Find Your Local Oregon Roofing Company

Use this 5-point checklist!

One of the biggest sources of concern homeowners often have is choosing the right roofing company to look after their roof’s construction or repairs.

With so much at stake, we understand why it can seem like a difficult task, but we’re here to help.

Follow this handy checklist to find a roofing company you can trust and depend on.

1. Find recommendations

You should never discount word-of-mouth, especially if the source is friends or family—people you trust. A good roofing company will be proud of the work they do and will happy to show you a portfolio of their work.

Some customers won’t want the company to give out personal information, but you may be able to find reviews on Yelp or Google Maps.

Follow up with references and check out the work they do and how happy previous customers are.

2. Check credentials

Always check that the company has full credentials.

Make sure the roofing company is local in Oregon and an established part of the community: Is there a full company name, location (if it’s a P.O. Box, ask for the physical address), and respectable website? Are they also active on social media?

Ask when the business was founded, and how many years of experience they have. A company established many years ago is more likely to still be around if this goes wrong with your roof in a few years’ time.

A roofing company in Oregon has to be licensed so you know they’re qualified: you can check the license of the company on the Construction Contractors’ Board. (Our license number for Keith Green Construction in Portland, Oregon, is 109148). Make sure the name of the company matches the address on the quote they give you.

3. Ask to see their insurance

Every roofing company should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Workers’ compensation protects you in case there’s an accident on your property when the contractors are working, while liability insurance protects your home in case there’s damage to your property during the construction or repairs.

Some homeowners already have insurance, but it probably won’t cover these types of accidents, so you want to make sure the company has these two types of insurances.

4. Confirm there’s a warranty

A good roofing company won’t hesitate to guarantee their work: they stand by their workmanship and materials, so always ask what kind of warranty they provide for their roofing work.

Included in the written warranty should be details of how long the company guarantees their work, and whether materials and labor are both covered. Check to see whether one or both are included, and for how long.

Typically, the materials will be covered by the manufacturer, and the roofing company will cover the labor, for up to a year.

5. Review the estimate in detail

To do their job properly, a roofing company needs to know all the details of the project before giving you an estimate. When you first contact a roofing company, beware of any that give you quick quotes without asking for details.

You can prepare in advance some of this information by letting them know, for example, the condition and materials of your roof (tile? shingle? wood?): give them an idea of the shape and type of damage or construction needed.

It’s normal for a roofing company to give you an estimate rather than a quote, as they won’t really know what kind of condition your roof’s substructure might be in until they really get in there. But they’ll have a good idea of how much it’ll cost to replace or construct a roof with the right details.

It’s common also for big jobs for a roofing company to come and do a site inspection before they give you an estimate or quote. Site inspections can often be free, but others may charge you and deduct the amount from the final payment.

When you’re reviewing the estimate, make sure you understand what the payment terms, dates, and methods are. Everything should be broken down in detail, and you should know everything that is and—more importantly—everything that isn’t included. Beware of any company that asks to be paid in full before they’ve completed the job.

You should have a good understanding of how long the project will take and how many people will be working on it, and on what days/times. The roofing company should be able to speak your language and explain everything clearly.

Lastly, the company should give you an idea of what happens in case of unforeseen damage or other charges that could crop up. You should also know what happens if there’s really bad weather (like there can be in Oregon in winter), and

how discarded materials will be disposed of and whether that is included in the overall cost
whether or not scaffolding will be needed and if it is included in the overall cost
what will happen in the event of any work not meeting a satisfactory standard.

We hope these tips will help you feel more comfortable making those first steps of contacting roofing companies and avoid the pitfalls of choosing an unprofessional roofing contractor.

At Keith Green Construction, we’ll never pressure you into anything and we’re here to guide you through your roofing and home renovation projects. We believe in good communication with clients, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone: we’ll be delighted to go through everything in detail with you.

How Do You Know if Your Gutters Need to Be Replaced?

They’re not the most visible part of your house or the biggest investment in your home you’ll ever make, but they’re one of the most important defenses against the elements during the wild seasons here in Oregon.

Gutters that are solid and leak-free defend your foundations against water infiltration by funneling water away from your house, protecting the value of your home.

Gutter systems are often replaced at the same time as a roof, but they don’t necessarily have to be changed together with the roof. You can sometimes repair them instead of replacing them entirely.

Many residential gutters are made of galvanized steel or aluminum, and these can last up to 20 years. Fancier copper gutters can last up to 50 years or longer if they’re well taken care of.

But sometimes you need to replace your gutters more urgently to prevent more costly issues from damaging your home.

That’s why it’s important to know if, and when, your gutters need to be replaced.

Replacing roofs and gutters at the same time

Many roofing contractors suggest replacing the gutters at the same time as they’re replacing the roof, and there are good reasons for doing that.

For starters, you save on labor costs by having the roofing crew onsite to do both jobs. It may also be easier to deal with one roofing company for both the roof and the gutters and having to do it only once.

Most times while reroofing, the gutters have to be removed so that the fascia, drip edges, and flashings can be installed.

Were your gutters fitted properly the first time?

The size and material of the gutters should match the weather here in Oregon and the wear-and-tear they’re likely to endure.

Old, bent, cracked, or corroded gutters help your roof last longer. But if they weren’t fitted properly originally, you may need to replace them faster than you think, before water starts damaging your house.

Why would I have to replace gutters?

You may only find out that you need to repair or replace gutters after you find water damage in your walls, roof, or foundations.

If your gutters weren’t installed properly, your roof won’t have been able to do its job and protect your home.

There are lots of ways things could have gone wrong.

For example:

Your gutters were badly installed too high (melting snow can make the gutters pull away) or too low (rainfall falls past the gutter).
The gutters were just too small for our wet and snowy Oregon winters.
Gutters were badly installed: they can’t funnel water away to the downspouts, or the drip edges weren’t installed well so water is getting to the fascia.

Signs it’s time to replace gutters

Water damage can lead to expensive and complicated repairs, so it’s important to keep an eye on them before water starts causing serious damage to your home. Inspect your gutters often: do it just after heavy showers, to see how they’re redirecting the heavy flow, and also on dry days, so you can check for water marks.

