General Remodel Tips

Best Contractor for Quarantine Home Improvements

So you're a San Diego home owner and you need work done but not you're not sure if you need a general contractor...?

Here are a few ideas of home improvements that you can make without the demolition, cost and timeline of a "major remodel". It wont be perfect, but it will be good! Including but not limited to:

  • Repaint the main floor
  • Replace the flooring & baseboards
  • Replace the old doors and casings
  • Update aging electrical fixtures
  • ...and more!

Check out more below and look for the bold type to scan the article quickly!

Teknik Testimonial

Repaint The Main Floor

If you're looking to give your space a refreshed look and touch up a few of the wear and tear areas, repainting the main floor is a great option. 

If you repaint the walls, ceiling, and even the trim you could have much lighter, more open feel in a few days time. Just remember to keep that furniture away from the walls until it's fully cured!

When considering painting contractors, we recommend calling a few of their previous clients. Please ensure that you are working with a reputable company before allowing them into your home. 

Home Advisor touts "pre-screened pros" and they do run background checks. But be warned, they only look in-state and they only go back 12 months. 

Replace The Flooring & Baseboards

Even the most durable floors get beat up, scratched, and eventually start to look dingy.

We move furniture, drag chairs, have our pets, and our company all over our floors.

If you're looking to update your Travertine tile look or to replace old carpet with LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks), there are plenty of options that will allow a classic look that is very low maintenance and doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. 

We love flooring like we love hair. It's not just pretty, it's yours and it reflects your taste. It's practical. It's personal.

Replace The Old Doors & Door Casing

What you may not know, is how BIG of a difference your interior doors and trim make.

We can replace stock trim with standard three inch trim. Trust us, it looks way better.

How about replacing the beat up builder grade doors with high quality doors that create a crisp, classy feel

When you replace all three: doors, door casing, and interior trim, you'll have replaced the areas that tend to get the most bruises due to high traffic and moving furniture. Wha-la! Fresh look.

Update Your Aging Electrical Fixtures

New chandelier. 

New wall sconces.

Replace existing and add new can lights for additional lighting.

Install coordinated fixtures throughout the kitchen, main living areas, and hallways. 

There you have it! You'll have a more energy efficient home, and have a better time controlling your LED's throughout the day since they'll now be on dimmer switches.

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!

Get The Front Yard Refaced

Contrary to the opinions of some, refreshing the front yard is not "putting lipstick on a pig".

Yes, curb appeal is cited as a top influence by real estate agents for hopeful home buyers. When they check out properties for sale, a pretty front yard may pull on their heartstrings, but it's not the only reason to get it done.

Research demonstrates that an area in disarray will not be maintained as well as an area that is meticulously designed and manicured. In other words, we protect and preserve more intensely, that into which we have already invested.

Whether you have teenagers at home during quarantine, or a partner that you'd like to help you do yard work, they are more likely to oblige if there is already beauty there to protect

Why choose Teknik for Your Quarantine Home Improvements?

Well, there are about 3000 companies with a General Contractor's "B License" in San Diego County.

Many of them will be able to complete the scope of work you're looking for. Where we stand out from the crowd, is having mastered systems so that you don't have to babysit your project

Let us help you remain focused on your 2020 goals and on spending time with your family by working to keep you away from these three industry shortfalls:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Still not convinced?

Not a problem. You can just call to chat with us for a few minutes, no pressure.  Plus, 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!

Most Popular Quarantine Remodels in 2021

You deserve some credit for choosing persistence and resilience in 2020! Rock on. Keep going!

But if you're not satisfied with your ability to thrive in your home, we know you're looking to improve, not move! Read on for the 411 on what projects San Diego home owners are asking about most frequently!

Families have been lining up around the block for these hot projects because of their massive impact on lifestyle and freeing up time. Projects like:

  • Adding a patio or deck
  • Remodeling the guest bathroom
  • Remodeling the master bathroom
  • New or expanded mud room
  • ...and more!

What could be so good that it makes turning one's home into a construction zone, totally worth it?

Let's go see!

Teknik Testimonial

Adding A Patio or Deck

You guessed it!

Since you're at home more, you're cooking outside and spending time outside with the kids...but without a patio or deck you're dealing with issues like no shade, un-level ground, lack of seating, etc. 

Building a patio or deck off of the kitchen accomplishes a few things: 

  1. You can have the kiddos play outside, or entertain guests (when we are allowed to have those again) outside while you wrap up the last few dinner details. It's hard to food prep with kids under foot.
  2. It's a great place for that barbecue or Traeger smoker you've been eyeing for the last two years.
  3. You can solve the shade problem by installing a patio cover or sales to moderate those hot rays of sunshine.

