Beautiful by design

Custom quartz, under mount double sinks, new faucets, new cabinetry, new mirrors and wraps, custom back splasy

C&K Construction in the News

Local paper asks to tell our story.


http://midcountymemo.com/memlog/c-k-construction-enters-tenth-year-of-operation/

Shower photos

Wrapping up

Another great master bathroom remodel in NE Portland is wrapping up this week. 

A Geat day

Started like usual at 5:00 and ending at 9:30.  I don't do what I do for the great hours but for the enjoyment of working with great people.

Tile success

Important Keys to a Successful Tile Project

• There are way too many handy persons out there that claim to be tile experts. The truth is there are very few people that are true tile craftsmen. They understand the importance of every aspect and are able to pre-plan the and anticipate the challenges of each individual project.

It is this pre-planning that separates a handy person from a true tile craftsman. Knowing the possible pitfalls and taking preventative actions are what make long lasting beautiful tile projects.

A well planned tile project creates lasting beauty, functionality, and lasting durability in equal proportions.

Design:

• Design is one thing that sets a good tile job apart from a great tile project. Hiring a company that offers design services will save in the long run by eliminating confusion and saving time during install.

Most people have an idea of what they would like but a designer can add beauty and functionality that clients do not think of. A designer will consider lighting, color, and texture that fits the overall scheme a project. A good designer will also offer several different ideas and bring focus to a project.

A good designer will add the flare that separates on project from another.

• The most important thing to know is what will be below the tile. On a floor it’s important that there is no flex in the existing floor or tiles will crack and break loose. If there is not enough support in existing framing and floor then additional support will need to be added.

We have all seen projects were the floor surfaces don’t match up well to existing floors. We have also all noticed poor tile installs by the grout lines, un-level tiles, bad cuts, or just visually unappealing. Proper design and planning helps eliminate all problems.

• Another thing that needs to be carefully considered is layout. Where should the tiles start? How should the tiles fit within doorways, in front of stairs, tubs, showers, or top to bottom on walls. Layout is what you don’t notice if done properly. Improper layout is what you can’t help but notice.

At C&K Construction and Remodeling in Portland, we take tile very seriously.

Http://www.ckcustomremodeling.com

The Ducks or the Cardinals

My poor son has no idea what to do tomorrow.  His two favorite teams are competing against each other tomorrow.  The Oregon Ducks are playing the Stanford Cardinals and I'm afraid he's going to upset no matter who wins. 

Wrapping up

The Nelson bathroom project is wrapping up today except for the shower door and mirrors.  It's been great getting to know you both and Ellie too.  Go Ducks

Photos coming

The Nelson master bathroom is coming along beautifully and I will post photos soon.

Making the client #1

I am learning that the only way to make a client is to give a customer what they want and charge them for it.  Too many contractors try to cut corners to save money and only end up with unhappy customers.  I've heard it said it hurts once to pay for what you want but it hurts every day regretting not paying to get what you really wanted.

It's getting cool outside

The leaves are beginning to change colors and this half of the world is beginning to slow down.  It's a great time to consider home remodeling projects.  Fall brings out the incredible color of nature and this time of year warm colors just feel right. 


With the hustle and bustle of summer fading its a great time to refocus on all of those home projects neglected or maybe it's just time for a change.  Either way C&K is ready to take care of all of your home improvement needs.

http://www.ckcustomremodeling.com

Give us a call "when you want the best"

Fall is coming fast

Don't let summer pass you by without finishing that to do list.  Don't be that person in October saying I wish I would have done __________ this summer.

Construction Business

People ask how I like being in the construction business.  I really love what I do but think a better description of my company is that we are in the customer service industry.  Any can do construction but customer service is what sets one company apart from another. 

Street of Dreams

Just visited the 2011 Street of Dreams.  Some beautiful homes and it was great to see our primary cabinet designer was chosen to do an entire homes cabinetry and woodwork.  Great job guys, I appreciate the great craftsmanship, professionalism, and customer service you have always provided us. 

As always I am drawn to the beautiful tile and designs.

