This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Homeowners throughout San Diego County are waving goodbye to the housing recession, welcoming instead a new market full of potential. The optimism of our current housing market is due in part to the burgeoning growth of real estate sales in the area, especially new homes which have recently become a hot ticket in today’s market.

According to a recent report from the New Housing Monitor, the inventory of new homes in San Diego County is at its lowest level since 2004, indicating a high demand for new construction.

“Builders are frantically grading for the next phase of lots,” Peter Dennehy, senior vice president at Meyers Research, told the San Diego U-T (http://bit.ly/Zwlr89). “But they probably won’t start production on the houses for a couple of months.”

New home communities in Del Sur, Mission Valley, Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Chula Vista and 4S Ranch are down to their very last new homes.

“They can’t offer any new product,” he said.

Many interested buyers are now searching for alternative options since the San Diego new home inventory is scarce. Updated bungalows, upgraded track homes and elegantly modernized craftsman homes are quickly gaining traction as the next best option for eager buyers.

If you’re selling your home, capitalize on the moving real estate market with renovations and additional square footage. Your home will appeal to those interested in new home alternatives, but any upgrade is also likely to increase your asking price – a plus that has many sellers upgrading their homes before listing it.

When it comes to choosing the right renovations, here’s what you need to know.

Paint

Both interior and exterior paint can make a huge difference when it comes to the aesthetics of your home. But curb appeal is especially important when it comes to a buyer’s first impression. Dazzle up the exterior of your home with fresh, modern paint in tones of taupe, white, mocha, light grey or terracotta tones that look just as fresh as the new homes.

Landscaping

When the exterior of your home is dressed up with a beautifully manicured yard, trimmed hedges and gorgeous floral accents, it can do wonders for the aesthetic appeal of your home. That can translate to a quick sale for top dollar, which makes landscaping a worth-while renovation. Don’t overdo it with your landscaping, though – a new buyer may be detracted with a high-maintenance yard, so keep your landscaping plans beautiful, full and yet brilliantly simple.

Additions

Nothing can detract a buyer quite like a bad addition. Make sure that if you add more square footage to your home, you do so with a qualified, experienced professional. Sunrooms, playrooms or even a modern loft is an excellent way to increase the value of your home with additional square footage, and it’s a beautiful and modern update akin to the model homes. The cost to add on is usually around $200 per square foot, and if the marginal sales cost per square foot is over $500, that would generate a profit of $300 per square foot making this renovation a worthwhile investment.

Finishing Touches

Some of the most distinctively beautiful homes on the market today are those with finishing touches like shutters, planters, new home gutters and a sturdy new roof. These renovations are also worth doing because it adds a wonderful layer of aesthetic appeal to your home, increasing buyer traffic and leading ultimately to a quick and successful sale at the best price possible.

To find out more information on renovating your San Diego home, or to schedule a consultation with Murfey Construction, don’t hesitate to call us at 858-405-0186 or log onto http://www.murfeyconstruction.com/.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

This year, spring brings with it a host of good news for San Diego home improvement and construction industries, with high demand for real estate and steadily increasing prices boosting the need for building and remodeling work throughout the county. Of course, it’s no secret that our city’s enviable location along the California coast makes San Diego a highly desirable destination. But in today’s competitive market, this innate desirability seems to be escalating even higher.

As new homes and apartments go up around town, however, it remains critical for homeowners to keep their property well maintained in order to protect long-term value. No matter how well the local housing market is doing, nothing beats consistent repairs and a high-quality remodel to secure and even improve real estate value for the future.

Homebuilding market gets a springtime boost

National home building numbers are witnessing a swift climb this spring, according to a recent report from The New York Times. With construction permit rates increasing “at their fastest pace since 2008,” and single-family home construction rates at a 4-year high, prospects are good for a nationwide housing market recovery. Here in San Diego, market activity certainly reflects this trend, and demand for housing is such that new construction may be one of the best solutions to counteract the city’s tight real estate inventory. Then again, home remodeling can also pose a solution – either for sellers looking to improve value or for owners seeking to expand or upgrade their living situation as an alternative to moving out.

Protect real estate value with quality maintenance

Buying or owning a home in a desirable area like San Diego is a great first step towards a successful real estate investment. However, in order for the investment to retain and accrue value, it is vital for homeowners to make sure their homes are well maintained and up-to-date. Whether this means adding a room or two, landscaping the yard, upgrading appliances or simply keeping the structure in good repair, an experienced and talented general contractor is your best asset when it comes to ensuring long-term value for your home.

