Posts tagged with "Contractor"

Three Tips for Your 10×15 Kitchen Remodel

Top concerns for a 10x15 San Diego kitchen remodel:

Please shop for your contractor, not your contract
Please build your Ideabooks on Houzz.com
Please make two lists so you have clarity before you begin

Man, we know about being overwhelmed and not knowing where to start.

But don’t worry. In this article, we'll show you where to start!

Read on for the first three things you MUST KNOW before you begin!

Shop For Your Contractor, Not Your Contract

We know, get a bunch of bids and then decide on the right guy.

Sounds like a good idea but the truth is, you'll end up with an average contractor and larger-than-average problems.

Adding insult to injury, you'll have change orders to fix those problems...but you no doubt chose that contractor to save money so you're actually upside down a little bit.

If you want the truth, ask the car salesman where he buys cars for his kids...

Ask the luxury jewelry saleswoman where she buys her personal diamonds...

Ask the contractor how he shops for contractors to do work on his home and how he value engineers his own projects to achieve both of your goals:

Get the job done right the first time
Do it as efficiently as possible

If you shop for your contractor, not your contract you can have the best of both.

Please Build Your Ideabooks on Houzz.com

When you speak contractors, you'll be asking them your questions...

But in order to get you to where you want to go, they will often answer your questions with more questions...

So, in order to be better prepared than 80% of home owners, build an Ideabook on Houzz.com

This allows for two things:

You'll select what you like and don't like in each photo. You'll be able to add a note or caption so you remember exactly which feature you liked within that photo.
You'll gain clarity on the entire look and functionality, vs. having a bunch of unrelated ideas. As you select photos 17, 18, 19, and 20, you'll start to see themes and you'll be excited to go back and delete some of the first photos you selected because they no longer fit your aesthetic!

Instructions:

Create Your Ideabook

Get Ideas>Kitchen>Use filters if desired>Hover over the photo>Click Save>Add notes on the photo>Drop down menu> + Create New>Save!
Repeat for all photos as desired.

Share with us

Hover over “Your Houzz” (top right)
Your Ideabooks
Click the desired Ideabook
Finally click “Invite” to search for Teknik and invite us to view it!

INSTANT QUOTE!

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!

Please Make Two Lists So You Have Clarity Before You Begin

Here are examples of the two lists that you'll want to create for yourself:

Must Have List

Replace appliances
New cabinets
New counter tops
Updated plumbing
Updated electrical
New flooring

Wish List

New doors
New windows
Additional lighting
Blow out a wall
Add indoor/outdoor seating

Whether you are listing several items or just a few, your clarity will allow you to major in the majors when you address how to get the most for your budget.

Why Choose Teknik for Your 10x15 Kitchen?

Let us be your guide as you strive to avoid the blunders that make our industry look bad. When you work with us, we help you avoid:

Late Completion
Going Over Budget
Overuse of Subcontractors

Still apprehensive about calling? You'll be 100% protected with our Spoiled Rotten Customer Guarantee.

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

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

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.

FREE CONSULTATION

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

15×20 Kitchen Remodel

So it's finally time to look at the remodel project that you've been putting off - the kitchen! Thinking of a few questions on your journey is normal!

How do I choose the right company?
How much will my large 15x20 kitchen remodel cost?
How long do 15x20 kitchen remodels take?

Boy, do we know how it feels to shop for the perfect kitchen remodel contractor in San Diego and wonder if you've found the right person.

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

In this article, we'll answer these three questions so you can get off to a great start as you pursue your kitchen remodel.

How Do I Choose The Right Company?

The best way to find your contractor is to shop for character not for price.

The default is to call a bunch of contractors and have them all come out to your home and provide bids. However, this only works fro single-trade commodity-style jobs.

If your 15x20 kitchen remodel needs a full overhaul, you'll want to ensure you find a person or design-build firm that will communicate, collaborate, and work with your specific needs.

If a company is willing to come out, give you a bid on the spot, and make promises without doing their due diligence, they are probably not the one for you.

How Much Will my 15x20 Kitchen Remodel Cost?

Answering this question is a lot like answering the question, "How much does a new car cost?"

There are dozens, if not hundreds of answers to questions that will inform the answer and make it more specific and accurate. What is your budget? What is the make, model, year, sport package, etc?

Most NEW cars that the general public will purchase are going to cost between $35,000 and $120,000. Now, you can name those exceptions but you'll agree that the range makes sense.

