Month: November 2019

Your beach house is your home-away-from-home, and it deserves to be just right. Whether you’re planning to invest in a new construction in Santa Monica or purchasing an existing property and putting your stamp on it in Malibu, there are an endless number of designs that are both beautiful and beachy. Which one you choose can depend on how you intend to use the house, how often you plan to use it and how many people will typically be staying there, and, of course, your own sense of style. Look to these five beach house design ideas for inspiration as you transform your coastal retreat into the getaway of your dreams!

Beach Bungalow

The cozy cottage-style bungalow is the perfect beach house design for the occasional weekend getaway. This style house typically features two or three bedrooms on a single floor with one or two bathrooms, at anywhere from 800 to 1800 square feet. With coastal real estate at a premium, a beach bungalow is an ideal option for those who only need to accommodate a few people at a time versus a large family. This style of home lends itself to a relaxing covered front porch with room for rocking chairs, a hammock –– and a cool drink of your choice!

Farmhouse by the Beach

A farmhouse and a beach house share a similar DNA, in that both evoke rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Perhaps that’s why the farmhouse style works so well near the beach. A coastal farmhouse-inspired home is particularly suited for Palisades, Topanga, Malibu and other coastal homeowners who live close to the beach, but also in mountainous areas that offer more acreage. This beach house design is best suited for more spacious properties, as the design features wide front porches that provide a wide view of the land. The layout of farmhouse style houses are also conducive to being expanded upon, so as your family grows, you can build out accordingly.

Contemporary Sandcastle Beach House Design

Of course, you can always go traditional. A coastal traditional design is defined by its embrace of Colonial-influenced architectural styles, such as Georgian, Victorian, and Cape Cod. If you’ve ever strolled the promenades in Manhattan Beach or Venice Beach, you know how eclectic each property is. That’s what makes beach towns so idyllic! The benefit of this style is the ability to include a mix of traditional and modern layouts on the interior of the home. Depending on your taste, your traditional coastal home can feature a more classic layout with bedrooms upstairs and living room spaces downstairs, while others feature inverted floor plans in order to maximize your coastal views.

Get Beachy with A-List Builders

At A-List Builders, we want to make your beach house design dreams come true. We offer a complete range of services, from indoor remodeling and outdoor renovations to restoration projects and estate restoration services. We’ll work with you to design the beach home you’ve always wanted, whether you have the blueprints ready to go or you still need some professional input on those competing coastal bathroom ideas. To get started on your coastal home plans, give us a call at (877)-582-7770 or shoot us a message today!

If you’re building on or very near the water, consider a low country, waterfront property style. The telltale stilts which elevate the home are more often made from concrete now, to mitigate deterioration from the elements. The designs for this style of beach house also typically features more square footage to accommodate larger families. This can also be valuable if you’re planning to generate income by using it as a rental property. With extended balconies that stretch from one side of the house to the other, you’re guaranteed incredible views, especially if you’re lucky enough to be right on the shore!

Coastal Traditional

Of course, you can always go traditional. A coastal traditional design is defined by its embrace of Colonial-influenced architectural styles, such as Georgian, Victorian, and Cape Cod. If you’ve ever strolled the promenades in Manhattan Beach or Venice Beach, you know how eclectic each property is. That’s what makes beach towns so idyllic! The benefit of this style is the ability to include a mix of traditional and modern layouts on the interior of the home. Depending on your taste, your traditional coastal home can feature a more classic layout with bedrooms upstairs and living room spaces downstairs, while others feature inverted floor plans in order to maximize your coastal views.

Get Beachy with A-List Builders

At A-List Builders, we want to make your beach house design dreams come true. We offer a complete range of services, from indoor remodeling and outdoor renovations to restoration projects and estate restoration services. We’ll work with you to design the beach home you’ve always wanted, whether you have the blueprints ready to go or you still need some professional input on those competing coastal bathroom ideas. To get started on your coastal home plans, give us a call at (877)-582-7770 or shoot us a message today!

If you’re the type who favors a more modern style, a contemporary beach home may be for you. Incorporating glass, steel, and concrete into the design can give your beach house the modern appeal you’re looking for.

A large sliding glass doors and windows, steel cable railings along the balconies, a minimalist interior aesthetic, and sharp, clean lines are the trademarks of this style. But by folding in dark wood elements and bright palms and ferns, your contemporary sandcastle can still mesh with the beachy surroundings. For the perfect contemporary-coastal bathroom idea, consider a large picture window to elevate your bathroom into a spa experience. You, or your guests can enjoy uninterrupted, private views from a soak-style tub. Contemporary style homes often feature large, open kitchens that include stainless steel appliances and state-of-the-art fixtures, bright open living and dining room spaces, and chic bathrooms. That makes this beach getaway ideal for larger groups who plan on staying a while.

