Spring into a New Driveway
Every spring, property owners across the country take advantage of the end of the wet season to do some much-needed concrete work. At ABCD Builders, Inc., we regularly perform this kind of work at residents and businesses throughout the many dry days we enjoy here in Southern California. A great way to give your home a new look for spring is with a new driveway.
Take the uniquely patterned latticed driveway above, for instance. We installed this driveway as part of a complete exterior makeover, another popular way to spruce up a home for spring. There’s no difference between the concrete used for this driveway and the slabs usually installed on a plain driveway. The design is created with greater spacing between the slabs and modifications to their dimensions.
Because of the way the slabs have been staggered, this driveway has a look that’s one of a kind. It creates a look that’s both fresh and modern, with clean lines and symmetry. Upon closer inspection, you can see that a thin line of slabs has been laid in the center of the driveway. This makes it easy to separate the two halves of this two-car garage, like individual parking spaces in a public lot (but without those unsightly painted lines). It’s a look that’s both stylish and functional.
Spring is the perfect time to update your home with an exterior makeover like this. The driveway is just one place you can make noticeable, yet subtle, changes to your home. Also popular at this time of year are a new roof, fresh coat of paint, and upgrades to the windows, doors, and outdoor lighting. ABCD Builders can execute almost any design idea you can think of. Now is the perfect time to start envisioning a new look for your home.
Modern Style Can Work in Almost Any Home
Here at ABCD Builders, we have remodeled many homes and businesses using modern styling and design. Clean lines and an innovative use of materials help make the modern style a popular choice for many people who want to try a new look. The result can be some truly unique looks.
But what if your style is more traditional? After all, modern style is just one of many different ways you can decorate your space, as we detailed in last month’s blog. What many people don’t know is that you don’t have to remodel your home or business to inject a little modern style into your life.
Contrast is a growing trend among interior designers. By combining classic and modern elements, many people are now reaping the benefits of combining the best of both worlds. One new trend is the use of modern art pieces in otherwise classically decorated rooms. Surprisingly, even rooms with extremely Old World style – including busts and elegant chandeliers – can benefit from the strategic placement of an ultra-modern painting.
The basic design concept behind this trend is the concept of counterpoint. Although it may seem like modern art pieces might clash with an old school room, sometimes the play created between the two objects can enhance one another. The classic elements look that much more traditional in light of the modern art piece. And the art pieces themselves look much more provocative when placed in a classically styled room.
Sometimes, too much of one style can be overbearing. Introducing a little counterpoint into your home or office can help keep things interesting and show off your playful side. This strategy can work well as part of a remodel or to complement an existing space.
Finding The Right Home Style & Décor
Style: whether you realize it or not, you have one. But when it comes to your home, does the décor in every room match your personal style? Does the furniture go well with the architecture, the paint with the accents? If you want to get the most out of your home’s interior design, first you need to find the style that best suits you and complements your home’s existing elements. Here, we review some of the most popular home decorating style to help you figure out where you stand.
Traditional
Balance is important to you, in life and in your home décor. Your rooms are always laid out symmetrically, a virtual mirror image from side to side. You enjoy the look and comfort of classic furniture pieces. Classic, almost rustic, pieces evoke a warm sense of home. And the rich color schemes you choose allow you to make every room distinctly your own.
Country French
Old world elegance is the height of culture for you. You maintain yourself with a certain elegance, and you want your home to be a reflection of this fact. But that doesn’t mean you’re plain. Gilded accents and floral prints evoke your inner aristocrat. Your antique furniture is proof of your good taste, but the rustic elements that adorn your home let everyone know that you don’t take yourself too seriously. Rich blues and golds are your go-to colors, bathing your entire home in shimmering light.
Modern
At heart, you’re a minimalist. You like the simple beauty of clean lines and neutral colors. Bright and flashy is definitely not what you look for when you’re shopping for clothes, and the same goes for your furniture and home décor. However, the last thing you want your home to be is cold. Today’s modern style seeks to capture the essence of minimalist sensibilities while embracing the cozy touches that make your house feel like a home. We installed new flooring and doors to help create the perfect example of modern style pictured below.
Finding Your Style
These examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to home decorating styles. It’s likely that none of them fully encapsulate your particular style sense. If you’re looking to infuse a little more style into your home, a residential remodel might be your first step. Elements like new doors, flooring, cabinets, and windows can set the stage for you to restyle your home from the ground up.
In Need of a Home Makeover?
