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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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 […]
JADU vs ADU: Which Accessory Dwelling Unit Fits Your Property?
An ADU is an independent home on the same property as a main residence. A JADU occupies up to 500 square feet of interior livable space within a single-family home, including an attached garage. ADU vs JADU: terms at a glance Term What it means Picture it this way ADU Accessory dwelling unit: a home […]
Can You Renovate a Historic Home? San Diego Renovation Rules
Before removing original windows, changing the façade, or opening walls in a historic home, find out which features are protected. Those details may be part of the property’s historical significance. In the City of San Diego, designated-resource review can apply even to alterations that ordinarily need no building permit. City Bulletin 581, October 2020; checked […]
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in San Diego?
2026 kitchen component costs: low, typical and high specification tiers Component and unit Low Typical: middle specification High Installed cabinets, standard 10×10 configuration BNC Builders; San Diego Stock: $3,000–$8,000 Semi-custom: $6,000–$14,000 Custom: $20,000–$48,000 Installed countertops, per square foot USA Cabinet Store; general U.S. Laminate: $20–$50 Quartz: $75–$150 Marble: $100–$250+ Appliance package, per suite; installation unspecified […]
ADU and Golf Simulator Remodel in San Diego
Client Success Story Dale & JUlie Attached ADU & Golf Simulator 1 NEW SPACE Spaces Transformed 16 Months Total Build Time ADU Project Type REPEAT CLIENT How They Found Us Their Story Dale and Julie didn’t need an introduction to Lars Remodeling & Design. This was their fifth project together, and when they started imagining […]
How to Set a Realistic Home Renovation Budget for Your San Diego Remodel
San Diego whole-home budget Layout retained, September 2026 planning references and illustrative reserves. Budget line item Typical published band* Defined design-build package $150,000-$250,000+ Contingency assumption 10-20% Money held for unexpected work $15,000-$50,000+ Package plus contingency $165,000-$300,000+ Housing, storage, owner purchases and other exclusions Add documented costs The table uses the range in our whole-house remodeling […]
How Much Does a Room Addition Cost in San Diego?
A single-room addition in San Diego has a design-build planning range of $150,000 to $250,000 or more. A primary suite with a bathroom or a second story needs a larger budget. Compare these common addition types to find the scope closest to the space you want. San Diego design-build planning ranges Addition scope Typical Design-Build […]
Point Loma Kitchen Remodel: Case Study
Client Success Story Cynthia Kitchen Remodel • Point Loma, San Diego, CA 3 Spaces Transformed 6 Months Total Build Time KITCHEN Project Type FACEBOOK AD How They Found Us Their Story For years, the kitchen at the heart of Cynthia’s Point Loma home had been the source of daily frustration — outdated electrical, poor lighting, a stove tucked […]
Whole Home Remodel & Second-Story Addition in San Diego, CA
Client Success Story Christopher & Kathy Whole Home Remodel & Second-Story Addition • San Diego, CA 8 Spaces Transformed 9 MONTHS Total Build Time WHOLE HOME + ADDITION Project Type GOOGLE How They Found Us Their Story Christopher and Kathy loved their San Diego neighborhood too much to leave it. As their family grew, they […]
San Diego ADU Regulations 2026: City and County Requirements
San Diego ADU requirements depend on which agency governs your parcel. Inside the City of San Diego, an accessory dwelling unit may be up to 1,200 square feet with no parking space required. In the unincorporated County, the standards differ, starting with a parking requirement. Both allow up to four units on a typical single-family […]
