Author: Ben Marciano

What to Know About Residential Building Permits in Los Angeles

Much like the city that shares its name, Los Angeles County can be overwhelming and intimidating—particularly when it comes to residential building permits. Countless building codes paired with a long and sometimes difficult permit process are off-putting for many looking to build their dream home or add space and functionality to their current residence. 

Here’s what LA residents should know about building and garage conversion permits before pursuing their next home renovation project. When you’re finally ready to get started, simplify the process by contacting A-List Builders. We’re here to help with permitting, designing, building, and more. Book your free consultation in just minutes.

Interior vs. Exterior Renovations

If your dream home makeover plans require adding exterior structures to your home, chances are Los Angeles County will require a residential building permit. The Public Works Department is required to inspect construction plans that could pose potential flood or storm drain issues later on. If a hazard is discovered, your petition for a building permit may be declined by LA County and your plans will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Superficial renovation plans like painting your home typically do not require a permit, but always check with your HOA for any additional restrictions there. Similarly, most interior remodeling jobs don’t require permits. Opening your kitchen floor plan or revamping your bathroom doesn’t need special permissions unless features like plumbing or electrical are involved.

Remodel vs. New Construction

If you’re building a new house from the ground up or remodeling your garage or basement, the depth of work required to actualize your plans will affect whether you’ll need a residential building permit from LA County. 

Permits are necessary for work involving:

• Heavy construction equipment
• Underground storage tanks
• Plumbing and electrical
• Roads, driveways, and walkways

A significant remodel like converting an old existing structure into an accessory dwelling unit will require a series of permits, particularly if you want to make the space livable with HVAC, power outlets, or running water. For example, a garage conversion permit is a must in Los Angeles when transforming your old garage into a fully-functional guest house.

Completely new constructions require a slew of permissions before work can begin. The amount of time it takes to get your residential building permits approved by Los Angeles County can also be impacted by the location you wish you build on. Water accessibility, historical landmark status, zoning guidelines, and other environmental factors play a major role. 

Be Safe, Not Sorry

If your project involves remodeling the structure of your residence in any way, your project needs to be approved by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. LADBS can inform homeowners of necessary building permits in LA County before you get too invested in your remodel. 

Err on the side of caution by contacting LADBS to avoid costly legal issues later. Unpermitted work can lower the value of your home or result in increased fees. If the work later needs to be removed or adjusted, the county will do so at the homeowner’s expense.

Additionally, speaking with your HOA is a great idea. No one wants to go through the process of getting a residential building permit from the Los Angeles County office only to find out there are community restrictions that might destroy your plans.

Let Us Help

Starting your next home renovation project is hassle-free with A-List Builders. As a top-rated design-build construction company, we are the experts on building permits for Los Angeles County. Schedule your free consultation through our website or over the phone, and work with professionals who will collaborate with you from concept to execution. Your home is your sanctuary and remodeling it shouldn’t be a stressful inconvenience. Know that when you’re working with A-List Builders, you’re getting quality craftsmanship and customer service. Get in touch today.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, an investor, or a long time homeowner, bad home renovations can really put a kink in your plans. Giving your home a facelift can be exciting and daunting at the same time. Maybe you are renovating to create your “forever” home or maybe you have the intent to sell again. Either way, a renovation gone wrong will undoubtedly derail your plans and could land you in some hot water.

To keep you from pulling your hair out, we at A-List Builders have put together some common renovation mistakes to avoid, that will increase your home’s overall resale value.

No License? No Bonding? No Insurance? No Way!

Let’s face it – you get what you pay for. Sometimes settling on the lowest bid is not the best choice and may lead to a bad home renovation by under qualified contractors. Chances are, the quoted price will be easier on your wallet initially, but may come with a hefty price tag later when you’re trying to sell and have to pay (again) for shoddy workmanship. There is no substitute for good professional help with design and construction to prevent renovation mistakes. You will find that hiring a properly licensed, bonded, and insured company for your renovations will be worth every dollar.

