It used to be bar-be-ques. Then it was big bar-be-ques. Then it was big electric bar-be-ques. But in Southern California our outdoor ‘chefs’ aren’t stopping there. Because our huge weather window allows us plenty of outdoor play time each year, our back yards have become the haven where our weekend warriors are showing off their culinary prowess. But would many of these great guys spend even a moment in our indoor kitchens? Certainly not MY weekend backyard gourmand!

When it became clear that my husband (after 15 cooking-free years!) decided that he wanted to toss out his old charcoal grill, I thought that I was now going to be responsible for every last burger and dog during our many backyard gatherings. But no. After 15 (cooking-free) years, he managed to surprise me by talking about remodeling our backyard and including a beautiful stove/oven/grill, sink, fridge and bar! Wow! This made me happy on so many levels!

So on to Google^® we trundled. And we learned our options. (See some of these photo ideas in the new Backyard Kitchen section of our photo gallery.) Then we marched down miles of isles in all of the local home improvement and backyard supply stores. But as handy as he wanted to be in our soon-to-exist backyard kitchen, he was equally unhandy with tools. But as always, he knew what we wanted.

The next step was to find a contractor who not only could install our almost-purchased appliances, but who also had the imagination, skills and team to help us to design the hardscape and landscape into which we would plop these new-found appliances. Once again, we trundled to Google^® and AngiesList^® and we talked with friends and neighbors who could give us safe and reliable recommendations for contractors. After all, the very last thing we wanted was to get stuck halfway through a project only to find that our contractor fled with our hard-earned cash.

We narrowed it down to 3 contractors who all seemed capable and competent who each came to our home, and gave us a written price bid. They were all good, but who should we choose? We decided that with the economy being what it is, we didn’t want to hire the most expensive guy. But because we didn’t want too many corners to be cut, we didn’t hire the least expensive guy. As it turned out, the mid-priced guy was the one who listened the closest to our ideas, contributed some of his own, and gave us some insight into some of the ‘gotchas’ that would inevitably arise during this project. (Wow! I feel like “The 3 Bears” all over again!) His name is Oren, and he is the general contractor for Southland Remodeling, Inc in Sherman Oaks.

Fast forward about 4 weeks…

Oren was great at discussing materials and design along the way. He had a guy that was fluent in gardens. And his team efficiently installed the appliances that we had chosen. He brought up things that we hadn’t considered like storage space/cabinetry, accommodating the view, ease of clean-up, and lighting. In the meantime, my husband was out buying recipe books (who knew?!?), arming himself with his spatula of choice and donning his coat of armor: THAT apron. All-the-while salivating over his new-found love: his new (and very manly!) outdoor kitchen.

Fast forward another month…

Our friends and neighbors have been enjoying our little outdoor haven so much that hubby finds himself cooking – even during mid-week! And me? I too loved our new outdoor haven, and because I now had so much non-cooking-realated free time on my hands, that I was inspired to upgrade my indoor haven, so because Southland made the outdoor process so pain-free (and actually pleasant!), we are hiring Oren again to remodel our indoor kitchen (which I know that hubby will never enter before the gruel has been tossed)… Then our master bath… Then our guest bath… then ou…

Remodeling a kitchen is a challenging, yet rewarding project. The road to the end result is paved with plenty of decisions, budget planning, and style choices. Make the remodeling process easier with our free Kitchen Planning Guide. The guide walks you through a kitchen remodel, step-by-step, and is full of practical information and advice that will help make your kitchen remodeling dreams a reality.

Inside the Guide-

• Advice on Working with Professional
• Kitchen Layout Tips
• Selecting Kitchen Countertops
• Advice on Appliances
• Selecting Cabinetry
• Kitchen Lighting Planning

Plus so much more!

Download the guide.

The folks here at Southland Remodeling, Inc are happy to pass-on some good information from trusted sources that might make take the sting out of your upcoming Remodeling Project. Take a look around at our free Remodeling Advise pages, idea pages and Before-&-After remodeling photos. Then give us a call to set up your FREE in-home consultation. We have been remodeling Southern California 1 home at a time. 

