RBR Custom Construction

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Stunning Before & After: How We Mastered the Turret Siding Challenge on This Victorian Home.

Starting with a historic home like this beautiful Victorian structure presented an exciting challenge: how do we replace outdated siding and trim without sacrificing the intricate character that makes this house unique? Our goal was a complete exterior restoration, guaranteeing decades of durability while enhancing the home’s stunning architectural features, especially that distinctive turret.

We didn’t just replace—we restored. This project demanded precision engineering and custom carpentry to navigate the complex curves of the turret and the various unique angles of the gables. We opted for a high-performance,

low-maintenance material that mimics the look of traditional siding but is engineered to resist rot, pests, and fading for decades. The subtle, modern two-tone color palette—combining classic horizontal lap siding with high-texture shakes—was chosen specifically to make the architectural details pop, giving the home dramatic curb appeal that instantly boosts its value.

But beauty is only half the story. As you saw in our mid-project photos, we installed a comprehensive moisture management system using advanced house wrap and custom-flashed every window and door. This meticulous process ensures a perfectly sealed, weather-tight exterior, maximizing the home’s energy efficiency and protecting the structure for the next century. If your high-value home requires more than just a simple repair—if it requires the skill and attention of specialists in historic or complex exterior renovation—we are ready to bring your vision back to life.

Here is the beautiful final product utilizing fiber cement vertical and horizontal siding along with beautiful scalloped shakes in the Gable end!

Partway through highlighting our Superior waterproofing techniques

Ready to Restore Your Home’s Value and Appeal?

If you have a challenging exterior project—historic, complex, or just unique—we have the expertise to deliver a guaranteed, lasting result. We specialize in high-quality siding replacements throughout Hood River, Albany, Corvallis, Portland!

2025 Design Trends

2025 is bringing back color (hello 60’s and 70’s–we’ve missed you), and bold patterns with a nod to interactive wall art. And thanks to the pandemic, it looks like multifunctional spaces are here to stay. Designers are bringing mental health wellness into their decor, creating calming spaces for those who are indefinitely working from home, or hey–just need home to feel a little more relaxed. Finally, we are seeing an effort to reuse and repurpose decor items to show some much needed love for Mother Earth.

Another popular trend we are seeing is that some designers are bringing back a more traditional aesthetic. Some are kickin’ it way back to a more elegant era for the design of entertainment spaces as we ease back into being able to entertain again. This includes wingback furniture (think: those fancy sofas you see in a Jane Austen-inspired film), antiques, and real wood (sorry gray-wash luxury vinyl plank flooring–but we still love you, and don’t believe you’re completely going away anytime soon).

If the traditional look isn’t your scene, let’s talk about the colors that are making a comeback. It appears that a pull to bring nature indoors is making an impact, and we are seeing greens everywhere. Additionally, the bold patterns (hello wallpaper) are cropping up more frequently and, a surprise to us, 3-D wall art. I mean, we love it, but we didn’t see it coming!

Finally, we have always been big on reusing materials—from a financial standpoint, as well as an ethical effort. Pinterest is your friend when it comes to creative ways to reuse. We also suggest checking out those garage sales and thrift shops. You just never know what you’re going to find!

Yes, this post is a bit of a departure for us. Although it’s not our area of expertise, we see design in the field all the time and–don’t want to brag–can get pretty creative ourselves. As always, we are here for questions, ideas, and planning whenever you need us!

Until next time,

RBR Construction-“Built On Integrity”-CL 202768-RBRCOC*816MJ

Fall = Functional

September is here and Fall is right around the corner. Summer vacays are over, kids are back in school, sports are in full swing, and the to-do’s around the house may be stacking up. Have you heard yourself saying, “Oh I need to get that fixed,” or “How long has that been like that?”? Have you also been noticing all of the areas of your home you wish were more functional? We have–and we have good news. With supply chain issues better than they have been in the last few years and lumber prices significantly down since last year, you may be able to hire out that fix or even make that space more functional with a remodel.

The real estate market remains elevated from our POV, and with a break in supply prices and availability, we’re thinking making your home work for you is a better option than going through the stress of selling, buying and moving, with everything else you have going on. Not to rush you, but let’s get your remodel done before the holidays sneak up on us, yeah?

