While V.J. Gautieri Constructors Inc. is focused on completing as much exterior work as possible before the snow flies, Save-A-Lot management is overseeing an upgrade to the interior of the store at 45-47 Ellicott St.

Such is the current status of the Ellicott Place project, a $2.3 million renovation of the supermarket that will include 10 market rate apartments on the second floor.

Victor Gautieri, project developer, on Friday said that crews have created a new entry vestibule, with placement moved to the east along the north wall, facing the Court Street Plaza parking lot.

That allows us room to construct our entrance to the elevator that accesses the second-floor apartments, he said.

Gautieri said that Save-A-Lot isclosed for some pretty extensive remodeling on the inside of the store. He believes the store has set a reopening date of Oct. 2.

(Theyre) painting and decorating as well as a lot of mechanical upgrades coolers and freezers and systems of that nature for their operation, he said.

The interior enhancementsare part of Save-A-Lot's effort to upgrade its branding, Gautieri said.

Theyve rolled out a different look reorganizing how the groceries are stocked and the flow of traffic within the stores, he said. New signs will be going up as well as a different kind of a logo that will be in place as soon as we are finished completing the work on the front canopy.

Gautieri said he is hoping to have all construction done by the end of April, weather permitting.

The project, part of the City of Batavias $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award, will feature seven one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments on the vacant, 11,600-square-foot second floor, and includes the development of 18,000 square feet of first-floor commercial/retail space.

Other improvements include a two-stop interior elevator, two stairwells, new exterior windows, doors, veneers and roof membrane.

The Save-A-Lot grocery store occupies around half of the ground floor.

Gautieri said his company plans to roll out some advertising on the apartments by the end of the year, with the goal of getting some preopening leasing in place.

Weve been receiving phone calls, wondering what the status of the project is and what the apartments will be like, he said. We want to try to get ahead of the curve and get things ready to go as soon as construction is done and weve got a certificate of occupancy in hand.

Ellicott Place and the Ellicott Station mixed-use redevelopment venture across the street will provide a much-needed boost for that section of the city, Gautieri said.

Its going to be good for well call it the Southside, which has lacked any real new projects or anything of that nature, he said.

Photo: View of the location of a new entry vestibule (boarded up), which will provide access to the elevator leading to second-floor apartments upon completion of the Ellicott Place project at the Save-A-Lot grocery store on Ellicott Street. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Previously:Planning boards to consider Ellicott Place residential/commercial venture special use permits

See the article here:
Inside & out: Work is underway on project to renovate Save-A-Lot building - The Batavian

Charlotte, NC LaConcha Hotel is a member of the Crowne Plaza family of Hotels. As such, they maintain a 4-star rating consistently. On arrival, we proceeded to the front desk and were greeted immediately. There were plenty of signs asking everyone to please wear a face mask and compliance was excellent during our visit. We were informed that about 50% of the hotel was blocked off for remodeling. This hotel has 2room sections on opposite sides of the reception area. One is a 9 story set of rooms, and that is where the remodeling was taking place. We were given rooms on the opposite side, in a 4 story section. We were informed of the restaurant and the retail store was closed because of Coronas limitations.

Rooms; We selected a 1 queen room with a courtyard view. Our room was large and comfortable. The hotel had instituted new cleanliness protocols prior to our arrival. One of those protocols stated that no employees would enter our room for any reason during our stay. That was most interesting, as there was no daily housekeeping. If you wanted clean linens, you called down to the front desk. The towels were left in a sealed bag, at your room door. There were extra bath supplies, so we never had a problem during our 4-night stay. The entire hotel was very quiet during our stay, and we really enjoyed the extra solitude. There was an outdoor pool on a second-floor rooftop that we enjoyed several times during our stay.

City of Key West; Normally a bustling tourist city year-round, we found most areas were open for business, with very few crowds. All restaurants, with a few exceptions, were open under reduced capacity. That actually turned out to be a benefit for us, as we were never crowded. The beaches were also thinly populated. We found some of the snack locations and some beachside retail shops were closed, but those were an exception rather than a rule. Every time we have visited, the line for photos at the Key West Monument was enormous.