Coastal Plans for Waterfront Homes

If you’re building on or very near the water, consider a low country, waterfront property style. The telltale stilts which elevate the home are more often made from concrete now, to mitigate deterioration from the elements. The designs for this style of beach house also typically features more square footage to accommodate larger families. This can also be valuable if you’re planning to generate income by using it as a rental property. With extended balconies that stretch from one side of the house to the other, you’re guaranteed incredible views, especially if you’re lucky enough to be right on the shore!

Coastal Traditional

Of course, you can always go traditional. A coastal traditional design is defined by its embrace of Colonial-influenced architectural styles, such as Georgian, Victorian, and Cape Cod. If you’ve ever strolled the promenades in Manhattan Beach or Venice Beach, you know how eclectic each property is. That’s what makes beach towns so idyllic! The benefit of this style is the ability to include a mix of traditional and modern layouts on the interior of the home. Depending on your taste, your traditional coastal home can feature a more classic layout with bedrooms upstairs and living room spaces downstairs, while others feature inverted floor plans in order to maximize your coastal views.

Get Beachy with A-List Builders

At A-List Builders, we want to make your beach house design dreams come true. We offer a complete range of services, from indoor remodeling and outdoor renovations to restoration projects and estate restoration services. We’ll work with you to design the beach home you’ve always wanted, whether you have the blueprints ready to go or you still need some professional input on those competing coastal bathroom ideas. To get started on your coastal home plans, give us a call at (877)-582-7770 or shoot us a message today!

The Age of the Roof

One of the most fundamental issues that you need to consider when buying a fixer-upper is the age and quality of the roof. First, you’ll want to determine when the roof was last replaced and what material was used, as each material has a different lifespan. For example, composition shingles need to be replaced about every 15 years, while asphalt shingles can last up to 25 years.

The chimney and any vents on the roof should also be looked at carefully, as well as the quality of the installation of the roofing materials. The integrity of these can make or break the integrity of the house overall; if moisture has been able to penetrate through the roof over time, this could seriously affect the entire structure.

Condition of the Kitchen and Baths

The condition of the kitchen and bathrooms are important when it comes to buying a house that needs renovation. While most house hunters already pay close attention to the surface-level condition of these rooms –– the style and decor, the layout, and the overall quality of the materials and appliances –– you need to look deeper to understand what’s happening below the surface. Specifically, you and your inspector should carefully examine the condition of the plumbing running through your kitchen and bathrooms to ensure it is up to code, that the water pressure is adequate, and that the faucets run both hot and cold water. Similarly, check for signs of hard water or iron-rich water around faucets, sinks, and toilets. This may appear as rust-colored stains or a scummy build-up. Kitchen and bath remodels can be significant investments when it comes to home renovation, but being able to make those upgrades using your existing plumbing can make a huge difference when it comes to your budget.

Broken Windows

Windows are an integral part to maintaining a comfortable and energy efficient home, but when you’re buying a house that requires renovation, replacing windows can be an enormous expense depending on the age, number, and style of the windows.

First, check the window frames for rot, damage, or cracking; if there is significant damage to the frame, you’ll probably need to replace these. If the frames appear to be in good shape, you may be able to get away with only replacing the glass.

Next, look for any windows that have a frosted look to them, or a build up of condensation or fog, as this could indicate that the window seal is broken. This occurs when a window pane is made from two panes of glass to enhance the insulation and the seal between those panes breaks. In addition to obscuring your view, this will cause air to leak in and out of your home, and therefore, means they need to be replaced.

Outdoor additions

The exterior space of your home shouldn’t be overlooked when you’re considering a home that will require renovations. Older homes may not have garages or storage spaces; without these spaces, you could find yourself parking your car on the street indefinitely. If the house has an elevated deck or balcony, you’ll want to carefully inspect the supports underneath to make sure they’re solid. If the property has no outdoor living spaces, such as patios or porches, it may be worth asking why. Can the foundation support the addition of an outdoor space? Are there zoning or permitting issues in play? Answering these questions sooner rather than later can save a lot of time and heartache, since the thing you would want to do is have a vision for indoor-outdoor living that you ultimately cannot execute.

Contact A-List Builders

If you’re committed to buying a house that requires renovation, you want to make sure you choose an experienced contracting service that you can trust. At A-List Builders, we have a team of dedicated designers and committed craftsmen who can guide you through the renovation process from start to finish. From indoor and outdoor remodeling to those restoration and renovation for estate properties, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free in-home consultation!

