Best Time to Remodel

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One of the first things people look at when considering when to remodel is the temperature outside. For those on the East Coast or Mid West the Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and that’s no time to have any of your home exposed to the elements. However, if you’re remodeling your kitchen, a bathroom or a bedroom then you have more options. Here are some other things to consider…

Cost of materials: Buying Winter clothes in June or July will often mean heavy discounts, and the same thing is true of many materials. It’s not necessarily a seasonal thing, like clothing, but it’s more of a matter of supply and demand. It makes sense to purchase materials when they’re cheapest, so planning ahead for remodeling work will allow you to monitor the pricing of the materials you need.

Busyness of Contractors: When contractors are extremely busy they inevitably can devote less attention to your project. It’s similar to going to a restaurant during the dinner rush; you have to wait your turn. It doesn’t necessarily mean the service isn’t “up to snuff,” but it just means that it’s more ideal to be the focal point of your contractor. Also, during the busy season, you’ll have to work more with your contractor on start dates, since they have to juggle multiple projects, whereas in the non-busy season, you can have more of a say when the project starts.

Keep in mind that not all contractors are created equal. The best contractors will help you find the best deals on the highest quality materials. The best contractors will also provide the same excellent service no matter how busy they are. To learn more about what to look for in a general contractor click here.

If you want to talk to an experienced general contractor in San Diego then contact Greyhound General today, or call 800-568-7108.

Fall & Winter Home Maintenance Tips

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I recently posted an article about how to inspect your roof for the Fall. In that article I touched on a few tips to keep in mind when examining how your roof is holding up. In this article I’d like to bring up some basic tips Fall maintenance.

It’s probably too late for people on the East Coast and Mid West follow these tips and provide time for adequate repairs, because many have seen snow already and temperatures are likely to fall about 30 degrees in the next month. For those of you in San Diego, there’s no need to panic! While Winter is cooler, it is fairly mind, and late October is a perfect time to examine your house.

1) Examine your roof/ gutters/ downspouts for debris: It’s very important to keep your gutters and downspout clear of all debris, including pine needles, leaves and dirt. Pay close attention if you have trees surrounding your house. Also check the flashing around your chimney, as well as skylights, to make sure there are no leaves built up and no leaks.

2) Change your filters: If you have central AC, remember to change the filter regularly. Check your stove vents and clothes dryer vents as well. Cleaning your vents will help keep your family healthier in the Fall and Winter, when people are more likely to get sick.

3) Prepare your fireplace: Remember to always discard old ashes and make sure the damper is open when using the chimney, so that air can move freely through the chimney. Make sure the damper is working properly by checking the handle and springs to see if it opens and closes properly. When not in use, close the damper to keep cold air out. Also, consider a chimney cleaning every few years, if not more frequently based on your use.

4) Examine your hot water heater: If the area you live has hard water then it’s likely that there’s sediment building up in your hot water tank. Consider draining your hot water tank and making sure that there is no rust build up. If there is rust, consider buying a new hot water heater that is more cost effective and energy efficient.

5) Check windows & doors for drafts: Start by investigating around all windows to make sure that the seal and caulking around the window frames are in good condition. Check the front, back and side doors to see if air is getting in underneath. There are cheap, temporary fixes such as rubber draft stoppers and even bean bag blockers that can easily be pushed away when you need to leave the house. Another temporary fix is to add heavy drapery around a particularly drafty window.

6) Store seasonal outdoor furniture: In San Diego, you’re in a different boat than the rest of the country with this tip. That being said, outdoor furniture can still deteriorate even in the mild Winters. Rain can do a lot of damage to furniture, so consider either investing in a cover for your furniture or finding a cool, dry place to store it when the rain picks up.

I left off several other tips, but they’re aimed at folks who own homes where it snows. Make sure to always inspect you home in the late Summer or Fall, regardless of the temperature. Making it a habit will help you spot issues early on, and give you time to fix any potential problems.

If you have any questions about home maintenance tips, or you’d like to learn more about San Diego home remodeling, then contact Greyhound General at 800-568-7108.

Living Room Remodeling

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One of the seldom discussed home remodeling jobs is the living room remodel. We spend so much time upgrading our kitchens and remodeling our bathrooms that we overlook one of the main areas where family and friends gather. Often times the living room is the biggest room in the house. The living room is sometimes considered the formal “sitting” room, with the family room being the main place to sit and watch TV and congregate.

Whether you call it a living room, family room, den or rumpus room it’s a very important part of your home. Upgrading your living room doesn’t need to cost you tens of thousands of dollars. There are many elements to the living room that can be upgraded on a much smaller scale, without the work of a general contractor.

In most cases you’ll want to at least consult a general contractor about your ideas. Expanding your room, knocking down a wall, and adding new flooring & walls are just a few of the things that most homeowners need a general contractor to do.