As you can see, other than the appliances, a remodel doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do major construction; simply renewing the SURFACES (wall, floors & cabinets), you will feel that you have a whole new room! Here at Southland Remodeling, Inc we are happy to do what you want/need to make you feel more ‘at home’ in your existing home. Give us a call, and we will be happy to give you a free estimate.

from our friends at LandScaping Network

Do you rarely spend time in your backyard? Do you have a dilapidated deck or worn out patio? Do you hate wasting time and water to care for a large lawn? Is your backyard lacking space for entertaining? [pwal id="32511701" description="Pay us with a "Like"."][/pwal]

If you answered yes to any of these questions it sounds like you may be ready for a backyard makeover. Southland Remodeling in the Los Angeles area has a yard-load of terrific ideas to get you moving in a direction that is perfect for you and your lifestyle.

Start by thinking through the main landscaping considerations, such as the desired purpose of your backyard, the people and pets that will use it and how climate will impact your enjoyment of the space.

No matter the challenge, an experienced professional with access to the right resources can help you take your yard from bland to beautiful. Check out the ideas below to discover how your backyard can be made over into an awesome outdoor living space.

Replace Outdated Materials

This backyard was stuck in the ’80s. It featured exposed aggregate concrete with brick bands. The concrete had settled in areas, so the patio was demolished and replaced with sand-washed, beige-colored concrete with bluestone bands. A fountain was also added with dry-laid flagstone surrounding it. To connect the patio with the new pool, a pattern of random concrete rectangles were poured.

Enlarge Your Patio

A common backyard mistake is making the patio too small. When working on a backyard makeover consider enlarging patio areas to accommodate larger furniture and provide walk around space. According to landscape designer Maureen Gilmer, “To err is human, but it is better to do so on the side of overly large than too small.”

In the video at right, garden artisan Scott Cohen discusses plans for remodeling an undersized backyard patio. Originally 10′ by 10′ the patio could not accommodate a table and chairs and leave room for the doors to open wide allowing people to comfortably walk around. 

Remodel Your Paving

Ordinary grey concrete can be quite boring. Giving your backyard paving a makeover will transform the feel of the whole yard. When redoing paving you have two options: tear out the existing pavement or dress up what you have. One option, seen in the video at right, is staining and engraving the concrete to look like natural stone. Opting to dress up your existing paving will save you money on materials and labor.

Don’t Let Small or Awkward Spaces Limit You

Narrow Lots can pose a challenge and often end up going unused. However, by working with a landscape designer or architect, you can turn a narrow space into a useable backyard fully equipped for outdoor living. Creative layouts and space saving techniques can be used to fit more features into a small or oddly shaped backyard than you realize.

The video at right proves that you shouldn’t limit yourself because of lot shape or size, go ahead and dream big for your backyard makeover, more than likely you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

DIY Backyard Makeover

Redoing your backyard can be a big project for a do-it-yourselfer. Demolition and installation of new hardscaping can be back-breaking work that takes the average homeowner weeks to complete, while a professional crew can have it done in a few days. Additionally, projects that involve running water, gas or electric lines can be complicated. If you want a fountain, built-in grill or lots of lighting it is best to hire a licensed professional. However, if you are looking for a DIY option that will save you some money, consider doing the planting yourself. If you go this route, make sure you know the requirements of each plant so you can pick the best location.

Can I put a Hot Tub (Jacuzzi) on my Deck?

Southland Remodeling is the perfect choice to install your new Jacuzzi/Hot Tub in the Greater Southern California area. The weather here is conducive to spending a lot of time outdoors.

from House Logic

Hot tubs and spas come in an array of shapes and sizes, and can be equipped with scores of accessories. Accordingly, they have a wide range of prices. Choosing the right spa depends on its intended use, how big your deck is, and what structural alterations will be required for your deck. In addition, you’ll need to know the cost of installation, day-to-day expenses, and how much you can expect to recoup on your investment should you sell your home.

Bar-be-ques. Sun bathing. Hot tub. Dancing under the stars.

It doesn’t matter why you want to fix up your patio, you just know that you want to. Most of these activities are better enjoyed during the summer. This means that the Winter is the best time to get your new patio started. Take a look at what our friends at HGTV have to say about how to get started. Then give us a call at Southland Home Remodeling and we will help you get a better patio than you ever thought you could ever have!

Planning a Patio

By HGTV

Southland Remodeling Idea #17

Have you heard of a website called Pinterest? It’s kind of like a visual search engine. Just for fun, we went to Pinterest and typed in the words ‘Bathroom Remodel’. And what fun it was! We think this might be a great place to find a direction that might work for you. Once you have a picture, send it to us, or better yet, give us a call and we will come out to see your bathroom and your picture, and together we will come up with a process and a price that will make us both happy. Even if it looks like it might be too much for your budget, we have a million ways that you can get that expensive look on a reasonable budget.