At Murfey Construction, we specialize in custom projects designed to suit your needs. From consulting to general contracting work to full-scale remodeling and home building, we do it all: simply share your vision with us and we will help you as much or as little as you like to turn it into a reality. To learn more about our La Jolla construction company, or to discuss a home building or remodeling project, visit us online at www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Murfey Construction, Inc. gets right to the point with their recent Pacific Beach groundbreaking for a 21-unit, high-end, mixed-use urban apartment complex in the Crown Point neighborhood.

The Point at Ingraham, a three-story 35,000-square-foot project, will feature nine two-bedroom apartments, 11 one-bedroom apartments and one studio. Amenities will include solar electricity, air conditioning, washers and dryers, a gas range and tankless water heaters.

“It will have every modern amenity, including LED lighting and wireless connections,” said Scott Murfey, president of Murfey Construction. “We’re trying to be a green builder, so we’re using recycled blue jeans for insulation — denim is non-toxic and mold-resistant, has excellent insulation values and is sound-deadening.”

The Point will feature a private entrance and an elevator lobby with key card access. The gated parking lot will provide 45 spaces, and every apartment will have its own storage unit with ample space for bikes and surfboards. The Point’s second floor, 500-square-foot outdoor deck will feature tables and a BBQ for tenant socializing.

The 3805 Ingraham complex will include a 2300-square-foot ground floor space for commercial retail tenants. Murfey envisions that the retail space may feature places to relax, like a neighborhood café and a yoga studio.

According to Murfey, the large outdoor patio on the building’s Southwest corner will be available to both the tenants and the public. It will include a wall where people can park their bikes and get something to eat or drink and congregate.

“Our goal with The Point is to bring the same sleek contemporary urban feeling to Pacific Beach that’s present in downtown San Diego and Little Italy,” Murfey said. “We feel like there’s a great need in PB for some newer apartments that people will enjoy being part of.”

Scott Murfey and his brother, Russell, are the property developers (under Veritas Urban Properties) and the general contractors and builders of Murfey Construction, Inc. Their new office space is across the street from The Point at 1571 La Playa Ave.

“We just started the project a few weeks ago, and it will be completed early next year, but we’ll be leasing the apartments out ahead of time, so people can contact us at (858) 356-2284,” Murfey said.

The brothers, who grew up in La Jolla, have built other mixed-use properties around San Diego and are currently building a 4,000-square-foot home in La Jolla Shores.

Murfey Construction, Inc.
• President: Scott Murfey
• Principal: Russell Murfey
• Address: 1571 La Playa Ave., Pacific Beach, Calif.
• Phone: (858) 405-0186 (construction) and (858) 356-2284 (leasing The Point)
• Websites: thepointliving.com and murfeyconstruction.com

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

In today’s housing market, consumers are demanding more and better housing at an affordable rate. This has led some developers to begin building micro-units in desirable neighborhoods, and others to initiate urban infill projects that repurpose underutilized land to expand housing options. On the East Coast, New Yorkers are learning to love micro-units even smaller than the city’s famously cramped studios; and while we may not feel the pinch for space as acutely here in California, that doesn’t mean we can’t incorporate equally innovative thinking into our own architectural designs.

Micro-homes in the Big Apple

According to a recent report from the U~T, New York City planners have posed a challenge to local builders: to design comfortable, appealing micro-units ranging in size from 250-370 square feet. The aim is to create affordable options for renters priced out of the city’s standard accommodations – one that other expensive and overcrowded cities including San Francisco, Tokyo and Hong Kong have already explored. To compensate for such miniscule living quarters, some New York designer have proposed elements like rooftop gardens and common lounge areas. And while the need for 300-square foot apartments may not yet be pressing here in Southern California, a similar opportunity to think outside the box – in terms of apartment sizes and locations, amenities and mixed-use facilities – may prove advantageous when it comes blending urban design and affordable San Diego housing.

Local developments boost access to affordable apartments and retail space

Throughout San Diego County, the housing market is highly competitive – a fact that leaves many would-be renters and buyers stuck in a seemingly endless search for attractive properties. One solution to the shortage of available inventory is new building projects; and unlike New York City, San Diego still has plenty of room for urban infill developments that can provide housing while simultaneously revitalizing local economies. Of course, when new apartments go up within established neighborhoods, space may be at a premium. It is in the innovative utilization of that space that an architect’s creativity becomes crucial to the success of any given development.

