Posts tagged with "home remodel"

Encinitas Kitchen Remodel; A Design-Build Model Is Your Cost Solution

We know how much you'd love for your kitchen to have ample cabinet storage, an excellent pantry, expanded counterspace, and continuous flooring throughout the main floor that will tie it all together!

We are dedicated to making your kitchen remodeling dreams come true. From 92023 and 92024 to 92007 and 92075, we've got crew members who have been renovating Encinitas kitchens for over 20 years. 

Here are the resources we've put together for you:

  1. Kitchen remodel cost - the bad news first
  2. Design firm & contractor or design-build firm?
  3. The sane i.e., clear process i.e. The Perfect Remodel Process

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

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

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

Teknik Testimonial

1. Kitchen Remodel Cost - The Bad News First

We are so glad you've decided to scan this article in preparation for your kitchen remodel. Welcome!

A quick recap on costs:
 
In 2015 excellent kitchen remodels, large and small, were being done for $60,000 to $130,000 + appliances and finishes.

In 2019 kitchens were costing anywhere from $65,000 to $140,000 + appliances and finishes.

In 2020 and 2021 everything was in a state of flux. By "everything", we mean material cost, material ETA's, labor cost, labor availability and everything in between.

Thank goodness lumber is no longer 300% of what is cost in 2019. Still, all materials are up double digits and most are up between 20% and 60%. This shouldn't scare you, but it should create perspective.

That being said, we're doing kitchens right now between $85,000 and $180,000+. Most single family home kitchens are >$100,000 + finishes and appliances.

So far, the numbers are tracking for 2022 to remain in that range.

Please call 858-775-7628 for more information.

2. Kitchen Design Firm & Contractor or Design-Build Firm?

Home owner wants a remodel. Home owner starts asking around. Home owner finds someone who does something in construction and the opinion-gathering begins.

It's a normal experience to start research through organic methods like asking friends, coworkers or neighbors. But it is also considered  "normal" to have delays, change orders, and project timelines that just don't work out.

We're here to help you take your power back

Don't allow miscellaneous opinions from people who aren't paying for your project direct you to generic general contractors. Over 4500 entities in San Diego county hold a B-License; a general contractors license. But most of those aren't qualified for your project! 

So "how do I choose the right contractor for my project?"

Pursue This:


You want a design-build firm so that the team estimating and the team building are on the same team. You can value-engineer without paying over $100/hr for revisions. Furthermore, you can discuss options and accomplish adjustments in the scope with speed.

Interview three or interview ten. But please, make them design-build firms!

Avoid This:


Being a home owner who tells their architect, designer or family friend what they want and their target budget, has the designs drawn up, submits to the city and acquires their permit without first seeking council from a firm that designs, estimates and builds (this is your triple-threat key!).

Finally, the #1 reason for heartbreak in the remodel process is that the home owner innocently gives their power away to a designer who hasn't earned trust by demonstrating project after project on BUDGET

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!

3. A Sane, i.e. Clear Process


So what's all this about a clear process for Encinitas kitchen remodels? Let's get into it.

Free In-Office Consultation

  • This is a conference call on which we discuss property info, project info, target scope, target budget, and the design process including design concepts, construction documents, permitting and material selections.

Free Phone Consultation

  • First look at your home on the big screen in our conference room, discuss use & function of space, lifestyle, tangible & intangible goals. We will also revisit scope & budget to confirm that the desired scope can be supported by the desired budget.

Design

  • Next, we collaborate to determine the best design process for your specific project! This is like grocery shopping; you go get what you need and leave the rest.

  • Then, we get started on the design process! Call 858-775-7628 for additional information and to find our which design items are available to you!

  • This step determines your dream design!

Teknik True Quote

  • Now that we've got clarity on your dream design, we can estimate, value engineer and find that perfect balance in your Teknik True Quote.

  • Next, if you'd like to compare it to the national and west coast averages, you can use the Cost vs. Value PDF from remodeling.com

Complete On-Time

  • The Teknik Clean Cut Crew only gets started once all materials are on-site or around the corner! Waiting to begin gives us the ability to work continuously without leaving the jobsite on "breaks" due to missing materials.