Choosing the right tiles

There are several factors that need to be considered when choosing the right tiles for your bathroom, kitchen or any other room in your house. Aside from having to choose among different colors and prints, you’ll also have to consider the different types of tiles. Choosing the wrong type may not only spoil the entire look of your bathroom or kitchen. The wrong tile type may also result in an easily-damaged counter top or bathroom floor, and could cost you a lot more in the long run.

The first thing that you should do when hunting for the right tiles is to figure out your kitchen or bathroom design. Different tile sizes, colors and types go well with certain designs but do not go quite well with other designs. When you have a look or design in mind, you can consult a Portland tile contractor as to the types and sizes of tiles that are recommended for such designs. To give you some idea on the types of tiles that you may have to choose from, here are three of the basic tile types and their key features.

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are known for their rough texture and natural earthy colors. They are typically cut from a shale-type rock and can be quite heavy when piled together. Although they are predominantly available in dark colors, there are also reddish and yellowish varieties that are also available but more difficult to find. These tiles are generally not recommended for floor areas and work best for accent walls.


Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles boast of having the widest variety of colors, textures, sizes and designs among all other tile types. They are produced by baking clay in a kiln and their quality depends largely on the quality of the clay that was used. are basically made of clay that are shaped and “baked” using a special oven referred to as a “kiln”. Ceramic tiles are probably the most popular and most common tiles found in kitchens and bathrooms, largely because of their low-maintenance and high resistance to water and heat.

Marble Tiles

Marble tiles are also as resistant and easy to maintain as ceramic tiles but are many times heavier. Due to their weight, marble tiles require additional support and are typically used for rooms on the ground floor, although a marble staircase has always been a coveted feature of any mansion or building. In the past decades, marble tiles have become more popular for kitchens and bathrooms. They work well with many designs including minimalist, modern and classic or roman-inspired designs.

These are but three of the different tile types out there. To get a more comprehensive summary of all the different tile types and how they can work for your remodeling project, its best to contact a Portland tile contractor near you.



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Shurefire ways to improve your home's value

Like every homeowner out there, you’d probably jump at the chance of increasing your home’s value. The real estate market has been in a bit of a slump in most states due to the recent economic crisis, which makes it even more important for one’s home to compete well with other homes. Whether or not you’re planning to sell your home in the near or future, improving the value of your home is a good idea.

A higher home value will bring in a better evaluation for insurance and loans. At the same time, home improvements are always called for when there are big changes in your life or lifestyle. A new baby, for example, will require you to re-orient your home to be more child-friendly. A recent promotion may also mean more dinner guests, therefore requiring you to improve your home’s appearance.

There are surefire ways to improve and increase the value of your home. One of the best things to do is to identify improvements that carry a huge over-all impact. Examples of such improvements are bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling Portland. Next to your living room, the bathroom and the kitchen are the two rooms that are most frequented by guests and visitors. Unfortunately, they are also often the most neglected. But you can change all that by wowing your visitors with a splendidly designed kitchen or bathroom.

You must also check for items that may need repair in the kitchen or bathroom. This may range from leaking pipes to cracked paint and broken tiles. You may also realize that you need more storage space in your kitchen for all those pots and pans that are cluttering your kitchen counter. You should prioritize practical improvements such as these before undertaking any aesthetic improvements.

If you’re considering kitchen remodeling Portland, you’ll be happy to know that there’s no need to splurge out a huge fortune for it. You can change and update the entire look of your kitchen through simple but strategic improvements such as replacing the tiles, flooring or kitchen cabinets. Adding a new center island or breakfast nook may also breathe new life into an otherwise drab kitchen.

You can also achieve a big impact by improving large items such ceilings, walls and floors. A re-flooring can change the attitude and mood of an entire house, and walls can easily be updated with a simple paint job or a new wallpaper. Whatever changes you may decide to undertake in your home, remember to always seek out the help of a reliable contractor. A reliable and efficient contractor will be indispensable in bringing out the best value for your beloved home.



