Selling Your Home in San Diego? Remodel Your Kitchen and Sell Quicker
The southern California region around San Diego is a highly-sought after real estate market. Many people looking to live or work in the area look to buy homes or rent commercial spaces in places such as Poway and El Cajon. If you are making plans to sell your home in this area (or any area really), it helps to make sure that your kitchen is in great shape before listing. A small investment to remodel your kitchen can help you attract more bids and sell your house faster. Read on to learn more.
Why the kitchen?
Prospective home buyers will inspect each and every part of the house you’re selling, including the outdoor areas. And all of these areas matter to them. In fact some homebuyers are sold by the spacious and well-manicured backyard or an elegant master bedroom. But the one area that is never hit-and-miss is the kitchen.
The kitchen is the most focal room in the house. It is a very active space and it is quite exposed to everyone that comes into the house. Also, for most wives, the kitchen is their playground and they would like for it to be perfect if they are to buy the property.
Cool touches to consider for a modern kitchen
One of the most sought-after looks for kitchens today is a clean and elegant modern design. And you can remodel your kitchen to get this look in a number of ways.
i. New appliances:
Install new modern appliances, preferably in stainless steel. This includes a refrigerator, cooker oven, microwave, wine cooler, etc.
ii. Brighter walls:
A dull kitchen tends to look smaller and is functionally harder to work in. Brighten up your kitchen by painting the walls. Shades of white are perfect for a modern look and other bright colors are good options too. Also consider swapping dull cabinet doors and drawers for brighter hues.
iii. Better lighting:
Install modern lighting. Some of the favorite lighting options for modern kitchens include recessed ceiling lighting and pendant lights.
iv. Modern furniture:
Get rid of any worn furniture and set up some cozy and functional alternatives. One must-have is a set of stools for your breakfast nook or island.
v. Flooring:
Worn or ugly tiles have no place in a modern house that is up for sale. Plain ceramic tiles or wooden flooring are great options.
Other important rooms you could work on
If you have already worked on your kitchen, or if you think your kitchen is in pretty good shape, there are a number of other areas you could also work on to make your property highly attractive to prospective buyers in El Cajon and Poway. They include:
Master bathroom: Install a “his and hers” sink and a shower enclosure. A bath tub would be nice too if possible.
Master closet: Make sure the closet is large enough and bright. A large closet will go a long way in impressing buyers.
Living room: Create a relaxed atmosphere with lots of natural light, comfy seating, and touches of modern décor.
Outdoors: Add green grass and shrubbery to the outdoor and install recreational seating areas such as a patio, pergola, gazebo, raised deck, etc.
If you need kitchen remodeling El Cajon experts, look no further than Creative Design and Build. We serve all of San Diego including Chula Vista, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Poway, and Del Mar.
Need Space For A Rental Unit On Your San Diego Property? Check Out These Ideas
The real estate market in San Diego has been on the rise in recent times. While this may mean higher buying prices, it also means more demand and lucrative rental prices for those already owning a piece of property in this section of Southern California. With the help of a company such as Creative Design & Build, you can easily turn some of your space into a fully functioning rental unit and start earning some decent passive income. Interested?
Below, see some of our ideas on some of the areas you can convert into a rental unit in your home.
- Garage ADU
Got a garage that you no longer actively use? This could be a perfect rental space if it is big enough, e.g. a double garage space. This space is already connected to the main house and is insulated. All that is needed is an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) remodel to get this space ready and habitable. It could act as a bedroom or small studio for a single adult. And they can have their own independent entrance door so you still get to enjoy your privacy.
- Basement remodel
Have a basement that you have no idea what to do with? Not everyone has their basement functioning as a man cave, home theatre or children’s play room. Quite a lot of basements are empty and neglected. With a bit of investment these large spaces can be turned into guest wings that can then be rented out. Most often have a bathroom so a kitchen is then added via a kitchen remodeling San Diego installation. After working on the flooring, lighting, walls, and adding furniture, the space is usually good to go.
- Pool house installation/remodel
If you have a pool house on your San Diego home that too can easily be flipped into an awesome rental unit. It can even work as a short term rental unit that you could list online for visiting tourists. A pool house is likely to fetch very good rental rates if done well because it has the potential to carry that leisurely high-end look and feel. If you don’t have a pool house but have adequate outdoor space and a pool, we could install one for you. And when you’re not renting it out you could use it as a guest wing or as an actual pool house.
- Room addition/ house extension
If your outdoor space is not that abundant, a good alternative is a room addition process. This is where we add a new room somewhere adjacent to your existing house. We can even add a new living suite complete with a kitchenette and a bathroom thanks to our bathroom remodeling San Diego experts. We often do this for families who have outgrown their house. But the same also works very well for shrewd homeowners who don’t mind becoming landlords as well.
