Monthly Archives: April 2010

Importance of an architect when remodeling your home

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So you’ve decided that you need to remodel your home. You’ve received several detailed estimates and met with many contractors about the project. However, you might have a lingering question looming over your head…Do I need an architect for this? The answer more than likely is yes! There are several reasons why architects are important.

For starters, architects are experts in their field. The are licensed professionals who have been thoroughly trained in their field. Their work must be held to a high standard because they are responsible for the safety of any project they approve. Architects also can help provide clarity for the project as a whole. Unlike homeowners, who can sometimes get caught up in various details, architects take into account everything: the homeowner’s needs, their budget, their timeline for completion, necessary materials, necessary permits, and space requirements. An architect can help you define your goals with the project and outline all the necessary steps to go from start to finish with any project. They have the ability to combine both a structural mindset with an aesthetic mindset. Utilizing an architect will ensure all permits and documents are secured and on time. Most importantly, architects help ensure that your vision is transformed into a reality.

An architect can help a home remodeling project run much more smoothly. When considering which general contractor to use for the project you should look to one that has architects on its team. If you’re in the greater San Diego area and in need of a home remodeling contractor with an architect on its staff then look no further than Greyhound General. Contact Greyhound General today for a free estimate, or call 800-568-7108.

How to make your San Diego home green

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“Going green” has been the hottest trend for the past few years. We always hear about ways that we can “go green.” Whether it’s using paper instead of plastic at the grocery store, driving less, or simply recycling more, green is everywhere. For homeowners there are many opportunities to go green. Here are a few simple ideas to make your home greener:
1) Invest in CFLs: This is the first step in improving you carbon footprint, and reducing your energy bills. Switch out your light bulbs from standard incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Start by changing the most frequently used light bulbs and you’ll start to notice a difference in your energy bill within a year. They might be more costly than regular light bulbs, but they last longer and cut down on your energy bills.
2) Insulate your walls and attic: By preventing heat from leaving your house during the winter or entering your house during the summer you’ll use less energy to heat or coll the house. When considering installing insulation the installation itself is much more important that the material used. All types of insulation (fiberglass, cellulose and most foam) will reduce heat conduction of your walls, if installed properly.
3) Replace the windows: Old and leaky windows often allow heat to enter and escape, driving up energy bills. Consider installing new energy-efficient windows or at least upgrading your windows with weatherstripping.
4) Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Appliances count for a significant size of nearly every home’s energy bill. Consider replacing your old water heater, dishwasher and refrigerator. Older refrigerators are typically the least energy efficient appliance. Also, consider whether or not you need that second refrigerator.
5) Plant a tree (or two): Even if you have bad insulation, you can help save energy by planting trees in your yard. This will provide more shade and save energy. Consider using deciduous trees planted on the west side of the house.
6) Go solar…and get tax benefits: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides tax benefits for those who upgrade their home in 2010. The tax benefit can cover up to 30% of these home improvements. Consider a solar hot-water system, geothermal heat pumps, or solar panels to heat your pool.

While there are many simple things homeowners can do to go green, the process can be overwhelming. If you are considering remodeling a portion of your home and you are concerned about it being as energy efficient as possible then consider a San Diego green contractor, Greyhound General. Contact Greyhound General today for information about making your home green.

Tips for upgrading your backyard

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In a previous post, Outdoor Kitchen Remodeling and Design- the newest trend, I mentioned a few ideas for building an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are great for families that like to have family and friends over to cook and entertain outside. However, there are several things you can do as a home owner to remodel and improve your backyard before you even consider that amazing outdoor kitchen.

For starters you may want to consider:

  • Upgrading the lighting- Improving the light can brighten your backyard and make it more inviting
  • Improve the landscaping- This could be fairly easy or a huge project. Planting flowers in an empty flower bed is a good start. Re-sodding your law and plating trees and shrubs is a bit more labor intensive. If you want to go all out you can consider stone walkways and water fountains
  • Replace the deck- Decks can last a long time if they are properly constructed and maintained. It is always a good idea to restain or repaint your deck every year or so to preserve it. If there is rotting then you may be able to simply replace some of the wood. However, if there is significant rotting you’ll want to replace the deck entirely
  • Utilize a tool shed- Unless your garage is exceptionally organized you might want to consider a tool shed. This especially true if you’re using you garage to park in or for more than just tool storage. These sheds can be found in many different sizes and materials for as little as $200-$300

Of course, you may just be in need of a total backyard makeover. Maybe you’re looking to add that guest cottage to the backyard you’ve been dreaming of, or maybe you want to add that new deck with the hot tub. Whatever the case, San Diego general contractor, Greyhound General can help you with more than just your home and kitchen remodeling needs. Contact Greyhound today for a free estimate, or call 800-568-7108.

How to turn your bathroom into a spa

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The bathroom is perhaps the most important room in your house for relaxing. However, it is often neglected by home owners who seem to look to upgrade their kitchen, back yard, or other areas before they think to remodel their bathroom. The amenities available in the bathroom today rival those you’ll find in the kitchen. Whirlpool jacuzzi tubs, granite counter tops, and heated towel racks are just a few of the plush features you can add to your bathroom. Of course, there are a few things you can do to spruce up your bathroom before you’re ready to remodel:

  • Improve the scents and colors of the room- throw a fresh coat of paint up, preferably soothing colors, and invest in some scented candles to set the mood right
  • Buy new towels- thick, soft towels feel great and you can match their color to the other colors of the bathroom
  • Heat those new towels- a towel radiator will keep your towels nice and toasty, and you can find one for only a few hundred dollars
  • Add some music- bring in a portable radio to the bathroom

If you really want to transform your bathroom you might want to consider remodeling your entire bathroom. Remodeling your bathroom gives you the flexibility to add or remove walls, play with the dimensions of the room, upgrade the sink and toilet, and much more. This could free up space for that new stone steam shower room you’ve been dreaming about. You might also want to consider upgrading the tub to a jacuzzi-like tub with jets. Replacing tile, the sink and the vanity mirror are also important elements of a bathroom remodel. Of course, if you decide to remodel your bathroom don’t forget to consider the simple tips mentioned above to add a finishing touch to your beautiful new bathroom.

If you are in the San Diego area and you’re considering remodeling your bathroom you should call award winning home remodeler Greyhound General at 800-568-7108. Contact Greyhound General today.

Greyhound Helps Non Profit – Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding

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Greyhound General is no stranger to giving. They have donated their time and money to many organizations over the years. One non profit that they are particularly fond of is Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding, in Missoula, Montana. Bitterroot is a program that helps children and adults who have physical handicaps, mental disabilities, and other ailments improve balance, build confidence, and build social skills. This is done through horseback riding. This type of therapy has existed for decades and has been proven to be an excellent form of therapy for people of all ages and abilities.

Bitterroot employs only NAHRA certified instructors, as well as trained volunteers. Bitterroot is known for helping children and adults in the western Montana area; however, they are asking for charitable donations from people from all over. Any amount of donation would be greatly appreciated, as every dollar goes to helping keep this incredibly valuable program alive. Please visit the Bitterroot website for more information on becoming a sponsor and donating. Or you can call (406) 961-2999.

In these tough economic times, it is often the non-profits that suffer the most. Please reach out to Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding. Any donation helps and is greatly appreciated.