Home Improvement

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Green Show a Success

The annual Good Earth Home and Garden show recently concluded in Eugene on 25 January 2009. As a “green” show, it had a good home in the Emerald Empire. I’ve gone to a lot of shows at the fairgrounds, and can’t recall one with better attendance.

Admittance was free, which is a plus in these hard times. There were some 69 seminars held and 250 exhibits. There was a common element of sustainability or naturalness to most exhibits and seminars. Seemingly, Eugene is a hotbed for sustainable practices.

I stopped by to see a friend of mine who was exhibiting. She was so busy, I put my bag down and helped her work her booth. It was a blast. Make it a point to attend the next show and you’ll have a good time.

Eugene's Green Home Show was a busy place.

Eugene’s Green Home Show was a busy place.

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Great House Plans in Eugene

If you’re looking for a dynamite set of house plans, keep Rick McAlexander of Associated Designs in mind. Most of us in Eugene Springfield don’t know what a big deal he’s become. His design column is published in some 1,000 newspapers around the United States. And, he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll meet.

The old time builders around will recognize the name. Rick’s out on his own and has been doing exceptional design for the last 20 years. He has 5 people working for him to keep those plans rolling out. They have over 750 plans available. And, if you can’t find what you like, they’ll be happy to design a custom set, just the way you like it.

Rick tells a funny story about toilets. He says that if you want a toilet in your living room, he’ll do his best to educate you about the pitfalls of such a plan, but if it comes down to it, and that’s what you really, really want, that’s what you’ll get.

Associated Designs also offers a revision service to modify plans to fit your lot or to your other specifications. They’ll also do an inexpensive site plan and quickly too, I’d point out. They can also tell you what to expect when you apply for a building permit.

So, what’s it all cost? A study-set of plans runs about $425. and a set of building plans starts at $650. What a deal!

There are plenty of good lots in Eugene Springfield and now’s a great time to build. New construction financing is available too.

Ric McAlexander of Associated Design.

Rick McAlexander of Associated Design.

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Remodel your house in Eugene

Good people are hard to find, but Gilbert Fierro is one. He’s a general contractor and works in the greater-Eugene Oregon area. Some of his areas of expertise are bathroom and kitchen remodels, outbuildings, and decks. However, he’ll do just about anything other than plumbing and electrical, which he subs out to the trades.

He’s licensed and bonded. Gilbert’s CCB # is 159972. He has 10 years of full time building experience in Eugene. Before that, he was a machinist. (You should see his finish carpentry–he brings that machinist’s mind set to his work.)

Gilbert and I have rehabbed 30 or 40 rental houses together and I’ve never had a problem. He can be reached at his cell number: 517-3634.

Gilbert’s motto is: do it right the first time. When he’s not out working hard building, he tends his cow herd and spends time with his family.

Remodeler extraordinaire

Gilber Fierro: Remodeler extraordinaire