The City of Mission Viejo created a program called “Improve Don’t Move” giving homeowners incentive to remodel their homes.  Effective through July 4, 2012, the program allows for home improvement permits to be issued FREE of charge until funding limits are reached. Now is the time to add a room addition, spruce up the kitchen or design a custom bathroom instead of moving.   Although some homeowners and contractors skip the permitting process, permits offer valuable protections and peace of mind for any remodeling project.

Don’t Cut Corners

Each city is different, but if you’re caught by the city without a permit for your Orange County home addition or remodel you could be charged up to 10 times what the original permit fee would have been.  In addition, the city could force you to remove and re-do any work that is not in compliance with the appropriate codes.  For example, if the original permit would have cost you $500, the city’s fine could easily rack up to $5,000 in addition to hundreds or thousands of dollars in replacement and repair costs.  You should also be aware that any work done without a permit will need to be disclosed when selling your home which can, and will, significantly decrease its value.  Have your contractor or a design + build firm, such as Sea Pointe Construction handle the permitting process for you.  Having relationships with the building departments in cities throughout Orange County is also an added bonus which makes the permitting process painless with little inconvenience for the homeowner.

Champagne Cupcakes

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix

1 ¼ cups champagne

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 egg whites

4 to 5 drops red food color

Champagne Frosting

½ cup butter or margarine, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

¼ cup champagne

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 to 5 drops red food color

Garnishes

Betty Crocker® pink decorating sugar

Edible pink pearls

Get Baking!

Step 1:   Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

Step 2:  In large bowl, mix dry cake mix and champagne. Add oil, egg whites and food color. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

Step 3:   Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Step 4:   In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with garnishes. Store loosely covered.

Upgrade Your Countertops

Granite is still the most popular “in trend” product to use when replacing your boring, white tile counters, but you should also consider other stones products that are just as beautiful, if not more.  Granite is popular because it is extremely durable and requires little maintenance, in addition to adding elegance to any kitchen remodel.  You might consider a quartz surface such as Cambria and Silestone which is quickly becoming more popular.  Because it’s man-made, it always has even color distribution throughout the slab and is less porous than granite, so it will never need to be re-sealed after installation.

Create a Great Room

Many home buyers are in the market for an open kitchen/great room space.  If you have a wall separating your kitchen from your living space, consider removing it and adding an island instead.  Make sure to remember to check with your home remodeling company to make sure it is not a structural wall supporting your roof (uou don’t want the second story crashing down on your family pizza night). This is a great way to add value to your family’s home for the future, while creating a fun, entertaining environment for next weekend’s game night.

Replace Old Appliances

If your appliances are more than 10 years old, consider buying new ones that use less energy.  The energy efficient appliances cost a little more upfront, but the money you save on energy bills in the long run more than makes up for the initial price difference.  Likewise, environment-friendly water heaters and furnaces pay back the cost after a few years of service and will continue to be good for your pocketbook for years to come.

Change the Backsplash

Look at this picture.  What stands out the most to you?  The counter or the backsplash?  Add personality to your kitchen remodel with a new backsplash.  These days the choices are limitless for knockout decorative pieces in glass or metal, or install a crisp subway ceramic tile pattern if you’re on a budget.  Try to select backsplash materials that compliment your kitchen cabinetry.

It’s the Little Things

If you’re not quite ready to do a full kitchen remodel, start with updating small items that pack a big punch.  Modernize the hardware on your kitchen cabinets.  This can immediately spruce up dull kitchen cabinets that you aren’t ready to part with.  Another option is to switch out old light fixtures.  This can instantly brighten up the room, but remember to consider if the fixture is shedding light up or down.  You need bright ceilings in order for the up lighting to reflect back down on your workspace.

Moms are always the last ones to get spoiled in the family.  Show her your appreciation this Mother’s Day and get her a Professional Handyman Services gift certificate.  Flowers and candy only last a few days – but she’ll really be thrilled to have her small honey-do home repair list completed! 

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12!

Our gift to you is a $50 credit towards any gift certificate of three hours or more.  And it’s easy, call (949) 861-3400 or email clientservices@seapointe.com today and secure your Mom’s handyman gift certificate.  We’ll email you the gift certificate and a card that you can print at home and you’re done!  A thoughtful, hassle-free Mother’s Day gift!

During the last Sea Pointe Design Workshop at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, a packed room of homeowners interested in remodeling crowded the Cambria Quartz display table.

Hosted by rep James Andersen, the Cambria display had people 2-3 deep at times trying to catch a glimpse of the fashionable new colors for 2012. A favorite of Sea Pointe Construction designers – the beloved quartz countertop material stands out from its competitors for more than just the fact that it is the only product of its kind made in the USA – it is the most beautiful!