In the same way, with very few exceptions, most of the 15x20 kitchens that San Diego home owners will remodel will cost between $110,000 and $250,000. Here is a pie chart of how your budget may be allocated:

FREE CONSULTATION

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

“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!

How Long Do 15x20 Kitchen Remodels Take?

To set the expectation correctly, you should know that the portion of your 15x20 kitchen remodel from demo to completion is often less than 50% of the project length. Here are the top three phases you should consider for your schedule:

Deciding to do the project, vetting contractors, selecting the right contractor: Length unknown.
Design & selections: 4 weeks to 10 weeks or more. Varies by project.
Your 15x20 kitchen remodel: 8 weeks to 14 weeks. Varies by project.

When you're looking to begin a kitchen remodel, be prepared for a several month journey. Choose the right contractor, so your journey is fun!

Why Choose Us for Your 15x20 San Diego Kitchen Remodel?

Let us help you to avoid the three primary pain points across all sectors of residential remodeling in San Diego. These three paint points are:

Late Completion
Going Over Budget
Overuse of Subcontractors

Not ready to call? You'll be 100% protected with our Spoiled Rotten Customer Guarantee!

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

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

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.

FREE CONSULTATION

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

Best Contractor To Add A Second Story

Hey, if you’re a San Diego homeowner and you are **this close** to having an ocean view, then you're in the right place!

Ocean view, home value, outdoor living. These and many more are the apeals of building a second story addition. Check out these common questions and their answers below:

Is the project possible?
Can I just "get a few bids" to see if it's feasible?
How long will it take to build?
Is there a way to keep it under $100,000?
What types of permits will I need to pull?

A large project takes time and due diligence. Give us a call to schedule your free consultation.

Is The Project Possible?

In the world of remodeling, anything is possible.

But it is possible to get the right answer to the wrong question. Try these collaborative questions and prompts when speaking with the design-build firm that you choose:

This is how I plan to use my second story addition, **insert description**. Allow questions and discussion to flow.
This is what frustrates me about the current layout/what it's missing **insert description**. How might you change it to accommodate x, y, or z function?
I plan to have my two boys use this as their bedroom, bathroom and play room, what can we do to bring the plumbing upstairs?
I'd like this second story addition to be an apartment eventually, but I'm not determined to have a second kitchen up here; what do you think?

These questions may be all wrong for your project but the format is collaborative and discussion based. They will allow you to discuss if your project is possible after project specific dialogue.

Can I Just "Get A Few Bids" To See If It's Feasible?

You're welcome to try, but you'll find that most reputable contractors will charge you incrementally for the phases of design and you will not want to be design with multiple firms.

Go ahead and survey their reviews, past clients, office staff, process, and choose your contractor early. Then work with them on design, layout, special features and value engineering.

The art and the science of estimating projects occurs in tandem with or just after design and scope decisions are made. It requires tremendous focus.

The most common mistake we see people make is to get pre-qualified or fully qualified for a home equity line of credit and then see what they can have built for that amount.

We recommend doing more research up front. Don't talk to lenders until you know that what you're looking to build is possible, within reason, for approximately what you're looking to spend.

If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.

- Russian Proverb

FREE CONSULTATION

How Long Will It Take To Build?

For some perspective, the smallest remodel projects tend to be small bathrooms.

These small bathroom projects are often completed in two to four weeks. But with just a few hiccups, these small projects can extend to two or three months, and sometimes longer.

It has become more difficult to build project schedules due to COVID-19 and how the pandemic affects each sector of the construction industry uniquely.

For a large remodel like adding a second story addition, it is common to spend a few months in the design phase, and five to eight months in the build phase.

Many second story additions without any major hiccups do run more than twelve months from the first design consultation to the completion of the punch list

Is There A Way To Keep It Under $100,000?

Lol. Nah. Not even close.

What you could build for less than $100,000 wouldn't allow the project to be worth the hassle for most people.

If you took the exact layout of the second story you're looking to build and, hypothetically, got bids to do that same scope except as a first story instead, it would cost significantly less.

Why? Because you'd be able to start from scratch, zero, a clean slate, tabula rasa.

You'd be avoiding all the additional labor and materials required to gently navigate demolition and structurally enhancing your existing home $$$ before starting to build your second story.

Second story addition projects can be extremely costly, so it is best to set your budget up front, and allow 7% to 10% for extras or unforeseen scope requests.

Even the most thorough and experienced contractor cannot include everything.

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

“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 Types of Permits Will We Need To Pull?

Each project is different and the specific permits required for your project will depend on the scope.

Typically you'll see these permits cover most projects.