There are many reasons why you would want a home makeover. You may want to raise your home’s value and sales potential, so a fresh paint or a new roof might be in order. If you want to go green, you can replace your single-panel windows with energy-efficient windows and save on your monthly power bills. You may want to make your kitchen more functional as well as more visually appealing, and your bathroom may need new plumbing and better lighting. Perhaps you need another room, a nursery for the coming of another member of a family, or you just feel that your home has become boring and stale.
Instead of buying a new home, opt for a home makeover and save on your budget. The first thing you should do is to find a professional remodeling contractor for the job. ABCD Builders, Inc. gets the job done in a professional manner that fits your budget. Whether it is a simple or major renovation, you want a professional and experienced remodeling contractor who is going to finish the project on time, within your budget, and with superior craftsmanship.
You may think that you can save on your budget if you do the remodeling yourself. After all, you may be good at household tasks and you may have taken some carpentry lessons. However, home renovation is not one of those do-it-yourself jobs. Professional contractors such as ABCD Builders, Inc. are backed with years of training and experience in the field of construction and can handle the most challenging projects. They can assure you of complete customer satisfaction and stress-free home renovation experience.
If you want to save money, then plan ahead. Make all decisions before the work starts. Most delays are caused by indecision on small issues such as paint colors or faucet types. And when you have made up your mind, avoid too much change because every time you change your mind, no matter how small, it affects the flow of the job, and it might be costly in terms of money and in terms of the job’s projected completion time.
You might think that you can save more money when you buy your own materials but trusting your builders to buy the materials might be more practical because they may get better price than you since they deal with suppliers all the time. ABCD Builders, Inc. makes it a priority to involve you in every step of the project. They are there to help you set up a budget and a time frame for completion. They understand that time is money, so they assist you all the way, from the design and layout to the procurement of materials. They have a design team to give you recommendations on how to achieve the plans you have in mind. You can trust them to get the job done in a professional and courteous manner.
Using Careful Commercial Construction Planning
Taking on a commercial construction project needs careful planning. There are so many things to consider, such as materials, manpower, and other resources. The time frame is also important because delays can mean loss in terms of money.
Management skills are important in the success of a commercial construction. It can bring the project into completion within its allotted budget or it can go beyond the time frame and exceed the budget. The right contractors can be your ally in the success of a project, no matter how big or small it is.
A trusted contractor is needed to carry out the project. ABCD Builders, Inc. is a contracting company composed of a team who are experts and specialists in commercial construction. We are experienced in the field of construction and have the support of subcontractors who can handle even the most demanding construction projects.
Communication is critical during the planning stage and well into the completion of the project. ABCD Builders, Inc. understands the time and money involved in a commercial construction so we strive to provide excellent time and budget management to ensure that we deliver the job within the time frame that have been agreed upon.
Construction managers at ABCD Builders, Inc. are going to supervise the entire construction project and work with the rest of the staff to review plans and ensure that everything is in place even before work starts.
Contractors who are sometimes called construction managers should be on-site to inspect the progress and resolve issues as soon as possible. They have to see to it that schedules of delivery of the materials are on time.
As part of the planning, there must be careful recording to keep track of the profitability of the project, even as it is underway. Safety is also an important consideration. A site safety manager may be employed to keep the employees and contractors informed and in compliance with the laws and regulations involved in commercial construction. Violations of these safety regulations can result in fines and injuries.
All construction companies do not want to work at a loss. It may be unavoidable at times, but it should not be frequent, or the company cannot survive. ABCD Builders, Inc. knows this very well because it has been in the business for so long.
So many commercial construction projects are taking advantage of the advanced technology that is available today. There are computer software that make it possible to accurately calculate the amount of materials and labor needed for a certain commercial construction project. This kind of technology can make the planning stage easier and much more accurate.
Proper planning and adjustments throughout the project will minimize expenses and increase profits, and you are guaranteed to achieve this with the help of ABCD Builders, Inc.
Entrust Your Roofing with ABCD Builders
Whether it is for your commercial project or for your own house, we’ve got you covered with ABCD Builders. While a lot of homeowners focus on the intricacies of landscaping and of interiors, it has been a common mistake or tendency to undermine the crucial aspect of the roofing. For both residential and commercial projects, roofing should also be given importance. Fortunately, you can find one roofing contractor in California who will cater to your roofing needs in a budget-friendly, professional and time-bound manner.
Based in Sherman Oaks, ABCD Builders accepts roofing projects all throughout Southern California. Our team is comprised of well-equipped building and construction professionals and highly-experienced subcontractors whose long years of experience and long list of projects completed speak of their expertise. For your most complex roofing dilemmas, you can rely on our skills and knowledge to help you find your way through. We remain committed to our guarantee of on-time completion while managing the cost and without compromising safety and quality.
