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.
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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
How Much Does a Second Story Addition Cost in San Diego? San Diego project scope Typical planning range* Second-story addition $400,000-$1,000,000+ Single-room addition $150,000-$250,000+ Bump-out or small addition $100,000-$130,000+ Source: Lars addition planning ranges, checked September 2026. These cover design and construction. *“Typical” repeats the published range; it is not a measured average. Low and […]
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 […]
What a Bathroom Remodel Costs in San Diego
Compare San Diego bathroom planning references and learn how scope, existing conditions, selections, and installation shape the investment. Use practical questions to compare proposals and plan your remodel.
What Is Design Build Remodeling? The Design-Build Process
Design-build remodeling is a method of project delivery that brings planning, design, estimating, and construction together under one accountable team. You work with the same company to develop the layout, connect choices to cost, and carry the approved project into construction. At Lars, that begins with a Design Agreement before a separate Construction Agreement. Drawing […]
Outdoor Living Remodels in San Diego: Costs and What’s Possible
Maybe you want somewhere to eat dinner outside. Perhaps the patio gets too hot, the yard slopes away from the house, or there’s nowhere comfortable to gather. You don’t need a finished design to start exploring outdoor living in San Diego. Start with the part of daily life you’d like the yard to support. We’ve […]
The Real Cost of Removing a Kitchen Wall in a San Diego Home
Structural-opening costs, checked September 2026. Construction figures below are comparisons from Green Design and Build’s September 2026 guide, in USD. They are not quotes or Lars job costs. Cost item Typical: published range Temporary support (shoring) and demolition $1,500–$4,000 Installed lumber/LVL support $3,000–$10,000 Installed steel beam/connections, alternative $8,000–$25,000 New footing, per post $1,500–$4,000 Kitchen electrical […]
Carlsbad Kitchen & Living Remodel Case Study
Client Success Story Teresa & Brian Kitchen, Office & Living Spaces • Carlsbad, CA 6 Spaces Total Spaces Reimagined 10 Months Contract to Completion KITCHEN PLUS Project Type REFERRAL How They Found Us Their Story Teresa and Brian bought their Carlsbad home new in 2012, and after more than a decade of raising a life […]
What Does Home Remodeling Cost in San Diego? 2026 Prices by Project
How much does home remodeling cost in San Diego? Our published guidance for remodel costs in San Diego in 2026 starts with a complete design build kitchen remodeling project from $100,000 – $175,000 and reaches $400,000–$1,000,000+ for second-story additions. Compare the project scopes below, using our kitchen investment guidance and addition investment guidance. 2026 home […]
Aging in Place Home Modifications in San Diego
Start your aging in place home modifications with the route your parent needs every day: getting inside, reaching the bedroom, using the toilet and bathing. A beautiful shower solves little if a walker cannot reach it. If someone is returning home after a fall or diagnosis, establish an immediate access plan with their care team […]
