Understanding the Essentials of Lighting for Your Home Remodel

To truly bring your home renovation to life, you’ll need a layered lighting plan. And for that, you’ll need to understand the three types of lighting and how much light is needed in the space. We’ve also compiled a list of common fixture types to make shopping for the right fixtures easier. The Three Types…

6 Green Building Design Ideas for Your Northern California Accessory Dwelling Unit

6 Green Building Design Ideas for Your Northern California Accessory Dwelling Unit

Green construction was once a cool trend— thankfully, it’s now becoming the norm. In the latest construction surveys run by the National Association of Home Builders and Dodge Data & Analytics, at least one-third of multiple-family and single-family home builders report that green construction constitutes at least 60 percent of their design portfolio. Those numbers are expected…

2016-17 Home Remodeling Design Trends in Silicon Valley

2016-17 Home Remodeling Design Trends in Silicon Valley(Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Palo Alto, and Saratoga) As 2016 winds to an end, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some of the hottest home remodeling design trends we are seeing in the surrounding areas of Silicon Valley, particularly Las Altos,…

How Much Does a Home Remodel Cost and How Long Does It Take?

If you’re like most homeowners looking to remodel your home, you are looking for a gauge of how much your renovation should cost and how long it should take. As a design/build remodeling firm, there are far too many factors that go into answering that question simply. It depends on the scope of work, material…

How to Plan an ADU: Exploring the Differences between Guest Houses and Rental ADUs

Northern California is seeing a boom in accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction. Local and state laws have made them a more feasible option for families and individuals seeking solutions to the long-standing housing crunch here. Before you jump into an ADU project at your home, however, it’s critical to understand the local housing codes, what you…

Built-In Storage: A Great Way to Increase Space and Value in your Home

Built-ins are permanent fixtures that can’t be moved the way you would a freestanding shelf unit. Like a beautifully tailored gown that flatters your figure, built-ins are made to complement your home’s residential design and increase your property value. Plus, they make storage a possibility almost anywhere—under the staircase, inside a bench, around the fireplace,…

7 Common ADU Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

7 Common ADU Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a great way to increase living space on your property and generate additional income–but it’s easy to make costly errors that will undermine your construction project. Here at Acton ADU, we have the experience and expertise to help you avoid them. 1. Underestimating the Scope of the Project…

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Fall Home Maintenance Tips For California Homeowners Autumn is just around the bend, so it’s time for your house to get in ship-shape for the cool months ahead. While the fall season can be busy, with homeowners taking stock and preparing for inclement weather, it is also the very best time to make use of…

Los Altos Homeowners Can Beat the Housing Crunch with ADUs

Los Altos Homeowners Can Beat the Housing Crunch with ADUs

With many Bay Area residents feeling the squeeze of the affordable housing crisis, one possible solution comes in the form of accessory dwelling units (ADU). These small homes/cottages share the same lot as the primary residence and are a great way to create additional living space and even provide extra income for homeowners. Want to…

Home Remodeling and Energy Efficiency: What Is Title 24 and How Does It Apply to Me?

Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations, known as the California Building Standards Code or plain old “Title 24,” governs the construction of buildings in California, including those dealing with energy efficiency standards. The standards establish a minimum level of building energy efficiency. Title 24 has received more prominence lately due to…