Showing posts with label home improvement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home improvement. Show all posts

Choosing the right professional to help you stay in your home as you age

Friday, September 13, 2024

By Joseph Irons, CAPS, President of Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.

If you are like most Americans over 45, you want to continue living in your same home and community throughout your maturing years. Baby Boomers' existing or older homes are often unequipped to meet their needs. 

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), a third (33%) of 50-plus adults believe they will have to modify their current home to make it safe and accessible to continue to live there as they age.

Home owners should consider working with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in partnership with AARP, developed the CAPS designation.

Professionals who have earned the CAPS designation have been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population and apply strategies and techniques to provide comprehensive and practical home modification solutions. CAPS professionals help homeowners find aging-in-place solutions that fit their needs and budget. 

While there are various ways CAPS remodelers can help make your home work for you, some of the most common aging-in-place renovations include:
  • Wide doorways. 32-36 inches wide doorways let wheelchairs pass through and make it easy to move large items in and out of your home. Extra floor space. The space allows homeowners and their guests to feel less cramped.
  • Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces keep everyone on their feet. Handrails on steps and bathroom grab bars will also help homeowners maneuver easier.
  • No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get in and out of the home.
Learn more about CAPS professionals here

To speak with a CAPS professional locally, contact Irons Brothers Construction, Inc. 

Please join us for a Remodeled Homes Tour Showcase project
from Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.

The event will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024. One Day Only!

Meet with our team of PROS and learn about our Professional Reliable Outstanding Service.

Watch the video about this homeowner’s experience with our Team and Embracing the Future.

Can’t attend, you can tour this home virtually on our website at your convenience.

No RSVP required, register in advance or at the door. Free admission.

CORRECTION: The open house is on September 21, 2024, not October


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Home Improvement workshops and vendor fair Tuesday May 21, 2024

Monday, May 20, 2024


Two events successfully completed in March and April, and just one last free 2024 Home Improvement Workshop and Vendor Fair slated for Tuesday May 21, 2024

There may be a few appointments for the May event for residents who want to meet with City review staff. 

April vendor fair. Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The vendors will be available to all from 6:00 to 8:00pm with no appointment needed. 

And for the May event, we will have a presentation on Deck 101 at 6:30pm with no appointment needed.

Go to shorelinewa.gov/homeimprovement for more information and to make an appointment with City staff to ask specific questions about your home/property, neighborhood, or City permit information.

Contact Jarrod Lewis, 206-801-2521 or jlewis@shorelinewa.gov with any questions.


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Home Improvement appointments and Vendor Fair April 23 and May 21, 2024

Saturday, April 13, 2024

March 2024 Vendor Fair
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
City of Shoreline Home Improvement Workshop and Vendor Fair 2024
Tuesdays: April 23, and May 21, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Shoreline City Hall Lobby, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Free parking in City Garage behind City Hall

Free presentation on Middle Housing and personal appointments with city staff will again be offered at events at Shoreline City Hall.

Almost two dozen vendors were available to talk to people
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The appointments are specific to Shoreline properties but the vendor fair is open to all. There are a number of appointments available on April 23rd, particularly in the late afternoon/ early evening. The May 23rd event has many openings right now.

The first event, on March 26, was very well attended. 

Go to shorelinewa.gov/homeimprovement for more information and to make an appointment with City staff to ask specific questions about your home/property, neighborhood, or City permit information. 

Contact Jarrod Lewis, 206-801-2521 or jlewis@shorelinewa.gov with any questions.


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Spaces available for individual meetings with Shoreline staff about your home improvement plans - plus workshops and vendor fair

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Individual consult from a previous event
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
Do you have a home improvement project in mind but need some guidance to get started? 

Join Shoreline Planning staff for our popular free home improvement workshops to help with your potential project.

We still have spaces available for you to meet with technical reviewers to discuss your potential projects. 

Sign up for individual appointments here. Depending on the scope of your project, you can meet with up to three technical reviewers.

Dates:      
  • Tuesday, March 26           
  • Tuesday, April 23           
  • Tuesday, May 21
Time: 6:00 to 8:00pm
Location: Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Avenue N, Shoreline WA 98133

Workshops - in addition to individual appointments there are workshops which require only an RSVP

New presentations for 2024: 
  • Middle Housing: April 23 at 6:30pm New state regulations are increasing residential development opportunities. Learn about middle housing and what it means for your property.
  • Deck 101: May 21 at 6:30pm Learn more about residential deck permitting for new decks and deck replacements.
Vendor fair. Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Vendor fair

In addition to appointments with technical reviewers, we will have several outside vendors and resources available to meet with to discuss your project. No appointment is necessary to meet with these vendors, so be sure to set aside extra time to discuss their services. The Vendor Fair is open to all residents of the Seattle metro area.

