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Upgrading your kitchen cabinets in San Diego

By Greyhound General · Comments (0)
Friday, July 30th, 2010

In a previous post I mention how you can remodel your kitchen on a tight budget. I also wrote another article that focused on the best kitchen countertops. In this article I’d like to focus on another key element of you kitchen: your cabinets. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen on your own or hiring a contractor to do the work, you’ll need to make a decision about your cabinets at some point. If you are considering a general contractor, consider one that works with a variety of different styles and even one that can do custom kitchen cabinet design.

A well-versed general contractor will help you through the selection process. If you plan to install your new kitchen cabinets on your own, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1) Do you really need to replace the cabinets? Your cabinets may look a little rough around the edges, but do you really need to tear them out and install new one’s? Consider refinishing or refacing your cabinets. Refinishing simply involves sanding off the old paint or varnish and applying a new coat or two, while refacing involves replacing just the fronts of your cabinets.

2) Plan out the project. You need to account for:

  • Spacing (wall space, cabinet dimensions, alignment with room, etc.)
  • Materials (plan out your entire list ahead of time)

    • Make sure you have everything planned out.

    3) Pre-installation. Before you install the new cabinets, you’ll want to:

  • Remove the old cabinets
  • Remove baseboards for lower cabinets
  • Paint the room
  • Get cabinets ready (remove the doors)

    • Make sure the kitchen is properly prepped.

    4) Install cabinets:

  • Install upper cabinets first (without the doors)
  • Locate the studs in the wall
  • Start in the corner of the room
  • Test the fit, and if necessary, remove cabinets and make any cutouts necessary for electrical outlets, plumbing or hookups
  • Install lower cabinets (make sure to test fit the countertop)
  • Caulk around the sink area & install the sink, then caulk between the back of the countertop and the wall

    • Get down to the dirty work.

    5) Finishing up. Reinstall your appliances and add the baseboards, if you removed them in the beginning.

    If this sounds like too much trouble or not detailed enough then maybe you should consider a professional for your next San Diego kitchen cabinet remodeling project. Call San Diego general contractor Greyhound General today to schedule a free estimate: 800-781-1015

    Categories : Kitchen Remodeling
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    San Diego kitchen remodeling tips

    By Greyhound General · Comments (0)
    Friday, July 16th, 2010

    Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re considering remodeling your kitchen:
    1) Get multiple bids: Investigate more than 1 contractor (unless of course you had a excellent experience with one in the past). Make sure they show proof of their contractors license, workman’s compensation and business insurance. Compare each quote apples-to-apples, and compare the detail each contractor went into, not only in the quote, but also during the estimate.
    2) Investigate each contractor who gives you a bid: God bless the internet. It really helps weed out the “haves” from the “have nots” in any business. If a customer had a bad experience they can vent online. Use the internet to do research on your contractors. Check out their history with the Better Business Bureau. Take a look at the portfolios and testimonials on their website as well. I would encourage you to go even deeper than just the website. Utilize social media to your find more information about each contractor. Look them up on Yelp and check out their Facebook Fan page. The point is to find as much information out as possible before you invest your hard earned money.
    3) Use the right materials: This tip is very much intertwined with tip #1. Often times a contractor with factor in the cost of supplies in the bid. If this is the case then make sure to thoroughly investigate all of the materials being used. Make sure you’re clear with the contractor what your budget is and they should be able to give you several options, including which materials to splurge on where you could possible save some money. For countertops, check out our previous post about the best kitchen countertop solutions .
    4) Set up a payment plan: Make sure you are very clear with the contractor what your budget is, and then work out an appropriate down payment. You should never pay in full before the work has begun. Any reputable contractor will work with you to come up with a fair payment plan.

    Remodeling your kitchen should be a fun experience. If you’re working with a tight budget consider simply upgrading appliances or decor before splurging on new countertops, flooring, cabinets or a completely new floor plan. If you’re in the San Diego area contact today for a free estimte. Or call 1-800-781-1015.

