2-2-2008
City of Gig Harbor launches
MyBuildingPermit.com
In an effort to streamline services and update procedures the City of Gig Harbor is now offering on-line permits for simple mechanical, plumbing and re-roof work through its municipal website, www.cityofgigharbor.net...   (Full Article)
2-2-2008
USGBC publishes catalog of
LEED innovation and design
Building project teams pursuing certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System now have the opportunity to view the Innovation & Design Credit Catalog — a listing of proven green building strategies that have been submitted and utilized by LEED Certified projects...   (Full Article)
2-2-2008
Taprock Northwest Grill opens doors
By Rodika Tollefson
Nearly two years after popular Mitzel’s restaurant off State Route 3 in Poulsbo burned down, the site is ready to once again welcome diners. Only what raised from the ashes is not exactly Mitzel’s — but a brand new concept by the parent company, ERI (Elmer’s Restaurant, Inc.), which has eight locations in Washington state...   (Full Article)
2-2-2008
Port Orchard hires new
City Development Director
By Amy Hager
Port Orchard’s new City Development Director not only has a solid history of accomplishing significant planning tasks, he has the vocal support and high respect from those who were affected and work alongside him. James Weaver has been a Kitsap Peninsula resident for the past three years, but has dedicated the past 15 years to working with both public government and private planning organizations. Some of the largest organizations include King County, the state of California and the city of San Diego...   (Full Article)
2-2-2008
Local Realtors honor their own
2008 officers installed
The Kitsap County Association of Realtors (KCAR) installed its 2009 officers as well as honored a number of its members and bestowed some special awards on non-members. The event was held on Jan. 18 at the Silverdale Beach Hotel...   (Full Article)
2-2-2008
Gig Harbor announces construction schedule
The City of Gig Harbor will be undertaking a major construction project to upgrade its wastewater treatment system beginning in early spring. Based on input from residents and business owners in the North Harborview area, the City of Gig Harbor has made the following decision regarding a construction schedule for this project...   (Full Article)
2-2-2008
Construction employment strong in 2007
It appears that 2007 was a strong year for the construction industry in Washington State, generating 13,700 new jobs from December 2006 to December 200 — the largest year-over-year payroll gain of all industries in Washington...   (Full Article)
2-2-2008
Grant funds available for local projects
Deadline for applications is Feb. 29
Tom Kilbane, chairman of the board of directors of the Kitsap Community Foundation, announced that the Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for its 2008 grant cycle. Grants will be made to qualified, non-profit organizations and interested organizations are encouraged to review the grant application criteria and guidelines at www.kitsapfoundation.org...   (Full Article)
2-2-2008
Weinstein’s anti-builder bill
going to committee
Senator Brian Weinstein is at it again, this year introducing SB 6385, a bill to allow homebuyers and subsequent purchasers to sue anyone “involved” in residential construction for negligence. This bill represents a significant and sweeping departure from current law, and would unquestionably raise insurance prices and unnecessarily subject builders to greater liability risks.

In addition, the broad language of the bill would put architects, subcontractors, and even the homeowners at risk of being sued. Representative Brendan Williams has introduced a similar bill in the House. Proponents of the bill are telling the media that builders can’t be sued, although the language in the bill exposes that as a blatant lie.

Weinstien and Williams introduced a pair of construction warranty bills last year deceptively masked as “consumer legislation” that would have basically done the same thing as they are attempting again this year.

2-2-2008
West Sound Electric vests Milo as a partner
Bremerton based West Sound Electric, Inc. announced that Tony Milo, project superintendent, has become a vested partner in the company. His role will be to continue coordinating and overseeing the overall field operations of the company.
2-2-2008
Lee Good returns to real estate
After 11 years as owner/broker of Lighthouse Cove Property Management, Lee Good sold the company, fixed up the house, listed it, looked around and said: “We love it here, we love our friends; we can’t leave.” Good is returning to real estate and can be reached at the John L. Scott in Silverdale at (360) 692-9777 or at leegood@johnlscott.com.
2-2-2008
TRC completes dental office
tenant improvement
Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. (TRC) has completed a professionally designed dental office project located at 19301 8th Ave. NE, in Poulsbo. This new general dentistry office provides over 3,400 square feet of space for Dr. Jeromy Peterson and offers the latest in dental technology. For more information, contact TRC at (360) 779-7667 or visit www.timryanconstruction.com.
2-2-2008
Joe Gates Construction launches new website
A new website, www.joegates.com, has been launched for Joe Gates Construction, Inc. The site showcases the firm’s projects in both remodeling and custom homes.It also allows a glimpse of many projects as well as background information about the company and its services. The Gates have been in business since 1989, and along with turn key remodeling projects, offer full service custom homebuilding.

Joe Gates Construction, Inc. also recently received four REX Awards, for Excellence in Remodeling given by the Kitsap County Homebuilders Association.

Reach Joe Gates Construction at (360) 697-3284 or visit the new website at www.joegates.com.

