Posts made in March 2020

What About My 2021 Remodel?

So you're at home and you're checking out information about your home remodeling questions so that you can know how to get started when this is all over.

  • what questions should I ask while I'm in quarantine?
  • what can I do before I have a contractor come to my home?
  • how can I prepare for my site visits?
  • which questions should I ask each contractor?

Boy, do we know how it feels to be stuck at home--we are self-isolating too!

But don’t worry. You’re in the perfect place to do your quarantine research! 

In this article, we’ll answer all these questions so you can get totally prepped and organized before your fourteen days are up!

If you can get this research done while you're in quarantine, you deserve the best remodel ever! 

Teknik Testimonial

What Can I Do Before I Have Contractors In My Home?

You can use Houzz.com Ideabooks for your style choices and material selections.

Here at Teknik, we love having our clients save time during the design and construction process by gaining clarity using the Houzz.com Ideabook feature.

  1. Create a Houzz.com account.
  2. Hover over the "My Account" button on the top-right of your screen
  3. Click on My Ideabooks
  4. Create a new one and choose a name 

Finally, use the search bar to find photos that you love! You may find your tile, plumbing, flooring, and light fixtures. Ensure that you make notes under each photo to specify which features you've noticed in each photo. When you select your contractor, you can share it with them on houzz.com and eliminate 4000 to 8000 words from your discussion process 🙂 Preserve your energy. What a WIN!

How Can I Prepare For My Site Visits?

The site visit is no substitution for doing your due diligence online. By the time you schedule your site visit you have already verified that each contractor:

  1. Is licensed, bonded, and ensured. Verify here https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
  2. Is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Verify here http://bbb.com/
  3. Is currently engaged in other projects in the community. Verify on their website or social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Yelp, and Houzz. Remember, most contractors are pretty small businesses, so it's okay if there aren't lots of recent updates. You just want to make sure they have been active!
  4. Is receiving a good proportion of recent 5-star reviews. Are they leaving their clients satisfied customers or raving fansAre they being invited back to complete a second or third project?

Which Questions Should I Ask Each Contractor?

The primary purpose of a site visit is to build friendship and trust. The content of the conversation will include project details, but the substance of the conversation is to see if a relationship can be built.

It is only after you have grown somewhat comfortable that you will share your budget or inquiries about special customization. If you connect well, and share ideas easily, then you are on your way to uncovering if it makes sense to partner up on your remodeling project. 

That being said, these are the two questions you should ask each contractor:

  1. Do you use mostly subcontractors or mostly in-house crews?
  2. Do you allow us to purchase our finish materials directly, or do you purchase them, mark them up, and resell them to us?

In the case of Teknik, we use our own in-house crews, and we allow you to purchase your finish materials directly. 

Take It From Our Happy Customers


"Kevin had the work done as if it were his own house and the project was completed before the contractual completion date."  - Jack B., San Diego, CA

“This is our second remodel with Kevin. Once again, done on TIME! Great job! Just sorry we’re out of bathrooms! 🙂 He’s on speed dial in case we have another project.”   - Gary G., Encinitas

“Kevin told me to allow 25 days and it was done in just over two weeks.”  - Gina H., San Diego, CA

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Budget Considerations

Popular websites on which homeowners answer "How much did you pay?" questions provide visitors with the average amount that home owners report to have spent.

But there's a catch. The average includes what homeowners have been reporting for twenty years, which brings the average so low it doesn't answer the nagging question for a 2020 remodel.

A better resource can be downloaded as a PDF here: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/pacific/san-diego-ca/

The Cost Vs. Value PDF will show you both mid-range and high-end averages that homeowners are spending in these geographic areas:

  1. United States
  2. State of California
  3. Your local county

Using 2019 as a point of reference, remember that many materials increase in price between 3% and 8% per year.

Why choose Teknik for Your 2020 Remodel?

We love remodeling because of how much these remodels improve efficiency and peace of mind in the lives of busy professionals and families. Your new kitchen, bathroom, or addition, will improve your daily routines and safe you time and energy. So many families have already purged, reorganized, cleared closets, and still need help. A remodel is often the answer.

 Call today and let us prove that we've mastered how to avoid:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Still not ready? Don't worry! You'll be 100% covered by our Spoiled Rotten Customer Guarantee!