If you’re looking to spruce up the focal point of your home, here are a few things to focus on before you make any decisions:

1) What’s going in your living room: Obviously there will be furniture, but do you really like the furniture? Even if you do, does it go with your overall vision of the room? Get rid of all items that clutter the room as you’ll want to start with the basics to see if additional or replacement pieces of furniture are needed.

2) Assess the floor, ceiling and walls: Do you currently have carpet, but would prefer hardwood? Are the walls and ceiling the right colors? Are the light fixtures the right style? These are things you’ll have to ask yourself. You can even throw some paint test patches up to see if a color sample translates well onto the wall.

3) Check online for living room styles that you like: the Internet has a plethora of home design ideas. I recommend you do your research online to see how others are improving their living room. Sites such as hgtv.com (Home & Garden TV) have tons of ideas, tips and photos.

4) Select a focal point for the room: The focal point can be an object, such as a large painting, or it can simply be a wall or patterned fabric. Whatever your focal point is, other items in the room should compliment it and reinforce the color palette.

5) Consult a general contractor: You don’t necessarily need to get to step 5 to contact a general contractor, but it helps to have an idea or vision for your living room first. Of course, you don’t necessarily need a contractor to improve your living room look. Sure, you can paint the room on your own, but if you’re planning to replace flooring, wall or ceiling fixtures, expand the room, or install a stereo or electrical outlets then it is a good idea to contract a home remodeling contractor.

6) Final steps: Once the remodeling work is complete, you’ll then want to paint and add in the new flooring. This is also a good time to change any light fixtures. Once the painting is complete the crown molding comes next. One tip for crown molding is to match it to existing trim, or simply paint it white to match the ceiling.

7) Add in accessories: Time to finish up the job by putting up all decorative pieces, including artwork and window treatments. Set up the TV and surround sound (if you have one), and remember to choose a nice entertainment center to hide wires. Also, it’s not a bad idea to place some items, such as board games, blankets, and other miscellaneous items in a trunk, so they don’t clutter up the room.

If you’re looking for an experienced San Diego living room remodeling contractor then look no further than Greyhound General. To learn more about how we can help with your next remodeling project contact us today, or simply call us at 800-568-7108.

Get Your Home Ready for Fall: Check Your Roof

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With the coming of the Fall season most people can expect more rain, even in sunny San Diego. Now is a good time to check your roof to make sure it can withstand the elements in the Fall and coming Winter months. If you’ve owned your home for over 30 years and have never replaced the roof, now would be a good time to inspect it.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when inspecting your roof:

1) Some materials last longer than others: Asphalt shingles sometime need to be replaced as early as 15 years after installation, and certainly by year 30, while wood shingles and rubber tiles can last anywhere for 30 to 50 years. Of the more durable roofing materials, metal can last at least 50 years, and slate, one of the most expensive materials, usually lasts the lifetime of the house.

2) Are shingles coming loose? Missing or loose shingles can expose your roof and home directly to inclement weather. This is one of the leading reasons for water damage to homes.

3) Are there curled or buckled shingles? Curled shingles occur when hot air from the attic force the shingles to curl away from the home. They are also a sign of inadequate roof ventilation and they will cause your roof to wear out more quickly. Buckled shingles, on the other hand, occur when hot air from an attic forces shingles to buckle away from the home. Buckled shingles, like curled shingles, cannot adequately protect your home.

4) Algae: You can spot algae from the dark streaks clinging to your roof. Algae can grow for long periods of time, and in addition to being unsightly and difficult to remove, it could mean that your roof may have other issues that need to be inspected by a professional.

5) Mold: More difficult to detect than algae, mold can be spotted by looking at the ceiling of your attic. Often times mold is a result of water leaking into your attic. If you discover mold in your attic you need to remove it immediately.

There are several other things you should look for on your roof, including proper ventilation, intact flashing and granule loss. It is important to be aware of any visible problem signs, as well as the age of your roof. Even if you see no warning signs it is important to have your roof inspected by a professional as you near the end of the average lifetime for the materials used on your roof.

If you’re looking to learn more about replacing your roof or remodeling your attic then contact San Diego roof remodeling contractor Greyhound General today, or call 800-568-7108.

What to Look For in a General Contractor

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Finding a home remodeling contractor can be an arduous task. It takes time to review all the potential candidates for the job, get bids and make the final decision. However, it can be a lot less painful if you have a plan coming in.

Here are the steps you should take when evaluating a contractor for a potential job:

1) Determine the need or want for the remodel- Have you been saving for this remodel? Have you prepped any area for a potential remodel? Your answers don’t necessarily need to be “yes” for either of these questions, but you should know right away that remodeling jobs cost thousands of dollars, so prioritize your finances. I would not recommend financing the remodel unless it is a need, or unless you get a low rate on a loan you can pay back relatively quickly.

2) Do some basic online research for price ranges and determine your budget- If you’ve taken the next step and decided that this is a priority then do a little research to figure out a ball park for the remodeling job as best you can. Indoor areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms, have concrete square footage, so they’re easier to estimate.