List of Vendors (subject to change)
  • BECU
  • Cedheco
  • CG Engineering
  • City of Shoreline Environmental Services
  • City of Shoreline Planning & Community Development
  • H2D Architecture + Design
  • Irons Brothers Construction
  • Master Gardeners Program of King County
  • Lowe's of North Seattle
  • Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc.
  • Redwood Builders LLC
  • Renewal by Anderson
  • Seattle Credit Union
  • Shoreline Tool Library
  • Sound Seismic
  • State Farm
  • Tree 133 LLC
  • Walls and Weeds
More information

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City of Shoreline Home Improvement Workshop and Vendor Fair 2024

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Vendor fair requires no appointment

City of Shoreline Home Improvement Workshop and Vendor Fair 2024

Spring Home Improvement Workshops & Vendor Fair

  • Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

All workshops hosted at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

Free presentations on housing and home deck improvements/replacement require no appointment.

Go to shorelinewa.gov/homeimprovement for more information and to make an appointment with City staff to ask specific questions about your home/property, neighborhood, or City permit information. 

Contact Jarrod Lewis, 206-801-2521 or jlewis@shorelinewa.gov with any questions.

New vendors have been added to the free vendor fair. Here is the current list:

Vendor list (subject to change)*:

  • BECU  
  • Cedheco
  • CG Engineering
  • City of Shoreline Environmental Services
  • City of Shoreline Planning & Community Development
  • H2D Architecture + Design 
  • Irons Brothers Construction
  • Master Gardeners Program of King County 
  • Lowe's of North Seattle 
  • Nelson Geotechnical Associates, Inc. 
  • Redwood Builders LLC
  • Renewal by Anderson 
  • Seattle Credit Union
  • Shoreline Tool Library
  • Signature Surveying & Mapping, PLLC
  • Sound Seismic
  • State Farm
  • Tree 133 LLC
  • Walls and Weeds 
  • More to come! 

 *The City of Shoreline does not endorse any products or services provided by these firms participating in this workshop. Please note that vendor attendance may vary per event. 


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2024 Shoreline Home Improvement Workshop and Vendor Fair

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

The scheduled appointments are for Shoreline residents but anyone is welcome to attend the vendor fair in the City Hall lobby.


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Coming up in Spring: 2024 Home Improvement Workshops in Shoreline

Sunday, January 21, 2024


Shoreline staff are getting ready for the 2024 Home Improvement Workshops and Vendor Fair

They will again have three workshops in the Spring of 2024 (March, April, and May). They have expanded the number of vendors and building industry representatives for the free vendor fair in the lobby.

All workshops hosted at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N
  • Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
New for 2024, a free presentation on Middle Housing, which will provide future options on residential sites, and a free presentation on Decks 101, which will cover residential decks.

There is a webpage for the events where you can register to talk to a city staffer about your proposed home improvement project. You can also use the QR code in the flyer. The group workshops and vendor tables do not require registration.

Correction: Original article featured 2023 flyer

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LFP, Kenmore, and Shoreline to offer GO ELECTRIC! workshop series starting today (Tuesday)

Tuesday, July 18, 2023


The cities of Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Shoreline have partnered together to host a GO ELECTRIC! workshop series!

Each presentation in the series will help homeowners and renters find out about rebates available from the federal government. The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax rebates and tax credits for making climate friendly home improvements.

The first workshop will be July 18, 2023 at 7:00pm at Third Place Commons 17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park. 

Learn how you can have cleaner air and cook faster by switching from gas to an induction stovetop. 

Dr. Mark Vossler from Physicians for Social Responsibility will be presenting information on the health benefits of electrifying your home, especially in the kitchen, for adults and children. 

Gary Hawkey, a Lake Forest Park resident, will provide a demonstration of cooking on an induction stove.

Watch for the next in the series hosted by the City of Kenmore on solar installations and then Shoreline on heat pumps. Save the dates!


Take part in the series and learn ways to get ready and take on climate friendly actions!



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Vendor Fair Tuesday for home improvement resources

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
The City of Shoreline is holding a vendor fair on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 6-8pm in the lobby of City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N. Free parking in the city garage on the north side of the building.