  • Our raving fans talk most enthusiastically about our Teknik Clean Cut Crew members. Since our employees are full-time with us, we can fully rely on our training, culture and quality control to make sure you've got the right trades being executed at the right times. No waiting on endless subcontractors who refuse to show up or communicate.

  • Our Spoiled Rotten Customer Guarantee! We give you 10 business days after substantial completion to provide us with an exhaustive punch list. We make a 30-day warranty call and we make an 11-month warranty call. These calls are such relief and a joy because you're working someone who not only answers their phone, we call you to see if anything has come up!

Celebrate!

  • It's party time! Get ready for your neighbors to start interrogating you and taking pictures!

Where & How to Get Started on Your Encinitas Kitchen Remodel

Where to get started:

If it was us, we would check out customer reviews on three primary platforms:

  1. Home Advisor 
  2. Houzz
  3. Google
  4. Yelp (honorary mention, but a lot more handyman services here than legit design-build firms)

Home owner questions usually answered by reviews: "Can I trust you?" "Are you on time?" "Will you treat my house/kids/pets/family well?" "Will you usually be right about the price and timeline estimates you give me?" "Will I be happy with just the finished product or will I enjoy the process of my remodel?"

All these and more will be addressed in reviews when you're searching for top kitchen remodel companies in Encinitas

How to get started:

If it was us, we would execute the following steps to get started and prepare for your kitchen remodel

  1. First, establish a top budget limit based on the finances available and the total investment that makes sense your home
  2. Then, establish which business model you're looking for; designers, builders, or design-build?
  3. Next, establish a needs list and a wants list. This will allow you to see how far down your priority list your budget can take you. 
  4. Finally, you can visit houzz.com to create an account and start putting your "needs list" items into an Ideabook.

Thank you for spending this time on our blog! We hope that helps to move forward!


P.S. To check out our Perfect Remodel Process in detail visit teknikinc.com/about and feast your eyes!

Why Choose Teknik for Your Encinitas 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.

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 3 Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen

You might be wondering if you can still remodel your kitchen in 2022, despite all the recent changes! The most important thing is to get input from the right sources. We're pretty confidant that the Teknik team is one of the right sources! Here are our Top Three Tips!

  1. Open up the layout
  2. Embrace the design build process
  3. Prepare for the execution

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!

Teknik Testimonial

1. Open Up The Layout


The new world in 2022 is one where we work and educate remotely. We can connect and celebrate remotely. Life can be a constant struggle if our space doesn't accommodate our needs to work, play, rest, and remain organized.

When you're remodeling your kitchen, its important to consider a lot more than looks. 

  • First, who cooks the most often, and for how many?
  • Then, who works or studies in the kitchen or would like to if the seating/island was accommodating?
  • Finally, how do you want the kitchen to flow into surrounding rooms and the outside?

Answers to these questions will set the ideal standard for your new space. Now you are ready for feasibility and asking the structural engineering questions:

  1. First, can it be done?
  2. Second, if so, what would it take?
  3. Thirdly, do you need to hide a beam, would you like to consider steel framing instead of wood?
  4. Finally, does that strategy fit with the big picture?

An open layout is a gamechanger for how the family gathers and how company flows throughout your space. You will love how much larger your space feels if you take the leap and remove a wall or two. 

To check out what some home owners spent on their similar remodels here

2. Embrace The Design-Build Process

Initially every home owner has ideas and dreams for their ideal space.

Then, as you get into preparation and planning, we help you take inventory of the physical limitations of the space.

Finally, the design-build process is about find the ideal way to use your space. You'll discover the list of features that will make your life easier and the list of possibilities that will blow your mind! 

Remember, when remodeling the sky is the limit. Anything is possible. 

Additionally, to get started on your kitchen design ideas now, use the Houzz platform today and build your first Ideabook!

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!

3. Prepare For The Execution

After you've completed design and preparation, it's time to get dusty!

Next is demolition; demo will be quick, messy and loud. Even with HEPA vacuums and top of the line equipment, including air scrubbers, etc., the process of demolition is always messy. 

Additionally, it is wise to plan for 15% adjustment of the project calendar plus additional time for every change order or request for additional work.

The project timeline can get emotional at about 60% completion. Remember that if you're feeling uneasy or antsy, your superintendent can address every question and concern you have as long as you share it with him. 

You'll be done in no time at all and ready to party!