1 - Dream Design

Step 1: Dream Design


We’ll collaborate with you to transform your dark and outdated space into bright and inviting space.  It all starts with your free consultation so book now!

Step 2 - True Quote

Step 2: True Quote


You can trust our service agreement!  We get to know your home intimately before working on it to ensure we stick to budget with no change orders.

Step 3 - Complete On-Time

Step 3: Complete On-Time


We'll make your dream come true and do it on-time and on budget!  Then it's party time!  Perhaps leave out your friends who get jealous easily.

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Best Contractor for a Small Bathroom Remodel

Hey, if you’re a San Diego homeowner and wondering if it's possible to begin a small bathroom remodel this spring or summer, here are some questions you might also be considering:

  • how many bathrooms do I want to remodel?
  • what if I have a leak - can I wait to have it repaired or will it cause more damage?
  • will I be putting the plumber or other crew members at risk of getting COVID?
  • how can I know when it's safe to begin work? 

We know you have questions. We've got answers. 

With that being said, construction is considered essential services so if there are emergent repairs or very functional remodel needs, it may be possible to get that process started. We would rather have your home repaired so you can stay inside, since going to a neighbor's home exposes them to trouble. 

Our crew wears masks, ventilators, and other protective gear. Your neighbors may not have access to these items. In full transparency, the health and safety of our crew and community is our #1 priority, so no business transaction or profit is ever worth the putting them in jeopardy. We would only begin a repair that was absolutely necessary.

In this article, we will answer a few questions so you can make a more informed decision about your small bathroom or other small construction project, and whether it can wait until life gets back to normal. 

Teknik Testimonial

What If I Don't Have Any Other Bathrooms To Use?

In the case that you have only one bathroom, it is possible to get a remodel started to restore your bathroom to functionality, so you can remain in self-isolation. 

Ninety percent of the remodel/repair preparation can be done remotely, using zoom meetings or other video conferencing services. 

Your meetings can be scheduled in a cluster, or over the course of several days, whichever works for your schedule. All appointments would be Monday - Friday between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm.

Once we select the necessary materials, they can be ordered and your project timeline can be planned.

What If I Have A Leak - Can I Wait Or Will It Cause Damage?

If you see evidence of a past leak but the area is 100% dry, the repair can usually wait. The exception to this would be if there has been dry rot. If you have dry rot, the wood will be less, dense, more brittle, and structurally unsafe. LEAVE IT ALONE. Do not touch it or begin any type of demo on your own. Call today.

If the area is wet or if you see any signs of mold, then you have a major health concern in you home. Close off that area or room and do not let anyone get near it. You want to have this addressed as soon as possible. Mold is fungal, and we know that the appropriately named Coronavirus is viral. Do not give your immune system more battles to fight. Address this as soon as possible. 

Please be aware that framing requires a permit and inspection. Our wonderful public servants at municipal offices, including city halls and county buildings are already sacrificing to keep us moving forward as a community. Be patient during this time. Please join us in giving them grace.   

Will I Be Putting The Plumber Or Crew Members At Risk?

Some risk cannot be avoided. Our heroic doctors, nurses, first responders, law inforcement officers, and public servants are the ones taking on the most risk in order to protect and preserve health for the rest of us. 

All possible safety measures will be taken in order to mitigate the level of risk. Measures will include the top 5 and:

  • Wearing masks  
  • Keeping family away from containment area and keeping crew members away from family 
  • Verification that no member of the crew, the crews' family, or the clients' family is expressing symptoms
  • Asking questions to see if anyone in the household works around Coronavirus patients. 

Take It From Our Happy Customers


"Kevin had the work done as if it were his own house and the project was completed before the contractual completion date."  - Jack B., San Diego, CA

“This is our second remodel with Kevin. Once again, done on TIME! Great job! Just sorry we’re out of bathrooms! 🙂 He’s on speed dial in case we have another project.”   - Gary G., Encinitas

“Kevin told me to allow 25 days and it was done in just over two weeks.”  - Gina H., San Diego, CA

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Why Wait To Get Information On Your Bathroom Remodel?

You need a place to use the toilet, wash your hands and to shower/bath. We can help you restore these areas of your home so you can actually obey the mandate to remain in quarantine.

We will over-communicate with you during this challenging time of unknowns. We will keep you updated since more information comes out every hour. We are in this together. 


Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Best Contractor for a 10 x 12 Kitchen Remodel in

Hey, if you're a San Diego homeowner and you're not sure if you can host one more year of holiday parties with your 10x12 kitchen, you're not alone. Many of the families' who's kitchens we update, start out with a lot of frustration, and even more questions. Do any of these resonate with you?

  • how long will I be cooking in my garage if I remodel my kitchen?
  • what needs to happen before we can get started?
  • how much does it cost?
  • who the best contractor is for the job?  

Boy, do we know how it feels to want quality at a fair price and not know where to start.

But don’t worry. You’re in the perfect place! 

In this article, we'll answer all your questions so you can make a great decision about your kitchen for you and your family.  

Teknik Testimonial

How Long Will I Be Cooking In My Garage?

As a sweeping generalization, it is common for design and collaboration to take eight to sixteen weeks. This depends most heavily on the home owners' schedule, availability and readiness. 

  • Home owner A might make a decision in three minutes and reply to our text in five minutes
  • Home owner B might spend two of every four weeks traveling for work and reply to us every three to five business days. 
  • Home owner C is most people who reply in one to two business days. Our team most closely resembles home owner C.

You can't control the marketplace, material suppliers, or your contractor, but you can control yourself and decide on your own contribution and proactive response times.

Most 10x12 kitchens, from demo to completion, take 7 to 12 weeks.

What Needs To Happen Before We Can Get Started?

First things first build two scope lists. Since your kitchen is going to get a full face lift, this is the time to decide if you want to also update the flooring, painting, doors and trim throughout the whole main floor. New windows? Remove a non-load bearing wall? Remove drop ceiling to enlarge the space?

  • A: Must have list - "These things are non-negotiable for me". 
  • B: Wish list - "These things would be great, but it depends on other factors such as timeline and feasibility".

Your two lists will provide clarity so that the whole team can better serve you during the design process.

How Much?

This question is our favorite - and here's why!

Mindset, mindset, mindset.

If the goals are only expediency and low cost, then the remodel will suffer because of the hyper focus.
If the goals are long-term, quality, value, communication, a great remodel experience, then it stands to reason that a firm who can deliver on these high promises would be offering them at a fair price too.

By virtue of their long term upright character, they will function with the same standard of integrity across each area of their business.

Who Is The Best Contractor For The Job?

Take it from us, there is nothing like wasting two days off work to have a bunch of contractors in your home, half of which should never have been booked. But there is a solution: Better strategy!

The site visit is no substitution for doing your due diligence online. By the time you schedule your site visit you have already verified that each contractor:

  1. Is licensed, bonded, and ensured. Verify here https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
  2. Is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Verify here http://bbb.com/
  3. Is currently engaged in other projects in the community. Verify on their website or social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Yelp, and Houzz. Remember, most contractors are pretty small businesses, so it's okay if there aren't lots of recent updates. You just want to make sure they have been active!
  4. Is receiving a good proportion of recent 5-star reviews. Are they leaving their clients satisfied customers or raving fansAre they being invited back to complete a second or third project?

And that's it folks. Now you are ready to:

  • Schedule a site visit with only your top 2 and get a ballpark range from each.
  • Select your contractor 
  • Follow their process to collaborate on a design, layout, and scope that you love. This collaboration will produce your detailed estimate. Yes, this price will fall within the initial ballpark range, unless the scope is increased. 
  • Complete your project on time!

Take It From Our Happy Customers


"Kevin had the work done as if it were his own house and the project was completed before the contractual completion date."  - Jack B., San Diego, CA

“This is our second remodel with Kevin. Once again, done on TIME! Great job! Just sorry we’re out of bathrooms! 🙂 He’s on speed dial in case we have another project.”   - Gary G., Encinitas

“Kevin told me to allow 25 days and it was done in just over two weeks.”  - Gina H., San Diego, CA

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Our Industry Secret...

The gold standard for what any contractor recommends is to ask them, "What would you do if it were your house?"

  • Most people are decent and honest
  • Most people want to help
  • Most people don't have extravagant taste, but to require quality

Ask many questions. Listen. Trust your gut. And have peace in your decision.

Why choose Teknik for Your 10x12 Kitchen?

