Bay Area Home Remodeling Including Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto ...

18 Jan / 2022

Remodeling to keep your New Year’s Resolutions

January 2022

Create A Workout Studio/Gym In An Extra Room

Having exercise equipment inside your home makes it much easier to squeeze in a workout. The process is pretty straightforward. You’ll want to add rubberized floors and full-length mirrors to this space. Then bring in the equipment you’d like, such as an elliptical trainer, treadmill, weights, a weight bench, or a stationary bike. It’s also helpful to have a large screen TV to watch workout videos, listen to music, or for meditation applications.

Build An Outdoor Kitchen & Recreation Areas

Being outside improves our mental and physical health, so why not build an outdoor kitchen. You can include a built-in grill to cook meals centered on lean proteins and vegetables. You could also install outdoor recreation equipment nearby, such as a putting green, badminton or volleyball court, or horseshoe pit if you have the space.

Remodel Your Bath Into A Relaxing Sanctuary

Having a place in your home to relax can improve your overall health and mindset. Many people find that the perfect spot for this is the bathroom. You can include a large soaking tub where you can unwind with a book. A large, walk-in shower, and if you have the space and the budget, a sauna or steam room.

Add Smart Storage To Your Kitchen

Adding shelving or pull-out drawers to your cabinets will make organizing your kitchen more effortless. You’ll be amazed at how big of a difference that small change can make. Cleaning out your pantry and all of your cabinets and drawers to eliminate outdated food and unused dinnerwear and cooking utensils will also streamline organization.

Remodel Your Garage

If your garage is full of stuff, start by separating the items you want to keep from unused items that you can give away or donate. Once you have only things you want to keep and use, install shelving or overhead storage to keep everything organized and off the floor and maintain space for your cars (you know, the things the garage was meant for).

Install Low-E Windows

If your home is feeling colder than usual, you should look into getting new windows or having your HVAC system evaluated. Low-E windows will help you save on energy costs by keeping UV light out of your home.

Install Better Insulation

You’ll save money on heating and cooling costs if you install better insulation since warm air won’t be escaping through any holes or cracks in the winter, and cool air will remain inside during the summer.

Whatever projects you decide to tackle in the new year, we are here to help!

04 Nov / 2021

Creative Ways to Add Color in Your Next Home Remodel

Kitchen
There are many options for adding a bold color to the kitchen. Here are some ideas to consider:

Appliances – For something a little unexpected, steer away from stainless steel and instead go for a matte gray for a high-tech look. Or, pick a range in a fabulous color like cobalt blue or copper to build your room around.
Cabinets – One of the main focal points of kitchens is cabinetry. You can find cabinets in many colors and mix and match them for an eclectic look. Dark woods provide a rich, refined look, while muted blues and greens make kitchens feel serene and welcoming.
Backsplash –Installing a colorful backsplash or one with metal or glass tile can give your kitchen a personality when surrounded by a plain, white background. Just make sure that the undertones of any colors you choose for your kitchen – in tile, countertops, cabinetry, and flooring- are all the same.

Bathroom

Since they are usually smaller spaces, you might try out a bold color in a bathroom that doesn’t need to match the rest of your home. Here are some ways to think about using color in your bathroom:

Floors – A bathroom is a perfect place to install flooring in an exciting shade or pattern. A black and white checkered tile floor is a classic look; in fact, evidence of checkered floor patterns has been discovered in artifacts as far back as 1,500 BC. Or, you could incorporate colorful geometric tiles to give your bathroom an Art Deco look. Use them for your floor tile to offset your otherwise all-white bathroom or as a starting point for introducing other colors.
Lighting – For a small pop of color, install colorful lighting over your sink – perhaps in shades of black or gray or something more unexpected like yellow or blue. If you’re looking for a luxury look, install a crystal chandelier in glittering gold or silver.
Unexpected Tub – Imagine how much your bathroom space would be transformed if you installed a free-standing bathtub with a black exterior and used that to set the design for the rest of the room.