Cambria is hands-down the favorite quartz material available through Sea Pointe. Our design showroom features large, easy to visualize 12” X 12” finish samples and a full Cambria-clad kitchen display which makes it easy for our design consultants to help remodeling homeowners picture the perfect countertop for their projects like kitchen countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds, wet bars, etc.

TOP 5 REASONS WE LOVE CAMBRIA:
BEAUTY – Cambria is available in more than 100 designs that fit any clients target aesthetic.
STRONG – Diamond-like hardness with superior strength. Cambria is stronger than granite.
MAINTENANCE-FREE – No sealing or polishing required.  Simply wash it with warm water and mild soap.
FOOD SAFE – Cambria is nonporous and is NSF 51 certified for food and splash zone use.
STAIN RESISTANT – Cambria will resist stains from common household items such as coffee, tea and wine.
GUARANTEED – Cambria also offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty with easy on-line registration.

Sea Pointe Construction and Cambria share a philosophy to build lasting relationships with a select group of partners whom are dedicated to quality and customer service and whom who meet premium service and installation standards. Stop by Sea Pointe’s Irvine Spectrum area showroom and discover the beautiful collection of materials that Cambria offers.

This list is a good start to getting your home in great shape:

- Remove and donate unwanted items, reorganize and clean closets, attic, basement and garage

- Power wash exterior walls, porch floors, deck, patio, driveway and sidewalks

- Clean outdoor furniture, umbrellas and outdoor light fixtures

- Clean out gutters

- Clean out refrigerator and freezer, making sure to vacuum the grill and coil

- Remove lint from the hose attached to back of clothes dryer

- Vacuum baseboards, walls and ceilings, wipe down walls

- Steam clean carpets and area rugs and upholstery

- Reseal natural stone surfaces such as travertine

- Reseal and repair grout in bathtubs and showers

- Clean window treatments, dust and clean blinds and shutters

- Remove items from all shelves, dust and clean

- Oil hinges on doors and cabinets

Ceramic Tile

The go-to kitchen flooring surface, ceramic tile will work for just about any style and budget. There are limitless options for color, size, shape and pattern, so you can create the look that works with the style you’re aiming for, whether that’s sleek or arts & craft.

Pros: Ceramic tile stands up to wear and tear, and is very easy to clean. The huge variety of low-priced options makes it one of the most affordable flooring choices.

Cons: A negative to the tile being ultra-durable, is that dishes or glass dropped on it is virtually guaranteed to shatter. It also can be cold and hard for your feet, but using a rug, or similar product can help ease discomfort. Any liquids can make the floor slippery, but you can get more traction by selecting a more textured tile. The grout will need periodic sealing.

Cost: About $3 to $8 per square foot, uninstalled.

Natural Stone

Natural Stones are becoming more and more popular in the kitchen, and not just on the countertops.  Many people pick natural stones such as granite, slate, limestone or travertine because of the variations in color, pattern and texture. These differences create a visual depth that’s hard to replicate and natural stone instantly creates an upscale look.

Pros: Stone floors are durable and require little care.  Like tile and concrete, they’re cool on the feet, but for us in Southern California, this doesn’t present too much of an issue.

Cons: Natural stone is expensive and not for those trying to install it on your own.  Scratches and chips can be a problem with softer stone, such as travertine; and dirt can pile up in tiny crevasses.  Because stone is very porous you will need protective sealing at regular intervals.

Cost: About $15 to $30 per square foot, uninstalled. 

Solid Wood

It’s tough to match the warmth and charm of solid wood. Even in a space with a lot of moisture and heavy foot traffic, wood can last indefinitely if it’s properly treated and cared for.

Pros: Whether you realize it or not, there are tons of options with wood.  Thin strips or wide planks; maple or cherry; there is a wood that will accent your home and never go out of style. It can be sanded and refinished to keep it looking its best.

Cons: Liquids can cause damage if they’re not wiped up right away, so you will have to be careful with spills. Wood dents and scratches easily, so it will need periodic refinishing.

Cost: About $4 to $12 per square foot, uninstalled. 

Vinyl

Vinyl has always been very affordable, but not exactly considered a stylish material.  However, nowadays, vinyl comes in a wide range of finishes, textures and designs.  You would be surprised with how realistic vinyl can mimic stone, wood, and ceramic tile.

Pros: One of the most inexpensive flooring options on the market, vinyl can approximate the look of pricier materials at a fraction of the cost. It’s a snap to clean, easy to patch if a spot gets damaged, and you can usually install it on your own, which eliminates the expense of hiring a pro.