Here’s what to look for:

Pools of water or mold on your exterior house walls or in your basement: Cracked or clogged gutters can let rain leak into the basement or along the walls.
Cracks in the foundation: Damaged gutters can let water drip too close to your home’s foundation instead of funneling it away from the house.
Pools of water: If there’s too much water accumulation in your gutters, it means the gutters are clogged and the water’s not being drained properly.
Hanging or sagging gutters: If your gutters are leaning away from the roof and look like they’re trying to make a quick escape, it’s time to replace them; you likely won’t be able to reattach them.
Cracked, rusted, misaligned, or bent gutters: If you can see these, then they’re clearly already worn and ready to be replaced.
Peeling paint: Notice paint getting damaged? The gutter is probably overflowing and running down your walls.
A bed of nails: If you’re seeing this instead of a bed of flowers on the ground, they may have fallen off the gutters.
Loose fasteners or sagging downspouts: These can be a clear sign that your gutters may need to be repaired or reinstalled to keep your house free from leaks.
Mind the (fascia) gap: If you see gaps between the gutter and the fascia board, you know that’s trouble just waiting to happen.
Water damage under the gutter: Check for rust and water marks or water damage directly under the gutter (wait for a sunny day). This means water is escaping the gutter and damaging the fascia.

Some of these issues can easily be fixed, like loose gutters or cracked downspouts. But other issues may require a complete tear-off and replacement of the gutters. Your roofing company will be able to let you know if you can repair them enough to hang on to them, or if you’ll need new gutters installed.

Maintain Gutters Regularly

Regular maintenance will help protect your gutters and extend their lifespan. You can clean them as part of your roof inspection twice a year, in spring and in the fall. And cast a quick glance at them regularly after large storms or heavy snowfalls.

It’s far easier to fix a problem early on before it causes major damage that’s truly costly to repair.

If you need to repair your roof, consider doing it in late winter or early spring, before the busy period in Summer, when everyone is keen to undertake roof repairs before the rainy Oregon autumn and winter.

Your roof is leaking: is it an emergency?

We’re no strangers to storms and rainfall in Portland and the rest of Oregon, especially between the months of November and March.

Much of the time, soft rain showers are welcomed and feed our lush vegetation, but it’s not so nice when you start to find puddles indoors!

Stormy weather is often when roof leaks get noticed. Often by then, it’s too late to for prevention—there’s no more time to plan, you need help immediately.

You may not need to completely replace your roof: it could be a simple problem with a simple solution. Condensation from an improperly ventilated roof, for example, can make it look like your roof is leaking, even it’s just a few droplets of water leaking through your ceiling.

So what do you do if you see a leak?

Is it an emergency?

A small leak can let in a little water during rainfall, but this could evaporate quickly and the leak can go undetected for years.

But weeklong showers or a heavy storm can suddenly turn a small leak into a big emergency.

When you get a leak, water will pool and eventually start seeping out through whatever single point of exit it finds, like a light fixture or ceiling joint. And then it will find more escape routes, sometimes making it seem like it’s a far bigger problem than it really is.

Find out why your roof leaking

A lot of the time, leaks are caused by common roofing issues, like holes, gaps, damaged shingles, split flashings, or poor workmanship.

Even with a really solid roof, roofing materials can get overwhelmed with large volumes of water. Cracked, worn or missing shingles or other roofing materials may not be completely waterproof and can let water in.

Over time, a damaged underlay under tiles and slates can fail and also start letting in water. The same can happen for gutters and valleys.

Another weak point are flashing junctions of the roof: when these get damaged or are poorly installed, water can pool and result in a leak.

Or—a more serious issue—the pitch installation of your roof may not be optimal for our wet and snowy Oregon winters.

The roof is leaking NOW—what do I do?

1. Minimize damage inside your house

You’ve seen the leak, and water is seeping in. What do you do?

Quickly remove anything that can get damaged, like computers, curtains, lights, and decorative items.
Unplug anything electric near the leak and turn off the power to the area.
Move furniture away from the leak, or if the items are too heavy to move, cover them with a plastic tarp or trash bags.

2. Find the source of the leak

Warning: Don’t go outside or on your roof during a storm to find the source of a leak. You won’t be able to fix anything until the end of the storm anyway, and you may only be exposing yourself to danger.

It can be tricky to find the source of the leak yourself: water will travel and find the easiest escape route, and the source of the leak might not line up with the pool of water.
If you can’t find it, don’t panic, call a roofing professional.
Start with the inside: Go up to your attic and look for the pool of water. If you find it, sponge off any pooled water.
If there’s no water leak coming in from the attic, look for the bulge in the ceiling or the wettest spot of the wall where you first spotted the leak.

3. Drain and protect

Go to the bulge in the drywall and use a screwdriver to poke a hole in it to relieve pressure on the roof and ceiling.
The water will drain out.
Place a bucket directly under the hole to catch the draining water.

4. Stay calm and call your roofing contractor

Call a reputable local roofing company. Remember that the repairs they make will have to last, so call a roofing company with experience.
Repairs have to wait until the storm has stopped—but your roofing company will be able to place emergency tarping to cover the surface of the damaged area.
When the weather has calmed, they’ll inspect your roof from the interior and exterior to trace the source of the leak and start repairs.

Prevention is half the cure

Remember that the best way to avoid an emergency is to catch the issue as soon as you have warning signals.
If you see a stain on your ceiling, don’t ignore it: get it fixed. By the time you notice real damage, it might be too late.
We recommend you inspect your roof once or twice a year, in spring and fall.
Use our checklist for guidance. And if you’re not sure where to start, give us a call and we’ll conduct a thorough inspection and help prevent water leaks and damages.

Keith Green Construction knows how stressful it can be to have a leak in your roof. We’ll come out to you as soon as possible to repair your roof.

Tips for DIY Cabinet Painting

For some of us, a redesigned kitchen is what dreams are made of. Expensive dreams.

But did you know that can completely transform your kitchen and give incredible results, for a fraction of the price: repainting your own kitchen cabinets.