So, what kind of functionality trends are we seeing? It depends a lot on your specific needs. For instance, if you are a single person who just moved into a home that needs to be updated, that looks a lot different than a family with 2 kids in school, a toddler, and one on the way. In general, however, here are some trends we have seen this year to help you love your space:

Kitchen Islands–two please!

You’ve heard the term, “Less is more”? Well, we beg to differ in this case. If less is more, think about how much more would mean when it comes to your island space! More time to chat with the kids while they do homework before dinner, chat with your friends as you prepare a cheese board, have a light lunch without the formality of using the dining area…there’s a whole lot of options here!

Natural Light

A simple and easy way to modernize and brighten up a space. Let’s add some windows!

Personalized Areas

Listen, we could all use some spaces made just for us, so in lieu of the man-cave and she-shed additions (which we can do for you too!), a way to get some of that customization with a lower price point is to have areas of the house cultivated just for you. For example, the basement that doubles as a family room may have some space to add a bar to house a wine fridge or a kegerator. You could even add a dart board in keeping with that fun basement bar vibe.

Open Shelving

Upscale, open shelving. Show off your glassware or copper cooking set! If that’s not your thing, glass faced cupboards are a close second in this trend.

Colors

We all loved the gray-wash, and with a trend of personalization, we encourage you to do you! We are also seeing more neutral colors that rhyme with “beige” coming back in. Accent walls are a great way to test this trend to see if it’s for you. And if accent walls speak to you, you may want to take a look at the pretty, cool new wallpaper available.

Private Spaces – Bringing The Outdoors Indoors

We saw this trend emerge in 2022 and it is still going strong. A great way to do this is a simple addition like a balcony off the bedroom! Private and relaxing, and guess what? – one of our areas of construction expertise.

As you are considering ways to maximize your remodel dollar, give us a call for a free consultation in the Willamette Valley, Hood River, The Dalles, or White Salmon.

Hood River Gorge Area: Jeremy Robertson | 541-980-0989

Willamette Valley: Michael Beauchamp | 971-240-9370

Until next time,

RBR Custom Construction

http://www.rbrbuild.com

CL 202768 | RBRCOC*816MJ

Ah, summer. School is out, the sun is shining and vacation season is in full swing. Unless you’re a construction pro. Summer is the busy time of year for us. From exterior remodels, to siding replacements, to new builds, we work hard to get as many exterior projects done as we can in the summer, for a few reasons:

The weather is pretty much stable. Yes, it’s hot, but for the most part we predict a pattern and gauge what each crew will be able to accomplish on a specific timeline.
Workforce. Whether it be because summer break brings students home for the summer or because there is an opportunity for supplemental work, the construction field is known to have more work in the summer months, bringing more qualified and interested workers out to join construction crews.
The days are longer. With more sunlight and longer days, more crews can rotate and more projects can be completed.

You will see our crews out more in the summer, but don’t let that fool you. RBR crews work all year long on interior and exterior projects, doing everything we can to keep our team employed and working the entire year. During the summer, you may see us working exterior jobs like siding replacement, exterior remodels (think backyard entertainment spaces, outdoor kitchens, awnings) but we continue to work on interior projects like kitchen, bathroom, and general interior remodels as well as new home and ADU construction.

Just like you, we like to be out and getting things done outside when the sun is shining, and we are always ready and grateful for your calls, jobs, and referrals!

Until next time,

RBR Custom Construction | CL 202768 | RBRCOC*816MJ

http://www.rbrbuild.com | buildrbr@gmail.com | (541) 980-0989

If You’re Thinking 2023…

Get ready for…more earth tones. We’re hearing browns, mauve, pinks, creams and whites.

If you’re thinking to yourself, I feel like you’ve said this before–we have. Not much has changed in interior trends in the last year. From our perspective though: You’re still safe with gray tones, as long as you make sure they are earthy gray tones… “grearth” tones, if you will.

Lighting may surprise you though. Paper (yes you read that right) lighting fixtures creating a softer, ambient glow may be seen more often this year than in years prior.