Remodeling The Guest Bathroom

You likely have one bathroom in your house that has taken a beating since quarantine was first announced.

Guest bathrooms and powder rooms in particular are not built with 24/7/365 use in mind, especially not after they are ten to fifteen years old.

Most of us use restrooms at work, school, the gym, etc., but since San Diego home owners have been 100% at home, we've seen a spike in calls due to broken and leaky pipes, mold, and other issues as a result of more continuous use. 

These are all indicators that it's time to update that bathroom. Do it once. Do it right.

If you keep the framing and layout as-is but update everything else, you could have a project of that size completed in as little as two to four weeks.

That's it for a bathroom remodel San Diego! Of course, all projects vary in length, so call today for more info!

Remodeling The Master Bathroom

The practicality of reworking your master bathroom cannot be overstated.

If you are a busy professional, you need your professional and leisure clothes to be in the right position with reference to your shower.

If you're raising little ones, you need the linen cabinets and towel hooks to be one arms length from the cutie that's in the bathtub. 

Do you want your bathroom on the other side of your master closet, or your closet on the other side of your bathroom? If you incorporated a washer & dryer setup, would that change your answer? Why or why not?

To answer these questions and more, make sure you go with a design-build firm who can walk you through the scope and cost in tandem as opposed to just an architect, engineer, or designer who can walk you through design but not cost.

Bonus Tip:

The oversized jetted bathtub and small tiles were big for a while but they ended up taking up space and rarely being used. In 2020 and beyond we want bright, open bathrooms and all the square footage we can get! Rip out the giant tub and tiny shower. Build a bigger shower and have a free-standing tub that's gorgeous and low-maintenance. 

Install continuous flooring throughout master bedroom & bathroom or consider throwing in that whole floor of the house. You want to maximize the natural light you have without replacing or re-framing windows? This is how!

New Or Expanded Mud Room

And just like that, keeping the house clean became way harder! With more time in parks, in the yard and getting dirty, the desire for a mud room has become a need for one. 

Sometimes you can add a bump out, sometimes you can reconfigure the kitchen or back entry area. In either case you'll be taking advantage of floor to ceiling storage and utility options!

These may include cubbies, shoe and boot holders, benches, coat hooks, winter clothes storage, and out-of-the-way drainage areas for muddy or sand filled items.

Are the pets just as dirty after that last adventure? Consider a laundry sink or pet bath so you don't find evidence of that last hike in your bed.  

Framing New & Improved Storage or Custom Built-In's

In 2019 we would have never imagined that 2020 would have become such a record-setting year.

Here are a few of the roles people are filling at home in 2020 that have caused them to pursue new and improved storage or custom built-in's:

  • Remote employee - office
  • Home schooling mom - classroom
  • Home schooling dad - classroom
  • Host for family that is in need - office to bedroom conversion
  • Host for long term stays including family member or aging parent(s) - loft to bedroom & bathroom conversion
  • Business owner - attic or garage work bench or work space
  • Providing additional housing during housing crisis - basement to apartment conversion including kitchen

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!

Kitchen Remodel

With restaurants at limited capacity, we are not getting takeout as much.

With budget considerations, we are trying to be better stewards of our resources and cooking in.

With health goals in mind, we are trying to wash produce and prepare food that helps us to maximize our energy and brain function all day.

Remarkably, even quarantine life is busy and we are trying to food prep on weekends so we don't spend all week in the kitchen.

Does your current kitchen accommodate any of these needs?

Every day we talk to families who would love to food prep if only they had more counter space.

They'd love to do larger batches of weekly food prep, but their 25 cubic foot refrigerator is too small to store more than a few days of veggies and leftovers. 

They can't just buy a new refrigerator because of their cabinet layout...and on...and on...

It's just plain wrong that an outdated kitchen would stop your family from the health and nutrition that they deserve. Or more importantly, from the time with you that they deserve.

Why Choose Teknik for Your Quarantine Remodel?

You want your remodel process to be as painless as possible, right? Us too. That's why we've spent over 20 years perfecting the processes that keep families away from the classic pitfalls of the remodeling and construction industry.

Let our school-of-hard-knocks experience save you from your own hard knocks:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Still not ready? It's okay to be nervous. You'll be 100% protected with 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!

Summer Remodel Frequently Asked Questions

Hello!

Are you a San Diego homeowner with questions about remodeling? 