Living Room
A living room remodel can be a huge undertaking. While you’re working on your design theme, make sure to think about how you’ll use color in this room.

Fireplace –The tiling around your fireplace can set the tone for your décor. Imagine opalescent pearl-white glass tiles that take on different colors depending on the time of day and room lighting, or sepia-toned fire-clay tiles that give the fireplace an old-world look and how that would set the tone for the rest of the room.
Painted woodwork –If you want to incite a riot, bring up the topic of painting woodwork. The “painting wood is a crime” cult will defend it with religious fervor – often falling along gender lines. Fans of painted millwork have an “anything is okay as long as you like it” attitude. In any case, you might consider (if your relationship can handle it) painting oversize molding an intense color like black or dark grey with taupe walls to give your space an elegant and atmospheric feel.
Furniture – Adding a striking sofa or patterned rug may be a safe way to incorporate vivid colors in your room without making a permanent commitment.

06 Oct / 2021

Remodeling Tips to Make Your Home More Accessible

October 2021

Remodeling Tips to Make Your Home More Accessible

Approximately 26% of Americans live with a disability, a majority requiring the use of a wheelchair or other mobility device. As the population ages, that number will increase. The ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) attempts to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to — and convenience in — public spaces. Unfortunately, many private homes lack basic accessibility features.

These features can be added to an existing home or included in building plans to allow those with varying levels of mobility to live as independently and safely as possible without sacrificing style. It makes sense to consider and plan for these possibilities now and make your home more accessible. We’ve put together a list of ideas to get you started thinking:

Accessible Kitchen
One of the most vital areas of any home is the kitchen. It might also appear to be a daunting task to update it into an accessible space while maintaining the look and functionality you want. A few simple changes can make your kitchen much more accessible without creating an institutional feel.

Lowering one or more countertops to wheelchair-accessible heights is a good place to start. New refrigerator and freezer drawers can be placed in base cabinets to allow frequently used items to remain visible and accessible at all times.

Reaching deep inside a base cabinet can be problematic for many, and the cabinet door can quickly get in the way. Replacing them with storage drawers for cookware and dinnerware can make these items easier to reach.

For cooking, changing out a traditional stove with an induction cooktop that stays cool to the touch can reduce the possibility of injury from burns. An under-counter microwave drawer with touchpad operation allows for use from a seated position.

Installing an oven with French Doors at an accessible-height can make lifting heavy cookware in and out more manageable and avoid having a hot door in the way of a wheelchair or walker.

Bathroom Accessibility

Another part of the home that you need to think about is the bathroom. Bathrooms can be not only inaccessible but also dangerous for people with mobility issues. Many household injuries happen because of slip-and-fall accidents in the bathroom.

Barrier-free (curbless) showers provide a smooth transition from the bathroom floor to the shower, eliminating a tripping hazard while keeping the water contained. They also allow a person using a walker or a wheelchair easy access. Slip-resistant flooring is also imperative.

Grab bars are another must and can be helpful for everyone. You can integrate them into the shower design to avoid them giving your bathroom an industrial feel.

Select a comfort-height or chair-height model toilet as they are taller than regular toilets making it easier for people with limited mobility and strength. You should also install handrails to help people balance while sitting and standing up.

There are some stylish options available for wheelchair-accessible vanities, providing easy access to the sink. These may include easy-access storage for everything from towels to hair-driers and other daily-use items.

Mobility Inside Your Home
Many homes, specifically older homes, are not ideal for individuals with mobility challenges. Many have too many doors, and it may make sense to remove some of them. Often, the doorways are not wide enough to easily navigate with a wheelchair or walker.

Ideally, your openings should be at least 36” wide to make them accessible. It is also helpful to replace round doorknobs with lever-style hardware to make them easier for people with arthritis or limited hand strength to operate. An excellent way to determine if a doorknob is accessible is if you can use it with a closed fist.

Flooring Options for Easy Mobility
When thinking of flooring, making sure they are not slippery is a good start. However, standard carpeting can make getting around difficult for people with wheelchairs, walkers, or fundamental mobility issues.

