Articles by TJ Kidder
T.J. Kidder is a home remodeling specialist dedicated to helping homeowners make informed, confident decisions about their renovation projects. Drawing on years of experience in research, homeowner education, and remodeling best practices, he provides practical insights that help clients better understand planning, budgeting, design, and construction.
01.
Design Build vs General Contractor vs Architect: Which Do You Need?
If you’re deciding between design-build and a general contractor, start with what you have today. Is it an idea, a set of plans, or a defined scope that’s ready to price? That starting point tells you more than the label on a company’s website. After more than 35 years and 1,200 completed projects, we’ve learned […]
How Long a Home Remodel Takes: A Home Renovation Timeline
To learn how to plan a home renovation timeline, separate research, design and approvals from construction. Schedule decisions, deliveries and inspections that release the next step. Our published kitchen-focused case studies report four to six months of building; whole-home and addition examples report seven to thirteen. Earlier planning adds a separate stage to the renovation […]
Garage Conversion Cost in San Diego: ADU Cost Guide 2026
Converting a garage into a finished room costs less than turning it into an ADU, a legal accessory dwelling unit, and the gap is wider than most San Diego homeowners expect. Here’s how the numbers break down in San Diego in 2026. A design-build planning reference for a garage conversion ADU in San Diego is […]
Do You Need an Architect for a Home Remodel? A San Diego Builder’s Answer
Not always. California lets anyone draw plans for a conventionally framed wood house up to two stories (B&P Code §5537). You need a licensed architect or engineer when framing is non-conventional, or when the building official requires one. We’ve remodeled San Diego homes for more than 35 years, and this is one of the first […]
What Home Improvements Increase Property Taxes in San Diego?
General information, not tax advice. Confirm with a CPA or the San Diego County Assessor. In San Diego County, home improvements increase property taxes only when they count as new construction: added square footage, an ADU, a pool, or a renovation complete enough to make a kitchen, bath or house substantially new. Pulling a building […]
How Long Does It Take to Build a House? A Custom Home Timeline
For a custom home in San Diego, Lars Remodeling & Design uses roughly 14–24 months from early design through move-in as planning guidance. That includes the work before construction starts. It is not a measured average of completed Lars projects; a difficult lot or longer approval process can extend the schedule. After more than 35 […]
Aging in Place Remodeling in San Diego: Senior Home Modifications Room by Room
Aging in place remodeling in San Diego means adapting the home you already live in so you, or a parent, can keep using it safely as mobility changes. The place to start is the route someone takes every day: getting inside, reaching the bedroom, using the toilet and bathing. A beautiful shower solves little if […]
Home Remodeling Financing Options: A San Diego Homeowner’s Guide
You might know exactly what you want to change about your home. A kitchen where everyone can gather without getting in each other’s way. A bathroom that feels easier to use. Or a floor plan that finally makes sense for the way your family lives today. Then comes the practical question: how will we pay […]
Second Story Additions in San Diego: Costs, Permits and Feasibility
Compare published Lars planning references for second-story, single-room and small additions. Learn how the foundation, soils, stairs, work in the existing home, included services and owner expenses shape a project-specific proposal.
Garage Conversion Permits: What San Diego Requires
You need a garage conversion permit to turn a garage into living space in the City of San Diego. Your first decision is whether the space will become another room in your home or a separate dwelling. That choice shapes the plans, building requirements, and review path. The City’s permit FAQ identifies garage conversions as […]
