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.
Kitchen Islands: What Size Room Do You Need?
No wonder kitchen islands spark culinary magic, serve as favorite gathering places, and inspire memories – they’re places of interaction and functionality, as well as statement-makers. Plus, with a well-designed island layout, you can streamline workflow and simplify your cooking process. However, there is one major question to ask before installing a kitchen island: How […]
Innovations in Kitchen Technology Worth Knowing About
When you look at an old kitchen photo, do you ever marvel at how different it looks now? Even though many appliances we use today have been around for generations, their appearance has changed quite a bit. Advancements in kitchen technology have always been a top priority for consumers. At the end of the day, […]
5 Ways to Update Your Outdoor Living Space
The possibilities for optimizing outdoor living space are endless. Sleek outdoor kitchen, modern lighting solutions, thrilling play areas, cozy seating options. All of them offer an experience of the natural world while still being comfortable and stylish. The question is, what are the most effective ways to turn a dull backyard into a private retreat? […]
Top 5 Home Remodeling Tips to Know Before Upgrading Your Home
You’ve decided to remodel and invest in your home. Not only can it improve your home’s resale value; it can improve your quality of life. No matter how rewarding it is, you still have to deal with some common renovation obstacles. From unwanted surprises and unexpected costs to gaps in the work schedule and hiring […]
Home Makeover 101: What Comes First?
Imagine the scenario: You love your home and everything about it. Its location, community, gorgeous parks around. And you’re not planning to move. However, after so many years of living in the same place, signs of deterioration started showing: shabby cabinetry, weathering carpets, cracked splashback. You know it’s time for a major overhaul, but where […]
Room Addition Ideas for a Growing Family
Whoever came up with “the more, the merrier” definitely wasn’t thinking of a big family crammed inside a compact home. While a modest house can easily accommodate a family when kids are small, as your family grows, you’ll find yourself needing more and more space. If your existing home in La Jolla no longer meets […]
6 Common Room Addition Mistakes to Avoid
A room addition is an amazing way to add useful space to your home. It’s also a perfect opportunity to let your creativity shine. However, you’ll only reap all the benefits of building an extension if you do it the right way. Unfortunately, many homeowners make blunders that are costly and time-consuming to correct. Keep […]
When Is the Right Time to Buy Appliances for a Remodel?
So, you’re preparing for a remodel for your house and have already planned everything. You’ve gone over the budget, picked out all the materials that will be used in the new design, and even started working on finishes and small details. The only thing left is to decide when you should purchase appliances for your […]
5 Common Kitchen Remodel Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
You might have a very clear picture of what you want your kitchen to look and feel like. However, as with anything, best intentions can sometimes lead to mistakes, especially when you tackle a project without enough experience or guidance from a professional. Some mistakes might be easy to mitigate, but others can have a […]
Design-Build Remodeling Explained: How It Works and Why It Changes Everything
If you’ve started researching home remodeling in San Diego, you’ve probably seen the term “design-build” — but it’s not always clear what it actually means or why it matters to you as a homeowner. This guide explains the design-build model clearly, compares it to the traditional approach, and walks through what the difference looks like […]
