A recent article written by one of our San Diego Remodeling competitors states that if a company offers a free design, you will get what you pay for, and also claims that the fees are hidden in the overall cost.  This makes no sense, since many design/build contractors have their own licensed architect on staff, the homeowner is under no obligation, and a firm price including all fees is quoted up front.

In the same article, this San Diego Home Remodeling company claims that they provide specific costs for six different concepts at the first meeting with clients.  It is obvious that the homeowner pays for that in the price of construction.  Do you really need 6 different designs?  If the contractor listens to your needs and budget, a well developed plan will be presented to you the first time. You will also have the opportunity to actively contribute to any modifications

San Diego Home Remodeling companies that charge for a design, do so in order to take the buyer off the street by collecting a sizable non-refundable fee.  Typically the retainer agreement states that the design is property of the contractor.  This gives the builder all the leverage because if the price comes in too high, and the homeowner decides not to complete the project, they lose considerable time and/or their investment.

Paying for design work gives you no guarantee that your budgetary goals will be met nor does it prevent the contractor from increasing the price by issuing change orders as the plans and scope of work is developed or during construction.

Frequently homeowners tell us they paid a design fee, and the price escalated out of affordability.  Even though they paid a fee, the design remained in the hands of the contractor.

For home remodeling in San Diego, I recommend choosing a company that will provide you a no cost design and an accurate quote.  The company should have a licensed architect on staff to further develop the space plan, elevations, structural and construction details.  You are an active participant in this process, and approve every step.

When it comes to building or renovating your home, you won’t get very far without the correct permits in place. It is essential that you acquire the right ones, not only under city law, but also for you and your family’s safety. (Image Source)

The city of San Diego regulates construction for the safety of all residents, as well as for the preservation of certain areas of this great county. Visit the City of San Diego website for more detailed information and guidelines on how to obtain the appropriate permits, or contact them at dsdweb@sandiego.gov.

What types of permits are there?

There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction: structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and combination, which are generally obtained for single-family homes and other small projects. Most residential projects require a combination permit.

What types of construction require a permit?

Complete demolition, relocation of buildings, and new construction always require a permit, and they generally require a combination permit that covers the structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical components of your project.  Certain types of renovations require permits.

What home improvements don’t require a permit?

Any superficial changes to your home do not require permits. If you are merely painting, or redecorating, permits are generally unnecessary. Fences up to six feet high, as well as platforms, decks, and walkways up to thirty inches high do not require permits. General plumbing, electrical, or mechanical repair work such as adjusting or replacing faucets, switches, and linings does not require a permit.

Minor work permits:

There are types of minor home improvements that only require permits, but can be issued easily through the Inspection Services Office. If you need to move an electrical outlet, or install a water heater, this is the type of permit for you. Contact the city’s Inspection Services Office at (858) 492-5070.

If you are planning to pursue a home improvement project, be sure to have a licensed design build contractor, architect or designer draft the plans for your project first.   With properly drafted and engineered plans the necessary permits can be obtained easily.  Your contractor should be responsible to call and pass all the required inspections.

Scam artists are always thinking of new ways to squeeze more money out of honest people and run away without doing any work. Being the victim of such a crime is a horrible experience and you can prevent an incident by knowing in advance what the current home renovation scams are and avoid them all together. Here are eight well known scams that you should watch out for. (Image Source)

Payment First, Work Later: A true sign of a scam is when the contractor asks for payment upfront before he has done any of the work. Although it sounds like an obvious rip-off, many people are caught up in the heat of the moment and will end up agreeing to pay in full for the job before construction has begun. There is a very high chance that the person will take the money and run. Unless you know the guy personally, close the door on them and find a reputable contractor to bid on the job.

One Time Only Sale: The oldest trick in the book for a business is to offer someone a, “one-time only” special that will never be available again. The tactic puts a lot of pressure on the customer to make an immediate decision, which usually ends up being a bad one. Trust your instincts and realize that there will always be another sale. Instead of making a decision, let the contractor know you will wait until you receive other bids for the job. The person might seem angry at the time, but if they really want your business they will come back again with another sale.

