Remodel

Offset Tile Flooring is IN!

Square tiles in an offset pattern.

Traditionally, 12 inch square tiles are set in a grid pattern. It is also common to see rectangular tiles in a brick, or offset, pattern. A design that is becoming more common, and a nice diversion from the traditional, is using square tiles in an offset pattern.

We used this offset pattern in the Northridge remodel we are working on. It turned out very nice and, I think, provides a more interesting look than the traditional square tile in a grid pattern. This image shows the offset tile and the replacement sliding window in the background. More about the replacing windows later.

New Cost vs. Value Report

The new report is out showing the improvements that provide the highest return. The winner this year is a new steel front door. Check out the full report before you take on a home improvement project. Keep in mind that the most important thing to consider when doing a remodel for yourself is doing something that makes you happy. The return on the investment should be a consideration, but should secondary to what makes you happy.

Lowest priced home in the Northridge for January 30th

Northridge is a great community that has many large employers, especially Cal State Northridge (CSUN). The

Low priced home in Northridge

lowest priced single family home in Northridge, as of January 30th, 2012, is on Malden just west of Reseda. This 2 bedroom/1 bathroom home is available for only $250,000, but there is a garage conversion, according to the listing.

In some cases these types of garage conversions can be unpermitted and may make financing difficult. Some Building departments have issues with garage conversions and require work to be “un-done” to return the property back to its original state. In other cases they require plans and issue permits if everything is up to code. However, in most cases it is not that easy. Therefore it is critical for buyers to consider the potential costs and check with the building and safety department to get details on whether something is permitted or not. You can get details about properties in Los Angeles through the online activity reports provided by LA Building and Safety, but you should still go down to the LADBS office and confirm everything.

Adding value to your home by fixing up your bathroom

The Northridge remodel that we are working on had a guest bathroom that was in poor condition. The bathtub had a crack in the floor, the sink and cabinet were aged, and the toilet was not in the best condition nor was it the most water efficient.

Bathtub before repair and refinishing

In the past we have handled bathtub cracks by replacing the tub. This can be costly and time consuming. Since the crack in this one was only about 3 inches long we thought we should try to repair it. We called out some bathtub repair specialists and asked their opinions. We decided to give it a try.

Porcelain & Fiberglass Maintenance Inc. came out and repaired the fiberglass by using a fiberglass patch and liquid resin to seal the crack. They then put down non-skid texture, at our request, and then recoated the entire bathtub, including the walls. It looks great and only took a few hours. It also saved us a lot of money. Normally a new tub, including removal and installation can cost $1,500 to $2,500. This repair cost $275! They also did a thorough cleaning of another shower in the house and recommended that we not refinish it because it was not necessary. They saved us even more money by recommending this.

Bathtub after repair and refinish

Refinishing a bathtub may not be the best choice in every case, but in this case it worked out great and saved money. Make sure to get a couple estimates before undertaking any project, but be sure to get the opinions of the specialists. Don’t assume that you have to replace in every case. Many times you can refinish. It is better for the environment and usually a lot less costly.

Northridge remodel project -Termites

We have been working a remodel project in Northridge for the past week and opened up a wall that had minor

Termite damage inside a wall near a window.

indications of subterranean termites. Subterranean termites, as their name indicates, generally come from the ground and do damage to wood located near the ground.

In this case the termites did damage up to 9 feet from the ground. It is amazing to see how one stud can be completed destroyed and the next stud can be untouched. The photo shows the damage to a stud near a window.

This is a perfect example of why it is important to have a termite inspection performed by a professional inspector. We did and therefore were able to account for the possible repair costs when we determined the purchase price.

I will have more posts to come about the progress of the remodel.

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