Here in La Jolla, we at Murfey Construction and Veritas Urban Properties are pleased to be starting work on a new urban infill development called The Point @ Ingraham, a 21-unit property with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments ranging in size from 400 to 940 square feet. By blending residential and commercial space and creating shared amenities (including ample parking and an outdoor space open to the public), our goal is to bring new vibrancy to the Pacific Beach/Crown Point neighborhood while offering affordable, attractive apartment homes and retail spaces to local renters and entrepreneurs.

To learn more about The Point, or to discuss building projects or remodeling ideas with an experienced commercial general contractor in La Jolla, contact us online at www.murfeyconstruction.com or www.veritasurban.com.

This article originally appeared on San Diego Source.

The toils and rewards of smaller infill and mixed-use developments were the topics of a morning meeting of the San Diego/Tijuana Chapter of the Urban Land Institute at the University Club on Tuesday.

“Large-scale urban planning is kind of a dying breed, but maybe that’s a good thing,” said Eric Naslund, Studio E. Architects principal, who moderated the program.

Naslund said residents near a given project shouldn’t be afraid of density.

“A project may become more dense, but graceful,” Naslund said.

Lloyd Russell, an American Institute of Architects designer who heads Lloyd Russell AIA, said after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the late 1990s, he had a choice of going to San Francisco or San Diego to work.

“I had to decide where I was going to be an architect. I felt that San Francisco was done, while San Diego was a blank canvas, and that is kind of inspiring,” Russell said.

Mike Burnett, an architect and developer for Foundation for Form Architecture & Development, said a development along 25th Street in Golden Hill known as “You Are Here” is now in the process of being completed. The mixed-use development replaces a 1960s-era gas station with 22 multifamily residential units, about 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, and a small pocket park at the end of a cul-de-sac.

Burnett said while there is nothing particularly special about the former gas station site, the property is close to an Irving Gill home, as well as being an integral part of the 25th Street revitalization effort.

The You Are Here property is across 25th Street from another Foundation for Form development known as mxd 830, a much smaller property that has just two multifamily units with a restaurant on the ground floor.

“That property has a bistro/bar that isn’t even 800 square feet, and yet the street is now active at night,” Burnett said. “We’re looking at getting the business owner a bigger restaurant nearby.”

Russ Murfey, Veritas Urban Properties principal, is the developer of The Point at Ingraham, a 21-unit multifamily project in Pacific Beach that is currently under construction and scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

While at CityMark Development — his previous employer — Murfey oversaw the entitlement and development of more than 1,000 residential units, 60,000 square feet of commercial space, $150 million of financial placement and $500 million in real estate value.

Murfey said he takes pride in making a community better.

“There’s a lot of crap out there that gets built, whereas I get inspired by improving the fabric of a neighborhood,” he said.

Before a project improves a community, it first must be built. Russell said his biggest challenge is not having clarity from the city as to the procedures that must be followed in order to get a project approved.

“The rules are unnecessarily complicated,” said Russell. “Up in Portland (Oregon) I was inspired. It was mostly about incentives and bonuses, rather than what we couldn’t do. Here we have a betting pool on the interpretation of the zoning. It’s a weird process.”

Naslund agreed that the zoning code needs an overhaul.

“It’s definitely a challenge to get through. Unfortunately, most land-use law is written in a reactionary way,” Naslund said.

Burnett said he is frustrated with the appraisal process.

“Sometimes the appraisal guy doesn’t get that this wall moves, and that makes a difference in the appraisal,” Burnett said.

All seem to agree that parking ratios for these small developments are a huge issue.

“It’s really a shame,” said Murfey. “The first thing you do is look at the parking and then you build the project around it.”

Russell said parking is the biggest land-use constraint he faces with his projects.

“Portland had no such parking requirements. In fact they had parking maximums,” Russell said, adding that he did have trouble getting a loan for a project since being told by a lender that he didn’t have enough parking for the development.

When asked what kind of lenders should finance the small infill and mixed-use projects, Murfey cited his lender, Torrey Pines Bank among others.

“A local bank is a good place to start,” Murfey said.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

We live in an exciting time for innovation; and when it comes to planning a luxury home remodel, this couldn’t be more accurate. According to the Wall Street Journal, exhibitors at the recent International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas rolled out exciting new ideas for home construction and remodeling in the years to come. From materials to fixtures, appliances to cutting-edge technologies, home builders – and homeowners – are on the cusp of a new age.