Hire An Unbiased Eye

Lavish upgrades that stand out like a sore thumb with the surrounding environment will not work to your favor and is a mistake that should be avoided. On most residential blocks, more bling does not equal more cha-ching, and may be one of the many renovation mistakes to avoid. Quirky home customizations are not always appreciated by the masses and place high on the list of bad home renovations.

Just because your house is worth considerably more than the surrounding majority, does not mean you will get more than the average market value when you go to sell. It is always a great idea to hire an unbiased, professional eye for an in-home consultation to decide on a strategy.

Saving Energy Is Always Trending

Who doesn’t love to save money? Installing energy efficient upgrades is the way of the future. You cannot go wrong with investing in solar panels, or a drought tolerant landscape for the yard. Renovation mistakes include inefficiency. Don’t forget that replacing original windows with eco-friendly windows is a great way to save more on utility bills. Saving energy is never a bad home renovation decision and will be lucrative in the end.

Don’t Forget About The Outdoors

In Los Angeles, it’s crucial to consider how indoor-outdoor living spaces enhance the appeal and functionality of your property. By improving your yard and outdoor ambience, you can boost your home’s value and better enjoy your entire square footage. An enclosed or exterior patio is a great way to add extra recreational space to your house. It will never be a renovation mistake to create a place for enjoying cookouts and parties with family and friends. Having an outdoor deck installed is a great way to get a little fancy with your upgrade design. Consider a hot tub or fire pit to enjoy Southern California’s night-time weather year-round, as well.

Be Smart About Who You Hire

Besides costing you an obscene amount of money, a bad home renovation can cause great distress in your life. Make sure you are avoiding common renovation mistakes and that you are only increasing your home’s value, not diminishing. Ready to take your renovation ideas to the next level? Contact A-List Builders today for your no cost, no obligation, in-home consultation.

A complete home renovation is a dream for many homeowners. Most people wouldn’t hesitate to add more luxury and personality to their property. But larger estate and family property owners have to decide if property renovation is the right move when their home has so much history and character. And upon making that decision, how do you get started, and when is it a good idea to hire a property renovation specialist? While there will be some challenges, one thing is clear — a complete home renovation takes preparation, time, and being prepared for a surprise or two doesn’t hurt!

Preparation is Key

Your estate property’s complete home renovation is going to be a large and demanding project, and you certainly won’t want to pick an arbitrary place in the house to start and spontaneously go from there, especially in a home rich with history. Preparation is key. Every nook and cranny in every room must be accounted for from the beginning.

Hiring experts makes the process easy from start to finish. Your team will outline their plans before the work begins, and provide a tentative schedule so you know what to expect. Because challenges are inevitable, setting a course in the beginning makes a huge difference in the long run.

Cost/Budget

Your complete home renovation is an investment, and therefore requires a budget. Remember that when you have a team of property renovation specialists by your side, you are far more likely to make the most of your money. They will guide you through every step of the process and offer expert insight into every big decision, and there will be many as you proceed. When you have professionals in your corner, their experience can be highly valuable.

Also remember to give your budget some leeway. Plans are inevitably going to change throughout the complete home renovation process and while a budget can give you a good ballpark figure, be prepared for the initial numbers to change at least once, and quite possibly more often, so be prepared to expand the budget as needed. In fact, take the original number you come up with and add 20%. This will prepare you for any additional costs.

Partial vs. Complete Renovation

You have two options when it comes to property renovation for your estate or family home: partial or complete. Remember that in an older home like an estate, the difference between a newly-renovated space and an original space will be noticeable. The solution to this dilemma would be to consider a complete home renovation, rather than a partial one. Certain rooms like bathrooms renovate tastefully and can accurately depict original architecture in an estate or family property. It’s amazing what can be done with these beautiful properties! Working with property renovation specialist allows you find balance between the original details of your estate property, while updating to suit modern living. We at A-List Builders have experience tailoring complete home renovations to vintage styles and tastes.

Indoors/Outdoors

Indoor remodels improve the functionality and livability of your home such as a renovated kitchen, bathroom, or flooring, Consider adding rooms to your estate property, which is a popular option for many property owners. A complete home renovation could include revamping your outdoor areas as well. Many estate property owners find that an overhaul on gutters, landscaping, and exterior walls will ultimately serve their property renovation projects well.

