You are here: Home / Archives for August 2011

What’s Hot in Showers and Bathrooms

August 11, 2011 By Kevin Kartak 1 Comment

Glass shower enclosure with swinging door

Lately there has been a big movement toward getting rid of the old-fashioned
metal track shower doors in favor of newer, heavier glass enclosures.

I’m Kevin Kartak, and the folks at Pacific Ridge Homes have invited me to write about some of the hot trends in showers and baths for new homes. As president and second-generation owner of AAA Kartak Glass & Closet, Inc., – exclusive supplier to Pacific Ridge for all of their shower doors, shower enclosures and mirrors in their new homes – I can safely say I am an authority on the subject.

So what are some of the hot new trends in showers? Lately there has been a big movement toward getting rid of the old-fashioned metal track shower doors in favor of newer, heavier glass enclosures. There is no bottom track and the doors are made to swing in both directions. It’s a great design because when you are done showering you simply push the door into the wet area to drip dry and, at the same time, air out the shower. No more steamy air in the shower and it virtually eliminates mildew growth.

When folks ask me for master bath recommendations I always encourage them to start with a good-sized room and a large shower. Pacific Ridge Homes has some great examples of high quality master baths both in size and quality of materials. I also recommend towel warmers (the flat kind), his/her vanities with plenty of electrical outlets and drawer space and a large mirror to visually enlarge the room. Mirrored medicine cabinets are also great additions to any bath.

For the other bathrooms in your house I cannot stress enough the importance of lots of towel bars. Whether it’s running through the sprinkler, stomping through puddles, or going swimming, kids and water go together. Mildew grows quickly here in the Northwest and I like to have plenty of space for everyone’s towel as well as a few extra bars for hanging up other wet things.

More “What’s Hot?” posts:

What’s Hot in Countertops?

What’s Hot in Kitchen Cabinetry?

What’s Hot in Hardwood Flooring?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , ,

New Home Sales Brisk in Marysville

August 5, 2011 By Dave Duncan Leave a Comment
New Homes for sale in Marysville, Washington

Pacific Meadows' four model homes in Marysville, Washington.

I’m Dave Duncan, listing agent for Pacific Meadows, an exciting new home community in Marysville.

Twenty-five homes have sold so far this year and each week there are more and more folks coming through to take a closer look at this new Pacific Ridge neighborhood. We have six new homes for sale that are ready for immediate move-in and an additional ten houses for sale that are currently under construction. Numerous home sites are also available for immediate construction.

Pacific Meadows is located just minutes away from great shopping and entertainment opportunities like the Seattle Premium Outlets, Lakewood Crossing and the Tulalip Casino. Access to I-5 is also conveniently close, so all the big city amenities in Everett and Seattle are an easy drive away. Residents will attend Cascade Elementary School, Cedarcrest Middle School and Marysville-Pilchuck High School.

The community has over fifteen floor plans to choose from, ranging from 1,534 – 3,662 square feet. Pacific Ridge also offers a choice of two different exteriors (elevations) on each floor plan for even more choices. There are literally hundreds of upgrades and amenities you can add to the homes to create your own unique living space. Many of the move-in ready homes include the premium package which includes (in part), stainless appliances, granite tile countertops, hardwood flooring in the kitchen and the eating nook, tile counters in the bathrooms, and rounded corners.

Prices start in the low 200’s and right now Pacific Ridge is offering to pay the buyer’s closing costs, up to 3%, on all move-in ready homes.  To take advantage of this offer, buyers must use one of our preferred lenders.

Pacific Meadows features six acres of parks and open space including two play areas, two basketball courts, a small soccer field, barbeque and picnic area, and a large field. Many of the new homes in this community also back up green belts and there are mountain views from many areas in the neighborhood. All of our streets are tree lined with flowering plums and maples and are wide with plenty of extra parking.

Stop in and let me take you through our four model homes and the rest of the neighborhood. We are open Mondays through Fridays from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 5611 116th St. NE in Marysville.

For more info visit the Pacific Meadows web page.

Filed Under: Blog