One of the most crucial factors that should be considered in looking for or choosing a project contractor is the variety in its portfolio. A contractor, like ABCD Builders, that has successfully handled both commercial and residential roofing projects will be more knowledgeable and skilled than those with experience in one line only. Though both commercial and residential roofing has the same ultimate purpose, which is to serve as covering from sun or rain, specific details may also vary.
Roof patterns for residential projects are expected to be different from roof patterns used in commercial complexes, malls, commercial spaces or buildings. The roof patterns are designed to match and fit specific design requirements for the structure, whether a house or a building. Residences also use lesser protrusions compared to commercial structures. The size of the on-site manpower is also another crucial factor. Residential roofing projects would only require 2 or 3 workers but commercial projects usually have a team of 5 or more, depending on the area of the project. Some commercial projects may even require the use of elevated work platforms and scaffolding. Commercial projects also highlight more critical factors for consideration such as heat discharge from heavy machinery in the building.
It will be our honor to be a part of your house or of your office. With our untainted reputation for honesty and integrity, you are assured of the results and of the service you truly deserve. Quality and efficiency have always been at the top of our priority list for ABCD Builders. The commitment to sound and safe structures is the heart of our company.
Residential Remodeling: Avoid These Costly Mistakes
Residential remodeling can be a blast. Not only can it help improve the appearance and usability of your home; it can also provide an exciting challenge, raise the value of your home, and give you a whole new perspective on the space in which you live. But before you make a trip to the local home improvement store and cinch up that tool belt, here are some common mistakes that many first time DIYers should avoid.
Using Cheap Construction Materials
Residential remodeling can be costly, so many homeowners look to maximize their efforts by scrimping on the cost of construction materials. In some cases, cheaper construction materials function just as well as their pricier counterparts. But, for the most part, cheap construction materials will generally make for a more difficult installation process and less durability in the long run. Plus, nobody wants their home to look cheap. Instead, budget your home improvement project so that you can afford quality materials. For instance, as any general contractor will tell you, buying cheap kitchen cabinets is usually a nightmare. But if you want to remodel your entire kitchen, you may have spent most of your cash on appliances or recessed lighting. Instead of opting for cheap cabinets, hold off until you can afford to spend a little more. Spacing out your projects incrementally can also help you offset the cost of better construction materials.
Skipping Building Permits
It may be tempting to avoid the hassle of city inspectors and fees in the short term, but you don’t want your residential remodeling to violate the building code. Every general contractor knows that although the chances of a building inspector showing up at random are rare, building without a permit can lead to serious problems down the road. Not only will it affect your ability to sell (in some cases, remodeling work will have to be brought up to code before a sell can take place), but any additions you have made without a permit will not factor into your square footage during appraisal. Add in the cost of fees and fines, and suddenly the cost of a building permit seems like a pretty good deal.
Being Your Own Contractor
Home remodeling projects usually have a general contractor for a reason: subcontractors can be difficult to schedule unless you have a background in managing them. Chances are, you’re not going to handle your residential remodeling project all by yourself. But if you hire a plumber and a tile installer to help with the more difficult aspects, you may run into unforeseen scheduling issues. If the backsplash is tiled before the sink is finished, for instance, you can run into a world of trouble. Hiring a general contractor helps ensure your home remodeling is on schedule and done right the first time.
It’s perfectly fine to handle those home remodeling projects that you’re experienced with by yourself. But for big jobs, there’s just no substitute for a general contractor. They can recommend the best materials, handle the city inspectors, and coordinate your project with maximum efficiency.
Get Your Home Ready for Winter: 10 Areas that Need the Attention
You may find yourself dusting off your sweaters and overcoats as the weather starts to cool down. Although you and your family may be able to keep warm underneath big heavy blankets, what about your home? Before the chill starts to settle into your bones get a head start and get your home ready for winter.
Taking the time to return your home back to its full potential to keep your family warm in the cold will pay off in the long haul. New homeowners experiencing their first winter need to do what they can to prepare their homes. At ABCD Builders Inc. their team of contractors can remodel or attend to troubled areas of the home that need attention before the cold takes over. They are prepared to give any home the special treatment within a tight budget for the homeowner. The holidays are quickly approaching and they understand that timeliness is vital for any home project, they are swift and efficient professionals who put their skills to the test for high customer satisfaction.
After renovations are complete be sure to get the simple things out of the way and get them done before the warmth of fall disappears. Several ABCD experts agree that every homeowner should give their homes to spa-like treatment before autumn is over. Below are 10 tips to follow.