Check the ceiling for water stains

If there is a leak in your roof that is affecting your ceiling, you should focus on managing these areas first as they may pose a safety risk. When ceilings are exposed to sustained water, this can weaken their structural integrity and lead to sagging or eventual collapse. Look for water stains along your ceiling, and block off any areas underneath those spots to avoid injury. For large areas, you will likely want to consult a professional to replace the damaged portions of the ceiling and ensure that the repaired ceiling matches your existing ceiling.

Replace damaged siding

Roof problems can also lead to water damage in your external siding, as well. Ice dams and other roof problems can cause water damage to siding materials as well. Here, there is a danger of water seeping behind your siding and causing permanent damage to more vulnerable materials underneath, such as unsealed wood. Be sure to have the affected siding removed or replaced before it begins to rot.

Address any plumbing issues

If the source of the damage is related to plumbing, and especially if you notice a consistent pooling of water that seems to be difficult to stem, you will need to contact a professional plumber to ensure that the problem is addressed quickly. To identify whether or not your water damage is related to plumbing, first turn off the water at the source. If you still see a leak, drip, or pooling of water, the plumbing may not be the problem. However, if you notice that turning off the water at the source does provide temporary relief, you can pass this information along to your plumber so that the issue is identified and addressed more quickly.

Remove any mildew or mold

One of the serious long-term consequences of a leaky roof is the potential build up mildew or mold. Both mildew and mold thrive in damp, humid conditions, and once it begins to grow in a section of your house, it can quickly spread through the vents and air ducts. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can cause health issues, especially for people who may be susceptible to respiratory conditions such as asthma. You’ll want to use specialty cleaning products to kill the mold and prevent it from spreading further. Any parts of the home, including the ceilings, walls, or framing that are severely infected may need to be removed and replaced completely.

Reach out to A-List Builders

If you’re looking for a trusted fire and water damage restoration company in Southern California, contact A-List Builders. We provide complete restoration services, including home restorations related to water damage and roofing, fire damage, natural disasters, and more. Our team can work with you to rebuild your roof so that it meets code requirements and even offer suggestions to prevent future water-related issues. We also work with you to maintain your project after it’s complete to ensure long-term success.

To get started, reach out to us at [email protected] or give us a call today at (877)-582-7770.

Indoor-Outdoor Living Ideas for Cool Nights: Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Sure, the sunny days in SoCal keep temperatures comfortably warm, but the nights can be pretty cool, especially in the winter months. That’s where your outdoor fireplace or fire pit can come in handy. This cozy addition enables you to enjoy your outdoor living room all year long. You’ll need to make a few decisions about your fireplace, including whether you want it to be wood-burning or gas. Gas is the safer and more convenient option, but you will need to work with a contractor to run the gas line to your outdoor living area. There are also fireplace and fire pit options that double as cooking units or pizza ovens, so if part of your outdoor experience involves firing up some food, this may be the right choice for you. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider a round wood burning fire pit or a simple chiminea.

Hardscaping and Landscaping

The hardscaping and landscaping of your indoor-outdoor living room can make all the difference when it comes to feeling like the space is truly an extension of the home. When you hardscape your yard with the intention of creating an indoor-outdoor space, it is important that the design elements integrate with your home to create a smooth transition. This can be achieved through the materials you choose and the landscaping choices you make. Hardscaping and landscaping services may include standard excavating and removing old materials, working with designers and architects with experience in executing outdoor living space ideas, and the installation of new hardscaping using materials such as concrete, bricks, hardwood, and stone.

Full Glass Sunroom

A full glass sunroom is another way to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors but with four-season protection from the elements. Sometimes called conservatories or solariums, these rooms allow you to appreciate the sense of the outdoors even when its raining or during the coldest of months. Another benefit of sunrooms is that they enable you to extend the growing season of certain plants that may otherwise be at risk if left fully exposed outside.

Choose Indoor-Outdoor Experts

When you want the ultimate in indoor-outdoor Southern California living, choose A-List Builders. Our team of designers and contractors work with you from start to finish to develop unique indoor-outdoor living ideas that integrate beautifully into your existing home or home renovation project. From plans and permits to the final punch-list and complete home remodeling to suit your ideal lifestyle, we’ll be there to give you the home of your dreams. If you’re ready to live the Southern California lifestyle to the fullest with an indoor-outdoor living room, reach out to us online or give us a call at (877)-582-7770.