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This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Most of the time, trends are a result of what has been popular today and yesterday, but we wanted to take a look at what design ideas are not only popular today, but will continue to grow in the future. The National Association of Home Builders recently announced their awards for innovative and creative designs for builders, remodelers, architects, developers, and interior designers across the nation.

In looking at the winners and all that was submitted, here are some of the trends that builders and designers see as the future in home design and remodeling:

1. White kitchens

The white-on-white kitchen continues to be popular in all types of styles, from modern to traditional. White cabinets with white counter tops and a white back splash offer a clean, simple look that more and more homeowners are falling in love with.

2. Double islands

The efficient use of space and multi-functionality of a double island is another kitchen trend that designers are seeing more and more of. Many times, one island may be used for cooking and preparing while the second island is a place for serving and dining. And depending on the space you’re working with, these islands can be either back-to-back or side-by-side.

3. Combining materials

It appears that gone are the days where you had to decide to either go with natural materials (wood, stone) or more modern elements (steel, glass). Many homeowners and designers are now combining these materials and textures for new modern-traditional looks.

4. Spa bathrooms

The trend in thinking of your bathroom more as a spa than a utility room is continuing to grow. Homeowners are splurging for things like luxurious vanities, modern rain showers, and the newest trend: centered bathtubs. Bathtubs are being pulled away from walls and corners and put in the center of the room like an art sculpture.

5. Escape rooms

Whether it’s a man-cave, a game room, or a home theater, rooms dedicated to fun, relaxation, and family-time are becoming more and more popular. Families are realizing that you don’t have to go out to have a good time.

6. Bars and wine rooms

Likewise, wine rooms and bars are becoming increasingly more popular and are no longer only for the wealthy or for wine connoisseurs. Even if you don’t have the space to dedicate an entire room, wet-bar nooks and decorative wine racks can still add style to a room and promote the idea of relaxation and entertaining with friends and family.

7. Outdoor rooms

Pools, lawns and expansive backyards aren’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors anymore. Many homeowners are finding more creative ways to incorporate indoor-outdoor living spaces: rooftop landscaping, screened in rooms, or even foldable walls can all be utilized to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors with the convenience of being indoors.

8. Smaller entryways

Large entries used to be popular to make a grand statement as you enter the house. But more and more, we are seeing large pivoting doors that enter into the main living space. Maybe homeowners are wanting to use that extra square footage to take advantage of some of the other design ideas above.

If you’re inspired by any of these ideas and are thinking about ways to improve your living space, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your ideas. Please visit us at https://starnorthapartments.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

It might seem like summer if still a ways off, but now is the time to start planning if you want to add a stunning new deck or patio that is the talk of the neighborhood. To ensure that you have the go-to spot for backyard BBQs and summer get-togethers, here are nine helpful tips and design ideas to give your backyard a make-over.

1. Build a beautiful wood deck

A new wood deck will not only give your backyard a beautiful new look, but it will also give you and your family a new living and entertaining space. Here are a list of wood options that are both bug and rot resistant while offering an appealing natural color to your yard: Ipe, Redwood, Western Red Cedar, Mahogany. One important thing to keep in mind is that if you decide on wood from South America, be sure that it is harvested responsibly. Additionally, there are also a number of synthetic material options (mock lumber) that can still offer the look and durability of real wood.

To ensure a clean, simple look, talk to your builder about concealing the support. Hidden fasteners and other such options will leave your deck with a clean, simple look. Additionally, it’s important to use stainless-steel or coated screws. These will last longer and will resist corrosion.

2. Consider levels

Depending on your space, consider building up and not just out. Adding a second level to your deck, not only doubles your living and entertaining space, but it can also really add aesthetic appeal as well, especially if a second level is used to break up a long flight of stairs on an elevated deck.

3. Know your railing options

Consider the pros and cons of using railings. If a railing is not required by your local codes, consider eliminated them altogether to free up your view. Additionally, an alternative to railings might be stairs or steps that run the length of one side of the deck. These will make a natural transition into the yard.