Join us next week for more on Where in the World is Phil- August 2020, Part 6

Read more here:
Where in the World is Phil- August 2020, Part 5 - Mint Hill Times

Takasuu / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Man and woman thinking about housing

Q: What remodeling projects or improvements add the most value to a home?

A: There are two ways to look at this question. Is the remodeling for yourself and your enjoyment or for resale? Of course, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and a beautiful kitchen remodel will always stand out to buyers.

We recently saw a home in Walnut Creek that was almost eighty years old attract seventeen offers, because it had a beautiful, spacious and contemporary kitchen with all the bells and whistles. If you are going to put that extra pizazz into something, the kitchen is the place to do so.

If you are remodeling strictly for resale, spreading your remodeling dollars among the kitchen and bathrooms would be ideal. What you dont want to do is install that dream putting green in the backyard and leave the kitchen andbaths in their original condition.

Its funny, but even if people dont cook, they love those gleaming stainless steel appliances.

Dave Smith, Dudum Real Estate Group, 415-298-7851, davesmith@dudum.com.

A: Tastes have shifted during the pandemic and more buyers want a home in near-perfect condition. Buyers will pay top dollar for a home that they can just move into, without looming repairs, so comprehensive inspection reports are imperative. If repairs are needed, such as a new roof or a substandard electrical panel, then they should be made right.

Painting and floor refinishing are the cheapest and most obvious improvements. If the floors have already been freshly carpeted, at least provide the buyers with a quote for installing hardwood.

A complete kitchen renovation is too expensive. New quartz stone counters, sinks, faucets and light fixtures will transform the kitchen, the most significant room in the house. New cabinets are too costly, but existing cabinets should be painted.

Bathrooms should be updated too, but not completely renovated. Vanities, sinks and faucets can be changed inexpensively. Old bathtubs should be epoxied and shower enclosures removed.

John Solaegui, Compass, 415-999-0673, john@havengroupsf.com.

A: When it comes to adding immediate value to a home, dropping in a modular ADU (accessory dwelling unit) or in-law unit instantly adds livable square footage for a fraction of the traditional costs of construction.

If the additional 500 to 800 square feet youve just added to your home only cost $300/ft, but is valued closer to $850 per square foot (or whatever your neighborhood commands in terms of price per square foot), youve done quite well on the return.

In todays pandemic marketplace, buyers are looking for more space than ever before. Whether its for transitioning to a work from home model, or having the extra space to host in-laws or homeschool, additional indoor and outdoor space is in demand. Bocce court, anyone?

For smaller projects, I place a very high return on investment on exterior paint and landscaping. Curb appeal has never mattered more in a world with Instagram and Pinterest. I also recommend replacing dating countertops and painting over dated cabinetry. A simple drawer pull from Restoration Hardware is the perfect way to get the resale value of a remodeled kitchen for a fraction of the price.

C.J. Nakagawa, Golden Gate Sothebys International Realty 415-407-2151, sf2marin@gmail.com.

Original post:
Sound Off: What remodeling projects or improvements add the most value to a home? - MSN Money

Aberdeen Police have temporarily shifted operations to a new location downtown, directly across the street from Town Hall on Poplar Street. The move will allow construction to begin on the new police facility planned on U.S. 1.

We were fully functional at the new (temporary) building late Thursday, said Aberdeen Police Chief Carl Colasacco. This move would not have come together without the men and women of the Aberdeen Police Department. They went above and beyond to get this done.

The historic building at 124 N. Poplar St. will house most of the departments primary services, under a temporary lease, including administrative staff, and its investigative and patrol divisions; however, an off-site facility was required for evidence storage. In addition, Aberdeen has coordinated with the Moore County Sheriffs Office for additional interview space if needed.

Aberdeen Police will use off-street parking in the downtown area, and Colasacco said he has spoken to neighboring business owners about the temporary building use.

The space is tight, but it will work out, he said.