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Homeowner's guide to bathroom remodeling

Classic. Rustic. Shabby Chic. These are but several of the many great bathroom designs that you may be considering when remodeling your old bathroom. If you've been planning this for some time, then you probably already have some great bathroom pictures tucked in your journal. Before proceeding, however, it’s always a good idea to build some know-how of how the bathroom remodeling Portland process takes place. This will not only help you choose the right bathroom design, but will also allow you to anticipate the costs and amount of time required to complete your remodeling plan.

First Steps
As a first step, make it a point to identify the extent of bathroom remodeling that you would need to transform your bathroom. You'll need to ask yourself what specific improvements you'd like to see in your bathroom, and which improvements are more important than the others. Do you want to get more natural light into the bathroom? Or do you simply want to get your own his and hers counter tops and vanity mirrors? Identifying the specific improvements that you want to make will be significant in determining whether you need a complete remodeling of the bathroom, or will only require a partial remodeling.  

Second Steps
Second, have a clear picture of the minimum improvements that you'd like to see in your bathroom. If you want to get more natural light into the bathroom, how much wall space are you willing to allot to new windows? If you’re thinking of enlarging your bathroom, then you should also have a clear idea of the amount of space you’re hoping to get. Setting down real and measurable demands will help make bathroom remodeling Portland easier for you and your family.

Final Steps
Lastly, let your contractor know your budget. This will allow your contractor to identify what design options are available for your bathroom, and will also determine the types of materials that they can use for your bathroom remodeling. Having a clear budget from the start will save you time and effort that may be wasted looking into materials and designs that are not applicable to your budget range.

A bathroom remodeling requires time and energy, and is almost similar to the construction of a new bathroom. You'll have to choose among different bathroom fixtures, tiles, colors, lights, and even bathroom lay-outs. Bathroom remodeling Portland involves substantial changes in your bathroom design. With the right contractor and interior designer assisting you every step of the way, however, it won't take much to get your dream bathroom in place. Watching your old bathroom transform before your very eyes will prove to be an extremely gratifying experience for you.


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Five easy tricks to modernize your bathroom and kitchen

Is your bathroom or kitchen looking drab and outdated? You don’t need to spend a fortune to design and remodeling Portland bathrooms and kitchens. A more modern design is easy to achieve with the addition of some simple elements. Here are five simple tricks to ramp up these rooms and give them a more modern look.

1

Install some subtle accent lights over glossy surfaces such as countertops, vanity tables and sinks. The light will reflect off the surface and give the entire room a more modern look. When choosing among different accent lights, go for edgy but simple designs. Metallic frames look great when paired with soft white light and glazed glass.

2

Get rid of old ceramic fixtures in your bathroom and replace them with metallic ones. You can find many great bathroom fixtures such as metal sinks and bathtubs in sleek designs that are both comfortable and pleasing to look at. Metal countertops also look great in kitchens, especially when accompanied with low-lying accent lights. When choosing a new set of metallic fixtures for your bathroom or kitchen, always stick to a general style and make sure that your fixtures fit well with one another.

3

Throw out the clutter. One trick to modern design and remodeling Portland kitchens and bathrooms is to enlarge your space by keeping the floor area clear of unnecessary fixtures and clutter. Wide open spaces mark a modern design and this can be easily achieved by selecting and installing fixtures that do not take up floor space such as wall-mounted sinks, shelves, and vanities. Remove floor items such as magazine racks, potted plants, clothes bin, and floor cabinets.

4

Replace your wooden shelves with custom-made glass or metal cabinets and shelves. Wood works great for rustic and shabby-chic designs but doesn’t fit well with a modern kitchen or bathroom design. You can find many wall-mounted glass or metal shelves that will work better with the modern design that you have in mind. Also replace wooden frames such as those used for wall décor and mirrors with metallic frames that fit well with the design of your fixtures. When it comes to shelves, you can experiment with non-traditional placements such as a diagonal row or alternating shelves to make the room even more interesting.

