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Design trends mirror the past...

A new decade will this be OUR roaring twenties? History influences architectural style like it does fashion. It has reflected different sentiments through-out the years. The roaring twenties, of the past, was a period of political and social change, cities became more popular (than farms) and it was a time of more wealth. People also were protesting the establishment by dressing, entertaining and dancing like never before.

A lot of our popular design trends, today, echo some of the trends from the 1920’s.

Top 5 ways to avoid being a home horror story - 01

Have a trusted professional for your home, like you have a family doctor-Have a family contractor because in an emergency you are vulnerable to being taken advantage of...use professional associations like NARI or UHA (United Handyman Association).

Do your due diligence if remodeling, building or repairing...just because you like someone and they are saying all the right things does not mean you shouldn't check their references, licensing, insurance and bonding Through the state license board you can find out if they are licensed, insured/ bonded and if there are any complaints against them. Check with their former clients, see their work. Make sure there suppliers are getting paid. They will know if a contractor has left a string of unhappy clients.

Top 5 ways to avoid being a home horror story - 02

Have a trusted professional for your home, like you have a family doctor

Do your due diligence if remodeling, building or repairing, just because you like someone and they are saying all the right things does not mean you shouldn't check their references, licensing, insurance and bonding.

Have things in writing the contract, the job specifics, the payment schedule. In California, never give anyone more than $1000.00 or 10% of total project whichever is less and make sure there is a final payment owing to be due upon final walk through after punch list.

Top 5 ways to avoid being a home horror story - 03 (Maurer story)

Have a trusted professional for your home, like you have a family doctor-Have a family contractor because in an emergency you are vulnerable to being taken advantage of...use professional associations like NARI or UHA (united handyman association).
Brings us to our second story...DeSoto

Do your due diligence if remodeling, building or repairing..just because you like someone and they are saying all the right things does not mean you shouldn't check their references, licensing, insurance and bonding through the state license board you can find out if they are licensed, insured and bonded and /or if there are any complaints against them. Check with their former clients, see their work.
Virginia...I have a client who did all the right things got a referral from a trusted source, checked references and still ended up with an unfinished project that she already paid for...

Costs vs Values 2016

It's closing day, congratulations. Break open a bottle of champagne and enjoy. Ready to renovate? Before you pound that first nail, always look ahead to your home's resale value. Certain modifications give better resale value than others.

High Value

Because a remodel has a predicted high resale value doesn't mean it actually will turn over a profit or even break even at sale. Despite your best efforts, market forces often conspire against you, bringing you formerly "high value" projects into the red. Still, it's good to start on a good foot, and these projects tend to look the most attractive to buyers.

Eichler Owners

Let's Do This.... We have mentioned them, mentioned the people, who "live in glass houses" EICHLERS-what exactly is an Eichler –who is (or was) Joe Eichler and why are they as popular, if not, more popular today and finally let's talk real estate-the numbers. What is the value of an Eichler and why?

What is an Eichler?

We have all seen them and wondered about those "weird" houses with the flat roofs and no front windows clustered around the bay area that seem to trigger a strong response -people either love them like crazy or hate them with a passion. All the glass, but the energy bills, the radiant heat (which is so smart) and the radiant heat which is in the concrete floor (not so easy), bringing the outdoors in but no windows at the front of the house. To many they are a nod to nostalgia; the first housing developments that incorporated the new technologies of the 50's; plywood, Formica and stainless steel. To others it is the love of modern, simple, clean design.

Luxury Living

What are the appealing designs and features now?

Can you incorporate some into your home and will it add value??

Well friends I am here to tell you that size no longer matters

In fact many McMansion owners are now downsizing for what is inside the home, the character of the home and of course Location.

They are looking to bring family and friends closer together again. To have an area that is comfortable to be in and that you don't need roller skates to get around.

Remodeling 101

Anyone here looking at Remodeling? What are you thinking about doing? It gets overwhelming right, where do I start, do I look at tile? cabinets ? do I call an architect? Do I need an architect? What do I need?

How to you get from your seed of an idea to a completed project that works for you and your lifestyle.

Pull pictures out of magazines or on-line-Houzz, pinterest and put it in a file. Create a wish list of the items you need, the items you want and the items you would love to have. If you are inclined sketch out some idea's of your thoughts, go to design centers, cabinet shops, tile stores-don't buy just look at their displays. Now what...you have these ideas but have no idea of what is a reasonable cost or who to contact to move forward.

The Hidden Cost of Home Ownership

For most people their largest investment is their home, so it makes sense to do everything that you can to protect your investment from deterioration, pests and wear and tear.

Protecting the structural integrity of your home.

Regular maintenance that will make you home more comfortable, safer and energy efficient.

A well-cared for home stands out in the neighborhood and that's important when it comes time to sell, making the sale easier and /or brings in a higher sales price