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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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 […]
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?
Research kitchen remodel cost in San Diego, compare bids and planning ranges, and learn how design-build shapes a kitchen around your home and priorities.
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?
Lars publishes design-build planning references for five addition scopes. Learn what those ranges describe, what an addition budget should cover, and how to compare proposals for your San Diego home.
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 […]
