• Want a Bathroom That Feels Boutique? Start With This

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    You walk into a hotel bathroom and immediately feel the difference — not just clean and functional, but refined. Every element feels intentional. The good news? You don’t need a five-star suite to get that boutique look at home. It often starts with the smallest details — and none have more visual impact than your tapware.

    If you’ve ever admired the elegance of designer bathrooms, chances are you were unknowingly drawn to the sleek fixtures. Choosing from luxury tapware brands isn’t just about function — it’s a design decision that instantly elevates your space.

    The Power of Tapware in Bathroom Design

    In many homes, bathrooms are an afterthought — built to serve a purpose, but not designed to make a statement. Tapware is one of the easiest ways to shift that dynamic.

    Why? Because taps are used daily, are always visible, and often sit front and centre on your vanity or bath. Choosing high-end fittings can turn a standard bathroom into a personal retreat.

    Boutique Looks Begin with Detail

    When aiming for that boutique hotel aesthetic, the magic lies in consistency and care. Here’s where tapware plays a starring role:

    • Material and finish: Think brushed brass, matte black, or gunmetal — they add depth and character.
    • Shape and silhouette: Modern square edges or soft curved lines help reinforce your chosen style.
    • Quality and craftsmanship: High-end brands don’t just look good — they feel better to use, with smoother operation and longer-lasting finishes.

    Choosing the Right Tapware for Your Look

    Designing a bathroom that feels luxe doesn’t mean you need to rip everything out and start fresh. You just need to choose the right elements to update — and tapware is at the top of that list.

    Here are a few pointers to guide your selection:

    1. Match Your Mood

    Are you going for spa-like calm, sleek and modern, or something more traditional? Let that guide your finish and shape. For example:

    • Matte black works beautifully in minimalist or monochrome bathrooms.
    • Brushed gold brings a warm, elegant tone to natural or earth-toned spaces.
    • Polished chrome offers a timeless look that blends easily with most styles.

    2. Think Beyond the Basin

    To create a cohesive, boutique look, choose matching tapware across your entire space — including your shower, bath spout, and even accessories like robe hooks or towel rails.

    3. Don’t Skimp on Quality

    Boutique doesn’t mean high maintenance. Reputable brands use better materials and finishes that resist corrosion, scratching, and general wear — making your bathroom look better, longer.

    Quick Upgrades That Make a Big Impact

    Not ready for a full bathroom renovation? No problem. Just swapping out old tapware can make your space feel brand new. Pair it with:

    • A stylish mirror or sconce lighting
    • Fresh, fluffy towels in neutral colours
    • A wooden stool or bath tray for texture
    • Simple, clutter-free benchtops

    These small, thoughtful touches layer beautifully with luxury tapware to create a calming, high-end feel.

    You Deserve the Good Stuff

    Your bathroom isn’t just a utility room — it’s where you start and end your day. Choosing beautiful, well-made fittings isn’t about showing off; it’s about creating a space that feels good to be in.

    So if you’re dreaming of a boutique hotel experience at home, don’t overlook the power of great tapware. Start there — and let the rest of your bathroom rise to meet the standard.

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  • How Long Does A Concrete Septic Tank Last?

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    Septic tanks come in various materials, but concrete is often the best choice for durability and longevity. A concrete septic tank can last for many years with proper care, but there are a few things you can do to help ensure its longevity. 

    Make sure to have your tank pumped and cleaned regularly, and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the drain. If you take good care of your concrete septic tank, it will serve you well for many years.

    What is a concrete septic tank?

    A concrete septic tank is an underground storage tank for wastewater. It is made of concrete or other sturdy materials and is often covered with earth. This kind of tank is an alternative to metal or fiberglass septic tanks, often used in the US.

    Why is Concrete Septic Tank Popular?

    Concrete septic tanks are popular because they are durable and can last for many years. They are also less likely to rust or corrode, making them more reliable than metal or fiberglass tanks.

    How Long Does Concrete Septic Tank Last?