1. Clean Rain Gutters
Remove all leaves and debris by hand or with a scraper, then rinse with a water hose. Clogged drains can form ice when temperatures drop and can lead to water leaks in the home. Keep track of misaligned gutters and repair for leaks to avoid flooding and water damage.
2. Reverse Ceiling Fans
It may seem silly, but fans that have a reverse option should be utilized all winter long to help circulate air. This will reduce the homeowner’s heating bill by blowing cool air up toward the ceiling instead of down.
3. Seal All Windows
For those that face severe conditions during rainy season it will be beneficial to change out or upgrade to more efficient windows. This will keep water and cold drafts from seeping in and will not let the heat escape from the inside.
4. Check the Furnace
A homeowner needs to be sure that their furnace air filter is running efficiently and provides clean air. A dirty filter blocks airflow, reduces efficiency and in worst cases cause fires. Reusable electrostatic or electronic filters can be washed to avoid multiple replacements.
If there is a long lasting smell, after turning on the furnace, the furnace may need to be cleaned and tuned by a professional.
5. Insulation
Check insulation in attics and crawlspaces to be sure that nothing has dislodged or fallen out. If ceiling joists in the attic are visible then the attic needs insulation.
6. Ductwork
Homeowners should be prepared to check that all ductwork is connected and insulated. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, they state that if air ducts are poorly insulated they are likely contributing to higher energy bills. It is important to seal ducts to prevent leaks in unconditioned areas, attics or crawlspaces. Qualified professionals will help install or repair ductwork to avoid losing up to 60 percent of heated air from a central heating systems, as statistics have shown.
7. Plug the Chimney
Ideally, chimneys are cleaned during spring, but they need to be checked before use. Make an appointment to have it cleaned and given a thorough inspection. Then have a protective cap to protect from rain and foreign objects.
An inflatable chimney plug can be used to the homeowner’s advantage. It will keep out cold drafts from blowing in and keep the warmth from escaping out.
8. Block Out Leaks
During the wet and windy months water infiltration, condensation and air leakage affects the home’s comfort the most. Close spaces and gaps under doors, and maintain or replace stripping around doors that lead outside.
9. Check Alarm Systems
This is the perfect time to avoid going out at 3 a.m. in the freezing, cold weather to replace batteries from a smoke detector that will not shut off.
Take the time to replace old detectors and test out new ones. Replace batteries and have backup batteries handy.
Check the fire extinguisher or buy one and have it somewhere near the kitchen.
10. Repair Shingles
Cracked and missing shingles can lead to water leaks. If shingles are missing or damaged purchase new ones and replace them before rain begins.
Now that your home is ready for winter, you can sit back and relax. You don not want to cover up with multiple layers just to keep warm, so make the upgrades to your home where they are needed. The professionals at ABCD Builders can help make renovations for you at affordable rates. Get your home prepared and be ready to have a happy and comfortable winter.
Five New Emerging Trends in the Construction Field
Five New Emerging Trends in the Construction Field
Today homes and offices are not looking to become the biggest and best thing imaginable. With a damping economy, property owners are looking to build with more value for their money. Homeowners today want their rooms to serve more than just one task, by downsizing they can save money, reduce maintenance and increase comfort. Staying updated with the latest design trends is something that the contractors of ABCD Builders Inc. prides themselves on. Learn about the innovative ways to build your property.
Southern California residents know how to be efficient and work with what they have, the contractors of ABCD Builders Inc. prove to be the best in the business to provide their customers with more value than what is expected. They understand how to utilize the homeowner’s vision and develop a unique, custom design. Whether it is simple renovation, or a complete home makeover, these professionals know how to tackle a project with style and within budget.
Building homes with easy access
Accessibility is probably the biggest quality property owners look for. As baby boomers age they think about what the homes will be like for years in advance. This means that single-story buildings, wheelchair ramps, arm bars and sturdy floors are on popular demand. Wider doors and hallways are a must, and the less use of stairs in the home, the better.
Greener is better
Home builders lean more towards energy efficient products that allow the homeowners to live comfortably and save money. Solar energy is not only helping the environment, but solar panels on a home are raising their market value which will give homeowners more in return when they decide to leave. Tankless water heaters and HVAC systems reduce operating costs and are common in green homes for continued cost savings.
Sustainable energy and zero emission homes are increasingly popular and are becoming the industry standard. According to the National Association of Home Builders, builders anticipate that by 2016, they will be dedicated to green building work on over 90 percent of projects. They believe that people are increasingly trying to do what is right for the environment. Now, green homes provide higher building performance, and that means lower bills.