The best flooring choices are hardened materials that are relatively smooth yet slip-resistant. Ceramic tile, laminate, or hardwood floors are some excellent options for mobility-friendly floors. These surfaces are durable and allow more free movement for people with wheelchairs and walkers.

If you have different types of flooring throughout the house, make sure the transition treatment works well for wheels, and the change in height is 1/4 inch or less. And, make sure you carry this practice into your outdoor spaces, so patios and decks are accessible.

Technology That Improves Accessibility
Smart technology can often make things easier for everyone. Having voice-activated, touchless operations on appliances and systems can help in many situations. Voice-activated kitchen faucets can not only turn on and off but allow you to select the temperature of the water and even the amount of water, such as filling a pot with exactly 2 cups.

These are just a few changes to consider, and many of them would be helpful for everyone, young or old. Whether you have been planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel for other reasons or you’ve recently started considering accessibility in your home, we’re happy to discuss ways to integrate these disability-friendly upgrades into your home. The best home improvements always begin with a complete understanding of the options available. Give us a call today to find out how we can help.

Visit the Hammerschmidt Construction website for more information.

Learn More

Contact

1574 Country Club Dr.

Los Altos, CA 94024

Tel: 650.948.4200

Fax: 650.948.5222

info@hammerschmidtinc.com

About Us

Since 1996, Hammerschmidt Construction has provided award-winning design and remodeling services to homeowners in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as in the surrounding Silicon Valley. Our proven design+build process will help you envision new possibilities for improving the function, beauty and value of your home. We are also one of the area’s first Certified Green Builders (CGB) and are EPA lead certified.

02 Sep / 2021

First Impressions: Is your entryway doing its job?

September 2,2021

Your front door has some important jobs to do beyond simply letting people in and keeping others out. The design and function of your home’s front entrance significantly impact the overall look and feel of your home and how neighbors, visitors, potential buyers, and you…perceive it.

Your front entrance has four primary functions, and the choices you make when redesigning it affects how it performs those functions. Let’s look at those jobs and how you can transform your front door into a front entrance.

It should complement your home’s design
Your home has a unique style, whether it’s colonial, craftsman, contemporary, or any other type of design. Your front entrance is an integral part of that style and should complement the overall look of your home.

For example, if you have a traditional, colonial home, a sleek, contemporary entryway won’t look right. You’ll want to design your entrance to reflect the style of your home’s exterior.

However, that doesn’t mean your hands are tied. Your front entrance doesn’t have to match your home’s current design, but it should complement it. So, if you want to do something a little different or unexpected, a good designer can help you come up with an entrance that reflects your style and works well with your house

It should stand out…or blend in
The front entrance provides an opportunity for you to make a bold statement or a subtle one – depending on what you prefer.

If you opt for a bold statement, one of the best ways to do this is with color. Think of an all-white colonial home with a bright red door. Or a weathered, grey Cape Cod with a canary yellow entrance. That pop of color draws the eye and gives your home a distinctive look.

But if making a bold statement isn’t your style, you can make a statement of another kind. Front doors with elegant sidelights, beveled glass, or an arched frame look stunning and refined.

It should welcome your guests
Above all, your front entrance should be welcoming. This may have more to do with the area surrounding the door than it does with the door itself.

A covered porch over the door allows your guests to get out of the weather while they wait for you to let them in. If you have steps leading up to your entrance, they should be well-maintained and wide enough to ascend easily to your home’s entrance.

And having extra space on either side of your door lets you decorate for the seasons and show visitors that they’ve arrived at a friendly, welcoming place.

It should stand the test of time
A well-designed front entrance is a relatively significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure that it will serve your home for the long term.

First, that means choosing suitable materials for your front door. If your door is somewhat protected, nothing beats the look and feel of natural wood. However, If your door is exposed to sun and weather, you want to look for doors made of steel or fiberglass. These doors look great – they can even look like real wood – but will stand up to the elements for decades without having to be refinished.

