So....... My in-laws house is going to need some work done, and I was wondering if anyone here either does any of the work listed below or has companies they can recommend: - Basic landscaping - (insert obvious HCP joke here) bark dusting, typical maintenance/clean up, etc - Fencing - a most of the fence is getting older (and it takes abuse from hanging under large trees that drop giant leaves and keep the back yard fairly cool/moist) and sections will either need to be completely torn out and replaced, or possibly some smaller sections may just need to be rejuvenated. - Concrete/asphalt - the front driveway is sloped and the top of the exposed concrete that meets the asphalt is cracking away (a sprinkler line broke, leaking water, water froze - like a pot hole). We'd either like to get the section of concrete removed and replaced with the same exposed concrete, or removed and replaced with asphalt. Anyone? Any suggestions? Yes, I know google and Angie's List provides some answers, but I thought I'd inquire here as well.
I'm looking to completely re-do my deck. Would love recommendations BG- I am re-doing the inside of my house as well, but have not started. If/when I do, I will pass on whatever recommendations I get.
Roger that - thanks! Of course, the inside is the easy stuff (for me). A few years back, when I was a wee lad, I bought my first condo in the Burlingame Area (at the very high point of the real estate market). Gutted the inside and re-did the interior myself. Sold it two years after purchase for $33K more than I bought it, and that was after the market had been crashing for a year or so. I have some good interior people I know, too, from friends, if interested.
I could use some advise. I want to do a major upgrade to the kitchen area. It seems outdated and I need new applainces. Problem is I have no vision when it comes to reconstruction/remodeling. Do I just go with a kitchen remodel place and trust their judgement or do I hire someone to design the reconstruction and then hire a company? Recommendations on remodel kitchen people (?) would be great.
BTW: I do have a basic landscaping guy. He has a small business. He does mostly yard maintanance but also landscaping. He will actually comes out on Saturday with his wife and two kids to get the job done. He is reasonably priced and most importantly does great work.
We had a kitchen flood (dishwasher) and insurance covered much of a remodel. We went to Ikea with room measurements and picked out cabinets that worked for us. We kept the existing sink and counter, but replaced the faucet. At Ikea, they have computers where you specify the room dimensions and you can add cabinets, etc., to the floor plan and visualize it in 3D. When you're satisfied, they generate all the parts list to build what you drew up. We went to Lowes and Home Depot to find flooring (travertine was actually fairly low priced) and wall/back splash tiles. Make sure you measure your appliances and consider where they'll go in the new design. If you're going to buy new appliances, consider the sizes and where they'll go. Stainless steel is the hot thing these days. I think GE makes good mid-priced appliances. If you want a gourmet kind of kitchen and can afford $10K+ for appliances, then Wolf, Viking, etc., are worth looking into. Try not to move the sink to someplace radically different - running the pipes and plumbing is pricey. You can also google for images of kitchens to see what styles you like: https://www.google.com/search?q=ike...OyAH6r4DAAQ&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1150&bih=1026 I hired a handyman type guy to do the work. Turned out fantastic.
Thanks DC, I'll go check out Ikea and play with the computer program. Don't plan to move sink, but plan to add one with a hot water tap to a new island counter ($$$). Also, my biggest cost that concerns me is I think I want one of those professional viking stoves and double oven. Not only is that going to cost a lot, I'm guessing they may have to relocate it all to make it fit. Kind of like when I bought an expensive camera to make sure I captured all moments (that didn't work). I'm buying fancy appliances in hopes it will motivate me to cook more (to be healthier). I'll let you know how that one works out.
I'm guessing over $10K for the Viking appliances and $600 to run a new gas line, with permits, etc. The plumbing could be expensive. If the plumber can go under the house (crawl space) it's a tight working area. If he has to tear down dry wall to run new pipes and drain, the you have the repair cost and paint, etc. but you could move electrical outlets or double them up (from 2 to 4). You will like the Viking stove. If you get one with built in oven, you might consider the variant with electric oven. They have super fine control over cooking temp with the electric model. I also see no reason to get all Viking appliances. Sub Zero makes kick ass refrigerators and freezers. I'd like to hear how it goes for you. You will enjoy the upgrade for years.
Wow never knew Mike was so handy. Some very interesting thoughts. If you are going to put all that money and effort, don't take short cuts, you'll regret them later. If you go high end, stick with it. Personally I am not a fan of Ikea. Check out this website if you are looking modern, then look around the web to match... http://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/ I like 45 minutes away from their corporate headquarters/show room. I tried to tie in their style and layout on my last bathroom and kitchen remodel. Petey
I have the best, most affordable contractor ever! He is the brother in law of my pal and not only does amazing work, he's very affordable, honest to a fault, and shows up on time. A+ . He just added a new deck to my house, put in all new windows, opened a wall, put in a header, did the electricity, and added a 14 foot sliding door. He also did a couple of odds and ends. Compared to other bids I got, I saved at least 50% with him, and his work is just great. My wife is an interior designer and shes on the bandwagon too. PM me and I can forward you his contact info.
I know several people in Portland with their contractors license. If you'd like I can have them get in touch with you.
Thanks for the information. I am going to hit you up for that contact information on my next home project. Right now I am planning to expand my deck and add a patio. Got a recommendation for someone who does that? thx
Alright, about to do a cold search on line for a deck/landscaper person/company. Anyone have suggestions, much appreciated