As always, in an emergency dial 911. For all non-emergency calls requiring police assistance from an Aberdeen police officer, you may also dial 911. For administrative requests, call Aberdeen Police at (910) 944-9721, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Groundbreaking is expected to commence soon on the new police headquarters building at 804 N. Sandhills Blvd. Plans call for remodeling the existing 5,230 square foot police building for support use including locker and shower rooms, and a fitness room. A short enclosed walkway will connect to a new almost 13,000 square foot new building that will house all the conventional police operations, including a detention area, evidence room, interview rooms, and offices.

In February, the Aberdeen Town Board approved an agreement for a 20-year, $5.8 million loan from First Bank to pay for the expansion and renovation project.

Discussion about updating the police facility began several years ago. The current structure was built in 1992, to serve what was then a much smaller town. Almost 30 years later, the department has twice as many officers and basically no storage, no communications area, no place for a traffic enforcement office or conference room, nor a garage or evidence room. Parking is also limited.

Outgoing Deputy Chief Todd Weaver (black shirt) is flanked by, from left, Aberdeen Police Chief Carl Colasacco, State Rep. Jamie Boles, and Aberdeen Mayor Robbie Farrell. Contributed photo

Town leaders hired architect John Heckethorn to perform a needs-based assessment study in 2017. He recommended repurposing the existing police station and adding a second, larger building on an adjacent piece of property.

A modified design plan was approved last year. The projects low bid was received from Apex-based Racanelli Construction South, with a base bid of $4,899,000. Additional project costs include fixtures, equipment and furnishings that are anticipated to run $480,000; and the town also set aside $384,000 for architectural fees.

Also last week, Aberdeen Police honored outgoing Deputy Chief Todd Weaver upon his retirement. He served the town for 21 years and was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by State Rep. Jamie Boles for his 30 years total in government service.

Read the original:
Aberdeen Police Move to Temporary Headquarters | News - Southern Pines Pilot

For Sale/Rent

Take your pick between watching a movie on the retractable smart TV or gazing at the water through the windows.

Photo by BostonRep

24 Lee St. #C4, MarbleheadPrice: $619,000Size: 612 square feetBedrooms: 1Baths: 1

Care to live in a breezy harborfront home in a historical district on the North Shore? Then schedule a showing for this sweet one-bedroom condo in Marbleheads Old Town neighborhood. Over the past 10-plus years, the past and present owners have updated the one-bedroom pad with a slew of renovations, including a remodeled kitchen and all-marble bathroom, fresh coats of paint, and the installation of bamboo floors. One of the cleverest projects is less obvious: A retractable smart TV, already hooked up with a top-notch sound system, lowers from the ceiling above the dining room table at the push of a button.

The sailboat-filled views of the water through the living room windows put the proximity of the ocean into perspective, and if you sidle over to the roofed deck, you can improve the lookout even more. When wintry weather rolls in, convert the 72-square-foot terrace into a sheltered den by firing up the wood-burning fireplace inside and rolling down the plastic screen that seals off the water-facing wall.

For information, contact Elizabeth Walters, Coldwell Banker Realty, coldwellbankerhomes.com.

Photo by BostonRep

Photo by BostonRep

Photo by BostonRep

Photo by BostonRep

Photo by BostonRep

Photo by BostonRep

Photo by BostonRep

Photo by BostonRep

Photo by BostonRep

The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including architects, builders, kitchen and bath experts, lighting designers, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston's guide to home renovation pros.

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On the Market: A Modern Harborside Home in Old Town Marblehead - Boston magazine

The possible departure of Leo Messi Barcelona has completely revolutionized the summer, and could leave a hole in the Bara club. If the Argentine ends up leaving, it would be a historic event in the history of the sport due to the importance of 10 within the team. In case of confirmation the news of his goodbye, the case would resemble that of the departure of Michael Jordan from the Chicago Bulls.

MJs departure from the Bulls in 1998 was a turning point for the Illinois franchise. On the 23rd he retired in 1998 in style with a performance for the story that led his team to conquer the sixth ring, after scoring 45 points in the last game of the finals against the Utah Jazz. That day will be remembered forever in the city of Chicago, but since then the Chicago Bulls have plummeted.