The fair is free as is the Permitting 101 session at 7pm. 

No appointments are necessary and it is open to anyone who lives in the larger region, not just Shoreline residents.

Vendors meet with home owners at April's vendor fair
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
Vendors who will have materials and representatives at the fair:
  • Lowes - North Seattle 
  • Master Gardener Program
  • Irons Brothers Construction
  • City of Shoreline Public Works, Surface Water Program
  • City of Shoreline Planning and Community Development, Comprehensive Plan 
  • Built Green Program (Master Builders)
  • City of Shoreline Community Services, Environmental Services Program
  • Greenhome Solutions
  • Northwest Solar
  • Signature Surveying and Mapping
  • Sound Seismic
  • Dunn Lumber
  • BECU
  • Gene Johnson Plumbing
  • CNL Design
  • Sky Nursery
  • Seattle Credit Union
  • Walls and Weeds Architecture 
  • Buildings For The Future SPC

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Shoreline Home Improvement Workshop openings for April 25 and May 23, 2023

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Vendors available to talk to homeowners about remodeling projects
Shoreline's April 25, 2023 Home Improvement Workshop (HIW) is almost full with just a few civil engineer, plans examiner, and zoning appointment slots available. 

There are still many appointment slots for the May 23rd event.

The HIW features individual 15 minute appointments for homeowners to review their plans with Shoreline planners.


Free parking in City Garage.
Appointments remaining in April 25 session

In addition, the City Hall lobby will have vendors with services related to home improvement projects.

  • Master Gardener Program
  • Irons Brothers Construction
  • City of Shoreline Public Works, Surface Water Program
  • City of Shoreline Planning and Community Development, Comprehensive Plan
  • Built Green Program (Master Builders)
  • City of Shoreline Community Services, Environmental Services Program
  • Greenhome Solutions
  • Northwest Solar
  • Signature Surveying and Mapping
  • Sound Seismic
  • Dunn Lumber
  • BECU
  • Gene Johnson Plumbing
  • CNL Design
  • Sky Nursery
  • Seattle Credit Union

Residents are welcome to visit the vendors* from 6:00 to 8:00pm with no appointment needed on any of the scheduled evenings. Residents can also attend the Permitting 101 session at 7:00pm (no appointment needed) to hear a discussion on general residential permitting in Shoreline on any of the three evenings.

Register here for the April or May sessions

*The City of Shoreline does not endorse any products or services provided by these firms participating in this workshop.



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Shoreline to resume Home Improvement Workshops - make appointments now

Friday, January 13, 2023

After a three year hiatus, the City of Shoreline will resume their popular Home Improvement Workshops and Vendor Fair. 

They will have three workshops in 2023 (March, April, and May) and are working to expand the number of vendors and building industry representatives at the workshops.

The sessions will be held in the lobby of City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N. Free parking in the city garage.

There will be a Permitting presentation at 7pm for each session. No registration required for the session but appointments are needed for the individual consultations.

Use the QR code or register at the webpage.

If you have questions, contact Jarod Lewis, 206-801-2521 or JLewis@shorelinewa.gov



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7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Photo courtesy Ace Hardware
7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests
From Westlake Ace Hardware

The holiday season is here, and homes everywhere are filling up with friends and family. But things like clogged drains, burned out light bulbs, leaking toilets, unwelcome guests like mice, and slick sidewalks are a fact of life – and it can happen at the worst times. 

Westlake Ace Hardware suggests these simple tips and products to keep on hand to make household repairs quick and simple – and let you get back to enjoying the holidays!

