How to Add a Bathroom

The number of bathrooms in a home can really make or break the home’s overall functionality for its inhabitants. But before you put your house on the market to look for a new one with that extra bathroom....read more

5 Things a General Contractor Can Build for You

You’ve spent an entire weekend poring over home decorating magazines and clicking on pretty before and after pictures on the Internet. You are starting to think it is finally time to embark on that remodeling project you’ve been dreaming about. The question is: Will you hire someone, or do it yourself? The answer has a lot to do with the scope of the project. Consider how much time and expertise the project will require, as well as things like local licensing, permits and insurance. While you might be OK doing small projects on your own, for bigger undertakings you will want to hire a general contractor.

Deck additions are a good example of something a contractor should build for you. A deck needs to be solidly constructed to bear the weight of whatever is going to be sitting on it. An experienced general contractor will know how to properly support the deck and how to make it look beautiful.

Attics and basements often end up being unused space in older homes, but a good contractor can build a bedroom into one of these areas. Bedroom areas are often subject to strict building and safety codes, so you will want someone who knows what they are doing.

A man cave, granny flat or whatever else you want to call it is a small outbuilding for lounging or living. While many local building and zoning codes do allow for this type of structure, an accomplished general contractor can probably build one for you in a shorter time than you would be able to manage on your own, while also taking care of all the necessary permits and licenses.

Rooftop additions can be a tricky business because you have to be sure that the lower-level structure can handle the added weight of a second story. If your dream renovations involve something like this, hire someone who can engineer the project for safety and efficiency.

Building a garage is another project where hiring a general contractor is your safest bet. New construction often involves land surveys, plan approvals and the hiring and managing of subcontractors like plumbers or electricians. This is not the type of task the average homeowner is prepared to take on. Instead, hire someone with the knowledge, skills and experience to do it right the first time.

Take the headache out of remodeling your home by contracting with someone who is qualified to oversee the entire project. Visit this website to find an experienced home construction contractor in Poway.

Concrete Cleanliness

Natural, resort-like bathing fixtures have become popular additions to everyday homes, such as this shower stall made of concrete. It comes complete with built-in shelving and edging appropriate for storage or sitting.

Why You Should Have Your Foundation Inspected Annually

Inspecting your foundation should be a yearly event. An expert will be able to pinpoint signs of water damage, pest problems and structural issues.Here is what an inspector will look for.

Exterior Inspection

• Foundation Cracks – The inspector will examine and measure any cracks or holes in the foundation. If cracks are wider than ¼ inch, this could be a sign of a structural problem. Even if they aren’t that large, openings could be letting water and pests into your home.

• Drainage – Measuring the gradient around your home is important. If drainage is poor, rainfall will accumulate against the structure, which could leak into your home.

• Landscaping – Large trees love water, which could cause the soil around your house to contract. Over time, this could cause the foundation to move up and down, causing cracking and buckling.

Interior Inspection

• Cracks – The inspector will check your house for signs of foundation movement. This includes cracks around door frames and windows.

• Framing – An inspection of the framing in the attic might indicate if the foundation has shifted. Also, windows and doors that don’t open and close properly could be a sign of problems.

• Plumbing – Plumbing leaks can damage a foundation. A damaged pipe beneath a slab foundation can cause the soil to shift, which might impact the structure above it.

Fixing problems when they are small will save you money and headaches in the future. If you are interested in scheduling an inspection, visit this website to contact a qualified foundation repair contractor in San Diego.

What to Do When You Need a Room Addition

There are many reasons people add new rooms to their homes, from the arrival of a new baby to simply needing more space. Building room additions is a complex and involved process, one which requires a good amount of planning even if you do not plan to handle any construction on your own. Here’s what you need to consider before expanding your home.

Legal Concerns

Just as if you were building a whole new house, there’s a good chance you’ll need to first obtain permits and handle tasks like submitting building plans to your local governing bodies. In many cases, you must gain approval prior to beginning work, so do yourself a favor and do a little research before making any hard commitments.

Hire the Right People

Unless you’re a truly capable do-it-yourself type, hiring a professional contractor is highly advisable when it comes to large-scale projects like this. New rooms involve more than just nails and two-by-fours: there’s ventilation, electrical wiring, plumbing and plenty of other factors to consider, making it prudent to hire the right help. Make sure to read up on contractors in your area to learn about jobs they have completed locally, their clients’ levels of satisfaction and other such pertinent information.

To find a quality home construction contractor in Poway, please visit this website.

10 Homes of the Future ... Today

What does the phrase "home of the future" mean? Does it indicate a home with more technology? Very energy efficient? Or one that just has that certain je ne sais quoi that screams....read more

Three Types of Patterns You Can Create With Decorative Concrete

Many homeowners and businesses are using decorative concrete to enhance their properties. From a cobblestone driveway to a stone patio, textured concrete looks realistic, is easy to maintain and is an economical solution. Here are three ways you can use decorative concrete.

1. Staining – Instead of applying a color to the concrete, a mixture of acid, metallic salts and other materials are applied to the surface. This creates a chemical reaction that changes the composition and the color of the concrete. The result is a surface that mimics marble or stone.

2. Stamping – Stamped concrete emulates pavers or natural stone. It can be shaped, textured and colored to complement any landscaping or architectural design. The most popular patterns include ashlar slate and cobblestone. Stamped concrete is popular for patios, driveways and entryways.

3. Stenciling – Stenciled concrete also imitates stone without the high installation cost and maintenance. A precut stencil containing wax is set into concrete after it is laid. Color hardener is cast over the concrete and a release agent is applied. After it is textured and dried, the result is a durable brick or stone finish. More realistic than stamped concrete, this look is ideal for driveways, stairs, patios and walkways. Stencils are also available in decorative patterns, such as rosettes and compasses.

These affordable solutions will enable you to obtain a fresh new look around your home or business. If you would like to explore the possibilities of decorative concrete in Poway area, visit our website.