Category Archives: remodeling

California Green Building Codes – title 24 go mainstream

Posted on May 25, 2016 | Leave a comment

This effects remodeling too!

California’s are the strictest. “Although states on the East Coast are breathing down California’s neck, Title 24 is unparalleled in the rest of the country,” notes Asa Foss, LEED residential technical director with the U.S. Green Building Council.

What does this mean for anyone wanting to start a remodeling project here? “First, be aware of what Title 24 and the building code requires you to do,” Foss suggests. He is referring to the portion of the state’s building requirements commonly called CAL Green.

To assist their residents with achieving code compliance and sustainability, some cities in San Diego County have set up homeowner programs. “Our Build Green program provides resources at the permit counter to help homeowners design an efficient home, as well as community trainings like the one on May 11th at City Hall,” shares Lynn France, Chula Vista’s Office of Sustainability manager.

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The least expensive way to update kitchen cabinets

Posted on May 24, 2016 | Leave a comment

Refinish or repainting cabinets (and replacing the knobs and pulls while you’re at it) is the easiest, fastest, least expensive way to get a new look. If you like the style and placement of your cabinets, but not their color, or if they look tired and are wearing a film of grease and dirt, refinish, said Jennifer Wagner, kitchen install merchant for The Home Depot.

You can restain and not cover the grain, said Wagner. “Restaining lets you take old yellow oak and turn it to cherry or espresso, or you can stain with a tint of color, like sage. You can also repaint dark wood sleek white or another color, like French blue.”

When I got my parents’ house ready to sell, I painted the 45-year-old walnut colored cabinets glossy white and added brushed nickel knobs. Wow, what a difference for not much cost.

If you like the basic layout of your kitchen but can’t stand the look of the cabinets, refacing gets you new door fronts, new drawers, and a whole new veneer, including shelf edges and cabinet sides. Plus, you can keep your counters, which you can’t if you replace your cabinets.

8 Tips to tackle a budget Condo Renovation

Posted on May 22, 2016 | Leave a comment

kitchen

Here are eight tips to help you attack a budget apartment renovation:

1. Befriend honest and reliable tradespeople

We asked around for recommendations, and called on tradie friends. But, if this leads to a dead end, visit online trade directory sites such as Hipages. Once you’ve picked a trades person, present them with a detailed plan. If you can, get three quotes.

Will remodeling add value to your condo? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

2. Organize your tradespeople correctly

Each tradie needs to be able to step onto a job site, complete what they need to do, then leave, ready for the next tradie. To maximize efficiency and money, your tradespeople need to be organized in the correct order. We also saved money on hiring a builder by project managing the job ourselves and employing individual tradespeople to complete different tasks.

3. DIY

We saved thousands of dollars by tackling some jobs ourselves. Painting is something even a novice renovator can have a go at. Start by giving your walls a good clean with Sugarsoap, tape your edges and skirting boards, lay down a drop sheet, then let your creativity flow.

4. Shop smarter for fittings and fixtures

We asked our tradespeople where they shopped, visited bathroom and kitchen warehouses, and inquired about floor stock and factory seconds. Have a look online as well – you can pick up well-known brands for a fraction of the cost.