    Categories : Kitchen Remodeling
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    Tips for adding a second story to your San Diego home

    By Greyhound General · Comments (0)
    Saturday, June 19th, 2010

    So you’ve determined that it is better for you to remodel your home vs. move. Maybe you have an elder loved one moving in, a son or daughter moving back in or you just want to upgrade your master bedroom or add a hobby/rumpus room. Whatever the case, there are a few things to consider before you make any decision.
    1) Make sure you have the space: Map out in your head, or on paper, roughly the area that you’d like to expand on. You’ll surely go into much more detail later with the help of an architect, but you can at least make sure that the project is feasible.
    2) Get approval from local authorities: In most places, a permit is required to add a second story to your home. You’ll have to submit a design plan, so you might want to swap step 2 and 3 if you don’t have a detailed plan in place.
    3) Find a general contractor: A very important step. Consider general contractors with architects and plenty of references. They will be able to tell you right away if the project is doable, and then help you get the permit if you haven’t already done so.
    4) Structural considerations: Your general contractor will need to assess the foundation of the house to verify if it can hold a second story.
    5) Creating a detailed design: This is where an architect is essential. They will need to consider everything from the stairway to the plumbing, electrical wiring, and heater/AC duct placement.
    6) Choose the materials you’d like to use: This is where you determine all the costs for everything, including new slab, flooring, roofing, plumbing, and everything else.
    7) Pick a date and get started: You’ll want to pick a time frame where there’s little to no chance of rain because the roof will be the first thing removed from the home. You may want to consider relocating during construction, depending on the size of the project.

    The steps mentioned above can be switched around a bit, depending on your home and the scope of your project. The important thing to remember is that you will need to budget for this, you’ll need a permit, you’ll need a detailed blueprint of the project, and you’ll need a highly qualified general contractor with an architect.

    If you’re in the San Diego or Orange county area and considering a second story addition, contact Greyhound General to learn more about your options. Or call 1-800-781-1015.

    Categories : Home Remodeling
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    What are the best countertops for your kitchen?

    By Greyhound General · Comments (1)
    Friday, June 18th, 2010

    A while back I wote an article about how to upgrade your kitchen on a tight budget. In the article I outline some very basic ideas for sprucing up your kitchen without having to spend tens of thousands for a complete remodel. I want to go into a little more detail in this article about the countertops selection. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen on your own, or you are having a general contractor take care of it, you need to educate your self on the pros and cons of each possibility. As you’ll see below, I’ve broken up your options into low end, middle and high end.

    Low end
    Laminates:
    Pros: inexpensive ($35-$45 per sq. foot); fairly easy to clean
    Cons: very cheap; not heat resistant; easily damaged, scratched or chipped; porous
    Consensus: avoid laminates unless all you care about is cost
    Ceramic Tile:
    Pros: cost; heat resistant; can get creative with the tile; can be a do-it-yourself project
    Cons: grout; can be hard to clean; needs to be resealed often; can crack
    Consensus: Ceramic tile allows you to get creative when installing it, but be very careful about the grout installation and making sure it stays sealed
    Middle
    Solid surface:
    Pros: durability; sand-ability
    Cons: appearance
    Consensus: Not cheap, but not as expensive as stainless steel or granite. It’s all man-made material that can easily be sanded if scratched or gouged. A decent solution, but nothing to write home about
    High end
    Natural or engineered stone:
    Pros: appearance
    Cons: somewhat expensive ($50-$100 per sq. feet), natural stone (granite, quartz, slate) can be porous, while engineered stone holds up better
    Consensus: If you’re looking to sell your home or give your kitchen a more sleek and elegant look then definitely consider stone
    Stainless Steel:
    Pros: appearance
    Cons: expensive, questionable durability, may stain or corrode without significant care or maintenance
    Consensus: Even pricier than stone ($100-$200 per sq. foot). Unless you love this look and are ready to maintain it (or sell your home), stone may give you more “bang for your buck”
    Concrete:
    Pros: can get extremely creative with colors and texturing; truly a custom look
    Cons: expensive (up to $100 per sq. foot); very porous
    Consensus: While you can be as creative as your mind desires with concrete, I don’t recommend concrete as a countertop for anything but outdoor kitchens.

    It is important do your research when deciding on a countertop. The best countertop for your kitchen depends on your exact needs. Consulting with a well-established, professional general contractor is also a great idea. For more information on kitchen remodeling in San Diego contact San Diego kitchen remodeler Greyhound General today, or call 1-800-781-1015.