  1. Give your walk a clean sweep – Sweep, shovel, or use a leaf blower on walkways before guests arrive so they won’t accidentally slip or pick up debris on their shoes to track through your home. If the walks are icy, apply ice melt.
  2. Light it up – Buy a supply of energy-efficient LED light bulbs that shed a softer light and show true whites inside a home. Also, consider adding a nightlight to bathrooms or dark hallways so guests can find their way in an unfamiliar space at night.
  3. Take a shower in the guest bathroom – Test shower heads you never use to make sure the water pressure is up to your standards. If not, consider soaking the shower head in CLR or a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water to remove mineral deposits. If that doesn’t help, it’s a quick fix to replace the showerhead with a new one.
  4. Banish bathroom blunders – The time for a bathroom emergency is NOT while you have a house full of guests. Check your house’s bathroom sinks, faucets, and toilets in advance. Tighten leaky faucets, clear drains of clogs, and fix the toilet valve or flapper if it’s continually running or not filling properly. If you don’t already have a plunger and sewer snake on hand, those can be invaluable tools. Insta-Flow is a great way to quickly unclog sinks.
  5. Freshen the air – Replace the furnace filter so the air inside your home doesn’t smell dusty and stale. If the air inside already feels dry, consider purchasing a humidifier to add moisture to the air for everyone’s comfort.
  6. A touch of fresh paint – Starting a major renovation is not advised during the holidays, but it can be a good time to paint over chips and nicks on doors, door frames, cabinets, and baseboards. Just be sure to leave several days for the paint to dry before guests arrive.
  7. Uninvite unwanted furry guests – Unwanted guests like mice and rats may try to make their way into your home to escape winter’s cold and enjoy the warm and dry environment. 
    1. If your fireplace wood is stacked right next to the house, consider moving it away from the foundation and outer walls. Minimize clutter in the garage so pests can’t find places to nest.
    2. Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans. Rinse recycling items before tossing in the bin to avoid tempting rodents with food remnants. 
    3. If you’re storing dog or cat food in the garage, make sure containers are sealed tight. And keep the garage door closed to prevent rodents from walking right in. 
    4. An adult mouse can squeeze through a dime-sized hole, so seal off all possible access points throughout the house with steel wool. 
    5. A non-toxic, poison-free option, the Victor PestChaser Plug-In Electronic Rodent Repeller drives away rodents by emitting a highly irritating noise that only rodents can hear.
Westlake Ace Hardware is located on the upper level of Town Center in Lake Forest Park, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE. There is also an Ace Tweedy and Pop in Lake City, 3040 NE 127th St, Seattle, WA 98125



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2020 Home Improvement Workshops scheduled

Thursday, February 6, 2020


The City of Shoreline has scheduled the date for its very popular Home Improvement Workshops for 2020.

Residents can sign up for a free 15 minute one-on-one session with a planner to discuss their particular home improvement ideas. The City staffer can explain what permits are needed and what things to be aware of such as required setbacks, underground issues, and what experts are available.

At the same time, a vendor fair will be set up with all the different kinds of vendors that might be needed for a home project. The fair is open to everyone with no appointment.

Tuesdays, March 31, April 28 and May 19
6:00 to 8:00pm, City Hall Lobby





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Are all your home improvement projects done? Shoreline has a lot of slots open Tuesday for consults

Friday, May 24, 2019

One on one session
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


Free home improvement project information
for Shoreline property owners
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
6:00 to 8:00pm, City Hall lobby
17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133


Appointments are still available. Complete the information HERE and they will contact you on Tuesday morning to confirm your appointment (as they are closed on Monday for Memorial Day). The more appointment times that work for you will make it easier to fit your request into the remaining openings.

The City of Shoreline has a lot of appointments left in its Home Improvement event on Tuesday.

Are you all really done planning your remodels? What about drainage issues? Are your sewer lines sluggish?

Vendors are great resources
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


You don't have to do the project to plan it. The City is offering 15 minutes of one-on-one attention about your particular project.

What about zoning issues?

Property lines - most people think they own more property than they do.

Do you know which projects require permits?

Of course you don't have to make an appointment to come talk to the vendors who will be there. They are great for advice.

This is the last session of the year. The next event will be a year from now.



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Appointments left for Shoreline Home Improvement workshop May 28

Thursday, May 16, 2019



Individual appointments with city staff
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


Make appointments here - 15 minute individual sessions about your project and your property.

Vendor tables lined the lobby
No appointment necessary to talk to these experts
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


Outside vendors and building industry representatives are available to talk to you about your project. These vendors will include a local designer, local contractor, Master Gardener, material supplier, home loan agent, green building professional, and a residential drainage improvement grant funder. No appointment is necessary to meet with these vendors so be sure to set aside extra time to discuss their services.



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Appointments available for April 23 Shoreline Home Improvement Workshop

Wednesday, April 17, 2019




Slots are filling up for the Tuesday, April 23, home improvement individual appointments but spaces are still available.

Free workshops and vendor fair for your home improvement projects
Tuesdays, April 23, and May 28
6:00 to 8:00pm, City Hall lobby
17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Find out what permits and paperwork you need before you start your home remodel project.

The City of Shoreline is offering you free information to help you get started. Make a 15 minute appointment and a technical reviewer will go over your project with you.