In conclusion, fire up the barbecue, invite the neighbors! Time to celebrate your new kitchen and make some jealous neighbors!

Why Choose Teknik for Your 2020 Kitchen Remodel?

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.

1 - Dream Design

Step 1: Dream Design


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

Step 2 - True Quote

Step 2: True Quote


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

Step 3 - Complete On-Time

Step 3: Complete On-Time


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

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

How To Slay Your Master Bathroom Remodel Costs & Timeline in 2022

Top concerns for a 10x10 or 10x15 master bathroom remodel:

  1. What you need to know about your bathroom preparation timeline in 2022
  2. What you need to know about your design timeline in 2022
  3. Material ETA's
  4. Bathroom Remodel Costs of Your 2022 Project

There is a LOT of remodeling information online but after all that has happened in the past two years, most of it is out of date.

But don’t worry. In this article, we'll share current and up to date information so you can make a great decision! 

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

Teknik Testimonial


2021 is in the rear view mirror and it seems to have been just a blink.

There are a few portions of the timeline that you may not be aware of so we will lay them out here. Getting a remodel started "asap" is possible but understanding what "asap" means is important so there are clear expectations. So let's get into it!

Bathroom Renovation 2022 Timeline - Preparation


Let's assume you've done your due diligence starting with a Google search for "bathroom remodel near me". Then, let's assume that you've interviewed and chosen yours from the list of bathroom remodeling contractors.

Now, you'll want to sit down and pick their brain (or our brain!) about their process if you don't already understand it. Understanding their process up front will make the remodel process clear and fun!

Next, you'll want to sit down with them and confirm the desired scope of work and budget target. Finally, with that complete you're ready to jump into the work!

Finally, we see people get bit in the b**t by this a lot, so we will highlight it. Skipping the budget/boundary conversation and seeking estimates quickly but **without clarity** is not in your best interest  as the homeowner. 

Bathroom Renovation 2022 Timeline - Design


Now that you have your scope of work and budget set up, your project has boundaries that eliminate scope creep and distraction, so you can focus on designing your perfect bathroom! 

Next, as your interior design concierge, we will book a time to help you explore tile, plumbing and flooring options.

At this appointment, you will have interior design input from us but you'll get to feel out your own taste and what you want for brightness, contrast, cool or warm colors, etc. At the end of this appointment, you'll have samples of each material to take home so you can set them up in natural light.

Once materials are confirmed and ordered, the ETA's are as follows (as of quarter 1, 2022).

  • Flooring - usually less than 2 weeks
  • Tile - usually less than 3 weeks
  • Plumbing & lighting - wild card but we're seeing most mid-range brands available in 4 to 8 weeks. 

Once all the materials have arrived, we can schedule your bathroom remodel target starting date. Remember flexibility is the name of the game here!

For guest bathrooms and powder rooms, the remodel execution timeline is between three to six weeks.

Finally, how long does a master bathroom remodel take? Master bathroom remodels take five to ten weeks. Read on to understand how long it takes to prepare!

Bathroom Remodel Materials in 2022 - ETA's are long


As a contractor, we can't control the supply & demand, the raw materials, manufacturing limitations, or the container ships.

However, there is one thing you can personally do. Be decisive. When you find the tile, flooring, or fixtures you like, we will help you confirm that everything works so you can purchase everything right away.

How long does it take for bathroom remodel materials to arrive? After orders are placed, ETA's are received within one week and most materials arrive in 2 to 8 or even 10 weeks.

A product may come from another country or state and be marked as "available" or "delivered" when it's gotten to the regional or national distribution center nearest you BUT it could still be several hours and a truck driver away. 

Furthermore, we hear stories of companies stopping jobs "for no reason" but this can be why. If materials are "delivered" and the product has not arrived to the home owner, the team could execute a false start by accident. 

Now, what's the bottom line? We triple check and don't consider a material "delivered" until it's actually in your hand. We have a team who is aware of the details and process for each supplier and their regional warehousing.

Check out this bathroom search on Houzz.com to see great bathroom material ideas.

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!

Bathroom Remodel Costs of Your 2022 Project


Most of our families start their search looking for a legitimate contractor who is licensed, bonded, carries appropriate insurance and runs a safe and professional business.

We also know that most couples want to find a local contractor, family owned remodeling company, and "medium" sized firm. Too big and costs can balloon; too small and the schedule may suffer. These couples have been investing $40,000 to $105,000+ in their bathroom remodels.  

