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 Is a Bump-Out Addition — And Is It Worth It for Your San Diego Home?
You need more space, but a full room addition feels like a bigger project than you’re ready to take on. What’s the best choice: a renovation vs remodel? That’s where a bump-out comes in. A bump-out addition is one of the most practical, cost-effective ways to expand a San Diego home without the complexity of […]
Kitchen Remodel Return on Investment: 6 Updates Before Selling
A kitchen remodel can add value before a sale, but the kitchen remodel return on investment is usually strongest when the scope stays small. In the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a minor midrange kitchen remodel recouped 112.9% nationally. An upscale major remodel recouped 35.7% (Journal of Light Construction, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report). That doesn’t […]
Kitchen Remodel Case Study: Vista, CA
Client Success Story Jason Kitchen Remodel · Vista, CA 3 Spaces Transformed 16 Months Total Build Time KITCHEN Project Type GOOGLE How They Found Us Their Story Jason came to Lars with a clear point of view: the kitchen needed to work better before it looked better. The existing kitchen was tucked away, awkward, and […]
Accessory Structure Case Study: Spring Valley, CA
Client Success Story Kara & Joel Accessory Structure · Spring Valley, CA 1 New Structure Spaces Transformed 4 Months Total Build Time Accessory Structure Project Type Family Referral How They Found Us Their Story Kara and Joel already had a history with Lars before this project began. Years earlier, Kara’s mother completed a remodel with […]
Whole-Home Remodel & Addition Case Study: South Park, San Diego, CA
Client Success Story Frank & Jennifer Whole-Home Remodel & Addition · South Park, San Diego, CA WHOLE-HOME Spaces Transformed 7 Months Total Build Time WHOLE-HOME Project Type Houzz Search How They Found Us Their Story Frank and Jennifer loved the soul of their South Park Craftsman, and as they were preparing for married life, the […]
Remodel vs. Build New: Which Is Right for Your San Diego Home?
It’s one of the most consequential decisions a San Diego homeowner can face: your current home isn’t meeting your needs anymore. Do you invest in a major renovation — or walk away and build from scratch? Both paths have a compelling case. Both have real tradeoffs. And in San Diego, where the real estate market, […]
Where to Start When Renovating a House: A Step-by-Step Guide for San Diego Homeowners
You know your home needs work. Maybe it’s a kitchen that hasn’t been touched since the 90s, a primary bathroom with builder-grade finishes you’ve never loved, or a floor plan that worked fine for two people but doesn’t work at all for five. You have a sense of what you want — but you’re not […]
Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place in San Diego: A Complete Guide
More San Diego homeowners are choosing to age in place than ever before — and for good reason. The ability to remain in a familiar home, close to community, family, and the neighborhoods you’ve built your life in, is increasingly recognized as one of the most important factors in quality of life as we get […]
Kitchen & Powder- Bath Remodel Case Study: Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Client Success Story SPENCER & ADIAHA Kitchen & Powder Bath Remodel • Rancho Santa Fe, CA 2 Spaces Transformed 15 Months Total Build Time KITCHEN & BATH Project Type HOME SHOW EVENT How They Found Us Their Story Spencer and Adiaha Donkin came to Lars with a clear sense that the heart of their Rancho […]
How much does it cost to completely renovate a house in San Diego in 2026?
Whole-home remodel costs in 2026: Lars planning references for a new kitchen, bathrooms, and updated systems. 2026 Whole-Home Remodel Budget Planning Budget line item Low reference Typical published planning band* High reference Complete design-build scope $250,000 $250,000–$600,000+ $600,000+ Separate contingency, illustrated at 10–20% $25,000–$50,000 $25,000–$120,000+ $60,000–$120,000+ Scope plus illustrated reserve $275,000–$300,000 $275,000–$720,000+ $660,000–$720,000+ Housing, storage, […]
