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Home Remodeling

Los Angeles Home improvement and remodeling ideas!

Los Angeles Home improvement and remodeling ideas!

December 16, 2019

California Designs that increase the value of your home

Owning a home in California, especially in Los Angeles presents an exciting investment opportunity. By exploring designs and renovations that increase the value of your home the estimate of return on your investment can set your entire family up for success.

The key to success when looking to increase the value of your Los Angeles home is knowing the right contractors and pinpointing the right renovation projects to help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll explore the top projects that if targeted correctly and having the workflow managed by the right companies, you’ll be able to transform your home’s curb appeal and add expansive value to your property while keeping cost in mind.

Remember, when it comes to renovations even smaller projects will help you meet your goals.Here are some focus projects that will help you to pour some love into your California home.

1. Backyard, Garage and Sunroom Renovations:

Cost of a lower-end bathroom remodel

When it comes to increasing the value of your home, curb appeal is a key factor. When you add small touches such as up-leveling the garden with drought-resistant plants, updated the fixtures on the entryway of your Los Angeles home, adding a deck or even converting your garage into a studio or playroom space you can expect to see a return of your investment.

Here are a few suggested designs to increase the value of your home:

-Add nature and incorporate wood accents.

– Garden upgrades: add low maintenance plants and flowers.

– Add a new front door with windows to increase your Los Angeles home’s natural lighting

-Create a sunroom where you can comfortably spend time outdoors year-round.

-give your existing garage space a new purpose. By converting unused garage space into a home office, playroom or studio the value of your home will increase because you’ve expanded the usable living space.

Cost of a lower-end bathroom remodel

2. Kitchen Renovations:

Cost of a lower-end bathroom remodel

The kitchen is the heart of your home. In California and especially in Los Angeleshaving a modern kitchen with updated appliances, a good flow into the living space of the home, and a unique style is essential to increasing the value of your home.

Here are a few high-value design suggestions when renovating your kitchen:

-Add stainless steel appliances

– Update the faces of your kitchen cabinets. Make sure that when working with your contractor you get an estimate for a few types of wood. It’s important that the wood selected flows well with the design presented throughout the rest of your California home.

-During renovations, look for opportunities to open the space and flow of your kitchen. Perhaps that looks like adding a floating hood over your stovetop.

3. Bathroom Renovations:

Cost of a lower-end bathroom remodel

Your bathroom is another key element of up-leveling the design and increasing the value of your home. Often, especially in some of the Los Angeles homes that were built in the ’40s and ’50s the bathroom could use an update. When looking at design ideas to increase the value in your bathroom It’s important to think timeless. Having a clean-lined design can also help streamline the cost of your bathroom renovation project.

Here’s are some of the top design suggestions to dial up the volume on the value of your bathroom:

-Consider investing in a walk-in shower or walk-in accessible bathtub. Preparing your bathroom to age with your family, or potentially welcome a new elder homeowner will certainly dramatically increase the value of your Los Angeles home.

– Amplify your bathroom’s natural lighting. A great way to do this is by adding a larger vanity mirror.

-Stick with lighter paint colors. You can easily expand the feeling of a bathroom space by sticking to light paint colors and then adding bolder color accents with towels, or artwork.

-If you’re remodeling the master bathroom, you’ll want to investigate the cost of twin skins. Your contractor will agree it’s highly valuable to make room for two in a master bathroom design.

As a Los Angeles homeowner we cannot stress enough it’s so important to dream…design and builds the value of your California home. If you make investments into a few key areas within your home the value will continue to grow and grow. The team at Structura Remodeling is here to help. No job is too small and with over 16 years of experience, our team is ready to serve all your remodeling needs. Ready to receive an estimate? Schedule your free in-home consultation today.

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Room Addition

Explore building a granny flat in Los Angeles

Explore building a granny flat in Los Angeles

December 10, 2019

The steps, the cost, and regulations of adding a granny flat to your Los Angeles home.

With Los Angeles real estate continuing to boom, we’ve found LA homeowners looking for creative ways to expand their living space and the solution for this has quickly become a granny flat or ADU. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of building a granny flat or ADU in California.

