by Randy Mate
Taking an older home and remodeling it takes some special skills. When I see a home that was built in the 1930’s, that has not already been remodeled, it will have items that are handmade and custom built. As a homeowner you may want to keep these as they are. Built-in cabinets may have to be matched with a new entertainment system which needs to be larger than they were seventy-five years ago.
Remaking the existing to suit or matching your cabinets, bookcases, doors, windows and trim, takes a skilled craftsman. Most likely you don’t want to put in a white, pressboard, pre-fab cabinet into a den that has handcrafted, turn of the century oak cabinets and shelves.
The windows are going to be single-layered glass that is not energy efficient. The wood of the frames may be rotted, termite damaged or falling apart. One way to handle this is to have the windows replaced. You can have new wooden windows made to fit and match the existing. A less expensive way to go is with a vinyl window that looks similar to older style windows but eliminates the problem of termite damage and wood rot. Additionally, with vinyl, you won’t have to paint them.
Doors and doorways may not be the standard size that are made today. In this case you may not be able to go out and get a store-bought door that matches, with frame that matches and install it. It may be a special order (size still made but not carried by the store, however it can be ordered) or a custom-made (size not made or carried in a store however it can be made by a skilled craftsman) door.
We can retain the original look of the home when it was first built with the correct time, money and craftsmen. In this way your house will increase in value, appearance and usability.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Planning a Remodeling Project or Room Addition? Here’s Some Advice
by Randy Mate
You’d like to sell your home, but you decide maybe this isn’t a good time. However, maybe it is a good time to make some home improvements you have been thinking about. Whether it’s a small remodeling project, room addition or a larger scale renovation, it helps you to know there’s a sequence of events -- from planning to completion -- that will guide you to success.
First: Your initial ideas. Prepare a written description. Be as specific as you can, but keep an open mind. When you begin talking with professionals (contractors, etc.), they may suggest some additional ideas or options you haven’t thought of.
Second: Your budget. Obviously, the scope of your project will determine its cost, so be realistic about how much you can invest. My advice is to set a range, with at least 10 percent for contingencies that may occur during the project.
Once you’ve decided on your initial ideas and budget, the next step is selecting a contractor. Make certain the contractor is licensed. There’s a website where you can check: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/. Since most of my business comes by referrals, I recommend that you ask friends, neighbors, colleagues at work, etc., who’ve had similar work done in their homes, who they hired as a contractor – and would they hire that contractor again?
Interview more than one contractor before making your selection. Consider the contractor’s quality of work and experience, estimated timeline and cost. There’s also a good “chemistry” that should exist between you and the contractor. During the interview is time to ask lots of questions – and don’t hesitate to ask for and check references, assurance of proper bonding, and even visit projects that the contractor has completed.
Next steps in the sequencing usually are:
- Acquire financing based on the initial estimate.
- Project design.
- Soil testing and report (if needed).
- Architectural and engineering services (if needed).
- Plans submitted to and approval by the city.
- Written contract to exact dollar amounts, build time and payment schedule.
- Project permits “pulled.”
- Start the build!!
REDUCING HOME CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Home improvements involve making choices, many of which involve money. You may need to strike a balance between your dreams and what it’s actually going to cost. One very important point: There’s no “golden rule” to reducing costs. Homes consist of thousands of parts and may involve as many as 20 to 30 different construction trades.
However, based on my years of experience, here are some pointers to help harness costs:
-- If adding a room, keep it rectangular. Maintain a simple roof line.
-- Stay away from highly advertised "decorator" items. You can buy good appliances for under $400.
-- Spend on those things you see and use every day.
-- Have everything worked out before you break ground. If you want to see your budget blown to bits, start making changes after the work has begun.
-- Don't be a trail-blazer. There are products more suited to making a company rich than giving you a good house. Those that have been around a while are usually best.
-- Make a list of "optional" items and what they cost. This is helpful in deciding which gives more value for your buck. Examples of "optional" items: granite countertops, home theatre, lighting and plumbing fixtures, etc.
-- Add later those things you can't afford today; you can build them in at a future time.
WHY DO AN ADDITION AND/OR REMODEL NOW?
-- Due to a slowdown in the construction business, now is the time to get the best dollar value from your project. Many contractors are offering discounts.
-- Many high quality craftsmen are willing to lower their prices to get work, but not lower their quality. In the past 10 years we'd get craftsmen calling us, asking for work one or two times a month; now we get this many calls a DAY!-- With today’s low interest rates, it’s a major advantage. Get a Free Estimate - Contact: Randy Mate, New Castle Remodeling, Inc. (License #701682). Phone: 818-548-8760
You’d like to sell your home, but you decide maybe this isn’t a good time. However, maybe it is a good time to make some home improvements you have been thinking about. Whether it’s a small remodeling project, room addition or a larger scale renovation, it helps you to know there’s a sequence of events -- from planning to completion -- that will guide you to success.