That was the last season the team won an NBA championship.. After the sixth ring the team was smashed to pieces. Jordan was not the only one who left the entity. Emblems such as Scottie Pippen or Dennis Rodman also changed their airs, as did Phil Jackson to whom Jerry Krause told him earlier that season that it would be his last season as head of the Bulls.

The same could happen to Barcelona if Leo Messi leaves. Today the Argentine has won a total of six Ballons dOr, the same number of titles that Michael Jordan had achieved when he left Chicago. The truth is that the incidence of the Bara crack in Bara is similar to that of 23 in the Bulls, and his goodbye left the Illinois franchise very touched.

Curiously, what is happening in the Catalan entity is the mirror of what happened 22 years ago in Chicago. With the arrival of Ronald Koeman, Barcelona undergoes a remodeling thoroughly in the template. Some of the heavyweights in the squad, such as Luis Surez, will not continue next season. This has led Messi to rethink his future and to weigh the possibility of going to Manchester City with Pep Guardiola.

Messi leaves Bara, latest news

Messi has already chosen: he only wants to play for City

Mutiny in the Bara dressing room for the Messi case

Messi fulfills his threat and does not appear for the PCR tests with his teammates

Juventus dream: bring Messi and Cristiano together

Sheikh to Messi

Guardiola travels to Barcelona to sign Messi?

Bara fires their lawyers for working for Messi

Continue reading here:
The club fears losing Leo Messi and that the same thing happens to the Chicago Bulls after Michael Jordan - Explica

By Nicola Caul Shelley, Synergy Design & Construction

Weve all seen the reality T.V. home remodeling shows. Half way through, theres what we call an HGTV moment when it happens, We just discovered this is a load-bearing wall. Thats going to be another hit to your budget so we have to take something else out of your remodel or increase your budget to cover the cost.

No-one wants to be in this position. Its not good for you, its not good for your home remodeler. The reality is any qualified and experienced home remodeler should have figured out if there is a load-bearing wall in play well before anyone comes near your home with a sledge hammer. Undoubtedly, removing a load-bearing wall adds cost to your home remodeling plans because it requires alternate suitable support, but a little careful exploration upfront should tell you at the outset of your remodel whats really going on with that wall between your kitchen and dining room.

Be prepared, your chosen or prospective home remodeler may have to poke a few holes in your drywall at the beginning of the process to see whats going on behind the scenes. This is normal practice but will require patching if you decide not to proceed with your home remodel.

So, what are the telltale signs that might indicate if a wall is load-bearing or not?

Disclaimer alert! ALWAYS get an experts opinion before you decide to remove ANY wall in your home!

Look at the Joists

Do the joists run parallel or perpendicular to the wall youre thinking of removing? In general, if the joists run perpendicular to the wall, its a sign it might be a load-bearing wall. In the example below, the red X shows what a load-bearing wall looks like behind the drywall. However, there are some instances when joists run parallel but the wall is load-bearing because the builder has aligned the wall under a single joist or the weight is being supported by blocking between two neighboring joists, so always get a professional opinion.

Got an Unfinished Basement or Crawl Space?

If you have an unfinished basement or crawl space below your kitchen (or other first floor room you want to remodel), take a peek in the ceiling at what is going beneath the room above. If there are any type of structures (such as columns, supports, beams, etc.) that follow the same path as the wall above, its a sign of support needed for a load-bearing wall.

Dont Make Assumptions About Knee-walls or Part Walls

Just because you have a partition wall, it doesnt mean its not load-bearing. Weve had this occur in quite a few home remodels over the years. A load-bearing beam or other structure may be hiding behind the drywall of a part wall or a knee-wall with a column between two rooms. If your remodeling goal is a more open concept, a load-bearing beam may be required when you remove a part or knee-wall, so due diligence up front will ensure you know exactly what youre dealing with before construction starts.

Case Study: A Reston Townhouse Transformation

This months featured remodel is the first floor remodel of a lake-fronted townhouse in Reston. The existing layout and finishes made the first floor feel dark, small and closed-in. Preferring a contemporary look and a more open concept, our clients were ready to make the changes needed to make the home their own and better reflect their design aesthetic.

