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lividaloca · 5 years

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El Cortez San Diego – Hidden Treasures

Elite Living Remodeling has had the amazing opportunity to execute restoration projects at the historic El Cortez Hotel in Downtown San Diego, CA. Construction of the El Cortez first began in 1926 on the site of Ulysses S. Grant, Jr.‘s home, and it was the tallest and most glamorous building of its time. At the time, it had a price tag of 2.5 million dollars and stood at 310 feet high. During the late 1960s and 1970s, the El Cortez fell on harder times. The El Cortez closed as a hotel in 1978 when it was purchased by evangelist Morris Cerullo to serve as an evangelism school. Cerullo sold the property in 1981, and the El Cortez was threatened with demolition until the San Diego Historic Site Board designated it as a historic site in 1990. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. In 2004, they converted the building to condominiums dividing the building into 85 residential condominium units along with commercial and office space.

In 1951, hotelier Harry Handlery purchased the El Cortez from the El Cortez Company for $1.5 million. Handlery made numerous changes to both the interior and exterior in his effort to make it the finest hotel on the Pacific Coast. Handlery’s most remembered change was the addition of the world’s first outside hydraulic glass elevator. Some considered the glass elevator to be one of Handlery’s novelties; it soon served as an attraction to draw visitors back to the downtown hotel. In 1989, a controversy arose when the current owner, San Diego hotelier Mark Grosvenor, proposed a renovation plan that omitted the glass elevator. Grosvenor was concerned about structural problems with the elevator and the unavailability of spare parts. Some preservationists approved of Grosvenor’s plan, stating that Handerly’s additions were “fifties kitsch” that detracted from the original Spanish architecture. Others regarded the elevator as a key element in the hotel’s historic significance. The federal government ultimately endorsed proposals to remove the 1950s alterations and restore the original appearance.

Elite Living Remodeling has been contracted to execute some new renovations to keep this beautiful historic building looking just as it did in its early days. During the demolition of some drywall, we discovered a sweet reminder of the past, what seems to be the remnants of another elevator that was likely covered up when the exterior glass elevator was installed. It is expected to be about 70 years old. This beautiful window can now be repurposed and available for all to be reminded of the building’s historic past. As a general contractor, we take great pride and care when working at our job sites. You never know what you may find.

All renovation projects take planning, time and management. Call Elite Living Remodeling at 844-ELITE-03 or send us a message to schedule your free consultation and estimate.

The post El Cortez San Diego – Hidden Treasures appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/el-cortez-san-diego-hidden-treasures/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Donate for the Holidays

Now is the perfect time of year to think about donating your extra building materials or gently used furniture after a remodel. You might even be able to find just what you need at a local donation center yourself. This can drastically cut down your carbon footprint, save landfill space, and save you money.

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County ReStore

The Habitat OC ReStores accept and sell a wide variety of new and gently used building materials and furniture. The donations accepted by the Habitat OC ReStores will vary by store, but most will accept the following:

Kitchen cabinets

Doors and windows

Flooring

Unused lumber

Lighting fixtures

Appliances

Furniture

Most Habitat OC ReStores also offer pickup of furniture donations, as well as other large items like appliances and building materials.

Donations are tax-deductible and the proceeds help fund the construction of affordable Habitat OC homes, helping families gain strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

There are 3 donation locations in the Orange County area:

Santa Ana ReStore: 2140 Ritchey Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Anaheim ReStore: 1656 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802

Laguna Niguel Donation Center: Federal Building 24000 Avila, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (near Alicia Pkwy and El Lazo)

Call their donation hotline at 714-434-6202 or visit their website to view their donation guidelines and hours of operation.

There are 4 donation locations in the San Diego area:

Kearny Mesa ReStore: 8108 Mercury Court, San Diego, CA 92111

National City ReStore: 310 National City Boulevard, National City, CA 91950

Escondido ReStore: 837 Metcalf Street, Escondido, CA 92025

Carlsbad ReStore: 1810 Marron Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Call their donation hotline at (619) 516-5267 or visit their website to view their donation guidelines and hours of operation.

Good for you, the environment, and the community:

Your donations are tax-deductible and you avoid paying hauling/trash disposal costs

Your quality reusable materials are diverted from the landfill to find a new loving home

Your donations help fund the construction of affordable Habitat OC homes, helping families gain strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter

The post Donate for the Holidays appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/donate-for-the-holidays/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Kitchen Renovation Budget

Renovating your kitchen can have a transformative effect on your entire home, creating an updated space for cooking and congregating. A kitchen renovation will increase your home’s resale value and boost its appeal to buyers whether you sell now or down the road. It can also be one of the most costly renovations you can do in your home. Here are a few tips to keep your kitchen renovation budget under control:

1. Determine the scope of your project

Are you planning on refinishing and updating some items, like sinks and countertops, while leaving others intact? Or would you like to replace everything at once in the kitchen? Perhaps you would like a more open and functional layout? Once you know what you want to accomplish, you can more accurately determine the cost of your renovation. Elite Living Remodeling project managers and designers can help you come up with the best plan to suit your needs and budget. We can then create a 3D design to help you visualize the new space.

