Powering your Electric Car with Solar: Ins and Outs

by San Diego Remodeling on August 10, 2010

solar charging electric carIt seems like electric vehicles (EV) are producing a lot of buzz lately!  From President Obama visiting an electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan to Nissan reporting it has over 16,000 reservations for its new plug-in vehicle, there is no stopping this new electric car! According to the Department of Energy’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Department of Energy will help deploy 13,000 new, grid-connected vehicles and put 20,000 charging stations in residential, commercial and public locations nationwide during the next few years1. What will the era of the electric car bring?  While the electric vehicle could indeed free us from dependence on foreign oil and save us a few bucks at the pump, it could also represent the dawn of a cleaner, greener source of transportation.  One of the main ways electric vehicles can be truly green is to have them be solar-powered. 

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How To Pick The Right Contractor

by San Diego Remodeling on August 4, 2010

bbb How To Pick The Right ContractorTips for Selecting a Contractor for your Home Remodel

Selecting the right contractor will be the biggest decision you’ll make when planning a home remodeling project. Pamela Mares from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) said they receive 20,000 complaints each year from homeowners that were not happy with the contractor they had selected or the job that they did.

It doesn’t have to be that way.  Before starting your San Diego home remodel, do your research on any contractor you’re considering for the job by getting answers to the following:

Licensed?

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Debunking Myths About Solar

by San Diego Remodeling on July 27, 2010

myth busted1 Debunking Myths About SolarThere are a few common myths regarding installing a solar electric system for your home. If you’ve been considering a solar system but have been concerned about those myths, let us debunk them for you.

Myth #1: It’s too expensive.

Unlike most products we buy, when we purchase electricity from the utility company, the more we buy, the higher the price-per-unit.   Hence, even a small solar system can benefit consumers because it will take them out of the highest-priced tier of energy usage.   With the 30% federal tax credit in effect for 2010, homeowners can see a complete return on their investment in as little as 5-10 years.

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Before Starting A Kitchen Remodel…

by San Diego Remodeling on July 20, 2010

custom kitchen remodel 300x199 Before Starting A Kitchen Remodel...There are some important questions to consider before beginning a kitchen remodeling project. Knowing the answers before you start will provide you and your contractor with a better idea of the scope of a project, ideas for designing the space, and clarity for some of the details you’ve envisioned.

Create a “dream kitchen idea binder,” and fill it with magazine clippings, pictures and design elements that inspire you. The web is obviously a great tool for ideas and information on the latest products and design elements.

A Design Build remodeler provides the professional design expertise that can take your ideas and integrate them into your dream kitchen.

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Designing the Perfect Master Suite

July 13, 2010

Master Suite

Most areas in your home are “community space,” like the kitchen, family and dining rooms. If you’re trying to capture a few moments of quiet “me” time in any part of the house you run the risk of being interrupted at any moment. But your bedroom is an oasis. It’s the one place in your home where you can relax in privacy.

Your bedroom then, should be exactly that, an oasis. A place of inviting comfort where you can wind down after a long day, or wind up before the start of a new one. Does your master bedroom qualify? If not, it’s time for a Master Bedroom remodel.

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What is Net Energy Metering for Solar Electric Systems?

July 7, 2010

smart meter blog What is Net Energy Metering for Solar Electric Systems?Among the buzz of solar these days is the concept of Net Energy Metering (NEM). NEM is a program for San Diego Gas & Electric homeowners and businesses with solar electric systems. Through interconnection with the power grid and your time of use meter, the net difference between the energy you generate with your solar system and the energy you receive from SDG&E is measured.

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What Should Be In Your Remodel Packet?

June 30, 2010

renovation Ms221 300x199 What Should Be In Your Remodel Packet?“To sell or to remodel?”  That’s Hamlet’s 2010 question. Many San Diego homeowners are choosing to hire a remodeling contractor to upgrade their home rather than chance putting their homes on the market. Projects, like a kitchen remodel or room addition, require professional experience.  Homeowners genuinely feel anxious when it comes down to signing on the dotted line. They’ve seen the “contractor never finished the job” horror stories on shows like KUSI’s Turko Files. Yet, finding a trustworthy general contractor can be as easy as going to one’s local BBB website.

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Dream It: The home remodel checklist

June 10, 2010

home remodel 1 300x252 Dream It: The home remodel checklistUndertaking a home remodeling project is an important and exciting decision for any homeowner. Whether you’re building a room addition to accommodate a growing family, or you want to modernize with a new kitchen & bathroom remodel, it’s important to be prepared, and to select a San Diego remodeling contractor who shares your vision.

To help you in the preparation process, here are some tips to help you plan:

Create a “remodeling wish list” and break up your desired features into categories.

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Launching A New Business Can Start At Home

June 1, 2010

office room addition 300x250 Launching A New Business Can Start At HomeMany new businesses begin at home. But the growth of these start ups often depends on how efficiently they can run. It’s no secret adequate space and infrastructure improves efficiency.

When launching a new business from your home, why not do it right — with a home office room addition, one that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home.

There are tremendous benefits of building a home-based office, both logistically and financially.

Logistical Benefits

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Restoring A Piece Of Local History

May 25, 2010
Before Restoring A Piece Of Local History

Before

Many of San Diego’s homes were built around the turn of the century. They may be small and simple, but they are creatively functional with a tremendous amount of charm. Whether your home is a Spanish-style cottage or a Bungalow, a home remodel offers exciting opportunities to both restore a piece of local history while creating a truly modern and elegant living space.

Project Overview

After1 Restoring A Piece Of Local History

After

Start by going over your project with a fully insured and licensed San Diego home remodeler. They’ll know the challenges unique to these homes as well as efficient ways to address them.

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