6 min read
Property owners and managers have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to waterproofing a deck or balcony. So how do you choose the best waterproofing product? If you want to maximize the service life of your balcony or deck annual...
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9 min read
If you own or manage a multifamily property you've probably heard about the so-called 'balcony inspection bill. So just what are SB721 and SB326? In...
7 min read
Just last week my team and I were in fabulous Las Vegas, NV. No, we weren’t there to play in the World Series of Poker, we were in town to attend...
8 min read
Balcony decks are beautiful and can offer personal outdoor space, but did you know that they require annual maintenance? Most owners are unaware of...
16 min read
Home remodeling prices keep going up with no signs of stopping, learn how much you can expect to pay for a kitchen bath remodel in 2022
4 min read
The start of the year brings new design trends for home & kitchen. Our latest article compiles the top 10 interior design trends you should expect to...
7 min read
There are many options to choose from when it comes to selecting new windows for your home, everything from vinyl to aluminum. However, wood windows...
7 min read
When homeowners are looking to make their kitchen bigger, removing or relocating a wall becomes part of the equation. But, is it within budget? All...
6 min read
(image used Under License) For every household, the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the entire house. It serves as everyone's...
4 min read
If your home has vaulted or cathedral ceilings, you already know that things can get toasty in the summer. This article is for homeowners that want...
4 min read
If you live in Palos Verdes Estates you know that dealing with the Art Jury can be rough. But it doesn't have to be. I want to share some tips that...
2 min read
The popularity of vinyl windows exploded in the 1990's, they offered good looks at bargain prices. But that 'bargain' pricing produced low quality...
2 min read
White vinyl windows have long been a popular option for window replacements. In this article we will cover how much Vinyl windows cost and what...
3 min read
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the construction industry upside down and has postponed several home remodeling projects.
2 min read
Did you feel the recent magnitude 3.7 earthquake this week? It was near the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone
4 min read
The right storage & organizational features in your home can make your life so much easier - so choosing the right one for your specific needs is...
5 min read
One of the most popular trends in kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles over the last 5 years has been to expand the size of the kitchen by removing...
4 min read
Thinking of converting your garage or building an ADU in Los Angeles? You'll want to read this article to understand how much you can expect to pay...
4 min read
I don’t want to scare you, but did you know that there are over 140 faults in Southern California? According to the Southern California Earthquake...
4 min read
Happy New Year, as we enter a new decade, homeowners are considering ways to give their kitchen a new look.
2 min read
When you consider the cost of a bathroom remodel, keep in mind that changing your floor plan has a major impact on cost. If you want to learn about...
4 min read
Rain has finally made it's way back to Los Angeles, and if you have an old roof it could soon turn into a leaky roof.
2 min read
Ever since the Ridgecrest Earthquakes struck in July 2019, several friends and customers of mine have asked for my construction advice - they all...
3 min read
We all know that California is ‘Earthquake Country’, but did you know that nearly every neighborhood in Los Angeles is near an earthquake fault?
3 min read
Do you know what a Cool Roof Is? Why Do You Need One? If your roof is getting kind of old and you’ve been thinking of getting your roof replaced you...
4 min read
Do you know all the retrofit solutions that are available for your soft-story building? The most common solution is to install special moment frames...
4 min read
Do you have a soft story building in Los Angeles or Santa Monica and need soft story retrofit? Looking for a trustworthy soft-story retrofit...
3 min read
If you received a notice for the Los Angeles Building and Safety about a soft story retrofit, you are probably wondering what the engineering plans...
3 min read
How much will this soft-story retrofit cost? It is the most commonly asked question I get during a site assessment. When this ordinance became law,...
4 min read
Many of you know there are approximately 13,500 soft-story buildings in the City of Los Angeles that require a retrofit since the passing of...
14 min read
Hey, folks! I’m Alex Rodriguez, owner of Bay Cities Construction. On this week’s blog I’ll be talking about home flooring. No matter what project...
5 min read
Los Angeles is a different type of place, especially when it comes to home remodeling. Glitz and glamour are not just reserved for the red carpet,...
4 min read
When you are remodeling a bathroom you’ll want to make sure you pay attention to costs and your budget. Money is always the priority for most...
5 min read
If you own a soft-story building in Southern California then you are well aware that the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood...
4 min read
If you have a large family with a single bathroom, you’ll know the pain of having to share a bathroom with other people. Sometimes adding a new...