2. Create an itemized list of materials

After you know the layout and plan for the kitchen you can visit your local Elite Living Remodeling showroom for your convenience, or find materials from other sources as well. For each item, list out multiple brands at different price points. This will allow you to play with the numbers and decide where to allocate your funds.

You will want to get pricing for all finished materials including base cabinets, upper cabinets, countertops, garbage disposal, fume hood, flooring, light fixtures, appliances, backsplash tiles, faucet fixtures and more. Note which items are necessities and which ones would be merely nice to have. When you’re establishing your budget, you’ll know which things you can’t budge on and which can be downgraded or lose entirely.

3. Know how much you can spend

Once you have your layout and materials cost, it’s time to figure out how much in total you can afford to spend. Set a budget that won’t break your bank. Whether you experience a financial emergency or you just need to pay the bills, you don’t want your renovation project getting in the way. Ultimately, you may need to change the scope of your project to make it more affordable.

Some people turn to loans to finance their renovation projects, especially when they have equity in their home. But unless you know your renovation will drastically increase the resale value of your home, you should try to pay out of pocket. This will motivate you to keep costs low and you won’t end up paying interest on a loan. Ask one of our team members about our interest-free financing available.

4. Shop around for contractor quotes

You can research contractors online or get recommendations from friends. Elite Living Remodeling works very hard to make sure all of our clients are completely satisfied with their renovation projects and we have the reviews online to show for it. But just to be sure, you should get quotes from multiple contractors and pick one based on their ability to do the job skillfully, timely, and on budget. Also, be wary of the very low bids as sometimes corners can get cut or prices will jump halfway through the job. A contractor’s bid will include all the labor, rough materials, and other overhead to actually perform the project. Then after you decide on materials those will be factored in as well.

5. Stick to the plan

Making changes to your renovation plan in the middle of a project can cause your budget to skyrocket. This is because changes cause time delays, extra labor, redoing completed work or changes in materials. While some changes are unavoidable, try to limit any major deviations. That is why preparing the 3D design in advance is so valuable; with it, you will be able to see the completed project before we begin demolition and can make any changes you want on the computer, at no extra cost.

6. Have a budget cushion of 10% – 20%

No one is able to predict exactly what is hiding inside your walls and floors until the work has already begun and we can see what is inside. When a contractor gives an estimate it is based on the fact that everything is built correctly and the scope of work is standard changes. When issues with your home arise, they may take more time, labor and materials to move forward with the project. Building codes are constantly changing as well and your home may have areas that need to be brought up to date with current building codes in order to pass inspections. These unforeseen costs must then be passed onto the homeowner. Make sure you have an extra cushion in your kitchen renovation budget so you can cover these costs and still complete the renovation.

All home renovation projects take planning, time and management. Elite Living Remodeling will do our best to carry the burden for you so that you can stay focused on living everyday life, and love your home when it’s done! To schedule your free in-home consultation for your estimate and 3D design, call 844-ELITE-03 or send us a message about your project and availability.

The post Kitchen Renovation Budget appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/kitchen-renovation-budget/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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How to Survive a Remodel

Remodeling your home can be a big task. Home remodeling pros and those who have been through a kitchen remodel agree that the best way to get through it is to stay elsewhere and take a family vacation during the duration of your remodel.

However, if this option is not viable for you, here are a few tips to keep things clean, organized, and on time during your remodel:

Make a Calendar with your Contractor

At the start of each week ask your contractor for a general idea of what will happen each day. Not only does this help set expectations across the board, but it helps you to see if everyone is still on track and what’s coming up.

Have a Section of Your Home that Stays in Order and Clean

Remodels can be messy and if you aren’t mindful, it can spill into other areas of your home. But, by making an effort to keep the other spaces in our home clean and tidy you can still enjoy our home.

Pack up What Your Don’t Need From the Room

Whether it’s furniture, kitchen supplies or decor, pack up everything you don’t actually need for the next 2 months and move it to the garage or another storage area. Try to avoid just stuffing everything in another room, unorganized. Then when the renovation is over, you may not need the extra items after all and they are ready for donation.

Make Sure You Have Everything on Hand Before You Start

Plumbing items are likely going to be needed very first. Waiting on supplies to be delivered messes up the renovation calendar and causes expensive setbacks. Besides final decor pieces, having everything you need for the remodel in your home, and organized will keep everyone sane and happy.

