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This article originally appeared on The San Diego Business Journal.

Real estate and capital services provider HFF has secured $7.46 million in construction financing for a planned 36-unit apartment building in Hillcrest, being developed by San Diego-based Veritas Urban Properties.

The five-story project is planned for a 15,200-square-foot parcel at 4021 Eighth Ave., immediately northwest of Balboa Park, according to HFF. The debt placement team, led by HFF’s Aldon Cole and Bryan Clark, secured the financing through a life insurance company lender.

The builder on the Hillcrest project is Murfey Construction Inc., with the apartments set for completion in early 2016. Veritas Urban Properties was founded in 2011 by brothers Russ and Scott Murfey and has recently developed other urban residential and mixed-used projects in San Diego’s Point Loma and Crown Point neighborhoods.

HFF, also known as Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, is a division of Pittsburgh-based HFF Inc. (NYSE: HF) and has a regional office in San Diego.

This article originally appeared on The UT San Diego.

Five architects and a developer, colleagues all, duked it out Thursday in a make-believe Fight Club boxing ring, all to prove a point:

It’s not all about design.

Sponsored by the alumni board of the NewSchool of Architecture and Design, the two-hour slugfest before an audience of nearly 150 students and professionals had veteran designers doff their traditional, good-guy personas and debate the pros and cons of the real world.

“What we really wanted to do was get the students out of the studio and expose them to a broad range of people in creative design industries,” said Peter Soutowood, a NewSchool alum who oversaw “Alley Rounds” at the Space 4 Art gallery in East Village for the second time. “A lot of licensed architects would say that real design…is about 5 percent of the job and wish it was 95 percent.”

The majority of the time involves working with clients and building officials, marketing for new business and managing the office.

The first round between NewSchool professors Robin Brisebois and Jeff Kennedy addressed the worth of an architect in improving the lives of people.

“It’s all very self-centered to say it’s all about us,” Brisebois said, half tongue-in-cheek. “We simply are not in charge. We simply aid and abet the project of human habitation on the planet and serve other people who have other agendas than we architects do.”

Kennedy, who specializes in sustainable design, replied, “We’re not bad animals. We’re good animals — we just have bad habits. We need to change our habits and if I can give up carbs for a month, I think we can do this.”

Round 2 pitted urban architect Frank Wolden against artist-architect James Enos.

“We need to be agents for the humanization of modern architecture in the cities on all levels,” Wolden said.

Enos playfully ridiculed some of Wolden’s work and said the fundamental basis of civilization is the “pursuit of beauty and truth.”

But it was the third round that raised the most serious issue: the conflict between good design and government regulation.

Developer Russ Murfey recounted the slogging necessary to get approval for a 36-unit apartment project, now under construction on Eighth Avenue in Hillcrest.

“I truly believe in good design and creating an urban environment that’s pedestrian friendly and can last for the ages, beyond five, 10, 15 years, a thing that’s true architecture,” Murfey said.

But he complained that city building officials fall short in offering the proper guidance when it comes to complying with the rules.

“They should know better than us,” he said of city plan checkers, “but that’s not always the case.”

Mike Stepner, the former city architect and currently a NewSchool professor, had his own run-ins with the city bureaucracy when he was in the Planning Department. His message to the students was that as architects they need to think beyond just their obligations to their clients.

“It’s the community that has to live with what’s been done,” he said.

He recommended architecture graduates consider jobs in local permit and planning departments and help improve project review.

Lisa Ganem, who heads the school’s career services and alumni office, said Alley Rounds provides a reality check for students.

“It helps if you have a sense of humor,” she said. “If you don’t you’ll go mad.”

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Just because San Diego doesn’t have three months of snowstorms or a hurricane season, doesn’t mean that there aren’t particular times of year that are better, or worse, for planning your remodel project. And in many cases, picking that optimal time can go a long way in saving you time and money. Here are several factors to consider:

Understand Supply and Demand

The struggle between supply and demand is a consistent force in essentially all that we pay for. And just like how Christmas decorations can be purchased for a fraction of the cost after the first of the year, the price of building materials also fluctuates depending on the time of year. And while the low-point of the market may not perfectly line up with when you’re ready to build, it’s a great idea to accrue such materials like paint, lumber, electrical fixtures, plumbing, tile, etc. when they are cheaper and then simply store them until you are ready to start your project. Also, if you are trying to order flooring or new windows at the same time as everyone else in town, there is a much greater risk that orders will get mixed up or delayed, which will only add to your time and budget.