We get it. We know how it feels to shop for the perfect company for your project and to hope that they can meet each need and answer every question to your satisfaction.

We're glad you're here. You’re in the perfect place to find answers! 

In this article, we answer a few of the most pressing questions on the minds of home owners including: 

  • Does the price change based on supply and demand?
  • Does the price change based on the weather?...wait, what?
  • What should I look out for so I don't have a bad experience?
  • What should I prepare for so I can have the BEST experience?

Read on!

Does The Price Change Based on Supply & Demand?


Negative. Demand is stable and therefore pricing is stable.

Elastic Vs. Inelastic Demand - In residential remodeling, there are so many factors that influence when a family decides to move forward, that the demand remains steady all year. So, with a few exceptions, there is a pretty steady flow of work regardless of the time of year.

Think it will be slow during tax season? Many families are ready to jump in!

Think it will be slow during the holidays? Aging parents need a granny flat right away, so we work around Santa!

Think it will be slow during back-to-school season? Empty nesters can't wait to see how their project turns out!

In the rental market, as a contrast, there tends to be elastic demand. Families try to move during the summer so kids are not in school, which means fewer folks are moving during the winter months.

This leads to increased inventory and that will drive rents down seasonally. As a result, you can save a heap of money on your lease if you time it just right and move when its inconvenient for everyone else, around the Christmas/New Year holidays for example.

The elastic demand in the rental market impacts prices. But in remodeling, you're getting the right price no matter what!

Teknik Testimonial

Does The Price Change Based on The Weather?


This is not a silly question! We are not asking "Can I have 15% OFF if it's partly cloudy with a 60% chance of showers?"

So what are people asking, and where does this question come from?

We are a city of transplants--people who move here from all over the world. In areas where the ground freezes for several months a year, there is a feeling of "Make hay while the sun shines". In sunny San Diego we "make hay" all year but in the north, contractors prefer to build new buildings and additions during the summer months when the ground is not frozen.

So if you have an interior kitchen or bathroom remodel, those contractors may offer a discount so they can get the project under contract, get it into their calendar, and keep their guys busy all winter. 

Answer: Nope, no discount based on weather. In San Diego it's sunny almost all year long. We can dig trenches, excavate, backfill, build forms, and pour concrete all 12 months with relatively few issues. 

What Should I Look Out For So I Don't Have A Bad Experience? 


Look out for the other guys' timeline!!

Starting a renovation can be a scary thing. You think:

  • Is this a bait-and-switch quote that will change later?
  • What if something goes wrong? Will the company be able to finish the project?
  • Can I really trust my contractor when I’m not at home?

We know how you feel!

Our founder, Kevin Tootoonchi, found his friends and family members sharing the exact same concerns before he decided to start Teknik.

"The three biggest problems I saw in the industry were bait-and-switch quotes, subcontractors my friends didn't feel comfortable leaving in their home alone, and projects that went way over their completion date," says Kevin.

The problem is other contractors give you a quick quote without being sure they can staff it, and don't spend enough time analyzing your home.  This leads to surprises, changes, delays, and projects that go over budget.  Here's their timeline:

They also complain that the "other guys":

  • send a crew who wears dirty clothes
  • use 100% subcontractors (so there's a new face in your home daily)
  • when unexpected changes to the job occur, they have to change their quoted price

These are some of the problems with San Diego remodelers we've fought hard to improve.

What Can I Prepare For So I Can Have The BEST Experience?


Please, prepare for The Perfect Remodel Plan!

Here are three reasons to choose Teknik and our Perfect Remodel Plan for your renovation project.

  1. Our clients come back to us over... and over.... and over.  Please see their praises here.
  2. Only Teknik has "The Perfect Remodel Plan" and "The Three T Promise"
  3. Clean-Cut Crew... not the Motley Crew - We don't lean heavily on subs.  Our Clean-Cut Crew are employees only.  They are happy, friendly, well paid, and clean up their work every day

The Perfect Remodel Plan

Whereas other contractors spend little time planning your project and a LOT of time putting out fires and making changes once the project begins, we heavily front-load our time commitment to our projects to ensure accurate quoting and no surprises.

Our project timeline looks like this:



Can I Use The "Cost Plus" Method To Save Money?


A word of caution...one doesn't usually end up saving time or money...check it out.

Cost Plus - You provide the scope to your contractor and they begin work and bill you for their exact costs at regular intervals with a percentage markup on those costs. They use a markup that was agreed upon beforehand. 

The risk is that you have no accountability for efficiency, because as long as the project is not done...you continually receive progress invoices that more labor and material costs billed to you with a mark up...proceed at your own risk!

