Smartening Up: Transforming Your Old Home into a Smart Haven

 

Upgrading your old home into a smart home is like giving it a key to the future. By integrating smart devices, such as programmable thermostats, voice-activated lighting, and security cameras, you not only enhance convenience but also increase energy efficiency and safety. This transformation begins with a reliable Wi-Fi network, followed by selecting compatible smart gadgets that cater to your lifestyle needs. Imagine adjusting room temperatures with a voice command or monitoring your home remotely; the comfort and peace of mind are unparalleled. This seamless blend of tradition and technology makes living not just easier, but smarter, turning your old home into a modern sanctuary.

Revamp your aging home into a modern oasis with Structura Remodeling. Our expert team specializes in home remodeling in Los Angeles, CA, transforming dated spaces into smart havens. Embrace innovation, efficiency, and style as we elevate your home to new heights of sophistication and comfort. Your dream home awaits!

Transforming Visions into Reality: Navigating the Home Renovation Journey

 

Embarking on a home renovation project is akin to setting off on an adventure. It's a journey that requires patience, careful planning, and an understanding of the process. Here are essential insights to guide you through your next home makeover, ensuring a rewarding transformation of your living space.

Understanding the Scope of Decisions:

When you begin a renovation, be prepared to make countless decisions – from selecting the perfect flooring to the placement of light switches. This multitude of choices can lead to decision fatigue. To navigate this, keep a clear vision of your desired outcome and prioritize decisions based on their impact on the overall project.

The Importance of Early Collaboration:

Engaging a design team at the project's onset is crucial. A skilled designer will guide you through construction plans, focusing on functionality, flow, and aesthetics. Collaborating with your contractor and architect, the design team can optimize every inch of your space, ensuring a layout that’s both beautiful and practical. Timely adjustments in the early stages are more cost-effective than mid-project changes.

The Financial Wisdom of Hiring Professionals:

Though hiring a designer adds to your budget, it's an investment that can save you money in the long run. Design professionals help avoid costly mistakes and design flaws. They can foresee potential issues in your original plans and suggest improvements that enhance the value and functionality of your home.

Bracing for the Messy Phase:

Renovations are disruptive. Your home will temporarily transform into a construction zone, with schedules and routines turned upside down. This phase is challenging, but understanding that it's a necessary step toward your dream home can help ease the stress.

The Transformation Process:

As the renovation progresses, you'll see your selections come to life. This phase is where the excitement builds as you begin to see your vision materialize. Each day brings you closer to the moment when the chaos subsides, and your newly transformed space emerges.

The Satisfaction of a Completed Renovation:

After the dust settles and the last contractor leaves, you'll stand in a space that's been tailored to your exact specifications. The journey, with all its ups and downs, culminates in a home that reflects your taste, meets your needs, and enhances your lifestyle.

Living in Your Revitalized Space:

Finally, the true reward of a home renovation isn't just in the enhanced aesthetics or the increased property value. It's in the joy of living in a space that's been thoughtfully redesigned, a space that resonates with your personal style and caters to your everyday life.

In conclusion, a home renovation in Los Angeles is a complex but ultimately rewarding endeavor. By understanding the process, collaborating with the right professionals, and keeping your vision at the forefront, you can ensure that your renovation journey is as smooth and successful as possible.

Structura Remodeling: Creating Warm and Inviting Dining Rooms

Imagine sitting down to a delicious meal in this dining room, surrounded by your loved ones. The warm wood and soft fabrics create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for conversation and laughter. The children love to sit on the bench, while the adults enjoy the comfortable chairs with armrests. After dinner, the bench can be used as a sideboard to display family photos and other cherished items.

Structura Remodeling can help you create a dining room that is both beautiful and functional. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to design a space that meets your needs and reflects your personal style. We offer a wide range of services, from kitchen and bathroom remodeling in los angeles to whole-house renovations. Contact us today for a free consultation on your next home remodeling project.

$40,000 CALHFA CALIFORNIA ADU GRANT PROGRAM A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

 

Whether it’s a granny flat, in-law suite, or cottage, all are common names for ADUs, all with the advantage of extra living space that’s sure to be the envy of every neighbor. A desirable addition with limitless uses, ADUs have become more popular in recent years. Still, for some people building an ADU can seem out of reach financially.