On the other hand, if you prefer railings or they are required due to the height of the deck, consider your material options so that your railings are not only functional but also enhance the visual appeal. For instance, glass, metal, vinyl and cabling are different alternatives to wood that may compliment the appearance of your deck and yard.

4. Build a concrete patio

While a wood deck can be a stunning addition, it is not the only option. Depending on your space, budget or taste, a concrete or brick patio might be a better option for you. Concrete patios are extremely durable and need little to no maintenance. And when you think of the word “concrete” don’t just envision a bland gray rectangle. Concrete or brick patios can be adapted to any style, built in virtually any shape, and there are even a variety of color and texture options available.

5. Create shade

Consider adding a pergola overhead. Not only does this create shade and transform your deck or patio into an outdoor room, but it can also be a great functional aid: a place to attach speakers, fans, lighting and plants.

6. Add an outdoor kitchen/BBQ

Whether you add a wood deck, concrete patio, or both, you will probably want to consider including an outdoor kitchen and BBQ area. In fact, these are often the central focus of your backyard entertaining space. Talk to your builder in the design stage to keep in mind location, storage, and the type of appliances you want.

7. Add on fire and/or water features

Adding a fire pit or water fountain could be just the right finishing touch to your new backyard. A fire pit can be a great gathering place for friends and family at night. While a water feature creates a calming ambiance and may help to block outside noise like busy streets or loud neighbors. And both of these options enhance the natural aesthetic of your outdoor living space.

8. Change up the geometry

Work closely with your designer to build a deck, patio, or landscaping that is not only functional, but visually stunning. Instead of large, plain rectangles, consider curves, odd angles, and asymmetrical designs.

9. Plan ahead!

Every detail counts. And working closely with your builder in the planning stages can go along way in the finished appearance of your outdoor space. If you think early on about all the amenities you want, the builder can account for them during construction – things like wiring, lighting, storage, benches, planters, speakers, etc.

April is already upon us! Don’t wait too long to start planning your amazing new summer backyard space. To take advantage of our decades of experience in home and yard renovations, please visit us at https://starnorthapartments.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

• BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

Murfey Construction, known for state-of-the-art custom-built homes, remodels and commercial buildings, is now focusing on constructing a residence for people with special needs. The Murfey team — brothers Scott and Russell — will build Noah Homes, two 5,000-square-foot residences designed for people with disabilities on an 11-acre campus in Spring Valley.

The Murfeys recently broke ground for the project and construction will start in June. When finished, the project will be home to 70 people with Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy and a support staff of 70.

While there has been a home for people with special needs on the property since 1983, the Noah Homes will also provide a residence for people with Alzheimer’s. This will be the first time in California that an assisted-living home for people with special needs will include people with Alzheimer’s.

“People with Down Syndrome have a 95-percent chance of developing Alzheimer’s,” Scott Murfey said. “In the past, that meant people with Down Syndrome had to leave the home where they’ve been cared for a long time and move to an Alzheimer’s facility where the staff may not know how to attend to their particular needs, and then their life expectancy changes.”

Noah Homes will allow people with Down Syndrome, who have lived there a long time, to continue being cared for there, with hospice, if needed, to extend their lives as long as possible.

“We’re working with UCSD and scientists, experts and consultants to build the most user-friendly special needs assisted-living Alzheimer’s clinic in the nation,” Scott Murfey said. “We’re trying to make it a model we can replicate in different parts of the country. This is an exciting project that we’re very proud of.”

A fundraising campaign is underway to help finance Noah Homes, and San Diego County Supervisor Diane Jacobs has been instrumental in helping the drive.

“We’re acting as the owners representatives and construction manager of the project — overseeing all the consultants and coordinating all the pre-construction — and then managing the construction,” Scott Murfey said.

Murfey Construction just completed (and sold) every townhome in their Famosa townhome project in Point Loma, and the new owners take possession of their units this month. The company also recently poured the foundation for a 36-unit apartment building in Hillcrest, on the corner of Washington and Eighth Ave. It is scheduled for completion in early 2016.