Structural
Plumbing
Electrical
Mechanical
Combination

Your contractor will take care of coordination and can answer all project-specific questions you may have.

Why Choose Teknik for Your Second Story Addition?

You need to choose a firm who has a track record that includes both of the following:

Foreseeing issues before they arise and solving issues before they become project delays or worse.
Being professional, prompt, and communicative when unforeseeable issues arise so that you can rest at ease.

If they and their team posses both of these qualities, they will help you avoid these classic industry pain points:

Late Completion
Going Over Budget
Overuse of Subcontractors

Still have concerns? That's normal! You'll be 100% protected with our Spoiled Rotten Customer Guarantee!

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

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

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.

FREE CONSULTATION

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

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!

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.

INSTANT BATHROOM QUOTE!

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

“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!

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

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

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.

FREE CONSULTATION

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.

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.

INSTANT BATHROOM QUOTE!

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

“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!

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

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

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.

FREE CONSULTATION

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

Choosing The Best Contractor for Your 10×10 Kitchen Remodel

Hey, if you're a San Diego homeowner and you're not sure if you want to move forward with your 10x10 kitchen remodel, check out some of of these common questions:

How long will I be cooking on my hot plate if I remodel my kitchen?
What needs to happen before I can get started?
Approximately how much does a 10x10 kitchen cost?
Who is the best contractor 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 will answer your questions so you can make a great decision about your kitchen for you and your family.

How Long Will I Be Using A Hot Plate?

It is common for the design and collaboration to take six to eight to ten weeks. This depends most heavily on the home owners' schedule, availability and readiness.

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 10x10 kitchens, from demo to completion, take 8 to 14 weeks.

What Needs To Happen Before We Can Get Started?

First things first, build a Houzz Ideabook using the following instructions:

Create Your Ideabook
Get Ideas>Kitchen>Use filters if desired>Hover over the photo>Click Save>Add notes on the photo>Drop down menu> + Create New>Save! Repeat for all photos as desired.

Share with us
Hover over “Your Houzz” (top right)
Your Ideabooks
Click the desired Ideabook
Finally click “Invite” to search for Teknik and invite us to view it!

Secondly, write down two lists:

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

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

FREE CONSULTATION

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 the cost obsession will cause you to be short-sighted about some of the decisions.

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, and that includes cost.

Who Is The Best Contractor For The Job?

Take it from us, there is nothing like investing a Saturday and a Sunday to have a bunch of contractors wearing masks in your home, just to find out that they aren't qualified for one reason or another. 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:

Is licensed, bonded, and ensured. Verify here https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
Is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Verify here http://bbb.com/
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!
Is receiving a good proportion of recent 4 and 5-star reviews. Are they leaving their clients satisfied customers or raving fans? Are 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

“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 do require quality

Ask questions. Listen. Trust your gut. And always, always read the reviews online.

Why choose Teknik for Your 10x10 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 pain points:

Late Completion
Going Over Budget
Overuse of Subcontractors

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

Step 1: Dream Design

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

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

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.

FREE CONSULTATION

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

How To PLAN Your Kitchen Remodel Around The Post COVID Market

Hey, if you’re a San Diego homeowner and wondering if it's possible to plan for your 2020 or 2021 kitchen remodel, you're not the only one who's asking. These are some of the questions that our families have been texting and emailing us since the quarantine was ordered on March 19th:

how can I do more of my research on the front end?
how can I get more done before site visits?
how can I take all the safety precautions during a site visit?
how can I ensure I like my materials if I'm selecting them online?
as a contractor, how would you shop for a contractor?

Boy, do we know how it feels to be in the midst of the global Coronavirus pandemic and be unsure how to navigate. We are in this together. None of us have ever been here before. At Teknik Design & Remodeling, we've stayed lean and nimble so that when times get tough....really REALLY tough, we are still able to help folks get their essential home functions put back together so they can take care of their family.

We have been chipping away at our process, eliminating inefficiencies, and narrowing our focus for over a decade so that we can get your work completed with safety and speed. Now, with social distancing, shelter in place, and all businesses closed except for essential services, we are glad that we have! We are ready.

Read on. You’re in the perfect place!

In this article, we’ll answer the five questions above so you can make a great decision about your kitchen planning for you and your family.

How Can I Do More Research On The Front End?

Using Home Advisor Resources

HomeAdvisor.com is a wonderful resource for San Diego home owners. Their catch phrase is "Don't Overpay, Compare Pros!" This has lead some readers to believe that they will be able to see how much their project may cost, right there on their screen, before they have to interact with any contractors. Nope!