This is where the CalHFA grant comes in! A grant program creating housing opportunities for families all across the state, it provides funding to mitigate costs, making this project a reality to more and more homeowners. If you’re a California resident looking into building an ADU, or if you want to make an ADU in Culver City, California, for the extra space in your house, stick around and find out how to make the CalHFA California ADU grant program work for you!

 

WHAT IS AN ADU?

An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a second housing structure that’s built on the same lot as a primary living unit. Generally, they act as a fully functional living space to include a bathroom, kitchen, rooms and the like. ADUs come in many shapes and sizes to fit the lifestyle and needs of all homeowners; There’s something to fit every existing structure!

For example, an ADU can be attached to a ground level structure like most envision when they think of a home addition. They can also be attached above a garage or upper floor. Converting a garage or creating a basement are also ADU options. Finally, you can have a completely detached ADU that offers an entirely separate structure from the original. 

WHAT IS CALHFA?

CalHFA, or the California Housing Finance Agency, offers financing to California residents who fall into a lower income category. They also offer programs to the same demographic to aid in renting homes. CalHFA can also help first time home buyers navigate and secure loans and down payments. 

Among their portfolio are certain grant programs, the $40,000 ADU grant program being one of them. 

WHAT IS THE $40K CALHFA’S ADU GRANT AND WHO QUALIFIES?

The CalHFA ADU grant is best described by CalHFA itself stating, “The ADU Grant provides up to $40,000 towards pre-development and non-recurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADU. Predevelopment costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports.”

This grant program prides itself on $100 million in grants with a $40,000 maximum per family creating the potential for 2,500 ADUs to be financed. While the grant money is usually allocated by the end of the year, CalHFA continues to provide important information about the program making it possible for financiers to prepare grants for the following fiscal year. 

As far as who qualifies, the broad answer is California residents who are classified as low to moderate income households; There are income limits for this grant. Those figures in specific are determined county by county though. For examples, see the low income limits for popular counties below:

For specific low income limits and access to the county search tool, check out the CalHFA’s eligible limits website.

HOW DOES THE CALHFA’S ADU GRANT PROGRAM WORK AND HOW DO I APPLY?

In short, there’s 5 steps to the CalFHA ADU grant program process. The entire process has been streamlined making for a seamless process from start to finish. 

• Application: Homeowners will want to start by identifying approved lenders and then applying for a construction loan through one of those. They’ll then apply for the CalFHA ADU grant program via their application forms. 

• Loan Approval: At this point, the homeowner will have to wait on approval of the construction loan from their lender of choice. After receiving approval the lender can then grant prequalification to the homeowner for the $40,000 ADU grant.  

• Pre-Development: Any pre-development work needed on the project can start at this point, all paid through the construction loan acquired by the selected lender. The lender will now forward any invoices accrued from pre-development to CalHFA along with the original grant application. 

• Grant Disbursement: When and if CalHFA approves the homeowners grant, the money will then be dispersed to the construction loan account. The amount dispersed from the CalHFA California ADU grant program will lower the total principal owed. 

• Construction: Finally, it’s time to start the main construction on the ADU funded by the construction loan; The total cost of which was lowered by the ADU grant. 

As far as how it works with regard to the money disbursement, you won’t just receive the funds outright. If you’re approved for the CalFHA ADU grant program, they’ll combine the money with the loan you took out to cover the remainder of the construction costs. For example, if the total cost of your project is $150,000, your loan will pay $110,000 of the project cost with the CalHFA ADU grant taking care of the remaining $40,000.

CALHFA CALIFORNIA ADU GRANT PROGRAM PROS

There’s plenty of advantages to the CalHFA California ADU grant program. Take a look at some of them below when making the decision to apply. 

1. No Repayment: Let’s be honest, the fact that the CalHFA ADU grant program requires no repayment is the best advantage of all. Pre-development costs can come at a hefty price depending on the type of project. The fact that you can put $40,000 of free cash toward this bottom line only gives you more to spend elsewhere. 

2. Increase in Property Value: This grant helps to propel your property into a higher value bracket. More space isn’t all the ADU adds; It offers a unique flex space not found in your average home. Taking advantage of the grant to complete your project means more resale value on the other end. It’s truly a win-win!

3. Reasonable Qualifications: The basic qualifications for this grant are very fair. For instance, you need to be a full time employee and at least 18 years old. You need to be a U.S. citizen and resident in the state of California for at least 3 months prior to submitting an application.

