Remodeling your home can be beneficial to you and the environment. You can make your home eco-friendly in countless ways. Sometimes you’re going green without even realizing it!
Did you know that if you have single pane windows you may be losing up to 50% of your heating and cooling? Changing your windows to energy efficient models can not only save energy but it can make a significant difference in your heating and cooling bill, essentially saving you money, too! If that isn’t enough, they can also improve the resale value of your home!
LEDs are extremely energy efficient. Did you know they consume up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs? Since LEDs use a fraction of the energy of an incandescent light bulb you will see a dramatic decrease in power costs! Also, due to the long LED lifespan, you will save money and energy in maintenance and replacement costs.
Insulation is beneficial year-round. It keeps your home cool on hot days and hot on cool days. Many people think insulation is used solely to retain the heat in their homes. Homeowners can actually reduce their energy bills by up to 25% during summer, and almost 50% during winter simply by upgrading or retrofitting insulation into their homes! Also, the Government regards cavity wall insulation as one of the most effective energy savings measures that most people can carry out on their homes and apart from saving money it’s a major contributor to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas. So not only are you saving money but you are saving the earth, too!
Xeriscape is a common landscaping technique that uses water-efficient plants. Xeriscaping is especially beneficial in drought-stricken portions of the country, like Southern California. Did you know that by Xeriscaping, you can reduce your landscape’s water usage by 50 – 75%? It is estimated that houses that chose Xeriscaping saved up to 120 gallons of water a day! Xeriscaping has environmental and financial benefits and if that’s not enough it is extremely low-maintenance. By reducing the amount of water you use, you are also reducing your water bill and your ecological footprint. Sounds like a win-win to us!
Did you know that exterior coating from increases your home’s resistance to UV rays, lowers your maintenance workload, and prevents the hassle of constant repairs and repainting? California being one of the 3 sunniest states in the nation makes this quiet beneficial. It can also decrease your energy consumption by an average of 22% during summer! The biggest difference between texture coating and cheap paint is the frequency of maintenance. With paint, you encounter cracking and peeling but, with a professional installation of texture coating, you don’t have to worry about either of those!
You can make your bathroom Green in a few simple ways. First off, by replacing outdated features with modern and energy efficient baths, toilets and sinks you can save immense amounts of water. The EPA estimated that if 1 in 10 homes upgraded their bathrooms with energy efficient fixtures, we would save over 70 billion gallons of water and $1.5 Billion worth of energy costs. So not only are you saving money but you are reducing your ecological footprint. If that’s not enough, remodeling your bathroom also increases the value of your home anywhere from 54-65 percent!
Skylights enliven a house dramatically while cutting down the need for artificial light. They also provide a variety of physical, psychological, and financial benefits. Because Skylights reduce your dependency of artificial lighting, they reduce the use of electricity by as much as 10% and lower your heating bill! You also may have potential tax advantages and credits by installing ENERGY STAR® qualified products. Natural lighting can also lessen the production of harmful bacteria and fungus that buildup in damp areas. Well-lit homes provide homeowners with healthier, more enjoyable, and more attractive living spaces so call today if you want to liven up your home!
Remodeling your kitchen is one improvement that produces many benefits. Given that the kitchen is one of the most trafficked rooms in a home, you want it to suit your needs. Many outdated kitchens are cluttered because homeowners wanted their appliances within an arms reach. Nowadays, this can be uncomfortable so creating an open layout is a great way to declutter one of the most popular rooms in your home! Most homeowners that have outdated kitchens tend to eat out, but with a new kitchen, many are found to regain their passion for cooking! Remodeling your kitchen has financial benefits as well. Those who decide to invest in their kitchens see a 75-100% return on their investment! Also, by updating the appliances and lighting, not only will you reduce your energy and water costs, but you will be saving the environment while doing so!
The majority of homeowners today see few benefits in replacing their roof so they tend not to unless they absolutely have to. Not only does replacing your roof give your home a face-lift, but it has financial benefits as well. With an average ROI of 67-70%, new roofs are actually one of the best home improvement projects around. Did you know that realtors estimate that as much as 40% of your home’s curb appeal is directly linked to your roof? A new roof helps your HVAC system work more efficiently which saves you energy and ultimately, money. Also, knowing that your roof will withstand the elements and hardships of Mother Nature will give you some peace of mind. As you can see there are countless benefits to replacing your roof!
There are a number of different ways to heat your home when the temperature drops. One increasingly popular option for homeowners is radiant floor heating. The warm surfaces significantly reduce the rate of heat loss from the occupants, allowing most to feel comfortable at room temperatures 3 to 5 degrees fahrenheit lower than with other heating methods. Heated floors also significantly reduce the rate of heat loss from your feet and legs. Another benefit of radiant heating systems is that they don’t circulate allergens throughout your home. Another strength of a radiant heating system is its ability to deliver heat without noise. Radiant heat systems have a proven record of reduced energy usage relative to other forms of heating. Although some projects have shown savings in excess of 50%, a more conservative estimate is 10 to 20% in savings.
Remodeling your driveway not only enhances the overall appearance of your home, but it increases the value as well! Tired of ugly oil stains? By using paver sealer, you can prevent stains that can easily occur from oil leaks, spills or rubber. Remodeling your driveway can be beneficial to the environment as well! By replacing your impervious asphalt or concrete driveway with a permeable surface, you will be redirecting stormwater into the ground which is a much greener option. This allows microorganisms in the soil to digest the pollutants, purifying the water on its path back into the aquifer. So not only are you improving the overall look of your home, which ultimately increases the value, but you are saving our planet while doing so!
Choosing the right contractor can make the difference between a successful home renovation project and a disaster. Here are some tips on hiring not just a contractor, but the right contractor.
