Tips and advice for a successful renovation
Cost Guides
Design Ideas
Finding a Contractor
Selecting Materials
Remodeling Advice
Remodeling Advice
Are you looking to give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank? If so, you might want to consider kitchen cabinet refacing as an option. Refacing is a process of replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while leaving the existing...
Most contractors give free estimates for standard home projects, but a detailed, itemized estimate or a design-build proposal sometimes carries a fee, especially for large or complex jobs. A free estimate is usually a rough number to win your business; a paid estimate...
Some home improvement projects are simple and straightforward. If you want to paint your walls or install new floors, just pick the materials you want, hire a contractor and you're done! But if you want to do a larger-scale home renovation properly, you need to...
After a hard day of work, there's nothing more that we want than to spend a wonderful evening with our families in a cozy setting, drinking wine or making dinner while talking about the activities of the day. And what do we recommend? Create a space where you can cook...
To keep a home inspection from killing your deal, prepare the home in advance, address obvious issues, be ready to negotiate repairs or credits, and focus on major problems over cosmetic ones. Most inspection issues are solvable with communication. Here’s how to keep...
A bathroom renovation is a fun and rewarding project. However, before you get too excited about picking out the latest tile or bathtub design, there are a few less exciting things to consider to ensure that your project ends out just the way you want it to. Bathroom...
An ADU scope checklist spells out every item a contractor should include in their bid, from foundation and framing to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, finishes, and utility connections. Giving each contractor the same detailed scope is the best way to get comparable bids...
When selling a probate property, focus repairs on safety, functionality, and cost-effective cosmetic updates rather than a full remodel, since probate sales often prioritize a clean, timely sale over maximizing every dollar. Fresh paint, clean flooring, and working...
A kitchen remodel follows a clear sequence: set a budget and plan the layout, hire a designer and contractor, finalize selections, pull permits, then demo, rough-in, cabinets, countertops, and finishes. Knowing the order helps you make decisions on time and avoid...
If you are planning to remodel or renovate your home, there are many factors to take into consideration prior to the start of the project. You need to envision what you want the room, rooms, or addition to look like when they are finished. You need to set a budget for...
A garage conversion in Ventura County typically costs $120,000 to $150,000 to create a legal ADU with a kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance. California law makes them straightforward: no replacement parking, a 60-day approval requirement, and no impact fees under...
A great backyard remodel starts with a plan: sort out drainage and grading first, set a realistic budget (our backyard remodel cost guide breaks down what each feature runs), and prioritize the features you’ll actually use, whether that’s a patio, outdoor kitchen,...
If your contractor keeps delaying, start with a calm in-person conversation and a written schedule you both agree to, then send a warning letter if that stalls. Some delay is normal on any remodel: 10 to 20 percent is common, but 50 to 100 percent is a red flag. Here...
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in California with reliable general contractors, we know the importance of selling a home quickly and at a good price – that’s why we invited Julia Weaver from Redfin (an online real estate brokerage) to...
Nobody can argue that safety is an important factor when creating the perfect home. During your next home renovation, you can take these extra steps to improve your home security so that your belongings and loved ones are safe. At GreatBuildz, a free service that...
Our free service personally matches you with the best pre-screened pros, ensuring you’ll find a great contractor and enjoy a stress-free remodel.