Cover All Areas with Drop Cloths or Tarps During Workdays to Help Combat Dust

Renovation projects are messy. To help cut down on the daily dust ask the crew to make sure as much as possible is tarped off before they start working, and to always clean up as much as possible before leaving for the day. This won’t stop all of the dust but will reduce it significantly.

Make Sure You Have Extra Money in Your Budget

It is impossible to know exactly what a house is hiding until walls are opened up and the work is already underway. If you only have the exact amount for the renovation that was originally quoted you might find yourself halted in the middle of the job and unable to finish. A cushion in your budget is not only good for those surprises, but it is also nice to have for any extras that you hadn’t thought of.

Be Present. Ask Questions. It’s Your House!

Don’t be afraid to peek in on your project or ask questions or voice concerns. Whether it be the shower head height, a new thing you read about soft-closed pocket doors or a mix up with shower valves. Make sure all the concerns and questions are discussed and resolved. In the end, it’s your home – speak up!

Once you’re ready to move forward with your home remodel, contact Elite Living Remodeling at 844-ELITE-03 for your free in-home consultation and estimate.

The post How to Survive a Remodel appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/how-to-survive-a-remodel/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Kitchen Cabinet Styles

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, one of the first material selections you’ll make is your cabinets. To help with your decision, we’ve narrowed down a few options for you to choose from for your home. Here are some of the most common kitchen cabinet styles:

Shaker Cabinets

The shaker style cabinet design originated during the American colonial era and was characterized by their simplicity and functional aesthetic. Considered as one of the most popular cabinet design styles, a shaker cabinet door design is composed of a five-piece door with a recessed panel. Shaker style cabinets are very simple, clean, which makes them highly suitable not only for traditional inspired kitchens but for modern and contemporary kitchen settings.

Flat Panel Cabinet

Flat-panel kitchen cabinets are characterized by a clean, sleek, and unornamented design. This cabinet style has doors and drawers with a flat center panel, rather than being contoured or raised. It is stylish and makes a great match for modern and contemporary kitchen styles. Although flat panel kitchen cabinets have a sleek, clean and modern appeal, they are also highly suited for traditional and transitional kitchen styles.

Inset Cabinets

An inset kitchen cabinet style is characterized by a design in which the drawers and doors fully fit inside the cabinet face frame openings. Typically, most kitchen cabinet styles use the “overlay” construction in which the doors and drawers are slightly larger than the openings in the frame, thus they appear to be slightly raised. With such, the doors and drawers also seem to be constructed in an overlapping manner. But with the inset cabinet style, the construction method and design is entirely the opposite.

The cabinet doors and drawers are inside the opening, with only minimal spacing between the components, hence the term “inset”. Compared to other kitchen cabinet styles, the inset kitchen cabinet design gives a full view of the cabinet frame. The inset kitchen cabinet style took its inspiration from the Victorian and Georgian periods were skilled craftsmen and artisans were extremely popular. As one can notice, this kitchen cabinet door design requires precise skills and a refined construction method to manufacture. Thus, they are often more expensive and often fall on the high-end range.

Raised Panel Cabinets

The raised panel kitchen cabinet style is characterized by a door design in which the center panel is raised above the rest of the cabinet door and ornamented with a surrounding recessed border, contour or profile. Raised panel kitchen cabinets are more detailed compared to recessed panel cabinets.

This type of kitchen cabinet style is commonly used for traditional and transitional style kitchens. It is usually found in rustic and country inspired homes and kitchens. Its appearance can be ornate or simple and can vary depending on which period style it gains inspiration from. One form of raised panel kitchen cabinets is the cathedral cabinet door or the raised arch design (which is also classified under the traditional kitchen cabinet style).

Recessed Panel Cabinets

Recessed panel kitchen cabinets are the opposite of raised panel kitchen cabinets. The primary difference between the two styles is the height of the center panel of the cabinet door face. The recessed panel cabinet style is characterized by a door design in which the flat center panel is recessed below the rest of the cabinet door and ornamented with a surrounding raised border, contour or profile. Shaker cabinet design can be classified under the recessed panel kitchen cabinet style and is considered as one of the most prominently used kitchen cabinet styles.

Compared to the raised kitchen cabinet style, the recessed kitchen cabinet design has a more sleek appearance, making it more suitable for modern and contemporary kitchen decor styles. Its simplicity allows it to blend well with contemporary-inspired interiors and can work even in transitional and traditional kitchen settings.