First: Your initial ideas. Prepare a written description. Be as specific as you can, but keep an open mind. When you begin talking with professionals (contractors, etc.), they may suggest some additional ideas or options you haven’t thought of.
Second: Your budget. Obviously, the scope of your project will determine its cost, so be realistic about how much you can invest. My advice is to set a range, with at least 10 percent for contingencies that may occur during the project.
Once you’ve decided on your initial ideas and budget, the next step is selecting a contractor. Make certain the contractor is licensed. There’s a website where you can check: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/. Since most of my business comes by referrals, I recommend that you ask friends, neighbors, colleagues at work, etc., who’ve had similar work done in their homes, who they hired as a contractor – and would they hire that contractor again?
Interview more than one contractor before making your selection. Consider the contractor’s quality of work and experience, estimated timeline and cost. There’s also a good “chemistry” that should exist between you and the contractor. During the interview is time to ask lots of questions – and don’t hesitate to ask for and check references, assurance of proper bonding, and even visit projects that the contractor has completed.
Next steps in the sequencing usually are:
- Acquire financing based on the initial estimate.
- Project design.
- Soil testing and report (if needed).
- Architectural and engineering services (if needed).
- Plans submitted to and approval by the city.
- Written contract to exact dollar amounts, build time and payment schedule.
- Project permits “pulled.”
- Start the build!!
REDUCING HOME CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Home improvements involve making choices, many of which involve money. You may need to strike a balance between your dreams and what it’s actually going to cost. One very important point: There’s no “golden rule” to reducing costs. Homes consist of thousands of parts and may involve as many as 20 to 30 different construction trades.
However, based on my years of experience, here are some pointers to help harness costs:
-- If adding a room, keep it rectangular. Maintain a simple roof line.
-- Stay away from highly advertised "decorator" items. You can buy good appliances for under $400.
-- Spend on those things you see and use every day.
-- Have everything worked out before you break ground. If you want to see your budget blown to bits, start making changes after the work has begun.
-- Don't be a trail-blazer. There are products more suited to making a company rich than giving you a good house. Those that have been around a while are usually best.
-- Make a list of "optional" items and what they cost. This is helpful in deciding which gives more value for your buck. Examples of "optional" items: granite countertops, home theatre, lighting and plumbing fixtures, etc.
-- Add later those things you can't afford today; you can build them in at a future time.
WHY DO AN ADDITION AND/OR REMODEL NOW?
-- Due to a slowdown in the construction business, now is the time to get the best dollar value from your project. Many contractors are offering discounts.
-- Many high quality craftsmen are willing to lower their prices to get work, but not lower their quality. In the past 10 years we'd get craftsmen calling us, asking for work one or two times a month; now we get this many calls a DAY!-- With today’s low interest rates, it’s a major advantage. Get a Free Estimate - Contact: Randy Mate, New Castle Remodeling, Inc. (License #701682). Phone: 818-548-8760
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Current Trends In Remodeling
by Randy Mate
Two hot, trendy areas of your home that get the most attention these days are the kitchen and the bathroom. As I already covered the kitchen areas in my last newsletter, here we’ll focus on the bathroom (or bathrooms, as the case might be) and how these fit in with your home.
With ever changing family needs, the bathroom is one room that is getting a lot of attention these days. In this article, you'll find current trends, what's hot now and fixture options. No matter what your direction is, we have some excellent tools to assist you with your pre-planning. Contact us, we offer a free Ballpark Estimate for existing homeowners. We like to help keep you aware of all possible considerations.
Current Trends:
Some of the more modern trends lately are such things as natural stone surfaces, multi-head showers (for this you’ll need proper water pressure), tiled showers and higher vanities. Also radiant heat in the floor is quite popular as are larger windows. Always make sure you have proper ventilation and your windows are treated for humidity.
Some Hot Items to Consider:
Pedestal sinks and two person showers are definitely in. Also painting the room white is more in vogue lately. And, if you have the room a whirlpool, jetted bath tops the list.
How to Get Started:
Call my office today and let us see what we can do to get you started on your bathroom remodeling and/or addition project. We’ll be happy to schedule an appoint to come out and look at your home and set you up with not only a rough idea of what it will cost (a Ballpark Estimate), but an architect or designer as might be needed depending on the scope of your plans and ideas.