It is also vital to choose door hardware and lighting fixtures in a finish and style that match or complement your current hardware and fixtures and your home’s style

You’ll also want to think about the design standing the test of time. If you’re going to be in the home for a long time, you’ll want an entryway that you’ll be happy with for years to come. If you anticipate selling your home in the not-too-distant future, you may want to balance your desires with how it will appeal to potential buyers.

05 Aug / 2021

Choosing Appliances for a Kitchen Remodel

August2021

Nowadays, choosing appliances for your new kitchen is like buying a new car. There are so many designs, options, and ways to customize them, it’s easily one of the most exciting parts of kitchen remodeling for many homeowners.

The trends in appliances have been moving so fast, it can be tough to keep track. In this month’s article below, we cover some of the top trends in appliances that customers need to know about. While it can be overwhelming, we can help you narrow down the selections to find the right appliances for your kitchen and lifestyle.

Take Care,
John

For a lot of people, the most exciting part of remodeling their kitchens is choosing appliances.

Appliance technology and options have come a long way in the last few years. It used to be a matter of choosing a color and a few options. But now appliance brands are offering products to meet almost every need.

With that in mind, here are some appliance trends to consider as you plan your next kitchen remodeling project.

Multi-Purpose Cooking

People are more interested in all different kinds of cooking, and appliance manufacturers have responded.

It used to be that a range, an oven, and maybe a microwave were all you needed. But the proliferation of small appliances like air fryers, deep fryers, steamers, and more are driving more interest in different types of cooking.

And now, large appliance manufacturers are offering products with built-in capabilities. Combination units like oven/air fryer or range top/deep fryer and microwave/speed cook oven are now available. So you can have those cooking options without having to buy separate countertop appliances or manage countertop clutter.

Beverage Storage & Delivery

Everyone loves being able to get their favorite beverage whenever they need it, whether it’s a special bottle of wine, an ice-cold beer, or a hot cup of coffee. Wine storage units come in different sizes to fit into your kitchen and accommodate all your bottles. Under-counter refrigerators and refrigerated drawers put cold beer, soda, and juice at your fingertips. Incorporating specialized beverage refrigerators into your kitchen design can also save energy as they reduce the number of times your larger refrigerator doors are opened each day.

To see a range of these new options and discuss which appliances will best meet your needs, we recommend that you talk with University Electric in Santa Clara. They offer a full range of brands and prices and exceptional service.

21 Jul / 2021

Don’t Forget the Kitchen Faucet

July 2021

The valve makes or breaks a faucet. If the valve stops working, your faucet will no longer function. There are four types of faucet valves – compression, ball, cartridge, and disc.

Compression valves are the oldest of the four types. The valve consists of a screw stem that raises and lowers as it is turned and a rubber compression washer at the stem’s bottom. All compression faucets have separate handles for hot and cold water. You untighten these handles by turning them to let water flow out of the tap. Tightening the handles stops the water. Compression valves are inexpensive and are prone to leaking when the washer wears out or hardens.

Ball valves are used in single-handle faucets and are also relatively inexpensive. A ball valve is a steel ball that contains a network of grooves and holes. The grooves and holes align with the hot and cold water inlets. The faucet handle moves the valve to control the water temperature and flow rate. Because they contain numerous small parts, such as springs, O-rings, and washers, leaks will eventually develop as the parts wear out. However, older and inexpensive faucets will most likely have a compression valve or a ball valve.

Cartridge valves have a small plastic or brass cylinder with channels that direct water flow rates and control temperature. A rubber O-ring seals the bottom of the cartridge to prevent leakage. Cartridge valves can be used in a single-handle configuration like ball valve faucets or paired inside two-handled faucets. In addition, cartridge valve faucets are designed for ease of repair. A leaky faucet requires simply replacing a worn-out cartridge and O-ring with new ones.

Ceramic Disc valves provide for the most extended wear. This innovative valve design incorporates two rotating ceramic discs. The discs contain channels that align when rotated, allowing water to flow and water temperature and pressure modulation. In addition, ceramic is one of the hardest materials on Earth and will last a long time. Ceramic disc valves also resist the build-up of minerals that can clog your faucet.