DIY cabinet painting won’t last as long as a professional refacing job or a complete kitchen remodel, but a fresh coat of paint can give your kitchen a completely new lease of life.

It’s not for the faint of heart, and not for all kitchens, but if you’re going to give it a go, read these tips first.

1. Choose the right paint (and color)

Repainting cabinets can give your kitchen a completely new look, so the paint color and quality is really important.

We can’t overemphasize how vital good quality and durable paint is for kitchens: oil and acrylic primers and enamels work well. The paint needs to look good for years, throughout all the cooking, cleaning and wear and tear.

There’s a wide range of high-quality paint options these days, some even waterproof and mold resistant – get advice from your local Oregon DIY store.

Choose a color that will add a pop or one that will match your appliances and countertops, blending well with them or complementing them.

You’ll want a color that will stand the test of time: what was trendy 10 years ago now may just look dated. Choose the wrong color, and it won’t just be you who’ll tire of your kitchen: it may be potential house buyers, too.

Many people play it safe and choose neutral colors, but don’t be afraid to try something brighter that will truly make it feel like home sweet home. You can always repaint the cabinets if you decide to sell up or simply change the style.

2. Give yourself a few days

DIY painting, even if you’re an old hand, takes time. Even for small kitchens.

You’ll need several days for several coats, and organizing your family around this kind of job can be a task on its own.

Cook a few things in advance or plan a few outings to restaurants—you won’t be using your kitchen for a few days!

3. Prep your kitchen area

Does painting sound like fun? Think again! There’s an awful lot of work involved, and prepping your kitchen area is key to hassle-free painting.

Repainting kitchen cabinets is a big task, so prepare well in advance:

Remove everything from the kitchen that can easily be removed (accessories, anything hanging around the counters).
Protect the floor, counters, tables, and appliances with brown paper or similar.
Remove/unscrew drawers, doors, pulls, and handles from all cabinets.
Remove or seal off anything in the cabinets.
Apply masking tape to every edge of the kitchen that the cabinet touches.
Clean all surfaces of your cabinets and remove all traces of grease.
De-fuzz your roller (new or old). You can do this with masking tape, giving it a few squeezes before you unwrap it from the roller.

4. Number your pieces

Skipping this step is perhaps one of the biggest regrets of DIY enthusiasts. Once the cabinet doors, shelves, drawers, pulls and handles (and all their respective screws) are out and strewn about, it can be a really tough puzzle to put them back together again.

How to avoid this headache? Make a rough drawing of your kitchen, and give each cabinet, door, and drawer a number, working your way through the kitchen layout. Then use masking tape and a marker to write down the same number on the matching cabinet, door, and drawer.

Next, remove the hinges and pulls and write their cabinet number on it, then put it in a Ziploc bag along with any screws and bolts. Every cabinet gets its own bag.

When it comes to putting everything back together again, you’ll have a handy diagram and all the bits and pieces in one place, ready to go.

5. Decide to sand or not to sand

Experts are divided over the issue of sanding the cabinet doors or not.

Some prefer to sand the cabinets so that the primer sticks better (also helped by having a thoroughly grease-less cabinet!). Others feel that sanding down wood makes the cabinet more vulnerable to moisture and bacteria.

The general consensus is that if the old paint is chipping or damaged, or if you want to change how the surface of the cabinet looks, then you’re probably better off sanding. Also sand if you’re going to use water-based primer.

Sand lightly (or not at all) if your cabinets are bare wood or have a factory finish, as the paint will likely adhere quite well. Use a light sander to even out scratches or blemishes if you need to.

If you’re going to sand, wear a dust mask and vacuum the cabinet doors and kitchen floors and surfaces, so that dust doesn’t come back to haunt you during painting.

Finish this step off by filling dents, scratches, and holes with wood filler so the primer will go on evenly.

6. Prime with patience

Priming takes time, and it’s the step that many first-time DIY painters tend to skip in their impatience to get started.

But priming is a really important step. Sadly, it’s a step that elicits fear in the heart of first-time painters: standing back to look at your freshly primed cabinets may make you really regret doing it on your own. But fear not: all is as it should be. It’ll look better once the paint is on.

Prime the cabinets the same way you would a wall with a roller, then use a brush for the harder-to-reach areas. If your kitchen cabinets are dark, you may need a second coat of primer once the first is completely dry.

Primer can take several hours to dry completely: look for fast-drying kitchen primer at the store. Waiting also has an added benefit: check everything and make sure all dents and holes have been fixed (you’ll see them better with the primer than without: use a bright light).

Tip: If you want to keep going without having to wait hours to paint the underside of a piece, use push-pins in the corners and flip the cabinet piece over, resting it on the pins as you do the other side.

7. Get a paint sprayer

Once the primer is completely dry, two coats of paint should do the trick.

For professional-looking results, use a spray gun/paint sprayer, which will spread the paint evenly without streaks. It’s much faster to apply and gives a smoother finish (no brush hairs stuck to the paint!). It’s also usually easier to reach those nooks and crannies with a sprayer than with a brush or roller.

But don’t start with this if it’s your first time: it does take some getting used to.

If you’re using rollers and brushes, buy really good professional quality ones. Use plastic wrap in between coats or when you’re not using them; this stops them from drying out. Get the best advice from local paint stores in Oregon.

8. Paint with passion

When it comes to the painting process, keep the faith and keep going!

Start with the inside of the cabinet to get a feel for how your tools, cabinet surface, and paint interact. Mistakes there won’t be seen as easily.

Follow the wood grain and give it light coats of paint so the paint doesn’t drip down the sides of the cabinet pieces.

Don’t be tempted to go heavy on the paint to make it go faster: Any drip mark and you’ll have to sand them down all over again.

When the first coat is dry, use an extra-fine sanding sponge to gently remove specks of dust or little bubbles of paint. Vacuum again if you’re sanding so the dust doesn’t resettle on the new layer of paint.

9. Buy new handles and drawer pulls

After all this hard work, the last thing you’ll want is lackluster results. Changing the handles and drawer pulls will give your newly painted kitchen cabinets a completely new look.

The hands and drawer pulls are where you can really express your personality, especially if you’ve held back on the color, because there are so many great options. Knobs, pulls, handles come in all colors and materials, and so many of them are now easy to install.

