Murray Lampert Construction

I am very pleased at the response and interest of homeowner’s visiting us at the Del Mar Spring Home Decorating & Remodeling Show.  This was the most rewarding show we have done.  We had a past client from 1975 come bye our booth to say high and tell us how they still enjoy the family room my grandfather built.  Another couple from 1989 in South San Diego came by who are ready to remodel their kitchen and bathroom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awwHSfn9Epo

Now that summer is near, it is obvious people are ready to improve their homes, and now is a great time while our crews are available and cost are still the low.

As always, we provide in home design and accurate quotes with no up front costs.  A new service we offer is fully detailed color 3D renderings and virtual walk through.

We also build custom cabinetry out of 100% wood product.  Our expertly crafted cabinets carry a lifetime warranty on workmanship and finish.

There have been many recent articles predicting that 2011 will be a big year for San Diego Kitchen and Bath remodeling.  Here are some recommendations to help you start the process:

1.  Take into consideration how long you plan to stay in your home and establish a budget.  If you anticipate moving in less than 5 years, your budget should be more modest, choosing conservative finishes and mid range fixtures.  Otherwise, it is worth spending more for your own long term enjoyment.

2.  Go to model homes and open houses to get ideas.  Take photos and make note of cabinet types, counters materials, tile or stone you like.

3.  Visit your local plumbing and appliance showroom where you can see working kitchens and baths with the latest products.

4.  Create a wish list of what features or changes would make your kitchen and/or bath more functional.

Once you have done your homework, it’s time to interview contractors.  A design/build general contractor will handle the conceptual plans and provide a accurate quote with finish and fixture allowances.

With the right approach, San Diego Kitchen & Bath Remodeling is a wise investment for personal enjoyment and long term resale value.

One of the most scenic and lively towns in all of San Diego is Pacific Beach, referred to as P.B. by the locals. The small beach community is just north of Mission Bay, south of La Jolla, West of Interstate 5, and East of the great Pacific Ocean. The beautiful city has a very young and exciting feel to it but also a romantic coastline and several family friendly neighborhoods. On any given day you can find the rich and famous mingling with the college kids scene right on the boardwalk. Grand and Garnet Avenue are the main streets with plenty of nightlife, restaurants, cafes, and shopping. The city is surrounded with water sports, biking/walking paths, and beautiful scenery. You can go for a jog in the morning, surf for lunch, and be sailing in the afternoon. There is never a shortage of fun activities in P.B. Whether surfing is your thing or you just enjoy the ocean breeze, Pacific Beach has something for everyone and is the center of San Diego’s youthful lifestyle.

Pacific Beach is an above average city in almost every statistic. The town has an estimated population of 45,000, median age of 31, and over 64% of its inhabitants have an education level of bachelor’s degree or higher. There are a total of 22,747 households and of those, 7,000 are family households. The per capita income of $31,117 is much higher than the national average of $21,587, most likely due to the higher cost of living in San Diego’s coastal region. The average household net worth is $450,349 and median home sale price is $630,000. The weather is beautiful year around with January’s average high at 65 degrees and low at 49 degrees, as well as July’s average high of 75 degrees and low of 65 degrees in July. During the hot months, you get a cool ocean breeze to keep you and your home from overheating. P.B. is located only seven miles from the San Diego International airport and three miles from University of San Diego.

Most residences in Pacific Beach were built between the years of 1950 through 1989. Any home in the area is most likely at least 22 years old and probably much older, leaving a lot of uncertainty to the stability and quality of its infrastructure. Each year, repairs must be made to balance the extreme amount of erosion from the salty air. Most people are surprised by how strong the sea breeze is and how much damage it can cause to a home even a couple miles inland. Landlords must charge higher rents to pay for the repairs and renovations and home owners living in their home need to keep an eye out for structural damage, especially to the exterior of the building. The weather may seem perfect all year around, but there is more household erosion in Pacific Beach than most cities in the U.S. will every experience.