This last year has made us more aware of germs than ever before. Your kitchen faucet can be one of the dirtiest, most germ-filled places in your home. It’s not surprising – you have sticky, dirty hands from handling raw meat or working outside, and you turn on the faucet to wash your hands, leaving behind dirt and germs on the handle. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Touchless faucets, which have become commonplace in commercial buildings, are now more affordable and common in home kitchens.

Let’s look at some of the options:

The Arbor Motionsense faucet features dual motion sensors that will turn on with a wave of your hand. Additionally, it provides a standard aerated stream and a powerful rinse mode called PowerClean. PowerClean technology offers 50 percent more spray power than other faucets to clean off cookware and plates with ease. The Arbor Motionsense comes in various finishes and is powered by six AA †batteries. What’s more, it can connect to your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, meaning you can control the flow of water with your voice. Best of all, this faucet comes with a lifetime warranty.

Our favorite brand for its craftsmanship, style, and engineering, Grohe offers a touchless, foot control version of its classic Ladylux single-handle, pull-down kitchen faucet. Grohe also offers kitchen faucets operated by the touch of a wrist or arm that prevent contamination of the handle. While Grohe is typically higher-priced than the other options, their quality is superb. In addition, the company offers a limited lifetime warranty; Grohe will repair or replace any part or finish that proves to be defective in material and/or workmanship under normal installation, use, and service at the company’s discretion.

Delta, Moen, and Kohler have launched voice-activated faucets that pair with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home Kit. Operate the faucet with spoken commands to turn the water on, dispense measured amounts of water, fill containers to a preset level, or dispense a specific quantity. In addition, these faucets incorporate motion sensors to turn the water on and off with a wave of your hand.

Not sure which faucet to choose? Whether you are renovating your entire kitchen or just upgrading the faucet, we can help select the product that’s right for you.

17 May / 2021

Make Staying In More Fun with These Home Improvements

May 2021

Since May is National Home Remodeling Month, we wanted to offer some ideas on how we can help you improve your home and make it more fun this summer. Many of us enjoy going out to dinner or hitting the local sports bar for a game; however, it’s not as easy to do as it used to be. Maybe it’s time to consider ways you can bring these activities into your own home? Here are just a few suggestions, but if you would like to discuss other options to make your home more fun, give us a call.

Alfresco Dining
Even as more people are COVID-19 vaccinated, eating at a restaurant is something that many people are not entirely comfortable doing yet. The good news is we can help you create a fine dining experience by building an alfresco dining area on your patio. One of the easiest ways to create an ambiance similar to a nice restaurant is lighting.

You can easily string bistro lights above the designated dining space and use candles and lanterns to give the area a more romantic feel. We can help with a lighting system integrated into a new deck or patio. Then you can set up the dining area to suit your needs. A small round table for a more intimate dining experience or a large rectangular table to seat family and friends are great options.

Movie Night
The COVID-19 pandemic put most movie production on hold in 2020, so even if you feel comfortable going to a movie theater, there are fewer options. We can bring the movie experience to you by transforming a room in your home into a home theater or building an addition connected to your outdoor space.

Some of the must-haves include recessed lighting to make your theater room seem like the real thing, colored LED accent lights, and an integrated control system to set the lights the way you want them.

Sound-proof walls and acoustic flooring, wall coverings, and ceiling materials are also essential to enhance the movie-watching experience. Finally, you can add a bar area for refreshments. You can stock the bar with your favorite beverages, a popcorn machine, or sweet treats to enjoy during the movie.

Game Day
Instead of going out to watch the game at a sports bar, we can help you create a sports bar in your home by remodeling an unused bedroom or basement into an in-home sports bar.

You can’t have a sports bar without cold drinks and snacks. Start with a mini-kitchen that includes a beverage center and a microwave. Depending on your budget, we can also install plumbing for a sink and dishwasher to make cleanup easier.