It’s so easy to change handles and pulls that you won’t have to worry about wanting to change the look in the future.

An easy way to shop for these is to bring your current one to the hardware store. It’s easiest to buy new ones that have the same screw-hole and will match the cabinet door thickness.

Handles and knobs can feel quite different in the hand, so test them for grip and comfort on mounted boards if possible before making your choice.

10. Consider hiring a professional

We hope these tips have been helpful, but if it’s starting to feel like it’s just going to be too much work, consider hiring a professional painter to do the job for you.

It can be very time consuming to repaint kitchen cabinets, because you have to prep everything, remove the cabinets entirely, prime, paint, wait, and then do everything over again in reverse.

Perhaps consider refacing instead of repainting, which is a cost-effective alternative and offers you lots of design choices. Refacing is simply replacing doors and drawers of your cabinets with new ones, and covering them with a veneer or wood stain. You can reface kitchen cabinets without having to take them apart entirely, and the results will be very professional.

And if you want to change the layout of your kitchen, or if your cabinets are in bad shape, consider a kitchen remodel. A dream, but possibly not unattainable.

How to Choose a Countertop for Your Kitchen

Don’t take it for granite!

Cabinets are usually the first thing people notice in kitchens, but the big decision really is about countertops these days.

The choice of countertop surfaces has a huge impact on the overall scheme of your kitchen—and of your living room, in the case of open-plan kitchens.

With so many more options available nowadays, the decision of which countertop surface to choose is that much harder to make.

Materials for kitchen countertops vary greatly, and so do their properties, advantages, and disadvantages. Some are more durable than others, some more luxurious, and some more easily maintained. Some need to be fitted by experts, some are easier to install. Some are more costly than others.

Always consider function first: how often do you cook, and how do you use your kitchen, generally? What does the rest of the kitchen and house look like?

The choice of kitchen countertop for a country home of a large family that loves to bake won’t be the same as that for the kitchen in a sleek downtown apartment owned by a single professional who rarely cooks.

The kind of sink you have also matters: if you want an undermount sink, this can work with granite and quartz, but an integrated one will need solid surfacing or natural stone.

Here’s a quick breakdown to give you a solid overview of the most popular countertop materials to help you choose the most suitable for your kitchen.

Natural Stone

Natural stone looks amazing, and each slab has unique veining and coloring.

Natural stone countertops are very popular in kitchens around the US and in Oregon. They can be styled with a matte or gloss finish to match your kitchen’s look. They’re highly durable, but they have to be ‘sealed’ regularly because they’re porous.

Granite

Granite is stone formed from volcanic magma that has cooled: as you expect, it can withstand very high temperatures, including a hot pan placed right on top of it.

Granite is very durable and will resist chipping and scratching. It’s easy to clean with a mild detergent and generally resistant. But on lighter-colored granite, it’s better to wipe stains away quickly, especially damaging oil, wine, and citrus- or acid-based foods.

With granite, there’s an element of uniqueness: no two kitchen countertops pieces will look the same. You’ll have a huge amount of variation and options in design. As it’s a natural pattern, you’re getting more than one slab, the coloring may differ between them.

You’ll need a large budget and a professional fitter to install the counter. It needs to be treated and sealed regularly.

Granite is a sophisticated, popular, and beautiful choice, but an expensive one.

Properties

Durable

Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Expensive

Marble

There’s a good reason Michelangelo chose this beautiful stone for his sculptures.

Marble is beautiful and elegant, and comes in a variety of decorative and natural colors, patterns, and designs. Like granite, the shade may vary between slabs, but this only adds to its appeal.

It’s also highly durable but needs to be sealed properly and more caution is needed. It’s a little softer and more porous than granite, and can more easily (and quickly) absorb damaging liquids like coffee, oils, acidic foods, and can get scratched easily. To prevent damage, you have to maintain and seal it every year

This doesn’t make it a great choice for busy kitchens (but bakers will love it).

Properties

Durable

Not Heat Resistant

High Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Expensive

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone that has become very popular in elegant Oregon homes of late. Soapstone is dark and beautiful with grey, green, and black tones. Some pieces have veining, but they’re usually much more subtle than either granite or marble, giving it a sleeker look.

Like granite, soapstone is highly durable and heat-resistant, so you can put your pans straight from the stove onto the countertop.

Soapstone is non-porous, so it’s more resistant to acidic stains than granite or marble, but it can scratch easily (and visibly). Soapstone is a hygienic surface that’s easy to clean – it just needs a little soap and water. Oiling it regularly brings out its dark, smooth beauty.

Properties

Durable

Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Expensive

Engineered (Man-Made) Stone

Man-made or engineered stone (are mostly made by compressing natural stone and resin (‘quartz composite’), producing low-maintenance surfaces that are quite durable.

Quartz

As an engineered stone, quartz comes in a variety of beautiful, consistent, glossy colors and patterns. You can add a real pop of personality to your countertop with the choices of color.

Quartz is a much harder and highly durable material that won’t dent or scratch easily. It’s non-porous and won’t stain as easily as some of the natural stones will.

It doesn’t need maintenance, usually comes with a long warranty, and is really easy to clean.

With such qualities, you’ll wonder why it’s not used as much as it could be. The drawback? Quartz isn’t resistant to heat, and it can easily be damaged by hot pans or pots (or direct UV light) placed on it without a heat pad or trivet.

It’s not as expensive as natural stone, and in the case of quartz, you get what you pay for in terms of quality.

Properties

Durable

Not Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Expensive/ Affordable

Many Color Options

Ceramic

Ceramic, which is made of clay fired up at high temperatures, is one of the oldest man-made materials (we’ve gotten quite good at making it, on the whole.)

Ceramic is very decorative and has a really nice homey feel to it. It comes in lots of different colors and shapes to suit all tastes, and you can truly personalize your kitchen with customizable patterns on the tiles. The pattern can be identical on every tile, so you have a smooth and consistent look.

Ceramic is quite hard, and although some ceramic materials are now more heat-resistant, they may crack under pressure direct impact or high heat – so not too much banging of the pots and plans, please.