If you have existing plans we are more than happy to use these to give you a free quote as well. We can either come out and look, pick up a copy or you can arrange to have a copy sent to us.
Don’t wait – call my office today – (818)548-8760!
Two hot, trendy areas of your home that get the most attention these days are the kitchen and the bathroom. As I already covered the kitchen areas in my last newsletter, here we’ll focus on the bathroom (or bathrooms, as the case might be) and how these fit in with your home.
With ever changing family needs, the bathroom is one room that is getting a lot of attention these days. In this article, you'll find current trends, what's hot now and fixture options. No matter what your direction is, we have some excellent tools to assist you with your pre-planning. Contact us, we offer a free Ballpark Estimate for existing homeowners. We like to help keep you aware of all possible considerations.
Current Trends:
Some of the more modern trends lately are such things as natural stone surfaces, multi-head showers (for this you’ll need proper water pressure), tiled showers and higher vanities. Also radiant heat in the floor is quite popular as are larger windows. Always make sure you have proper ventilation and your windows are treated for humidity.
Some Hot Items to Consider:
Pedestal sinks and two person showers are definitely in. Also painting the room white is more in vogue lately. And, if you have the room a whirlpool, jetted bath tops the list.
How to Get Started:
Call my office today and let us see what we can do to get you started on your bathroom remodeling and/or addition project. We’ll be happy to schedule an appoint to come out and look at your home and set you up with not only a rough idea of what it will cost (a Ballpark Estimate), but an architect or designer as might be needed depending on the scope of your plans and ideas.
If you have existing plans we are more than happy to use these to give you a free quote as well. We can either come out and look, pick up a copy or you can arrange to have a copy sent to us.
Don’t wait – call my office today – (818)548-8760!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Are You Ready To Do K.P. ? (A Kitchen and/or Patio, That Is)
by Randy Mate
The kitchen is often the most used place in your home and, thus, should get the most attention than other portions of your house. In looking over some recent studies, I found that more homeowners and buyers look to the kitchen as a focal point on buying and selling a home. It is something that will add quick value to your home and get you the best for your buck, so to speak.
With summer coming upon us, it makes sense to remodel your kitchen to be ready for those outdoor dinners and other entertainment activities you have planned.
Simple things such as resurfacing cabinets or a new paint job can add a quick touch to improving your kitchen. More elaborate work such as new cabinets and/or countertops, new appliances and such will add much to your new kitchen. Making your kitchen larger is another way to help you in preparing those fancy dishes and such.
While you’re at it, look at rehabbing or adding a patio to your property. Such work often goes hand in hand with re-doing one‘s kitchen. One key thing is to have the access to the patio as close to the kitchen as possible. In this way, you will be able to bring food and drinks in and out with ease. And don’t forget to include space on your patio for the needed chairs, table(s) and that all-American favorite – a BBQ.
A 10 foot by 10 foot patio is the minimum and ideally, 10 foot by 15 foot would be best, although you can make it as big as you want.
At New Castle we can provide you with all the necessary help in getting your kitchen and/or patio remodeling or addition plans in full swing. So don’t delay much longer, as the summer season is almost here and you’ll not want to miss out on providing your friends and family a great season of outdoor entertainment. Give us a call at (800) 694-2639.
The kitchen is often the most used place in your home and, thus, should get the most attention than other portions of your house. In looking over some recent studies, I found that more homeowners and buyers look to the kitchen as a focal point on buying and selling a home. It is something that will add quick value to your home and get you the best for your buck, so to speak.
With summer coming upon us, it makes sense to remodel your kitchen to be ready for those outdoor dinners and other entertainment activities you have planned.
Simple things such as resurfacing cabinets or a new paint job can add a quick touch to improving your kitchen. More elaborate work such as new cabinets and/or countertops, new appliances and such will add much to your new kitchen. Making your kitchen larger is another way to help you in preparing those fancy dishes and such.
While you’re at it, look at rehabbing or adding a patio to your property. Such work often goes hand in hand with re-doing one‘s kitchen. One key thing is to have the access to the patio as close to the kitchen as possible. In this way, you will be able to bring food and drinks in and out with ease. And don’t forget to include space on your patio for the needed chairs, table(s) and that all-American favorite – a BBQ.
A 10 foot by 10 foot patio is the minimum and ideally, 10 foot by 15 foot would be best, although you can make it as big as you want.