    Concrete septic tanks can last for many years if they are correctly maintained. It is essential to routinely inspect the tank and the surrounding area for signs of damage or wear.

    If any repairs are needed, they should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

    The average lifespan of a concrete septic tank is about 30- 40 years, while some will last longer. The actual lifespan of the septic tank depends on various factors, such as how often it is used and maintained.

    If your home is connected to the public sewage system, you may need to replace your concrete septic tank after 30 years.

    Concrete septic tanks are more durable than metal or fiberglass septic tanks. However, it is important to inspect your tank regularly for signs of damage.

    It is best to replace the tank once it begins showing signs of wear and tear. A new concrete septic tank does not need insulation as you would have in your house.

    However, it may be helpful to install insulation if the tank is outdoors in an icy region.

    Above-ground septic tanks made of concrete are not shared outside of the US, but they are becoming more popular as people become aware of their benefits.

    They can be used alongside metal or fiberglass tanks and provide several significant advantages. They are sturdier and more durable, making them a better choice for homes in remote areas where weather exposure is high.

    Many people also prefer concrete aesthetics over other materials such as metal or fiberglass.

     Advantages of a Concrete Septic Tank

    Below are the advantages of choosing a concrete septic tank over other styles:

    • 1. Strong and Durable

    A concrete septic tank is a popular choice for wastewater storage because it is strong and durable. With proper care, it can last for many years, making it a more reliable option than metal or fiberglass tanks.

    • 2. Prevents Corrosion

    Concrete tanks are resistant to Corrosion, making it easier to prevent leaks and cracks.

    • 3. Aesthetically Pleasing

    Concrete septic tanks are an aesthetically pleasing choice for your home. They can be used as part of the landscaping, making them more appealing than metal or fiberglass tanks.

    One can find concrete septic tanks in a variety of neutral colors. This makes concrete septic tanks easy to match your home's exterior design scheme and landscaping.

    Many people also prefer to install a concrete tank instead of using a metal or fiberglass tank.

    • 4. Prevents Odors from Escaping

    Concrete tanks prevent odors from escaping, which is a common issue with metal and fiberglass tanks. Concrete septic tanks can improve your property's appeal and value in regions where odor control is essential.

    This is especially true in communities with strict ordinances or covenants that require homes to have a certain number of working sewage systems.

    • 5. Easier to Use and Service

    Concrete tanks are easier to use and service than metal or fiberglass tanks, making them a better choice for those who do not have much experience with septic tank maintenance.

    Concrete septic tanks can provide many years of reliable performance with proper care.

    • 6. Prevents Poisoning of Wells

    Concrete tanks prevent harmful products from seeping into your well, which can cause it to become poisoned. This is more of an issue with metal storage tanks because the corrosive materials they contain can leach into your well and contaminate it.

    • 7. Early Detection of Problems

    With proper care, concrete tanks can last 30-40 years. However, this lifespan may vary with how often the tank is used and properly maintained.

    Since concrete septic tanks are more durable than metal or fiberglass tanks, you can inspect your tank regularly without fear of damaging it. It is essential to examine your tank for cracks or leaks that could lead to significant problems.

    • 8. Resistant to Corrosion and Rust

    Concrete septic tanks are resistant to corrosion and rust. This means that they will not corrode or rust over time, which could cause damage to the tank.

    • 9. Less Likely to Leak

    Concrete septic tanks are less likely to leak than plastic septic tanks. If a concrete tank does leak, it is easy to repair.

    • 10. Less Likely to Freeze

    Concrete septic tanks are less likely to freeze in cold weather climates. This is because concrete retains heat better than plastic. They are better equipped to withstand freezing temperatures than metal tanks, suitable for cold climates.