Top innovations in homebuilding

The Wall Street Journal reports that, with new home construction and home sales statistics on the rise, attendees at the International Builders’ Show exuded an air of optimism moving forward into the New Year. This positive tone helped highlight some of the new priorities among contemporary homeowners, including energy efficiency, multitasking appliances and designer fixtures. Among the highlights:

• Space-age appliances: From a refrigerator that automatically heats water and filters for trace elements to an all-in-one grill, smoker, rotisserie oven and barbecue for the backyard, multitasking appliances took center stage among in-home creations to save both time and space.
• Eco-friendliness and energy efficiency: With sustainability and energy savings alike on the minds of many homeowners, concepts like the EcoSmart “fireplace” – a unit that burns bioethanol for a flameless and effective room-heating blaze – may be the wave of the future. Generators have also grown increasingly popular, leading to the production of smaller, more streamlined units with a reduced carbon footprint.
• Digital dominance: With outlet space in high demand in order to charge today’s growing number of digital devices, one manufacturer is trailblazing an outlet that features one electrical socket and two USB ports for a charger-free plug-in.
• Luxury amenities: Saunas and elevators are both making a comeback as home prices – and with them, homeowner prospects – begin to rise. As for the little things, one can always go for a less-is-more approach with sleek, modern, and now even designer fixtures from the likes of Jason Wu.

Whatever your home remodeling or homebuilding needs, these and other innovations can serve to spark inspiration and inspire a new perspective. Whether you are considering a full-scale remodel, an entirely new home or a simple facelift for one of two rooms in the house, it’s time to think big, think ahead, and put your plans into action.

To learn more about creative new options for home remodeling, or to discuss your project ideas with a custom builder in La Jolla, contact us as Murfey Construction today. Visit us online, at www.murfeyconstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on The San Diego Union Tribune.

Construction is under way on a 21-unit apartment project, The Point @ Ingraham, that will also include 2,266 square feet of commercial space.

The developer is Veritas Urban Properties, run by brothers Russell and Scott Murfey.

The Murfeys bought the site at Ingraham Street and La Playa Avenue for $1.2 million from investors who owned the former Union 76 gas station property.

Russell Murfey said the units will range from a 400-square-foot studio to 1,600-square-foot two-bedroom units. Rents are expected to range up to $2,400 when the project opens at the end of the year.

What makes the project unusual is that the Murfeys’ designer, Stephen Dalton Architects of Solana Beach, was able to include commercial space on the ground floor — something most small- and mid-sized apartment builders rarely tackle because of the financing challenge. Lenders typically shy away from mixed-use developments. Also planned is some open space that can be shared by renters, retailers and the public.

“Retailers like it because it will have patio space,” Murfey said. “The public likes it because in the area they can sit down and relax and hang out. It looks a little more enjoyable.”

He said the location offers a certain “vibrancy” that ought to appeal to a workout facility or a “local food joint.”

In parking-challenged Crown Point and Pacific Beach, the project includes 45 parking spaces and room for bicycles.

The Murfeys plan to build and hold the project as an investment and follow up with a second project in Point Loma. Murfey Construction is the contractor and Cassidy Turley, the leasing agent.

Rental and leasing information is available online at thepointliving.com and at (858) 356-2284.

This article originally appeared on San Diego Community Newspaper Group.

After languishing on the market for the last two years, the old Union 76 gas station property at Ingraham Street and La Playa Avenue in Crown Point is under development. Rising from the site is The Point at Ingraham, a high-end, urban-design, mixed-use project.

At three stories, the apartments and commercial space that will add up to 35,000 square feet will house 21 apartments and 2,266 square feet of retail space, possibly with a café and drycleaners. The lot, which measures 22,500 square feet, will include 45 parking spaces behind the building, plus room for bicycles inside and out.

Brothers Russell and Scott Murfey, native San Diegans who live in Pacific Beach and who have an office kitty corner to the project, are the developers under their Veritas Urban Properties through Murfey Construction. The Murfeys bought the property from Loma La Jolla LLC for $1.2 million.

The Point will include nine two-bedroom apartments, 11 one-bedrooms and one studio. The Murfeys haven’t firmed up any deals for the commercial space, but they said there has been “quite a bit of interest.” The goal is to be finished with the project by the end of this year.

