This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Financial analysts have high hopes for the home improvement industry moving into 2013, according to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal. Notable growth in remodeling and construction spending over the last few months has led to the anticipation of still greater profits moving into the New Year. In addition, the National Association of Home Builders released a report in late October showing a five-point increase in the third quarter Remodeling Market Index – evidence of rising demand among consumers for remodeling and construction jobs.

These latest figures come after a report released earlier last month from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies suggesting the potential for double-digit home improvement spending increases over the first half of 2013. Based on the center’s LIRA (Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity) projections, homeowners are expected to boost spending for an annual rate increase from $115.1 billion to $134.2 billion. The LIRA data is derived from analysis of combined indicators including “housing starts, pending home sales, residential remodeling employment figures” and other consumer trends – and spells good news for those in the home construction and remodeling industry.

But what do these numbers mean for homeowners?

Stay current and spruce up your space with home improvements for the New Year

Rising consumer interest in home remodeling and construction projects carries a number of possible implications for homeowners. For some, remodeling is an alternative to move-up real estate purchases; for others, it is a means of preparing a current home for sale. But on both ends of the spectrum, increased home improvement spending signals rising optimism among homeowners nationwide – optimism that stands to benefit the economy, reinvigorate the home building industry and add value to local real estate markets.

Whether you fall into the settled homeowner category or plan to make 2013 the year you finally spring for a new home, now is the perfect time to start planning your remodeling agenda. Seize the opportunity to finish a quick spruce-up job before the holidays, or start preparing now for bigger jobs that can be completed without interruption after the New Year.

From bathrooms and kitchens to add-ons, backyards and technological upgrades, Murfey Construction is the ideal choice for home remodeling in La Jolla. We offer a range of services customized to suit your needs, all while providing exceptional quality, experience and customer service to San Diego homeowners. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation to discuss your next remodeling project, contact us online today. Visit www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Last month, we discussed the many ways in which San Diego homeowners can combine custom goods and services for a successful kitchen remodel. Now, the latest remodeling trends suggest that 2012 may be a big year for luxury remodeling projects across the board. From new kitchens to full-scale renovations, homeowners polled in the Fall 2012 Remodeling Sentiment Report from RemodelOrMove.com indicated an interest in more expensive products and projects of significantly greater scope than in years past. As the housing market continues to improve, buoyed by stronger stock market numbers and historically low interest rates, homeowners appear ready to tackle long-deferred home improvements. And while high-quality products are always a smart investment, it is important to remember that an experienced contractor is every homeowner’s best insurance for a successful remodeling experience.

Recent coverage of the Fall 2012 Remodeling Sentiment Report indicates a number of highlights from the survey, with homeowners’ apparent preference for more luxurious home products leading the way among this year’s “noteworthy” trends. Evidence of this consumer shift appears in a variety of sectors, including the number of homeowners who claim to be using “expensive” products (at its highest rate since 2008), projected costs for remodeling ventures (coming in at an average estimate of $100,000), the scale of these ventures (encompassing an average of at least three rooms) and the number of respondents planning to hire a contractor (coming to 73%, the highest rate since 2006).

Other factors indicating the consumer shift toward luxury remodeling projects include a focus on kitchen remodeling — considered by most to be an inessential project as compared to necessary bathroom remodels or additions – and also a simple increase in the number of wealthy homeowners planning home improvements in the coming months. Considered together, these factors suggest that, for some homeowners, a high-end remodel may serve as an alternative to purchasing a new home. For those who love their current home or neighborhood, but still want to add a personal touch or additional space to the property, remodeling is an ideal choice. All it takes is some smart planning and the help of an experienced contractor to offer advice and assistance transforming a homeowner’s vision into reality.

At Murfey Construction, we pride ourselves on providing top quality construction and contracting services to help our San Diego clients create the homes of their dreams. From basic consulting to design/plan work to full-scale execution and construction, our experienced team is your one-stop source for remodeling projects of every size and scope. To find out more about top trending home products and services, or to discuss a project with our team, get in touch today: visit www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

With fall in the air and the kids back in school, now is the ideal time to begin planning your 2013 kitchen remodel. Kitchen design trends can range from elegant to artistic to downright space-age: but above all, a good remodel should be about functional space planning and organization combined with the styles and textures that express your individual aesthetic. With so many ideas and options to choose from, redesigning the kitchen may seem overwhelming. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started – and to give you an idea of how to prioritize for a kitchen that is at once beautiful, comfortable, functional and built to last.