There are many design & remodeling firms in San Diego who will take great care of you. We are one of the few at the top, one of the best. But we do not peddle scarcity. We want to remodel your kitchen, so we can spoil you rotten and help you avoid classic industry paint points:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Still nervous? You'll be 100% protected by our Spoiled Rotten Customer Guarantee!

1 - Dream Design

Step 1: Dream Design


We’ll collaborate with you to transform your dark and outdated space into bright and inviting space.  It all starts with your free consultation so book now!

Step 2 - True Quote

Step 2: True Quote


You can trust our service agreement!  We get to know your home intimately before working on it to ensure we stick to budget with no change orders.

Step 3 - Complete On-Time

Step 3: Complete On-Time


We'll make your dream come true and do it on-time and on budget!  Then it's party time!  Perhaps leave out your friends who get jealous easily.

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Best Contractor for A Master Suite Remodel | Bedroom-Bathroom Combo

After the kitchen has been remodeled, the next biggest priority is the place where you get your much needed rest and recovery, a.k.a. R&R! Do you have questions about:

  • Flooring - can you have too much of the same thing?
  • Shower enclosures - privacy glass or the open look?
  • Bathtub - to bath or not to bath...that is the question.
  • Feature wall - Somewhere between boring and faddish is the right balance that we call tasteful and complimentary.

You've got questions, we've got answers. Don't worry. You’re in the perfect place! 

In this article, We’ll answer a few of your questions so you can make a great decision about your master suite remodel!

Teknik Testimonial

Continuous Flooring Throughout?

Consider that your master suite may have up to five or six rooms including a toilet room, bathroom, one or two master closets, and the main bedroom area.

It was popular in the 1990's and early 2000's to break up a space in order to keep each area separate. These outdated designs are being replaced by more open concepts and more space-efficient storage options.

The beauty of this design shift is that you can remove various flooring installed throughout your master suite, ranging from carpet and tile, to hardwood, laminate, or other vinyl products. 

Once it's gone, your contractor will install one continuous flooring throughout the space and your mind will be blown at how much bigger your space feels!

Remove Old Shower Door and Frame!

Custom glass shower enclosures are all the rage in California bathrooms and there is a good reason for that.

In leau of small doors, privacy plastic, aluminum frames, and a door height that breaks up the room, custom glass enclosures allow us to get you the exact dimensions that fit your NEW custom shower (and your glorious new tile). 

Want to minimize clutter and interruption of your open space? These are additional benefits of getting your glass clear instead of frosted - your newly enlarged space gets to WOW you every time you walk in because it feels more like a spa than your master bath!

Warning: Your bathroom may become your new favorite room in the house!

Lose The Huge Tub and Expand Your Shower

How often do you think of taking a self-care day, drawing a bath, and enjoying an oh-so-deserved day off from everything? Answer: Three times a day.

When was the last time you took a bath? Answer: 2011.

And it's 2020 people.

Yes, we all agree that taking a relaxing bubble bath, or perhaps a cleansing Epsom salt bath is a glorious thing. But when you're designing your new bathroom, remain in alignment with the fact that most showers are used 1-2 times per day, per person. Just a tad more often than their counterparts.

Lest you feel that we are throwing baths under the bus, we aren't. They deserve a space and are a gorgeous addition to the right layout. But you want your shower to get the attention and square feet it deserves, since it will be getting the most use.

For A Beach Vibe Add A Feature Ship Lap Wall

For a nice clean look with a pop of flair, picture this:

The bathroom is done, your new paint is dry, all the doors, door casings, and trim have been replaced. Your space is clean and refreshed, but it's missing something.

A ship lap accent wall! Adding a feature wall, usually behind the bed frame, adds a beach vibe and brings a new texture into the space. Google images will have ample ideas--feast your eyes!

Wondering If You Should Keep Your Windows?

One of the biggest improvements in any master suite remodel is the increased brightness from the natural light. It is often possible to get this desired effect without replacing any windows, or having to cut into the framing to build you new windows. 

It's not until your rooms are empty that you'll realize how large they really are.
It's not until your demolition is complete that you'll see how large your rooms will feel when we are when the remodel is complete.

Since you are updating your paint, flooring, light fixtures, trim, and all your bathroom materials, replacing windows is probably not necessary. It's pretty standard, though not without exception, to have at least one window in the bedroom, and at least one in the bathroom.

