Archive for the ‘Additions’ Category

Warm Days and Warmer Nights: Cool Fireplaces for Your Whole Home Remodel

March 31st, 2011
Posted in Additions, Art and Decorating, Design, Whole Home Remodel | Comments Off

Fireplace2Those of us who live on the West Coast know that even during spring and summer, the coastal breeze can bring a chill in the evening. That’s why a fireplace is such an appealing design element in San Diego home additions and whole home remodels.

A lot of us think “brick” when we think fireplace, but today’s options are much more versatile and exciting. Some of the fireplaces our design team has been researching for recent client projects act as stunning centerpieces for the home, in addition to serving a practical purpose.

Fireplaces can be selected in gas, wood, electric or outdoor variations. Materials for mantels and surrounds range from the traditional brick, to glass, metal, wood and more. Whatever the aesthetic of your home, our team can help you find the right fireplace to suit your personal style.

Visit these sites for inspirational slide shows and photos of fireplaces and keep those home fires burning with a beautiful fireplace for your San Diego home addition or whole home remodel!:

Heat & Glo
Bloch Design

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Work on Your Home to Work at Home: Home Additions for the Home Office

March 25th, 2011
Posted in Additions, Design and Build, Whole Home Remodel | Comments Off

HomeOfficeHome additions can be prompted by a variety of lifestyle changes, one of them being the need for a home office. Is it time for you to save time and money by ending your commute and eliminating lease expenses? Do you have a burgeoning business idea that needs more room to grow than a corner office in the kitchen or living room? Here’s how home additions for the home office can make sense for your lifestyle, along with some ideas for designing the perfect work space:

Separate Work from Home:
It’s important to have a separate space for your home office, especially if there are children or other family members in the home who pose a potential distraction. Consider the idea of a separate entrance, as well, if visiting clients are regularly expected. Separating work life from home life means they will both get the attention they deserve. A separate space also makes it easier to define the work area for tax purposes.

Retain the Integrity of Your Home’s Design:
One of the most important aspects of designing home additions is the seamless integration of the original home with the addition. The addition should seem like a natural extension of the home, as if it has always been there. Working with a team of professional architects, designers and construction professionals, you can arrive at a design that provides the new space you need without detracting from the appearance of your original home.

Up or Out?
One of the first questions you will face when considering a home addition for your home office is whether to build “up” (vertically) or “out” (horizontally). Knowing the correct answer relies on expert knowledge about construction, the current codes and zoning requirements for your neighborhood, and how to effectively meld these restrictions with a beautiful design. A design build team with architects, designers and construction professionals working together on your project helps to assure a successful outcome.

Working at home can bring efficiency and creativity to your lifestyle … put a home addition for your home office at the top of your “to-do” list!

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Whole Home Remodel or Addition Next Year? Now is the Time to Plan!

December 20th, 2010
Posted in Additions, Custom Homes, Design and Build, Whole Home Remodel | Comments Off

WholeHOME_NewYearIn between wrapping presents, throwing and attending holiday parties and enjoying lots of delicious seasonal meals, are you daydreaming about your whole home remodel? Now is the time to get started! 2011 promises to be a busy time for thriving remodeling companies and the ideal season to transform your home.

With a major project such as a whole home remodel or addition, success depends on careful planning and timing. A great way to gather the information you need to get started is by attending one of JDR’s free design and remodeling seminars. Our next seminar will be held on Saturday, January 22nd from 10am to 1pm at our Design Center in San Diego. During a lively and engaging presentation, you will gain valuable information about remodeling and have a chance to talk one-on-one with architects and designers about your project. Learn more here.

The start of a new year often inspires us to set new goals, take on new projects or finally put into action a dream we’ve been carrying with us for some time. A whole home remodel is the perfect expression of the new year’s promise. Practically speaking, the earlier in the year you get started with gathering information and planning your remodel, the more likely you are to get the schedule you want from a reliable, experienced and talented remodeling and design team.