As you may have predicted, brass made a strong, albeit relatively quick appearance in home trends over these past years. Brass is on its way out, while iron and silver accents continue to be a staple. When in doubt, iron and silver are what we would recommend.

Something fun and surprisingly calming are mono-fabric rooms. Yes, it’s pretty much what you are questioning right now: layering multiple patterns throughout a room. But don’t take this the wrong way and take wallpaper to your couch. What we’re talking about is multiple patterns following the same color scheme. Large prints draw the eye quickly, so opt for this pattern on a sofa, head board, armchair or rug as these tend to be the statement pieces in a room. These can be paired with smaller patterns which work perfectly for curtains or blinds, and also decorative items such as lampshades and throw pillows.

Listen, overall, 3-D, textured, IRL accents and details are all in right now. Think unique lighting fixtures as accents to bedroom walls, in bathrooms, flanking the fireplace, etc.

Finally, reuse our friends. Buying new is out–repurposing is in. Sustainability is a big design trend that will remain in 2023. We’ll continue to see layered natural fabrics of organic cotton, wool, and linen. And, as technology advances, we are seeing more innovative fabric designs made with recycled materials and bio-based fabrics such as vegan leather, made from plants. We will also see the rise of fabric designs with an artisanal, handmade appeal. Need ideas? We’re always ready to get creative!

As always, do what fits YOUR style. We’re here to help and provide feedback if you’d like it, but ultimately create your dream home and living spaces. Do you.

Until next time,

RBR Construction

www.rbrbuild.com

CL 202768

RBRCOC*816MJ

Love the Home You’re With

Did you buy the home with tons of potential and then life happened? It happens more than you think! So, now that you’re in the house, living life and envisioning the dream home you know your house could be, let us leave some recs here for you.

Making Your Remodel a Labor of Love, not Anxiety

Ask yourself the following question: What problem am I trying to solve with this remodel? That’s going to help you set goals which will help you set your budget and help you communicate your needs to your contractor.
What are your “must-haves” vs your “nice to haves”? What can you absolutely not live without for this remodel vs what would be really nice to have but doesn’t leave you cursing at inanimate objects every morning (pre-coffee of course)?
Interview construction teams. It’s okay, we’ll wait here…
Establish communication benchmarks with your contractor and put it on paper.
Manage your own expectations. Work with your contractor to understand there may be unexpected delays and sometimes things come up that need to be addressed within the budget.
Change is messy. Talk with your contractor about the day-to-day expectations while your remodel is happening, including schedule and imposition on daily routine.
Establish your list for follow up. Live in your new space for a couple weeks while making notes to bring up to your contractor. This will become your list of final touches that your contractor will update to complete your renovation.

As always, your RBR team is here with full service insight and ability, when you are ready. Questions in the meantime? Drop us a line on our website, message us on Facebook, or give us a call using the ol’ phone!

Until next time,

RBR Custom Construction, CL 202768, RBRCOC*816MJ

Common Terms In Siding

Ever wonder what the heck your construction crew is talking about? Here are some common terms you may hear a siding team using while they are working on the exterior of your home:

Course: Row of panels, one panel wide, running the length of the house from one side to the other, or, in the case of vertical siding, from top to bottom.
Fascia: The visible area directly above the soffit. Generally the exposed board you see on your roof’s overhang and where gutters are installed.
Soffit: The underside of a part or member of a building (as of an overhang or staircase).
Drip Cap: L-shaped flashing that goes over windows and doors after they’re installed (but before siding is installed) to prevent moisture from seeping in from above.
Channel: The area of the accessory trim or corner post where siding or soffit panels are inserted. Commonly seen when using vinyl siding.
Exposure: AKA “reveal”. Width of board siding.
Balluster: A vertical component commonly seen in railings, such as stair or deck railings.
F-Channel: Used to hold the soffit onto your house.
Batten: A strip of wood that seals joints in wooden siding.
Flashing: A material which goes between certain parts of your home to keep water from getting in.
Gable: Triangular pitch in your roofline and wall where parts of the roof intersect.

Your RBR team is, of course, always willing (and ready) to explain any aspect of the construction process, along with any unfamiliar terms. Reach out to us any time with questions at buildrbr@gmail.com (Hood River, OR) or buildrbr1@gmail.com (Willamette Valley, OR).