And Voila!  Your new bathroom will be on it’s way.

Here’s the link: http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=bathroom+remodel

Oh, and in case your forget, here’s our Toll Free phone number: 888-464-6757  Call us and we’ll be on our way!

P.S. Don’t forget: Our initial house call is Free – providing your home is somewhere in the greater Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley area.

Making a checklist for your plans to remodel or renovate your kitchen can help prevent unexpected problems on the way to completion. This checklist can also guide you toward creating the most efficient kitchen for your specific needs rather than trying to duplicate a dream kitchen you have seen that simply is not suited for your situation. Does this Spark an idea? Don’t forget to take a look at our Kitchen Idea Gallery while you’re here.

Wish List

• “Everything and the Kitchen Sink” advises that you craft your kitchen remodeling checklist by first determining what the one thing is that your kitchen lacks most and that you desperately want to add. You may be like many people who want more storage space. You may want mostly to update decades-old, virtually obsolete appliances. You may simply want your time in the kitchen to be spent more efficiently.

Length of Use

• You need to assess truthfully how long you plan to use your new kitchen and what kind of use it will see. Those who are planning to remodel after the kids have left home likely will not have the same needs as a couple with toddlers, who should be planning to remodel for the needs of a growing family.

Make Accurate Measurements

• Get the most accurate measurements you can if you have decided to buy new appliances. These measurements may need to take into account the necessity for expanding space, so be precise in how much available space you will actually have. Even if you are planning to order products online, try to find an actual model display somewhere that can be measured against your home figures.

Lighting

• Examine whether the lighting in your kitchen is appropriate for the tasks at hand. General lighting from an overhead fluorescent light fixture, often the norm, in most cases simply is not enough. Look to see how you can add more illumination to the areas of the kitchen where you do the actual food preparation.

Countertops

• If you plan to install new countertops, be realistic about the material you plan to use. Marble counters look great, but if the counter is going to be subject to the whims of kids for the next 15 years you should be prepared for cracking and scratching. Stainless steel counters allow for the resting of hot pots and pans and the action of cutting vegetables and meats, but if you like to get up early and start cooking when others are asleep, stainless steel puts you at a disadvantage because it is noisy.

Professional vs. DIY Renovation

• Be honest while compiling a kitchen renovation checklist. Ask yourself whether you can do some or all of the renovation yourself. Then consider how much professional help you will need. You should also honestly consider how much you can take in terms of allowing workers into your house. Renovations almost always take more time than planned, and patience may be the most important necessity you can place on that checklist.

When you’re ready, give us a call at Southland Remodeling, Inc. We are happy to extend our free walk-through and free estimate to you. Because we Love Southern Californians!

Oh, and don’t forget to take a look at our Kitchen Idea Gallery while you’re here. Learn a little about our past kitchen remodeling jobs, and read our testimonials. Not only do our customers love us, but we love our customers! So feel free to add your name to this list!

Utilizing these tips will better prepare you for our arrival. Taking a few minor steps can save you thousands of dollars on the overall cost of your roof repair.

While waiting for our arrival, there are two temporary remedies for leaks you can use.  Before climbing onto the roof of your home, know this: It is easy to slip, particularly on wet tile and there is danger from tree branches, power lines and ladders.  Repairs are made from the outside.  On the inside, set up buckets under leaky areas and to relieve the water pressure.  On the outside of the roof, you can use plastic sheeting or tar paper.  The smallest holes may be patched by using a trowel to spread roofing plastic cement over them.

 Plastic Sheeting

• This is the most temporary measure.  Take heavy plastic sheets – a brand name is Visqueen – and use roofing nails to fasten them around the hole.
• If you can find 2 by 4’s, square off the hole with the wood first.  Then wrap the plastic around the wood and nail down the wood.
• If you can’t get wood or nails, use bricks, cement blocks or sandbags to hold down the plastic.

Roofing Paper

• This is known as tar paper or roofing felt.  Find it in the building materials sections of stores.  It is applied with trowel-grade roofing plastic cement and a trowel.
• The paper generally is sold in rolls by weight (15-, 30- and 90- weight paper are common) per 100 square feet.
• The paper is best applied in overlapping layers – alternating the cement and paper – from the bottom of the roof upward.