Work with Contractors’ Schedules

Knowing when to remodel is not just about material costs. You also have to consider how busy the contractor is. Just as in your own work, you know that there are certain times when you are swamped and others when everything seems to flow at the right pace. Contractors are generally the same way; they too have busy and slow seasons. It’s a good idea to talk with them ahead of time, to find when the better times are for them so that you can get the full attention you deserve. You also want to be sure that you find the right contractor for your job. In other words, a contractor that has the experience and size to take on your particular project.

Part of working with your contractor is planning early and allowing for a little flexibility. This will allow your contractor to work more efficiently. And since the mistakes and backtracking are likely to be greatly reduced, the “slightly off-season” is one of the best times to remodel!

Get a Jump on Seasonal Work

Just because San Diego isn’t known for it’s extreme seasons, doesn’t mean some projects don’t always pop up during certain times of year. For instance, window replacements and air conditioning units are most often summer projects. But try focusing on these areas in early spring or late fall. The prices and demand will be reduced. Furnaces and fireplaces, along with roofing, are usually ignored before fall, so have these types of projects done over the summer. And while everyone thinks about that new summer deck in late spring, plan ahead and get your deck started in the winter. Take advantage of our mild winters. The best time to remodel is, of course, going to change depending on the project you are planning. In most cases, it is a good idea to have your project take place a month or two before or after everyone else will be calling for the same project.

Overall, the biggest assets on your side for choosing the right time to do a big home project are thinking ahead and planning early. They are far more important than weather. The best project, without fail, always ends up being the one that is thoroughly thought out.

If you’re considering a home renovation or remodel, please contact us at https://murfeycompany.com to get that early start on the design and planning stage.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Although we are lucky enough to live in a locale with pristine weather, far from disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, there are still potential hazards that exist that may cause costly damage to your beautiful home. Fortunately, there are many safety precautions you can take to ensure that your family and house is as safe and as prepared as possible.

Earthquakes:

Here in Southern California, you never know if the next big one is going to hit in twenty years, or tomorrow. Although earthquakes are unpredictable and last only 10-30 seconds, they can cause severe damage. Be sure your house is earthquake-safe:

— Consider Seismic retrofitting. While it might seem costly, it will be far less expensive than the cost of repairing serious structural damage.

— Repair deep cracks in your foundation and ceiling.

— Be sure your house is anchored to the foundation.

— Identify common building problems like unbraced cripple walls, rooms over garages, and chimneys and other masonry that isn’t reinforced.

— Secure gas appliances, including water heaters and furnaces, with wall studs or floor bolts.

— Repair leaky gas lines and damaged electrical wiring.

— Install flexible fittings for gas and water lines.

— Fasten shelves, TVs and furniture to the walls.

— Hang mirrors and pictures with closed hooks and not into drywall.

— Avoid heavy objects above or near beds.

Floods:

Whether you live in a floodplain or not, floods can occur anywhere, even here in San Diego County. And as you can probably imagine, water damage can be extremely costly. Taking a few precautions however, can help save you money later.

— Know you risks. Understand the topography of your area, knowing where and under what conditions flooding may occur.

— Consider flood insurance. This is normally not included in your homeowner’s insurance, but can save you tens of thousands in case of a flood emergency.

— Elevate potentially dangerous things like your furnace, water heater, electrical panel and all other important electrical components.

— Install backflow prevention valves to keep floodwaters from backing up into your home’s drains.

— Where possible, construct barriers around your property made of concrete and earth fill.

— Stock up on building materials (plywood, plastic sheeting, saw, hammer, nails, shovels, sandbags, etc.)

— Keep important documents in a waterproof container.

Wildfires:

California leads the nation with over 2 million homes at risk for wildfires, and unfortunately, San Diego County has had its share. Be sure your home is prepared:

— Create a defensible space, or a buffer, between your home and the nature that surrounds it. This could include stone walls, a swimming pool, concrete patio, etc.

— Landscape your yard with materials and plants that will help stop the fire not fuel it.