Feeling like a landlord yet? For any of the above projects Creative Design & Build can handle the entire project management including application for permits, drawing up designs, and even installing furniture.
Stamped Concrete: What We Love About It!
Since it came into style a few years ago, stamped concrete has enjoyed great success and lots of positive feedback from clients and contractors alike. We work with stamped concrete a lot and we love it too. And the same reasons we love this paving technique are the same reasons why you might want to install the same in your driveway, poolside, patio, or other part of our outdoors.
Quick & easy to install
Stamped concrete is easy to install. The process is straightforward and not complicated at all. Once the ground has been prepared and stabilized, the concrete is simply poured into place. It is then stamped into the agreed design before being left to cure and harden. As you can see, chances of things going wrong are quite minimal here. Not only can the ground be installed within a relatively short amount of time, the process also doesn’t require fitting of pieces bit by bit as is the case with pavers.
Ideal for kids use
It is important to evaluate just how friendly your choice of paving is to your entire family. Stamped concrete provides a safe and gentle surface for kids to play on. Unlike asphalt or paving blocks which are rough and textured, stamped concrete has a smooth and even surface. Your kids can play on this surface without incurring any breaks or cuts on their skin easily. Even for textured finishes you can have smooth pebbles added onto the surface and still enjoy a smooth finish that is safe for kids’ use.
Easy to clean
When it comes to maintenance, stamped concrete and even plain concrete surfaces are quite easy to work with. They do not stain as easily as pavers, tiles or natural stone and they are easier to wipe or brush compared to asphalt. In most cases simply spraying the surface with a high pressure washer will do the trick. Whether you have kids or like to entertain outside, cleaning up after won’t be that much of a chore.
Numerous designs to choose from
One of the most attractive perks of stamped concrete is the design versatility it offers. The finished surface can be stamped into almost any design. Most interestingly, you can get designs that resemble bricks, pavers, timber, tiles, natural stone, brick, cobblestones, and more. This way you can enjoy the affordability and easy maintenance of concrete while adding the aesthetics of timber, brick or any other material.
Versatile use
The versatility of stamped concrete goes far beyond design. It also stretches to use. Grounds covered in stamped concrete can be used for a lot of uses, either exclusively or all together. These applications include parking cars, as outdoor eating areas, patio grounds, kids’ playing grounds, driveways, cleaning areas, DIY workshops, etc.
Love stamped concrete just like us? Request a quote from Creative Design & Build to see just how affordable it can get. We also provide other hardscaping options such as laying pavers and fire pit installation and more.
Important Factors To Consider Before Carrying Out A Garage ADU
A garage ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a great way to add a functional space into your home by converting your already existing garage space into something else. If carried out well, a garage ADU can expand the total livable square feet in your home, improve the value of your property, and add to the aesthetics of your home, among many other perks. However, it is not advisable to jump straight into a garage ADU. It’s important that you first weigh these important considerations first.
Your need for a garage space
When you carry out a garage ADU, you essentially get rid of your garage. It ceases to exist and converts into some other space. For that reason, it is important that you carefully consider your need for garage space. After the ADU is completed you won’t be able to reclaim your garage space back. If you plan to buy a car or sell the property in the future you might want to weigh how your ADU will affect that process.
Local building permits
Every local government has strict codes that govern construction and development. And this applies to ADUs as well. It may be illegal, you may need to carry out an inspection first, or you may even need to pay a fee. Your county or state could be an exception if you’re lucky but it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Check with your local building inspector and see what the law says about building your ADU. Your building contractor can also shine some light on this if they have carried out similar work in the area.
Budgetary requirements
Though small, a simple garage ADU could end up gobbling up quite some money before it’s completed. It is important that you tally up the costs diligently. Consult your contractor before you decide to start knocking down walls. Expenses such as insulation, roofing, electrical wiring, and flooring could push the total expenditure further up than you thought.
Construction disruptions to your ordinary life
Another factor that you should consider is how a garage ADU will cause disruptions to your ordinary life at home. For starters, if you have cars or good already under storage inside the garage you will need to clear them out. Then there’s the noise from the construction, the construction waste that will follow, and the possible knocking down of adjacent walls. Be sure that you’re ready for these disruptions and plan for them in advance so that you’re well prepared when the job starts.
Your remaining outdoor space
Last but not least, it’s also important to consider your outdoor space. Before you add another dwelling space to your home, ask yourself whether you’re okay with encroaching onto your remaining outdoor space any further. If you have a very small outdoor space, your garage ADU could take up a small portion of it thereby making it even smaller. However, if you have a huge front lawn then you won’t be as affected.
Creative Design & Build Inc. can help you plan your garage ADU in consideration of all these factors and more. We can also help you with your kitchen remodeling San Diego or bathroom remodeling San Diego project.