No Credentials: The best way to pick out a scam artist from the crowd is by checking their credentials. Even if you trust the person, always ask for a reference and possibly take a look at their previous work. Make sure they are an actual licensed and insured contractor before ever getting started. You can contact the local license board and Better Business Bureau for trustworthy information about any contractor’s credentials.

Loan Financing Assistance: One of the scariest scams happening to normal people looking for a home renovation is when the contractor helps them set up a loan that is actually a cover for stealing your money, securing kickbacks, or even transferring the deed on your house. They will be enticing with their offer, like an extremely low interest rate for a large loan, but do not ever go through your contractor for a loan. Always use your personal bank for a home renovation loan, refinancing, etc. If you think your contractor is legitimate, at least have a lawyer look over the paperwork to be sure you are not being duped.

“Take my word for it”: When you are ready to undergo an expensive home renovation, never trust someone’s “word.” Always triple check the paperwork and make sure that everything that was verbally agreed upon is actually written down, legally binding the contractor to the promised work. You will be very disappointed if you depended on simple trust in the beginning and in the end the renovation was only half complete with the contractor nowhere to be found.

Leftover Supplies or Working Nearby: Scam artists know that people trust their neighbors and will play on that weakness to get you to use them for a renovation job. The person will simply walk up and knock on your door, offering to give you a steep discount on the leftover supplies from their job down the street or a slick deal since they are already working in the neighborhood. The offers might sound great, but tell the guy you will take a look at their work and solicit other bids for your project before committing to his offer. Generally speaking, contractors doing cold calls to your door like this are never reputable contractors to begin with. An honest company waits for customers to seek them out through trustworthy channels.

Fake Contractor: If a contractor shows up to bid on your job and has an unmarked truck, an out-of-state license plate, or doesn’t even have proper tools, be sure to check their credentials before you ever let them inside your home. The person can be a robber trying to get inside your house to see what valuables they can steal. A few common offers (from an unknown contractor) that are known to be scams include driveway sealant, chimney repair, hot tar roofing, and duct cleaning. If you need these services, call a reputable source to bid on the job.

New Problem During Work: A scam that often goes unnoticed is when a contractor will be half way through the job and notice that there is a major problem that needs to be fixed before continuing the work. They will give you a new quote for payment and materials to do the extra work and if you don’t know exactly what to look for, you will simply agree to fix the new “problem.” Often, there is no real problem and the person is simply trying to scam you for more money. During tough economic times, some companies will add even small problems to the bill that you usually wouldn’t look too much into. Don’t be fooled, ask an unbiased third party to take a look and offer their advice on the issue. Even if you do end up needing the work done, at least you know for sure you are not being ripped off.

Wintertime is often associated with rising heating bills, as homeowners do their best to keep out the cold. However, there are a number of tricks that may help you beat both the winter chill and leave your pocketbook intact. San Diego residents can rely on various methods to keep themselves and their families comfortable, with many of them requiring just some simple home maintenance and materials. Once you have taken these steps, you will be amazed at the difference they can make in driving energy costs down.

Improving home insulation is one idea you may want to consider, as it is likely to cut your energy bills in half or perhaps even more. Extra insulation can be applied to many areas of a home, such as outside walls, attics, basement walls and more. The material one chooses is up to them, though the most popular among builders are cellulose and fiberglass. Professionals can be hired for this project, which will, of course, add to the expense but eventually save money, time, and hassles in the long run. Home insulation is one of the smartest ways to both keep home temperatures up and bills down. (Image Source)

Weather stripping is yet another means of keeping your San Diego home properly secured against chilly weather. Making sure windows and doors are properly sealed will help your home stay warm no matter what conditions you are up against. The most commonly used seals are the wrapped foam type. You should use a box cutter when installing the seal to guarantee a snug fit. When cutting, always make sure to leave more than you think you need, in order to avoid a seal that is too short and therefore useless. Outside the home, you may caulk to seal up smaller gaps or expanding foam for larger ones. Replace thresholds on exterior doors with ones that have vinyl inserts for further protection.