Ceramic countertops are easy to install. The tiles are mostly low maintenance and won’t scratch or dent easily. But because of the uneven surface between the tiles, it can stain easily. These stains can be difficult to clean properly, and too much cleaning can leave the tile looking dull.

Properties

Durable

Not Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Hard to Clean

Affordable

Many Color Options

Concrete

You might not immediately think of concrete as an option for a kitchen countertop, but modern innovations have made it an increasingly popular choice.

New concrete is much lighter than before, looks very modern, and comes in lots of color varieties, and you can extend that to integrated sinks or backsplashes.

It’s highly durable, as expected, and usually won’t scratch or stain easily if it’s been prepped with a sealer or finishing wax. Once sealed, it can resist heat quite well without a problem. It’s great for food preparation and looks beautiful paired with glass or glossy materials.

Concrete is very affordable. It does need to be installed by a professional, though (or you need to really know what you’re doing).

Properties

Durable

Can Be Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Affordable

Many Color Options

Laminate and solid surfacing

You’ll find laminate and solid surfacing countertops in plenty of American homes, including lots in Portland, Oregon.

Many of us will be familiar with the term Corian®, Formica® and Staron®, after the brand names. Laminate is a mixture of resin, paper, minerals, and colors formed over high heat and high pressure.

There’s a huge variety of color and design options, and some now even look like natural stone. It’s a great option for modern kitchens: you can get countertops that are really flashy, like spring green, fire-engine red, and sea-blue, which can give a real pop to your kitchen style.

Laminate is very affordable and super easy to maintain and clean (but harder to repair just one section), making it a great choice for rental properties.

Laminate is durable (though not as much as natural stone) and new varieties are much more scratch- and stain-proof than before.

You don’t need to be an expert to fit a laminate countertop: plenty of DIY enthusiasts install it themselves, but laminate can absorb moisture and warp if it’s not sealed properly around sinks and water sources. Properly installed, it gives a seamless wrap-around look to the entire kitchen.

Properties

Not Durable

Somewhat Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Affordable

Many Color Options

Stainless steel

When you think of stainless steel kitchen countertops, surely you have an image of a restaurant or hospital kitchen.

Not so anymore. Stainless steel has become a popular option for modern kitchens. They look great in kitchens with an industrial look, especially combined with softer colors and materials.

Not everyone loves steel though, which can feel a bit ‘cold’, so think of resale value if you go for this type of countertop.

You can’t get more hygienic than a stainless steel countertop, so easy to clean, stain-proof, and very resistant to heat and water damage. However, you do have to keep removing traces of fingertips all the time!

Over time, stainless steel surfaces can collect scratches and dents, but some like the aged, natural look.

Properties

Durable

Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Very Easy to Clean

Affordable

Industrial

Wood

Chefs love the wooden “butcher blocks” for an island or for a regular countertop. Solid wood countertops can warp over time, but butcher blocks, which are assembled hardwood, are much more lasting.

Butcher blocks give a natural, warm, traditional air to a kitchen, but wooden countertops work equally well in modern homes.

Wooden countertops are very functional and offer a great surface for cutting, but the cut marks may make it harder to clean.

Wood stains easily, and is prone to damage from heat and water so it’s best to use this material away from the sink and stove (use on an island, for example). However, you can sand and refinish butcher blocks relatively easily. It also needs to be oiled and maintained regularly.

A great choice for eco-conscious buyers, who can buy butcher block countertops from sustainably harvested FSC- accredited (Forest Stewardship Council) source.

Properties

Durable

Not Heat Resistant

High Maintenance

Not Easy to Clean

Affordable

Traditional

Glass

For a modern touch, glass gives kitchens that wow factor. Glass reflects light and can make a space feel larger than it is.

As it’s non-porous and smooth, it’s easy to clean and very hygienic. Moisture won’t be an issue, though watermarks will show quickly and will need to be wiped if you want to maintain the look.

Glass is somewhat heat-proof if it’s made for the purpose, but it’s better not to risk direct heat and use trivets. Glass can be hardened to make it more durable and less prone to scratches (which can be polished).

Properties

Durable

Heat Resistant

Low Maintenance

Easy to Clean

Somewhat Affordable

Modern

Transform 5 Areas of Your Home With These Eco-Friendly Tips

1. Kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchens

Kitchens are a great place to start for those who want a greener home. Choosing cookware and utensils that are built to last – and buying only what you need – will go a long way toward making our kitchen a more environmentally friendly space.

New appliances these days are fully energy efficient, and modern ovens don’t need preheating. If you’re replacing your fridge, think small: you’ll save energy and waste less food. Once the oven is on, cook a few things together, and use a microwave oven or toaster for smaller items. Cooking food fresh from local suppliers rather than buying pre-prepared frozen options is also a smart green choice.

And if it’s time to remodel your kitchen, consider reclaimed materials and new green options for counters, flooring, and cabinets.

Action:

Read the guide on environmentally friendly kitchens.

Bathrooms

Your bathroom may not have a large surface area compared to other rooms in your house, but it’s certainly one that has a big environmental impact.

Install a low-flow toilet with a dual flush to save on water, and replace your showerhead also with a low-flow one that will reduce the amount of water you use and the amount of energy needed to heat it. Motion-sensor faucets will conserve energy and prevent the spreading of germs, and Energy Star vents will cut down your energy usage.

There’s even more you can do: replace bathroom essentials like rugs, towels, hand soaps, and toilet paper with greener alternatives.

Action:

Get more green tips for your bathroom.

2. Furniture and appliances

Furniture

Ever wonder where that smell of new furniture comes from? It’s probably formaldehyde covered up with fragrances. Furniture is soaked in chemicals that could be making you sick. Wood is treated against bugs, sofas treated against fires, beds have volatile organic compounds…the list goes on. Read more about how just chemicals are in your furniture and what you can do about it.

Action:

When it comes to furniture, a green makeover can be really fun. Buy recycled furniture or find out how to affordably replace your furniture for a toxin-free home environment.

Appliances

When your old appliances give up the ghost, replace them with energy efficient, greener models. This will not only help the environment, it’ll translate into savings for you as well.