Note: If you'd like, you can replace your windows without re-framing the opening for larger windows. 

Take It From Our Happy Customers


"Kevin had the work done as if it were his own house and the project was completed before the contractual completion date."  - Jack B., San Diego, CA

“This is our second remodel with Kevin. Once again, done on TIME! Great job! Just sorry we’re out of bathrooms! 🙂 He’s on speed dial in case we have another project.”   - Gary G., Encinitas

“Kevin told me to allow 25 days and it was done in just over two weeks.”  - Gina H., San Diego, CA

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

What Kind of Timeline Should I Expect?

Every project timeline is different and there could be a hundred reasons, but to scratch that timeline itch, here is just one example of a recent project timeline that we completed:

  • July 14th - first contact, followed by home owner vacation of three weeks
  • August 26th - initial site visit
  • September 6th - sign the Professional Services Agreement
  • September 11th - make selections including plumbing, tile, & flooring
  • September 18th - review project cost, sign contract and order materials
  • September 30th - first day on site
  • October 28th - complete project ahead of schedule

Why choose Teknik for Your Master Suite Remodel

In light of the recent challenges with COVID-19, you're enjoying your family at home more than ever. We've been helping families for over 20 years enjoy their remodel experience...instead of swearing "Never again!" Let us help you avoid the mistakes made by most contractors that lead to:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Check out our Perfect Remodel Process here and put us to the test!

Still nervous? You're 100% protected with our Spoiled Rotten Guarantee!

1 - Dream Design

Step 1: Dream Design


We’ll collaborate with you to transform your dark and outdated space into bright and inviting space.  It all starts with your free consultation so book now!

Step 2 - True Quote

Step 2: True Quote


You can trust our service agreement!  We get to know your home intimately before working on it to ensure we stick to budget with no change orders.

Step 3 - Complete On-Time

Step 3: Complete On-Time


We'll make your dream come true and do it on-time and on budget!  Then it's party time!  Perhaps leave out your friends who get jealous easily.

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

How Will the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, Impact Contractors?

Man alive, some of us are over-reacting. Some of us aren't doing enough. But we can see that the vast majority of US Citizens are attempting to stay informed, are taking it seriously, and maintaining a disposition that steers clear of panic. We are optimistic and we are being proactive.

  • How does COVID-19 compare to the swine flu H1N1, and is that a fair comparison? 
  • How might it affect the construction industry?
  • How might it affect the residential-only design build niche?
  • How do I know if my project will be on pause?

We are so proud to be a part of a community that is banding together and choosing faith over fear. Nonetheless, we know what it feels like to have many unanswered questions. And we are taking responsibility for the proactivity we can exercise.

In this article, we will join you in the discussion. New information is flowing to the public every minute, so we do not hope to be comprehensive, but to let you know that we are here, we are with you, we are thankful for you. And together, we will prevail.

How does COVID-19 compare to the swine flu H1N1?

From April 2009 to April 2010, about 60,000 people were infected with the swine flue and of those infected, about 12,500 died in the United States.

So far, there are several hundred confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and the death toll in the United States is less than 50. At least 38 of those are in Washington, and at least 29 of those are in the same nursing home. 

We are thankful that the measures taken to secure our communities and stop or slow the spread of the Coronavirus are being executed with speed, so that our families and especially the elderly in our lives who are most vulnurable, are kept safe and healthy.

...is that a fair comparison?

It has been confirmed that the Coronavirus is more contagious than the swine flu was, so that puts our communities at a higher risk of it spreading quickly if we are not careful. We need to ensure that we are proactive and conscientious. 

The CDC's numbers on the swine flu (60,000 infected and 12,500 dead) account for an entire year of documented cases, approximately April 2009 to April 2010.

It is therefore unfair to "compare numbers" at such an early stage. We grieve with the families who have already lost loved ones. Simultaneously, we are thankful that the numbers are low across the country. 

“‎Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Never pity yourself. Be a hard master to yourself-and be lenient to everybody else.”
― Henry Ward Beecher

How might it affect the Construction Industry?

Commercial projects are at a higher risk of being shut down in part because they have large job sites with dozens of workers. They often have two to five trades on the jobsite simultaneously, putting all tradesmen at a higher risk of infection.

Multi-family projects are in a similar boat as the commercial and large-scale business projects by virtue of their size.

