Author Archives: Dave Jovin

Tips for adding a second story to your San Diego home

So you’ve determined that it is better for you to remodel your home vs. move. Maybe you have an elder loved one moving in, a son or daughter moving back in or you just want to upgrade your master bedroom or add a hobby/rumpus room. Whatever the case, there are a few things to consider before you make any decision.
1) Make sure you have the space: Map out in your head, or on paper, roughly the area that you’d like to expand on. You’ll surely go into much more detail later with the help of an architect, but you can at least make sure that the project is feasible.
2) Get approval from local authorities: In most places, a permit is required to add a second story to your home. You’ll have to submit a design plan, so you might want to swap step 2 and 3 if you don’t have a detailed plan in place.
3) Find a general contractor: A very important step. Consider general contractors with architects and plenty of references. They will be able to tell you right away if the project is doable, and then help you get the permit if you haven’t already done so.
4) Structural considerations: Your general contractor will need to assess the foundation of the house to verify if it can hold a second story.
5) Creating a detailed design: This is where an architect is essential. They will need to consider everything from the stairway to the plumbing, electrical wiring, and heater/AC duct placement.
6) Choose the materials you’d like to use: This is where you determine all the costs for everything, including new slab, flooring, roofing, plumbing, and everything else.
7) Pick a date and get started: You’ll want to pick a time frame where there’s little to no chance of rain because the roof will be the first thing removed from the home. You may want to consider relocating during construction, depending on the size of the project.

The steps mentioned above can be switched around a bit, depending on your home and the scope of your project. The important thing to remember is that you will need to budget for this, you’ll need a permit, you’ll need a detailed blueprint of the project, and you’ll need a highly qualified general contractor with an architect.

If you’re in the San Diego or Orange county area and considering a second story addition, contact Greyhound General to learn more about your options. Or call 800-568-7108.

What are the best countertops for your kitchen?

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A while back I wote an article about how to upgrade your kitchen on a tight budget. In the article I outline some very basic ideas for sprucing up your kitchen without having to spend tens of thousands for a complete remodel. I want to go into a little more detail in this article about the countertops selection. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen on your own, or you are having a general contractor take care of it, you need to educate your self on the pros and cons of each possibility. As you’ll see below, I’ve broken up your options into low end, middle and high end.

Low end
Laminates:
Pros: inexpensive ($35-$45 per sq. foot); fairly easy to clean
Cons: very cheap; not heat resistant; easily damaged, scratched or chipped; porous
Consensus: avoid laminates unless all you care about is cost
Ceramic Tile:
Pros: cost; heat resistant; can get creative with the tile; can be a do-it-yourself project
Cons: grout; can be hard to clean; needs to be resealed often; can crack
Consensus: Ceramic tile allows you to get creative when installing it, but be very careful about the grout installation and making sure it stays sealed
Middle
Solid surface:
Pros: durability; sand-ability
Cons: appearance
Consensus: Not cheap, but not as expensive as stainless steel or granite. It’s all man-made material that can easily be sanded if scratched or gouged. A decent solution, but nothing to write home about
High end
Natural or engineered stone:
Pros: appearance
Cons: somewhat expensive ($50-$100 per sq. feet), natural stone (granite, quartz, slate) can be porous, while engineered stone holds up better
Consensus: If you’re looking to sell your home or give your kitchen a more sleek and elegant look then definitely consider stone
Stainless Steel:
Pros: appearance
Cons: expensive, questionable durability, may stain or corrode without significant care or maintenance
Consensus: Even pricier than stone ($100-$200 per sq. foot). Unless you love this look and are ready to maintain it (or sell your home), stone may give you more “bang for your buck”
Concrete:
Pros: can get extremely creative with colors and texturing; truly a custom look
Cons: expensive (up to $100 per sq. foot); very porous
Consensus: While you can be as creative as your mind desires with concrete, I don’t recommend concrete as a countertop for anything but outdoor kitchens.

It is important do your research when deciding on a countertop. The best countertop for your kitchen depends on your exact needs. Consulting with a well-established, professional general contractor is also a great idea. For more information on kitchen remodeling in San Diego contact San Diego kitchen remodeler Greyhound General today, or call 800-568-7108.

Remodel your home vs. moving

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If you’re looking to upgrade your home you have two options, remodel or move. It’s no surprise that in a down economy most people are opting to remodel rather than move. Even if the price tag on a home that would be considered an upgrade over you existing home has dropped, there are usually a lot more costs involved in moving (not to mention time and stress). There are many reasons why remodeling is a better idea than moving:

You can customize your home to your exact needs and wants. If if you find a great deal on another home, it will likely have several elements that you wish were different. When you remodel you have the final say.
Moving is a stressful experience. While a home remodel can takes months and cause some stress, moving involves packing everything, renting a truck, hiring movers and much more. All of this is added stress. This is only amplified if you have children who are along for the ride.
Moving requires you to leave your neighborhood.
If you have children, moving may require them to switch school districts. This may not always be the case, but the idea of switching schools can be stressful for both the parents and the children.
Remodeling is a better use of your money. Even if you find that sweet deal on a home you’re likely to spend somewhere between 8-10% of your home’s value when you sell it on moving expenses, broker fees and closing costs. If you sell your home for $500,000 and $50,000 is allocated to these fees, that’s $50,000 that could have completely remodeled your kitchen!
Remodeling allows you to take advantage of tax incentives. The Obama first time home buyer tax credit has come and gone, but there are still tax deductible remodeling expenses that you can take advantage of. Adding solar panels, a solar water heater, or geothermal heat pumps are all things that are tax deductible.

