Many homeowners dream of the perfect remodel – the one with the pristine kitchen, the new modern appliances, and the home transformed. What if that transformation came in a different package, but still produced those same feelings of exhilaration and rejuvenation? For homeowner Andrea Stevens, her remodel came in the form of a home energy… Continue Reading >

Suraj Lobo lives the old aphorism about a rising tide lifting all boats. As manager of Progressive Building Solutions, Suraj believes his company’s visionary ownership structure is a rising tide in Seattle’s home performance industry. Employees are part-owners of the Community Power Works-certified contractor, which means each employee is deeply invested in Progressive Building Solutions’… Continue Reading >

When taking on new challenges or projects, most of us develop expectations about how easy or difficult the task will be. But expectations don’t always align with reality.  For example, first-time dog owners are notorious for underestimating the amount of dedication, training, and time a new puppy requires. We’ve noticed the opposite trend with Community… Continue Reading >

When evaluating home improvement investments, most homeowners consider how an improvement could increase the value of their property.  Homeowners, however, often fall into two traps – conflating taste with value, and failing to account for stylistic depreciation. While you may love your shag carpet and pink, iridescent Jacuzzi tub, prospective buyers may not have the… Continue Reading >

The day started out like any other backcountry ski excursion. We woke early, gathered our gear, and headed to our rendezvous spot. The group included a diverse cross section of Community Power Works partners:  Andrew Gibb, an Energy Management Supervisor at Seattle City Light; Charlie Rogers, a home energy auditor with Habitat Home Energy, who… Continue Reading >

W.B. Yeats wrote, “There are no strangers here; only friends that haven’t yet met.” Travis Stanley Jones seemed to be channeling Yeats when he bought Mulleady’s Irish Pub in 2005. Nestled in the Magnolia neighborhood, Mulleady’s features a convivial atmosphere unique to Irish pubs, authentic grub, pints, and spirits, and a stacked stone fireplace voted… Continue Reading >

Whether it’s biking, ultimate Frisbee, a long run, yard work, or a soccer game—most Seattleites know the feeling of being soaking wet and chilled to the bone after their favorite outdoor activity.  On soggy days, nothing beats returning to a cozy home and warm shower.  The problem for Community Power Works customers Janine and Lance… Continue Reading >

George Thompson was used to waking up or coming home and immediately wrapping a blanket or shawl over his shoulders to stay warm. His 1928 Broadview home was drafty and uncomfortably chilly most of the year—but the worst part was that he was paying to be cold. He kept his heater running in an attempt… Continue Reading >