Wood or brick paneling can give the room an authentic, casual feel. Low-maintenance laminate or tile flooring are good choices as they are durable and not damaged by spills. Dimmable recessed lighting and a surround sound system completes the ambiance. The room can include anything a sports fan could want: multiple TVs, a full bar, a refrigerator and beverage fridge, stadium-style recliner seats, a padded booth, and signed sports memorabilia.

Whatever project you decide to take on this National Remodeling Month, be sure to use a professional design + build remodeler to ensure you make the most of your space and the job goes smoothly.

21 Apr / 2021

Take care of your home now to save money later

April 2021

For most of us, our homes are our most valuable asset. Regular maintenance can save you money in the future. Wouldn’t you rather spend money on a new bathroom than taking care of water damage caused by a leak or appliance failure? Like regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other automobile maintenance, a house benefits from regular attention.

While many things can go wrong with your house, these are some of the common problem areas to keep an eye on.

Flush your water heater
If you have a conventional tanked water heater, sediment and minerals can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. (This is often indicated by a “popping” sound coming from your water heater.) While the sound itself is harmless, the build-up can eventually cause a leak or damage to the heating element or other parts. Water heaters should be flushed at least once a year, but more frequency could be required depending on your water composition.

If you have a tankless water heater, check your water conditioner to see if it needs replacement. If you find you do not have a water conditioner, be sure to get one as soon as possible, or your water heater could be damaged by hardened mineral deposits called limescale. Limescale build-up causes a tankless water heater’s heat exchanger to work harder than it should to bring the cool water entering the unit to the desired hot temperature. Eventually, the heat exchanger will overheat due to the increased workload. In many cases, an error code is triggered, and the unit will be automatically shut down. A repair or service may be required to get the tankless water heater operating again.

Have your furnace and air conditioner maintained
Annual professional maintenance will help lengthen the life of your HVAC system. Regular changing of your furnace filters will not only improve the air quality in your home but also help your system run more efficiently and help prevent costly repairs. How often you need to change them depends on several factors, including your HVAC system’s usage and the type and size of the filter used. A good rule of thumb is every three months, or when it is dirty. Replacing a standard fiberglass filter with a pleated filter will provide better overall air quality as their increased surface area picks up more debris and pollutants such as pollen, pet dander, dirt, and dust. While they are more expensive, they don’t need to be replaced as often, and over time, they will be less expensive. Additionally, pleated air filters can be recycled, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

Keep gutters clear of debris
Gutters are designed to guide water from your roof and away from the foundation. Regularly cleaning your gutters will help prevent water damage to the foundation, roof, and walls. It eliminates a nesting place for pests that can cause damage to your home (such as mice) or annoy you in your yard (like mosquitos). Overflowing gutters can also cause damage to your landscaping from misdirected water. Be cautious when cleaning or inspecting your gutters and practice ladder safety. Gutter screens can be installed to eliminate the majority of the debris. Gutters will still need to be checked once a year.

Inspect your deck
These are just a few of the areas on your deck that should be checked: deck boards should not warp or sag, flashing should be tight and undamaged (replace damaged flashing, especially in any areas where water is accumulating), tighten all loose fasteners, and pound in loose nails, and check that railings and handrails on stairs are tight and secure. A wood deck should be cleaned and sealed every 2-3 years. Ensure all debris is removed from the cracks, as it can damage the deck framing over time. If you have any concerns, make sure to have a professional inspect your deck as there are some problems only a professional will catch.

Check the exterior
Make a visual inspection of the exterior of your home and look for any problems. Are there foundation cracks or other holes or damage? Is siding loose, or are there gaps in the exterior, especially around windows and doors? All gaps should be sealed to prevent rodents from entering your home. Take a look at the roof (from the ground!) to inspect for any visible damage. If it appears there may be damage, hire a professional to address the problem. Don’t attempt to get up on the roof yourself.

Other safety checks
Many other items should be checked regularly to ensure the home is safe and efficient, including your dryer vent, fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, garage door auto-reverse feature, water softener, and sump pump.