    How to take care of your concrete septic tank

    If you have a concrete septic tank, there are a few things you need to do to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips:

    1. Inspect your tank regularly for cracks or leaks.
    2. Keep the tank free of debris and vegetation.
    3. Avoid driving over the tank or putting heavy objects on top of it.
    4. Have the tank pumped regularly (at least every 2-3 years).
    5. Make sure the wastewater treatment system is properly functioning.
    6. If you are unsure, hire a professional septic tank cleaning company to inspect the tank every few months.
    7. If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your tank, call for help immediately!
    8. Keep up with all necessary tank maintenance and repairs.
    9. If you smell sewage or other odors coming from the tank, contact a professional immediately.

    If you have a concrete septic tank, it is important to keep it in good condition by performing regular inspections and pumping. Otherwise, your tank may begin to deteriorate quickly and cause problems with the wastewater treatment system or damage the landscaping around your home.

    FAQs about concrete septic tanks

    Many people always have some questions about concrete septic tanks. Here are a few of the most common ones:

    • What is the life expectancy of a concrete septic tank?

    A: A concrete septic tank should last 25 to 50 years. However, it is important to maintain and clean the tank regularly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

    • How big should a septic tank be?

    A: The size of the tank will depend on how many people are in the household. The average household is about two people, so ideally, you need a 200-gallon septic tank. Bigger is much better when it comes to septic tanks!

    • Is it possible to install a concrete septic tank instead of a traditional tank?

    A: Yes! The average cost of installing a concrete septic tank is about $1,000 less than the average traditional tank. And while the initial price tag may be higher, you will save money in the long run because concrete tanks last much longer.

    Conclusion

    Concrete septic tanks may be a bit pricier than traditional ones, but they are worth it in the long term. Concrete is much more durable and can last up to 50 years (depending on how well you take care of them).

    For those who live in areas with extreme climates or high precipitation rates, concrete tanks will also help prevent further damage due to water infiltration.

    If you need any advice about installing your tank or if you want someone else to install it for you, contact our team! We offer affordable pricing options that include installation services to provide all aspects of this service under one roof.

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  • Bathroom Remodeling Ideas to Increase Your Property Value

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    So, you’ve decided to approach remodeling as a way to increase the property value of your home. That’s the first step, and an excellent choice for any homeowner who wants to see a little return on their investment. The next step in that process is choosing which parts of your home to remodel and finding ideas that fit your budget, timeline, and aesthetic.

    If you do a quick search to look for ideas, you’ll find thousands of options, ranging from modest costs to millionaire budgets. You’ll probably want to narrow those options down a little, and the best way to that is to figure out where you’d like to start. Research shows that bathroom remodels are a surefire way to increase the value of your property.

    Below, we’ll talk about five great ideas for remodeling your bathroom, while shooting up your property value at the same time.

    #1 Did Someone Say Walk-in Showers?

    An updated or renovated shower can change the look of your bathroom entirely. Sure, you can always go with a fancy jet tub or the classic clawfoot tub for that vintage look, but if you’re looking for a direction, there’s nothing that can tick up the curb appeal of your bathroom as much as an updated walk-in shower. From waterfall showerheads and multi-directional water streams to heated floors and glass doors, a new walk-in shower can become a statement piece in your newly remodeled bathroom. 

    The materials you use are crucial, like polished chrome fixtures and durable glass, but the shower walls may be the most essential choice you’ll have to make. A dingy tile wall can make even the most enthusiastic buyer turn away. 

    If you go with a solid surface corner shower, on the other hand, you can cost-effectively transform your bathroom. These showers are made with materials generally associated with kitchen countertops. However, you can use this material on shower walls with great results. They’re nonporous, can be cleaned and refinished with ease, and look fantastic.

    #2 A Bathroom Counter that Shines

    Speaking of counters, your bathroom counter is another part of the bathroom that can affect your property value. Just like with shower walls, the materials you use are probably the most important decision you’ll have to make when considering this particular remodel. 

    Solid-surface countertops, which are designed to look like stone, have a high-end, beautiful look while remaining nonporous and easy to clean. A porcelain tiled counter is both cheaper and can be more durable than granite alternatives. Or you can go with quartz bathroom counters, which are designed to look like limestone or marble but are more durable. They’re also nonporous so they won’t absorb moisture and they’re easier to clean.  