Why Use Property Renovation Specialists

When it comes to estates and family properties, you’re working with a delicate home that needs a good amount of TLC.

When it comes to maintaining the integrity of your estate property, your renovation specialists will put forth all the care the home requires. Because of the nature of a complete home renovation and how big of a job it is, we highly recommend this practice. Our team has experience completely renovating estate homes and we enjoy giving you our best results.

Working with Your Renovation Contractors & Staff

It’s important to stay engaged in the process with your property renovation specialists. Asking questions, offering suggestions, and being involved are critical. Estate property renovations, being older and rich with history, tend to be more successful when there are fewer last-minute changes. Because your specialists will be working with older foundations and materials, a clear vision will help.

Planning Your Complete Home Renovation

Our luxury design-build experts are ready to talk to you and/or your estate manager about your goals for your property. We take care of everything from concept to completion to bring your property dreams to life. Contact us today and you’ll be in touch with one of our team members.

If you have been searching for luxury home upgrades that add value to your home, look no further. Although, there are many kinds of upgrades that can be done to any property to add value, we’ve put together eight luxury upgrades that are sure to put you and your property ahead of the pack.

Energy Consumption Is Passe

Modern trends are leaning more and more towards eco-friendly, energy-efficient upgrades. Everyone is looking to save on utilities. Modifying your house to be more environmentally friendly, or “green,” is a luxury home upgrade that adds immediate value to your home. Consider solar panels for electricity to add extra value to your home. Consider replacing aged windows and entryways with eco-friendly windows and doors to save on heating and cooling. Drought-tolerant landscaping is another functional way to make your yard look gorgeous and perform efficiently.

Make Your Home “Smart”

Converting your home to a “smart” home is not just a fad, it is the way of the future. This forward-thinking investment will definitely impact you home’s value moving forward. Being able to control lighting, heating/cooling, and security features with the ease of a mobile device is a clever luxury home upgrade. The ability to zone conditioned air using a “smart” thermostat is another positive selling point for the new homebuyer.

More Space = More Money

Is there such a thing as too much space? Not for the modern-day family. Current and potential homeowners place a high value on plenty of space. Adding an addition to your home is an excellent way to add more worth to your property. Even adding a 1000 sq.ft. bedroom is a luxury home upgrade that will have an enormous impact.

The Basement Isn’t Just For Storage Anymore

Maybe you want to work with what you already have. Make your home worth more by finishing the basement. You can easily make this room the coolest in the house; temperature wise or with a game room. Hiring a professional design and remodel company to make this space luxuriously livable can recoup around 70% of it’s costs at the time of resale.

Extend Your Luxury Living To The Outdoors

Turn your outdoors into your own private entertaining venue or spa oasis. Your luxury home upgrades do not have to end where your interior living space does. A custom patio is an excellent way to extend your living room to the outdoors. Deck remodels are a fantastic way to add excellent craftsmanship to your inviting outdoor area. Incorporating a pool or hot tub into the mix are home upgrades that are sure to add value. Don’t forget the landscaping and hardscaping to turn your yard into that oasis you’ve been dreaming about.

Open It Up

No one likes to feel closed in, so start thinking about luxurious open-floor design concepts. Maximizing a home’s interior is a luxury home upgrade that will add long lasting value to your property. Don’t go grabbing your sledgehammer yet. Load-bearing walls need to be kept in mind so as not to compromise your structure’s integrity. A-List Builders has got you covered and will alleviate any guesswork for you.

Don’t Forget To Look Down

One home upgrade that adds value, is right under your feet. Long gone are the days of wall to wall carpeting. A necessary luxury home upgrade is trading worn carpet out for gorgeous, functional, flooring. Not only does carpet trap bacteria, dirt, and odor, but it stains easily. Giving your floor a luxurious facelift is a great way to make any room stand out.  Customize a floor’s stain or finish to change the ambience while adding dollar signs.