At New Castle we can provide you with all the necessary help in getting your kitchen and/or patio remodeling or addition plans in full swing. So don’t delay much longer, as the summer season is almost here and you’ll not want to miss out on providing your friends and family a great season of outdoor entertainment. Give us a call at (800) 694-2639.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Why Do An Addition and/or Remodel Now?
by Randy Mate
Due to a slow in the construction area you can get the best dollar value from your project now. Here are some of the reasons…
…New Castle Remodeling, Inc. is offering discounts…
This last year we have been passing on the savings. Due to the slow, we can get projects done for less, because we can get discounts on most materials and labor. We currently offer up to 5 percent off the cost of a project. This could be a savings of up to $5,000 on a $100,000 project.
…We have a big choice of available quality craftsmen…
Many high quality craftsmen are out of work and are willing to lower their prices to get work, but not lower their quality. In the past 10 years we’d get craftsmen calling us, asking for work 1 or 2 times a month, now we get 1 or 2 calls a DAY!! This means we can check them out and then pick and choose the best of the best for your project.
…Interest rates are lower…
Interest rates are dropping so it costs less to pay back a loan that you would get to do your project.
The sequence of a project is:
YOUR IDEAS, PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BUDGET
INITIAL PROJECT ESTIMATE (WITH LICENSED CONTRACTOR SUCH AS NEW CASTLE REMODELING)
FINANCE BASED ON INITIAL ESTIMATE
DESIGN
SOILS TESTING and REPORT
ARCHITECTURAL and ENGINEERING
PLANS APPROVED BY CITY
CONTRACT TO EXACT DOLLAR AMOUNTS, BUILD TIME LINES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE.
PROJECT PERMITTED.
BUILD IT…
Call New Castle Remodeling at (818) 548-8760 to assist you in any or all of the above.
REDUCING HOME CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Here I list some methods of keeping costs low. Often conflicting with what one would prefer to have, but designing a new home is mainly making choices; many of which involve money. It’d be a mistake to let any of the following suggestions take on more importance. Balance between what you want and how much it is going to cost. One very important point is there is no "golden rule" to reducing these costs. A house consists of thousands of parts involving 20 to 30 different construction trades.
Keep it rectangular. Maintain a simple roof line.
Stay away from highly advertised "decorator" items. You can buy a good appliances for under $400. .
Spend on the things you see and use every day.
Have everything worked out before you break ground. If you want to see your budget blown to bits, start making changes after the work has begun.
Don't be a trail-blazer. There are products more suited to make a company rich than giving you a good house. Those that have been around awhile are usually best.
Make a list of "optional" items and what they cost. This is helpful in deciding which gives more value for your buck. Examples of "optional" items are: granite countertops, home theatre, lighting and plumbing fixtures.
Plan to add later those things that you can't afford today. There are lots of things that you can build into a house that allow you to add later.
Remember. Your home is still a major investment. The better shape it’s in, the higher price it will achieve. Call today and see what I can do to make those dreams a reality!
Due to a slow in the construction area you can get the best dollar value from your project now. Here are some of the reasons…
…New Castle Remodeling, Inc. is offering discounts…
This last year we have been passing on the savings. Due to the slow, we can get projects done for less, because we can get discounts on most materials and labor. We currently offer up to 5 percent off the cost of a project. This could be a savings of up to $5,000 on a $100,000 project.
…We have a big choice of available quality craftsmen…
Many high quality craftsmen are out of work and are willing to lower their prices to get work, but not lower their quality. In the past 10 years we’d get craftsmen calling us, asking for work 1 or 2 times a month, now we get 1 or 2 calls a DAY!! This means we can check them out and then pick and choose the best of the best for your project.
…Interest rates are lower…
Interest rates are dropping so it costs less to pay back a loan that you would get to do your project.
The sequence of a project is:
YOUR IDEAS, PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BUDGET
INITIAL PROJECT ESTIMATE (WITH LICENSED CONTRACTOR SUCH AS NEW CASTLE REMODELING)
FINANCE BASED ON INITIAL ESTIMATE
DESIGN
SOILS TESTING and REPORT
ARCHITECTURAL and ENGINEERING
PLANS APPROVED BY CITY
CONTRACT TO EXACT DOLLAR AMOUNTS, BUILD TIME LINES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE.
PROJECT PERMITTED.
BUILD IT…
Call New Castle Remodeling at (818) 548-8760 to assist you in any or all of the above.
REDUCING HOME CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Here I list some methods of keeping costs low. Often conflicting with what one would prefer to have, but designing a new home is mainly making choices; many of which involve money. It’d be a mistake to let any of the following suggestions take on more importance. Balance between what you want and how much it is going to cost. One very important point is there is no "golden rule" to reducing these costs. A house consists of thousands of parts involving 20 to 30 different construction trades.