5

Avoid using printed designs, especially country florals, for details such as tiles, wall decor and curtains. Instead, stick to monotones of neutral colors such as black, white or beige. When choosing a modern design and remodeling Portland bathrooms or kitchens, simplicity is always given importance. If the monotone is too plain for you, you can experiment with a splash of contrasting color or a recurring design element such as stripes or cubes.

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Simple tips to maximize small kitchen designs

With today’s real estate prices, a large floor area has become an expensive feature afforded only by a few. A booming population has further led to the construction of high-rise residential condominiums with limited floor area. These considerations have thus led to an insurgence of small kitchen design Portland and elsewhere. Small kitchen designs have become possible with the advent of innovative and space-saving ideas that focus on multi-functionality and small spaces. A kitchen island now functions both as a table and as storage space, and sometimes even comes fitted with sliding or hidden stools.

If you’ve just moved in to a new home with a small kitchen, or have been living in one for some time, there’s certainly no need to hang the apron and settle for take-out dinners each night. You can enjoy all the benefits and joys of a full-sized kitchen within the confines of your small kitchen area. All it takes is some smarts and an ounce of creativity to maximize small kitchen designs. Read on for a few simple tips that’ll get you started. 

First and foremost, de-clutter. Rein in your inner pack rat and do away with clutter and bulky décor. Keep your kitchen bare of unessential items such as decorative floor fixtures and excess kitchenware. Go through your kitchen items and get rid of kitchen items that you haven’t used for the past year. If we’re talking of heirloom silverware that are only used for special occasions, consider storing them in another room. Clutter can become a big problem in kitchens, and will effectively limit the amount of working space that you can use when cooking or baking.

Second, opt for a minimalist design. Keeping your kitchen bare of the unessential doesn’t have to result in a bland or sterile room. Complement the bare look of your kitchen with a minimalist kitchen design Portland. This design scheme fits perfectly with small kitchens because it emphasizes simple fixtures and bare spaces. One trick is to stick to a basic color for everything while playing up the drama with various textures and materials.

Lastly, expand the visual space. We sometimes forget that space is just a matter of perception, one that we could alter with a few visual tricks. Light, neutral colors will help your small kitchen seem more breezy and spacious. A large wall mirror is also a good way of tricking the eye and can be mounted on a kitchen wall to make the room seem bigger than it actually is.

Tile Success or Failure

Tile is a beautiful and long lasting solution to almost any surface.  The key to successful tile is preparation.  Just about anyone can lay tile but not anyone can lay tile correctly.

In laying tile floor we often see tile cracking or breaking free from the subfloor.  This can be caused by a couple of different things.  First suspect is the base floor.  This is what the subfloor sits on.  For best results the base floor (also called decking) needs to be of sufficient thickness and must be fastened in a manner as to stop any movement.  Usually tongue a groove 2x6 flooring works well if installed properly. 

The next consideration is the subfloor.  We like Hardi Backer for flooring because it adds structural stiffness to the floor.  It is a cement based product producing a great bond with thin-set mortar.  All seams need to be taped with appropriate fiberglass tape ( not sheetrock tape ).  Finally all seams need to be skimmed with thin-set to create one surface. 

For showers and tub walls we are 100% sold on Wedi products.  They are more waterproof than other tile backing systems.  They are also about four times more expensive per sheet.  This is not the time to pinch pennies as you want your tub or shower walls to remain water proof for years to come.

The trowel and mortar mix are not to be overlooked.  For most tile applications a 1/4 x 1/4 notched trowel is used.  The mortar is applied holding the trowel at a 45 degree to the tile backing.  The mortar, or thin-set as it is often called, needs to be fortified with acrylic additive.  We like to mix our mortar with acrylic instead of water.  The acrylic gives the tile more bonding strength.

Once the tile is down apply roughly 10 lbs of mechanical pressure then do not touch again for 24 hrs.

Best of luck and happy send pictures of your best work.

Design Services

We are excited to be able to offer much more detail in our design services.  Recent business affiliations have brought new capabilities to our already outstanding design team....

