Enjoy Peace of Mind Prevent costly repairs with expert quarterly maintenance, clear reports, and a structured system designed to protect your home year-round. Home Maintenance Overview Proactive Care for Your Home Proactive care that protects your home year-round with confidence. Interior Maintenance Safe, Efficient, and Comfortable Living Interior maintenance keeps your home safe and efficient. Routine checks detect leaks, wear, and hidden issues early, preventing costly repairs while maintaining comfort, cleanliness, and long-term reliability inside your home. Exterior Maintenance Protecting Your Home’s Exterior Shell Exterior maintenance tasks include visual roof inspection from ground level, inspecting siding and trim, checking hose bibs, inspecting foundation vents, performing exterior inspections, drain checks, plumbing review, and monitoring seasonal wear. Mechanical Systems Maintenance Keeping Critical Systems Running Smoothly Mechanical systems maintenance includes replacing the furnace filter, inspecting water heater connections, cleaning the dryer vent, checking bathroom exhaust fan operation, and ensuring ventilation checks are completed. Home Protection Benefits Why Ongoing Maintenance Matters Your home is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make — and like your car, it needs constant care and maintenance to keep it in tiptop shape. The AmyWorks VIP Home Maintenance Club is designed to protect that investment, reduce costly surprises, and give you confidence that nothing important is being overlooked. Most homeowners don’t lack intention — they lack time, structure, and a reliable system. Small issues quietly turn into expensive repairs simply because no one was checking. Our VIP Home Maintenance Club replaces guesswork with a proactive, professional approach. Through scheduled quarterly visits, we monitor your home’s condition, perform essential seasonal maintenance, and document what’s working well — and what may need attention down the road. This isn’t a handyman popping in with a checklist downloaded from the internet. It’s a program built by a licensed general contractor with decades of experience maintaining, repairing, and remodeling homes in our region. We know where homes fail, what ages poorly, and which early warning signs matter. Key Outcomes You’ll Experience The Result Most importantly, you gain peace of mind — knowing a professional is keeping watch over your home year-round. Whether you plan to live there for decades or sell in the future, the AmyWorks VIP Home Maintenance Club helps your home perform better, longer, and with fewer surprises. Quarterly Home Maintenance Checklist (Excerpt) What We Check Every Visit Interior Exterior Mechanical Systems Skilled Technicians with Real Building Knowledge Experienced Technicians — Not Just “Maintenance Workers” All quarterly inspections are performed by experienced AmyWorks technicians trained to see your home through a builder’s lens. They understand how systems interact, where failures typically begin, and what small signs often precede major repairs. Every technician is background-checked, professionally trained, and backed by AmyWorks’ standards — not independent contractors with inconsistent quality. No Surprises Clear Reports, Honest Guidance, No Hidden Costs Transparency is core to the program. Every visit includes documented findings, photos when helpful, and clear explanations. If we see something developing, you’ll know early — with honest guidance on urgency, options, and budget ranges. No scare tactics. No hidden agendas. No surprise invoices. Seasonal Maintenance Done for You Quarterly, Season-Specific Tasks Each quarter includes season-specific tasks such as: Why You Need the AmyWorks VIP Home Maintenance Club Protect Your Home Investment Protect your home investment with proactive maintenance, fewer surprises, and clear long-term planning year-round. Planned Because peace of mind isn’t reactive — it’s planned. Care Because your home deserves professional care. Prevention Because small maintenance today prevents big repairs tomorrow. Call to Action We Handle Everything So You Can Enjoy Your Home Join the AmyWorks VIP Home Maintenance Club today. Spaces are limited. Every major and minor element of your home — from plumbing and electrical to ventilation, doors, finishes, and seasonal wear — is monitored, maintained, and documented. Let AmyWorks handle the details, so you can simply enjoy your home.

