 

Our client's 1931 Ballard home was remodeled adding a dormer addition upstairs. A master bathroom and bonus room were built when the attic and storage spaces were opened up and added onto. The completed space is fully integrated with the brick house.

 

 Master Bathroom Ballard Panoramic

 

This beautiful master bathroom features a tiled-in shower with bench and frame-less glass enclosure, custom cabinetry with granite countertops, fine tile and mill work.

 

More info about the Remodeled Homes Tour can be found on our website and remodeltour.com (Home #10)

5 FAQ's from the 
Seattle Home Show
Irons Home Show Presentation 2012 
  
Recently Joseph Irons, company owner spoke with homeowners during his presentation at the Seattle Home Show.
 
Selecting the right contractor is a difficult decision for most people. We find our clients choose to do business with us based on the relationship we build with them, our reputation, and of course our customer service.

 

Here are the Top 5 most frequently asked questions Joseph received from homeowners:
 
1.What is a design/build firm?
A design/build team works under a single contract with the homeowner to provide design and construction services. This process creates one unified flow of work from initial concept to completion. A design/build project versus design then build can accelerate your project completion, create a more realistic construction budget, turn your ideas and concepts into actual plans and specifications, and design a project that can and will be built.

 

2. Why do contractor's charge overhead or markup their costs?
Typically the markup and overhead costs cover the contractor's fees associated with some of the following expenses in all projects: administration, worker's compensation, liability and insurance coverage, registration and bond, labor burden and benefits, construction & material warranties, subcontractor administration & management, customer service, and general project oversight.

 

3. Is it too late to do exterior work this year?
No. Joseph is actually at the remodeling and deck expo this week in Baltimore and with our climate in the Puget Sound it is not too late. Although it is not always easy for carpenters to work in the rain, both large and small projects can still be done well and right. It is never to early to plan your exterior projects for next Spring. The earlier you plan the more time you will have to enjoy them. 
 

  Joseph at 2010 Seattle Home Show

 
4. Can we provide our own construction materials?
Each remodeling contractor does things differently, but we are flexible. The one disadvantage of providing your own materials, is your bare the warranty concerns. If you purchase a material for installation, you are responsible for coordinating any product failure issues and warranty concerns that arise. Of course the contractor should warranty their installation, but if the product you provided fails the issues fall to you for replacement and any associated fees.

 

5. Can we complete a portion of the work ourselves or use our own subcontractor?
Some homeowners believe that there is cost savings when they complete portions of their project. In some cases this is true when its an experienced craftsman. However, this is usually not the case and generally causes delays and re-work for the contractor. What would usually take a professional carpenter 1 day to complete, may take you 2 to 3 days. Or if the work is performed incorrectly or does not meet current health and safety codes, could be called out for correction upon building inspection. 
Using your own subcontractor can also be tricky. If the contractor you hire is unlicensed you are placing you and your home at risk. Some of these risks include liability for injury or damage during the work. If the company is registered, insured and bonded there is less risk. 
One of the many benefits of hiring a general contractor is their management of specialty trades. They are experienced and knowledgeable about the current codes and standards of building and construction and will ensure the work is done correctly. Problems and issues do arise and the general contractor will be there to troubleshoot problems as they come up to minimize delays and complications.
 kitchen remodel

There were several other questions, but we found these to be most pertinent for review.

 

If you have a question for us, contact us directly.

 

To learn more about selecting the right contractor for your project, review our Consumer Tips

What Halloween Costume will you be wearing?

I am looking forward to a fun Halloween with my family. Maybe I will share a photo next month.

 

Is your home ready for fall and winter? Do you need some interior projects completed before entertaining this holiday? Call us now to schedule your appointment so you can show off your new space this holiday season.

 

Please pass along these events, tips, and helpful information to your family, friends, and colleagues.

 

Have a wonderful Labor Day!
Joseph Irons
 
Joseph Irons, CGR GMB CAPS CGP
Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.
President 
2009, 2011 MBA & 2010 BIAW Remodeler of the Year
   

Remember one of the benefits of hiring our company is that I am personally involved in your project. Contact us to schedule an appointment and ensure your spot on our upcoming project calendar.

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