  1. Guest bathroom remodels cost $30,000 to $45,000+ for rough materials and labor. Home owners invest $5,000 to $10,000 in their finish materials (plumbing, lighting, tile and flooring).

  2. Master bathroom remodels cost $45,000 to $105,000+ for rough materials and labor. Homeowners invest $9,000 to $15,000 in their finish materials.

We're confidant that over 90% of first class A-Z remodels fall within these ballparks, so you can call with any questions you have! 

Bonus Tip to Value Engineer Your Bathroom Project!


The most popular value-engineering choice made in bathrooms, is to go with LVP flooring instead of tile flooring because the labor and materials are both less in the case of LVP and they don't loose the classy, beautiful and durable traits they were hoping to achieve by using tile.

Check out Rayo Wholesale's products or this LVP maintenance page and see how easy the stuff is to care for! 

Why Choose Teknik for Your Bathroom Renovation?


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.

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 7 Ways to Save on Your Bathroom Remodel!

Bathroom remodeling is fun and exciting but it can get out of control if you're not on guard against the common pitfalls.

In this article you are going to learn about the top 7 ways to save money on your bathroom remodel in San Diego!

  1. Speak with real-life contractors
  2. Maintain the existing layout
  3. Refinish, don't replace
  4. Choose LVP over tile flooring
  5. Replace the tub/shower combo with a shower only
  6. Leave him alone - don't offer to help
  7. Purchase prefab instead of custom materials

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 TOP 7 things you can do or not do to save money!

1. Speak With Real-Life Contractors

First of all, you should know that there are websites that try to act as brokers for contractors, but they can't.

Secondly, they claim to know what bathrooms cost, but they can't tell you about something they don't do!

One nationally known website lists a "national average" for bathrooms as $6,000 to $15,000 which is hilarious if you know anything about remodeling. 

Avoid this confusion and only get ballpark estimates from real contractors who employ professionals. You'll be so happy you did!

2. Maintain the Existing Layout

First idea: you move the toilet, that's major plumbing modification.

Second idea: if you move the shower or bathtub, that's going to require a major plumbing modification.

Third idea: when you move framing and add or remove a wall, you're looking at additional design, permitting and labor fees. 

Fourth idea: If you stick with a cosmetic "gut and replace" then you'll minimized those extras and walk away with a lower contract 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!

3. Refinish, Don't replace

If you're seeking how you can be thrifty down to the few hundred dollars, then you might consider refacing instead of replacing your single or double sink vanity. 

There are several options (at least three) if you decide to refinish your vanity. Call today to ask about these options and to schedule your free consultation!

Honestly though, if you go to homedepot.com right now, you can find single sink vanities starting under $500 and double sink vanities starting at about $1000. If it were our home, we'd get a new one one, but that's just us.

4. Choose LVP Over Tile Flooring

Yes, in construction time is money. Saving on labor is less "visible" than changing the look of your finish materials but it may have a significant impact on the bottom line. 

Many home owners' favorite way to save labor has been to choose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring over tile. The benefits:

  1. Warmer to walk on barefoot
  2. 100% Waterproof material
  3. Durable & scratch resistant 
  4. Creates a warmer look than tile
  5. Installation of LVP is usually much less expensive than tile

There you have it! Check out high quality LVP flooring and create a warm contrast to your bright, clean new tiled shower!

6. Replace the Tub/Shower Combo with a Shower Only.

Small freestanding tubs are sometimes used to replace the old, giant built-in tubs that we're ripping out every week nowadays.

But a fair number of families are choosing to forego the tub altogether and enjoy an expanded shower footprint.

Check out our gallery at teknikinc.com/gallery to see our latest tub/shower combo conversions.

7. Leave Them Alone - Don't Offer to Help

An experienced licensed contractor will not need assistance or help from a client or their friends and family. 

But more than that, an experienced contractor will have established relationships that actually save you money because they have learned how to work with one another quickly, communicate efficiently, and complete work before you can call your cousin John the plumber to see if his bid is lower. 

Hire the team you want. Then let them and only them complete your project. 

To check out the bathroom remodeling prep article on Houzz!

Why Choose Teknik for Your Kitchen Remodel?

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.

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