To learn more about the different options that you have when remodeling your home contact Greyhound General today, or call 800-568-7108 for a free estimate.

Installing an outdoor pool in San Diego (a great idea)

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It’s almost summer, and for many of us that means BBQs, parties and pools! The weather is heating up and there’s no better way to cool off than in a pool. While temperatures in San Diego stay pretty constant throughout the year, there’s arguably no better time to install that dream outdoor pool than in the Spring time, right before Summer starts.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re looking to add a new pool to your backyard (or front yard):

Make sure you have enough space (around): seems self explanatory, but you need to give yourself an extra 20 feet around the entire perimeter of the pool. You’ll want to account for accessories like slides, a diving board, and sheds, as well as a walk way.
Make sure you have enough space (above & below): Watch out for overhead telephone lines or electrical wires, as well as underneath septic systems, sewer lines or electrical cables.
Keep the wind out: Choose a space where there is not much wind, as wind will lead to more water evaporation.
Find a sunny area: Stay away from trees as they’ll lead to more leaves getting in the pool. This will also keep the pool temperature up.
Pick the right general contractor: The right general contractor will help you confirm the zoning regulations, obtain permits, pick the right pool and install the right circulation system.
If you’re considering installing an outdoor pool to compliment your San Diego home, consider an experienced general contractor like Greyhound General. Contact Greyhound General today at 800-568-7108.

2010 is a great time to remodel your San Diego home

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While the economy has shown some life in the first quarter of 2010, there is still a ton of room for recovery. Even the housing market, which in some areas of the country have improved, is still projected to bottom out over the next few years. While many speculate on when the economy will recover, one thing’s for sure, there are deals to be had if you’re looking to remodel your home.

In this economy, you can expect to find that most bids will be at least 10 percent lower than they were two years ago. It’s important to always get multiple bids when shopping for the right general contractor. If these are established companies, the bids should all fall between 5-10% of each other. Be wary of unproven or contractors who don’t have the following:

proof of contractor’s license
proof or insurance and workman’s compensation
a clean record with the Better Business Bureau
a clean history with sites like ripoffreport.com
testimonials with previous client’s phone numbers
photos, videos and addresses of previous work

2010 is a great time to remodel your home in San Diego. Contact Greyhound General today for a free estimate, or call 800-568-7108.

Importance of an architect when remodeling your home

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So you’ve decided that you need to remodel your home. You’ve received several detailed estimates and met with many contractors about the project. However, you might have a lingering question looming over your head…Do I need an architect for this? The answer more than likely is yes! There are several reasons why architects are important.

For starters, architects are experts in their field. The are licensed professionals who have been thoroughly trained in their field. Their work must be held to a high standard because they are responsible for the safety of any project they approve. Architects also can help provide clarity for the project as a whole. Unlike homeowners, who can sometimes get caught up in various details, architects take into account everything: the homeowner’s needs, their budget, their timeline for completion, necessary materials, necessary permits, and space requirements. An architect can help you define your goals with the project and outline all the necessary steps to go from start to finish with any project. They have the ability to combine both a structural mindset with an aesthetic mindset. Utilizing an architect will ensure all permits and documents are secured and on time. Most importantly, architects help ensure that your vision is transformed into a reality.

An architect can help a home remodeling project run much more smoothly. When considering which general contractor to use for the project you should look to one that has architects on its team. If you’re in the greater San Diego area and in need of a home remodeling contractor with an architect on its staff then look no further than Greyhound General. Contact Greyhound General today for a free estimate, or call 800-568-7108.

How to make your San Diego home green

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“Going green” has been the hottest trend for the past few years. We always hear about ways that we can “go green.” Whether it’s using paper instead of plastic at the grocery store, driving less, or simply recycling more, green is everywhere. For homeowners there are many opportunities to go green. Here are a few simple ideas to make your home greener:
1) Invest in CFLs: This is the first step in improving you carbon footprint, and reducing your energy bills. Switch out your light bulbs from standard incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Start by changing the most frequently used light bulbs and you’ll start to notice a difference in your energy bill within a year. They might be more costly than regular light bulbs, but they last longer and cut down on your energy bills.
2) Insulate your walls and attic: By preventing heat from leaving your house during the winter or entering your house during the summer you’ll use less energy to heat or coll the house. When considering installing insulation the installation itself is much more important that the material used. All types of insulation (fiberglass, cellulose and most foam) will reduce heat conduction of your walls, if installed properly.
3) Replace the windows: Old and leaky windows often allow heat to enter and escape, driving up energy bills. Consider installing new energy-efficient windows or at least upgrading your windows with weatherstripping.
4) Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Appliances count for a significant size of nearly every home’s energy bill. Consider replacing your old water heater, dishwasher and refrigerator. Older refrigerators are typically the least energy efficient appliance. Also, consider whether or not you need that second refrigerator.
5) Plant a tree (or two): Even if you have bad insulation, you can help save energy by planting trees in your yard. This will provide more shade and save energy. Consider using deciduous trees planted on the west side of the house.
6) Go solar…and get tax benefits: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides tax benefits for those who upgrade their home in 2010. The tax benefit can cover up to 30% of these home improvements. Consider a solar hot-water system, geothermal heat pumps, or solar panels to heat your pool.

