Solve the Dilemma of Buying a Move-In Ready Home or a Fixer Upper Pros vs. Cons

When you begin your search for a new home, there is a lot to consider, including where you want to live, how much you can afford, and how much work you want to put into it. And, there is also the important need to assess a new home based on your current and future lifestyle…

Kitchen Remodels Deconstructed: Basic, Mid-Level, and High-End Renovations

Many homeowners hesitate to take the first step towards a kitchen remodel because they doubt that the anticipated project cost will fit their budget. While some of us truly do have “caviar tastes on a tuna fish budget,” taking the time to determine a scope of work is a great way to find out if…

Five Compelling Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

Are you contemplating a kitchen remodel? Great decision. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders, kitchens are still one of the most popular rooms to remodel with 78% of NAHB Remodelers performing kitchen remodels during the previous calendar year. Due to the evolution of our lifestyle, the kitchen is now…

How to Creatively Add Space without Building an Addition

Many Americans still equate “more” with “better” especially when it comes to their home. But is more really better? You love your neighborhood and do not want to move, but your home does not provide adequate space for your family’s needs. If an addition currently is not in your budget, with some creative planning and…

Home Remodeling When You Don’t Have Time: Streamlining the Process for Busy Tech Clients

Because our home remodeling business is located in Silicon Valley, many of our clients are tech executives and engineers. Whether they work for technology giants like Apple, Google or Facebook, or one of the many startups in the area, the one thing they all have in common is no extra time in their schedules. While…

Pinterest and Houzz Have Changed the Remodeling Process for the Better

Pinterest and Houzz Have Changed the Remodeling Process for the Better

One of the key components of the Design-Build process is helping a homeowner envision what their remodel will look like. While some of us know exactly what our tastes and preferences are, most of us would panic at the thought of making all of those design decisions ourselves! Thankfully, there is a multitude of resources…

9 Renovation Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them

As a residential design-build remodeling contractor for over 25 years, specializing in ADUs, Acton ADU has managed hundreds of remodeling projects. As Melissa Dalton said so elegantly in her article ‘8 Renovation Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them,’ “with a lot of experience comes a lot of learning.” Experience has shown Acton ADU similar renovation mistakes…

5 Problems You Might Face Remodeling Old Homes in Santa Clara County

Until now, you’ve loved everything about your older Santa Clara County home – the location, the craftsmanship, and the architectural details reminiscent of a time past. But, it’s finally time to spring for an upgrade, including the best in modern amenities.…It’s time to remodel this old house! Now that you’re ready to get started, renovating…

New ADU Zoning Helps Palo Alto Housing Crisis & Unlocks Land Value

In March, the Palo Alto City Council responded to the housing crisis with a vote to approve a series of zoning reforms that encourage the construction of accessory-dwelling units (ADUs). Most reforms were approved to comply with two recent bills (Senate Bill 1069 and Assembly Bill 2299), but the largest changes eliminate the minimum lot size requirement and allow for the construction…

Design Considerations for the Perfect ADU Suite/Guest Studio

If you own a home in Northern California, then you are likely familiar with the rising popularity of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These functional living spaces are the perfect solution for adding extra livable space to your property. Common uses for ADUs include accommodating elderly parents or adult children fresh out of college. They also can be…

Expect the Unexpected—How to Plan Ahead for Your Home Remodel

Congratulations! You’ve made the exciting decision to remodel your home. For many people, remodeling is a new and exciting experience, but also intimidating and wrought with fear. With just a bit of preparation and pre-planning you’ll end up with a beautiful home remodel that is also enjoyable. The Design Phase Define Your Style With a…