— Use fire resistant materials on your roof and home exterior or treat your current material with fire-retardant chemicals.

— Regularly clean your roof and gutters.

— Have your chimney inspected and cleaned twice a year.

— Have building materials close by, including a rake, ax, saw, bucket and a ladder.

— Clear your yard of any flammable debris such as wood piles, lawn furniture, etc. They should be safely outside your defensible space.

— Install mesh screening around your chimney, vents, and any openings under your deck.

— Address water needs. Be sure you have a functioning hose in the front and backyard.

General Safety:

It doesn’t always take a natural disaster to cause damage to your home or valuables. There are also some basic home precautions you can take to ensure the safety of your family, belongings, and your home:

— Change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year.

— Place fire extinguishers in strategic locations.

— Keep flashlights in several key places and change the batteries once a year.

— Have several emergency kits throughout the house with food, water, and first-aid kits.

— Inspect all electrical components in your house and repair any damaged wiring.

— Maintain all major appliances and have them inspected once a year.

— Educate your family. This includes CPR, first-aid, escape routes, contact numbers, and how to turn off all utilities.

It just takes a few small measures now to prevent catastrophic damage later. If you are interested in working with experienced professionals who can help
you feel confident that your house is as safe and as well-prepared as it can be, please contact us at http://MurfeyConstruction.com.

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

By Marti Gacioch

Murfey Construction is ready to break ground in September 2014 for a five-story apartment building that will house 36 “luxury” apartments on the corner of Washington Street and Eighth Avenue in Hillcrest. “They are our main focus now,” said sales manager Jesse Lyons.

The one- and two-bedroom units will range in size from 760- to 1200-square-feet.

“Amenities will be similar to other Murfey Construction projects, including solar panels on the roof top deck complete with a BBQ, that serves as a common area for residents to entertain and socialize,” Lyons said.

Energy-efficient stainless steel appliances and energy-efficient green heating and air conditioning are also a given with Murfey Construction. The company thinks green for the environment and builds green to continue protecting it while serving its tenants with cutting edge, state-of-art technology, Lyons said.

Other amenities will include European-style wooden cabinets, hard surface quartz counters in two color schemes, a washer and dryer in each unit, and refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave and tankless water heaters.

“Everything will be pre-wired for cable and Internet and there will be wall-mounted connections for flat panel TVs and LED lighting,” Lyons said. “There will be some nice panoramic views toward the ocean … a fitness center may be included.”

Russ Murfey added “With our projects, we install highly efficient, cost-effective products whenever possible, including gas appliances, which are less expensive to operate than electric appliances. We build with Quartz countertops and recycled wood flooring, including bamboo, and try to keep products out of the landfill by recycling more than 50 percent of the materials we use.”

Units in Murfey’s Famosa project at Voltaire Street and Catalina Boulevard in Point Loma (nine contemporary, 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhomes with 2-car garages) are now for sale. A few of the 1,400-1,500 square foot townhomes include a rooftop deck. The multi-use project will have street-level retail spaces.

“The Hillcrest and Famosa projects afford Murfey Construction the opportunity to create unique and sustainable living spaces within the urban areas of San Diego,” Murfey said. “These are just two examples of the many projects we are working on which feature green building techniques, designed to blend into the existing neighborhoods seamlessly.”

Murfey Construction is also known for its commercial construction and custom-home building projects. Among those recently completed are a hotel at Crystal Pier, the Promiscuous Fork Restaurant’s second location in Pacific Beach and a UC San Diego medical clinic.

The company is working on two mixed-use developments — Atlas Lofts in South Park and an unnamed 20-unit development in North Park.

• Murfey Construction, Inc.
1571 La Playa Ave., San Diego
(858) 352-6864
murfeyconstruction.com
• Famosa Townhomes
(858) 800-2536
famosatownhomes.com

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Whenever you decide to add on to or remodel a part of your home, you’re increasing your quality of life and your property’s value, but many times those projects end up costing two to three times what you anticipated. Last month, I focused on the importance of creating a budget when starting your remodel project and offered tips on how to stay on that budget. One of the items I discussed was finding places to trim your costs. Here are a dozen more specific ways in which you can keep the cost down on your remodel without sacrificing quality.

Make decisions early.