Ready to get started? Browse some of our previous posts about whole home remodeling here:

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Your Whole Home Remodel
The Architect Advantage: How Working with an Architect Enhances Your Remodel
The Secrets of a Stress-free Whole Home Remodel

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Questions to Ask Yourself Before Your Whole Home Remodel

June 30th, 2010
Posted in Additions, Design, Design and Build, Whole Home Remodel | Comments Off

WholeHome_BlogRemodeling your entire home is a big decision. Careful preparation and planning help to make the process smooth and the end result satisfying. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are considering a whole home remodel:

1. What is my current lifestyle like and how would I like to change my home to adapt to it?
Life transitions, such as children leaving home for college or new babies on the way are often the impetus for a whole home remodel. Empty nesters may want to consider simplifying their homes by streamlining space planning, or they may decide to add some small luxuries to their environment, such as wine coolers, beer dispensers, or other kitchen and dining upgrades to enhance a higher level of entertaining. Expanding families obviously need more room and may want to think about ways to transform their space to be more child-friendly.

2. What are my short and long term goals and needs for the space?
This is a consideration particularly for those who may be buying a home as an investment and do not plan to stay in the house for a long time. It’s important to plan for both the increase in retail value of your home’s eventual sale and for the enjoyment of the space while you live there.

3. What do I wish I had in my home?
A visit to a friend’s or neighbor’s home can sometimes set us to day dreaming about how our own environment could change. As you consider your own home remodel, think about visits to other people’s homes, especially those that were recently remodeled, and make notes about what you liked and didn’t like about those spaces.

4. What do I absolutely hate about my current home?
Well, “hate” is a strong word, but sometimes it needs to be said! Are you living with a decades-old kitchen that isn’t even ironically stylish? Is your closet space about half what it needs to be? Have you been tolerating a fluorescent recess from the seventies? Remember to catalog these annoyances as you plan for the new home you will love.

5. Do I need more space? If so, how much?
This is where a design professional can really be helpful. Space planning is an essential aspect of a successful whole home remodel. Maybe you need more space, but maybe you just need a better configuration of the space you already have. Working together with a professional designer, you can assess and plan accordingly.

6. How much do I plan to invest?
It is important to be realistic about how much a whole home remodel will cost. Have your checklist prepared from considering and answering the questions above and then talk to your contractor. Together, you can determine if your desires match up realistically with your budget.

A whole home remodel is an exciting project to undertake! Being prepared leads to the best end result.

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Room Additions: The Answer to Aging in Place

November 10th, 2009
Posted in Additions, Aging in Place | Comments Off

JDR_AginginPlaceIf you’re planning for the future for yourself or a relative, you’ve probably considered “aging in place.” If you haven’t yet started making plans, you’re not alone! Most Americans don’t. Keep in mind that the National Aging in Place Council suggests that people should start thinking about a plan to age in place before planning for retirement.

What is aging in place?
Aging in place is the ability to stay in your own home independently, safely and comfortably for as long as you can while you age. A recent AARP study established that 89 percent of 50-plus Americans intend to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. If you or a relative fit this profile, then a room addition might be the right answer.

How room additions can help.
Sometimes a home layout just isn’t suitable for aging in place and room additions make the most sense. For instance, if all the bedrooms are upstairs, that can present a challenge to safe mobility. One floor living is generally considered the ideal option for aging seniors. A room addition could be as simple as a bedroom, or it could include an entire suite with a more expansive living area, a bathroom, even a small kitchenette. Any plans should include universal design elements that provide ease of use and safety. Room additions with easy access to the outdoors, such as ramps, are another way to enhance ongoing independence.

Plan early.
Living independently is the ideal for the majority of seniors, and room additions can be a good solution. If we wait too long to consider our options, circumstances can interfere which make it difficult to retain our independence. Planning for the future now is the smartest way to go!

Learn more about aging in place at the National Aging in Place Council.
Learn more about senior living at AARP.
See examples of San Diego room additions.

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