However, the wall separating the dining room and kitchen was load-bearing. We removed it along with a non load-bearing faux painted pillar (seen on the left of the Before photo). This is a great example of how things were not as you might expect the column was decorative only so it was easily removed, but a load-bearing beam was required to replace the wall between the kitchen and dining room.

The result? With the wall and pillar gone, the energy of the whole first floor is now totally transformed. The spaces flow from one to the next and the entire area feels bigger. We also replaced the sliding doors to the deck and a picture window off a sunroom to make the most of the gorgeous water views from the rear of the house. Its now a modern and tranquil space with lots of room for the couple and their family and friends to enjoy.

Ready to start your hassle-free remodel with a company who can help you figure all of this out? Get in touch for your free, no obligation consultation about your home remodeling plans!

More here:
Reno of the Month: How Do You Tell if a Wall is Load-bearing? - Reston Now

The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony, and a door to a large sunroom.

The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony, and a door to a large sunroom.

The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony, and a door to a large sunroom.

The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony, and a door to a large sunroom.

On the Market: A contemporary house in rustic Weston

WESTON The contemporary house at 132 Lords Highway in the Lower Weston neighborhood is more refined than it is rustic, yet it fits perfectly into its countrified Arcadian setting.

This particular location on a level and sloping property of just over three acres near the end of a cul-de-sac allows its owners to experience the best of indoor/outdoor living in the center of Weston. The private woodland oasis, nestled at the end of a scenic country road, abuts the 37-acre Grace Robinson Nature Sanctuary, which is managed cooperatively by the Connecticut Audubon Society and the Aspetuck Land Trust and offers hiking trails. Also close by is Lachat Town Farm and 1,756-acre Devils Den Nature Preserve, the latter containing 20 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and it is part of the extended 70-mile Saugatuck Valley Trails System.

Even with all this nature and solitude, there is also convenience. This house is only minutes from the towns award-winning schools, the public library, gas station and market; and for commuters, the Merritt Parkway is only about 12 minutes away. Metro-North Railroad train stations are accessible in Wiltons Cannondale area and the Saugatuck section of Westport.

The 3,940-square-foot house was built in 1978. It was first expanded in 2002 and has undergone continuous remodeling thereafter, according to the co-listing agents. As a contemporary house, it had an open floor plan to begin with but one that was improved upon with successive renovating projects. Today, the floor plan is not only open, it is flexible, which is important to todays home buyers.

A long, paved driveway opens up to provide ample parking for gatherings of friends and family, which can certainly be done safely on this spacious property. A slate path, lined by attractive shrubbery and perennial plantings, leads to the covered front porch. In the foyer there is a floating staircase. The sizable two-story living room features a wall of stone housing a fireplace, skylights, a wood-accented vaulted ceiling, interior balcony and a door to a large sunroom. The sunroom accesses a large, raised wood deck.

The dining room also has a wood-accented ceiling and is open to the updated eat-in kitchen, which features soapstone counters, a center island, glass-front cabinetry with a breakfast bar for two, new appliances and a door to another raised wood deck. In the casual dining area there is built-in seating with storage.

There is a den, which is currently used as a music room, which has a fireplace. Between the den and the spacious family room, there is an office with a built-in desk area that would also work as a homework or distance learning station. In the family room, which could also be a play or recreation room, there are two built-in window seats, a wet bar and a full bath, making this area that could be converted into a fifth bedroom or an in-law or au pair suite, depending on the needs of this homes next family.

As currently arranged, this house has four bedrooms, all on the upper level. There is also another flexible use room on this floor, currently serving as a recreation room. The master suite has a walk-in closet and a luxurious bath with a contemporary double sink. One of the other bedrooms has a door to a private balcony.

For more information or to make an appointment to see the house, contact Laurie Crouse and Valerie Martins of Laurie Crouse & Associates and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Crouse at 203-984-8154 or lauriebcrouse@gmail.com, and Martins at 929-270-9393 or valmartins.ct@gmail.com.