You will also want to close any gaps in pipes, vents and fans in your home, which will guarantee that heat transfers more effectively across different rooms. If you have a pool, keep the filters running for only a few hours per day during the season. In addition, you can take advantage of natural heat by using your fireplace to stay warm. On the contrary, when you are not using your fireplace, you will want to keep your damper closed to keep heat from being released up the chimney.

Another cost saving option is simply lowering your home’s thermostat whenever possible. You might be surprised at the difference this can make in decreasing your energy bill, even by just a few degrees at a time. With a programmable thermostat, you can decide when it is crucial to heat your home during the day or night, as well as reduce costs when no one is home. In order to maximize the heat from your thermostat, you may choose to rearrange furniture so that it allows warm air to flow better throughout the main living area. Closing doors of rooms that do not need to be heated, as well as wearing proper layers of clothing, will also reduce thermostat use in the home.

For those able to invest more, energy efficient windows and doors provide homeowners with one of the most cost-effective options for reducing heating costs. Products should have high energy efficient ratings in order to provide ultimate protection.  Tubular lights can reduce cold in winter, as well as heat in summer. Make certain windows, skylights and doors are installed properly with no opening or cracks that will let cold air seep in. Kits are available with strong sheeting and tape that make the installation processes run more smoothly for homeowners. If you prefer, licensed contractors will be happy to install your new energy conservation selections to assure quality performance.

For those who decide to install solar systems, the costs saved in energy bills will make these systems pay for themselves in a short time period. Winter heating bills can become a concern of the past. Interested residents can always consult an established contractor to discuss what would be the best choice for your particular home.  Two types of solar driven operations work well in San Diego. Passive systems are inexpensive and are effective in temperate areas like San Diego where there is a wealth of sunshine. Photovoltaic panel systems are another simple solar option that can be easily attached to the home or outdoor structures. Personal choice will depend on price range as well as appeal.

San Diego homeowners concerned about energy savings during the cold months can turn to quality construction companies to better improve their homes. When deciding on a licensed contractor, look for experience in the home renovation department as well as expertise on how to make your home winter friendly without costs that are through the roof. Skilled contractors can install a home heating improvement system with the best interests of you and your family in mind. When the winter is over, you will be amazed at the bundles you have saved for perhaps another highly anticipated home improvement project.

Home Remodeling Tips – The ABC’s of Home Remodeling

Ask your friends and relatives about their experiences with remodeling, and whom they’ve hired.

Beware of contractors that advertise price. There is no way to 100% accurately estimate your project sight unseen. A detailed on-site inspection is the only accurate way to truly estimate, an online quote is one way to get the ball rolling.

Call the Contractors State License Board at 916-255-4041 and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at 858-496-2131 to get valuable information about remodeling… before you remodel.

Do not choose a contractor only because they present the lowest price. If you are considering only the lowest bidder, beware! Quality of materials or workmanship shows. And, as the years go by, it shows even more.

Everything must be in writing. It’s your right… demand it. A complete set of project specifications that you can understand is vital. Also, insist on a formal design plan. Without it, there is no way you can receive an accurate quote.

Follow through. An important part of remodeling is the feeling of confidence with the people that will be working for you. Remember, salesman and designers do not hold hammers. Insist on meeting the Project Manager that will be responsible for your remodel. If your contractor doesn’t have a Project Manager… brace yourself and prepare for problems.

Get references. Before you choose a contractor, call some of his customers that are presently under construction, and clients whose work was completed within the past 3 years. Ask lots of questions. You might even ask if you can visit their project.

Have patience. Do not be rushed into decisions. Take whatever time you need to feel completely comfortable with the contractor you choose.