As we in Seattle and the surrounding area are coming back after experiencing a “Bomb Cyclone” I realized that my knowledge of what to do in instances of power and/or heat outages was limited.  I decided I needed to do a little research and share what I find so the next time we’re hit with a storm whether it be bomb cyclone or not we can be a little better prepared.  I was fortunate and lost neither power nor heat after the storm, but others were not so lucky. Winter storms—characterized by snow, wind, rain, and ice—can lead to lengthy power outages and heating challenges. Being prepared and understanding the services provided by your city or community can help you navigate these situations safely. How to be prepared BEFORE the storm hits!   1.  Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, battteries, medications, and first-aid supplies. Include items liek water filters or purification tablets and familiarize yourself with water purification methods like boiling or using bleach.  Gather thee things together and store in a designated bin in an easily accessible location. 2.  Communication Plans: Keep mobile devices charged and have backup power sources like rechargeable power banks. Write down important contact numbers (family members, friends, or neighbors) in case your devices lose power. Store these in the emergency kit.  A battery-powered radio might be a good idea just in case cell service is disabled as well. 3.  Home Safety: Install surge protectors to safeguard electronics. Use battery-operated lights instead of candles to reduce fire risks. Ensure proper insulation to maintain indoor temperatures during power outages. 4. For people using life support equipment at home: People who depend on electrical equipment to treat a health problem should have a plan in advance of a power outage. In some cases, this may mean purchasing a back-up power supply such as a generator or going to a health care facility that has back-up power. People who use life support equipment should register with the local utility. When they do this, the utility will make them a top priority for power supply repair and restoration. Heating Alternatives When Faced with No Heat: Losing heat during a winter storm can be dangerous, especially in extreme cold. Here are some safe and practical alternatives to stay warm until power or heating is restored: 1. Layering Clothing: Wear multiple layers of clothing, including thermal undergarments, sweaters, and jackets.  Use hats, gloves, and scarves indoors to retain body heat. 2. Use Extra Blankets and Sleeping Bags: Layer blankets or use sleeping bags rated for low temperatures.  Share body heat by sleeping in close proximity with family members. 3. Portable Propane or Kerosene Heaters:  Choose heaters designed for indoor use and ensure proper ventilation.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep heaters away from flammable materials.  Install a carbon monoxide detector w/ battery back-up as a safety precaution. 4. Wood Stoves and Fireplaces: If you have a wood stove or fireplace, use dry, seasoned wood to maintain a steady fire.  Ensure chimneys are clean and functioning properly to prevent smoke buildup. 5.  Seal Drafts and Conserve Warm Air: Use towels, blankets, or draft stoppers to block gaps under doors and around windows.  Close off unused rooms to concentrate heat in living areas.  Hang blankets over windows and doorways to add insulation. 6. Heat One Room: Choose a small, enclosed space where everyone can gather.  Focus on heating that area using safe methods, such as a portable heater or heavy insulation. 7.  Electric Blankets and Heating Pads:  If you have a power source, use electric blankets or heating pads to stay warm.  Consider battery-operated or rechargeable heating devices if electricity is unavailable. 8.  Hot Water Bottles or Heated Rice Packs:  Fill water bottles with hot water (from a stove or other source) and use them as warmers.  Heat rice or beans in a cloth bag for a simple and reusable warming tool. 9.  Car Heater: If conditions are safe, warm up in your car. Run the engine intermittently with the vehicle outside and not in an enclosed space like a garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 10.  Community Resources: Check for local warming shelters set up by municipalities or community organizations. Reach out to neighbors or friends who might have heat and can share their space. Monitor local news outlets and official social media channels for updates on weather conditions and available services. Safety Note: Never use outdoor equipment like barbecues, camp stoves, or gas ovens indoors to generate heat. These can produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide and pose a fire risk. Always prioritize safety when exploring alternative heating options. Staying warm during a power or heat outage requires resourcefulness, preparation, and awareness of safe practices. By implementing these strategies, you can reduce the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related health issues. Municipal Services During Power and Heat Loss: Municipalities offer various services to assist residents during winter storms: 1.  Power Restoration: Local utility companies work around the clock to fix and restore power outages and respond to downed wires. Residents can report outages through designated hotlines. For downed power lines, call 911 and maintain a safe distance. 2.  Warming Centers and Shelters: Cities may open warming centers in community centers or other public facilities. These centers provide a warm place to stay and may offer charging stations for electronic devices. Local emergency management agencies manage severe weather shelters for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. 3.  Emergency Information: Sign up for local alert systems to receive real-time updates on service impacts and emergencies. Municipalities also provide regional information through their emergency news platforms. 4.  Emergency Management Programs: Many cities and counties have comprehensive emergency management programs. Office of Emergency Management (OEM): Partners with the community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The OEM manages the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), coordinating responses during emergencies. County Emergency Management: Focuses on EOC readiness, situational awareness, public education, and disaster risk reduction. The county’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan outlines strategies for various hazards, including winter storms. Additional