 
4. Borrowing Power: You can go into the grant process knowing that you’re going to be on the winning side of borrowing power. Secondary loans typically grant higher borrowing power so long as your credit score and finances are in order. That power combined with the $40,000 ADU grant means more than enough for project completion. 

CALHFA CALIFORNIA ADU GRANT PROGRAM CONS

Before starting the application process for the CalHFA California ADU grant program, it’s important to consider these drawbacks. 

• Grant Cap: This particular grant has a cap of $40,000 per household. While that’s no small number, it might not cover the majority of a larger project. Depending on the home owners finances, it may not be an affordable project even with the granny money in hand. 

• Income Limit: Depending on your financial situation and the county you reside, the CalHFA grant might not be an option for your ADU project. Even the slightest overage on dollar amount can disqualify you from the grant process. 

• Specified Use: The CalHFA grant can only be used for pre-development purposes such as surveys, permits, site prep and similar construction preparation or on non-recurring closing costs. It will not cover anything outside of these parameters. 

• Timeline: Since the ADU grants coincide with a construction loan and these loans have to be repaid short term, the repay timeline can be stressful. Likewise, construction on these loans have to be finished on a short timeline.

ADU GRANT VS ADU LOAN

When it comes to the financial aspect of funding your ADU, many people get lost in the weeds with the terminology. Simply put, an ADU grant is money toward your project that does not need to be paid back. An ADU loan on the other hand, needs to be paid back to the lender within the specified timeframe agreed upon in your loan process. 

This seems easy enough but the CalHFA ADU grant leaves some scratching their heads when it states you need a loan too. The reason for the ADU loan is to cover actual construction costs for your project. Remember, the CalHFA grant only applies to pre-development costs incurred by your build. You’ll need a loan to cover the rest. 

While the CalHFA grant is great, it’s best to get pre-approved from a lender for the estimated construction cost before you do anything else. The amount they are willing to loan hinges on your income, credit, and many other factors. See what you can afford by the lender’s standards prior to moving forward. 

WHAT ARE MY LOAN OPTIONS?

There’s several types of loans you can apply for to build your ADU. Here’s a quick rundown of the top choices:

• Construction Loan: The most common loan surrounding this topic is a construction loan. These loans usually come with a fixed interest rate, total customization in the building process, a lower monthly payment and other notable benefits. Unfortunately, they do require a larger down payment and you will have to refinance once construction is complete. 

• HELOCs: A home equity line of credit is another frequently used loan for ADUs and in short, means you’re using your current home’s equity as collateral for the loan. HELOCs allow you to use what you need rather than being loaned a lump sum and they often come with a low APR given that you qualify. You should consider the risk you take in using your home as collateral though, especially when it reduces the equity you’ve built in your home. 

• Refinancing: Also making use of the home equity you already have, refinancing your current mortgage could help in paying for your ADU. Unlike HELOCs, you’ll acquire a lower rate and have the opportunity for a fixed rate mortgage if you’re coming from an adjusted rate loan. It’s important to remember, monthly payments could be larger depending on what you select. The upfront cost might be too much to handle for some, even though the long term savings are worth considering. 

• Renovation Loan: The option for renovation loans is great for those with a smaller down payment of around 3.5% and a lower credit score (even as low as 600). Oftentimes you’re able to borrow more than other loan programs depending on what the home will appraise for upon completion. These loans can be a pain though, requiring detailed scheduling from the contractor that goes beyond the normal scope of things. 

Keep in mind, this is just a shortlist of the loan options you have for your ADU financing. While less conventional, you could always take on a personal loan or even use credit cards if you have the available limits for such a project. 

WHO WILL FINANCE AN ADU LOAN FOR MY CALHFA GRANT?

Once you decide on which loan type you want to take out, it’s time to find a lender. Not all lenders offer ADU loan programs, especially ones familiar with the CalFHA grant. Even so, there’s enough to give you the choices you need. For an exhaustive list of these lenders by county, you can use CalHFA’s approved lender search tool. Here’s some of the approved lender to get you started:

• Envoy Mortgage
• Supreme Lending
• Platinum Home Mortgage
• New American Funding
• Loandepot.com

Always check with your current lender to determine if they offer ADU loans. While several of the lenders mentioned above are larger companies, it’s worth looking into local lenders and any incentives they may offer within. 

STEPS IN BUILDING YOUR ADU USING CALHFA’S GRANT

Grant process aside, the steps of actually building your ADU has its own procedures. While it’s an intricate project with no lack of moving parts, the steps below give you a birds eye view of the operation.