Builders take on all the designing duties
Traditionally blueprints of new homes were generated and passed on to a contractor to redesign it with information that was not always the same as designed. Now, one stop and one approach is utilized in the engineers and coordination process. This speeds up the construction process, instead of two and a half years projects can be designed in two years or less.
Precision and accuracy improvements
Virtual design makes projects run smoother with computer aided design. The use of CAD software includes creating a 3D model of design, application of material and lighting effects and documenting the design with dimensions. This is utilized in mostly every design project, such as architecture, mechanical and engineering fields.
Efficient and more modular
The modular design is making a huge comeback. There are a number of benefits that come with modular design. Architects and contractors are excited about this because that means it requires less energy to complete and it results in faster production. The lower the building and operating costs, the better. For the homeowner that means the precise lining promotes air efficiency. Use of energy efficient glass and aluminum panels make designs more eco-friendly.
More and more trends of the past are making a comeback and evolving to serve the newer generation of homeowners. This means more environmental friendly products will be put to use to conserve energy and manage resources better.
ABCD Builders is a general contracting company that brings a new life to every construction project. By utilizing the latest technology and vision from their customers they provide the highest quality service for Southern California residents. Get a free quote and learn how their contractors can remodel your building with your creativity.
How To Repair Cracks In Your Homes Foundation
Your home’s foundation is tough, but over time it tends to crack. Minor cracking is not an issue, it is the larger cracks that show significant movement and can affect the home’s structural stability. Do not avoid these cracks in your foundation, take action. Repairing cracks will prevent spreading and help minimize the risk for more severe foundation problems. If your foundation or structural slab shows a multiple number of cracks that are larger than a quarter of an inch in width, have it examined by the professionals at ABCD Builders Inc. as we are the experts in home foundation crack repair Los Angeles.
A building’s foundation is there to support and hold together any structure above it. The ground itself is not always solid and never remains still. Without a foundation, a house is more likely to be cracked or damaged by natural causes. A foundation that is properly built is able to sustain abuse and remain safe for its residents. The most important functions that a foundation delivers are to bear the load of a building, anchor it against natural forces and to isolate it from ground moisture.
The contractors at ABCD Builders will tackle any challenge in repairing a home’s foundation. Concrete moves a fraction of an inch here and there, even when concrete is in its best conditions. Concrete expands on hot days and shrinks in cold ones. ABCD Builders determines what the condition is of the foundation and works together with customers to find a low budget solution.
According to an article from the Foundation Engineers Network, foundation performance considers the capability of the building to serve its purpose. A foundation that reflects poor performance may result from inadequate strength or insufficient stiffness. Some of its visible indications are cracking and separating of exterior walls.
What causes foundation problems?
Water is the primary problem in foundations. When water comes up against a foundation wall it exerts hydrostatic pressure, meaning that when water tries to escape areas of high pressure to areas with less pressure it can create moisture directly under the home or in the basement. As the moisture soaks into the concrete, over time the water damage weakens and cracks the foundation.
Other causes of foundation problems include:
Overload conditions that produce cracks (heavy vehicles or applications that rest too close to the foundation for an extended period of time)
Lack of proper control joints in foundation walls
Restraint of movement
Concrete was poured on frozen ground
How can I repair the cracks in the foundation?
Foundation repair requires professional knowledge and experience, it may be dangerous for a homeowner to assess the problem. Searching for a contractor that has experience and superior knowledge about home foundation is vital for a successful repair. ABCD Builders hires qualified professionals to serve residents in the Los Angeles area. Their contractors utilize many methods for successful foundation repairs. Some of the following services include:
Epoxy injections
Underpinning
Strapping
Epoxy injections are a used to fill in cracks in concrete slabs and walls, using a synthetic resin. It is a superior adhesive that is resistant to chemicals and water. The surface surrounding the crack is first cleared of any material and then the injection is filled in the crack. Staples are attached along the crack for stabilization. This method is used to prevent cracks from increasing in size and prevents moisture from soaking in the concrete.
Underpinning improves the support of the structure’s weight by increasing the depth or the width of the foundation. A structure that is too heavy for its foundation will crack the foundation and may even lead to deformation of the building’s walls. Underpinning will distribute the weight evenly and give the building extra support.
Strapping is a method that is used with epoxy injections to repair walls and cracks in the foundation. The carbon fiber straps are used to close and prevent the foundation from moving. When the walls have too much weight on them it can lead to movement in the foundation, and eventually the walls collapse. The straps will not allow any such movement.
Contact ABCD Builders Today For Home Foundation Crack Repair Los Angeles
The best for option made available to a homeowner is to call the experts at ABCD Builders Inc. They will determine what is causing the cracking and use the best solution to correct the home’s foundation.