When considering the construction of a granny flat here are the top things you’ll want to explore before you put your contractor to work.

  • Los Angeles construction regulations
  • Project estimate
  • California Permits
  • Square footage of your backyard or if you plan to convert your garage into a granny flat, square footage of your garage.
  • Do you plan to use this granny flat as a rental or in-law unit?
Cost of a lower-end bathroom remodel

But, first, before we dig deeper into these details let’s make sure we have a clear idea of the purpose of a granny flat in Los Angeles.

Here’s the download, a granny flat or ADU “accessory dwelling unit” is designed for one to two people, a granny flat is a self-contained living area usually located on the grounds of a single-family home. A granny flat can be a detached remodel, or it can be attached to your home. It is sometimes called a granny flat because it is a popular way for Los Angeles families to accommodate their aging parents. This is designed

Now that we’ve got a better sense of the terminology let’s explore some more granny flat details.

Los Angeles granny flat remodeling regulations

Under California state law, when working with a contract to build your granny flat of ADU to attach this remodel to the main house you’ll be limited to a maximum of 1,200 square feet or half the size of the existing residence, whichever is smaller. Detached granny flat units or garage renovations can’t be larger than 1,200 square feet.

Permits for your Los Angeles granny flat

Dan Bertolet with Sightline Institute shared some exciting stats about permits for granny flat construction in Los Angeles, “Prior to 2017, Los Angeles was permitting 100 to 200 ADUs per year. In 2017, ADU permits leaped to 2,326, and then in 2018 they nearly doubled to 4,171, accounting for one fifth of all permits. In contrast, in the years before 2017, ADU permits comprised a mere 1 percent of the total”

So clearly, LA is loving this granny flat ADU construction trend. When working with your contract they will support you in with the permit process to ensure that you have what you need to legally renovate your granny flat in Los Angeles.

Cost/estimate for your Los Angeles ADU

The most cost-effective way to approach a granny flat or ADU construction project would be to remodel an existing structure such as your garage or perhaps a pool house. If you have an existing structure your contractor will provide you an estimate of between $75,000 and $120,000 for the project. Identifying the right Los Angeles based Remodeling Company will be key in creating your granny flat with ease.

Uses for your granny flat

So, here’s the download, a granny flat is a wonderful solution if you’d like to rent space to supplement your costs without having someone living inside your main house. Also, in California, granny flats are widely referred to as in-law units, a space where you can have elderly parents or relatives live while still maintain your privacy. In today’s Los Angeles real estate market, it is certainly on-trend to create community living experiences…a granny flat could be the perfect fit.

Keeping up with the remodeling trends in Los Angeles means you must design…dream…build! Let the team at Structura Remodeling support you. There is no job too small for our team with over 16 years’ experience. Claim your free in-home consultation and let’s talk granny flats.

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Kitchen Remodeling

How to Choose a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor in Santa Monica?

How to Choose a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor in Santa Monica?

November 9, 2019

Step by step from the kitchen remodels to choosing a local contractor company we are here to help!

Ready to dive into your kitchen renovation in Santa Monica and wondering what steps to take first? Come build design and dream with us! Here’s an important pro-tip, before starting your kitchen remodel in Santa Monica there are some decisions to be made, like if you are going to get an estimate to hire a local contractor or if you plan to take your design ideas and do the project yourself.

kitchen renovation process

Let’s explore the kitchen renovation process 1 step at a time:

First, you’ll want to start with the vision for your kitchen remodel ideas. Don’t be afraid to dream big with your design. This is where you’ll think about the countertops you’d love, if you want to move a wall and expand your kitchen space, flooring, appliances, kitchen islands, start to map out your ideas.

Next, you’ll want to outline a budget. Giving yourself an idea of what would be the average cost of your kitchen remodel in Santa Monica. When giving your kitchen an upgrade you may want to plan to set aside 10 to 20% extra within your budget to cover the cost of supplies.