Your kitchen is an integral part of your home and is often the center of activity. Remodeling allows you to customize your kitchen to better suit your lifestyle and preferences. Whether it’s a specific color scheme, a unique layout, or personalized storage solutions, you can tailor the kitchen to reflect your style. Space A kitchen remodel can give you more space for cooking and socializing. In many cases, people congregate in the kitchen during gatherings and you want to be sure you have enough room for everyone. Remodeling can make it easier to have people over and still give you the space you need to get things done.  Efficiency Upgrading kitchen appliances to energy-efficient models can reduce your utility bills. Energy-efficient lighting and better insulation may also be part of the remodeling process, contributing to a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective home. Design Kitchen remodeling is an excellent opportunity for you to exercise your creative muscles. By designing the kitchen of your dreams, you can improve the overall appearance of your home. The kitchen will set the tone aesthetically and make your space look as incredible as it can.  Need Kitchen Remodeling in Seattle? When you need the best remodeling and construction services possible, AmyWorks is here for you. Whether you want to remodel a kitchen, bathroom, or basement, add a deck, or construct an ADU, our team of experienced professionals will work with you every step of the way. Learn more about us or contact us today to get your project started! All-Star Kitchen Remodeling in Seattle Serving the Greater Seattle Area

AmyWorks is happy to have a new look online. As we carefully emerge from the pandemic, we look forward to engaging with our community, teaching and serving homeowners to bring joy and excitement to their homes and making daily living enjoyable in many new ways. Explore our full range of remodeling services to see what we can do for your home.

Are you thinking of renovating your tired bathroom?  Read on for some advice on how to go about it and some of the 130 or so decisions you’ll need to make. Keep an eye out for Part 2 where we will cover some of the many, many decisions associated with each of the steps above.  Listen to Episode 20 and 21 of “Let’s Talk Home Repair” for a discussion about this very subject.

In part 1 we covered the big picture for starting a bathroom remodel.  Now let’s talk about all the selections that go into making the bathroom remodel a reflection of your dream. Selections (as they’re called in the remodeling world) are simply the fixtures that will be replacing the tired, old things that you want to change.  These include: That’s a lot of information!  I covered most things, and this will give you a good start on getting your list together to start planning the big job.  Listen to Episodes 20 & 21 “Lets Talk Home Repair” for a discussion about this very subject.