In the US, look for Energy Star labels, a voluntary program introduced by the EPA to help you find the most energy-efficient products. Modern washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and heating and cooling units use less energy than older models.

Action:

Get help and guidance on replacing your old appliances with energy-efficient ones.

3. Lighting and heating

Lighting

Changing your regular incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient lights is a simple step nearly everyone can take: it costs less than $10 and takes less than a minute to change a lightbulb.

Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) are both powerful energy-efficient bulbs that last far longer and use far less energy than traditional bulbs. In fact, LED bulbs 40 times longer than typical incandescent bulbs, and don’t easily get damaged.

Action:

Visit the Energy.gov site to get help choosing energy-efficient lighting for your home.

Heating

With the rising price of energy, and the rising global temperatures, now is a good time to look at how you heat your home. From geothermal and solar heating to techy gadgets that help regulate your home’s temperature, there are plenty of ways to green up your heating. Improving the insulation of your pipes, boilers, roofs, and windows will all lead to significant savings when it comes to heating your house.

Action:

Find greener ways to heat your home.

4. Cleaning products and beauty products

Cleaning products

In our obsession to attain sterile environments, we spend fortunes on strong cleaning products. But did you know these can wreak havoc with your immune system and are terrible for the environment?

It’s cheap and easy to create your own homemade cleaning products that will clean thoroughly and improve the air quality indoors, protecting your health from the toxins of cleaning products that can cause irritation, allergies, and other health issues.

Action:

Find out more about the hazards of cleaning products and how to make safer, homemade ones with natural ingredients.

Beauty products and toiletries

We all have a role to play in the sustainability of our planet. And we can do more to protect our own health from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and carcinogens that we willingly put on our bodies.

Our beauty products, everything from shampoos and nail polish to lipstick and deodorants, all contain controversial substances that are often deemed dangerous or carcinogenic in high concentrations.

There are plenty of new companies that keep the noxious chemicals to a minimum and use natural organic compounds that are gentler on human health. And many of them are cruelty free and sustainable, too.

Action:

Change up your beauty routine in the home and see what a difference it can make.

5. Flooring and windows

Flooring

Eco-friendly materials are all the rage these days, with more and more designers conscious of the impact we have on our environment. When it comes to flooring, there are many modern and sustainable options that you can be proud to have in your home.

Cork can be harvested sustainably, is naturally anti-bacterial and fire retardant, and is really durable. It comes in beautifully designed paints and color options.

A favorite in Japan, bamboo flooring is also highly sustainable, easy to install, and available in many natural hues that can be customized. Some modern designers are also creating recycled glass tiles that look stunning in just about any home. And if you prefer traditional styles, reclaimed hardwood is also an option to green up your flooring.

Action:

Find out more about green flooring options.

Windows

When it comes time to repair or replace your windows, consider going for an eco-friendlier version. By choosing double or triple-pane windows, you can improve your home’s insulation and cut down on heating.

You can go a step further and choose sustainably sourced frames, like the environmentally friendly option of reclaimed wood. Many companies, including some in Oregon, will offer locally harvested, certifiably sustainable sources.

And it doesn’t stop there. Find sustainable materials for your window treatments, like hemp or organic cotton, which won’t have been treated by the pesticides typically used in traditional cotton growing.

Action:

Visit Energy.gov to find out how to replace your windows with eco-friendly alternatives.

10 Attic Conversion Design Ideas

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Lofty ideas that will add space and functionality to your home

When you’ve run out of space to build out, you can always build up. Instead of moving home, many families convert attics into modern, functional, and stylish spaces.

Converting your loft can add value to your house and can be far less disruptive than renovations elsewhere in the home.

There are plenty of ways of converting your attic into a beautiful space without going over budget. Lofts are most often converted into extra bedrooms but don’t limit yourself. We’ve seen everything from lofty kitchens and cozy offices to walk-in wardrobes and breezy bathrooms.

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Adapting design to loft space

A smart attic conversion is one where you make use of every available area and remove awkward spaces.

Not all houses lend themselves well to loft conversions, though there’s almost always a solution.

We recommend you consider design, access, and cost for your own home before checking out our great loft conversion design inspirations below.

1. Design

Most Oregon lofts and attics will have low ceilings and sloping walls, which means you’ll have to adapt your design to the particulars of your house.

For suitable conversion, the loft has to be high enough and large enough to create liveable space. This isn’t always easy to see from a design plan, so make sure your construction company clearly indicates how much headroom there will be.

2. Access

You’ll also have to consider access: is there space for a staircase below the loft? Will this impede on the current space below? Will you lose light by building up?

In some cases, you may not have enough space to create a liveable loft space, but you can still get more daylight in even if you can’t gain more living space.

There’s almost always a bespoke solution, and we can help you find it.

3. Cost

Finding a custom-made solution to convert a loft can be costly, especially when you factor in the renovation cost itself, adjustments required to structure, and then adding the cost of lighting, ventilation, heating, plumbing, furnishing, and decor.

You’ll have to make sure not extend your budget too far or you won’t see a return on your investment. There are designs for every budget, however, and plenty of decorating tips and ideas that will open up space without costing a fortune.

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10 fantastic design ideas

1. Gyms

Workout in whatever you want! Converting your loft to a home gym means never having to look amazing before you hit the treadmill. Home gyms save you oodles of time in commuting, and the flexibility means you can work out whenever you have a few moments free – no more excuses.

Converting a loft to a gym can be quite simple and affordable. Choose hardwood floors that are easy to clean and a simple décor that will let you focus on your workout and block everything else out.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”4444|full” max_width=”” style_type=”bottomshadow” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://keithgreenconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/attic-conversion-design-idea-workout-room.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

Photo credit: Attic Ideas

2. Teen den

Every teenager dreams of having their own space. Who wouldn’t want a little privacy away from the hustle and bustle of adults and the rest of the house?

No need to fill the loft conversion with tons of furniture – simply add a bed and desk and let your teenager choose the décor themselves. They’ll surprise you by how savvy and sophisticated they can be when given a free rein over their own room.