Cons: Vinyl can dent, bubble or curl over time. Sharp objects may tear it, and grit and dirt can scratch and dull its finish. Compared with other flooring materials, it may show wear and tear after about 5 years.

Cost: About $1 to $5 per square foot, uninstalled.

Linoleum

People tend to confuse linoleum with vinyl, but it’s a completely different substance. A past staple, linoleum — an all-natural material made from linseed oil, resins, wood flour and more — fell out of favor as synthetic flooring became more popular. But in recent years, its has gained the attention of ecoconscious consumers and style savants.

Pros: Much of linoleum’s appeal lies in its versatility. Because it comes in just about every color you can imagine, you can go as subtle or as bold as you want. It can be easily cut into one-of-a-kind patterns, such as the circular motif pictured here. Plus, it’s affordable, durable and easy to maintain.

Cons: With time and use, Linoleum will wear and fade. Many manufacturers add a protective coating before the material is sold; without this coating, the floors may need periodic waxing and polishing.

Cost: About $4 to $7 per square foot, uninstalled. Custom colors and patterns add to the price tag.

Concrete

Concrete flooring has come a long way as it has risen in the design world because of its contemporary, industrial-chic look. Concrete floor does not have to mean a dull sea of gray; today, it can be stained, stamped, scored or acid etched for visual appeal.

Pros: Concrete ideal in warm climates as it stays cool even in the hottest weather. It’s nearly indestructible, no matter what you spill on it or drag across it. And if you get tired of the look, you’ll have a ready-made subfloor for carpeting, tile or another surface.

Cons: Concrete is difficult to work with, so you’ll almost certainly need professional installation. As with tile and stone, concrete can be unforgiving on feet. It’s porous, so sealing is a must to ward off stains — especially in a high-traffic area such as a kitchen.

Cost: Having a basic concrete floor poured from scratch can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the space and other variables. Concrete finishing treatments, such as staining, stamping or etching, range from about $2 per square foot to $15 or more per square foot.

Laminate

Laminate flooring, which is composed of several layers of engineered material sandwiched together, is designed to imitate the look of wood or tile. It resists scratches and scuffs, thanks to an internal “wear layer,” so it’s great for homeowners whose kitchens must contend with small kids, pets or extremely heavy use.

Pros: Laminate requires very little maintenance — just sweep and damp-mop. It’s easy to find in versions that make DIY installation possible. Costs generally are moderate.

Cons: Although it may look like wood or tile from a distance, it won’t substitute for the depth and texture of those substances. Unlike wood, laminate can’t be refinished — if it starts showing its age, it will need to be replaced completely.

Cost: About $2 to $4 per square foot, uninstalled. 

According to Shore, the workshops typically draw around 50 attendees, although some have attracted as many as 90 or more. “There also is a residual effect,” he adds. “Over the next six to 18 months, we will continue to receive calls from past attendees.”

Read the full article “Don’t Sell. Teach!” in Qualified Remodeler.

To learn more and register for an upcoming design workshop, click here.

]]> http://www.seapointe.com/1713/andrew-shore-featured-in-qualified-remodeler-magazine/feed 0 http://www.seapointe.com/1681/how-to-hire-the-right-contractor-2?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-hire-the-right-contractor-2 http://www.seapointe.com/1681/how-to-hire-the-right-contractor-2#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:23:52 +0000 admin http://www.seapointe.com/?p=1681 Read More]]> Remodeling can be a big and costly step, how do you know if you’re hiring the right contractor?

A: In these days of terrorism, confusion and mistrust even daily decisions require extra thought. All of us want to make decisions that we know are right, especially when we are spending our hard-earned money! We all feel better when a friend or relative gives us a referral to a specific trades person or company that has done work for them with excellent results. It helps relieve the stressful pressures associated with making a wrong or poor decision. When hiring a contractor an informed decision is always the best. All legal contractors should be listed with the “Contractors Licensing Board” which holds the contractor liable for work they perform. The contractor needs to be covered with “Liability Insurance” as well as “Workers Compensation Insurance” which protects the homeowner in the event of an injury occurring on their property. Finally, check references to assure the performance & quality of the work completed.

Here at Sea Pointe, approximately 65% of our entire business is based on personal referrals from past clientele, most of whom are happy to show off their new kitchen and bath to our prospective clients! Our clients are particularly happy with our project management. It is comforting to have one person in charge of coordinating the project, scheduling the work, & answering questions.

Of all the jobs we have sold this year, over 30% were sold directly to our previous customers! That says a lot for our company and our hard working dedicated staff! We are so happy when you refer us to your friends and relatives! If your referrals decide to use Sea Pointe for their new remodel, we would like to show our appreciation and say ‘Thank You’ by sending you out to dinner on us! Just tell your referral to mention your name.