Fixed Bid - You solidify all the details of the scope and the cost together and up front before you sign the contract.

Then, you know what work will be complete and for what price. What a relief! 

Fixed bid or fixed fee contracts protect the contractor from unreasonable scope-creep since the scope is already defined.

It also protects you, the home owner, from being used as a cash cow by a contractor who decides to take their time and keep billing you for incorrect or inefficient work. 

Teknik only provides fixed bid estimates.

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 2020 Remodel?

Allow us to help you join the ranks of San Diego home owners who have avoided the most common industry blunders!

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget se of
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Still a little worried? You'll be 100% protected with 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!

Top Seven Cabinet Makers to Consider for your So-Cal Remodel

Looking for the best cabinet maker in San Diego California for your kitchen, bathroom, or custom built-in's? Look no further! In this article, you'll find several of the top companies that service the greater San Diego area and have the reviews to prove it!

A few of them are: 

  • Domain Cabinets Direct, Inc.
  • La Casta Cabinets & Design
  • Premium Cabinets 
  • BKT LOFT Italian Kitchen Cabinets
  • San Diego Painting & Refinishing
  • and more!...

Boy, do we know how it feels to shop for the perfect cabinet maker who can deliver on the design you want.

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

In this article, we will introduce you to the companies listed above and a few more!

Teknik Testimonial

1. Domain Cabinets Direct Inc - 145 Reviews

Claude & Raechelle both receive high praise from their customers in endless 5-star reviews. These guys have been building trust in the community for a long time. Their 145+ reviews on houzz.com have been posted from 2013 to pressent. The favorite traits named for their tremendous success are:

  1. Communication
  2. Responsiveness
  3. Quick & accommodating

2. La Costa Cabinets & Design - 51 Reviews

Holly, William, and Cheyanne have raving reviews from all over the map. They are rated highly in many areas and are definitely a relationship-focused business. Some of their most frequent compliments came from the areas of:

  1. Patience with plan & design changes
  2. Highly recommended, even by friends and family who know them most intimately
  3. Thoroughly share all options to find what is best for each client

4. Premium Cabinets, Oceanside - 22 Reviews

Past and present, Premium Cabinets has been consistent and predictable in making a name for themselves among the most prestigious companies in southern California. A few client transformations that they are responsible for include:

  1. We were very nervous --> "Wanted to express how thrilled we are to have chosen Luke @ Premium Cabinets!"
  2. We were doing research --> "They stayed true to every promise. My wife and I are over the moon with how everything turned out."
  3. We never dreamed our kitchen could look this good --> We can honestly say there is not one thing we would change."
  4. Intimidated --> "We are so pleased with the outcome!"

5. BKT LOFT Italian Kitchen Cabinets - 16 Reviews

This small family-owned business has many happy customers and several of them have made it known to the world! They are known for:

  1. Beautiful product
  2. An outstanding kitchen & bathroom design team
  3. Responsive & knowledgeable

6. San Diego Painting & Refinishing - 16 Reviews

Jose and the team at San Diego Painting & Refinishing have been used by many families to "reface" the cabinets they have instead of having them refinished. They are popular among their clients and receive many referrals due to:

  1. Being so quick!
  2. Being so clean!
  3. Attention to detail - the ultimate professional!

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!

7. Imperial Custom Cabinets - 16 Reviews

Your are in for a treat when you call Imperial Custom Cabinets! The families, businesses, and industry professionals that they serve, sing their praises from the rooftops!

  1. Been used for multiple projects since 1981.
  2. They know what they are doing from beginning to end.
  3. "As an interior designer, I have high standards and I work only with Imperial!

8. BONUS! Bell Millworks Inc. - 6 Reviews

Sean Bell is the owner and he takes incredible ownership of every part of his company and process. He is trusted by all that use him! 

  1. Reasonably priced
  2. Very thorough in estimating and execution, a perfectionist even!
  3. "We've had them complete three remodels and every time the result matches the vision!"

Why Choose Teknik For Your Custom Cabinets?

The options are endless and the GOOD NEWS is that you'll probably be very well-taken care of no matter who you choose! Woohoo! As long as the community they are serving loves their service, chances are good that you'll love it too. Like many of these successful companies, you'll find that the Teknik team has three strengths in avoiding the three main industry oopsies. We know how to avoid:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Still not ready to call? 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!