Glass Insert Cabinets

The glass insert kitchen cabinet style makes use of a glass panel instead of a full solid wood cabinet door face. Also known as the glass framed door, this type of kitchen cabinet design can use either clear glass, smoked or frosted glass, colored glass or textured glass. The most common type of glass panel used for this design is the clear glass which allows the users to see the contents of the cabinets without having to open the door. Alternatively, frosted glass can be used if you want to keep clutter out of sight while still providing variation in the finishes and breaking off the heaviness of solid wood cabinetry. Frosted glass is also more commonly used for more modern and contemporary designs. This type of kitchen cabinet design also provides an open feel to kitchens, making them more airy and bright.

Contact us to schedule a design consultation or in-house estimate for your remodel.

The post Kitchen Cabinet Styles appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/kitchen-cabinet-styles/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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High-End Kitchen Features

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, here are some high-end features that will really make a big impression:

Commercial-Style Range

These are widely available and a common feature in an expensive kitchen upgrade. Expect a range with three to four times the BTU output of an ordinary home model and a look that is worth every penny.

GE Kitchen Hub

A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled 27-inch touchscreen that sits directly above your stove, the GE Kitchen Hub not only gives users command over all their home’s connected devices but doubles as a functioning ventilator for those unexpected smokey moments. The Kitchen Hub comes equipped with stove-top facing cameras, allowing for the future potential of interactive cooking classes and of course, Hub users will also be able to stream their favorite playlist or binge watch Netflix on the device as they prepare dinner. Don’t worry about those sticky fingers while cooking, you can control the whole Hub via a voice-enabled assistant named Geneva.

Dishwasher Drawer

You can use this in place of a regular dishwasher or in addition to a full-size dishwasher. These handy appliances offer efficient cleaning when you only have a few dishes. Consider installing one in a butler’s pantry, basement game room, or near a prep center.

Pot Filler

Make it easy to cook large pots of pasta or soup, or add water to a recipe with ease. This convenient faucet placement will keep you from having to run from the sink to the stove while trying not to spill the water.

Built-In Refrigerator

For a more streamlined and uniform appearance, go for the built-in refrigerator. This fits flush with your cabinets with nothing sticking out, and Articulating hinges allow the doors to open fully.

Warming Drawer

Be the hostess with the mostess and never put out a cold hors d’oeuvre unless intended. This warming drawer will allow you to keep cooked food at the perfect temperature until serving time.

Coffee Bar

You’ll love having a special area for your favorite drinks. Stylish and functional kitchen coffee stations stock everything you need in one convenient spot.

Well-Lit Cabinetry

A common mistake is relying on one ceiling-mounted fixture to illuminate the entire kitchen. Homeowners are having professionals design and install lighting below, above, and inside their cabinets as well as recessed can lights. A combination of light fixtures offers the best mood-setting capabilities.

Walk-in Pantry

Transform a mess into a storage success with a walk-in pantry. There aren’t any strict rules about the size of the area or what you can store there. Customize your pantry to suit your home and lifestyle. You won’t know how you lived without this storage solution!

Farmhouse Sink

Also known as an apron front sink, farmhouse sinks are a timeless focal point in any kitchen. From a practical standpoint, they’re deep enough to hold large pots, and a shorter person has easier access to the sink.

Enclosed Trash & Recycling

Trash and recycling bins take up floor space, often smell bad, and are a temptation for pets. Hidden storage is ideal. Custom cabinets, like in the kitchen island shown below, can include compartments for your waste containers.

If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen and would like to incorporate some or all of these high-end features, call 844-ELITE-03 to schedule your free in-home design consultation with estimate.

The post High-End Kitchen Features appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/high-end-kitchen-features/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Top Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

The kitchen gets possibly more traffic than any other room in your home. From brewing your morning coffee to packing lunches for the day to an after-work glass of wine to whipping up gourmet meals during the holidays, you spend a lot of time in your kitchen. Besides wanting to update your kitchen to increase the aesthetic appeal, there are many other reasons you might want to remodel your kitchen. Older appliances and worn-down countertops can become both a nuisance and a health and safety hazard. Here are some of the top reasons you might consider remodeling your kitchen.

Your Family is Growing

A growing family requires more space around the kitchen table – as well as more food! A tiny, minimalist kitchen might have worked when you were single, but a growing family requires more cabinet space, more countertop space to prep, and more places to sit! If your family has outgrown your kitchen, but not necessarily your house, remodeling the kitchen could be just what you need!

Increase Home Value

If you are thinking of selling, or are in the process of listing your property then remodeling a kitchen is one of the best ways to increase value and make more money off the transaction. When potential home buyers are viewing properties, kitchens are on the top of their lists. Homes with remodeled kitchens sell a lot quicker than those with outdated ones, so make the changes you need to — no matter how small — and you’ll love the look of that new asking price.