Well before the demo crew shows up, you should be pricing out your materials and appliances. If you don’t know what you want, then you have to rely on your contractor’s estimates, and the two of you may not be on the same page. It always costs more to make changes midstream.

Plan with stock-sizes.

When planning your new doors, windows, additional flooring, etc, consider the off-the-shelf dimensions. Keeping these sizes in mind from the beginning will save you plenty on custom fabrication.

Increase efficiency.

In order to add useful space to your kitchen, you don’t necessarily need to take out a wall. You just need to maximize the space you do have. For example, if you take out large cumbersome shelving and replace it with cabinet-height, pull out drawers, you will be able to utilize three horizontal places where before there was only one.

Add natural light without adding windows.

Cutting a large hole into the side of your house is not the only way to bring in natural light. By adding a “light tube” – which fits between roof rafters and funnels sunlight down into the living space – you can brighten up a hallway or windowless bathroom without the big cost or invasive construction.

Don’t move the kitchen sink.

Or the toilet. Moving these major pipe areas is often the largest chunk of your plumbing costs. If you your new layout can’t avoid this, however, use this opportunity to also upgrade the pipes at the same time.

Consider look-a-likes.

While this might not be true across the board, some imitations can really help cut costs without cutting quality. For example, there is a natural eucalyptus hybrid (brand named Lyptus) that looks and feels remarkably like mahogany at nearly half the price.

Tap your contractor’s sources.

When it comes to things like flooring, ask your subcontractor if he or she has odds and ends left over from other jobs. Useful material that may go in the trash on other sites, could end up saving you thousands.

Donate and/or recycle your trash.

About 85% of a house is reusable. By contacting a local Habitat for Humanity, you can save a trip to the dump, save on space in a landfill, and you can use the donation as charitable tax credit. As a green building expert, we recycle the majority of construction debris and divert demolition trash to a recycling facility instead of filling up landfills. Visit www.habitat.org to find an affiliate near you.

Consult an architect.

By spending a couple thousand dollars on partnering with an architect, he or she may be able to save you tens of thousands by drawing up design solutions that you can then take to your builder. We can recommend an architect that fits your style, needs and budget.

Partner with a contractor.

Along the same lines, some contractors will offer consulting and pre-construction services. You can save a lot of time and money with the help and advice of an experienced contractor, especially when the owner, contractor and architect are working together early in the design process.

Start from scratch.

While this may be a scary concept, if you are doing a major renovation, be sure to crunch the numbers. In some cases, it may cost you less to demolish the whole house and start over than it would to add up all the major remodels. Plus you get all benefits of new construction.

Consider long-term costs.

Even though we are talking about saving on the price of your remodel, don’t get hurt in long-term costs because of short-term gains. For example, while LED lights and solar power cost more, the long term savings are incredible, not to mention the sustainable impact to the environment.

At Murfey Construction, it is important to us that you get the project you’ve been dreaming of at a price you can afford. To find out more ways in which you can save on your remodel project, please contact us at http://MurfeyConstruction.com.

This video originally appeared on YouTube.

Coastal San Diego general contractor Murfey Construction is featured in this local family-owned business spotlight. For more La Jolla contractors visit http://www.lajollabluebook.com/category/contractors—building-general And for additional videos featuring other great family-owned businesses in La Jolla, California, please visit https://www.youtube.com/user/thelajollabluebook

Murfey Construction specializes in home construction and remodeling in La Jolla and all areas of San Diego. Other services offered are construction consulting, design-build, and construction management. Please call for a free consultation.

Murfey Construction is on the web at http://www.murfeyconstruction.com/

This video originally appeared on YouTube.

Close Up on San Diego Business Welcomes Russ Murfey of Murfey Construction

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

If you’ve ever embarked on a project as big as building your dream home from the ground up or as small as repainting a couple of rooms, you certainly know how fast the cost of a home project can spiral out of control. And while remodels are a great way to improve your quality of life and up your property value, it’s vital to create and keep a budget so you don’t end up with a half-tiled bathroom or a mountain of debt too tall to climb. There are some basic steps, however, that homeowners can take to keep on budget.

1. Ballpark the costs . It’s easy (and fun!) to flip through home design magazines or watch HGTV for hours and dream big, but before you even get started, you need to have a rough estimate of what your dreams are going to cost you. Talking to friends who have done similar projects, or spending a few minutes researching online can help you get a handle on specific prices. But in general, a major upgrade such as a full bathroom remodel or family room addition will run you $100-200 per square foot.