And when your kids ready to fly the nest, their little hideaway will be a lovely memory they’ll revisit every time they come home for Thanksgiving and summer vacations!

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Photo credit: Style Motivation

3. Home offices

With more and more people working from home or working long hours, the popularity of home offices has sky-rocketed. Compared to basement renovations, converting a loft into a home office can be a far more simple proposition.

Office loft spaces create that physical distance from the rest of the house that can instantly put you into ‘work mode’. You’re still connected to the family and the house, but you have the privacy and quiet that you need to get work done.

Adding a simple area for meetings and small kitchenette can make all the difference to a home office. Keep it simple with lots of natural light, a minimalist aesthetic, and small pops of color to help you feel productive.

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Photo credit: Pinterest

4. Guest rooms

Perhaps the most common loft conversions are the extra guest bedrooms. Whether you frequently have guests or just need a little more space after the children come along, second bedrooms are a great addition to your house.

You don’t need to have an enormous amount of space in your attic for this: as long as there is standing room and enough width to comfortably place a queen-sized bed, you can make that space look amazing with a simple but luxurious décor. Add built-in shelves or closets into nooks or dead space.

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Photo credit: Sound House

5. Guest bathrooms

Bathrooms make great use of the awkward space of lofts. Make the most of the original features of the attic like sloping ceilings, exposed beams, or skylights. Add a freestanding bathtub, good quality tiles, and a delicate bathroom vanity for the finishing touches.

Keep costs down by planning your bathroom carefully and connecting the plumbing to existing pipes if possible.

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Photo credit: Tumblr

6. Kids’ shower rooms or ‘wet rooms’

Sometimes all you need is a little more room for that extra shower, just so you can get everyone up and ready before school first thing in the morning. For this, loft conversions are ideal, even if there isn’t a lot of space for a full bathroom.

You can create a functional, beautiful shower room with very little. You don’t even need to install windows or skylights, though you will need proper ventilation. Finish it off with a small radiator towel rail, which should be enough to heat a small area, and underfloor heating to keep you warm.

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Photo credit: bidvine

7. Library reading rooms

Perhaps you’ve lost the family war on TVs versus books in the living room, and you can’t find a snug little space to read your favorite stories in peace. Library lofts appeal to those who prefer a hardback to a Kindle, and can offer a beautiful haven of tranquillity in an otherwise busy household.

Why not convert your loft to a beautiful library, complete with custom shelving, bright skylights, and comfortable reading nooks? Waterproofing and insulation is always important for attic conversions but all the more so if you’re planning on keeping your treasured books up there.

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Photo credit: Pinterest

8. Second living rooms

One of the biggest complaints homeowners can have is the lack of space. When you have teenage children and still want to entertain, it can quickly feel like you’re running out of space. Converting a loft space into a second living room is an easy option that won’t cause too much disruption as it’s being built.

Key to a living room loft conversion is making the living space an area you want to spend time in: invest in soft lighting, quality furnishings, shaggy rugs, minimalist décor, and luxurious touches to keep the area bright and airy.

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Photo credit: Instagram

9. Walk-in wardrobes

Walk-in wardrobes aren’t just for the rich and famous. A walk-in wardrobe loft conversion can give you the space you need to get ready in style. This type of loft conversion can seamlessly make the most of the nooks and crannies or dead space of your loft. Add custom shelving, drawers, and storage unit, and complete the look with a comfortable bench and underfloor heating. It’s a simple conversion that adds a ton of new storage space.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”4451|full” max_width=”” style_type=”bottomshadow” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://keithgreenconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/attic-conversion-design-idea-wardrobe.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

Photo credit: Houzz

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10. Split-level options

For Oregon houses that have more room available in their loft, split-level conversions can maximize the space and offer plenty of design opportunities.

There are plenty of options for split-level renovations. You can create a mini-apartment, with sleeping space on the top level and a living space on the bottom one. With this kind of space, you can make a comfortable area that’s truly suited to your personal needs and those of your family.

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Photo credit: Handy Man

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However you decide to convert your loft, Keith Green Construction can help you determine if your house is well suited to attic conversion and how to make the most of your space.

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Up, Down, In, or Out: 4 Directions for your House Extension

Ever get that eerie feeling that your house is… shrinking?

You’re not the only one. If you bought your house as a young couple and watched your family grow, it may feel like lately, we’re finding that the house is a little smaller than it used to be: it’s not filled with children, friends, toys, pets, and all the objects we accumulate with time.

And that’s ok, that’s life.

But what if you want to regain a little space for yourself? Well, you could move. But moving is expensive, and if you love your home and your neighborhood, that option is off the table.

The better option is extending your home – it’s a great way to increase your living space.

Thinking about what kind of space you need will help you determine what kind of extension best suits your family – and which direction you should extend in!

Up

If you want a little more space, but you don’t have the room to extend outwards into your yard, or you just don’t want to lose your outdoor space, going up is a great way to go.

That extra space is perfect for separating living spaces from bedrooms, or for adding a granny flat for guests, offering you a little more privacy. It may also be a great idea to extend up if you have great views you can capitalize by adding another floor.

A second-floor extension can be added to many different types of houses. It might even be cheaper to extend up rather than down because there’s no need for expensive foundations or preparation work on the ground.

You may even think of transforming your downstairs to an open-plan space and to group your dining and kitchen areas together.

You’ll lose a little space on the ground floor for stairs, and of course upward extensions aren’t suitable for all houses, but we think it’s a great way to create more space.

And an extra bonus: real estate markets can be hard to predict, but houses with two floors often have a higher resale value.

Extend up for: Attic conversions, children’s or extra bedrooms, home offices, granny flats, additional bathrooms, balconies, roof gardens.

Down

Extending downwards is another great way to create more living space for your family without affecting your outdoor space. It’s not always possible for our neighbors in southern states, where high water tables make it too cost-prohibitive to extend downwards, but up here in Oregon, many home renovations are basement conversions.

If you have an unfinished basement, you can exploit that space and turn into extra habitable space. You may even be able to extend downwards by creating a basement.

With the right kind of insulation, basements can be warm and cozy, a quiet little refuge. Finished basements often increase your home’s value.