Top Five Remodel Tips in 2021

We're headed into July and looking ahead to see what the second half of 2020 has to offer us. If you're a San Diego home owner and looking to complete your first remodel, you've probably got a few questions:

  • What type of company is best, if any?
  • What qualities should I prioritize when looking for a good company?
  • Do they need to be working in my area already?
  • How should I be thinking about my budget?

Great work, you’re in the perfect place! 

In this article, I’ll answer your questions so you can make a great decision about your remodel.

Teknik Testimonial

1. Pick The Right Type of Design-Build Firm 

Holding a B license makes a company a general contractor.

It's important to make sure that you're looking only at general contractors that that ALSO specialize in residential remodeling since any given general contractor may also perform commercial or multi-family work.

Within the category of "design-build" firms that specialize in residential remodeling, there are those who actually don't design or build--they are firms who hire all subcontractors and function as a project management firm. These folks can still get the job done but you'll have less control over your home and budget.

In a perfect world, you would find a firm who is design-build, specializes in residential, and has in-house crews to complete the work.

2. Choose A Firm That Has A Process

If you have remodeled your homes before, you understand the power of a streamlined process. 

Ensure you have your questions answered about the process they've built. If they have structure and flexibility present, but can communicate in detail about it, then you have found a design-build firm who has mastered their craft. 

The best companies to work with are busy growing and improving their leadership throughout their time in business; not just selling work to anyone who will buy.

3. Choose A Firm That Has Worked In Your Area

It is important to ensure that your design-build firm has completed work in your city and or zip code before.

It is not necessary for them to have worked on every home on your block, but checking to see if they are comfortable producing the level of finish that is appropriate for your zip code will be important. 

Remember, the finish details such as drywall tape, mud, texture, priming, painting, and finish carpentry come at the very last stages of your remodel. They will take a significant amount of energy while your project feels "almost done" for the last several weeks.

It is vital that you verify their ability to follow through on these details. You'll be staring at the finished product for a long time, so their ability to get it done correctly (the first time) will make or break your experience. 

4. Establish Two Budgets Up Front

Custom residential remodeling is...well...custom. We can look at our past projects and make loose ballpark assumptions, but you know what assuming does...

So if you're the home owner that is asking "I have a small powder room, how much will it cost to remodel it?" or "I have a small 8x10 kitchen that I need to update, including cabinets, and appliances, how much will it cost to remodel it?", here are your next steps:

  • Write down your target budget
  • Write down how much you are willing to have that number flex up and your reasoning for why
  • Write down your total ballpark range so that you can red-light/green-light with each contractor you interview

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!

5. Be Prepared To Get Only One "Detailed" Estimate

If you're comparing commodity services, go ahead and get a few prices. You want to get the most value for your dollar, right? Of course right!

But if you're comparing construction services (or diamonds, or your kiddos' education), the range of quality has a must greater impact on your life than, say, the range of quality of toilet paper. So you want to choose a quality firm that can build your project within your price range, but remember, selecting the right firm will allow you to land at the right price.

Be sure to narrow down your contractors to just one that will value-engineer with you as needed. 

Why Choose Teknik for Your L-Shaped Kitchen?

For over two decades, we've been helping families avoid these classic mistakes in the world of remodeling:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Still nervous? You'll be 100% covered with 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!

8 Things to Never Say to A Contractor


Hey, if you’re a San Diego homeowner and wondering what questions you should ask or not ask, check out these eight hot buttons that you'd be better off avoiding. 


Teknik Testimonial

1. Never Say "I'm Talking To Five or Six Contractors"

Dead give-away that you're either kicking tires or just surveying professionals to get oriented in your local market.

There's nothing wrong with checking things out...BUT...if you want accurate estimates, each estimate will take time and a lot of collaboration. If the contractor gets the sense that you're doing research and not ready to buy, he'll find a way to bail.

What you should say: Share that you are either doing research to get general ballpark ranges, or that you're serious about selecting the right person and collaborating with them to get a detailed line item estimate

2. Never Say "I Just Need A Material Installer"

I'm sure your heart is in the right place (Bless your heart!) but it's insulting to lump general contractors into the same group with a material installer. Here is what she's thinking when you tell her you have your materials and you just need labor costs for installation.

"No"
"Heck no"
"Call a handyman."
"You don't need a GC apparently...you are acting like your own GC."
"Good luck if you need a permit"
"Have fun with finding qualified tradesman if you need a subcontractor or specialty material"
"So you're planning to have no snags or problems throughout your project?"

What you should say: Ask if you have called the right firm. Is this a general contractor? Is this a design-build firm that's a one-stop shop? Do you have a service labor department? Here is my scope; what type of firm would you recommend?