Until next time,

RBR Custom Construction, CL 202768, RBRCOC*816MJ

Fall & Winter Renovations

It’s November. The season of pumpkin spice, leggings, and…renovations?

We know Halloween is this month and all, but fall and winter renovations don’t have to be spooky. Here is the biggest reason to consider scheduling your remodel during our seasonal slow-down.

Your desired start date is likely to be more quickly available for our crew. The summer months are always very busy (and we are very grateful for that) but when people head indoors and the weather gets cooler, sometimes renovations can get sent to the back burner (we’re pretty sure there’s a pun in there somewhere). What this means for people who are willing to undergo a renovation during the winter is that we will get started sooner, work with less distraction, and get you a beautiful home you can enjoy through the winter months.

Worried about living in the house during your remodel? Not to worry. Our crews are respectful and professional. We will do everything we can to accommodate your schedule and leave a clean space for you and your family at the end of every work day. And remember, with less competition in our schedules during the colder months, we will likely be able to work much faster!

RBR Construction treats every project with the highest level of integrity. Our crews are made up of the best craftsmen in the area and our promise to you is respect for you, your home, and your project from start to finish and beyond.

Wondering if a fall or winter remodel is in your future? Give us a call in the Willamette Valley, OR, Hood River/The Dalles, OR, or White Salmon WA to find out! Visit our website at www.rbrbuild.com.

Back To School

Ready for the kids to go back to school? “Totally!” – said no one ever.

We can’t help you prepare for the emotional roller coaster that back-to-school-time brings, but we can help you minimize the chaos in your home with a few tips:

Organize your entry. Grab a fun basket or a shoe rack, and hang a coat rack on the wall. The wall, we said. Not the old fashioned kind that can get knocked over by excited kids or animals. Get a fun doormat. Make this space welcoming and fun, but organized to create structure from the get-go.
Identify a spot in the kitchen for homework (hint: snack drawers help with this) to keep everyone connected. Along these lines, create a calendar corner (the mothership, the big daddy of scheduling) in the house. If it doesn’t live on this calendar, it doesn’t get transportation.
Laundry. Uniforms are about to be everywhere. Outfits are about to be more important. It’s a wonderful time and you don’t want to miss it by being stressed. Make a schedule. Sort your laundry room or area. Cute signs or stencils go a long way.

Short and sweet, because we know you’re busy. In the event that these ideas lead you to the notion you need more square feet, we can most certainly add to, remodel or build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit, aka Mother-In-Law-Suite, aka She-Shed, aka Man Cave).

Until Next Time,

RBR Construction

Ambiance

Ambiance: The character or atmosphere of a place.

One could suggest that ambiance is an extension of you, how you treat your guests, and how they experience your home. We spend a lot of time making sure people are comfortable in our homes and, like most things, what you put in is usually what you get out of it. In the summer, that means your outdoor entertaining space needs your attention.

RBR specializes in exterior environments. We love working with our clients to actualize their outdoor entertaining spaces in real time (and within budget). Maybe that is a lovely deck with inset lighting and ceiling fans to keep you and your guests comfortable. Maybe it’s an outdoor custom kitchen to engage with your company, family-style. If you need a little help with visioning, we have lots of ideas too!

Here are some other tips to build out your entertaining ambiance:

Bistro string lights go a long way. You’re welcome for that.
Water fixture–just a little one (you probably want to call us for the big one). That trickling sound is great for conversational pauses or just a moment alone for yourself.
Throws. They add color and texture and are handy when it starts to cool off. We recommend cotton, because summer.
Citronella. It smells good and it keeps those pesky mosquitoes away.
Fans. We recommend the ceiling kind. We can help with these.

We know you’re a great entertainer and your guests enjoy their time with you, no matter what the setting. We’re here to help you build out the ambiance of your home and level up the experience you want your guests to have. When you’re ready, we’re here!

Although, we are running a promo right now–10% off an exterior remodel or siding replacement. So, if you’re ready sooner than later, give us a call and save a few (thousand) dollars.

Until next time,

RBR Construction

CL 202768

RBRCOC*816MJ