How might it affect the residential-only design build niche?

Thankfully, even large single family remodels are tiny in proportion to most of the construction going on in any given city.

In a perfect world, you're in a position to have the same crew in your home on a daily basis, so that means that you've hired a contractor that does 90%+ of the work in house.

On the other hand, if you've hired a Paper General Contractor (GC), then you're wise to take pause and discuss the project schedule since every trade will be a different company than the last and you'll have a much more broad spectrum of people in your home, leading potentially to a higher risk.

How Do I Know If My Project Will Be On Pause?

It's always a good idea to have your contractor on speed dial.

If you are just beginning demo, or if you're just breaking ground, ensure that every adult person in the home has the cell phone number of the superintended or project lead in their cell phone. That way, any one can reach out at any time.

Except in the case that you've got a person displaying cold or flu symptoms, most projects will carry on, uninterrupted. 

Zooming out for a moment here, if you're waiting on materials that are impacted by closed borders, then yes, you'll be on pause until materials can be obtained.

What is Teknik Doing To Protect The Health of It's Clients?

At Teknik Design & Remodeling, our utmost concern remains the health and well-being of our clients, employees, and their families. Until further notice, we are committed to:

  • Comply with all state and federal recommendations, including those made by the CDC  
  • Practicing social distancing and keep crews to no more than four people
  • Additional sanitation practices, keeping anyone demonstrating any symptoms in quarantine
  • Additional superintendent supervision to guarantee all standards are met 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to our office manager at 858-775-7628. 

If you are interested in chatting with us about an existing or future project, please reach out to us at your convenience. 


Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Choosing The Best Contractor for Your 1980’s Kitchen Remodel

If we were having a cup of coffee or a beer, we would shoot straight. We know you appreciate that. If you are considering a remodel for your 1980's kitchen, look no further for answers to these burning questions:

  • How do I know who the good contractors are and who I should avoid?
  • How many bids should I get?
  • What if I have my design and just need to find a builder to complete my kitchen?
  • I'm in a hurry, how fast can we get this project completed?

Boy, do we know how it feels to work in a 25 or 35 year old kitchen and wonder if any remodeler can deliver on the design you want.

But don’t worry. You’re in the perfect place! 

In this article, you can scan for answers to your questions, so you can get on with your day and call us for a consultation when it's convenient for you.

Teknik Testimonial

What is A "Paper" General Contractor?

As you look at remodeling your 1980's kitchen, be aware that many contractors in San Diego are formally a general contractor, but it's on paper only.

In function, they are a project management firm only, and subcontract 100% of the work out to other firms.

This can have a devastating impact on your budget because your money wont go as far.

It is common for subcontractors to hire their own subcontractors which means you end up with many layers of unnecessary markup and a smaller scope than you wanted.

"I Have Spoken to Five Contractors"

Talking to many contractors only guarantees that you'll talk to many contractors.

The best approach to finding the San Diego Kitchen remodeling company that is right for you, is to prepare a clear framework of assessing compatibility.

With clear assessment standards in mind, you will be empowered to ask the right questions, and speak to each company, while wasting less time than your neighbors.

Remember the three priorities of every 1980's kitchen remodel: Speed, quality, and price. If you want it to be quick and low cost, quality will be affected. If you want quality and speed, price will be affected.

Call NOW to find out the FOURTH priority of every 1980's kitchen remodel!

"I Have My Plans Permitted and I'm Ready to Get Bids"

Unfortunately, the San Diego marketplace has remained frustrated with firms who provide permitted plan sets. Your plan set is also known as your construction documents (CD's). 

The reason for this frustration can be easily understood by the adage "They got the cart before the horse".

Even though updating a 1980's kitchen seems straightforward, the cost of construction is not fully understood by the parties at these design firms. Neither the architect, engineer, drafter, interior designer, nor the permit runner have typically completed a remodel.

Your plan set has been permitted because your municipality has confirmed that it meets code and zoning requirements. 

Yet, the biggest question of plausibility lies with affordability.  It would be wise to provide a design-build firm with your target budget up front, and get input on the price range before getting locked into a design. 

"I Am Moving-in In Two Months, So I Need It Done By Then...

We love a fast-moving kitchen remodel. But if you're moving in two months or even four months, you should prepare to move in before your remodel is complete. 