3. Never Say "I Need To See All The Pricing Options"

Quality estimates take time and different materials have different installation styles/types, and different labor costs. Most of your questions can be answered in conversations and design options should be considered. However, the options available to you range from the dozens into the thousands. It is unwise for the contractor to begin estimating with no information from you to serve as his direction.

Work from the macro to the micro and make the big decisions first. For example: choose your kitchen style and layout first (macro), and then look at, for example, all the design and selection options for your cabinets (micro). 

Don't Say: "I'd like to see three different pricing options for my kitchen, please."

Do Say: "I'm shooting to keep the kitchen between $XY,000 and $XYZ,000 and here is a list of what I know I want, and what I'm not sure about." 

4. Never Say "Cost Is Really The Biggest Factor"

If cost is the biggest factor, you are putting yourself in a loosing position. As a friend, he might help you out and give you an "estimate" or "bid" but it will not reflect the level of effort and thoroughness that you'd like. It will simply reflect what you told him mattered; a number.

Shift your mindset with the following questions:

"What makes a remodel as painless as possible?"
"What makes some families trust their contractor with multiple projects, in multiple homes, over multiple years?"
"What type of firm is most compatible with my project and what systems make them most compatible?"
"What are my assumptions and expectations regarding communication, my experience of my project, etc."
"If I get what I pay for, will I be happy with the product if select mostly based on price?"

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!

5. Never Say "We Need This Done Next Week or Next Month"

Remodeling takes time and usually more time than you think it will. Heck, for most contractors, it takes longer than they think it will.

First, you've got to interview and select contractors. Then you've got to go through design & selections followed by building an accurate estimate, signing your contract, ordering product, and then you can begin after your materials have been delivered. Material ETA's are not the contractors responsibility, be it credit or fault.

We'd recommend cooling down your expectations; a lot of good contractors are lost because a client flies off the handle about how "long everything takes" when in reality, the owner should have started their process much sooner. Ask about timeline before the first day of demo.

6. Never Say "We Don't Have A Budget"

This is for a different reason than you'd think. Most think it is because you don't want the contractors to take advantage and build an astronomical estimate, just hoping you're a sucker. In reality most families that say "We don't have a budget" mean that they don't know how much things cost in general, so they aren't there yet.

Solution: understand that there are two separate categories of "estimates". It's impossible to give you a price, but it might be possible to give you a general ballpark range based on their experience.

Each project is different, but aside from the costs associated with your remodel, you'll need to know that you won't spend more than $20,000, more than $50,000, or more than $160,000. There may be flexibility, but you still need to have an accurate understanding of your budget for yourself. 

7. Never Say "We Want You To Use My Brother"

You may know a few tradesman, your brother may be a plumber, and you may have grown up around construction because your dad was a contractor. Please keep this experience separate from your project.

Every contractor will have established relationships with his tradesman and crews. The efficient cost and timeline you desire will come from trusting one ecosystem to produce results, not from breaking your project apart to avoid paying markup. 

Find someone that you can trust. Then deploy your trust.

8. Never Say "Can You Provide A Discount For Early Payment?"

This goes against the law and common sense.

By law in the state of California, a contractor may not invoice you for labor or materials not yet delivered. Their payment schedule will reflect this. 

By common sense, you want peace of mind and paying someone in advance to get peace of mind from a discount, actually discounts the peace of mind you will get from paying at regular installments as the project meets benchmarks.

Why choose Teknik for Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel?

For over twenty years we've been helping families to walk through the remodeling mine field safely. The most common three mines that families hit are:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Use of Subcontractors

Call today for your free consultation!

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!

The Best Contractor for Hardscape & Landscape Remodel

Hey, if you’re a San Diego homeowner and wondering if 2020 is the year for your landscape renovation, then you probably have some questions like:

  • should I limit the scope to outside work only, due to COVID-19?
  • how much does a landscape remodel cost?
  • what are a few landscape design ideas that I can consider?
  • it's May already, but can I have it done by July 4th? 

These four questions and about a dozen others are all valid! We know what it's like to balance health, safety, our community well-being and also be concerned about storm drainage, protecting your home, and moving your family forward.  

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

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

Teknik Testimonial

Should I Limit The Scope of My Project to Outside?

Not necessarily. Every family and situation is different, but many of our clients include inside and outside phases in their project to save on costs and take advantage of a contractor already being there.

One major benefit of having your phases executed as a single project is the time savings and having minimal interruption in your household. It may not feel "minimal", but trust us if you get everything done at once, it'll be done in less than half the time compared to breaking it up with several starts/stops.