1. Acquire Contractor: One of the most important decisions you’ll make in the ADU build process is your choice in contractor. It’s important to pick someone who is known for meeting deadlines and who communicates well. Be sure they’re licensed and insured and someone who specializes in or is at least familiar with the ADU building process. Price is always on consideration as well. To ensure you’re not being taken advantage of, try getting multiple bids on the project for comparison purposes. 

2. Financial Review: Explained in detail in the “How Do I Apply” section above, you’ll find the steps you need to take in order to receive the CalHFA funding and how that fits into your loan. That aside, you’ll want to review your contractor’s bid, decide which financing option best fits your needs, and discuss adjusting your design if need be based on your project’s total cost. 

3. Feasibility Study: This study is a crucial part of the build process as it ensures your build is doable given the utilities from the main house, available lot space, local requirements, and the like. Ensuring that your space is viable for the project and meets building code will save you a huge headache in the end, avoiding possible pitfalls that are identified in the study itself. 

4. City Consult & Permitting: If all is well with the feasibility study, your contractor can now submit a complete set of drawings to the city. Alongside these drawings, they’ll begin working on the permitting needed for everything. Pulling these permits allows the work to be done legally and safely for all involved.

5. Finalize Aesthetics: Probably the most fun step in the process is finalizing the materials used in your ADU build. Most people already have an idea of how they’d like their ADU to look both inside and out. If not, their contractor can supply them with 3D mock ups and material options from siding to flooring.

6. Construction Begins: Finally, with all the nitty gritty details pegged down, your build out can officially begin! Completion times vary depending upon how big or small your project is and what customizations are being added. You can usually expect a build from beginning to end to take anywhere from 7 to 16 months. 

CONCLUSION

An accessory dwelling unit can serve many purposes that are beneficial for expanding families, guests and the like. Even so, it’s no secret that finances can pose an obstacle in making this dream a reality. That’s why the CalHFA California ADU grant program is worth investigating. This grant program takes the sting off the bottom line, offering a more affordable project with the extra space many families want or even need.

7 KITCHEN COUNTERTOP REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR YOUR DREAM COOK SPACE

There’s no question that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply gathering for a family meal, everyone always ends up in the kitchen. It’s no wonder then why kitchen remodeling Encino are usually at the top of every homeowners Wishlist. After all, it serves not only as a functional space but also as an entertainment hub!

While most homeowners are willing to take on some simple DIYs to create the kitchen of their dreams, a kitchen countertop replacement is a whole different ball game. If you’re planning to replace a kitchen countertop but you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Find out the factors to consider, material options and more right here!

FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR A KITCHEN COUNTERTOP REPLACEMENT

The decision to replace a kitchen countertop comes with several factors to consider, all of which you’d be smart not to neglect! Keep in mind the factors below when narrowing down your replacement selections.

Price: One of the most important factors in a kitchen countertop replacement is your budget. Nothing’s worse than finding a material you love only to find it’s out of your price range. Consider your budget for the product, coupled with the amount needed and research each material’s average cost for that amount first. 

Cleanliness: Not all countertops are created equal when it comes to level of cleanliness. Quartz for instance is a very hygienic option as it’s non-porous. More porous surfaces like stone can be used but yearly sealing is a must to keep them safe and clean for use.  

Durability: With different measures of durability, you want to make sure your replacement matches your expectations for longevity. Materials like granite have a great deal of durability, whereas materials like tile are more susceptible to cracks and chips. 

Color: The color of your countertops doesn’t boil down to aesthetic preferences alone; Though the color itself does have the power to mold your kitchen into the design that fits your personal vibe. It’s important to note that darker counters will show more in the way of streaks and food particles.

1. GRANITE

Pros: Granite has been among the most common kitchen countertop replacement options for some time now. No slab looks alike and its wide variety of color options is a huge draw. Differences in the granite veins also give this material a unique look. A non-porous material, it’s a clean surface that holds its own against heat, cracking and the like. 

Cons: There are a few concerns to remember though. Granite is a very heavy material. You’ll have to be sure your countertops or subsurface are strong enough to withstand their weight. Their patterns also vary. Know that when you pick the color and style you like, the product you get might not be an exact match. 