Like a regular health check-up, a home maintenance schedule is vital for every house’s upkeep. Continuing to check on your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best. Use this home maintenance checklist to help schedule your seasonal updates, repairs, and cleaning, along with a handful of monthly tasks. Revisit the list monthly and at the beginning of each season to keep your home in prime working condition. If any of the jobs go beyond your skill level or lead to more complicated repairs, consider hiring a professional to help.

SPRING

Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles, flashing, and leaks
Change the air-conditioner filter
Clean window and door screens
Clean light fixtures
Replace burnt-out bulbs
Clean and seal the deck
Power-wash windows and siding
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or invest in 10-year detectors and replace every 10 years
Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank
Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration
Vacuum lint from dryer vent
Inspect chimney for damage. Check that spark arrestor is in place and secure
Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals
Check sprinkler heads and drip emitters. Clean drip filters
Service air-conditioning system
Drain or flush water heater or check tankless water heater and assure it has a conditioner

SUMMER

Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges
Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents
Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter
Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
Check dishwasher for leaks
Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and toilets for leaks
Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers and aerators if needed
Seal tile grout
Prune trees and shrubs away from structures

FALL

Rake leaves and aerate the lawn
Have forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins
Check fireplace for damage or hazards, and clean fireplace flues
Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary
Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models
Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint
Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
Power-wash windows and siding
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway. Seal if needed
Have your fireplace professionally inspected
Tune up major home appliances before the holidays
Repair or replace siding
Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace detectors every 10 years
Clean the carpets
Clean window and door screens
Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks
Check for frayed cords and wires
Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages
Check water heater for leaks

WINTER

Cover your air-conditioning unit
Check basement for leaks
Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms
Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill
Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers

17 Mar / 2021

Making the most of finishing your basement

Whether due to budgetary reasons or lack of room on your lot, an addition may not be the answer for many homeowners. An unfinished basement, however, could solve your problems when you convert this underutilized lower level into a finished and functional space.

Remodeling a basement requires extra care to properly handle water issues, like moisture and drainage, plus egress windows, electrical wires, and other challenges. Be sure to work with a qualified professional remodeler to get the best result. If you would like our help, we’re ready to guide you through our process and help you get your new basement.

These are some of the top trends we are seeing in finished lower levels but we can also help you get the custom space you want, one that meets your needs.

Guest Suite/Bedroom

Putting a bedroom and separate full bath in the basement offers a space with plenty of privacy. This can be great for a guest suite, especially if you have family or friends that come for extended visits. When the in-laws come for the holidays, that extra separation can be a big boon for family harmony.

This suite can be as simple as a bedroom and bath or include features like a sitting/lounge area or wet bar, depending on your budget.

Conversely, a basement is also a good space to put a bedroom for one of your family members who needs a little more privacy, such as a teenager. They get their space, and you get a little peace and quiet. It’s an even better solution for an older child commuting to college or working that first job.

It’s important to remember that building codes require that a new “bedroom space” must have an egress (exit) window or door.

Home Theater

There are dozens of ways to design your home theater or media room. Some comfy couches, a big-screen TV, and sound system can get the job done, but the real movie enthusiast can opt for a separate room with a projection system, theater-style chairs and surround sound.

An open TV space, on the other hand, offers plenty of advantages, including a lower price tag and greater utility. If you don’t spend a lot of time watching movies or TV, it makes sense to spend the money somewhere else. Working with your remodeler and designer will help you find the best solution.

Play Room/Game Room

If you’ve got kids, you know their ability to make a mess knows no bounds. A comfortable space in the basement is a great way to keep some of that clutter out of sight. A tile floor with area rugs will make it easier to clean up the space.

As children enter their middle school or high school years, the space can be converted to a game room, making space for pool tables, air hockey, foosball – whatever your family is interested in.

Children’s Nook

If there’s not enough space to give the kids their own room, why not get creative with the space under the staircase? That little area can be perfect for their own little hiding space. Add a bean bag chair, maybe a small table or lamp, and make it a comfy hideaway.