STYLE: Contemporary

ADDRESS: 132 Lords Highway

PRICE: $839,000

ROOMS: 9

FEATURES: 3.01-acre level and sloping property, located on a cul-de-sac, two separate private decks, screened porch, wet bar, skylights, pre-wired for cable, flexible open floor plan; only minutes from Westons award-winning schools, Weston Center, Lachat Farm, Devils Den Nature Preserve, Grace Robinson Nature Sanctuary, Georgetown shopping district and the Cannondale train station; about 12 minutes from the Merritt Parkway, possible in-law or au pair suite, two fireplaces, lots of closets and storage, possible in-law or au pair suite, Westport beach rights, attached two-car garage, zoned central air conditioning and propane heat, mud room, attic, no basement, private well, septic system, room for a pool, four bedrooms, four full and one half updated baths

SCHOOLS: Hurlbutt Elementary, Weston Middle, Weston High

ASSESSMENT: $480,700

MILL RATE: 32.37 mills

TAXES: $15,560

HOA FEE: $140, paid annually (covers snow removal)

Go here to read the rest:
On the Market: A contemporary house in rustic Weston - Westport News

Whether for your own personal enjoyment, to help your family spread out, or even if you're just thinking of increasing the value of your house, crafting a more permanent place of respite outdoors can be worth the investment it takes to do it right.

According to KV Harper, founder and principal of Kex Design + Build in New Orleans, the biggest considerations for a backyard renovation are how you plan to use it and what your budget is. The cost for a backyard remodel can vary greatly, with total spend averaging anywhere from a couple thousand dollars for basic landscaping to more than $40,000. For bigger budget projects that can creep into the $20,000 range, like adding an outdoor kitchen, consider a Discover personal loan (which allows for flexible repayment terms for all loan amounts of 36 to 84 months) to help cover the costs.

Getting inspired? Here are a few ideas to consider.

A small DIY pathway or patio can be constructed for less than $1,000 with materials from a big box retailer. Professional installation adds $5 to $15 per square foot, and higher-end materials, such as flagstone will also bump up the cost. Pea gravel or a similar material is the most cost-efficient. I really like crushed granite as an inexpensive hardscape that can provide a nice clean backdrop for furniture, Harper says.

If you have children or pets and dont want to deal with mowing the lawn, artificial turf is an option, though it can be expensive, at $5 to $20 per square foot, compared to $0.90 to $2 for sod.

Sheds are often under-utilized. Instead of using it as a place where rusty garden tools and old bicycles go to die, transform it into useful real estate. A small shed can easily accommodate an art studio, a reading lounge, a playroom, or even a daybed for overnight guests. There are literally thousands of models on the market, many designed to look like miniature houses, complete with porches.

A small shed can easily accommodate an art studio, a reading lounge, a playroom, or even a daybed.

If you aren't wiring for electricity, or concerned about climate control, the only real cost is buying a shed that comes with at least one window to let in light. These can be found at home improvement retailers and big box stores for a couple thousand dollars.

Running electricity and insulating the shed so that you can use it when the weather is hot or cold adds a few hundred dollars to the budget. The average cost of installing insulation is $0.64 - $1.19, so for a 100-square-foot shed, it would be around $120. Hiring an electrician is $50 to $100 an hour.

Dining al fresco on warm evenings is the best part of summer. Adding an outdoor kitchen and dining room can be a dream come true for many home cooks, but they can be expensive, costing up to $21,000 (or much more for a luxury setup).

Maintenance and weather should be key considerations when thinking about the design. One of the first things to consider for an outdoor kitchen is the weather, notes Harper. Outdoor kitchens can get hot, so you want to design to accommodate shading either naturally or with a pergola.

Maintenance and weather should be key considerations when thinking about outdoor kitchen design.

For the grill, Harper recommends gas over charcoal because it is easier to maintain and clean. She adds that you will want a durable heat-resistant stone for the flooring and countertops. Natural stone is one of the priciest materials you can choose, at $25 to $45 per square foot, but will hold up much better than cheaper options like stucco or manufactured stone.

