Author Archives: Dave Jovin

San Diego Deck Remodeling

Summer is almost here, so get ready to get outside and grill! There’s nothing like the smell of BBQ in the air on a warm summer day, especially when you’re accompanied by friends and family. These types of social gatherings bring people together, but before you think about hosting any summer party you need to assess your backyard. A good place to start is your deck.

If you have a deck then you should asses it structurally. How is it holding up? Has it been painted or stained in the last 2-3 years? Is there room to expand on? If you don’t have a deck, but you’re considering adding one, you need to assess the space available for a deck.

Here are several tips to consider when deciding whether to build a new deck or remodel an existing deck:
1) Who’s going to be using the deck? The size of the deck, as mentioned above, is very important and you need to know how many people you’d like to entertain on the deck.

2) How will the deck connect to the house, or will it? You need to think about all the side or back doors that you have and all the space arround each door. Ideally, if you’re planning on hosting big events the deck should be connected to the door closest to the kitchen.

3) What style of deck do you want? There are many different types of decks, one’s with trellises, multiple levels, steps, gazebos, and so on. You need to balance the look you want with the style of house you own. Does your home have a more modern look or a rustic charm? This will play a role in the style of deck you choose.

4) Are there any privacy concerns? Typically a new deck will mean that people are standing higher off the ground than they would be if there was no deck. If that’s the case then you need to determine if the fences surrounding your yard are tall enough.

5) How’s the weather? In areas where there is heavy snowfall and rain then simply using high quality stain should be fine. In areas with abundant sunshine, such as San Diego, you may want to consider some overhead protection for your deck, such as an awning or deck cover.

If you’re considering remodeling or adding a deck to your San Diego home then you should talk to Greyhound General. They will help find a deck that meets your budget and the architects will help come up with a design that fits your taste. Greyhound will also make sure that any and all work is up to code, based on local building codes and regulations.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can upgrade your deck, or improve your entire backyard, then contact Greyhound General today, or call 800-568-7108.

Spring Cleaning Ideas from Greyhound General

Spring is officially here, as is April, and Greyhound General is here to help you organize you spring cleaning “to do” list. Here is a breakdown of different ideas for projects you can take on around the house:

  • Dusting: No one likes to dust, but as we enter Spring, and allergy season, it is very important to dust. Some hot spots are: ceiling fans, base boards, lamps & lights, wall corners, wall art, your entertainment center, and household appliances. You’ll likely want to wipe down each of these areas after you’ve removed the dust.
  • Clean the oven and refrigerator: Sweep underneath both units first and then clean the inside thoroughly. Remember to vacuum the coils of your unplugged refrigerator
  • Run the dishwasher empty: Add vinegar or baking soda to the empty dishwasher before running it
  • Take down drapes, curtains and blinds: And wash them thoroughly. Also take down window screens and rinse.
  • Clean the toilet, shower and tub: Wash your shower curtain while you’re at it. Remember to use a commercial cleaner to scrub away soap scum build-up
  • Clean the carpets and rugs: Take your rugs outside and shake any loose dust out of them. If you haven’t had a professional clean your carpets in over 6 months consider calling a carpet cleaner. You may also want them to treat your rug.
  • Vacuum couch and chairs: Take the couch apart and use a vacuum attachment to get in all the crevices. Consider using a rug shampoo machine if a couch or chair is particularly soiled.
  • Mop up: Consider mopping the non-carpeted areas of your homes, especially your kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Organize: Take a look at your garage, basement or attic and come up with a plan of attack to better organize these areas. This may mean you have to throw away some items. More than likely you’ll want to pull everything out of these rooms and then analyze the space before you put the room back together. Big plastic bins and filing cabinets are a must.

So you’ve tackled your entire spring cleaning list and you’re wondering what’s next? Well, take a look at the rooms you’ve reorganized. Could they be better utilized? Maybe you’ve moved all your storage to the attic, freeing up room in the basement or garage? Maybe your reorganizing of the garage or multi-purpose room freed up half the room?

