Beyond Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets—San Francisco residents formerly used to request new or redesigned cabinets more frequently than most other remodeling jobs. Nowadays, however, the addition of fireplaces make up some of the most commonly requested San Francisco renovation jobs. If you’re thinking of adding a fireplace to your home, ask yourself a few key questions first, such as how often you’ll actually use that fireplace. If you see yourself using it once or twice and then promptly forgetting about it, a fireplace addition probably isn’t for you. If you can honestly say, however, that you’d use your fireplace regularly, then taking the plunge might not be such a bad idea.

Before adding a fireplace, you also have to be honest with yourself about how likely you are to stay on top of its required cleanings and other necessary maintenance. 

Neglecting fireplace maintenance can be dangerous, so unless you plan to take good care of your fireplace, don’t get one!

For information on everything from fireplaces to kitchen cabinets, San Francisco homeowners can turn to Hearth.

Neighbors: Consider when Choosing San Francisco Real Estate

There are a ton of things to think about when trying to determine whether or not a particular piece of San Francisco real estate is right for you. One thing that many people fail to think about is their neighbors. Don’t let yourself make this mistake! When you look at a home, take into account how close it is to the homes on either side of it. If you feel that your prospective new home is “too close for comfort” to the neighbors, then it probably is.

Take the time to stealthily examine your potential new neighbors’ property before settling on a particular piece of San Francisco real estate. A yard that’s loaded with clutter, an unkempt lawn, or noisy pets that run free often indicate a neighbor you won’t want to deal with. Whenever possible, you should also introduce yourself as a potential buyer to prospective neighbors to see how well you hit it off.

Reputable Bay Area Contractors Understand

When it comes to owning a home that will be solid and dependable for many years to come, few things are more important than a good, sturdy roof. Smart Bay Area contractors know the importance of providing a reliable roof, in particular one that will stand up to the challenges unique to California homes. California, for example, is known for its unrelenting sunshine, which is a good thing for beachcombers and outdoor-fans but not such a good thing for roofs. The right contractors will build roofs that can stand up to extensive sunlight without fading or other damage.

Likewise, the right Bay Area contractors will also take into account the fact that earthquakes are common in California. They will thus create “shake-proof” roofs that can withstand even the roughest earthquakes without causing structural or other damage to your home. Your contractor should know what is needed in a California roof and should make every effort to ensure your roof has those qualities.

Don’t Embark on a Kitchen Remodel without DeCluttering

When it comes to a kitchen remodel Bay Area residents cite their most common reason for seeking these large-scale jobs as not having enough space. While people do sometimes genuinely need San Francisco kitchen remodeling services, more often than not they just need to get better organized. Before you embark on a massive remodeling job, try cleaning up the clutter for your kitchen. Start with the countertops, which tend to get heaped with papers, old mail, and other junk you don’t need. Sweep all unnecessary items into the trash and give your counters a good polish; you’ll likely be surprised at how much of a difference these simple steps can make.

While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to go through your kitchen drawers and cabinets and to get rid of cleaning supplies, cooking utensils, and other items you no longer use. This will give you more storage room and make for a neater kitchen all around.

If, after de-cluttering, you still find you need more space, then it may be time to call in professionals. For a world class kitchen remodel, Bay Area residents know Hearth can help.

Using Pinterest and a Contractor to Create Your Dream Home

If you’re like most people, then you’ve got an image in your mind of what you’d like your dream home to look like. The first step in making that dream home a reality is, of course, to hire a San Francisco contractor. Once you’ve done that and are waiting for your home to be built, you can start thinking ahead about how you plan to decorate and personalize your home. A surprisingly easy way to get ideas for your home is to use Pinterest. This simple site, which offers up loads of images and design ideas, is a cheap alternative to hiring a professional decorator.

You can easily search Pinterest by category to add focus to your search. Search in categories like “home décor” or “do it yourself home projects” to see what you come up with. It’s also not a bad idea to put in the name of your San Francisco contractor, since some companies have their own boards.

If you want to eliminate the need for home remodeling San Francisco residents know the key is to design your home right from the get-go!