2. WOOD

Pros: If you’re searching for a touch of the natural, wood countertops are for you. They have the ability to create a warm, homey feeling. With a natural antibacterial agent, they make for a safe cutting surface. They’re also one of the most eco-friendly countertop replacement options. Wood also comes at a much lower cost per square foot, making it a more affordable choice depending on the variety of wood. 

Cons: Wood countertops need to be oiled frequently for protection. Even with this protection, wood is still vulnerable to much damage; Including scratches, water damage, heat damage, dents and the like. All of these potential damages require a good bit of time, maintenance, and resources to fix.

3. QUARTZ

Pros: Hands down the most popular kitchen countertop replacement material in recent years, quartz isn’t just pleasing to the eye. Similar to granite in many ways, you can find it in many patterns. Its low maintenance factor makes it incredibly appealing as it requires no sealing and cleans well. It’s also stain resistant and non-porous making it highly durable. 

Cons: Even though the slabs look polished, the fact that the seams are often noticeable are a drawback. These counters do have heat resistance but somehow their level of resistance doesn’t match up to that of granite. Last and maybe the hardest pill to swallow is the cost. If you’re looking for affordability, quartz isn’t your best bet. 

4. LAMINATE

Pros: Laminate can get a bad rap sometimes, but it does have some noteworthy qualities when it comes to a kitchen countertop replacement. Namely, it’s an affordable choice with easy clean up and a stain resistance finish. It’s manufactured in a color that’s sure to suit any preference and usually a quicker install as it only requires simple cuts. 

Cons: Unfortunately, laminate countertops are near impossible to repair. They’re extremely susceptible to wear and tear and they’re not expected to last nearly as long as other materials. Laminate isn’t most people’s first choice either and wouldn’t have a positive affect on your home’s resale value. 

5. ENGINEERED STONE

Pros: You don’t have to worry about engineered stone’s beauty being interrupted with seams as the entire top surface is one solid piece. A non-porous material, it’s resistant to cuts and Knicks making food prep a breeze. With engineered stone you get the gorgeous look of natural stone at a much lower cost. 

Cons: These countertops are super heavy and require a special frame that comes at a high cost. They’re also not entirely heat resistant. This can become an inconvenience in more than one way. Obviously, you’ll want to be cautious about placing pots and pans directly on the counter. Likewise, if you have any countertop appliances, you’ll need to be sure they aren’t producing too much heat at their base. 

6. TILE

Pros: While tile countertops might not be for everyone, they make for a unique and artistic look that won’t go unnoticed. A strong material with endless design and color options, it’s great at resisting stains and wear and tear. Another bit of good news – any cracks and chips are easily remedied with a simple tile replacement. 

Cons: Grout lines can be an issue harboring germs and crud. They’ll require re-sealing in order to reduce this issue year after year. Tiled countertops also tend to be uneven which can become a problem with using cutting boards and such. 

7. MARBLE

Pros: An attractive surface with tons of character, the softness of marble allows for even more detailed cuts than other stones. It’s also a fan favorite in the baking crowd since it naturally stays cool. This makes it perfect for rolling dough! A long-lasting option, it’s sure to draw in homebuyers when the time comes to sell.

Cons: Marble’s beauty comes at a cost that many aren’t willing to spend on a simple kitchen countertop replacement. It requires a lot of maintenance and sealing. Similarly, it does stain more than other surfaces due to its porousness. They can also take on some significant scratching that is very hard to repair. Marble also has the potential to undergo patina, a process where oxidation changes the original color. 

8. CONCRETE

Pros: As you may have guessed, concrete countertops are particularly durable. They’re also easy to maintain, only requiring resealing every few years. One of the best aspects of concrete counters though is their customization. With an impressive number of options, you can select different textures, edges, and even decorative particles mixed in.

Cons: Concrete countertops aren’t as cheap as many may think. The main reason is due to the amount of labor and expertise required. They’re also fairly vulnerable to chipping and staining. They’re definitely not among the mainstream choice for a kitchen countertop replacement. 

9. STAINLESS STEEL

Pros: Offering a polished look (literally), stainless steel creates a bright and clean cooking space. A non-porous surface, it’s water resistant and the arguably the most hygienic countertop option. It doesn’t burn or stain and is very easy to clean and maintain over time.

Cons: If you do decide to place pots and pans on these counters, the contact with metal pans could risk denting and scratching. They’re also on the higher end when it comes to price. Last, they tend to give off a more industrial look in certain situations; Sometimes even unwelcoming.