While estimates vary, it is safe to say that if your hot water heater is more than 10 to 12 years old, it could be time to replace it. If you don’t know the age of your current hot water heater, the newer models may show the date on the installation label. If not, you
The lack of affordable housing is a nationwide issue. No state is immune Yet, some states face a larger challenge than others. According to various sources from U.S. News and World Report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to World Population Review, the top five states with the highest number of homeless
Current Situation Client: Woman about to retire Need: Current and future income; future living space Budget Level: Medium The client is a single woman who is planning to retire in two to three years. She would like to realize a moderate increase in income during her remaining working years with the possibility of further increasing
New laws impacting the creation of ADUs A number of new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) laws went into effect in January 2025 that are meant to create more affordable housing. There was a time, not that long ago, when permits for the conversion of a garage into a “mother-in-law”
There are lots of ways to increase your home's energy efficiency and reduce your impact on our environment, from small, simple changes to larger projects that may cost more up front but will save you money in the long run. Easy and Free These are the low-hanging fruit for increasing energy and water efficiency –
Current Situation Client: Working professional couple with 3 young children Need: Enlarge master suite and bathrooms to accommodate growing family; improve climate control for increased comfort and energy-efficiency Budget Level: High The clients are a young professional couple who work in San Francisco. With the recent birth of a third child, they have outgrown
A front page article in the Marin Independent Journal recently touted a 6.5% increase in the assessed value of property in Marin County. With property values increasing, it might seem like an odd time to think about a renovation project to improve your property value. However, increased property values can mean increased equity in your
Planning for the unexpected isn’t always easy. Try as we might, we can’t see what the future will bring. Simple home mishaps and accidents can cause temporary or severe disabilities. According to the US Census Bureau, between 2018 and 2022, 5.3 percent of Marin County’s population under age 60 were living with a disability. As
Salvaging What Matters in Home Building When an older home undergoes extensive remodeling, or a complete tear down, what happens to the debris? Most of it ends up in landfills. Let’s dust off that old adage, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” There are a multitude of reasons to think this way. It will
You may want to know how adding an addition or remodeling impacts insurance coverage. Are you planning a new addition to your home, or a remodeling project, or possibly an ADU? How can you be sure your homeowner’s insurance is up to the task? What does your insurance agent need to know about your project?