The right person for the job will be easy to talk to. Make sure you see eye to eye by hiring a contractor that understands your goals and has experience in the type of job you are looking for. Communication is key for all projects, so insist on regular contact by email, phone or text messages. Allow the work crew to manage their day-to-day work, but set up a weekly face-to-face update from the foreman.
Ask your contractor for his or her recommendations on how the project should take place. In the long run, is it worth cutting corners for a temporary fix? The lowest bid is not always the best. Request a written description of the materials necessary for the job. A low bid may indicate that a contractor uses sub-par materials or is desperate for work. The more accurate bid is likely somewhere in the middle.
Abbreviations behind your contractor’s name can represent certifications from national trade organizations. These indicate that the company belongs to certain organizations that bind them to a strict code of ethics. Such memberships, titles and abbreviations include certified graduate remodeler (CGR), certified aging in place specialist (CAPS), local Building Industry Association membership (BIA) and National Association of Home Builders membership (NAHB). Also, insist on hiring a licensed, bonded and insured contractor. This is a must. Otherwise, as the property owner you are liable if a member of the work crew gets injured on the job.
Your contract should include: detailed time frames, the total cost, payment arrangements, your contractor’s license number, project description, names of parties involved and how to handle additional costs if necessary. Be cautious; if you are not given a timeline for the job to be completed, this may indicate the contractor has several current jobs and may not complete your job in a timely manner. Keep track of all-important information as well by keeping job-related documents such as contracts, payments and receipts in one place. Record key contact information for everyone working on your project.
If necessary, break the project down into multiple phases. Although this may increase the total cost due to repetitious start-up expenses and inflation, it may also be a better option for you to spread out the cost over time. Homeowners can often save money by doing somel tasks on their own, such as cleaning and painting.
Know what permits are required and what regulations need to be followed for your remodeling project. Your contractor or architect should be responsible for applying for and acquiring all necessary permits. Don’t be passive, however; ask for information. Know what’s going on behind the scenes. The cost of the job will increase if the contractor is surprised by outdated wiring or other concealed budget busters.
Before a job begins, make sure your home is prepared. That includes having an area where workers can store their tools, and sealing the site’s entry point.
• Select your colors and finishes before the painter arrives to save time.
• Review sample materials to make sure you are happy with them.
• Don’t forget to make space for the crew. Allow them to keep their supplies and equipment on site. The more organized and accessible these items are, the faster they will be able to do their work.
Try to avoid any potential loss. Remove any valuables or easily damaged items from the work site.
• Prevent dust accumulation by sealing the entry point with plastic sheeting and blue painter’s tape.
• Finally, have a “go-to-guy.” Pick someone to be the key contact between the contractor and the family. This will help keep communication clean and clear to avoid confusion.
For more information go to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor
Knowing when a permit is necessary can save you a tremendous amount of money and stress. Pulling permits for the necessary renovations is imminent for quite a few reasons. Most projects that require a permit, do so for a reason. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry! Accidents happen, permits are there to ensure none of these are construction related. Also, just because you slid under the radar now, doesn’t mean you will in the future. Unpermitted work will catch up with you one way or another.
Ignoring local approval requirements not only poses safety and legal problems but also can potentially derail an otherwise smooth sale, should you try to sell your home. When selling your home, you must disclose the permits, any unpermitted work can be subject to demolition.
Also, without pulling the proper permits, you can’t ensure you are getting quality work. We’ve seen and heard of numerous horror stories due to this. Without the necessary permits, you won’t know if your contractor did a good job until a few months down the line when the project falls apart. Don’t let that happen to you! This is easily avoidable, all you need to do is make sure you have the necessary permits!
So when is a permit necessary?
The IBC (International Building Code) is a uniform code that has been adopted throughout most of the United States.
A permit is always required for any addition or structural modification to your existing living space. A permit is required for electrical modifications, plumbing work, window modifications that enlarge openings and for mechanical system installations.
A permit is also required if you are modifying the roof line of your home. Sewer modifications, major demolitions and added fireplaces are other examples of work that typically requires a permit.
When is a permit unnecessary?
A permit usually isn’t required for interior cosmetic changes like new carpet, hardwood flooring, new paint, paneling and the installation of trim like crown molding, baseboard, and casing.
Depending on where you live, certain permits may be required. Always check your city requirements before proceeding with the project.
What permits may be necessary?
Exterior work such as adding a deck, cutting down trees and building new fences or retaining walls are all elements that may or may not require a permit depending on design, location and the extent of the work.
Exterior work on your home, like repairing siding and repainting, may or may not require a permit and can only be determined in context with the rules of your community.
Replacing light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and appliances are all examples of work that historically did not require a permit but now may technically require one in some cases.
A-List Builders is always here to serve you, whether you are looking for more information on a project you are considering, looking for a free price quote or are ready to get your project started A- List Builders is here for you. A-List Builders takes pride in constantly updating our website with new relevant and impactful information that will help you understand nearly anything you would need to know before, during and after a home improvement project.
Getting direct information is usually the best way to get started! Reach out to us and we will listen to exactly what you want with your project and we can help you understand the scope of the project, get an estimate for its cost and give you options on how to take your project to the next level. Call us directly via phone at 1-800-582-7770 or via email at [email protected]
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While we continue to see uncertainty with the Los Angeles stay-at-home orders, our customers' and teams' safety is our number one priority. Deemed an essential service, we are still working closely with our clients on their remodeling projects, all while practicing caution as outlined by the Building & Safety Departments Guidelines.
As we continue to adapt to these changes, we are happy to discuss your project via phone assessments & remote consultations when necessary. We are changing our approach as this situation evolves, and we are committed to providing the best service possible.
Please contact us or call us at (877) 582-7770 to get the conversation started.