The weather has changed . . . have you noticed? The summer solstice has passed and we are well into the warm (hot!) days of summer. And with the seasonal shift, many homeowners are thinking about (or wishing for) an outdoor deck.

Remodeling Magazine's 2015 Home Value Report by looking at the benefits of installing an outdoor deck. Interestingly, adding a mid-range wood deck to your home in the San Francisco Bay Area recovers 147.1% of its value. That's one of the highest returns on investment of any home remodeling project!

Decking Facts 
Decks offers extended living space and are more cost effective than a home remodel. Room additions are in the neighborhood of $200-300 per sq. ft. vs. $100 per sq. ft. for a deck. Today's decks can even mimic the look of separate rooms by elevating particular sections within the overall deck

Modern decks come in all shapes and need not conform to a one-size-fits-all design. Interesting deck contours add curb appeal and can become a focal point. And for versatility and comfort, why not include an outdoor kitchen, a special area for exercise, or even a hot tub.

And let's not forget one of the central benefits of a deck, especially for homes perched on a hillside … an amazing view!

Outdoor Decks: Hardwood? Composite? PVC? 

New technologies have given homeowners a range of material choices. Here are a few to consider:

Pressure-treated hardwood such as Redwood is an excellent value. Redwood looks beautiful, last for years, but requires some occasional maintenance, such as washing, stripping, re-staining and sealing.

Composite decks, which are typically a mixture of waste wood, cellulose and plastic, last longer than hardwoods and require very little maintenance and wear amazing well. Today's composites can also closely resemble hardwood, creating a deck with a natural look and feel.

PVC Decks are the most durable and are often combined with composite and/or metal inner core. Easy to maintain and requiring little-to-know maintenance, PVC decks come in a variety of styles.

Renovating Another Room? 
The 2015 Cost vs. Value Report shows a positive return on investment for many other home improvement projects – attics, basements, garages, kitchens, baths and more. Contact us to learn more.

Many questions loom large for homeowners desiring more living space. One of the most frequently asked questions is one of the most basic: Can we afford to build a new, second-story addition?

A second-story addition can cost several hundred thousand dollars, or significantly more. And although it can transform a home, resolve space issue and improve aesthetics, not everyone has the financial luxury to go this route.

But if your goal is to add approximately 1,000 square feet to your home, there is a more affordable option.

A Basement Remodel is a Better Value …

A renovated basement is a superior remodeling value. A mid-range basement remodel in the SF Bay Area, recoups 124.4% of its cost. In fact, building "up" (a basement addition) rather than "out" (a new addition or a second story) is always a cost-saving value. On average, a Bay Area homeowner will pay 240% more for a second-story addition than for a basement remodel, according to Remodeling.

A Remodeled Basement Provides More Space, Greater Comfort and Improved Aesthetics

It may be clear that a basement remodel is a smart home investment. But you still need to plan wisely for it. Here a few suggestions for your basement remodel to improve function, comfort and aesthetics and limit costs, yet not compromise on quality.

First, remember to keep your mind open to the numerous design possibilities. Basements can serve many functions and be turned into almost any type of room: game room, home office, entertainment center, guest suite, kitchen and large storage area, to name but a few. So think out of the box . . . or think multiple use!

It's best to work out (almost) all the details before you break ground. Generally speaking, the total cost for a basement remodel should be roughly 5% to 10% of the home's total value.

Other Things to Consider:

Open Floor Plan vs. Partitioned Areas. Most often, you'll want an open floor plan. It will provide more space and offer greater flexibility. Partitions, room dividers and walls that only serve to separate areas will often inhibit movement and decrease storage capacity.

Controlling Costs. Keeping the footprint the same is an excellent way to rein in costs. For example, if the current space is 1000 Square feet, keep the finished room the same size. And just because a basement remodel is a great value, doesn't mean you should ratchet up expenses with extravagant purchases. When decorating, balance quality and functionality against price.