Whatever the case may be, if you’re considering a home remodeling project of any kind this Spring, consider Greyhound General. Contact Greyhound to see how they can help with your next home improvement project, or call 800-568-7108.

San Diego Outdoor Remodeling and Additions

Spring is almost here and it’s time to start thinking about upgrading your yard and the outdoor space around your home. Whether you just got your big tax return or  you simply have a budget set aside to make some updates to your home, outdoor remodeling is a great idea for families looking to add a guest cottage, install a pool, or simply improve their landscaping. The best part is that outdoor remodeling is often less expensive than remodeling your home.

Here are some ideas for updating your yard and outdoor area:

  • Build a guest cottage: This could be a better option than adding a room to your home. Creating a detached guest cottage also won’t affect the day-to-day activities in your home. Furthermore, are prefabricated guests homes that you can look into to save some extra money. Whatever route you take, you’ll want to talk to a contractor about how to make it happen.
  • Install a pool: Is there a better way to cool down on a hot summer day? You’ll obviously want to make sure you have enough space, not only for the pool but for at least 20 feet around the perimeter of the pool. You’ll also want to make sure there are no trees nearby (or upwind), or electrical lines above or underneath. A contractor can review all of this with you.
  • Landscaping: Simple landscaping can often consist of a new garden bed with flowers. However, you can get a lot more elaborate than that. Installing and planting trees, waterfalls, a new lawn and much more. If your landscaping idea requires construction and architectural knowledge then you should turn to a contractor for help.

Whatever your plan is for improving your outdoor space at your home it is always advisable to consult a general contractor. Contact Greyhound General today for your next outdoor remodeling project in San Diego, or call 800-568-7108.

Looking to Build Yourself a “Man Cave”?

Super Bowl Sunday is only a couple days away, so naturally people are making party plans. If you’re hosting one of these NFL season-ending bashes then you need to prepare. In addition to the food and drinks you’re going to have to think about where to host these guests. In your living room? Den? Chances are the room with the biggest TV will be the area your guests are congregating. Maybe your living room just isn’t cutting it? Or maybe you have formal room or basement that just isn’t being used? Man cave anyone?

Wikipedia defines a “man cave” as “a mantuary, or manspace, a male sanctuary, such as a specially equipped garage, spare bedroom, media room, den, or basement. It is not a cave but rather a metaphor describing a room inside the house, such as the basement or garage or attic or office, or outside the house such as a wood shed or tool room, where “guys can do as they please” without fear of upsetting any female sensibility about house decor or design.” Now that we’re clear on the definition, let’s discuss the essentials of your man cave, so that you can get working on it for next years’ Super Bowl…

1) Pick your space: You’ll need to find a room with enough space for a big screen TV and at least a couch and recliner. More importantly, you’ll need to find a space that isn’t currently being occupied by your significant other (or this could cause a lot of trouble). Consider the living room, family room, or den. However, if these spaces are all occupied then you’ll want to look at step 2…

2) “Fix up” or remodel the space: If you have a space that could be expanded on or a basement that needs finishing, you’ll need to help remodeling these spaces in order to get them ready to become  your man cave.  Consider hardwood floors (to help with beer spills) and sound proof walls. You’ll want to consult with a general contractor to explore all of your options.

3) Pick out a TV: The TV is the centerpiece of any man cave. Some would argue that the location of the TV should be taken into account for steps 1 and 2. A good idea would be to invest in a 50 or 60 in. TV (which you can find for under $1,000 now), and utilize other older models that you might be looking to get rid of, as “extras” in case you want to have multiple games on at once.

4) Pick out your furniture: Popular furniture items  for “man caves” are La-Z-Boy chairs, mini fridges, and recliners are man cave staples. No need to splurge on furniture, just make sure everyone invited over has a seat!

