Design & Construction Blog
Steps in Construction Planning and Design Construction planning and design is a process that serves as a roadmap for the construction of a custom new home, home addition, ADU, or major home remodel. The process involves defining the project vision, drafting the rough design, conducting a feasibility assessment, determining the budget, projecting the timeline, finalizing the design, selecting materials, and obtaining necessary permits. To move smoothly through the process, it is beneficial for homeowners to collaborate with an experienced, full-service “Design-Build” contractor that can serve as a single point of contact to manage the project through the planning, design, and…
A successful home renovation starts long before the first nail is driven—it starts with a plan. Whether you’re building a new home, adding square footage, or remodeling your existing space, having the right home renovation planning tips in your toolkit can mean the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one. Here we offer 10 proven tips to guide your planning and help ensure a successful outcome: Clarify Your Vision Seek Professional Advice in Planning the Details Choose a General Contractor Create a Realistic Budget Engage in Extensive Planning Consider Permits Plan for Shipment and Weather Delays Prepare for…
To ensure smooth execution and completion of construction and remodeling projects, knowing how to choose a general contractor (GC) is essential. To find one who will be a good match for you and your project, consider the following: Experience Credentials References Examples Permits, Inspections, Lien Waivers Project Inclusions, Exclusions, Warranty Employees and Subcontractors Supervision and Communication Timeline Safety, Security, Cleanliness, and Comfort Payment Schedule The Project Contract Contractor Red Flags Experience Among the many benefits of working with an experienced genearal contractor (GC) are: industry knowledge, refined project management skills, established networks of subcontractors and suppliers, and familiarity with…
Well-executed home renovations and home remodels can enhance your satisfaction with your home as well as increase its resale value. If you’re thinking of making home improvements, you might wonder what the return on your investment will be. While some home improvement projects garner a ROI of well over 100%, Zonda Home’s 38th annual Cost vs. Value report estimates indicate that the average ROI for popular renovating or remodeling projects is ~60%, or 60 cents for every dollar spent. During the pandemic, when people were suddenly spending more time at home, popular home improvements with high ROIs upon resale were home…
A well-designed bathroom is one that creates the mood you want and has the features you desire. With the right colors and materials, even a small bathroom can feel luxurious. To design your bathroom remodel or new bathroom, think about who will use the room and identify the “must have” and “nice to have” features. Then determine the “look” you want by creating a “mood board” with photos of styles and samples of colors that catch your eye. Consider how the style and colors will blend with adjoining rooms or hallways. You can keep a consistent design between the bathroom,…
Choosing kitchen appliances involves making a myriad of decisions about finish, features, size, style, cost, reliability, and ease of repair. In this article, we offer some recommendations for choosing new appliances. Kitchen Appliance Finishes The most popular finishes for kitchen appliances are stainless steel, matte (less shiny than stainless), slate (dark gray), black, and white. If a uniform look is what you prefer, consider choosing all appliances from the same line of the manufacturer. You might get a “bundle” price by doing this. If the appliances from one manufacturer do not give you the features you desire, you can mix…
Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, designing a new kitchen or a kitchen remodel that is both attractive and functional requires careful planning. It is not a task that should be rushed. For this article, our residential contractors have created a compilation of design decisions to help you consider your lifestyle and family needs and provide recommendations about kitchen layout, style, cabinetry, cabinet pulls, countertops and backsplashes, flooring and lighting. The Kitchen Layout A good place to begin the process of kitchen design is to identify the features of your current kitchen layout that you like…
Home additions such as ADUs and JADUs are innovative, affordable, and effective options for adding much-needed housing in California. California’s recent changes to the laws regulating zoning and housing have made it easier to add an ADU or a JADU, or one of each, to your property. Expand your living space with an ADU or a JADU. What is an ADU? An ADU – Accessory Dwelling Unit – is a self-contained secondary housing unit that is located on the building lot of a larger, primary, single-family home. ADUs are also known as granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, and secondary…