First, determine the major appliances you want in your new kitchen, and use these as the basis for the rest of your design plans. Ranges, cook tops and ovens come in all different shapes, sizes and brands, and can be sourced from a wide variety of different countries, many of which have a signature style all their own. If you are considering a splurge on anything in your kitchen, make it the stove: as something you use every day, the stove should be top-quality and designed to suit your ideal specifications. From there, look into other appliances – everything from built-in dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers to wine coolers, warming drawers, fridge and freezer draws and espresso makers for a unique touch. Adding wood cabinetry panels to your refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher can help larger appliances fit in with custom woodwork if you choose custom cabinetry, while any number of options for the sink – single bowl, double bowl, stainless steel, porcelain, copper, farm style – can compliment these choices and tie the whole space together.

Next, consider organizational touches to suit your lifestyle. Today’s modern pullout Lazy Susans provide much more accessibility to tight corners, while appliance garages are a clever solution for storing small appliances out of sight. Pullout shelving is a smart idea for the pantry, making it easier to access stored goods and maximize storage in tight spaces.

Finally, have fun with aesthetics. Wood, granite and marble countertops can be blended together for a beautiful custom look. For example, consider a neat butcher block for the island and a stunning marble or soapstone countertop for contrast. European hoods provide a distinctive look above the stove, while an exotic backsplash below is the perfect vehicle for expressing your creativity and adding a visual centerpiece to the space. Top it off with versatile pendant lighting for added flair, and consider LED under-cabinet lighting for a lifetime of cool temperature lit workspace.

If you’re working with a limited budget, keep in mind that it is easy to re-skin existing cabinet boxes for an updated look, and to find good deals on wooden countertops at popular retailers like Ikea. And whatever your price range, remember to maintain a triangle between the refrigerator, sink and range for good feng shui.

Make your vision a reality with help from the experts at Murfey Construction

Grab some home design magazines and create a binder of looks and styles you like. And once you get the design figured out, put your vision to work with help from an experienced builder and get the job done! For more information about San Diego kitchen remodeling resources, contact us at Murfey Construction today. Visit www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Scott Murfey began learning the construction business as a young boy while building the treehouses and forts of his dreams. Later, his passion to build evolved smoothly into his career after he earned a degree in construction management at California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo.

Murfey said he learned the trade on his own, but along the way he found mentors. “I looked up to the masters,” Murfey said. “They were always willing to share their knowledge, and in construction, you’re always learning new things.”

Before opening Murfey Construction in 2009, Murfey worked for eight general construction firms where he learned the various facets of construction. Since then, he’s built a wide range of commercial and residential projects, including cathedrals, golf courses, hotels, condominiums and apartment buildings.

Now partnered with his brother, Russell Murfey, who has a strong financial background, Murfey is working on multiple projects, including a custom 4,000-square-foot, two-story Cape Cod home in La Jolla Shores and a mixed-use residential/commercial development project in San Diego.

According to Murfey, project building is a long process, so it’s wise to have a designer or architect on the team. “It’s good to have someone who does space planning and layout to figure out how things are going to function,” Murfey said. “I always tell my clients that it’s also good to have photos or magazine clips to show a builder what your intent is.”

Building a home is a collaborative team effort involving client, builder and designer, so Murfey finds that weekly meetings help keep his clients involved and the project running smoothly.

While the majority of Murfey’s work is residential, his other projects include the W Hotel in downtown San Diego, Four Seasons Aviara in La Costa, the Park Laurel condominiums near Balboa Park, and a renovation of San Diego’s St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Murfey said that “Transitional Style” is the current trend in residential construction.“It has a classic look, but with modern, clean, crisp lines and a contemporary edge that’s very popular,” he said. “It’s a simple, more European style that people seem to appreciate. We’re an old-fashioned company, in terms of customer service, and we like to make our clients feel important and treat them special, but we’re very modern with our use of technology.”

— Murfey Construction, 5580 La Jolla Blvd., Suite 55 scott@murfeyconstruction.com

(858) 405-0186. murfeyconstruction.com

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

The remodeling business is set to experience solid growth in the months ahead, according to research conducted by the National Association for the Remodeling Industry (NARI).  Based on recent polling numbers, 26% of homeowners plan to remain in their homes for another 16-20 years, while 23% expect to remain for at least 6-10 years. These numbers suggest a shift in focus for the remodeling industry, as homeowners turn their attention from upgrades designed to increase property value alone to more specific improvements for their daily use. Fueled by a combination of decreased property values and increased desire for custom living arrangements, the latest remodeling trends are all about personalization. With the help of a talented contractor, homeowners don’t need to buy their dream homes; instead, they can simply build them.

When it comes to remodeling options for long-term homeowners, the sky truly is the limit. NARI reports that, beyond conventional resale upgrades like new trim or refreshed kitchen cabinetry, contemporary custom projects run the gamut and include anything from in-home spas to yoga and meditation rooms, motorcycle garages to wine cellars, built-in teppanyaki grills to “smart” kitchens and living spaces equipped with the latest digital and voice-activated technology. In addition, as noted in a previous column, many families are opting to modify their homes to accommodate aging relatives – a critical step when it comes to optimizing lifestyle conditions for the so-called “Sandwich Generation.”