Modernity

Keeping up with trends can be challenging, but one way to fall back in love with your kitchen space is by upgrading simply for the sake of upgrading. Tear down a wall and create an open floor plan — your dinner guests will love coming over, and you’ll feel a warm sensation every time you step into your new cooking area. Modern upgrades are not strictly aesthetic, either. With new smart appliances, you can turn cooking into a stress-free affair. For example, smart ovens, hot pads, and slow cookers can connect to your phone and you will never have to worry about over (or under) cooking.

Remodeling your kitchen can change the entire feel of your house. As it is likely one of the most prominent areas in your home, a fresh remodel can make you feel like you’re living in a brand new home!

Countertops are Damaged

Laminate countertops are common, especially in older homes. However, laminate countertops can be easily stained and damaged, and years of use are certain to cause cracks, chips, and scratches that can additionally harbor harmful bacteria — making your kitchen counter a health hazard for your family. Laminate countertops are outdated and prone to staining, making them unappealing to potential buyers should you want to list your home on the market.

One of the fastest-growing trends in kitchen remodeling is stone countertops. Stone countertops are durable, heat resistant, chip-resistant, and overall aesthetically pleasing. Some of the most popular choices for stone countertops are quartz, marble, and granite. All are extremely functional and long-lasting but vary in terms of care and appearance. Here’s what to keep in mind when considering quartz or solid surface countertops.

Efflorescence

A large difference when comparing quartz vs marble countertops and many other materials is efflorescence resistance. Even if you don’t know what efflorescence is, there’s a high chance you’ve already seen it. Efflorescence is the chalky-looking white powder that appears on stone, caused by water carrying mineral salt to the surfaces. Solid surface countertops require efflorescence treatment while quartz is immune to efflorescence. Concrete countertops are especially prone to efflorescence, and if it gets bad enough, you will definitely want to consider replacing them with more durable material.

Aesthetic

While all stone countertops have their own unique appeal, there are many more solid surface colors to choose from versus quartz countertops. If you are looking for a more customized experience, you might choose a solid surface countertops instead of quartz.

Staining

Much like wood kitchen countertops, marble and granite are porous surfaces, making them much more likely to stain than quartz countertops. Quartz is naturally stain-resistant does not need to be sealed, while solid surface countertops need special care and sealing to keep them from staining.

Flooring is Outdated

Considering that your floor spans the entire kitchen, an old, stained, damaged floor can be souring to look at, as well as dangerous and detrimental to your home. Chipped or broken tile can cause a fall leading to serious injury, and cracked flooring can lead to water damage. No kitchen remodel should go without the consideration of the condition of your floor! And if you’re going to replace your kitchen floors, now is the time to consider layout changes, cabinet updates, or adding a center island. In this case, you’ll save money in the long run if you replace and reconfigure all at once.

Safety & Energy Efficiency

There’s something to be said for frugality, but constantly fixing a leak in your oven or short in your microwave is a sign that your appliances need to be replaced. A fault in the electric in your appliances could cause a house fire, especially in appliances like dishwashers that are frequently running while unattended. Upgrading your appliances to more energy-efficient units will also help you save on your gas and electric bills in the long-run.

If you feel like your kitchen is outdated, too small for your growing family, or want to increase your home value, call 844-ELITE-03 to book your free in-home design consultation with one of our professionals.

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

The post Top Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/top-reasons-to-remodel-your-kitchen/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Luxury Bathroom Features

From your tub and shower down to the smallest details, you can turn your bathroom into a luxurious retreat. We all know that high-end materials and finishes will give you that awe-inspiring look and feel, but here are a few ideas you might not have thought about:

Vertical Shower System

One of the biggest trends in a luxury bathroom is the use of vertical shower systems, which may include twin rainshower showerheads, side-by-side or opposite wall sprays, body jets, and hand showers. Vertical spa showers also come with thermostatic valves that can set temperatures for your water at pinpoint accuracy. You decide what the perfect temperature is, set it, and never worry about adjusting it again. You can also download the app and use your phone to program your desired temperature, pressure, jet configuration and time setting, for the perfect shower, every time.

Walk-Thru Shower

Let your tub and shower make a grand statement with a walk through shower. This shower can have a glass front or a solid front for more privacy. You can easily enter the shower with the zero-threshold passages on each side of the tub and there is no need for doors unless you would like them.

Morning Bar

A morning bar, which can include a coffee maker, a mini-refrigerator, a sink, a wine chilling drawer and more, makes a typical day in your master suite feel like a stay at a high-end hotel.

Lounge Area with TV

There’s nothing like having a space in which to relax in your bathroom that will increase its extravagance. Consider adding a TV, comfortable lounge chair, and a high-quality sound system.

Cozy Fireplace

A fireplace by the tub creates a warm and inviting place to relax and unwind.