    #3 Pull Up Those Old Tiles

    Some bathrooms have floors that are three decades old, stained and chipped, and that kind of damage or degradation can negatively affect your property value. There are plenty of options for remodeling your floors that can be both cost-effective and look great.

    Stained concrete floors, for instance, are an ideal option. A lot of the time, you can pull up those old tiles, and there will be a perfect concrete floor sitting right underneath it. A little polish and staining and your bathroom floors will look luxurious and expensive. Of course, concrete can be a little cold when stepping out of the shower, but that’s nothing a small bathroom rug can’t fix.

    #4 A Fresh Coat of Paint

    This may go without saying, but a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any bathroom. It isn’t a complicated process, either, though it can be tricky. Choosing the right color scheme, the appropriate tools, and the best quality paints are paramount. When in doubt, go with neutrals. 

    Plus, the best thing about this option is that it’s very cost-effective, and you can do it yourself. 

    #5 When in Doubt, Go Green

    Energy efficiency and water conservation are so crucial in our society, and if you remodel your bathroom with that in mind, it can skyrocket the value of your home. Water-efficient toilets, showers, and sinks are perfect options for updating your bathroom and increasing the value of your property. These options not only decrease the amount of water you’re using; it can also lower your water bill. Any prospective buyer is going to see this as a great benefit and added value.  

    Remodeling is the Key to Increasing Property Value

    The options don’t stop there. There are so many ways to increase the value of your property by remodeling, and it is one of the best ways to guarantee a return on your investment. Your bathroom is the perfect place to start because it’s an integral part of your home.

    You can’t just wait for the housing market to swing your way. Relying on the ebb’s and flows of the market can be a waiting game nightmare. Instead of letting time determine the value of your home, fix it up. Change it. Spend a little on remodeling and renovation, and you’ll thank yourself later. And above all, make sure who you hire – whether it’s contractors in Olympia WA or elsewhere – has great recommendations & experience.

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  • EcoTop: a truly green countertop material that you can afford

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    Regular readers know that I’m not a fan of modern architecture, but that I love modern materials – especially those that aren’t visibly avant-garde and can work in old homes just as well as new. That is, green materials – not just greenwashed products, but truly enviro-neutral or -friendly materials. One of my pet peeves is building materials that are recycled or recyclable – one or the other – but not both; many of these materials are lauded in the popular press for being "ecological," but aren’t really.

    Joel Klippert, a young man living just outside of Seattle, has really turned this specific market around. With a little help from some very talented research chemists and materials scientists, he’s created the very  first recycled, renewable and fully-recyclable countertop material. EcoTop, a successor to his extremely successful PaperStone product, is 50% pulped bamboo paper fiber and 50% recycled wood – sometimes called "urban timber," the structural wood salvaged from demolished buildings. He’s worked for years to find a non-petroleum resin that was UV resistant, so that he could avoid using only dark colors (the resin used in earlier materials had to be dark to avoid the yellowish cast that would develop over years of sun exposure). Now that he’s found that and reliable sources for his two structural ingredients, EcoTop can hit the market – in a range of colors ranging from white to black, with an enormous range of shades of green, tan, red, brown and gray in between. In fact, Joel says he can match any PMS (Pantone Matching System) shade that a client can specify, if the order is large enough.

    EcoTop is not only a beautiful, extremely durable and truly green material – right at home in any kitchen or bath, new or old – it’s also really affordable and easy to install, competitive with natural stone and significantly less expensive than concrete installations. If anything, I think that materials like this are even more apropos in an Arts & Crafts home than stone or tile: their makers take their responsibility to the outside environment just as seriously as their responsibility to the inside of your home, something that is much more in line with the tenets of the movement than nonrecyclable materials which, no matter how green their production process, end up filling a landfill when you (or, in the case of something like EcoTop, which will last generations, when some far off future owners of your home) are done with them.

    Note that this material is also available as an exterior cladding for large residential and commercial / industrial applications.