Technical reviewers will be available by appointment to help with questions regarding your house, property, land uses, and street as well as City requirements and permit information. Visit shorelinewa.gov/homeimprovement to make an appointment with a technical reviewer.

In addition to appointments with technical reviewers, there will also be a vendor fair of building, design, and construction related resources.

These vendors will include architects, contractors, lending institutions, materials suppliers, and other design consultants.

You do not need an appointment to talk with any of these vendors, so feel free to stop by between 6:00 and 8:00pm.




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Find out what you need for your home remodel project from the experts

Monday, March 11, 2019



Free workshops and vendor fair for your home improvement projects
Tuesdays, March 26, April 23, and May 28
6:00 to 8:00pm, City Hall lobby
17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Find out what permits and paperwork you need before you start your home remodel project.

How many different types of workers will you be dealing with? How can you evaluate construction companies? Plumbers? Electricians?

Where do you even start?

Home improvement season is coming! Do you have a home improvement project in mind, but need some guidance to get started? Is it a house remodel or addition; subdivision of property; or a driveway, drainage, deck, sewer, or a tree project? Our workshops can help you take the next steps.

The City of Shoreline is offering you free information to help you get started. Make a 15 minute appointment and a technical reviewer will go over your project with you.

Technical reviewers will be available by appointment to help with questions regarding your house, property, land uses, and street as well as City requirements and permit information. Visit shorelinewa.gov/homeimprovement to make an appointment with a technical reviewer.

Go early and talk to the experts at the vendor tables. You have a two hour window from 6-8pm to talk to as many as you want. Collect contact information and follow up with the ones you need.

In addition to appointments with technical reviewers, there will also be a vendor fair of building, design, and construction related resources. 
These vendors will include architects, contractors, lending institutions, materials suppliers, and other design consultants. 
You do not need an appointment to come in and talk with any of these vendors, so feel free to stop by between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Don't be the guy who just digs into a project and hits a gas line or water main. Or the one whose project gets stopped for lack of proper permits.

If you want to know more about the Home Improvement workshop or vendor fair, contact Permit Services Manager Jarrod Lewis at 206-801-2521 or jlewis@shorelinewa.gov.

The price is right. It's free.




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Appointments available for the Mar 26 Shoreline Home Improvement consults

Friday, March 8, 2019



There are still slots available for the March 26 Home Improvement Fair put on by the City of Shoreline. It will be held in the City Hall Lobby, 17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133.

Homeowners contemplating projects can sign up for free, 15 minute individual consults with experts about their particular property.

In addition, all kinds of home project vendors will be there to talk to between 6 - 8pm - no sign up necessary.

See previous article HERE.

You can sign up now for any of the sessions available.


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Sign up now for Shoreline Home Improvement Workshops - vendor fair is open to all

Thursday, February 28, 2019


Home Improvement Workshops
Tuesdays, March 26, April 23, and May 28
6:00 to 8:00pm, Shoreline City Hall lobby
17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133


Home improvement season is coming! Do you have a home improvement project in mind, but need some guidance to get started? Is it a house remodel or addition; subdivision of property; or a driveway, drainage, deck, sewer, or a tree project? Our workshops can help you take the next steps.

Technical reviewers will be available by appointment to help with questions regarding your house, property, land uses, and street as well as City requirements and permit information. Make an appointment with a technical reviewer HERE.

In addition to appointments with technical reviewers, there will also be a vendor fair of building, design, and construction related resources. These vendors will include architects, contractors, lending institutions, materials suppliers, and other design consultants. You do not need an appointment to come in and talk with any of these vendors, so feel free to stop by between 6:00 and 8:00pm.

Questions? Contact Permit Services Manager Jarrod Lewis at (206) 801-2521 or jlewis@shorelinewa.gov.




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Shoreline Home Improvement Workshops Mar 26, Apr 23, May 28

Sunday, January 20, 2019



The City of Shoreline's very popular home improvement workshops have been scheduled for 2019.

Sessions will be held on March 26, April 23, and May 28.

At these sessions, City Planning staff will give 15 minute individual sessions to review your plans and ideas for home improvement and answer your questions about your project.

In addition, there will be a large vendor fair, with businesses related to home remodels. This year sewer representatives will be present for those who are considering replacing their sewer lines.

Residents will need to make appointments for the individual sessions but anyone can come to the vendor fair, which will be open between 6 - 8pm. The event is held at City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133. Free parking in the City garage.

You can sign up now for any of the sessions.



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