After that, you’ll move into planning out your kitchen renovation. The process of planning out your kitchen remodel in Santa Monica includes measuring your space, ordering cabinet samples, perhaps talking with a kitchen designer, who can support you with taking your ideas to update the design of your kitchen and translate those ideas into something functional. This stage of the planning process also includes applying for a building permit and finalizing your kitchen remodel plans. By finalizing your renovation plans before you start the project, you’ll get a better sense of the average cost of materials and ensure that there are no delays during your remodel.

Now, we move into the 2nd phase of your Santa Monica kitchen remodel, ordering your products. Keep in mind that shopping for renovation isn’t always a quick process. It takes time to identify the items that will fit your design. Ordering products for your kitchen includes ordering of appliances, ordering your cabinets, ordering the pieces that will compliment your design. Such as flooring, faucets, hardware, and lighting. In this phase of your Santa Monica kitchen remodel you’ll also want to set up a temporary kitchen so that you have something to work with during the renovation.

Are you wondering what’s up next? Well, at this stage in your kitchen remodel it’s time for construction. With construction also comes demolition. That’s right, at this point it will be time to demolish your current Santa Monica kitchen and begin creating the new kitchen you’ve been dreaming about. Also, during this stage of the project is where structural changes are made, here you’ll also update your plumbing, install drywall and install the flooring you chose for your kitchen redesign.

kitchen redesign

Next up, it’s time to finish the construction. This is where all the new products will be installed in your Santa Monica kitchen. A fun part of the remodeling process because you’ll see your ideas come to life! Here you’ll be installing your kitchen cabinets, install the countertops, install all your lighting, appliances and kitchen fixtures, polish up the details of your kitchen design by installing a backsplash, and of course clean up so that you can begin to enjoy your brand new kitchen.

Kitchen design tips:

Now that you have a better understanding of the flow of a kitchen renovation let’s talk about some redesign tips! Some of the best design ideas are created from simple updates. For example, including pops of color to create those modern touches, or including natural stones and sand elements into your Santa Monica kitchen to give it that perfect Southern California vibe. One of the best tips we can offer when it comes to renovating your kitchen is to make it your own. Bring in elements that give your kitchen a personality that matches the overall feeling of your home. Don’t be afraid to have some fun.

How to hire the best local contractor companies:

If you’re looking into hiring a great local contractor to help you upgrade your kitchen in Santa Monica, you’ll want to do your research. We suggest outlining three contractors’ companies that you can then interview to find the right fit. Often, looking into their client testimonials can be highly supportive when choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodel. Also, try to start the process of hiring your contract early as the best local contracts in Santa Monica are often booked out 6 to 8 months in advance.

Categories
Bathroom Remodeling

Is it time for a handicap accessible bathroom?

Is it time for a handicap accessible bathroom?

October 26, 2019

Ready to upgrade your bathroom? Ready…Set…Remodel!

Is it just us or have you also noticed that life moves quickly? Over the last 16 years, we’ve been providing top-quality home remodeling and renovation services in the greater Los Angeles area. We’ve had the opportunity to serve many clients who have found that with new developments in their physical bodies they needed to transform the functionality of their bathrooms.

It has been a real pleasure to support our clients with handicap accessible bathroom remodeling services. We’ve found that when it comes to remodeling your bathroom to be more handicap accessible that there are bathroom design trends that make the remodeling process flow with ease.

Here are the top 3-bathroom design trends to support you with a handicap accessible bathroom remodel.

 1. Add a stylish yet functional built-in seat to your shower.

Built-in seat bathroom remodel

This is an example of a stylish, yet function handicap accessible bathroom remodel completed in the great Los Angeles area. You’ll see here that a walk-in shower design was installed which also included a built-in shower seat. This bathroom remodel allows for function and fashion and includes a removable handheld shower attachment with an extension to promote an easy seated showering experience.

2. Wheelchair accessible bathroom showcases a larger doorway and open floor plan.

Wheelchair accessible bathroom showcases

Here’s an important bathroom design trend to consider when digging into a handicap accessible bathroom remodel. Here you’ll find an LA bathroom with an expansive doorway, open floor plan to create easy bathroom entry as well as allow for a wheelchair to arrive right next to the shower. Also, again you’ll notice the wonderful addition of the built-in shower seat. All these bathroom trends are highly functional for any handicap needs…however, the modern and sophisticated style of this bathroom speaks volumes!

