While searching for the perfect shed for our backyard recently I discovered a cool company in San Francisco that produces prefabricated studios and cabanas. They even make the hippest kids playhouses you’ve ever seen, suitable for the cover of Dwell magazine, and a doghouse with a rooftop garden!

Structures are sustainable and customizable. Electricity can be easily installed and they can include a bathroom. Cabanas start at $11,500, kids playhouses start at $2200, and a house for your canine will cost you about $650.

Check them out at www.moderncabana.com. There’s a company in Seattle doing similar stuff that’s worth a look too, Modern-Shed.

If you are considering doing remodeling work on your home before putting it on the market or  for a general home improvement project, you may need to hire a “certified contractor”.    Effective April 22, 2010, contractors performing remodeling work on properties built prior to 1978 must be certified under a new federal statute.  This new law impacts many Marin County and Bay Area homes.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule becomes effective on Earth Day this year.

Rule Summary:

• Impacts remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six.
• Requires a cleaning inspection after the work is completed
• Prohibits open-torch burning, use of high-heat guns and use of high-speed equipment such as grinders and sanders unless equipped with a HEPA filter.
• Establishes required lead-safe work practices, including posting warning signs for occupants and visitors; using disposable plastic drop cloths; cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing; and individual certification through a training course.

Additional Information:

• Consumer’s Brochure:
• Tenant Receipt for Landlords

Photo courtesy of MyEastBayAgent.

Have you been thinking about making home improvements or making some minor repairs?  Now might be a great time to place a call to your trusty contractor, handyman or electrician.  I can’t remember the last time a home service contractor contacted me and offered a discount, but it is happening right now.   With the down turn in the economy, trades people are finding their business slow and many are anxious to take on new jobs.

If you have the funds, now might be a great time to make those needed repairs!

This question is a very personal one, and should not be answered quickly or without research. There are a number of questions that need to be answered to determine if you should move or remodel.

• Do you like your neighborhood?
• Are you comfortable with the schools/amenities in your neighborhood?
• Are you willing to move out during a remodel or live through construction?
• Do you like your view/yard?
• Is your home one of the smaller homes in the neighborhood?
• Will remodeling improve the value of your home?
• If you remodeled, would you be comfortable staying in your home for a long period of time or would you still want to move?
• How much time are you personally willing and able to devote to the remodeling project? Even when you hire contractors and designers, remodeling takes a tremendous amount of time for the homeowner- from interviewing your contractor/designer to picking out materials.
• Will you be able to achieve your desired results within the rules of your local neighborhood/municipality (Zoning rules for setbacks, floor area ratio, etc)?

The answers to these questions will help guide you in your decision. Need help determining if you should move or remodel in Marin? Call me for a consultation!