My goodness, my kitchen isn't that big! Do kitchen remodels take more than three or four months? Not necessarily. But...

Here are a few steps that will add time to the front end of your project timeline:

  1. initial site visits
  2. selecting your contractor
  3. design & budget parameters
  4. collaboration & selections

Since you will be occupying the home during the remodel, ensure you've found a firm that takes extra care to:

  1. be clean
  2. be clean cut
  3. protect your flooring
  4. mask off the construction area
  5. build containment area when necessary

Take It From Our Happy Customers


"Kevin had the work done as if it were his own house and the project was completed before the contractual completion date."  - Jack B., San Diego, CA

“This is our second remodel with Kevin. Once again, done on TIME! Great job! Just sorry we’re out of bathrooms! 🙂 He’s on speed dial in case we have another project.”   - Gary G., Encinitas

“Kevin told me to allow 25 days and it was done in just over two weeks.”  - Gina H., San Diego, CA

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Why choose Teknik for Your 1980's Kitchen?

For over 20 years, Teknik has been guiding San Diego home owners through their kitchen remodels and helping them to avoid these common mistakes made by other contractors:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Overuse of Subcontractors
1 - Dream Design

Step 1: Dream Design


We’ll collaborate with you to transform your dark and outdated space into bright and inviting space.  It all starts with your free consultation so book now!

Step 2 - True Quote

Step 2: True Quote


You can trust our service agreement!  We get to know your home intimately before working on it to ensure we stick to budget with no change orders.

Step 3 - Complete On-Time

Step 3: Complete On-Time


We'll make your dream come true and do it on-time and on budget!  Then it's party time!  Perhaps leave out your friends who get jealous easily.

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Kitchen and Living Room Remodel with A Large Island

If you're looking for a multi-room remodel like a kitchen & living room remodel, you're likely asking a few of these questions:

  • can I get an estimate that is broken into phases, so I can see the living room phase and kitchen phase separately?
  • if I like my flooring, can we salvage it?
  • is there a ballpark cost, or does it vary greatly from project to project?
  • what are the best window options so we can maximize natural light?

We know how overwhelming it can feel to start doing research and hope that you're not missing anything major. But don’t worry. You’re in the perfect place! 

In this article, we will answer some of the most important questions so you can make a great decision for your kitchen and living room.  

Teknik Testimonial

Preparation and Timeline - Phase One

Find your design-build contractor - this can be fast or slow, but usually happens in two to three weeks:

  • Doing your due diligence online on HomeAdvisor.com, Houzz.com, Google reviews, Yelp.com and their company website
  • Interviewing them over the phone to investigate their processes and communication style
  • Having site visits to develop trust and rapport and to see who will be the best fit for you

Insiders Hint: It has been said that "People don't leave companies, they leave managers". The implication is that if the primary relationship becomes sour, the rest doesn't matter. 

This principle also applies to design-build firms. On the face, it seams reasonable to choose companies based on price and timeline. But no lawsuit has ever been filed because of a fair and necessary change order (change of price), or because of a reasonable timeline increase. Often, the home owner has contributed to their own negative experience by failing to do their due diligence up front, so they end up paying for it twice over.

Please, we beg you...advocate for your own success by assessing and prioritizing:

  • how the firm functions
  • how and if they communicate their process to you with transparency
  • how they follow through on details

If they are demonstrating excellence in these three areas, you WILL be able to read it in their reviews. 

Preparation and Timeline - Phase Two

Collaborate on your design and product selections:

  • Call NOW to hear about our Teknik True Quote process and how we will customize it to fit your project!

Really?...Majority of Decision Energy Spent on Cabinets?

We are often asked "How long does it take before you can start?", "How quickly can we get through the design and selections process so we can get started?"

Designing your new cabinets involves dozens of decisions; sometimes they account for 50% of the decisions you will make throughout your entire project. Holy complicated cabinets, Batman! Here is a small sampling of features you can consider:

  • Deep full extension heavy duty drawers including dove-tail joints
  • Full extension rollout trays
  • Pull out storage units on side of island
  • Pullout spice rack by stove
  • Double pullout trash cabinet
  • Island with cabinets on all 4 sides with matching panels on all non functioning sides for full furniture look and 4 large size solid wood legs
  • Rollouts and tray divider storage on tall pantry cabinet by refrigerator
  • Double stack uppers with glass doors
  • Wine rack
  • Custom drawer inserts such as dividers and pegs
  • Crown molding
  • Solid wood carved corbel details

The goal is to find a contractor who is able to be your coach and a good coach will do two things: they will guide you to keep you on track with your expressed goals. And they will pace you, i.e. run along side you as you make each decision. 