Chromotherapy Bathtub

Colored lights are said to be therapeutic, so manufacturers have started taking showers and tubs that diffuse feel-good light into the water. Kohler’s Sok tub allows you to bathe in eight colors — a full spectrum of light — for an experience that’s both relaxing and invigorating.

Chandelier

Add a touch of elegance with a beautiful chandelier.

Towel Warmers

Towel warmers ensure that your towels are warm and dry after soaking. Plus, they keep towels fresh longer by reducing mildew and allergens. Whether they are wall mount or freestanding, they will add a touch of luxury to any bathroom.

If you’re ready to upgrade your bathrooms and would like to incorporate these luxurious high-end features, call 844-ELITE-03 to schedule your free in-home design consultation with estimate.

The post Luxury Bathroom Features appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/luxury-bathroom-features/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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The Space Underneath Your Stairs

Most staircases take up prime real estate in your home, leaving you with unusable space. By opening up the area underneath the staircase you can add some new features to your home that would more efficiently utilize your space. Here are some great features we can add to your home during a remodel without having to increase the square footage:

1. Powder Room

Add a powder room for function and convenience. The addition of a half bath will also increase your home value.

2. Home Office

Add a built-in desk along with some upper cabinetry and shelving to make the perfect space for a home office.

3. Open Concept Walkway

Add better flow and an open concept by building a walkway underneath your staircase. You can add a bench or some built-in shelving as well for additional seating and storage.

4. Built-in Wet Bar

Opt for a built-in bar to designate space for guests to socialize and make drinks without having to gather in the kitchen while dinner is being prepared.

5. Custom Wine Celler

Create the perfect area to store your favorite wines without taking up prime real estate in the kitchen.

6. A Pet Nook

A designated space for your furry friend that is out of the way of your daily family foot traffic.

7. Additional Storage Space

Well, because no one ever has enough storage.

If you are ready to remodel your home and would like to add some great features under your staircase as well, give us a call at 844-ELITE-03 for your free in-home design consultation.

The post The Space Underneath Your Stairs appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/the-space-underneath-your-stairs/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Tub to Shower Conversion Bathroom Remodel

Are you thinking about remodeling your bathroom? A recent study reveals that, given the choice, Americans prefer showers over bathtubs. That trend seems to reflect busier lifestyles that allow for less “get ready” time. However, most realtors will tell you that for resale it is a good idea to have at least one bathtub in the home so keep that in mind when deciding to convert your bathtub to a walk-in shower.

Spacious and Customizable

Bathtubs can be bulky and take up a lot of space. By removing your bathtub and installing a walk-in shower you will actually have more foot room and the whole space will feel larger. This is because the shower is completely open with no tub frame to separate it from the rest of the bathroom. This new open shower design gives the perfect opportunity for a custom feature wall as well. With endless tile styles and colors, you can have the bathroom you have always dreamed of.

Accessibility

Did you know bathtubs can be dangerous to your health? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 235,000 people over age 15 visit emergency rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom and more than a third of the injuries happen while bathing or showering. Conventional tubs require effort and leg-lifting to get in and out making it the most hazardous bathroom activity for all ages. A shower stall, by comparison, requires only a tiny step for greater ease of access. Installing a new shower with non-slip tiles can help eliminate the risk of falling and the added space also creates ample opportunities to add custom shower benches and grab bars for extra security.

Walk-in showers have many benefits including saving money on your next water bill. Give us a call today at 844-ELITE-03 to talk about your bathroom remodel and the possibility of converting your bathtub to a walk-in shower.

The post Tub to Shower Conversion Bathroom Remodel appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/tub-to-shower-conversion-bathroom-remodel/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Water Damage Restoration

The most important thing to do when you have water damage is to immediately fix the water leak and dry out the area. Standing water and moisture create the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow. Prolonged exposure to these bacteria and mold can lead to allergic reactions and even disease.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The first step is to call a licensed water restoration company; then, if you have insurance to cover the incident that caused the water damage, notify your insurance company so they can send out an adjuster. The water restoration company will immediately stop the leak, use pumps and vacuums to remove water from your home, and after all standing water and absorbent surfaces are vacuumed, dry and dehumidify the area. This step is important to clear up any remaining moisture after water removal is complete.

Hire a General Contractor

It’s beneficial to have your contractor at the site when the adjuster comes out so that everyone can work together and understand the entire scope of work needed to be completed. We at Elite Living Remodeling have worked with many insurance companies on the homeowners’ behalf to be sure that the homeowner gets a fair amount of money to get their home back to a livable state as soon as possible.

We will inspect the home and determine how extensive the damage is and work with you and your insurance to make a plan for what needs to be done. We then begin the process of removing all damaged materials such as carpet, drywall, and insulation. Quickly getting those damaged items removed allows for more thorough drying of the rest of the structure.