The method that homeadvisor.com uses so you can compare pros is to have you fill out their form by answering basic questions about the work you'd like done so they can share your information with four different contractors.

Each of the four then has the opportunity to reach out to you, and you can work with each to go through their estimating process. For helpful info on how to select a contractor, see the final two paragraphs in this article.

Using Houzz.com Ideabooks For Your Finish Materials

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

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

Finally, use the search bar to find photos that you love! You may find your cabinet style, 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 two to five hours from your discussion process 🙂 Preserve your energy. What a WIN!

How Can I Get More Done Before My Site Visit?

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 the contractor:

Is licensed, bonded, and ensured. Verify here https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
Is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Verify here http://bbb.com/
Has been recently 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!
Is receiving a good proportion of recent 5-star reviews. Are they leaving their clients satisfied customers or raving fans? Are they being invited back to complete a second or third project?

Construction has changed a lot in light of keeping our communities safe and slowing the spread of COVID-19. We are all working hard so that you and your families avoid exposure at all costs.

The primary purpose of a site visit was to build friendship and trust. But in light of the social distancing rules in place, much of the conversation that builds this connection can happen over a zoom meeting or on a conference call. Remember, the content of the conversation will include project details, but the substance of the conversation is to see if a friendship and trust can be built.

It is only after you have grown somewhat comfortable that you will be able to share your target budget range 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. All this can happen before a site visit is scheduled - hooray!

FREE CONSULTATION

How Can I Take More Safety Precautions During My Site Visit?

We interview every person every day to ensure there are no symptoms
We wear masks
We ask that you wear masks
We sanitize and wash our hands continuously
We sanitize and wash our tools and gear continuously
We ask that if it's possible, the home or that area of the home be empty during and after our site visit
Whenever possible, we construct a containment & sanitation area to keep the area in question sealed off.

We call and text multiple times to confirm all is well. We ask that all parties are fearless and proactive in their communication of any need to reschedule the site visit.

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

“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!

How Do I Know I Will Like My Materials If I'm Selecting Online?

You can actually follow our process and get your materials in your house after all!

Our designers will help you to create a short list of favorite products online
We will order samples for pickup
We will deliver them to your home. If you prefer to pick them up, we can arrange for that too
You get to decide on your favorite selections
If it is both essential and safe, we will schedule only one site visit to
1. confirm scope
2. demo & discovery
3. obtain measurement for quantity
4. Our designer will confirm that you still love the materials you’ve selected

As A Contractor, How Would You Shop For A Contractor?

And how can I have fewer or only ONE in my home?

The following is how we as a contractor would search for our own contractor.

You'll see the first column is what was common before the Coronavirus Pandemic. The second column is what we recommend so that you can minimize or eliminate your contact with other people and get work accomplished in the midst of social distancing.

The Teknik Perfect Remodel Process has always been true to what you'll see below in the column on the right. It has always been in the best interest of the homeowner. But now it is non-negotiable.

Selecting the Right Contractor | Process Overview

Living on The Other Guy's Timeline

Call 3 to 5 contractors
Schedule as many as 5 site visits
Get an estimate from each
Compare each and select your contractor--the nice guy who doesn't have the cheapest price or the most expensive one.
Hope for no change orders
Hope for no delays or surprises

Living on The Teknik Timeline

Call 3 to 5 contractors
Intentionally qualify each over the phone considering character, integrity, experience, and follow-up.
Schedule a site visit with only your top 1 or 2 and get a ballpark range from each based on pictures and experience.
Select your contractor
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.
Complete your project on time!

Why choose Teknik for Your 2020 or 2021 Kitchen Remodel?

Folks, if your remodel can wait, we recommend that you wait for the safety of everyone. This COVID-19 pandemic is real, dangerous and should be taken seriously, despite some still treating it too casually.

If you feel that the time is now for your kitchen to be restored to it's required functionality and safety, then we are your best option for a smooth, safe, and honest remodel.

Please call our office today at 858-775-7628. Ask for the Office Manager to walk you through our initial questions to get to know your project. Ask our team members to share with you how we have been helping homeowners in San Diego avoid these three industry blunders for over 20 years:

Late Completion
Going Over Budget
Use of Subcontractors

Our Three Step Perfect Remodel Process worked before COVID-19 and it still works today. Let's get going on remote-collaboration so that when the time comes, you're all set to go. Can't wait to see your dreams come true.

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

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

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.

FREE CONSULTATION

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