• Murfey Construction, Inc.

• 1571 La Playa Ave., San Diego

• (858) 352-6864

• (619) 857-1549

• murfeyconstruction.com

• noahhomes.org

The Business Spotlight features commercial enterprises that support the La Jolla Light.

No doubt there are numerous advantages to adding on to your home: increased living space, room for a growing family, additional sunlight, increased home value, etc. And while many times the purpose of your addition or the specific space you are dealing with will determine how and where you add on, many times you have the option – to build out or to build up? There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so before you decide what is best for your home, consider the following:

Building Out

The majority of home additions occur on the first floor. Building out just makes more sense for additions to the kitchen, the living room, or is more affordable if the house is a single-story. The large pieces to this project include digging up the yard where the addition will be, installing a new foundation or slab, and opening up the existing exterior where it will link the new construction.

Pros- One of the biggest advantages to building out is that it entails the least amount of disruption to your home and daily life. For the most part, the construction will take place outside your existing space. Additionally, for smaller additions, you may be able to do a bump out, which means you would not need additional foundation or slab work.

Cons- The first obvious disadvantage is that you’d be losing some of your yard space, so you need to weigh this loss against the advantage of increased square-footage of your home. Secondly, you may run into zoning issues if you’re within the property line setback, which dictates how far your home must be from your neighbor’s property. You also need to check your city’s limitations when it comes to Floor-Area-Ratio rating. This sets forth what percentage of a lot can be built on. But an experienced contractor will be able to help you with all of these logistical issues.

Building Up

Building out, however, is not the only option. Whether you live in a one story and want to add a second level, or if you are already in a two-story home and want to expand that second floor, building up is often a viable and advantageous option. In this case, the contractor would have to expose the foundation and wall structure in order to reinforce and strengthen the existing space to be able to support the new additional weight.

Pros- Gaining without losing. When you build up, you gain square-footage to your home without losing any yard space. You also don’t have to worry about limitations like Floor-Area-Ratio and property line setbacks.

Cons- As you can imagine, there is generally a lot more invasive construction involved with building up. Walls and ceilings have to be torn up to add more structural support as well as to connect all the appropriate electrical, plumbing and heating lines. If you’re adding a second story to an existing single-story home, then you also have to account for the stairwell which can take up to 120 square feet or more of your living space. Lastly, you may run into issues with high allowance. You’ll need to check your city’s ordinances.

As you can see, there is no one right answer. Each house will have it’s own unique set of benefits and limitations. Whether you’re considering building out or building up, to discuss your home addition with experienced professionals, please visit us at https://starnorthapartments.com.

Over 25 Million Monthly Unique Users Rated Top-Rated Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in the United States and Around the World

San Diego, CA, January 30th, 2015 – Murfey Construction of San Diego, CA has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” for Design & Customer Satisfaction by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The5 year old general contractor was chosen by the more than 25 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 500,000 active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Design and Customer Satisfaction. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 25 million monthly users on Houzz, known as “Houzzers.” Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014. Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2015” badge on their profiles, helping Houzz users around the world who discover and love a professional’s work to learn even more about that business’ popularity and satisfaction rating among their peers in the Houzz community.

Jesse Lyons, Business Development Manager said, “We are so lucky to have had so many amazing clients to work with this past year. To be able to share a glimpse of their homes and stories on Houzz is a privelidge. To be awarded a Best of Houzz award is truly an honor.”

“Houzz provides homeowners with a 360 degree view of home building, remodeling and design industry professionals, empowering them to engage the right people and products for their project,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of industry marketing for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recognizeMurfey Construction among our “Best Of” professionals as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

Follow Murfey Construction on Houzz http://www.houzz.com/pro/murfeyconstruction/murfey-construction

About Murfey Construction

Murfey Construction is a San Diego based general contractor who specializes in high-end custom homes, commercial mixed-use developments, and just about any other construction project. In addition, Murfey Construction has the ability to provide both construction management and consulting services. Murfey Construction prides itself in fulfilling promises. There are several ways of getting projects built, and we have experience in all of them. Murfey Construction can perform all of your construction needs. We value open communication, and are committed to every project as if it were our own home. We build a lifestyle. So, the only question remaining is, how do you want to live?