In many ways, custom remodeling projects are the ideal investment: they ensure comfortable, personalized living spaces for the present (and future) while still adding value to your property. The only trick to pulling off the perfect remodel is hiring the right contractor to do the job – and to choose the best San Diego construction company to turn your vision into a brick and mortar reality.

Finding your match: custom remodeling with Murfey Construction of La Jolla

At Murfey Construction, we specialize in custom residential construction and project planning. Whether you are looking for a full-service company, a contractor to help get the job done or a consultant to aid you in a DIY remodeling project, our company provides superior service and exceptional quality coupled with years of high-end commercial and residential experience right here in San Diego. Find out more about Murfey Construction today, and get in touch to schedule a project consultation, receive a custom quote, or learn about our past work and full range of services. Visit www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

According to a recent report from the Sacramento Business Journal, California is set to impose new energy standards on construction projects beginning in 2014. The regulations will boost efficiency requirements by 25%, making the state’s energy-saving standards the strictest in the country. In light of these changes, San Diego construction companies must begin preparing now for added building costs – approximately $2,290 per home, according to data from the California Energy Commission. However, the investment will pay off handsomely in the form of impressive energy and cash savings for the long haul.

With the necessity for greater energy savings on the rise and a widespread desire among homeowners to cut back on utility costs, the state’s new regulations signal an important step forward in sustainable building. Indeed, as Bob Raymer of the California Building Industry Association tells the Journal, when it comes to energy efficiency and conservation, “if this were a mile race, we just lapped the rest of the country.” The California Energy Commission reports that the energy upgrades will yield $6,200 in energy savings over a 30-year period. And in addition to monetary savings, there are the intangible benefits of more efficient buildings to consider as well – including longer-lasting materials, greater temperature control and a reduced need for resource-sapping air conditioning and heating systems.

LED lighting serves as a clear example of this phenomenon. While the initial upfront cost of LED lights is higher than that of conventional bulbs, the products last fifty times longer than their less-efficient counterparts. They also produce less heat while in use; and by reducing added heat with the home, the LED lights subsequently help lessen demand for indoor cooling, making the entire structure more energy efficient overall.

Murfey Construction: leading the way for energy efficiency and consumer savings

At Murfey Construction, we pride ourselves on promoting the latest energy-saving technologies and efficiency systems. Our skilled contractors are well versed in the benefits of LED lighting, solar power and other sustainable innovations, and this experience ensures a smooth transition into California’s next generation of energy regulations. Whether you are planning on building a new home or looking to upgrade your current residence for long-lasting savings, our La Jolla construction company is the ideal source for everything from expert consulting to project management to complete design and building services.

To find out more about California’s new energy standards and how they stand to impact your building plans, contact us today: www.murfeyconstruction.com

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

As more and more baby boomers begin preparing for retirement, many are seeking an alternative to traditional assisted living facilities and senior homes. Some boomers may wish to live with their families, but fear the strain that close quarters can put on good relationships. Others may simply want to stay in their homes as long as possible. In either case, changes are often necessary in order to facilitate a safe and comfortable environment for seniors. However, a recent trend in the remodeling and interior design community known as “aging in place” deals with these challenges head on – lending greater autonomy to aging adults while preserving their ties to home.

According to a recent report in the U-T, the notion of “aging in place” began to take hold here in San Diego back in 2006. Today, it represents a move toward more holistic building projects that incorporate future-oriented planning through architecture and interior design alike. As for existing homes, they too can be remodeled for the sake of improved safety and accessibility. For example, wider doorways and roll-in showers can be designed to accommodate seniors with walkers or wheelchairs, while home expansion projects can increase overall living space for live-in family members or caretakers.

Build a home to last a lifetime with expert construction and design professionals

Countless baby boomers retire every day; and as they begin to assess their health and lifestyle needs for the future, architects and designers are following suit. With an eye to helping seniors maintain a sense of freedom, as well as making it possible for them to stay in their homes and avoid the disruption that comes with moving into a smaller house or unfamiliar community, contractors and builders across the country are working on new “aging in place” innovations for the boomer generation.

