Builder in Bend.

Do you have a home build project that needs an expert craftsman? Whether you have a one-hundred-year-old house that needs remodeled, a deck that needs building, or a custom project, we have the perfect person for you!

Meet Bend native Jon Lemke.

CASCADE TIMBER FRAME - Website

(541) 390 - 1130

CCB# 226689

Jon is at the top of our list of reliable and honest builders in Bend. Whether it is a simple project that requires a few days or weeks or something with a larger scope, like a house expansion, remodel, or build (Jon worked on our 100-year-old house for four months!). Jon specializes in quality craftsmanship.

Custom Projects. Jon recently worked with our parents to install a custom, stamped concrete entry along the back patio of their historic Bend home. A few years back, Jon worked with us on a kitchen expansion and complete upstairs rework of our historic Bend home. We’ve seen Jon take a one-story house and thoughtfully expand the home into a well-designed, well-built two-story home. Jon can tackle any project, any size.

Decks and Patios. This Fall, we stopped by to say hello to Jon while he was on a custom Awbrey Butte homes deck re-build. Jon focuses on attention to detail and a clean, well-run job site, and he can work with you on a timeline that is in line with costs and your needs.

Call Jon at (541) 390 - 1130

ABOUT CASCADE TIMBER FRAME

Timber framing is a building technique almost as old as the building itself. Cascade Timber Frame by Lemke & Co. Builders specializes in timber-framed outdoor living areas, timber-framed entries, and timber accents throughout your home, office, or commercial space. Jon offers detailed 3D drawings for all projects and has multiple suppliers for different species of timber. As I’ve mentioned, Jon is easy to work with, systematic, and runs a clean job site on a tight schedule. Jon is fantastic, he belongs in the long line of professional carpenters who remain true to that ancient craft... building with timber because it is beautiful.

Jon installed new black fiberglass windows on the north side of our kitchen expansion, and our neighbor Terry recycled materials from the job site. In total, Jon replaced twenty-three windows on our house.

New plumbing, new electrical, drywal, HVAC, windows, kitchen expansion, and a whole lot more!

Jon is the person to talk to for any project.

Jon rolled up his sleeves and tackled a one-hundred-year-old house project with us. He was with us walking through the house before we made an offer. Jon’s construction experience and commitment to quality craftsmanship were invaluable. Jon worked with us to get our project completed on time. Every subcontractor Jon brought onto the project was a pleasure to work with, from drywall, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, to concrete guys. Jon has great relationships and a proven track record for doing things the right way. There were also times we needed to pivot on a specific aspect of our project, and each time, Jon was upfront on cost changes, fair, and honest. We loved working with Jon and know you will too.

If you have more questions about our house remodel, give me a call or shoot me an email. I’d love to talk more. We also have documented our entire project on Instagram @block8bungalow. Check it out!

Give me a call - Justin

(541) 797 - 9939

Justin@varsityoregon.com

When we were considering buying our 1925 built house, our kids thought we were crazy. They couldn’t believe we were moving into this house. Since our purchase, the home has undergone a complete transformation. It is a classic Bend bungalow, a complete gem! We always enjoy a nice visit and cocktail. Hit me up, and I’d love to have you over for a visit and look.

Mechanic in Bend.

Where do you take your car or truck when it needs work? Do you have a reliable, honest mechanic you can trust? Look no further than Specialty Automotive.

Meet Craig and Heidi Simpson.

Specialty Automotive is at the top of our list for reliable and honest mechanics in Bend. Whether it is a simple oil change or something complicated going on under the hood. Craig, Heidi, and their team will be able to quickly diagnose what is going on and give you an honest assessment of what work needs to be done and a fair price for the work.

Pre-Purchase Inspections. I’ve used Specialty automotive on a handful of pre-purchase inspections. They’ve been honest and direct with me. I had a truck they looked at and said, “Do not buy this truck.” They then laid out all the reasons why they would recommend I walk away from the purchase. I had a car they inspected, and they said, “This is a great car. if you do not buy it, we know someone else will,” and I bought the car.

Oil changes, fast and reliable for oil changes.

Navigating expensive repairs, I’ve had Craig and the team shoot me straight on big stuff, like replacing a new master seal on my Suburban. The Suburban needed a new master seal, but Craig said, “Just keep an eye on it for now,” and we kept an eye on it rather than dropping loads of cash to fix something that didn’t make sense to fix at the time. It has been helpful and comforting knowing Craig, Heidi, and their whole team have their customers’ best interests in mind first.