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin and Sydney. For more information, visit www.houzz.com

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

As we close out another year, many of us look forward to the rejuvenated possibilities and fresh starts that a new year presents to us. One way that new opportunity might manifest itself is in giving some part of your house a make-over. In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders, home remodeling is at an all-time high, and it’s anticipated that it will only continue to grow in 2015. Here are ten of the home remodeling trends that we anticipate to see a lot of in the coming year:

1. Cabinets: The trend here is definitely fresh and simple cabinets with a modern look and feel. As a more affordable option, some people are refinishing their existing cabinetry to try and achieve that updated feel.

2. Countertops: While beautiful and durable granite is still a favorite, there is another strong, nonporous material called Caesarstone that is quite popular. Caesarstone is a quartz composite (93% quartz) that is resistant to stains, scratches and heat, and also doesn’t need sealing. In comes in a wide variety of colors, uses recycled material, and is easy to clean.

3. Backsplashes: When using granite or Caesarstone countertops, a natural stone or tile mosaic backsplash is an excellent compliment. They add texture and an extra visual component. Many of the more modern kitchens are using a glass backsplash to finish off a clean, polished look.

4. Sinks: The most popular current trend in sinks right now is the deep, single bowl. While the single-bowl size is large enough to accommodate pots and pans, people are utilizing fitted strainers and dish drains to maintain the benefit of a double sink. As for materials, stainless and quartz composites are popular for the bowl, while satin nickel is still most popular for the fixtures.

5. Color: To create the sophisticated modern look in the kitchen that works well with the natural stone of countertops and backsplashes, we are seeing a lot of charcoal shades, along with black and white.

6. Bathrooms: This next year will see many people knocking down walls and expanding their bathrooms to create that luxurious spa environment. It will continue to be popular to either rip out the tub to build a large walk-in shower or create separate tub and shower areas altogether. Other popular upgrades include double vanities and separate water closets.

7. Flooring: Pre-finished wood flooring is a popular trend as it offers a durable finish, easy installation, and come in a variety of colors, designs and textures.

8. Universal Design: The idea of universal design is to create a home that is customized to accommodate everyone living in it. This includes kitchen and bath upgrades to increase functionality and in general, knocking down walls to create a roomier, open, communal living space.

9. Green homes: 2015 will continue to see homeowners opting for a living space that is free of toxins and chemicals. Additionally, people are also becoming more and more energy-conscious which is reflected in the move towards energy-efficient appliances, materials, and designs.

10. Outdoor space: Not only are we seeing all of the above upgrades and additions to the houses themselves, but this next year will continue to see a growing focus on the outdoor space. This includes outdoor fireplaces, livable-screened porches, and luxurious eating and socializing areas.

These are just a few of the trends that we anticipate seeing continue and expanding into 2015. If you are considering one of these or any other home remodel, please take advantage of our 40+ years or experience and visit us at https://starnorthapartments.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

In San Diego, we normally don’t have to worry about winter weather. Our pipes aren’t going to freeze, and we aren’t going to spend our mornings shoveling driveways. But with weather forecasters all over Southern California predicting an El Niño winter, and a big one at that, it’s important that we properly prepare for the coming rainy months and all the possible problems that they can cause homeowners. While you still might not get any sympathy from those living in Buffalo, these seven tips could help you and your house stay dry while at the same time save you money in the long run.

1. Prepare for mudslides. This is a real concern for many homeowners in San Diego County, especially those living in La Jolla. But there are precautions you can take to help prevent the worst from happening.