If your home is older you may want to think about having Elite Living Remodeling repipe your home with pex material to avoid having any future flooding issues. This can save you quite a bit of money later.

Proceed with Restoration and Renovation

The final phase is restoration and renovation. This involves rebuilding any damaged areas and making sure that everything ties together. Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible for you and to have an end result that is even better than it was before. If you’ve experienced water damage, are in need of restoration and renovation services, and want to get the best value from your insurance claim to repair the damage done, call Elite Living Remodeling at 844-ELITE-03 and well guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.

The post Water Damage Restoration appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/water-damage-restoration/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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The Benefits of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular amongst homeowners and designers alike. If you’re in the market for a kitchen or bathroom remodel and are considering your countertop options, we encourage you to read up on the benefits of quartz countertops before making your decision. You’ll soon find that quartz countertops are a solid choice for your home.

Durable & Long-Lasting Material

Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are man-made slabs of stone, which means they are made up of about 90% quartz and 10% binding polymers and colored pigments. This high quartz content makes these countertops exceptionally hard and durable. This material is perfect for areas where you will be putting down pots, pans, knives, cups, and plates. Quartz is also very resistant to heat, scratches, chips, and stains and the durability of these countertops allows them to last for many years, beyond that of other countertop materials.

Easy to Clean & Maintain

Because of how quartz countertops are engineered, it creates a smooth, nonporous surface. There is no need for sealers or coatings on top of any kind. There are no holes or cracks where spills or liquids could soak in, like with natural stone. This makes the countertops much more resistant to staining and easier to wipe clean. The nonporous surface also makes it harder for bacteria, viruses, or other germs to become lodged into the counter.

Large Color Palette & Cost-Effective

Due to the engineered nature of quartz countertops, you can get a wide variety of color and pattern choices. The finished look of the countertops will also be more uniform in contrast to natural stone materials. The cost of quartz is comparable with granite, but due to the durability and low maintenance, it may turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run.

If you are looking to update your countertops to a beautiful and durable material that requires no maintenance and will last for many years, give us a call at 844-ELITE-03 or visit your local Elite Living Remodeling showroom in San Diego or Orange County to view some quartz samples for your home.

The post The Benefits of Quartz Countertops appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/the-benefits-of-quartz-countertops/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Flooring is a great alternative to real hardwood flooring. It is made using a 3D printing technology that can replicate the look and style of natural materials such as wood and stone, but at a fraction of the cost. Luxury Vinyl Flooring is a newer innovation that makes it a far cry from the plastic-like tiles you see in older homes and requires no maintenance like real hardwood.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring has a wear layer, photographic image, and a banking system. With constant and exponential developments in digital photography and image editing/manipulation, luxury vinyl tile designers need only to photograph the desired wood species (or any other subject) to create a nature-realistic product. The uniformity of the luxury vinyl production process also translates to a lower cost.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring is made of several layers of resilient polyvinyl chloride (PVC) while the top layer is coated with urethane. This is ideal for heavy trafficked areas due to its ability to expand and contract and it is very water resistant. Installation can be floated, glued down, or snapped together. Luxury Vinyl Flooring can also be smooth or textured to mimic different types of materials so it will not only look like real wood, but it will feel like it as well.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring is also very eco-friendly. It is comprised of recycled materials, is recyclable itself and is made from a synthetic (PVC) whose main component is an extremely abundant resource — salt. Instead of continually cutting down acres of sometimes rare and exotic trees, vinyl flooring requires only a photograph of a part of a tree.

If you are looking to update your flooring and would like beautiful, low maintenance, and eco-friendly option then call us today at 844-ELITE-03 about Luxury Vinyl Flooring for your home.

The post Luxury Vinyl Flooring appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/luxury-vinyl-flooring/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Open Concept Design

The open-concept home design eliminates walls and separation to create an open, connected, and spacious area. The open concept design style has been around since the late 19th century and is often attributed to architectural mastermind Frank Lloyd Wright. This style has come into high demand over the past few years as the many benefits become increasingly well-known.

Open Space

The main characteristic of open concept design is a large open room that is only broken up and separated by furniture placement. It is usually designed around the kitchen as the main focal point. This creates a large open area that is great for entertaining. It is also great for keeping an eye on the kids and having more family interaction within the home.

Natural Sunlight

By eliminating most of the interior walls natural sunlight is able to reach further into the home making it bright and warm. Large windows, window walls, and glass doors are very common and add to the openness of the home. This also helps to bring nature right into your living space.

More Usable Space

Having one large open area eliminates the wasted space of walls, doors, hallways, and walkways. This allows you to place furniture and designate space wherever and however you wish to gain maximum usage of every square foot of your home.