When you do business with the right firm, they will always be one step ahead of you so you wont be waiting on them for input and feedback. Your timeline will be unique, but the right partnership will keep you moving forward.

Everyone's Favorite Feature - Your Island

If the kitchen is the most important room in the house, the island is arguably the most important feature in your kitchen. It is, after all, literally the centerpiece

One of the most beautifying options that families fall in love with is door panels on the sides of the island that don't open, for a uniform furniture look. See below for pictures of our recent Carlsbad kitchen island.

Consider if you will use your island primarily for cooking, entertaining, or something else. Perhaps the kids will study there? Families who use their island primarily for food prep often want their primary sink in the island to reduce dripping every time they transfer from island to counter or vice versa. 

In contrast are families who often entertain guests. They like to place a smattering of yummy dishes across the island to facilitate the natural gathering around of conversation, wine and sharing bites. The sink would both interrupt the flow and attract dirty dishes and hand-washing. Clutter and contamination? No, thanks. These families keep the sink in a separate area.

FAQ: Can we have a movable island? No; the building code requires electrical outlets be wired into the island, so it must be fixed.

Continuous Flooring or...?

Opening up the room is a common motivation of families who choose to install continuous flooring throughout their remodeled space, or the whole first floor. It adds a quality of flow to the rooms and contributes to people moving freely throughout the space. 

Saving flooring comes up periodically as a potential option to save money. If you are replacing your cabinets and island, this is a poor strategy. The increased labor cost you will incur to have the crew gingerly and slowly demolish everything around your flooring without destroying the floor itself, will more than cancel out the savings. If the budget is a priority, replacing the flooring is actually more cost effective.

Take It From Our Happy Customers


"Kevin had the work done as if it were his own house and the project was completed before the contractual completion date."  - Jack B., San Diego, CA

“This is our second remodel with Kevin. Once again, done on TIME! Great job! Just sorry we’re out of bathrooms! 🙂 He’s on speed dial in case we have another project.”   - Gary G., Encinitas

“Kevin told me to allow 25 days and it was done in just over two weeks.”  - Gina H., San Diego, CA

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

Option for Indoor-Outdoor Living

If your backyard is wholly absent or if your backyard is a beach cliff, ignore this paragraph. If however, your backyard has a lawn, patio, pool, barbecue, or trellis, you must consider indoor-outdoor living. Sunshine is why we live in San Diego, California!

It is often possible to open up a wall that currently exists with two or three windows, and convert it to a multi-panel glass door that opens up to an outdoor dining area. This is such a beautiful change to make. When the door is open, guests feel drawn through the kitchen and directly into your outdoor living area! Check out these before and after pictures to see what we mean!

Before: Entire kitchen and living room closed off to the back yard and fireplace.

Outdoor living and dining room area

After: Removed pigme palms, installed LaCantina door, and built custom trellis.

Before: Too dark, soffit makes kitchen feel smaller, wall with three windows, closed off, poor natural light.

Kitchen view into outdoor dining area

After photo of Adams Residence, 2019. That deep breath kind of kitchen.

Why Choose Teknik?

Across every culture, tongue and tribe, we gather around food to celebrate, collaborate, and enjoy one another. We serve one another through food. We deepen connections within our homes and for over twenty years, Teknik Design & Remodeling has been creating beautiful space to foster those connections. We have fail-safe systems in place that allow us to rise above the industry stereotypes that frustrate home owners into perpetuity:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Overuse of Subcontractors
1 - Dream Design

Step 1: Dream Design


We’ll collaborate with you to transform your dark and outdated space into bright and inviting space.  It all starts with your free consultation so book now!

Step 2 - True Quote

Step 2: True Quote


You can trust our service agreement!  We get to know your home intimately before working on it to ensure we stick to budget with no change orders.

Step 3 - Complete On-Time

Step 3: Complete On-Time


We'll make your dream come true and do it on-time and on budget!  Then it's party time!  Perhaps leave out your friends who get jealous easily.

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!