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This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

Remodeling your home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. So many San Diegans undergo successful remodeling projects without the typical brunt associated with losing precious rooms like your kitchen, bath or living room. It’s actually easier than you think so long as you know the territory that comes with remodeling.

In addition to space issues, though, couples who undergo remodeling at home can typically unearth arguments once unknown. But it doesn’t have to be that way. To survive – and thrive – throughout the remodeling process, here’s what you can do to stay comfortable and live seamlessly not only at home, but with each other, too.

Cost of Remodel

Couples should agree to an expected budget with room for flexibility of up to 30 percent in both directions to avoid arguments later.

Choosing Styles

If one partner is staunchly Victorian while the other is purely post-modern, you can still find a happy medium by mixing styles for an eclectic, unique look. Compromising is essential when it comes to adopting a style you both enjoy.

Pre-Plan Details

Things like faucet choices or wallpaper can create arguments later, so decide on the details before the project begins. Choices can reduce disagreements. It’s likely you can both find something you like by browsing options together.

Smaller Spaces

It’s a no-brainer to understand that remodeling projects will reduce your living space considerably until work is completed. But actually living in a smaller space is another thing altogether. Make sure both partners understand that space and time will be limited during a remodel. For example, during bathroom remodels, couples can expect to share a smaller space and may even have to find alternative showering or bathing methods. Make this part fun instead of harping on one another to hurry up. Remember, remodeling is temporary – is it really worth the argument in the moment?

Dust, Partitions and Loud Noises

When it comes to remodeling, couples need to expect an increase in dust, partitions and loud noises from the project site. Those particularly concerned about cleanliness should be flexible during this time, and understand that it may not be as tidy. Noise may also play a role in your remodel, so pre-plan your children’s activities or your personal obligations ahead of time.

For more information on remodeling your home quickly, on par with your style expectations and with minimal disruption, do your relationship a favor and call us at (858) 352-6142 or visit us online at http://www.murfeyconstruction.com

This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.

The cost of home remodeling has dropped 10 to 15 percent in the past five years, paving the way for low-cost construction for San Diego homeowners. It goes without saying that remodeling is one of the best ways to increase your home’s curb appeal in addition to bolstering its value.

“Replacement projects are really strong because they’re cheap and they make the house look good immediately. If you get new windows, new siding and replace the front door, the house looks great. It sells faster and for more money,” says one expert according to MSN Real Estate.

Despite the positive sentiments associated with remodeling, some investments have eroded in payback according to experts, with some returns equaling less than 57 percent after the sale of the home. That’s why it’s essential to know how to use your money wisely when remodeling your home.

When it comes to the best financial decisions for your home, here are the top 10 construction projects to consider according to MSN Real Estate.

1. Replace exterior siding. Upscale fiber cement is one of the most elegant and cost-effective choices for home exteriors. Siding pays goes miles to improve the curb appeal of your home.

2. Replace entry doors. Nothing makes a first impression quite like a beautiful entry way and door. Replacing old doors and retro-fitting a patio can make a house look like a home.

3. Attic remodel. If you have the space, an attic remodel can add additional square footage to your home. Attic remodels appeal to families who may use the space for an extra bedroom or play area for the kids.

4. Minor kitchen remodel. Sometimes, all a kitchen needs is a fresh face to shine, especially when you’re trying to sell your home quickly. A minor kitchen remodel will generally consist of new countertops, sink, faucets and appliances.

5. Midrange garage door replacement. A home needs curb appeal and a garage door is just the ticket to achieving a fresh look to the exterior of your home. Garage door replacement is also one of the best ways to reviving the exterior of an older home.

6. High-end garage door replacement. For luxury homes, a high-end garage door looks impressive and accurately conveys a more grandeur lifestyle.

7. Wood deck. Backyards can make a difference when it comes to the quick sale of your home. A wood deck may be an excellent choice to add more selling appeal to your home.

8. Foam-backed vinyl siding. Both beautiful and practical, vinyl siding is a good way to improve the aesthetics of your home while keeping it warm in the winter months.

9. Midrange replacement vinyl siding. If a luxurious look is desired, higher-end vinyl siding may be an excellent choice for sellers who are focusing on the top end of real estate sales.

10. Replacement windows. Upscale vinyl windows can make all the difference in the curb appeal of your home. Plus, it’s one of those upgrades that homebuyers can appreciate since it focuses on energy savings and curb appeal all at the same time.

If you’re interested in remodeling your home, find out more about Murfey Construction – a trusted remodeling company in La Jolla – at http://www.murfeyconstruction.com/ or give us a call at 858-405-0186.

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.