Wet Bar/Kitchen

As long as there have been finished basements, there have been basement bars. It’s great if you like to host parties or just have some friends over while watching football. Adding kitchen amenities like a microwave, refrigerator and sink enhances the convenience.

Home Office

With people working at home more than ever these days, finding a permanent space is a must. A separate room that offers a little privacy for your Zoom meetings is best. A basement office also helps you associate the office with “work” and separate it from your home life. Many studies have shown that natural light enhances productivity, so try to locate it in a room or part of the basement with windows.

Gym

Maybe you found yourself working out at home last year because of the pandemic, but even as things are opening back up, a home gym has some advantages. Most notably, you’re not paying the monthly fees anymore but investing in your home. Want to go high-end? Consider adding spa-like features, such as a sauna or steam shower.

However you choose to use your basement, when renovating the space it’s important to do it correctly. Hiring a professional to do the work can help you avoid hidden and unforeseen issues down the road. Give us a call when you are ready. We would love to help you with this project.

05 Feb / 2021

5 Common Kitchen Lighting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

If your house is like many homes, you could probably use some better lighting. Proper lighting makes it easier to work, reduces eye strain, and can improve your sense of wellbeing – this is especially true in a room like a kitchen where we spend so much time cooking, eating, and entertaining family and friends. The truth is most homes were not built with enough lighting for everyday life. Inadequate lighting is one of the most common problems homeowners have in their kitchen – even if they don’t realize it. If you’re thinking about improving your lighting or remodeling your kitchen, make sure you work with a professional remodeler who can help you design the best lighting solutions for your home. Here are five of the most common lighting mistakes and

1. Too many recessed lights
Recessed lights are a great solution, but far too often, a poorly planned kitchen remodel or new home ends up with too many of them. Recessed can fixtures only light the horizontal surfaces and may not provide illumination over your room’s vertical surfaces. Illuminating the vertical surfaces is essential because it creates a reflection of light from the walls, helping to brighten your entire kitchen. Relying on only recessed lighting will result in more fixtures than you need and still not give you proper lighting.

2. Not enough task lighting
We’ve all been there – trying to work at a sink or stove that doesn’t have enough light. Ambient lighting is essential, but a kitchen requires task lighting in certain areas to be efficient. Otherwise, you’re likely to be working in your own shadow. Installing undercabinet lighting is one of the most straightforward task lighting solutions. Countless LED solutions can be crafted to accommodate your kitchen layout. Simple plug-and-go options are fine if you’re not ready to remodel. Contact us for more ideas for help with hard-wired options to make your kitchen shine.

3. Too much light
Overly bright lighting is almost as bad as not enough light – we humans are sensitive to light. Ask anyone who works in an office with harsh bright lighting, and they’ll tell you it can make you feel tired, nauseous, and cause headaches. In kitchens, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances can reflect that bright light and cause even more glare. Adding controls to pre-existing lights, such as placing them on separate or dimmable switches, will go a long way towards creating a comfortable kitchen lighting layer. Use several tiers of ambient, accent, and task lighting to layer and balance the light for an optimal working space.

4. Improper lighting controls
As noted above, a properly lit kitchen should have three types of light: ambient, accent, and task. In many older homes, the kitchen lights are controlled by only one or two switches. Each type of light is for different purposes, so they should be wired on separate switches for the most efficiency. Think about how you use each area of your kitchen and plan accordingly. Adding dimmer switches allows lights to serve multiple purposes, such as a task light that becomes an accent light after meal preparation is completed.

5. Disproportionately-sized fixtures
A common lighting mistake is choosing one extra-large fixture that dwarfs the others in the kitchen. That oversize fixture may have looked great in the showroom, but it can be out of place in the average home. Having a too-large light can be as problematic as having a too-small light hanging over an expansive kitchen island. The general rule of thumb is to add the room’s length and width in feet, then pick a light that is the same size in diameter. For example, if the kitchen is 15 feet by 15 feet, then a light about 30 inches in diameter would be appropriate.

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Los Altos, CA 94024

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