Common Pacific Beach renovations are room additions, second stories, kitchen remodeling, outdoor spaces and even complete tear downs/rebuilding.  Since Pacific Beach is a damp climate and ocean air can cause corrosion, clad aluminum or vinyl windows are a wise choice.  Other construction enhancements to protect Pacific Beach homes from the weather are Tyvak house wrap for a tight building envelope, extended overhangs over west face walls to prevent leaks from a driving rain and positive drainage away from all foundations.

Image: Rawich / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image: Felixco, Inc. / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The housing market boom of the late 90’s and early 2000’s has completely flat lined. People are no longer able to qualify for a new home loan easily and their finances have most likely tightened during their daily lives. Instead of searching for new homes to buy in better neighborhoods, they are accepting that they will be living in their current home for many years to come. The mentality has changed from new home buying to improving the home you already live in. The home remodeling industry is making a strong comeback and there are several factors that help explain the recent and future remodeling boom.

1. Stabilizing economy: The economy may not be making a full rebound, but it seems to be stabilizing and should remain somewhat constant through the next several years. People will regain trust in the economy and feel more comfortable spending money on larger projects such as home remodels.
2. Stable housing market: The major downward swing in the housing market and drastic increase in foreclosures over the past few years is now stabilizing. With fewer people losing their homes (thankfully) and more people purchasing affordable housing, there will be a larger market available for home remodels.
3. Age of houses: In higher income metro areas, the housing stock is older and the people living in them have the necessary income to make improvements. The higher value homes in high income metro areas will regain value faster than low income areas and provide the main area of growth for the home remodeling industry.
4. Increased spending: Since the economy seems to be stabilizing and people are showing new confidence in it by spending rather than saving more, they will now use their discretionary income to spend on improving their living conditions.
5. Job security: During the lowest point of the recession, many people were worried for their own job security. With a more stable economy, less people will be afraid of losing their jobs and will once again feel more comfortable spending money on housing projects. Without the fear of job loss looming over people’s heads, they can begin spending money on other things that will make their life more comfortable.
6. Necessary upgrades: Over the past several years people have been neglecting the home upgrades that are necessary for a comfortable level of living. The next several years in the home remodeling industry will have a large focus on the necessary upgrades that were neglected in the past.
7. Baby Boomer retirement: The Baby Boomer generation is beginning to retire and either find a home to spend the rest of their time at or improve upon their own. They will prepare for retirement and aging by spending money on upgrades to make their home as comfortable as possible.
8. Foreclosure repairs: The recent increase of buying, repairing, and reselling home foreclosures will create a large new market for the home remodeling industry. The foreclosures often need major repairs and renovations, adding to the home remodeling boom.
9. Energy efficiency: Despite the sluggish economy, going green is still a priority among the higher income, higher value home metro areas. Home renovations that will improve energy efficiency will continue increasing over the next several years, especially if the federal tax incentives remain intact.
10. Reduced housing mobility: Many people that are locked into long-term, low-interest rate loans will not easily be able to move and qualify for an equal loan. Their lack of mobility will result in them choosing to upgrade their homes rather than moving into a new home with a new mortgage and a higher interest rate.

Image: Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Remodeling Contractor

Individual or firm licensed, bonded and insured to engage in Home Remodeling including Room Additions, Second Stories, Custom Kitchen and Major Renovations.

Sub-Contractor

Individual or firm licensed, bonded and insured to engage in specialty trades i.e. concrete, framing, plumbing, electrical etc.

Home Improvement Agreement

Also know as a contract between a homeowner and licensed contractor.

Scope of Work or Specifications Document

A document that describes the work to be performed including labor, materials and compensation.

Notice of cancellation

Also know as recission notice.  Gives the property owner 3 business days to cancel the home improvement contract after signing. 

Conceptual Plans or Design Drawings

Floor plans, elevations, and sometimes perspectives reflecting the work to be completed.

Working Drawings

Also know as Construction Documents.  Blueprints including structural engineering, Title 24 Energy calculations, framing details, electrical plans that are submitted to the City for permit.

Change Order

Document authorizing change to the contract, plans, specifications.  A change order can increase, decrease or have no affect on the contract price.

For more information, visit www.murraylampert.com