Blog Posts
What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring A Bathroom Remodeling Contractor?
An important know-before-you-hire list of bathroom remodeling contractor questions includes inquiries about their experience, the project timeline, licenses, insurance, references, and payment terms. Getting clear answers on these points helps identify a skilled,...
How Do I Make Sure My New Bathroom Will Still Look Great In 10 Years?
At Carey Bros. Remodeling, we believe a beautiful bathroom should stay beautiful, not just today, but 5, 10, even 15 years from now. Porcelain, ceramic, and stone surfaces endure daily use and water very well. Simple shapes and neutrals don’t fade fast and fit new...
What Are The Top Bathroom Design Ideas For Small Spaces That Don’t Sacrifice Luxury?
Here are my top bathroom design ideas for small spaces that don’t sacrifice luxury. To make a small bathroom feel opulent, folks tend to select wall-hung sinks, frameless glass showers, and glossy, light-reflecting tiles. Incorporating built-in shelves or floating...
What Are The Most Common Regrets First-Time Bathroom Remodelers Have?
The most common regrets first-time bathroom remodelers have often include not setting a clear budget, picking trendy styles that do not age well, and skipping storage solutions. Others regret that they didn’t plan lighting better or take a moment to check water...
How Can A Bathroom Remodel Improve Resale Value In Discovery Bay
How does a bathroom remodel boost resale value in Discovery Bay? At Carey Bros. Remodeling, we know buyers want nice, new spaces with sleek fixtures, sparkling tiles, and clever storage. Homes with well-designed bathrooms sell faster and for more money, especially...
What’s The Difference Between A Bathroom Renovation And A Full Remodel?
At Carey Bros. Remodeling, we believe homeowners deserve clarity when planning improvements to their space, and one of the most common questions we hear is: What’s the distinction between a bathroom renovation and a full remodel? A remodel often means changing the...
What Are The Best Bathroom Layouts For Aging Homeowners And Limited Mobility?
At Carey Bros. Remodeling, we understand that the best bathroom layouts for aging homeowners and those navigating limited mobility should prioritize open floor plans, barrier-free showers, wide doorways, and supportive safety features that preserve independence....
How Much Should I Budget For A Bathroom Remodel In Oakley?
For a bathroom remodel in Oakley, most homeowners should budget between $7,000 and $20,000 depending on the size, materials, and labor required. Small updates with basic fixtures and simple tiles tend to stick closer to the lower end, while larger spaces, high-end...
What Does the First Meeting With a Design-Build Team Look Like?
That’s what the first meeting with a design-build team looks like: giving you a clear start to your project, showcasing the people, steps, and ideas that form the process. You sit down with the team, discuss your needs, and establish objectives for what you want to...
Is Design-Build the Right Choice for Historic or Aging-In-Place Remodels?
Design-build typically provides direction for historic or aging-in-place remodels. You collaborate with a single team through both design and build phases, which can assist in keeping transformations faithful to the style or requirements of older homes. For historic...
What Should I Ask Before Hiring a Design-Build Remodeling Company?
So you know what to ask before hiring a design-build remodeling company, begin with the basics — experience, licenses, and past work. You want to find out how long the company has been working on projects like yours and if it has the appropriate certifications in your...
Can the Design-Build Process Speed up Construction Timelines?
Construction projects can often feel like a marathon, with multiple phases, numerous contractors, and endless communication loops. For homeowners, commercial developers, and property managers, time is critical. Delays can increase costs, disrupt operations, and create...
How Does Communication Work In a Design-Build Project?
Communication in a design-build project has you and your team exchanging ideas, updates, and needs from the initial planning stages through the final day of construction. You collaborate with designers and builders as one team, so everybody remains informed of changes...
Is Design-Build More Cost-Effective Than Hiring Separate Contractors?
Design-build is usually less expensive than separate contractors because you work with a single entity for both design and construction. You save time because there’s less inter-group back-and-forth, and you can reduce overhead expenses stemming from delays or...
What Are the Biggest Advantages of Choosing a Design-Build Firm in Brentwood?