The second major benefit of having your phases complete as one project, is that your design will be more cohesive. When we can draw a boundary and say "these are all the areas we're going to work in" and "these are the areas we will leave", we have a lot more freedom to design a remodel that ties each room together.

How Much Does A Landscape Remodel Cost?

Landscaping your yard doesn't necessarily start at a certain price point and then go up from there. There are a few ways to get to your price in the right way, but there is definitely a wrong way too. Consider the following:

  1. Avoid conflating your contractor-selection process with your design process. If you try to get designs and put those designs out to bid, you've got a great chance of having some heartbreak and choosing the wrong contractor. Solution: Have your site visits, choose your contractor, then get your designs completed with them and value engineer if necessary. You heard me. The purpose of a site visit is not to get a price. It's to help you get to know how each business works and to learn if you like their processes.
  2. Avoid starting your site visit process too soon. If you are still throwing ideas around or kicking tires, i.e. "Maybe we could do a pool!...oh gosh. If we put in a pool, we may as well throw in a hot tub too!" then you are not ready for site visits or to invest in the design that will be required to get a solid detailed line-item estimate. If this is you, continue your research online and use Google to find the Cost Vs. Value PDF for your city to determine if you're ready to move forward.
  3. Avoid giving your contractor a scope list. I know, it sounds counter-intuitive, but try to avoid laying out a detailed description of the work you think they need to do. We encourage our clients to build two lists: a wish list and a must have list. This way, you're focusing on function and beauty. You can describe how you want the space to serve your lifestyle, but remember you are hiring an expert, not just a guy with a hammer. If you allow the scope to flex up or down slightly throughout the process, you'll have many brains finding creative solutions, instead of someone just counting counting "how many guys; how many hours?" to accomplish a task list.

It's Already May. Can I Have It Completed by 4th of July?

If you do your research and complete it yourself, then yes. If you hire a landscaping contractor and execute a design-build project, you'll probably complete your project in September or October. Here's a possible timeline with no snags or pauses:

Phase I

  1. May 13th: You read this article
  2. Rest of this week, make phone calls to see who you like and read everyone's reviews
  3. May 18th: Call everyone to schedule your site visits
  4. May 19th to 26th you have your site visits, including masks and social distancing
  5. May 27th to June 5th you reach out to everyone, and ask clarifying questions so you can decide on your firm
  6. June 5th you select your firm and begin their process

Phase II

  1. June 9th you have your first design meeting, and hammer out the general scope of the project in greater detail
  2. June 29th completed designs arrive. It takes about two weeks to get designs completed, so  June 29th would be the earliest if the design team begins the Monday after they receive the information
  3. July 1st meet and review designs, making adjustments as needed
  4. July 4th have your 4th of July bash in your existing yard
  5. July 10th assuming there are no changes requested after reviewing the deigns, the estimating team produced your detailed line-item estimate
  6. July 14th review the detailed line-item estimate and if no changes are needed...
  7. July 17th review the timeline and get the project scheduled

Phase III

  1. August 3rd project begins
  2. Sept 25th project is completed in 8 weeks. *Length of project always vary

As you can see, being thorough on the front end will save you both time and money. In this scenario, you are only working with one contractor and each step only has to be done once. Now you can host parties galore!

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

Landscape Remodel Design Ideas

Here are some of the features that you will have the most fun adding and designing around:

  1. BBQ
  2. Trellis (or two?)
  3. LaCantina door with indoor/outdoor seating
  4. Patio or splash pad for the kids
  5. Pool
  6. Hot tub
  7. Waterfall/water feature
  8. New or updated storm drainage system to protect your home from flooding or foundation leaks
  9. Hard scape to replace grass or other water-intensive plants
  10. Landscape lighting along footpaths, patio, perimeter of yard or flowerbeds

There are hundreds of options available to you. All you need to worry about, is selecting the right firm. If you do, then you can rest assured, they will help you take care of the rest.

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

Why choose Teknik for Your Landscape Remodel?

For over 20 years, we've been helping families to navigate the design-build process to avoid these three industry mistakes:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Call today and ask to speak with our office manager about how we can help you get started in The Perfect Remodel Process.

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!

Getting Back To Your Remodel Amidst Ongoing Social Distancing?