First, let me say, I feel your shame and overwhelmed feelings. Your only wish is to have your 1950’s bathroom brought into the modern century! How are you supposed to know what to do when there isn’t even an instruction manual for all this stuff?! Where do you even begin?  I got you! Read on! Do you walk into your bathroom and wish you had a magic wand? Are you embarrassed by the pink toilet and tub combination that was installed before you were even born? Does the black-spotted caulk make you cringe every time you try to take a relaxing bath?  Are you paralyzed by all the decisions you need to make to go from mid-century “modern” (that’s an oxymoron) to 21st century clean and new? Not to overwhelm you more but there is something like 137 decisions that need to be made for a bathroom remodel. (I don’t know if I’ve made 137 conscious decisions this year!). Let me help get you started down that path to conquering your bathroom remodel dilemma. With those two steps completed you are now ready to talk to a professional. Maybe it’s a designer that is going to help you put that vision board together or help your Pinterest board come to life. Many interior designers have packages that they offer to help get your ideas out of your head and on to paper. Even if you don’t know what you want, they can help with that too. Designers can do basic drawings so you can actually see the end result and go so far as to help you pick out fixtures and tile all the way to sourcing and ordering the materials. Call your local home builders’ association for vetted designers that are members. Google “interior designers” in your area and read their reviews. Pick three, call them and see what they have to offer and if you feel a connection. You want to feel good working with this person, and they need to understand your style and desires. Think first date.  Maybe you’re fortunate enough to already know that you want large format tile in the shower, gold fixtures, and heated floors you just need someone to DO IT! You can be your own general contractor (GC) but if making decisions and babysitting are not things you have the time or energy to do, a good GC is your best bet to get this done. Again, check out the local builders’ association, ask friends for referrals for who they used AND liked. (Do you remember your friends telling you horror stories about their kitchen remodel nightmare? Don’t use that GC.). Picking a GC can be tricky, and their pricing can be widely varied. The price difference is not about one company making more money than the other but more about does the company have a lot of overhead? Do they have a large staff? Is it just one guy and his truck? Do the employees receive benefits or are they working for cash under the table? Those behind-the-scenes things are important to understand when comparing bids from different companies. Well, PH, I hope this has given you a little motivation to get started and has broken it down into a few bite-sized pieces. We’ll pick this up again. Remember to breathe! Your remodel coach and cheerleader! Amy

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction can be a rewarding project, but it does come with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common ones you might encounter. Zoning and Permitting Local zoning laws and building codes can vary significantly, and navigating through them to get the necessary permits for your ADU can be complex. You may encounter restrictions on the size, height, setback requirements, and even the number of ADUs allowed on a property. Space Limitations In some cases, you could end up dealing with limitations on the amount of space you have to work with. This is especially true for people with smaller backyards or limited property areas. Work with a professional designer to come up with a space-saving design that still gets you everything you’re looking for in an ADU unit.  Timeline Issues Delays in obtaining permits, unexpected construction challenges, or inclement weather can all contribute to project timeline delays. It’s essential to build in buffer time when planning your construction schedule to account for these potential setbacks. Need ADU Construction in Seattle? Despite these challenges, with careful planning, research, and the right team of professionals, you can successfully navigate the ADU construction process and create a valuable addition to your property. When you need the best remodeling and construction services possible, AmyWorks is here for you. Whether you want to remodel a kitchen, bathroom, or basement, add a deck, or construct an ADU, our team of experienced professionals will work with you every step of the way. Learn more about us or contact us today to get your project started! All You Need to Know About ADU Construction in Seattle Serving the Greater Seattle Area

The front of your home is incredibly important when it comes to its curb appeal and style. A new porch or deck can go a long way toward making your home look its absolute best. Knowing some of the benefits of porch and deck remodeling will help you decide if it’s the right decision for your home.  Increased Home Value When you remodel your porch or deck, you can think of it as an investment. A porch or deck that’s in great condition will increase the value of your home. Should you decide to sell at any point, you can make the most of the sale with a deck that looks great.  Extended Living Space Getting as much usable space out of your home is important. With a porch or deck, you can increase the square footage of space that you can use on a daily basis. This opens up room inside the home and gives you the kind of outdoor area that can be used year-round.  Improved Functionality When you do porch and deck remodeling, you have an opportunity to add new design elements. This can be a great way to make your home more functional overall. Things like lighting and other elements can give your home the usability and versatility it needs.   Need Porch and Deck Remodeling in Seattle? When you need the best remodeling and construction services, AmyWorks is here for you. Whether you want to remodel a kitchen, bathroom, or basement, add a deck, or construct an ADU, our team of experienced professionals will work with you every step of the way. Learn more about us or contact us today to get your project started! Beautiful Porch and Deck Remodeling in Seattle Serving the Greater Seattle Area