The greatest benefits of selecting a design-build firm in Brentwood stem from having a single team handle your project’s design and build phases. Better communication, faster timelines, and more cost control occur because the same firm manages every single detail from...
How Does the Design-Build Process Work From Start to Finish?
In short, design-build is a single contract method where your project design and construction remain under the control of one team. It begins with you sharing your needs and goals with the design-build firm. They provide you with a plan, cost, and timeline, and then...
What Makes the Design-Build Approach Different From Traditional Remodeling?
Here’s what sets the design-build approach apart from traditional remodeling. You work with one team from start to finish, which means you receive clear communication, a single contract, and often quicker timelines. With traditional remodeling, you manage separate...
What Is Design-Build and Why Is It Ideal for Busy Homeowners?
Design-build is a project delivery method where a single team manages both the design and construction of your home renovation or build. Instead of coordinating between separate architects, contractors, and subcontractors, you work with one team from start to finish....
Should I Convert My Garage or Build a Separate ADU?
Choosing between converting your garage or building a separate accessory dwelling unit (ADU) depends on your space, budget, and long-term needs. When you convert your garage, you typically reduce construction costs and utilize space you already own. Building a...
What Finishes Work Best in Garage Flex Spaces?
What finishes work best in garage flex spaces? These options can withstand hard use, stains, and heavy traffic. Epoxy is notable for its durable, monolithic surface and broad palette. Polyurethane is super scratch-resistant and can withstand temperature fluctuations....
How Long Does It Take to Convert a Garage Into a Livable Space?
Generally speaking, it will take anywhere from four to eight weeks to convert your garage into a livable space, depending on the size of your garage, the scope of work, and the needed permits. If you want to convert a garage into a room, you’re looking at insulation,...
Is a Garage Conversion Right for Aging-In-Place or Multigenerational Living?
Can I Convert My Garage Without Sacrificing Resale Value?
You can convert your garage without losing resale value if you plan and make smart decisions. A lot of buyers love living space, which means a finished garage can add value when executed properly. Your best bet is to keep local building codes in mind, use quality...
What’s the Best Way to Add Plumbing and HVAC to a Garage Conversion?
The best way to add plumbing and HVAC to a garage conversion is by planning both systems early and matching them to your space’s needs. You need water lines that connect back to your home’s main supply and drain, which usually involves laying new pipes below the floor...
Do I Soundproof a Garage Conversion for Music or Office Use?
To soundproof a garage conversion for music or an office, you layer, seal, and use soft materials that block and absorb sound. You install dense panels or special drywall on walls and ceilings, use thick doors, and seal cracks with rubber strips. Heavy rugs or foam...
Do Garage Conversions Require a Permit in Contra Costa County?
Garage conversions require permits in Contra Costa County, typically when you intend to convert your garage into a living area or repurpose it for non-parking usage. Permits ensure your project complies with local safety and zoning codes. You could encounter...
What Are the Most Popular Uses for Converted Garage Spaces in the East Bay?
What are the most popular uses for converted garage spaces in the East Bay? The hottest uses for converted garage spaces in the East Bay include transforming a garage into a playroom or a peaceful study nook for families. Others convert garages into studios or mini...
How Much Does a Garage Conversion Cost in Brentwood or Oakley?
Garage conversion in Brentwood or Oakley typically runs between $25,000 and $75,000. Your overall cost typically comes down to the size of your garage, the style of room you want, and the degree of finish. Costs can increase if you’re adding plumbing, new walls, or...
Is It More Expensive To Remodel A Historic Home Vs. A Newer Home?
It typically costs more to remodel a historic home than it does to update a newer home. Old homes tend to require work to meet existing code, and addressing hidden problems such as old wiring or weak pipes, drives costs upwards as well. A lot of historic homes require...
What Are The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Renovating A Historic Home?
Many common mistakes in historic home projects stem from renovations that unintentionally harm the building’s original character. Homeowners often dive in without checking local preservation rules or confirming the property’s actual age, which can lead to costly...