Great Ideas For Your Garage Space Conversion (ADU)
In this progressive age of advanced tech and amazing inventions, there are a lot of people who barely use their garage spaces. And the reason for that is they do not own cars. They either cycle to work or simply hail taxi rides from the comfort of their homes. Others own cars which they never use; they simply collect dust in the garage. If you are in a similar situation where you barely make any use of your garage space, an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) could be a great idea.
Through an ADU you get to make use of all your floor space. And, you can add an exciting new room to your home. This could be a:
- Guest wing
Want to give you and your guests more privacy? Impress your friends and family when they come to visit by providing them with their very own suite away from the main family living area. This can work well if your garage holds two or more vehicles because that provides enough space for a self-contained wing.
- Play room
Too much work and no play makes for a dull family. Give your family a space to play, laugh, and break away from the monotony that they’re used to. A play room is an exciting addition that parents, children, and guests will all love. You can add play features such as a pool table, board games, dance games, and more.
- Mud room
A garage is perfectly located to host the ideal mudroom. Make this a space where you and your kids can leave your wet clothes or muddy shoes before entering the main living quarters. This space can be made functional by adding shelving units and wall hangers to hold shoes and jackets respectively.
- Storage closet
A lot of family homes lack enough storage space. Convert your garage into a space where extra clothes, bedding, old furniture, or idle appliances can be stored until they are needed again; or until they can be disposed away. Again, most of what is needed for this conversion is built-in smart storage. Just think of all the clutter you could get out of your living room, kitchen, and bedrooms.
- Laundry room
Don’t have a perfect spot for your laundry room? Your garage can make for a cozy, spacious, and modern laundry room. It’s large enough to hold multiple washing machines and dryers, as well as washing sinks, a folding space, storage shelves, and space for holding all the dirty laundry.
- Sun room
You could also choose to convert your garage into a sun room. Sun rooms are great living spaces where you and your family can relax, have meals, host friends, and of course – enjoy nature. A sun room will also give your home an outdoor living space and look.
All the above garage ADUs would make for exciting additions to any home while adding great functionality and value to your property. At Creative Design & Build we can make these garage ADUs come to life. We are also the kitchen remodeling experts in San Diego with the experience and expertise to makeover any room in your house.
Hardscaping: 8 Must-Have Centerpieces for Your Outdoors
A lot of focus is usually given to the kitchen, bathroom, and other intimate spaces of the indoors. However, the outdoors too deserve just as much attention. Although most people spend much of their time indoors hence the status quo, you will realize that if you create beautiful spaces outdoors, you too will spend more time outside. Below we have compiled a list of 8 great centerpieces that can make your outdoors the perfect spot to relax in your home.
- Patio/pergola/gazebo
Every home needs a small outdoor nook where you can just lay back and enjoy the outdoor feel of sunlight and fresh air. Patios are a great way to make this happen while creating that alluring indoor-outdoor ambience. You could also change this up a bit and have your contractor build a pergola or a gazebo as well. All of these serve the same purpose and are fairly alike in design.
- A deck
A deck is a very simple (yet significant) addition for your home. It adds to the beauty of your outdoors while increasing the total livable space available to you. Whether on the front porch or the backyard, a deck will increase your home’s value while providing a great platform to host parties, relax, or have meals with your family.
- Swimming pool
Everyone loves a swimming pool. And out here in California, a swimming pool is a great way to cool off on sunny afternoons. A swimming pool is also a great recreational pastime for kids. And on the flipside, it’s the perfect spot to host weekend parties for your friends.
- Outdoor jacuzzi
if your outdoors is too small to fit a swimming pool you can still enjoy some fun time in the water by installing a jacuzzi. Small units designed for two people are great for just you and your partner to share romantic nights in. But if you want something bigger, you can install larger units that can accommodate up to 12 people easily. These are great for large families or casual get-togethers with friends.
- A fire pit
You can never go wrong with a fire pit. It’s adds warmth, character, and a pinch of romance to your outdoors. You can have one on the patio, deck or by the pool. Not only are they low maintenance, they are also quite affordable to have installed.
- Water fountain
If you enjoy eccentric tastes then a water fountain would be a good addition for you. You can have one installed on your deck, in the back garden, or by the pool. Some standalone fountains are quite affordable and don’t even need any installation whatsoever!
- A bar
Love hosting great parties at your residence? If you do then installing a bar out back would be the perfect way to take things to the next level and impress your neighbors. It’s also quite convenient when hosting guests because they can grab drinks without having to pop in and out of the kitchen.
- Tree house
If you have kids then this one will send them over the moon with excitement. You can have it built as small or large as needed. It’s a small project that can be completed in just a weekend. Not only will your kids love to show it to their buddies, it will get them out of the house more.