Keep it rectangular. Maintain a simple roof line.
Stay away from highly advertised "decorator" items. You can buy a good appliances for under $400. .
Spend on the things you see and use every day.
Have everything worked out before you break ground. If you want to see your budget blown to bits, start making changes after the work has begun.
Don't be a trail-blazer. There are products more suited to make a company rich than giving you a good house. Those that have been around awhile are usually best.
Make a list of "optional" items and what they cost. This is helpful in deciding which gives more value for your buck. Examples of "optional" items are: granite countertops, home theatre, lighting and plumbing fixtures.
Plan to add later those things that you can't afford today. There are lots of things that you can build into a house that allow you to add later.
Remember. Your home is still a major investment. The better shape it’s in, the higher price it will achieve. Call today and see what I can do to make those dreams a reality!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Warning Signs That You Need A New Roof
by Randy Mate
Here are five warning signs that could tell you that your roof is ready to be replaced:
Please Note: Do not walk on your roof – it is dangerous. Check your roofs’ condition from the ground. If you’re having trouble seeing the roof surface, use some binoculars.
1. Granule Loss. The small granules on your roof play an important part in weatherproofing. They protect your roof from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and improve the roof’s water-shedding capabilities.
If you can see black spots on your roof due to loss of these granules , it is time to re-roof.
2. Missing Shingles. Roofs tend to age evenly. Having several shingles that are missing or broken means the uniformity of your roof’s protection value has most likely been lost.
Shingles that are torn or missing allow the roof structure to be quite susceptible to water damage and rot. This can also cause good shingles nearby to start a domino effect of wind and rain damage.
3. Curls or Cracks. As shingles near the end of their useful life, they may noticeably curl, split and lose their water resistance. A quick scan of your roof is usually all it takes to detect these obvious signs of aging.
Because the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause the most damage to roofing surfaces, signs of deterioration are likely to first show up on the western and southern exposures of your roof.
4. Leaks. A fairly new roof that has a localized leak should probably only need the roofing repaired, not replaced. However, if you see several leaks or stains and wet spots on the underside of the roof deck or on rafters in the attic space, a new roof should be a number one priority.
5. Overall Age. Generally, asphalt shingles have a life of 20-50 years, depending on what they’re made of, weather conditions, quality of installation and regular maintenance.
If your roof is approximately 20 years old, it should be visually inspected every Fall for any signs of deterioration. Because asphalt shingles age gradually, homeowners have plenty of time to consider replacement options once it comes time to re-roof. The key is to replace the roof before it is worn out and you are forced into a hasty decision or it causes further damage to the inside of your home.
When You’re Ready . . .
Give us a call. We’ll be glad to check things out and answer your questions on your roof and any interior damage that may have resulted from leaks.
Here are five warning signs that could tell you that your roof is ready to be replaced:
Please Note: Do not walk on your roof – it is dangerous. Check your roofs’ condition from the ground. If you’re having trouble seeing the roof surface, use some binoculars.
1. Granule Loss. The small granules on your roof play an important part in weatherproofing. They protect your roof from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and improve the roof’s water-shedding capabilities.
If you can see black spots on your roof due to loss of these granules , it is time to re-roof.
2. Missing Shingles. Roofs tend to age evenly. Having several shingles that are missing or broken means the uniformity of your roof’s protection value has most likely been lost.
Shingles that are torn or missing allow the roof structure to be quite susceptible to water damage and rot. This can also cause good shingles nearby to start a domino effect of wind and rain damage.
3. Curls or Cracks. As shingles near the end of their useful life, they may noticeably curl, split and lose their water resistance. A quick scan of your roof is usually all it takes to detect these obvious signs of aging.
Because the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause the most damage to roofing surfaces, signs of deterioration are likely to first show up on the western and southern exposures of your roof.
4. Leaks. A fairly new roof that has a localized leak should probably only need the roofing repaired, not replaced. However, if you see several leaks or stains and wet spots on the underside of the roof deck or on rafters in the attic space, a new roof should be a number one priority.
5. Overall Age. Generally, asphalt shingles have a life of 20-50 years, depending on what they’re made of, weather conditions, quality of installation and regular maintenance.
If your roof is approximately 20 years old, it should be visually inspected every Fall for any signs of deterioration. Because asphalt shingles age gradually, homeowners have plenty of time to consider replacement options once it comes time to re-roof. The key is to replace the roof before it is worn out and you are forced into a hasty decision or it causes further damage to the inside of your home.
When You’re Ready . . .
Give us a call. We’ll be glad to check things out and answer your questions on your roof and any interior damage that may have resulted from leaks.
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