To keep it within budget, you could keep the renovation work to simply creating a little more space in the basement as a kitchen cellar or pantry. You might not even need planning permission, though your construction company will evaluate the extension design plans for structural integrity.

Extend down for: Dens, home offices, children’s playrooms, guest rooms, extra bathrooms, kitchen pantries, wine cellars.

In

When looking to add space to your house, you might not initially think of looking in, but reconfiguring the layout of your house to create more space is often an overlooked and inexpensive renovation, compared to full extensions.

Renovating internally could let you make the most of natural light, add a little privacy, enhance your views, give you a little more space, and improve access.

You could remove internal walls and door – or add them – to get the look you need and integrate a new extension. Some houses with high ceilings are great candidates for creating a mezzanine or split-level space, while others can accommodate raising the ceiling so the room feels bigger or creating vaulted ceilings into the attic.

These renovations can be very affordable compared to digging down or building up. They’re also a great way to add structural visual interest to the inside of your house.

Extend in for: Mezzanines, bedrooms, open-plan designs, entertainment spaces, extra storage, visual interest.

Out

Like the upwards extensions, outdoor extensions are extremely popular and add an enormous amount of space. They often add value to your house, too!

While you may lose a little outdoor space, how much is entirely up to you. Extending out is a great way to personalize space because you can truly create an extension that’s highly personalized and can be adapted to so many different uses.

The possibilities are endless: Add an open-plan kitchen extension to cook to your heart’s desires, a living or dining room extension to entertain, an extra den for the teenagers in your life, a cozy home office with great views, or an extra closed-room bedroom for guests.

If you’re in Oregon like us, outdoor extensions like sunrooms and conservatories can provide a cozy way to get more use of your garden and the sunlight in winter. And with the amount of snow we have in Oregon, garages connected to the house are always popular to protect us from the elements as we bring the kids and groceries in and out of the car.

Extend out for: Front porches, home offices, sunrooms and conservatories, sheds and garden rooms, kitchen and living room extensions, garages, “she-sheds” and “man-caves”.

Extending your home in any direction can seem a little intimidating, but we have great news for you: we can help with every step of the way, from the dreams and design to the construction and completion.

Feeling like you could use a little more space? Let us help you create it: give us a call at Keith Green Construction.

10 Ways to Decorate your Children’s Rooms for Christmas

There are lots of benefits to children having their own room, a little sanctuary in which to play, sleep, and study. Make that room even more special to them at Christmas time with simple and affordable decorations that they’ll love and treasure.

As the holiday season approaches, get into the festive spirit with your children: brighten up their rooms with delightful and fanciful Christmas decorations.

1. Add a mini-Christmas tree

Christmas trees don’t only have to be in the living room! A small Christmas tree in their room will really get them excited about Christmas. Let them give you ideas of how they want to decorate it – and give them free rein on colors (why not pink?).

Pick one up from one of Portland’s many suppliers.

2. Christmas in their dreams: jazz up bed linens or curtains

Buy Christmas-inspired duvets and pillowcases and make going to bed fun again. Color-coordination with the rest of the room need not apply at Christmas – anything goes! Make it super cozy with soft rugs and matching cushions.

Check out these lovely ones from Nordstrom in Portland or try one of several Bed, Bath & Beyond stores in Portland.

3. Tunes in their rooms: Add a Bluetooth speaker near their bed

Place a Bluetooth speaker in their room and wake them up for school every morning with joyful Christmas carols. Extra bonus points if the speaker is Christmas-themed!

Get it from BestBuy or one of our many electronics stores in town. And then head for Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree to get in the mood.

4. All sweetness and light: Fairy lights and star lights

Make a DIY Christmas grotto in their own rooms by hanging fairy lights and star lights on the wall. They’ll love sitting on their beds and looking around at the softness of these lights.

Check out the great options at World Market all around Oregon. And get in the lighting mood by driving the largest light show in the Northwest at the Portland International Raceway

5. Bright brightness to walls and windows

What child doesn’t love stickers? Liven up dull walls with fun and festive walls decals and window stickers. You can even find colorful personalized versions. Come the new year, you can simply peel them off with no harm done to the wall paint (but we think your children will want to keep them longer!).

Find a whole range of options on Etsy or visit your local Portland Christmas décor and gift shops.

6. Wait for it….: the perfect Advent calendar

Homemade advent calendars are great fun, especially if you make them together and hang them in your child’s room. Teach them the value of patience and reward them every day with a sweet treat or fun stocking stuffer.

For something sweet, try Made in Oregon at Pioneer Place or Mouth in Portland.

7. Holly folly: Green decorations with a bit of tradition

Bring the shine of the holly’s bright green leaves and colorful berries to winter and add a bit of folklore to their room: create DIY crafts together with holly leaves and berries. The holly has a long tradition with Christmas, dating back even further than Christianity: the Celts believed the Holly King ruled from the summer to the winter solstice, and then the Oak King would take over until summer again.

Visit forests near Portland and find your own Yuletide log; or for city-lovers, head down to Portland’s many garden nurseries for the perfect holly branch.

8. Their very own Christmas Elf shelf

Child’s room a little crowded? Create your own DIY floating shelf where you can add presents, decorations, Christmas cards, and a Christmas elf!

Not very DIY? Head down to Ikea in Portland and get creative: put your coffee table against the wall, and build upward with decorative items, then top with a star! See how (#2).

9. Let it snow…globe

Add instant festive atmosphere by creating homemade snow globes to place along their windowsill or bookshelf. They’re easy to make: mason jars, glitter, glue, old toys (optional) or tiny tree ornaments: mix and shake (or better, follow these instructions on Shutterfly).

Get inspired: The Portland Children’s Museum has held several snow globe workshops for children in the past: keep an eye out for the next one.

For now, take them ice skating and snowless tubing at Christmas in the Garden.

10. All the extras: Little goodies for little people

Personalize your children’s room decorations even more with loving touches that will make your kiddies feel all warm and safe. Buy little Santa slippers, bring them hot chocolate, fill their beds with soft plushies, add cheerful bunting, and leave little candies on their pillows. It’s all the small things that make a difference.