While there are many simple things homeowners can do to go green, the process can be overwhelming. If you are considering remodeling a portion of your home and you are concerned about it being as energy efficient as possible then consider a San Diego green contractor, Greyhound General. Contact Greyhound General today for information about making your home green.

Tips for upgrading your backyard

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In a previous post, Outdoor Kitchen Remodeling and Design- the newest trend, I mentioned a few ideas for building an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are great for families that like to have family and friends over to cook and entertain outside. However, there are several things you can do as a home owner to remodel and improve your backyard before you even consider that amazing outdoor kitchen.

For starters you may want to consider:

Upgrading the lighting- Improving the light can brighten your backyard and make it more inviting
Improve the landscaping- This could be fairly easy or a huge project. Planting flowers in an empty flower bed is a good start. Re-sodding your law and plating trees and shrubs is a bit more labor intensive. If you want to go all out you can consider stone walkways and water fountains
Replace the deck- Decks can last a long time if they are properly constructed and maintained. It is always a good idea to restain or repaint your deck every year or so to preserve it. If there is rotting then you may be able to simply replace some of the wood. However, if there is significant rotting you’ll want to replace the deck entirely
Utilize a tool shed- Unless your garage is exceptionally organized you might want to consider a tool shed. This especially true if you’re using you garage to park in or for more than just tool storage. These sheds can be found in many different sizes and materials for as little as $200-$300

Of course, you may just be in need of a total backyard makeover. Maybe you’re looking to add that guest cottage to the backyard you’ve been dreaming of, or maybe you want to add that new deck with the hot tub. Whatever the case, San Diego general contractor, Greyhound General can help you with more than just your home and kitchen remodeling needs. Contact Greyhound today for a free estimate, or call 800-568-7108.

How to turn your bathroom into a spa

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The bathroom is perhaps the most important room in your house for relaxing. However, it is often neglected by home owners who seem to look to upgrade their kitchen, back yard, or other areas before they think to remodel their bathroom. The amenities available in the bathroom today rival those you’ll find in the kitchen. Whirlpool jacuzzi tubs, granite counter tops, and heated towel racks are just a few of the plush features you can add to your bathroom. Of course, there are a few things you can do to spruce up your bathroom before you’re ready to remodel:

Improve the scents and colors of the room- throw a fresh coat of paint up, preferably soothing colors, and invest in some scented candles to set the mood right
Buy new towels- thick, soft towels feel great and you can match their color to the other colors of the bathroom
Heat those new towels- a towel radiator will keep your towels nice and toasty, and you can find one for only a few hundred dollars
Add some music- bring in a portable radio to the bathroom

If you really want to transform your bathroom you might want to consider remodeling your entire bathroom. Remodeling your bathroom gives you the flexibility to add or remove walls, play with the dimensions of the room, upgrade the sink and toilet, and much more. This could free up space for that new stone steam shower room you’ve been dreaming about. You might also want to consider upgrading the tub to a jacuzzi-like tub with jets. Replacing tile, the sink and the vanity mirror are also important elements of a bathroom remodel. Of course, if you decide to remodel your bathroom don’t forget to consider the simple tips mentioned above to add a finishing touch to your beautiful new bathroom.

If you are in the San Diego area and you’re considering remodeling your bathroom you should call award winning home remodeler Greyhound General at 800-568-7108. Contact Greyhound General today.

Greyhound Helps Non Profit – Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding

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Greyhound General is no stranger to giving. They have donated their time and money to many organizations over the years. One non profit that they are particularly fond of is Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding, in Missoula, Montana. Bitterroot is a program that helps children and adults who have physical handicaps, mental disabilities, and other ailments improve balance, build confidence, and build social skills. This is done through horseback riding. This type of therapy has existed for decades and has been proven to be an excellent form of therapy for people of all ages and abilities.

Bitterroot employs only NAHRA certified instructors, as well as trained volunteers. Bitterroot is known for helping children and adults in the western Montana area; however, they are asking for charitable donations from people from all over. Any amount of donation would be greatly appreciated, as every dollar goes to helping keep this incredibly valuable program alive. Please visit the Bitterroot website for more information on becoming a sponsor and donating. Or you can call (406) 961-2999.

In these tough economic times, it is often the non-profits that suffer the most. Please reach out to Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding. Any donation helps and is greatly appreciated.