4 min read
You’ve saved up some money for a bathroom remodel but you aren’t sure if it’s going to be enough. This is a predicament that many homeowners face...
4 min read
The first thing you should do when planning a bathroom remodel is set a budget you can afford; the last thing you want is to design a bathroom you...
5 min read
As a general contractor I see lots of construction materials every single day. From time to time I evaluate potential flooring options to bring the...
4 min read
In January of 2017, a new California state law took effect that encourages homeowners to build “granny flats.” These housing units go by many names...
3 min read
Summer is right around the corner, which means many homeowners will be cranking up the A/C unit. It can get pretty hot in Los Angeles during the...
4 min read
Most people avoid thinking about home maintenance when buying a home. But don’t let yourself forget about the time and labor that home ownership also...
4 min read
Open floor plans for the kitchen are extremely popular today. It is the most requested design we see during our kitchen remodeling consultations, it...
4 min read
Granite countertops bring beauty, functionality, and value to any home. Granite is a natural stone product so it requires special care to protect and...
4 min read
Kitchen countertops are the centerpiece of large kitchens. The right countertop material can draw more attention than cabinets or your kitchen...
8 min read
The meticulous process that is turning a house into a home is a series of careful decisions regarding comfort, style, color, and cost. There are so...
4 min read
Large home remodeling projects are complex, they take a long time to complete and can also create some headaches. If a single room remodel is...
3 min read
Looking for a licensed general contractor in Southern California can be daunting. There are so many contractors in Los Angeles that you might spend...
4 min read
Regular home maintenance is important. It not only keeps your home looking good, but it also helps your property maintain its value. Sometimes owners...
5 min read
Bathroom remodeling projects allow you to design a bathroom you want to spend all day in. Homeowners can choose to remodel the bathroom to add their...
3 min read
Do you need an interior designer? Are you having trouble finding a local interior designer that you can trust? Hello, my name is Alexander Rodriguez....
3 min read
Do you need an interior designer? Are you having trouble finding a local interior designer that you can trust? Hello, my name is Alexander Rodriguez....
3 min read
If you follow our blog, you’ll know that we have recently covered the importance of paint colors. The paint color you choose for the interior and...
4 min read
(image courtesy of VRScout.com) Augmented Reality (“AR”) and Virtual Reality (“VR”) were both popular features showcased at the 2018 Consumer...
4 min read
Anyone who has remodeled their kitchen recently will tell you there is one dirty-secret nobody talks about … blind corners! This problem is quite...
5 min read
For homeowners that love to cook, the range and convection oven get a lot of use. But there’s a kitchen appliance that often gets overlooked; the...
2 min read
(House painter working on fascia and trim) One of the quickest and inexpensive ways of remodeling your house is by adding a fresh coat of paint....
3 min read
Do you need an interior designer? Are you having trouble finding a local interior designer that you can trust? Hello, my name is Alexander Rodriguez,...
7 min read
Some apartment owners are choosing to wait, but is that the right choice? As apartment owners prepare to deal with the Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and...
5 min read
Are you a home owner planning a kitchen remodel? Or a bathroom remodel? You’ll need some help getting your project started. But did you know that you...
4 min read
All bathroom remodel projects are difficult, but a small bathroom remodel can be a bit more challenging. In a small bathroom every inch counts. Small...
4 min read
Retrofits are Now Mandatory in Los Angeles? Soft story retrofitting in Los Angeles and Santa Monica are no longer something that is recommended, it...
4 min read
If you look around a typical Los Angeles neighborhood, there’s no doubt you will find a soft story building. Soft Story buildings are easy to...
5 min read
(Soft story building in Los Angeles) In 2015 the Los Angeles City Council approved ordinance 183893 and 184081 to implement new seismic code for soft...
4 min read
There are thousands of high density apartment buildings across the City of Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods. Unfortunately, most apartment...
5 min read
Seismic activity in Los Angeles is nothing new, Southern California has been expecting “The Big One” for years. It’s something that Californians have...
4 min read
(Image Courtesy of cosmosgranite.com) The kitchen sink has several uses in the home. Besides being used for washing dishes, a kitchen sink is also...
2 min read
(Image courtesy of Orkin) Attention home owners, do you have a wood deck or wood fencing? Wood decks are susceptible to the elements and they require...
4 min read
Nothing beats that feeling of coming home after a long day at work. You can kick off your shoes and enjoy your favorite book or tv show. But when...