The most important factor that San Diego homeowners look for when interviewing contractors are as follows:

  • Honesty
  • Excellent communication
  • Quality craftsmanship
  • Promptness
  • Cleanliness during remodel

During this time of continued quarantine, social distancing, and exceptional safety standards to slow and flatten the curve, here is what our home owners have been asking:

  • How soon can I get back to my remodel if the lock down starts to loosen in May?
  • How do we keep planning and making decisions so that we are ready when things open up?
  • How can I make sure I am covering all basis if we aren't meeting with the contractor in person?

During such an important time for the safety of our community, it is vital that we are careful in asking and answering these questions.

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 remodel for you and your family.  

Teknik Testimonial

How Soon Can I Get My Remodel Started as The Lock Down Starts to Loosen?

The nature of the design-build process allows us to work with you and for you whether we are meeting in person or not. The collaboration and design decisions can often be made remotely and with the aid of Zoom meetings and material sample deliveries. 

Though there should be no need for you to delay design and collaboration, the process of construction has slowed somewhat, so you may find a later start or completion since all the projects that were going on during the second half of March are also experiencing delayed wrap up.

Regardless, we recommend getting started sooner rather than later.

How Can We Keep Planning & Making Decisions So We Are Ready When Things Open Up?

If you are already engaged with a design-build firm, then each meeting in their process should include homework and next steps for you to complete between meetings. 

  1. Contractor--If you are still kicking tires or looking to choose a contractor soon, follow these steps to make the right selection
    1. Call 3 to 5 contractors
    2. Intentionally qualify each over the phone considering character, integrity, experience, and follow-up.
    3. Schedule a site visit with only your top 1 or 2 and get a ballpark range from each based on pictures and experience.
    4. Select your contractor 
    5. Follow the remote process to collaborate on a design, layout, and scope that you love. This collaboration will produce your detailed estimate, or Teknik True Quote. Yes, this price will fall within the initial ballpark, unless the scope is increased. 
    6. Complete your project on time!
  2. Materials--Create a Houzz.com Ideabook
    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. This will save you lots of time during your interior design & finish material meetings.

How Can I Make Sure I Cover All Bases If We Aren't Meeting With The Contractor In Person?

Our remote design consultants are not computers; they are not automated! They are live! For each and every question, comment, or concern you have, a real person will reply and walk you through it personally. 

Regarding samples, you do not have to make your selections 100% online. We have a dedicated team to pick up and hand deliver your top three options so you can see them in your home for a couple of days before making a choice.

Please feel empowered by this: it is truly the responsibility of the design-build firm you are working with to ensure that no steps are missed. You should really make sure you can trust their process; that they are organized and lay out a clear path for you. 

For more info on selecting the right contractor visit this article: https://teknikinc.com/how-to-plan-your-kitchen-remodel-around-the-post-covid-19-san-diego-market/

Finally, you will eventually meet in person and be able to review everything face to face, or mask to mask. We have simply re-ordered the process to accommodate greater safety precautions. 

Will The Design Process Ever Get Back To Normal?

In some ways, this is like asking if our cell phones will ever go back to normal. Change can be a great thing, even if a tragic pandemic was what forced us to be better.

We will keep our improvements and avoid slacking off or letting old habits sneak back into our NEW sharper processes. 

The biggest way that we have become better is to take on the burden of planning and organization more fully and even more upfront.

The site visit used to be step 3/4, depending on the situation. Now, we stack a lot more work up on ourselves to make your life easier before its necessary to send anyone to your home. 

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 Should We Expect In The New Normal?

“A ton of people’s lives are going to change. A ton of people are going to realize that they love working from home but they can’t work out of their kitchen so they will have to change their lives accordingly.” – Dave Rubin

We can expect the remodel focus with shift slightly to include more living spaces, dens, and office remodels. 

“This is changing everything. People don’t realize, but things will never be the same again.  This is going to change things permanently”. – Gary Vaynerchuck

Historically, during times of uncertainty and instability, an unprecedented number of people turn from full-time employment toward starting small or online businesses as a way of having greater control of time and money. Expect to see more internet business, expect the flip from brick and mortar to online!

“Back to normal? No. Nothing is going back to normal. We don’t want normal. Things will never be the same again.” – Steven Furtick

Human resilience and human kindness are unbeatable. We are more kind, more patient, better listeners. We can expect significant loss. We can also expect to get through it and come together with more conviction to serve our fellow man and with more resolve to find great ways of doing business. 

Why Choose Teknik for Your Remodel?

Our industry is known for three areas of frustration:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Let us show you our perfect remodel process and demonstrate how we have been helping families avoid this frustration for over 20 years!

From your Dream Design, to collaborating to build your True Quote, we will walk you through each step to get your project Complete On-Time.

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!

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 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!