    Categories : Kitchen Remodeling
    Comments (1)

    Remodel your home vs. moving

    By Greyhound General · Comments (1)
    Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

    If you’re looking to upgrade your home you have two options, remodel or move. It’s no surprise that in a down economy most people are opting to remodel rather than move. Even if the price tag on a home that would be considered an upgrade over you existing home has dropped, there are usually a lot more costs involved in moving (not to mention time and stress). There are many reasons why remodeling is a better idea than moving:

  • You can customize your home to your exact needs and wants. If if you find a great deal on another home, it will likely have several elements that you wish were different. When you remodel you have the final say.
  • Moving is a stressful experience. While a home remodel can takes months and cause some stress, moving involves packing everything, renting a truck, hiring movers and much more. All of this is added stress. This is only amplified if you have children who are along for the ride.
  • Moving requires you to leave your neighborhood.
  • If you have children, moving may require them to switch school districts. This may not always be the case, but the idea of switching schools can be stressful for both the parents and the children.
  • Remodeling is a better use of your money. Even if you find that sweet deal on a home you’re likely to spend somewhere between 8-10% of your home’s value when you sell it on moving expenses, broker fees and closing costs. If you sell your home for $500,000 and $50,000 is allocated to these fees, that’s $50,000 that could have completely remodeled your kitchen!
  • Remodeling allows you to take advantage of tax incentives. The Obama first time home buyer tax credit has come and gone, but there are still tax deductible remodeling expenses that you can take advantage of. Adding solar panels, a solar water heater, or geothermal heat pumps are all things that are tax deductible.

    • To learn more about the different options that you have when remodeling your home contact Greyhound General today, or call 1-800-781-1015 for a free estimate.

    Categories : Home Remodeling
    Comments (1)

    Installing an outdoor pool in San Diego (a great idea)

    By Greyhound General · Comments (1)
    Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

    It’s almost summer, and for many of us that means BBQs, parties and pools! The weather is heating up and there’s no better way to cool off than in a pool. While temperatures in San Diego stay pretty constant throughout the year, there’s arguably no better time to install that dream outdoor pool than in the Spring time, right before Summer starts.

    Here are a few things to consider if you’re looking to add a new pool to your backyard (or front yard):

  • Make sure you have enough space (around): seems self explanatory, but you need to give yourself an extra 20 feet around the entire perimeter of the pool. You’ll want to account for accessories like slides, a diving board, and sheds, as well as a walk way.
  • Make sure you have enough space (above & below): Watch out for overhead telephone lines or electrical wires, as well as underneath septic systems, sewer lines or electrical cables.
  • Keep the wind out: Choose a space where there is not much wind, as wind will lead to more water evaporation.
  • Find a sunny area: Stay away from trees as they’ll lead to more leaves getting in the pool. This will also keep the pool temperature up.
  • Pick the right general contractor: The right general contractor will help you confirm the zoning regulations, obtain permits, pick the right pool and install the right circulation system.

  • If you’re considering installing an outdoor pool to compliment your San Diego home, consider an experienced general contractor like Greyhound General. Contact Greyhound General today at 1-800-781-1015.

    • Categories : Outdoor Remodeling
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    2010 is a great time to remodel your San Diego home

    By Greyhound · Comments (2)
    Monday, May 10th, 2010

    While the economy has shown some life in the first quarter of 2010, there is still a ton of room for recovery. Even the housing market, which in some areas of the country have improved, is still projected to bottom out over the next few years. While many speculate on when the economy will recover, one thing’s for sure, there are deals to be had if you’re looking to remodel your home.

    In this economy, you can expect to find that most bids will be at least 10 percent lower than they were two years ago. It’s important to always get multiple bids when shopping for the right general contractor. If these are established companies, the bids should all fall between 5-10% of each other. Be wary of unproven or contractors who don’t have the following:

  • proof of contractor’s license
  • proof or insurance and workman’s compensation
  • a clean record with the Better Business Bureau
  • a clean history with sites like ripoffreport.com
  • testimonials with previous client’s phone numbers
  • photos, videos and addresses of previous work

    • 2010 is a great time to remodel your home in San Diego. Contact Greyhound General today for a free estimate, or call 1-800-781-1015.

    Categories : Home Remodeling
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    Importance of an architect when remodeling your home

    By Greyhound · Comments (0)
    Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

    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 800-781-1015.

    Categories : Home Remodeling
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    How to make your San Diego home green

    By Greyhound · Comments (7)
    Friday, April 16th, 2010

    “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.

    Categories : Green Remodeling, Home Remodeling
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    Tips for upgrading your backyard

    By Greyhound · Comments (3)
    Thursday, April 8th, 2010

    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 1-800-781-1015.

    Categories : Outdoor Remodeling
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