“I believe Pacific Beach needs higher-quality apartment buildings,” said Russell Murfey. “We’re excited to bring this product to the market because it’s different from anything out there.”

He said the current trend in Pacific Beach is for young people to come and enjoy the benefits of the beach for awhile and then leave, because there are not enough high-quality rentals.

“We believe there’s room for hard-working people who want to stay in PB,” said Russell Murfey.

He sees his renters as Generation Y, who are out of school with well-paying first or second jobs, maybe with children, looking for good, entry-level housing.

The brothers, who have built other mixed-use products around San Diego, currently are also building a 4,000-square-foot home on the water in La Jolla Shores.

Murfey said The Point apartment rates will be competitive with nearby complexes, including Avalon at Mission Bay next door, and the new apartments will include such luxury aspects like hard-surface countertops and European cabinetry and 18-foot ceilings in the commercial space.

Murfey said neighbors have been enthusiastic.

Joe Splendorio, bar manager at Rocky’s Crown Pub, kitty corner to the project, said he believes the project will help business “if there’s no retail.” He’s also a bit worried about parking.

Sal Yacoub, owner of the VP Racing gas station across the street, also sees advantages.

“It’s going to be better than it is now,” he said.

But he, too, worries about parking for the new businesses and traffic from the new project’ exits, even though he concedes many customers will be walking anyway. Being a businessman, Yacoub said he’s negotiating on renting a space in the complex for a food court.

Murfey said neighbors shouldn’t worry about parking issues.

“There are plenty of parking spaces; one per bedroom, three for guests and 13 for commercial,” he said. “That’s more than required by city code. We pulled the retail back from the corner with an outdoor patio and a seat-wall as a public amenity for social gatherings.”

Murfey described himself and his brother as locals who want to do the right thing.

“PB has a lot of room to grow into an incredible beach area that’s not just for college kids,” he said “… We’re part of the community and want to be cohesive with Crown Point and Pacific Beach, including our neighbors.”

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

In many parts of the country, home repairs and remodeling activities are relegated to the warmer spring and summer months. But here in La Jolla, home remodel projects can take place at any time of year. As we move into the New Year, many folks will be planning enhancements to their homes – either to improve resale value, or simply to improve their own quality of life. In both cases, so-called curb appeal renovations can be a great place to start. From simple touches like fresh paint and new hardware to signature upgrades for the yard and garden, a talented contractor can take any home and give it a fresh, appealing look.

According to a recent Fox News report, curb appeal is crucial when it comes to making a first impression – on potential buyers, but also on guests and visitors to your home. The average person forms a first impression within seven to ten seconds; and that means, no matter how beautiful your home is on the inside, it’s the little things on the exterior – the landscaping, driveway, façade, front door, window boxes, shutters – that count. Of course, exterior enhancements can also be a great way to customize your home to fit your lifestyle. Thanks to our sunny year-round weather, many homeowners enjoy outdoor living, making upgrades like barbeques, outdoor fireplaces, spas or light fixtures an ideal way to expand living space and create a private getaway right in your own backyard.

For those considering selling their homes in 2013, the key to curb appeal is simple: repair, refresh, refine. Make a checklist and run through the areas of your home’s exterior likely to come under initial scrutiny. Is the yard neatly trimmed and edged? Do you have some degree of landscaping, and is it in good condition? Are the driveway and front walk in good repair? And of course, look at the façade of the house and consider whether or not new paint is in order, or if fresh trim, shutters or window boxes might give your home a “facelift.” Painting the door and replacing the hardware can work wonders, and a bright color that really pops can add character and interest to an otherwise neutral exterior.

Of course, if you’re looking to settle into your home as opposed to selling it, then these curb appeal renovations can lean a little more heavily towards your own personal taste – and also, towards your practical needs. Perhaps its time to make less glamorous repairs to gutters and downspouts; or perhaps you’ve decided to finally spring for that new barbeque and patio remodel you’ve always wanted. Consider the backyard an extension of your home, and put the same care and attention to detail into your plans as you would for any other room in the house. From fireplaces and spas to bars and televisions, the sky’s the limit. Get started by brainstorming your ideas with an experienced custom builder, and get ready to start living your best life in your home.

For more information about custom remodels in La Jolla, or to discuss any type of home improvement project with a La Jolla general contractor, contact us at Murfey Construction today. For details, visit www.murfeyconstruction.com