3) Do a little more research online to find a few companies that you’d like to ask to give you a bid- If you’re satisfied that the ballpark is within your budget then start to research companies online. Find a handful online and start to go through their website. Do they have…

Also, make sure they’re licensed contractors, carry workers compensation and are fully insured. You can research that information in your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs website. Here’s a link to California’s website.

Finally, check out their online reviews. Then start to narrow your candidates down.

4) Call at least 3 contractors who you’ve narrowed down in your research to come and give you an estimate– Between the time you called each one and the estimate make sure you have examined their website and reviews in more detail. Also take note of:

how quickly they responded to your phone call or email
how quickly an estimate was scheduled
how courteous they were throughout the process
how thorough the estimate process was

5) Evaluate each bid– This is often the most difficult part of the process. You need to keep in mind that price shouldn’t be the determining factor. Trust your instincts, and if you felt good about the way you’ve been treated by a certain company above others, then you should go with your gut. Just make sure that you’ve had a chance to speak with at least one former client of the contractor who had similar work done. This will ensure that the testimonials and reviews are all inline.

Remember, choosing a general contractor is not an quick process. It’s like buying a car; you need to do your research and take your time evaluating your options. The good news is that most contractors don’t operate like used car salesmen. With sufficient research you should be able to quickly narrow down your candidates and make a decision.

If you’re in the San Diego area and looking for a quality home remodeling company then contact
San Diego general contractor Greyhound General for a free estimate, or simply call 800-568-7108.

Basement Remodeling Tips & Ideas

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Does your home have an unfinished basement that you want to remodel? If so, there are many things you’ll want to consider. Expect questions like “Do we have room for this?” and “Will this work for us?” to come up often. That’s why having an experienced San Diego basement remodeling contractor, like Greyhound General, is so important. Greyhound can walk you through each phase of the work, helping you explore all your basement options.

Here are some things to consider before remodeling your basement that Greyhound will discuss with you:

Designing your space: No, I don’t mean on graphing paper. I mean digitally on a computer program. Greyhound’s architects can help you map out how to best utilize every square foot of your basement
How do I factor in windows, doors, outlets, plumbing into my design?: You need to decide the best locations for the placement of these items, and having a licensed architect will help.
Can I re-route my water pipes or ductwork?: Yes, even older homes can have both pipes and ducts re-routed. Precautions nee to be taken, but it is possible.
What type of ceiling should I use?: The great debate now with basement remodeling is whether to use drop or drywall ceilings. Both have their advantages, drop ceilings give you more access and drywall ceilings can cover up pipes & wires, so you’ll need an experienced contractor to help you with this decision.
Can I add a bedroom?: Of course, but state law requires that in order to be a habitable living space there must be an egress, a way to get out of the basement other than using the stairs. If you have a walk out basement you don’t need to worry, but if not, then you will be required to put in an egress window.

There are so many different things you can do with your finished basement, such as adding a:

game or theater room
fitness center
bar
home office
bedroom
bathroom
storage
and much more…

If you have any questions or you’re looking for an experienced San Diego basement remodeling contractor then contact Greyhound General today, or call 800-568-7108.

Bedroom Remodeling Ideas

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Whether you’d like to add on to your existing home or remodel your master suite, bedroom remodeling can be quite a chore. Thankfully, if you hire a professional the job can be timely and stress-free. Since the bedroom should be one of the most relaxing and comfortable places in your home, you need to make sure that everything from the ground up reflects this comfort.

Here are some areas to focus on with your remodeling contractor in order to ensure maximum comfort in your new bedroom:

1) Size of the room: If you’re adding on to your home you’ll need to talk to an architect about how much room around your house you can sacrifice to add this new bedroom. If you’re simply combining two bedrooms or enlarging a second story bedroom you’ll still need the help of an architect to make sure the dimensions are accurate.

2) Flooring: Carpet or Hardwood? This can be a tough choice because carpet provides a softness and warmth, while hardwood provides style and elegance. Your might base you decision on the flooring for the rest of the house, or you can simply disregard the rest of the house and make your newly remodeled room different. Your contractor should advise you on the best options.

3) Crown Molding & Trim: Nothing says style and elegance quite like very nice crown molding and trim. You can review all the styles and options with your contractor.

4) Walls: Paint or wallpaper? Or both? Like flooring, this can be a difficult decision. Remember that lighter and softer colors make the room appear more well-lit and inviting, which is exactly what you want in a bedroom.

If you considering a bedroom addition or remodeling an existing bedroom there are a lot of tough choices to make. However, if you have the right general contractor to help these decisions can be a lot easier to make. More importantly, a full service general contractor will walk you through all the steps for the project, including permits, architectural analysis, and much more.

If you’re in the San Diego area and you’re considering a bedroom addition or a bedroom remodel then contact Greyhound General today or call 800-568-7108.

San Diego Deck Remodeling

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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

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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

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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.