2. Know how much you have to spend. Once you’ve focused your project ideas and done some cost estimation, you need to take an honest appraisal of how much you can reasonably afford. If you’re paying cash, the answer is more simple. If you are borrowing, however, you need to figure out how much a bank will lend you, at what interest rate, and how that monthly bill fits into your expenses.

There are a couple different types of loans you can get, but the best option for a home improvement is a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This loan is secured by your home equity and therefore qualifies you for a lower rate, and you’re also able to deduct the interest on your taxes. Just be careful – a HELOC is a line of credit rather than a lump sum loan. You will only be required to pay back the interest each month. And as anyone who had a credit card in college can tell you, this can be a slippery slope into a debt nightmare. It’s important to be conscious of this in budgeting your monthly installments.

3. Get quotes from contractors . Get recommendations from friends, neighbors, and others you trust for at least three different contractors. Be sure to then ask to see some of their work, and check their references and online reviews. One of the keys to getting more accurate quotes is to be as specific as you can with your project details. If you know exactly what type of material, appliances, etc. that you want, then you can be certain that you and the contractor are on the same page.

4. Find places to trim. Just as our eyes can often be bigger than our stomachs, our eyes can also be bigger than our checkbooks. Be sure to prioritize what’s most important to you, and talk to your contractor about places to trim and save – it’s important that you work together with him or her in order to stay on budget. Here are a couple way in which you might be able to lower your costs: a) low-cost alternatives – for example, vinyl flooring in the bathroom instead of ceramic tile, b) keep working appliances – you can always replace that refrigerator later, c) scale down – maybe the new bathroom could work at 80 sq. ft. instead of 100. d) buy it yourself – you can save up to 20% if you buy materials yourself. Just be sure to coordinate with your contractor.

At Murfey Construction, we pride ourselves in working closely with each client. This ensures that you are not only satisfied with your upgrade, but that
together, we can make sure you stay on budget. If you are considering a home improvement project of any size, please visit us at http://www.murfeyconstruction.com/ .

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Is your home almost perfect? Maybe it was perfect when you bought it, but it’s getting a little cramped since you got roped in by that infomercial and now own a home gym set. Or maybe your son or daughter unexpectedly moved back in with you after graduating from college, so you don’t get to turn their bedroom into that coveted wine cellar after all. Of course, you could move, but do you really feel like packing, hiring movers and reorganizing everything? Maybe a home addition is the answer. Generally, a less expensive option than moving, home additions offer many benefits:

More space for stuff: Our homes never end up having enough space. After living somewhere for a while, it’s natural that we accumulate more photo albums, more appliances, and more electronics. But it’s not just that we accumualate more stuff; our lifestyles change. Sometimes our home becomes our office, or we develop new hobbies and require an art studio or a music room.

More space for family: Increasingly, our kids and our parents are moving back in with us. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, almost 40% of young adults live at home with their parents, and according to another study, 4.6 million elders moved in with their kids. You might not have planned for this when you bought your place. However, instead of uprooting completely or feeling cramped, you can look into adding an extra bedroom, and if the plumbing allows, it can include a bathroom.

More sunlight: Generally less expensive than other home additions, a sunroom has many benefits. Natural light is so important. Studies show that it improves our mood, it promotes healing, makes us smarter (a study showed that test scores were higher among students when their classes were illuminated by natural light) and makes us more productive (a study found programmers in offices with natural light spent more time at their computers than those in offices without windows). Sunrooms can also add natural light to surrounding rooms.

More luxury: If you’re at that point in your life when you feel like you deserve a little more luxury, why not build that walk-in closet that you’ve always dreamed of or that luxury bathroom with the giant, gorgeous shower and his and her sinks?

If you are considering a home addition, it’s important to remember that a home addition that isn’t designed and planned well can look awkward. It might not match the style or shape of the existing house. It’s also important to make sure that all home additions adhere to San Diego building codes. If they don’t, you will have to pay fines, and you may have to return the home to its original state.

At Murfey Construction, we are well-versed in great design principles and San Diego building codes and regulations. If you are considering a home addition, please visit us at http://MurfeyConstruction.com.