5 Kitchen Remodel Layouts To Consider
You one day walk into your kitchen and decide that it may be time for a remodel. But what options do you have? The traditional kitchen remodeling set up that separates the kitchen counter top from the sinks and other appliances has evolved over the years, making modern kitchens more functional work zones. We take you through the top five kitchen layouts that you can consider. So grab your notepad and let us dive right into it.
- One – Wall kitchens
Do you live in a loft or a studio apartment? Then the one –wall kitchen layout is the best for you. It is also known as the ‘Pullman kitchen’. The kitchen area is concentrated on one wall, where all the cabinets, the sink, and other kitchen appliances are fixed onto the wall. The Pullman layout allows for total maximization of the limited space. That said, this layout may require you to set up the dining area slightly away from the kitchen area due to the limited space.
- Galley Kitchens
Don’t we all love functionality? The Galley kitchen layout is ideal were one has the advantage of a slightly larger space than a loft or studio apartment allows. The kitchen is set up in a 2 wall layout where the kitchen appliances, cabinets and the sink are fixed on either side of the wall. It creates a sort of walkway right in the middle of the kitchen. Galley kitchens are simple to install, as the ‘hallway setup’ eliminates the hassle of installing troublesome corner cabinets and sinks.
- L – shaped kitchens
Don’t mind corner cabinets? Clients that wish to take advantage of the corner spaces can forgo the galley layout for the L- shaped one. It maintains a 2-walled setup; only this time, the two walls are perpendicularly adjoined, forming an ‘L’. It is ideal in houses where the walkway in galley layout does not leave enough room for traffic. The L – shaped kitchen allows for appliances and countertops to be installed to the furthest corner, maximizing the space available for traffic for a more functional work-area.
- U – Shaped kitchens
Are you more of a family guy? The U – shape kitchen; also known as the ‘horseshoe kitchen’ is just right for you. The layout is best for roomy kitchens with the advantage of occupying three walls. The sink, cabinets and appliances are installed on each wall. A counter is then installed right in the middle of the kitchen, giving it that horseshoe or ‘U’ design. If the kitchen is roomy enough, you can install dining seats around the counter. The horseshoe layout allows for functional traffic flow around the kitchen.
- Kitchen islands
Kitchen islands are not that different from U – shaped ones. The layout consists of sinks, appliances, and cabinets on the three walls. The noticeable difference is the counter in the middle of the kitchen. It is slightly larger than normal, increasing the work surface of the kitchen. Do you need more work space? You may install additional cabinets and sinks to the middle counter while leaving enough room for dining seats around it.
Creative Design & build is able to guide you on the most functional kitchen set up for your remodel based on the kitchen size, number of appliances and expected traffic for the kitchen. Contact us today and transform your old set up into your dream kitchen!
The decision to have your home remodeled is a pretty straight one to make. However, choosing the right contractor for the home remodel may not be as simple. Clients get bombarded with hundreds of results upon initiating a simple search on the internet. So how do you choose the right contractor from the hundreds of available firms? We have compiled for you a list of 5 critical questions that you should ask a potential contractor before commencing any repairs or remodeling works.
- How long have you been in the industry?
Practice makes perfect. It is within your right to want to know how long the contractor has been in the industry. Experience, just like in any other work scenario, contributes a lot to the quality of work. A contractor that has been in the industry for at least 10 years has most likely tried all the market trends and innovations in the construction field. Therefore, they are more likely to offer better services compared to younger firms/contractors. Although this is not an exact science, you are better off with a contractor that has more years under their belt.
- Are you licensed?
A home remodel costs money; your hard earned money. So you want to be served by a firm that is legally qualified to offer such services. Most contractors are regulated by the state government. For instance, contractors in California are required to be licensed and registered with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board. Working with an unlicensed firm could get you on the wrong side of the law. In case of malpractice, your building may face demolition.
- Have you handled such a project before?
Contractors are different. Some specialize in roofing, others in paving, and others in bathroom remodels and so on. Renowned firms have a reliable team of experts that specialize in every project. Be keen to ask if they have undertaken a similar project in the past. A confident contractor will give you a detailed response on their procedures. You can also insist on viewing their portfolio of previous projects just to be sure.
- What ideas can improve my project?
You hire contractors because they have the technical knowhow of what works and what doesn’t. A good contractor shall provide you with specific details concerning ways of improving your project or why they prefer a certain material to another. For instance, a contractor seeking to undertake a kitchen remodel should advise you on the different kitchen layouts that work for your space. A contractor that refrains from giving you their professional input is a red flag.
- Do you have any references that may vouch for you?
Good work speaks for itself. Satisfied clients like recommending a good firm to others. Dissatisfied clients, too, are sure to voice their complaints. Asking for references gives you an insight of what others think about the contractor’s services. You can view these from testimonials on their website, or independent and trusted reviewers such as Yelp or Home Advisor.