At Murfey Construction, we help clients achieve the homes of their dreams. From consulting to interior design assistance, from room-by-room remodeling to complete building projects, we meet your needs at any level – and consistently exceed expectations with superior craftsmanship and technical expertise. Contact us to discuss aging-in-place projects of any size and scope. Whether you are looking to create a more accessible bathroom design or build a major addition to your home to accommodate caretakers, our skilled team can ensure a holistic approach for lifelong use. When it comes to your retirement, take control – and live life on your own terms. Learn more online, at www.murfeconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Real estate demand is on the rise this spring, according to a new Bloomberg business report. As of March 2012, improved job prospects and reduced borrowing costs appear to have boosted buyer interest in new homes; and the resultant annual sales figure of 328,000 significantly exceeded industry expectations. Some analysts believe that this bodes well for a final “bottoming-out” of the U.S. housing market – and eventually, a long-awaited rise in real estate prices across the country. This is good news for the economy; but it also makes the next few months a critical time, both for homebuyers looking to cash in on real estate deals and sellers eager to fix up their properties for sale.

While March saw an improvement in new home sales, it also saw a 2.6% decline in sales of existing properties, according to the National Association of Realtors. However, good sales numbers overall create a smaller inventory for buyers, which may help improve sales across the board as buyer competition begins to build. In addition, current mortgage costs are at an all-time low, increasing the likelihood of a market pick-up. All this adds up to make the coming months particularly favorable for prospective buyers; and with financial lenders making credit more available to qualified applicants, it is also a great time for sellers to finance a home remodel before putting existing property on the market.

Increase home values and customize new properties with help from an expert contractor

One of the best ways to improve your chances when putting a property on the market is to distinguish the space with design and appliance upgrades; and especially when competing with new properties for buyer interest, it is critical to incorporate features that make your home stand out. On the other hand, buyers who purchase existing properties may wish to personalize their new homes with custom design elements. Either way, an experienced San Diego contractor with an eye to current trends and the latest materials is your best ally for creating a desirable home.

At Murfey Construction, our diverse background in high-end commercial and residential construction, remodeling, design and consulting makes us the best choice for custom La Jolla contracting. Whether you are looking to add upgrades to our home before putting it up for sale or to personalize your new purchase, our team an provide anything from general consulting to full project management and construction – all based on your unique vision and performed with the utmost in skill and expertise.

Learn more about remodeling your San Diego home with Murfey Construction today: www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

With spring weather comes the prime opportunity for homeowners to tackle property inspections – home appraisals that can reveal the need for upgrades to improve safety, help homes run more smoothly and even save money along the way. According to a recent piece in the Wall Street Journal, homeowners should inspect their houses twice a year – and make a home repair list to take care of jobs that may wind up costing them in the long run. From rooftops to backyard decks, the following repairs can add life and value to your San Diego home. Consider this list a starting point – and always be sure to contact a local contractor to discuss customized repair work and other inspection details.

Home inspection 101: where to start when assessing your property

 

Here are some wise starting points when it comes to mapping out a spring home repair inspection on your property:

• Gutters: Cleaning and repairing gutters is a simple and inexpensive yet necessary task with ample preventative value. Without regular maintenance, improperly functioning gutters may allow water to leak into the foundation of your home, leading to expensive damage that vastly outweighs the low cost and relative convenience of gutter cleaning and repair.

• Roof: Check the roof for damage once the winter weather has passed, and take advantage of temperate spring days to find and replace broken shingles or other maintenance concerns.

• Vents: Clean vents to guarantee proper ventilation and reduce clogging. Eliminating debris and dust in your vents will lead to fresher air (and less misery during allergy season), as well as more efficient heating and cooling now and into the summer. In addition, it is wise to service the air conditioner before temperatures begin to rise in early summer – and to check caulking and seals surrounding doors and windows to optimize air conditioning efficiency and indoor comfort in the months ahead.

• Appliances: Make appliance inspections part of your spring cleaning routine, and you just may catch troublesome leaks and breakages before they cause irreversible damage.

• Deck: Keep a close eye out for loose or rotten boards while cleaning your deck in anticipation of outdoor festivities throughout the spring and summer. Any necessary repairs can be taken care of now and completed before barbeque season kicks in to full gear.

• Security: In addition to routine battery changes for your smoke detector, consider a few additional steps – such as burglar alarms and deadbolt locks – to heighten home security and snag insurance savings. Many companies offer discounts for basic security measures, and additional cost reductions for more sophisticated systems.

Before you begin: the business of hiring a contractor

Routine home inspections can save money and improve safety in the long run; but in order to ensure the best possible return on your investment, it is important to find the right contractor to do the job. When selecting a contractor, begin by getting referrals from friends or neighbors and checking company references. Make sure the contractor you hire is both licensed and insured. As you discuss your home improvement project, request a written estimate and be sure you and your contractor agree on the scope of work, types of materials to be used and the completion time frame before signing a contract. And finally, choose a professional contractor with proven experience for optimal peace of mind.

Don’t wait: get a jump start on spring home improvements today. To learn more or schedule an inspection with an experienced San Diego construction company, contact Murfey Construction in La Jolla today: www.murfeyconstruction.com.