California, with its cool views, mixed building styles, and big home market, is a top spot for home fix-ups. From redoing an old dream home in Los Angeles to making a sea home in San Diego look new, people in California are putting money into their homes now more than before. The state's rare weather, new build rules, and push for green living make remodeling homes both fun and hard. Here’s what home folks should know about such changes in the Golden State.
• More and More Want to Remodel Their Homes
The home remodeling services have shot up lately. A few things make this happen:
- Old Home Stock: Lots of homes in California came to be before the 1980s, calling for build updates, green fixes, and new interiors.
- Lots of High Home Prices: In big places like San Francisco and Los Angeles, high home costs have made folks fix their current place instead of moving.
- Work-from-Home Change: More remote work has led to the need for good home offices, outside spots, and rooms for many uses.
- Green Living: People in California are picking stuff that lasts and saves energy more, in line with the state's ahead-thinking green rules.
• Main Areas For Remodeling
1. Kitchen:
The kitchen is still a big deal in the home, and it's top of the list to be made new. Kitchens in California often go for open areas, lots of light, and links to outside spots. Top picks include:
Stone tops
Green ways to cook
Clever lights and ways to store
Doors to patios
2. Bathrooms:
Old bathrooms in California homes are often small and out of style. Remodeling can turn these spots into ones like spas with:
Big showers and tubs
Fixtures that save water
Stone or tile looks
Warm floors and clever mirrors
3. Outside Spots:
With the sun all year round in much of the place, outside spots are key. Many remodels focus on making outside cooking spots, fire pits, decks, and shaded areas to sit. Plants that need less water and are from the area are picked because of the need to save water.
4. Extra Units:
California’s easy rules around extra living units have created new opportunities for remodeling. People are making old garages or adding little homes in the backyard for family or to rent. These units must fit local space and rule needs but can pay off well.
• How to Deal With California’s Build Rules
Home remodeling in California means working with some of the hard rules in the U.S., on things like:
Shake Safety: Changes for shakes are often needed, more so in old homes.
Green Checks: Following Title 24, California’s energy rule, means adding ways to save power, like good fill, windows, and air systems.
Permits and Space Rules: Big spots like San Francisco and Los Angeles have tough rules on permits. Getting a builder who knows local rules is key.
• Picking the Right Builder
How well a remodeling goes depends on picking the right professionals. Look for builders who are:
Cleared and insured by the California Builders State License Board (CSLB)
Clear on costs and times
Know projects like yours
Can show past work and give references
It's also smart to look closely at deals and know your rights under California law, which lets you stop a deal in three days and gives cover for homeowners under the Home Fix-up Law.