Contractor Tips

To ensure that you are hiring a reputable contractor, make sure that they are NARI Certified. [National Association of the Remodeling Industry] Also, make sure that their Contractor’s License is up to date and that they are bonded and insured.  Southland Remodeling, Inc meets all of these standards, plus we are very easy to work with. Give us a call and we will be happy to come out to give you a free walk-through and an honest estimate.

Spotting Roof Problems

Resist the urge to get up on a ladder to take a closer look at your damaged roof.  Leave that to a professional. 

From the Ground

 If you need a closer look, use binoculars.  Look for torn or missing shingles and problems in the valleys – where two sloping sections join at an angle.  Because water flows heavily in the valleys, they are especially vulnerable.

 A Closer Look

If you can’t see from a distance, wear non-slip, rubber-soled shoes and use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet.

 Don’t Walk on the Roof!

•  You could dislodge the protective surface granules, diminishing waterproofing effectiveness.  You also could fall off or through a weak, damaged roof.
• If you find large accumulations of shingle surface granules in the gutters, it doesn’t necessarily mean the roof needs to be replaced.  A contractor should inspect the roof, however.
• Tile roofs should be checked for cracked, missing or loose pieces of roofing material.  For asphalt or wood-shingle roofs, look for protruding nails.
• On flat roofs, look for bare spots in the gravel surface and check for standing water.
• Take a close look at the flashing on chimneys, vents, skylights, wall/roof junctions and other areas where the integrity of the roof may be compromised.
• Check television antennas and other add-ons to see if there are leaks that are a result of improper sealing of openings made in the roof.

Utilizing these tips will better prepare you for our arrival. Taking a few minor steps can save you thousands of dollars on the overall job. Give us a call. We are happy to help – fast!

While bathrooms often are among the smallest rooms in your home, they’re often the most used and valued spaces in our homes, and are among the smartest remodeling investments in terms of return of investment. Beyond the practical, day-to-day routines, for many people bathrooms are a sanctuary – a place to escape the stresses of daily life, even if only for a few moments at a time.  So when remodeling your bathroom, consider these 10 tips for your project.
1. The best place to start with any remodeling project is the budget. Not only will it have a big impact on the type of materials you select for your bathroom renovation, it will also help you set the boundaries of your design.

2. Define the role and requirements of the new bathroom. Planning a bathroom remodel involves more than the positioning of basic fixtures such as the bath, basin and toilet. Make sure your plan allows for plenty of floor for wall space and for extras such as towel rail, mirror and storage.

3. Decide if you need to make any changes to existing services and whether structural work is required. Measure up and note the position of the existing services, windows and doors and work out the plan to get the bathroom fixtures where you want them. You will also need to decide if you need to move any doors, windows or walls and whether you need to make changes to the electrical wiring, water and drains.

4. On the surface, switching your sink and toilet around may look easy enough, but the problem lies underneath and all the costs involved in moving that plumbing.

5. Ensure that you have enough space to accommodate your chosen fittings as well as enough room to move them into position.

6. Sconce lighting at the vanity is the ideal way to get even lighting on your face, and installing it at eye level will help diminish unflattering shadows. Dim lighting is nice for a relaxing bath; bright lights are great for shaving or applying makeup. Adding more overall lighting can make a small bathroom seem larger.

7. Make provisions for future plumbing and allow for access to potential trouble spots such as the shower valve. If possible, fit removable panels instead of sealing these utilities behind fixed walls.

8. Some of the most effective updating in a bathroom can also be the easiest and the cheapest. Changing out all the hardware, such as drawer pulls, faucet handles and shower-heads, can make a big impact. Be sure to use the same finish, such as stainless steel, aged bronze or brushed nickel, to keep the room looking cohesive.

9. Make it easy to clean. No one likes cleaning a bathroom, so why complicate matters by making it difficult to clean? For example, avoid vanities with space underneath the cabinet that attracts dust. Don’t place vanities, toilets and other items too close together to create tight spaces that are difficult to clean. Use larger wall tiles to eliminate grout lines. Invest in shower doors that keep water in a shower or tub and don’t show soap build-up.

10. Bring it up to code. Remember, building codes mean meeting the minimally allowed standards required by your city or state. It may not matter now, but it can be a big deal when you try to sell your home. Spending the extra dollars to bring your bathroom up to at least code, especially in the areas of electrical and plumbing, versus doing simply cosmetic changes, will bring peace of mind, enhance resale value, and avoid problems down the line.

With proper planning your bathroom remodeling project can increase the value of your home and your lifestyle.