2-2-2008
Chaffey Homes debuts two new plats
Chaffey Homes recently announced the availability of new home sites in two areas:

• Clear Creek Estates is a five acre gated community located just minutes from Poulsbo and Silverdale. Home sites are available for custom presales, and currently offers three new homes to choose from. For more information visit www.chaffeyhomes.com.

• Hawkstone Homes with an active adult community in McCormick Woods, offers 32 home sites with golf course and lush greenbelt view. A fully furnished model will be available for viewing in March.

2-2-2008
Strathmore Ribbon Cutting
County Commissioner Jan Angel officiated at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Strathmore at McCormick Woods community. D R Horton plans to build 72 new homes, priced from mid $200s. Countrywide Home Loans participated as the preferred lender.
1-6-2008
BIAW endorses Rossi
In a move that surprised almost no one, the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) has endorsed Dino Rossi, the Republican candidate for Governor. BIAW is the first trade association endorsement for the Rossi 2008 campaign...   (Full Article)
1-6-2008
Forest City buys nearly
3,000 military family housing units
Forest City Enterprises, Inc. announced that its Forest City Military Communities, LLC subsidiary has closed on the previously announced acquisition of 2,985 military family housing units in the U.S. Navy’s Northwest Region, including units in Kitsap County...   (Full Article)
1-6-2008
HBA installs officers and directors,
announces 2007 award recipients
Association honors Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman
as Public Official of the Year
The Home Builders Association of Kitsap County recently held its annual installation and awards banquet at the Silverdale Beach Hotel. Installed as president was Robert Lubowicki of Arborview Construction in Kingston; first vice president, Rick Cadwell, Pacific Heights Construction; second vice president Ron Perkerewicz of JCM Property Management; treasurer, Randy Biegenwald, CPA and as secretary, Dee Coppola of Wet Apple Media...   (Full Article)
1-6-2008
Coldwell Banker debuts new “Home Tracker”
Coldwell Banker Real Estate recently debuted its new “Home Tracker” tool on coldwellbanker.com. Home tracker lets consumers keep tabs on any home’s value, maintenance, improvements and more. It is an online hub for tracking the value of any home, managing a home’s maintenance needs and even estimating what home improvement projects will add the most value to a home...   (Full Article)
1-6-2008
Zack Corporate Housing
celebrates two-years
With its business increasing more than five-fold in two years, Zack Corporate Housing has captured a its piece of the extended stay travel market in Kitsap County. With over 150 units in seven locations availablre, and priced lower than the average hotel room, Zack features the comforts of a spacious apartment combined with four-star hotel amenities...   (Full Article)
1-6-2008
Coldwell Banker honors Dalurias
Joanie Hento, sales associate with Coldwell Banker Park shore recently announced that Cora, Lupe and David Dalruia, were the latest customers to win the company’s Quarterly Customer Appreciation drawing...   (Full Article)
1-6-2008
Scheffer and Beam attend
annual realty conference
Janice Beam and Marlene Scheffer of Realty Station recently joined real estate agents from across the country at the National Association of Realtors Conference and Expo in Las Vegas last month. Beam and Scheffer attended seminars on practical solutions for today’s home sellers and buyers, marketing ideas and new technology.

Realty Station is located at 2135 Sheridan Road, Suite F, in Bremerton and can be reached at (360) 377-5699.

1-6-2008
Snyder earns coveted CRS designation
Sherri Snyder, a sales associate of Coldwell Banker McKenzie Associates of Bainbridge Island has earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) professional designation bestowed by the Council of Residential Specialists of the National Association of Realtors.

Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. In addition the agent must have completed a minimum of 75 real estate transactions in the last five years to qualify. Fewer than 4 percent of Realtors nationwide have earned the credential.

1-6-2008
Olympic Northwest Mortgage and Escrow
to move temporarily
On Jan. 31, Olympic Northwest Mortgage and Escrow will be temporarily moving into its Olympic Northwest Insurance office located in Sedgwick Plaza, 1703 SE Sedgwick Road Suite 101 while it begins construction on a new 10,696 square foot office to be completed late fall.

Owned and operated by Kay Arnold and Walt Bailey, Olympic Northwest Mortgage and Escrow has been providing residential home loans in Washington since 1994. “As with any mortgage professional who has been in our business for any length of time, Kay and I have seen our share of market adjustments and are confident that in time, the current housing situation will correct itself,” stated Bailey.

With offices in Silverdale, Bainbridge Island and Port Townsend, the firm will solidify its commitment to the Port Orchard community by investing in its future.

1-6-2008
Lions Clubs makes final payment
towards a home for a disabled family
The Lions Clubs of multiple districts 19C-4 have presented a check for $12,500 to Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County. The Lions are financially sponsoring a home in Habitat for Humanity’s New Hope Development off of Arsenal Way.

The check was presented to Development Manager Josh Dougherty, recently, in front of the home that the Lions are sponsoring. The check from Lions Clubs International Foundation is matched by local Lions Clubs funds and other private donations in addition to volunteer labor. The home is being built for a local disabled family who will also contribute volunteer hours.

Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County offered its thanks to the Lions Clubs of multiple districts 19C-4 and the local Lions Clubs and volunteers for making this home possible for a family in need of safe and affordable housing.

1-6-2008
Kingston Lumber’s
KATZ road show was a success
Kingston Lumber Millwork and Supply’s KATZ road show held on Nov. 2 was a great success. The morning began with a kitchen cabinet layout and installation demonstration. Following this was a replacement windows and architectural trim demonstration. The final demonstration was circular work on the jobsite. There were approximately 132 in attendance. The follow vendors participated: Senco, Stabila, Windsor One and Bosch.
1-6-2008
Granlee promoted, Caliman
joins Kitsap Commercial Group
Kitsap Commercial Group recently announced that Ann Granlee, senior loan processor for seven years, has been promoted to loan officer. She began her career in banking in 1989 and has held various positions in both retail banking and mortgage lending. Granlee can be reached at (360) 692-3534.

Also, Linda Lee Caliman has joined the group. She brings both residential and income property lending and structuring 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. Caliman has also worked in escrow management and as a real estate paralegal and can be reached at (360) 692-7748.

12-9-2007
HBA honors its REX Award winners for 2007
The Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County (HBA)recently honored its own, when the Remodelor’s Council presented its annual REX Awards at the group’s November meeting. On hand to witness the presentation and keynote speaker for the evening was County Commissioner Steve Bauer. Bauer’s appearance marks the first time a North Kitsap Commissioner has addressed the group in well over a decade...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
Survey shows Washington residents’ concern about home prices, traffic, jobs
A survey released recently by the Washington Association of Realtors shows that 67 percent of residents are concerned about the steady increase in home prices, up about 65 percent over the last five years...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
Olympic Property Group unveils initial plans
for Arborwood development
Recently, real estate developer Olympic Property Group (OPG) unveiled its initial plans for the long-anticipated Arborwood complex in Kingston. OPG, headquartered in Poulsbo, is a division of Pope Resources...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
John L. Scott Real Estate debuts
two new innovations on the Web
In keeping with the company’s reputation for cutting-edge technology, John L. Scott Real Estate chairman and CEO, J. Lennox Scott, recently announced the launch of two enhancements to his company’s website www.JohnLScott.com. The first is the launch of John L. Scott Home Services, an online resource where consumers can connect and upgrade home utilities and services. The service is provided in partnership with WhiteFence, the nation’s leading online marketplace for utilities and home services...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
Supreme Court decision against Bainbridge
a clear victory for builders, property rights
The Washington Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, Division 1, issued a positive decision affecting the homebuilding industry. The landmark decision is the latest in series of legal setbacks for the city where private property rights issues are concerned...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
Onrax strikes partnership with Closet Tailors
Onrax, which specializes in storage solutions for the garage, has announced it has been chosen as an official vendor for Closet Tailors franchisees across the United States...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
Habitat for Humanity seeking volunteers
Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County is in need of volunteers to fill several positions. It is looking for unskilled individuals and groups to help on its construction sites in Bremerton and Port Orchard. Also it needs skilled crew leaders and site supervisors to guide teams of unskilled construction volunteers. For those interested in a mentorship role, there are openings for family partners, volunteers who coach families receiving a Habitat home through the program...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
CleanSpace Northwest welcomes Fae Smith
Fae Smith has joined CleanSpace Northwest as its new office manager and marketing coordinator...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
New organization for green
building professionals
A newly incorporated entity, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), has been established with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council to administer credentialing programs related to green building practice and standards. GBCI was created to develop and administer credentialing programs aimed at improving green building practice...   (Full Article)
12-9-2007
CleanSpace Northwest relocates offices to Fairfield Business Park
CleanSpace Northwest, a crawl space moisture control and basement waterproofing company, recently relocated its business to 11875 NW Silverdale Way, Suite 105, Silverdale, in the Fairfield Business Park.

The CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System, developed and patented by Basement Systems Inc., consists of a suite of products that address the entire crawl space environment including moisture control and air quality. This system makes homes healthier and more energy efficient, preventing mold growth and structural damage caused by high moisture content.

Reach CleanSpace Northwest at (360) 698-0260, (877) 698-0260, info@cleanspacenorthwest.com or visit www.cleanspacenorthwest.com.

12-9-2007
Marlene Scheffer returns to Realty Station
Realty Station recently announced that Marlene Scheffer has returned to the company after an extended absence. She has been a Realtor in Kitsap County for over ten years, and although she had moved to San Diego, she has continued to maintain her license in Washington as well as her real estate practice in Kitsap County. Reach her at (360) 377-5699.
12-9-2007
Moerler completes electrical training
Home Tech Wiring Inc. recently announced that employee David Moerler has successfully completed his electrical training and certification. His certification adds another licensed electrician to the Home Tech Wiring team.

Reach them at (360) 340-8468 or www.hometechwiringinc.com.