All of the great families we serve will have the opportunity to meet with a structural designer, an interior designer, or both.   We look forward to impressing you on your next remodel project.

Top 10 Reasons to Hire C&K Technicians

1  Our technicians are trained in the latest products and techniques

2  Our technicians are efficient, saving both time and money.

3  Our technicians work cleanly, protecting your home from dust and debris.

4  Our technicians are hand selected by the owner to be people of the highest ethics and integrity.

5  Our technicians care about customer service.

6  Our technician will provide design and process advice when appropriate.

7  Our technicians are able to handle both small and large projects.

8  Our technicians have extensive experience in a variety of trades

9  Your technician will be matched to your specific project

10  Every job is overseen by the owner and a project manager.

Happy Easter From C&K

Enjoy this day off. 

Spend time with your friends or family and be thankful for everything you have.

Say a short prayer for those without and a quick prayer for you city, town, and country.  

Happy Easter

Stop wasting money

This is to everyone who does what they are suppose to do and shops for the best price.  I have found that customers want three things.

Great customer service:  We all want to be well taken care of
Great craftsmanship:       We all want to have have great results from the contractors we bring into our homes
Good value:   This is where many of my clients are getting in trouble.  I constantly hear "contractor x quoted me a cheaper price".  Yesterday I received a call from a valued customer saying "can you help me I did something stupid.  I hired a cheaper contractor and I just fired him, can you come finish the project."  No I have to fix the mistakes of a less qualified contractor.  After that I will be able to finish the project.  The project could have been done much less expensive and I would have been able suggest ideas and products that would have increased value to the project without adding much cost. 

We need to recognize value and price are not the same thing.  If you have a contractor you trust, it's alright to shop prices and haggle a bit but remember you are likely not comparing apples to apples.  There is alot of truth to the saying you get what you pay for.

One last thing to consider.  We know we want customer service, great craftsmanship, and a good price.  Which of these three are you willing to sacrifice?  This question will tell you what the outcome of your project will likey be.  If you have had bad contractors in the past it is possible they gave you what you asked for.  A cheap product and a cheap price....

Proper painting techniques

First and foremost if you home was built before 1978 make sure your contractor has the paint tested for lead.  Second make sure your contractor is licensed to work on homes with lead paint, also know as RRP license.
All loose paint should be scraped, damage wood repaired or replaced, and all joints and holes filled with caulking.  All new wood, exposed wood from scraping,  and fill material need to be primed with a good primer.  Peel bond is a great way to seal an entire home and is does a good job of filling small imperfections as it is a thick material. 

Most contractors spray and back roll for consistent coverage.   We recomend a minimum of 2 coats of a good house paint after proper perp work has been done.

Another day in the life of a contractor

I got up around 5:30 and worked on a bid that i had to get done today.  I then went and installed grab bars in a tile shower for a great customer.  Lunch time followed by two meetings with prospective customers.  I really enjoy my job because I never know what I will be doing from one day to the next.

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Its spring.  That means time for larger projects, interior colors, and outside projects such as painting, siding, and roofs. http://www.ckcustomremodeling.com

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The Process

In my business I find it's tough wearing so many hats.  One minute I am tearing out walls and the next minute I am sitting with customers working on custom design work.  This is part of what I love about my job, there are new challenges daily along with new products and processes. 

I am committed to continue learning and growing as a professional in my field.  It is tough explaining how different companies are when some customers only wants to see the price.  If I decided I would have no problem under cutting other bidders with many of he deceptive practices I see.  However, t I have faith there are enough customers who understand the difference what we do and what others do to keep me in business.

winter or spring???

We are blessed to have so many customers who rely on us for their home improvements needs.  That being said we are being buried in customers who are late on their winter projects and others who are early on their spring events.  I can't blame either since we all thought we survived another winter then the snow hit.  Then I woke up this morning and in looked like June.  What are we to think?  Do we wear neon or plaid? 

Well, we can't help you choose your seasonal clothing but we are here for your early spring and late winter home projects.

Life is good

Congratulation to Tiffany on her new baby boy.