• Be informed. Mudslides usually occur in places where they have happened in the past. Know your land and your area’s history to assess the potential risks. Also be up to date on your insurance policy and what is and is not covered.
• Educating yourself about your property will help you understand if you need to build retaining walls or deflection walls, to direct debris flow around your structure.
• It’s a good idea to install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas and water leaks.
• You may want to stock up on sandbags and other similar barrier material.
• Lastly, be sure to have am emergency kit, evacuation plan, and phone numbers to local fire and police stations. Getting help immediately, could save your house from damage.

2. Repair and clean rain gutters. While mudslides may be the biggest potential catastrophe, damage to your roof and walls can still be very costly. Clean out dirty and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. And when repairing gutters, use extra-long lag screws as they tend to be stronger and will hold better.

3. Fix cracks in concrete. While concrete does have a tendency to crack, it can get much worse during winter. If water gets into the cracks and softens the ground underneath, the cracks will worsen and multiply. For cracks up to a quarter inch, you can use concrete caulk. For larger cracks, use concrete patch. It’s better to repair cracks now instead of repairing whole patios and driveways later.

4. Paint over water damage and rusty fixtures. The problem with painting over water stains is that they won’t go away unless you use a primer-sealer first. And although messier, the oil-based sealers will work more effectively than water-based. When it comes to rusted outdoor fixtures, there are now paint additives that will help the paint stick to rust and help stop corrosion from continuing. If left untreated, rusty features will eventually lock up. To prevent this, keep fixtures like gate latches, hinges, etc. well lubricated. In this case, heavy grease will work better than light oil or silicon from spray cans as they often evaporate.

5. Energy tune up. Along with preventing and managing water damage, there are also ways in which you can save money this winter when it comes to heating your home. First, it’s a smart idea to get a professional energy audit. It is worth it in the long run to have a qualified contractor come to your house for an in-depth energy assessment. Along these same lines, it is a good idea to have your heating system checked out and tuned up, and you might also want to install a new programmable thermostat. While all of these items require an upfront cost, you will be saving money in the long run by having your house’s energy and heating running efficiently.

This article originally appeared on The San Diego Business Journal.

Real estate and capital services provider HFF has secured $7.46 million in construction financing for a planned 36-unit apartment building in Hillcrest, being developed by San Diego-based Veritas Urban Properties.

The five-story project is planned for a 15,200-square-foot parcel at 4021 Eighth Ave., immediately northwest of Balboa Park, according to HFF. The debt placement team, led by HFF’s Aldon Cole and Bryan Clark, secured the financing through a life insurance company lender.

The builder on the Hillcrest project is Murfey Construction Inc., with the apartments set for completion in early 2016. Veritas Urban Properties was founded in 2011 by brothers Russ and Scott Murfey and has recently developed other urban residential and mixed-used projects in San Diego’s Point Loma and Crown Point neighborhoods.

HFF, also known as Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, is a division of Pittsburgh-based HFF Inc. (NYSE: HF) and has a regional office in San Diego.

This article originally appeared on The UT San Diego.

Five architects and a developer, colleagues all, duked it out Thursday in a make-believe Fight Club boxing ring, all to prove a point:

It’s not all about design.

Sponsored by the alumni board of the NewSchool of Architecture and Design, the two-hour slugfest before an audience of nearly 150 students and professionals had veteran designers doff their traditional, good-guy personas and debate the pros and cons of the real world.

“What we really wanted to do was get the students out of the studio and expose them to a broad range of people in creative design industries,” said Peter Soutowood, a NewSchool alum who oversaw “Alley Rounds” at the Space 4 Art gallery in East Village for the second time. “A lot of licensed architects would say that real design…is about 5 percent of the job and wish it was 95 percent.”

The majority of the time involves working with clients and building officials, marketing for new business and managing the office.

The first round between NewSchool professors Robin Brisebois and Jeff Kennedy addressed the worth of an architect in improving the lives of people.

“It’s all very self-centered to say it’s all about us,” Brisebois said, half tongue-in-cheek. “We simply are not in charge. We simply aid and abet the project of human habitation on the planet and serve other people who have other agendas than we architects do.”

Kennedy, who specializes in sustainable design, replied, “We’re not bad animals. We’re good animals — we just have bad habits. We need to change our habits and if I can give up carbs for a month, I think we can do this.”