What’s On The Outside Counts

First impressions are made at first sight, and are often based upon a structure’s outside aesthetics. Remodeling the exterior wall covering is a luxury home upgrade that will transform the appearance of your home, instantly. Nothing will turn heads faster than a stunning exterior. A-List Builders will ensure the correct coating is used for your home’s unique exterior surface. Whether your architectural plans are ready to go or you are looking for a custom design by knowledgeable professionals, contact our full-service home renovators to handle all your remodeling needs, so you don’t have to.

If you are thinking about renovating a house, the age of the home is a major factor in developing the plans for this overhaul. Old house remodels take a special touch when renovating. Old homes were built before modern day building standards were in effect. They were also built of different materials and from a different kind of contractor than your average modern day track home. Thus requiring extra care and a little more effort than your everyday fixer-upper.

Is fixing up an older home worth it? It depends on the project and what your long-term goals are for the property. Home renovation tips are a little different when it comes to reconstructing the bare bones of an old house. Here is some advice to keep in mind so that your endeavours are not in vain and your health stays intact.

What You Need to Know About Old House Remodels

Outdated House Systems

Old homes have antiquated major house systems, as opposed to the modern building appliances that you are probably used to seeing. Your heating/cooling, plumbing, roof, exterior, and electric systems will need to be considered when planning your major update. An important home renovation tip when redoing any major house system, is to always seek further evaluation from a qualified professional before you go cutting wires and replacing roofs.

Health Risks

If your house is truly old, chances are, it is full of unsafe materials like lead and asbestos. For your health, you should have your home’s paint tested for lead so you know what dangers you are working with. You should also watch out for a white substance you see in the home’s building materials while renovating. Unfortunately, asbestos was used frequently in the construction of older homes. Please remember this home renovation tip: never attempt to remove asbestos on your own. It is highly dangerous to your health, if disturbed. An abatement company will need to be called for removal.

Unavailable Materials

You may run into building material problems. Sometimes the materials used to build your home are no longer available. Old house remodels may require you to visit an architectural salvage store or other similar reuse/recycle centers. If you are looking for original materials, be ready to pay the price. It can get expensive to find the real thing.

Multiple Owners or Generational Ownership

Your house is old, so you know it has changed ownership a few dozen times in its life, or it’s been your family’s ownership for generations without much change. A home renovation tip to keep in mind is to allow wiggle room in you budget for unforeseen corrections that may need to be made. A lot of times, while renovating, you will come across the haunting handy work that a past owner has left behind. This usually involves unapproved methods and almost always involves budget-friendly techniques.

For Homeowners Looking To Completely Renovate

It’s best to err on the side of caution with your allowed time to complete your project. Old house remodels tend to take some time, if done properly. Make sure you budget much more time and money for your home renovation than you think you need. A home renovation tip and a good rule of thumb to practice, is to set aside a contingency account for unexpected problems and changes that will most likely occur with such a project. This will help alleviate some of the stress that can come along with major renovations. Electrical wiring and plumbing problems are common in older homes. If your house was built before 1960, galvanized pipes were used for both interior plumbing and sewer lines. They tend to get clogged and corrode over time. A good home renovation tip to consider when replacing old plumbing, is to exchange the galvanized pipes for PVC or copper. Additionally, the property’s electrical system will need to be brought up to code to avoid major safety issues.

All renovations done by a licensed, qualified company will need to be brought up to standards. Meaning all receptacles will need to be updated to GFCI and possibly AFCI protection. Smoke and CO2 combination detectors will also need to be installed in every room on every floor, including the garage.

Tips For Property Managers

If you currently manage an old property or are renovating one to eventually manage in the future, maintenance is the key to your success. All old homes need continual maintenance to keep the whole home system working properly. Proper exterior covering protection and a solid roof system are any buildings first defense. The most overlooked home renovation tip is to always ensure proper ventilation. This will prevent mold and moisture issues, which is your home’s mortal enemy. Inform your tenants to keep their bathroom windows open, unless you decide to install mechanical venting. During an old house remodel, make sure not to overlook the things you can’t see. Seek help from a professional design and remodeling company who can help you find or recreate the look and feel you are looking for.

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

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

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.