5) Decorate: This is where you hang every piece of sports memorabilia you own. Posters, autographs, and old street signs are just a few cool items that will help you “snaz up” the place.

6) Enjoy: Crack open a beer and enjoy the fruits of your (or your general contractor’s) labor!

Obviously the biggest, and most important, step in you getting you man cave completed is the remodeling phase. For many, your potential room may already be ready for a big screen TV, furniture, and all the other man cave essentials. However, many of the best man caves are specifically remodeled as such. Consider a room addition or basement remodel for your future man cave. Of course, you’re going to need help with the remodeling, and San Diego home remodeling contractor Greyhound General can help. Contact us today for a free man cave estimate, or call us at 800-568-7108.

As San Diego home prices rise, home remodeling becomes more affordable

As we near the end of 2010, there are still many questions with the economy, particularly the housing market. This is not surprising given that the lending industry was at the heart of the financial collapse that lead to this past (and current) recession. However, there is some good news for San Diego residents. Despite dips in housing prices, San Diego was one of only four cities nationwide to record increasing home prices between October 2009 and October 2010, according to Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Index.

This is great news for San Diego home owners. Obviously, if your home’s value continues to drop remodeling becomes more and more unfeasible. If your home’s value increases then remodeling is something to consider. Before you even consider remodeling, you should take notes and ask yourself (and your spouse) several important questions:

  • Do we want to remodel or add on to our house?
  • If add on, do we have the space? How will this change our yard and property?
  • If remodel, what is the top priority? How essential is this upgrade?
  • Do we have the budget?
  • How much value will this remodel bring to our house?

Chances are, you’ll need some help answering at least one of these questions. That’s where Greyhound General can help. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or add on to any portion of your house, contact San Diego Home Remodeling Contractor Greyhound General today, or call them directly at 800-568-7108.

Adding an attic bedroom to your home

So you have some extra money to invest in your home and you’re wondering which part of it to upgrade? Well, according to Remodeling magazine’s most recent survey, renovating your attic into a bedroom or spare room packs a bigger resale payback than any other room remodel. This may come as news to some, but the resale payback for an attic remodel is 83%, compared to 71% for a mid-range bathroom remodel and 72% for a major kitchen remodel.

With interest rates at an all time low, refinancing your loan can save you thousands monthly, which can ultimately be reinvested in your home. The attic is a great room to remodel, not simply because of its return value. It allows you to add an extra room to the house without having to add on to the structure (which can cost significantly more). Also, if you’ve been storing Christmas decorations, old children’s toys, and other “storage” items in your attic, remodeling can help you get rid of junk and organize items that you want to hold on to.

If you’d like to learn more about renovating your attic then contact Greyhound General today for a free consultation. Greyhound will thoroughly discuss all your options. Feel free to call us today at 800-568-7108.

New Kitchen Remodel by Greyhound General

This latest San Diego kitchen remodeling project by Greyhound General features many new kitchen additions. This amazing new kitchen was completely remodeled in only 45 days. Th project included:

  • Re-engineered structural bearing points and altered framing to eliminate view obstructing wall
  • Installed new kitchen windows
  • Installed new cabinetry
  • Installed new granite countertops
  • Upgraded lighting

Beautiful Pacific Beach Kitchen Remodel

In this amazing Pacific Beach kitchen remodel Greyhound General transformed an outdated kitchen with an obstructed view into a beautiful, modern kitchen with an amazing ocean view. The project included:

  • Interior and Exterior walls and subfloors re-engineered to eliminate view obstructing wall
  • Altered and removed walls, posts and soffits
  • Installed a Coverglass USA frameless door system
  • Installed Showplace cabinets and Silestone countertops
  • Upgraded lighting and appliances
  • Installed recessed LCD TV
  • New tile flooring extending through kitchen onto patio
  • Upgrading your kitchen cabinets in San Diego

    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: 800-568-7108

    San Diego kitchen remodeling tips

    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 800-568-7108.