Building Codes. Make sure things are done up to current building standards. Adhering to code will save you time and hassles down the road and help to increase your home’s resale value.

Moisture Control. Moisture can be a recurring issue in a basement before and even after construction. A moisture barrier will keep your basement warm and dry. Adding furring strips, wood or metal stripes that level or raise material to limit moisture, are important.

Retaining Heat. To create a cozy, warm basement there are several options: Ductwork from the house's central heating can be extended to the basement to ensure a constant temperature; free-standing or mounted baseboard heaters provide an economical heating option; and solar panels serve as an energy-saving, green solution for heating the entire home.

Improved Financial Value

The 2015 Cost vs. Value Report shows a positive return on investment for many other home improvement projects -- attics, basements, garages, kitchens, baths and more

How much a renovated basement increase the financial value of your home depends on where you live, the scope of the project, the materials selected, and the condition of your home. One things is for sure, though, your new renovation will transform a cramped, unfinished space into a comfortable and versatile living area.

Contact us to learn more.

You may be quite familiar with several “garage success” stories. Companies like Hewlett Packard, Microsoft and Apple all started in a garage. And even Google, the multi-billion dollar internet juggernaut, had its humble beginnings in a garage.

But on the residential front, a garage conversion is an ongoing success story for many homeowners that you may know less about.

Indeed, given the proper attention and a dedicated commitment, a garage addition can bring you riches (too a modest degree), greater space and comfort, and more convenience. And perhaps notoriety, at least in your local neighborhood.

Legal Concerns?

In the San Francisco Bay Area, legal impediments have halted garage-building enthusiasts for years and forced them to circumvent legal channels when building Accessory Building Units (ADUs), or so-called granny flats. But bay area cities are now rethinking this issue. This past June, Berkeley's city council lessened the restrictions for building ADUs, and the city of Oakland will soon reexamine its current zoning regulations for building ADUs. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors took action in 2014, voting to make formerly illegal in-law units in San Francisco legally part of the city’s housing market.

What are my garage-conversion options?

There are numerous ways to convert a garage into a comfortable live or work space. For ideas, I recommend glancing at the photographic gems in House Logic: a home brewery, art studio, gymnasium, greenhouse, living room, guest cottage, wine storage room, and more.

A garage remodel is also a renovation project that pays off financially. Remodeling Magazine's 2015 Cost vs. Value Report survey shows that a freestanding, 26 x 26, two-car garage addition, recoups 102.6% of its cost, and this is with an interior wall, the ceiling and floors remaining unfinished.

A converted garage can serve as an income-generating rental unit . . .

. . . and like all home remodeling projects, garage units have many v ariations. Some homeowners may opt for a luxurious master suite; others will be satisfied with a modest rental space; still others may want a garage conversion for multiple use. So let practicality and intended use be your twin guides.

Garage Remodeling Basics

It goes without saying . . . hire a reputable contractor and hold them accountable to high standards. Use the information below as talking points with your contractor before your project breaks grounds:

Permitting. Find out about the appropriate building permits for all construction, plumbing and electrical work.

Electrical. Normally, a garage will have inadequate wiring and too few electrical outlets. Appropriate lighting creates a comfortable and safe live/work space.

Heating and Cooling. Compare prices for installing heating and air ducts from the main house to the garage versus using smaller space heaters and an AC window unit.

Insulation. Select proper insulation to maintain warmth in winter months and cooler temperatures during the summer.

Framing and more. When converting a garage space, strengthen the framing. Drywall will also be needed to finish the walls and the ceiling.

Flooring. A garage floor is often sloped and lower than other household rooms. Therefore, before putting down a floor covering, raise the floor, level the slope, and fill in cracks with epoxy.

Renovating Another Room? 
The 2015 Cost vs. Value Report shows a positive return on investment for a variety of home remodeling projects -- attics, basement, kitchens, baths and more. Contact us to learn more.