Call the shop at (541) 385 - 5744

link to Specialty Automotive website - click here

Located at 1133 SE 9TH ST, BEND, OR 97702

Hours of Operation

Monday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday CLOSED

Sunday CLOSED

MORE MECHANICS IN BEND

The list is short, but there are a few others. Specialty is at the top of our list. If you are still curious about exploring other reliable and trustworthy mechanics in Bend, give me a call or shoot me an email. I have a few others I’ve worked with on different types of cars and scenarios. We’ve owned Audis, Subarus, Fords, Toyotas, Volvos, old stuff, newer stuff, all types of cars. I’d be happy to talk cars and mechanics with you!

Justin (541) 797 - 9939

Justin@varsityoregon.com

Pig Roast.

Roasted pig in our kitchen oven. Delicious!

Have you ever wanted to roast a pig? We roasted a pig last weekend and would love to share all the details and steps with you so you can roast a pig in your kitchen. The taste, smell, and crackle were phenomenal. It’s easy; it just takes some time. We hope you find this helpful and that it leads to you gathering with family and friends to enjoy a whole pig!

A step-by-step guide to roasting a pig in your kitchen:

Step One: Find an occasion to celebrate with family and friends. I turned forty-four, and my friend Hector turned forty in the same week; we decided to roast a pig together.

Step Two: Find a pig. Childres Meat in Bend, Oregon, is our go-to vendor for a small, milkfed pig. Childres is family owned, family operated, and has been around since 1989. They supply many local restaurants in Bend with grass-fed beef. If you are not from Bend, simply ask a chef or restaurant in your town/city who their go-to supplier for grass-fed beef or pork is, call them, and order your pig. We spent less than $200.

Step Three: Brine the pig for forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Pick your favorite brine recipe. We brined our pig in water, salt, honey, fish sauce, a head of garlic, thinly sliced ginger, bay leaves, kafir lime leaf, zest and juice of lime, thai long pepper, star anise. There is room for some creative freedom on the brine. The key is to give it time to sit and soak up all the flavor. We brined our pig for three days.

Step Four: Roast the pig in your oven at 350 degrees. for 90 min back down. Then flip the pig and roast for 60 min back up. We transported the pig to my mother-in-law’s house. About a hour before we ate, we put the pig, back up, in the oven at 425 degrees for 30 min. This allowed the skin to get all crackly and golden.

Step Five: DO NOT CUT WITH A KNIFE! The traditional Spanish method for cutting a whole pig is with a plate. Yes. With a plate! If you can cut with a plate, this shows that the pig has been prepared and cooked properly. Once the pig has been cut to shreds with a plate, dig in, serve up, and enjoy!

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Serve the pig with roasted potatoes, veggies, and anything else you love to eat. Hector prepared a delicious chimichurri sauce (perhaps another post just on chimichurri). The sauce was packed with flavor! Depending on how many people are eating the pig, we had sixteen folks over; there should be plenty of leftovers for tacos the next day! After everyone had gotten their cut and made their way to the table to eat, I stepped up for my slice of heaven. My friend cut the neck off the head and said, “This is the best part.”. The neck was delicious!

We loved every part of preparing, cooking, and sharing this meal with our family and friends. If you would like more details, let’s talk. I’d be happy to chat more and fill in more details.

Give me a call at (541) 797 - 9939

Shoot me an email: Justin@varsityoregon.com

Handyman in Bend.

Do you have a house project that needs tackling? or…Maybe you have an entire room or home that needs tackling? I’d like to introduce you to someone great at tackling any sized home project you have. Whether it’s an hour or two (something small), or a full-on remodel with subcontractors (something large in scope), Charlie Harris is a reliable, honest, great-to-work-with licensed, bonded, insured, remodel contractor/handyman.

Charlie Harris.

Last week, my friend Charlie Harris from Favored Homes, LLC stopped by the Varsity Real Estate office to say hello and hand off some business cards. I’ve known Charlie for many years, watched him build a tiny house, tackle an airplane engine rebuild, and have seen his successful transition into the home remodeling and construction space. Charlie is a trusted expert and makes getting to work on your project simple and easy. Check out the before and after pictures of a recent kitchen upgrade!

What’s the going rate? For about $100 (an hour or less) Charlie can tackle any small project, his rates go up from there, based on the size and scope of your project. As a licensed contractor, Charlie can strategize any home project or remodel scenario with you. If you’re looking for a trusted handyman or project manager, Charlie is the person you need to call.

Call Charlie (541) 550 – 3517

Email Charlie office@favored-inc.com

Charlie’s Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562774890753

Who is Favored Homes?

Specializes in remodel contracting in Bend, Oregon.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Oregon Construction Contractors Board

CCB# 252765

Contact Charlie (541) 550 - 3517 to schedule a free estimate!