Other add-ons that can increase your budget include plumbing for a sink, a built-in grill, refrigeration, or special features, such as a pizza oven or fireplace.

Add native plants and grasses around a sauna or hot tub for ambiance and privacy, or consider a pergola with curtains for an even more secluded escape. If either is too much of a commitment, you can achieve spa vibes by adding a small fire pit or chiminea, a water feature, and fragrant flowering vines or shrubs such as lavender.

I think the easiest way to transform a small yard is to create a design that maximizes space by using built-in seating or dining, she says, which is something she did in her own backyard. I recently added a small deck to replace the stairs from our kitchen to the backyard. It was less expensive than doing a wide deck, and now the deck functions as stairs and a place to relax.

She adds that light landscaping with hardscape materials is another inexpensive way to transform a yard. Think a pea gravel and paver patio combined with native plants that will thrive in the existing condition. In other words, if your yard only gets a few hours of sun, dont waste space trying to grow a vegetable garden.

A design that maximizes small spaces? Built-in seating or dining, says Harper.

For any backyard transformation, be sure to budget for furniture. A small patio can be outfitted for less than $1,000, but a full outdoor living and dining room set up will be significantly more. Harper recommends waiting until prices drop to invest in new pieces. I know its hard, but try to buy outdoor furniture at the end of the season when it goes on sale. Most big box retailers put outdoor furniture on sale at a deep discount around the first week of August, she says.

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Original post:
The Real Costs to Build 5 Different Backyard Retreats - HouseBeautiful.com

East county residents are ready to move forward as the county continues to work on reopening.

Many residents have spent the past three months confined at home and quarantine has served to highlight every flaw and outdated fixture that appeared fine before March. With the county lifting restrictions, many residents are looking to update their homes, add a home workspace or make things more accessible for elderly loved ones.

James Carey of Carey Bros. Remodeling is a third-generation licensed contractor. His company has over 40 years experience in the East Bay and this year he said, there has been a significant spike in homeowners looking to add an attached bedroom or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for an adult child or aging parent.

The reason for that is the aging population, and with the COVID thing the kids are not at school, they are living at home, so that is the straw that broke the camels back, Carey explained. So people are saying we need this extra space and we need an ADU. Lets go ahead and build that space that we have been talking about.

Carey added that the lack of affordable housing in California is another driver of the ADUs, and local and state government has made it easier to build one by reducing the distance a dwelling can be placed in relation to the property line, fast-tracking the permitting processes and lowering permit fees.

Carey said many of his jobs include the request to make things accessible by widening doors, adding ramps, and installing grab bars and easy-to-operate doorknobs and faucet fixtures. He noted these do not have to look institutional, but come in many attractive designs and finishes.

Carey said one thing homeowners are not loving right now are sunken living spaces. In the 70s and 80s, said Carey, it was very vogue to step down into the family room. But now, many of his customers are asking him to bring those floor levels up thereby removing a barrier for people who may struggle with steps.

Joe Lindsey, owner of Brentwoods White Rhino Construction, said he firmly believes the pandemic has affected the remodeling and construction business.

A lot of people, instead of wanting an entire remodel, they want to do a reface, Lindsey said. Instead of spending the money to do a whole bathroom, they just want to change out the shower door, add new fixtures and paint the cupboards I think its because they are uncertain about the future and the economy.

Despite uncertainties about what might lie ahead, Lindsey said his business began picking up in mid-June. Some big trends he sees are painted, two-toned cabinets; large subway tiles; and pocket doors. Lindsey recommended homeowners installing pocket doors to create space in small rooms invest in a steel framed door that wont warp and require readjustment over time.

One thing his customers are getting rid of is bathtubs.

A lot of people are getting rid of the bathtub and just doing a shower, he said. I recommend they keep one, for resale value, but a lot of people dont want any.

Carey Bros. Remodeling is located at 2624 Verne Roberts Circle, Suite D107, in Antioch. For more information, call 877-734-6404 or visit http://www.careybros.com.

Continued here:
Remodeling in a COVID-19 world | Living - thepress.net