3. Sleek, sassy and oh so functional. Check out this walk-in bathtub

Sleek, sassy walk-in bathtub

We at Structura Remodeling are floored by this streamlined, stylish and functional walk-in tub and shower door combination. What we love most about this for a handicap accessible bathroom remodel is its high level of function while still maintain a beautiful design. You’ll see here you could bring a wheelchair or walker directly up to the tub’s side and then enjoy a spa-like experience in your bathroom.

When it comes to a handicap accessible bathroom remodel there is never a job too small! It’s the small details that ultimately make the largest impact in your home when it comes to changes in your lifestyle, mobility or just wanting to streamline your bathroom experience. These handicap-accessible bathroom remodeling trends are timeless, trusted and stylish.

If you’re in the Greater LA area and are looking for support to begin a bathroom remodeling project know that Structura Remodeling is here for you. Come dream…design and build with us. Take advantage of our Free consultations today!

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Home Remodeling

Los Angeles Home Improvement Grants

Los Angeles Home Improvement Grants

Do you need some financial support to remodel and renovate your home in California?

Owning a house in California can certainly mark a very exciting chapter in life. However, as we’ve served a variety of clients including veterans, teachers, seniors, single parents, and disabled or handicapped homeowners with their home improvement projects, we’ve found that sometimes there is a need for financial support. If you’re a veteran, a single mother of find yourself working within the constraints of a low income we’re sure that you’d appreciate some support to allow your dream home remodeling project to become a reality.

For our team, no project is ever too small and at Structura Remodeling we offering financing to help you bring your California house renovations to life.

Home Improvement Grant

A home improvement grant also called a “home repair grant,” is a type of financial aid issued by the government at the federal, state or municipality level. It’s designed to help homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area make select improvements to their properties even when navigating a low income.

If an applicant and their project meet certain requirements, a home improvement grant does not need to be repaid. So, essentially this gives you access to free funds to have your house remodeled in California.

There are several places you can find available home improvement grants. A great place to start is with your local California HUD office (Housing and Urban Development). HUD offers grants like the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for low-income homeowners, as well as various types of house remodeling loans. Visit HUD.gov to find the offices within the greater Los Angeles area.

Eligibility requirements vary by grant. For the most part, grants will have requirements about the homeowner’s income, their location, as well as the suggested projects that this grant money will invest to support.

Here are some resources that you can explore to determine eligibility. If you’re a Veteran, Teacher, Senior Citizen, Single Parent, or find yourself handicapped or disabled, you could potentially meet the qualifications for some of the more commonly used home improvement grants:

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants

HUD Community Development Block Grant Program

VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant

Just like with your mortgage application, you will need to produce documentation to prove your financial need. You may also need to prove that you’re working within a low-income, as well as offer assessments of your home’s conditions and your estimated project costs. Make sure you know the full scope of requirements for each grant you apply for. Remember, most home improvement grants in California are very limited in number and only a few homeowners are chosen.

Structura Remodeling is one of the few experienced contractors in the LA area that also offers financing for your home remodel projects. If you’re in the Greater LA area and are looking for support to begin are modeling project know that Structura Remodeling is here for you. There is no project too small and no dream too big. Free consultations are available today!

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Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Trends for 2023: Let’s See What’s Cooking!

Kitchen Trends for 2023: Let’s See What’s Cooking!

October 8, 2019

Time flies! Can you believe that it’s already October of 2022? As we approach a brand-new year, it’s a great time to dream, design and build your perfect kitchen. There are some interesting and inspiring trends unfolding in the space of kitchen design, kitchen renovation, and kitchen remodeling.

Some of the kitchen design idea trends we’ve discovered are bold. Could you see yourself with an aquarium inside your kitchen island? Well, there is certainly a design spectrum when it comes to incorporating 2023 kitchen renovation trends. What we’ve noticed, especially in Los Angeles is the most popular kitchen remodeling trends lean towards timeless designs.

Here are a few of our top picks for kitchen ideas and kitchen designs in 2023.

