The Blog
Find invaluable resources and inspiration for your home and your life with detail-oriented stories, design how-tos, and recipes from resident experts from Lars Remodeling and Design. This is your one place for all information and imagination you require.
01.
How We Guarantee a Kitchen Remodel Time Frame and Completion Date
TL;DR: Wondering about your kitchen remodel time frame? This guide explains how a design-build approach creates a predictable, well-managed kitchen remodel timeline—so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish. Key Takeaways: A clearly defined scope of the project is essential to avoid delays. Planning around material lead time keeps the kitchen renovation timeline […]
What Should Actually Be Included in a Home Remodeling Estimate?
Most homeowners assume a remodeling estimate is simply a price for construction. In reality, a serious remodeling estimate should do much more than provide a number — it should explain the cost of your home renovation project clearly enough that homeowners understand what is being built, how it will be built, who is responsible for […]
What 35 Years of Remodeling Teaches About Accountability
After enough years in remodeling, you start to see the same problems repeat themselves, not because homeowners make bad decisions, but because the process isn’t built to prevent them. Delays come from late selections. Budget overruns come from unclear scope. Communication breaks down without a system. And when multiple companies are involved, accountability gets diluted. […]
The Hidden Handoffs That Can Derail a Home Remodeling Project
Remodeling usually doesn’t become stressful because homeowners lack ideas. It becomes stressful when too many decisions, vendors, timelines, and expectations aren’t connected. Every remodel requires details to move from vision to design, from design to budget, from budget to schedule, and finally into construction. The more separate people involved, the more opportunities there are for […]
Whole Home Remodel Case Study: Bay Park
Client Success Story Bill & Cris Whole-Home Remodel · Bay Park, San Diego, CA 10+ Spaces Transformed 10 Months Total Build Time WHOLE-HOME Project Type GOOGLE How They Found Us Their Story When Bill reached out to Lars in the spring of 2024, he carried with him something far heavier than a renovation wish list. […]
Bump Out Additions: How to Increase Space in Small-Footprint Coastal Homes
Living in a coastal home often comes with a tradeoff: incredible location, but limited square footage. Whether you’re in a historic San Diego neighborhood or a compact beachside property, expanding your home isn’t always as simple as building out or up. That’s where a bump out addition becomes a smart, design-forward solution. Instead of committing […]
How AI & Smart Technology Are Transforming Professional Home Remodeling in 2026
TL;DR: Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how professional remodeling firms design and plan projects. In 2026, AI is being used by architects, interior designers, and design-build teams to enhance visualization, accelerate planning, and deliver more precise home renovation results. Key Takeaways: Professional designers now use AI-assisted tools to visualize layouts, paint colors, and design styles […]
Coastal Home Remodeling: What Works (and What Fails) Near the Ocean
TL;DR: Coastal home remodeling requires more than great design—it demands materials and structural planning that can withstand salt, humidity, storms, and shifting soil. Choosing the right upgrades now prevents costly repairs and protects your investment long-term. Salt air and humidity accelerate corrosion, mold growth, and material breakdown. Impact-rated windows, elevated foundations, and reinforced roofing are critical […]
Whole Home Remodel Case Study: Carmel Valley
Client Success Story Mark & Sue Whole-Home Remodel · Carmel Valley, CA 8 Spaces Transformed 12 Months Total Build Time WHOLE-HOME Project Type REFERRAL How They Found Us Their Story Mark and Sue have called their home in Carmel Valley their own since 1992. With more than 30 years of life; raising children, celebrating milestones, […]
Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build: Which Is Better for Luxury Homes?
TL;DR: Trying to decide between design build vs design bid build for your luxury home remodel? This guide explains the difference between design build and design bid build, helping you understand which approach offers better efficiency, collaboration, and results. Key Takeaways: The design bid build process separates design and construction, often leading to delays or […]
