It seems that a kitchen renovation is the most searched for topic online when seeking out information on home remodeling projects. The reason for that is likely because (next to our bedrooms) we spend the most time in the kitchen. We want a kitchen space that’s comfortable so creating food and socializing can easily be done without feeling cramped or having obstructions.

That’s how good renovating ideas are created. Ultimately, you have many options available to you in helping you create a kitchen space that you can live with for years.

Add New Flooring

This common method to instantly change the look of a kitchen doesn’t have to be overly expensive. Then again, if you have a little money to spend, going with a porcelain floor will last you for years. And while tile floors are also common, you could put down a wood floor as something different. Wooden floors also don’t take as long to install as other flooring does.

New Cabinets and Cupboard Space

Considering how much space cabinets and cupboards take up in a kitchen, replacing them with upgrades can change the kitchen’s entire aesthetic. Styles can range from face frame cabinetry to ones with glass doors. For cabinet pulls, try the satin nickel style that’s now become popular.

Replacing the Countertops

Replacing countertops might be the easiest part of a kitchen renovation next to the floor. Countertop styles are varied, but you may want to go with laminate countertops in your renovated kitchen. These look very attractive, though granite gives more durability if you intend to use your countertops often.

Replacing the Sink

As another common replacement, sink styles are going to vary depending on your personal taste. Stainless steel is always a popular choice, despite granite sinks requiring lower maintenence. Always consider how many bowls in your sink you want. A larger space might be able to accomodate a triple bowl. As well, deeper bowls can go as low as 10 inches if you intend to use large pots and pan in the sink regularly.

Kitchen Island

Here you have the most common stylish add-on for kitchens. If you want one, you have to consider the space surrounding your island. The general rule seems to say about 30 inches between the island and all cupboard space to avoid awkward collisions while moving around.

If these ideas sound intriguing, contact us so we can help you redesign your kitchen in a style you want. We’ll make sure it’s done on your schedule and with a reasonable budget.

If you live in Los Angeles, California and want to remodel your home, you may have already dealt with the labyrinthine procedures of Los Angeles building permits. It’s far from an easy road in obtaining a permit to merely remodel your garage or add an extra room to your house. That’s why if you’re new to the Los Angeles area, it’s worth knowing what you’re going to be dealing with in obtaining a building permit as preparation for the time involved.

Check First with the Department of Building and Safety

Before anything can be done, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety will check to make sure your home remodeling project is safe. If your home is located in a precarious spot, such as on a hill, or even in a government-designated historical area, your project could be turned down.

Other possible pitfalls include certain zoning issues like overlay zones or specific designations. Ultimately, this all can take considerable time in the inspection, so allow plenty of time before spending money on construction materials.

Deal with the Department of City Planning

After going through the bureaucracy of Building and Safety, you’ll have to spend time wondering if additional zoning laws in your area allow you home remodeling freedom. The Los Angeles Department of City Planning will see if zoning regulations fit your remodeling plan and whether it even fits into the structural plan of the city. If you have outlandish remodeling ideas, this agency might nix your unique structural plans.

Specific zone codes also have to be considered. In some cases, certain remodeling projects won’t be allowed if you live in a specific zoning area. You can check in advance through state property records to see what kind of zone you live in.

Prepare for Corrections

Otherwise known as plan check corrections, the Department of Building and Safety may make later revisions on your remodeling plans after an inspection takes place. The inspections will be done thoroughly and studied multiple times to find any morsel of information that could determine your project going forward or being stalled even longer.

Once you find yourself beyond this path so you can do your home remodeling project, contact us so we can be a design and building firm you can trust. Here at B&R Construction, Inc., we won’t make you wait to get your remodeling project done on a schedule you want.

With summer arriving, it might be a good time to consider doing a garage remodel in your home so you can prepare for more room there when winter strikes again. But remodeling your garage doesn’t have to be done to give more coddling or space for your cars. Many people today use their garage space as an extended part of the house where certain activities can take place other than sleeping.

Create a Private Den

In a den space, you possibly can sleep, though it can mainly be a respite for one member of the family to escape to if there’s bustle going on in the main house. When creating a den that stays warm in the winter, adding extra insulation to your garage will be imperative. And that starts first in the attic where ventilation will need to be measured accurately. That involves installing vent chutes to ensure the flow of air into the attic is never blocked.

For insulating walls, you’ll need unfaced batts to install into the wall, followed by poly sheeting. The easiest may be the attic insulation, which can now be blown in as a money saver.

Create a Workshop

The most common remodel for a garage is creating a workshop for proudly displaying all your tools and your labors. With this remodeling project, adding new outlets and doing some rewiring is going to be required. It’s best to sketch it out on paper exactly where each outlet will be before making any final decisions.

Some of the outlets to consider:

• Wall and ceiling outlets for certain high-powered workshop equipment
• Outlets for a TV and for a computer
• Fixtures for added lighting
• Wiring for air conditioning and heating

Create a Play Space for Kids

A play space for kids can be a perfect add-on to a garage. Just be sure your cars aren’t in there at the time if the kids enjoy crawling on (or in) your Lexus. But they’ll appreciate that you’ve wired up and insulated the garage for their benefit after you’ve included toys and other play equipment.

Be sure to consider weather stripping around the windows and doors to prevent drafts and insects from coming in while the kids are playing. Also, make sure you have a decent weather strip to go around the main garage door as well as the side doors. Check the framing of your ceiling before installing any drywall.

If this interests you, contact us if you want to remodel your garage with a good budget and on time. We’re a contractor you can trust to get the job done right.

What causes carbon monoxide poisoning?

CO is a gas that is produced by burning some kind of fuel. This means that any machine or appliance that burns fuel can create an unsafe condition in your home if not operated properly. This includes your home’s furnace, water heater, and kitchen appliances. Dangers in the garage include a running vehicle, lawn mower, snow blower, or any other gas-powered tool.

What are the effects of carbon monoxide?

The effects of CO depend on the concentration level and the health condition of the individual but generally include nausea, headaches, confusion, vomiting, flushing of the skin, and difficulty breathing. A person who is exposed to carbon monoxide can die in just a few minutes, even without the presence of these side effects.

What can I do if I suspect carbon monoxide poisoning?

Get out of your home immediately to a place with plenty of fresh air. This will prevent further exposure, however, you should also call 911 since you likely have CO in your system and will need to be examined by a doctor. Before entering your home again, ventilate the area that contains the source of the gas. If you are unsure of where the CO originated, contact a professional immediately who can help diagnose the problem. Do not remain in the house until the problem has been resolved.

What can I do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

The best way to remain alert to potential CO leaks is to install hardwired UL approved carbon monoxide detectors. Hardwired models connect directly to the wiring of your home which eliminates risks such as dead batteries or a wall unit getting accidentally unplugged. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector units care also available for a clean and unobtrusive look. B&R Construction Inc. can help you with this important home improvement. With more than 20 years of experience in updating homes, we can help you choose a product that will keep your home safe from carbon monoxide. Contact us today for more information. Let us help you protect your home from the silent killer known as carbon monoxide.