Round 2 pitted urban architect Frank Wolden against artist-architect James Enos.

“We need to be agents for the humanization of modern architecture in the cities on all levels,” Wolden said.

Enos playfully ridiculed some of Wolden’s work and said the fundamental basis of civilization is the “pursuit of beauty and truth.”

But it was the third round that raised the most serious issue: the conflict between good design and government regulation.

Developer Russ Murfey recounted the slogging necessary to get approval for a 36-unit apartment project, now under construction on Eighth Avenue in Hillcrest.

“I truly believe in good design and creating an urban environment that’s pedestrian friendly and can last for the ages, beyond five, 10, 15 years, a thing that’s true architecture,” Murfey said.

But he complained that city building officials fall short in offering the proper guidance when it comes to complying with the rules.

“They should know better than us,” he said of city plan checkers, “but that’s not always the case.”

Mike Stepner, the former city architect and currently a NewSchool professor, had his own run-ins with the city bureaucracy when he was in the Planning Department. His message to the students was that as architects they need to think beyond just their obligations to their clients.

“It’s the community that has to live with what’s been done,” he said.

He recommended architecture graduates consider jobs in local permit and planning departments and help improve project review.

Lisa Ganem, who heads the school’s career services and alumni office, said Alley Rounds provides a reality check for students.

“It helps if you have a sense of humor,” she said. “If you don’t you’ll go mad.”

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Just because San Diego doesn’t have three months of snowstorms or a hurricane season, doesn’t mean that there aren’t particular times of year that are better, or worse, for planning your remodel project. And in many cases, picking that optimal time can go a long way in saving you time and money. Here are several factors to consider:

Understand Supply and Demand

The struggle between supply and demand is a consistent force in essentially all that we pay for. And just like how Christmas decorations can be purchased for a fraction of the cost after the first of the year, the price of building materials also fluctuates depending on the time of year. And while the low-point of the market may not perfectly line up with when you’re ready to build, it’s a great idea to accrue such materials like paint, lumber, electrical fixtures, plumbing, tile, etc. when they are cheaper and then simply store them until you are ready to start your project. Also, if you are trying to order flooring or new windows at the same time as everyone else in town, there is a much greater risk that orders will get mixed up or delayed, which will only add to your time and budget.

Work with Contractors’ Schedules

Knowing when to remodel is not just about material costs. You also have to consider how busy the contractor is. Just as in your own work, you know that there are certain times when you are swamped and others when everything seems to flow at the right pace. Contractors are generally the same way; they too have busy and slow seasons. It’s a good idea to talk with them ahead of time, to find when the better times are for them so that you can get the full attention you deserve. You also want to be sure that you find the right contractor for your job. In other words, a contractor that has the experience and size to take on your particular project.

Part of working with your contractor is planning early and allowing for a little flexibility. This will allow your contractor to work more efficiently. And since the mistakes and backtracking are likely to be greatly reduced, the “slightly off-season” is one of the best times to remodel!

Get a Jump on Seasonal Work

Just because San Diego isn’t known for it’s extreme seasons, doesn’t mean some projects don’t always pop up during certain times of year. For instance, window replacements and air conditioning units are most often summer projects. But try focusing on these areas in early spring or late fall. The prices and demand will be reduced. Furnaces and fireplaces, along with roofing, are usually ignored before fall, so have these types of projects done over the summer. And while everyone thinks about that new summer deck in late spring, plan ahead and get your deck started in the winter. Take advantage of our mild winters. The best time to remodel is, of course, going to change depending on the project you are planning. In most cases, it is a good idea to have your project take place a month or two before or after everyone else will be calling for the same project.

Overall, the biggest assets on your side for choosing the right time to do a big home project are thinking ahead and planning early. They are far more important than weather. The best project, without fail, always ends up being the one that is thoroughly thought out.

If you’re considering a home renovation or remodel, please contact us at https://starnorthapartments.com to get that early start on the design and planning stage.