1. Colorful Kitchens help to add that wow factor – Kitchen trends for 2023

Colorful Kitchen trends 2020 Colorful Kitchen designs 2023

In this LA kitchen, you’ll see a beautiful use of color to add a trendy appeal to your kitchen design. By including a combination of blue, wood tones and the sleekness of the chrome appliances, along with a chrome kitchen counter-top you’ll notice a timeless approach to a “funky” design. If your someone who tends to be inspired by boho-chic designs adding colorful kitchen cabinetry is a great way to bring that design trend into your kitchen space.

2.Add texture to your kitchen remodel. It brings out the hidden treasure of your home – Kitchen trends for 2023

Texture kitchen remodel 2023

Here is an example of a kitchen design trend that was executed perfectly. Do you see the gorgeous metallic and textured titles utilized through this kitchen remodel? These textured kitchen titles add a large level of depth and richness to the vibe of this gorgeous LA kitchen. Also, by incorporating this horizontal kitchen window with emphasized window trim the contractor has managed to mirror the kitchen cabinet accents and the stove finishes.

3.White on white done right. This kitchen showcases a timeless style with a modern edge – Kitchen trends for 2023

White on white kitchen

In this bright and sophisticated kitchen,you find a modern approach to white on white. By utilizing white kitchen titles which include an octagon pattern, and pops of colors throughout with additional complementary patterns this timeless classic kitchen design quickly becomes one of the leading kitchen trends for 2023.

When it comes to your kitchen remodel, don’t be afraid to play with color and find a perfect balance between trending and timeless. If you’re in the Greater LA area and are looking for support to begin a kitchen remodeling project know that Structura Remodeling is here for you. There is no project too small and no dream too big. Free consultations are available today!

Categories
Kitchen Remodeling

Are you ready for some Kitchen Island Ideas? Tap into the heart of your home

Are you ready for some Kitchen Island Ideas? Tap into the heart of your home

September 30, 2019

Have you noticed while heading over to dinner or a cocktail party at a friend’s you find yourself falling into a case of kitchen envy? I think we’ve all been there at some point! So, you find yourself scrolling through Pinterest, design magazines and perhaps even looking at local contractors.

But maybe there’s something that keeps you from taking the next step and saying yes to that kitchen renovation. Did you know that the kitchen is considered the heart of your home? So, it would make sense that we are very careful with our home’s heart.

Here are some kitchen island ideas that will make the heart of your home skip a beat…let your kitchen remodel flow with ease.

1.Natural wood accents meet that clean chrome. A modern yet classic kitchen island design idea.

Natural wood accent classic kitchen island idea

Imagine how it would feel to have this beautiful kitchen design in your home. Can you see your friends and family filling the matching wood chrome and leather bar stools? The clean-lined fronts of the kitchen cabinetry and the kitchen island add a next-level style to this overall design.

2.Teak and sleek! This kitchen island idea showcases a bright and open flow.

Teak kitchen island idea

Notice : how the pulls on the kitchen cabinetrymatch the accents of the kitchen island stools. The clean lines of the white kitchen countertop against the white titles, and the balance created by the lighter wood flooring choice…so elegant!

3.Red and loving it! Feeling the style…this kitchen island idea accented by a pop of color.

Style kitchen island idea

Here’s a great renovation tip. When it comes to your kitchen remodel you can create a huge wow factor by adding colorful accents. Inside this LA kitchen, you see how the pop of red that surrounds this two-toned kitchen island up-levels the playfulness of the design. A smart and timeless approach when you want to add a little bit more fun to your kitchen design.

4.Dark woods accents, exposed beams and wine! Elegant and perfect for a wine lover

Dark woods accent kitchen island design

Build, design and dream. When it comes to this kitchen island it’s about the little details. Notice the metal accents and of course who could overlook this gorgeous built-in chrome wine cooler. This kitchen design would certainly be a great remedy for that pesky kitchen envy.

Hopefully, this helped get your renovation ideas flowing. If you’re in the Greater LA area and are looking for support to begin a kitchen remodeling projectknow that Structura Remodeling is here for you. There is no project too small and no dream too big. Free consultations are available today!