Energy Efficiency

It is much easier to cool or heat one large space rather than several little spaces that can heat and cool unevenly. You will also use less energy for lighting due to the increased natural light from the open windows. Another benefit is when your kids leave all the lights on you can easily spot them and turn them off (not that that ever happens).

To learn more about open concept home design or to see if your home is a good candidate give us a call at 844-ELITE-03 for a free in-home evaluation and estimate.

The post Open Concept Design appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/open-concept-design/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Room Additions and Home Expansions

Housing prices in Southern California can be quite high. When pricing a home, the value is usually based on price per square foot and how well

maintained each square foot is. Sometimes adding a room addition or home expansions to your home is a better choice than moving to a new home for extra space. Adding this extra space to your home will not only increase its value but also its function and enjoyment.

The main reason most people consider a room addition is for more space. It can often be a better alternative to moving because once you consider how much money you would spend on the purchase of a larger home, along with any moving expenses, adding onto your home is likely to cost you less. If you have grown to love your neighborhood, not having to leave it is an added benefit as well.

Following the existing layout of your home is very important when designing a new room addition. You don’t want it to look like someone just came and set a box on the side of your home. It also needs to be functional and blend well with the rest of the home. Since a room addition will be added onto the outside your home, most of the work done will be outside making it easier to live in the home during construction. At Elite Living Remodeling, we’ll work with your existing structure and help you come up with the best possible layout for your needs.

Sometimes an entire room addition is not necessary. Just by adding a few square feet to an existing room can make all the difference you need. This can be storage, a bathroom, a larger kitchen, a TV room off the kitchen or a second master bedroom. This can even be reconfiguring lofts, bonus rooms, porches or other areas to become what you need it to be. Converting an attic into a living space is markedly cheaper than any other room addition and, in the end, you will get back about 75% of the money you invest.

Give us a call today at 844-ELITE-03 so we can help you get the space that will fit your lifestyle and last for years to come.

The post Room Additions and Home Expansions appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/room-additions-and-home-expansions/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Second Story Room Additions

Southern California as we all know has amazing weather and we all love to be outside enjoying it. If you are looking to add more square footage to your home without sacrificing any of your yard space then a second story room addition might be your ideal option.

Adding a 2nd story room addition to your home has many benefits besides just more space, such as:

increase the value of your home

add rental income

replace an old existing roof

give you a chance to redesign your current layout

give you the ability to raise the height of your ceilings

allow you to design the new space to best suit your needs

give you a more organized and enjoyable lifestyle

save your outdoor yard space

let you remain in your current home and neighborhood

skip the hassle of finding a new home, packing up and incurring moving expenses

There are a few things you will want to check before beginning to plan for a second story addition. First, make sure that your city will allow a second story and what, if any, are the build and height limitations. Next, if you have a homeowners association, you will need to know if they will allow a second story addition to the home. Then you will need to know if your existing foundation and footings can support the weight of a second story. If they cannot, this does not mean that you are out of luck. There are ways to beef up the footings and load bearing walls to get them ready for the new addition.

If you are not sure how to go about finding this information just give us a call and we can work with you to gather all pertinent information, come up with a design plan, get all blueprints and permits and fully execute and complete the build of the 2nd story. Another thing to consider when deciding to add a second story is cost. Call Elite Living Remodeling at 844-ELITE-03 to receive your free in-home consultation and estimate.

The post Second Story Room Additions appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/second-story-room-additions/

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lividaloca · 5 years

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Freestanding Bathtub

In the world of bathtubs, there are many different styles to choose from; one of them being the freestanding bathtub. This refers to a bathtub that is finished on all sides and does not require any framing around it or walls against it. A freestanding bathtub can be more like a piece of furniture rather than a built-in fixture. You can place a freestanding tub wherever you like making it a natural focal point, especially if it is in the middle of the room. Freestanding bathtubs also come in a variety of different colors, materials, and styles so finding one to suit your needs will not be a problem.

While a freestanding bathtub requires more space for installation due to the required area around it (at least 1 foot between tub and wall) and the floor mount water fixtures, the open space all around and underneath it will give the illusion of a much bigger bathroom. This open space can also allow you to showcase custom tile work and create large feature walls.

A freestanding tub works best when you have the space for a separate bathtub and walk-in shower. You can have an overhead shower with a freestanding tub but it is not going to be as functional as a traditional built-in shower-tub combo so keep that in mind when you begin to plan your bathroom.

If you are thinking about remodeling your master or guest bathroom, ask one of our professionals about a freestanding tub. Call 844-ELITE-03 for your free 3D design and estimate.

The post Freestanding Bathtub appeared first on Elite Living Remodeling.

Source: https://elitelivingremodeling.com/freestanding-bathtub/

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