3 min read
Do you need your bathroom remodeled? Are you having trouble finding a local bathroom remodeling contractor that you can trust? Hello, my name is...
3 min read
Do you need your kitchen remodeled? Are you having trouble finding a local kitchen remodeling contractor that you can trust? Hello, my name is...
3 min read
Do you need a home addition or major remodel? Are you having trouble finding a local home addition or major remodel contractor that you can trust?...
3 min read
Do you need your kitchen remodeled? Are you having trouble finding a local kitchen remodeling contractor that you can trust? Hello, my name is...
3 min read
Do you need a home addition or major remodel? Are you having trouble finding a local home addition or major remodel contractor that you can trust?...
3 min read
Do you need your bathroom remodeled? Are you having trouble finding a local bathroom remodeling contractor that you can trust? Hello, my name is...
4 min read
Many homeowners end up at one of these sites when they search for local contractors. These companies have nothing to do with construction and...
3 min read
(Courtesy of HGTV.com) Sinks are the centerpiece of the kitchen. There are so many shape and material combinations that it might seem difficult to...
2 min read
Do you need your bathroom remodeled? Are you having trouble finding a local bathroom remodeling contractor that you can trust? Hello, my name is...
3 min read
Do you need your kitchen remodeled? Are you having trouble finding a local kitchen remodeling contractor that you can trust? Hello, my name is...
3 min read
Do you need a home addition or major remodel? Are you having trouble finding a local home addition or major remodel contractor that you can trust?...
4 min read
You’ve come to a crossroads in your kitchen remodeling project “should I get custom cabinets or semi-custom cabinets?” You’re about to spend a decent...
6 min read
Different Budgets for Different Bathrooms The first question everyone wants to know is “how much will it cost to remodel my bathroom?” My name is...
2 min read
We refer to the use of quotes and bid when we are discussing construction pricing, but are they really being used correctly? These are actually the...
1 min read
Open kitchen layouts are extremely popular today. Many people use their homes for entertaining or during the holidays. It creates an environment that...
2 min read
In my 20 years of construction industry experience I have come to learn several must have principles to be the best contractor in Manhattan Beach,...
2 min read
Premise of the cost
1 min read
I have to address the issue of permitting because it is a question that I run across weekly from prospect clients. When it comes to permitting there...
2 min read
Through the years the projects that we have taken on have become more technical with more facets of complexity. More choices in materials, elements...
3 min read
Lumber, cinder blocks, dirt piles, and holes. To children, a construction site can seem like a playground—even when Mom and Dad warn them about...
2 min read
Thinking of doing a bit of remodeling or adding a room to your home? The planning stages can be just as stressful as the remodeling process. Sitting...
2 min read
Picking the shade that will cover a room can be a daunting task- just where do you begin when staring at a wall of dozens of shades? While the vast...
1 min read
Thinking about remodeling your bathroom before the new year? Here are a few small bathroom ideas to get you started.
2 min read
Just like in any profession, contractors sometimes say things that may be completely obvious to them but makes no sense to you. Here are a few tips...
2 min read
Kitchens are one of the most requested rooms to renovate. Searching for a company to achieve your dream kitchen can often times be complicated and...
1 min read
When designing your bathroom remodel, you select materials that will make it look modern but timeless. There are five crucial materials that you...
A kitchen backsplash is what brings your whole kitchen together. It can overwhelming with the array of option that you have to choose from. We have...
1 min read
Many people who are looking to remodel their bathrooms want something that is luxurious. Something that meets all of their needs and wants. The...
Remodeling Tips: Selecting the materials you want earliy on can keep you on budget by getting you an accurate quote as well as prevent delays further...
It’s summer time and that means that more people want to spend more time outside and soak in the vitamin D. Homeowners are adding decking and outdoor...
2 min read
While we've done several of these types of articles, each one is different in subtopics. Many people fail to do their homework before taking on a...
3 min read
Whether you’re deciding to have your entire home remodeled or just your kitchen remodeled, it is important that you budget for it appropriately and...
1 min read
Hi everyone, Alex Rodriguez here with Bay Cities Construction. We have
2 min read
Remodeling any portion of your home takes a substantial investment as well as time and energy. The last thing you want to do is pay for more than you...
1 min read
For anyone having gone through or going through a kitchen remodel, you know it can get extremely messy. Organization is the key to staying sane.
1 min read
The most common home addition request we get is for a new master bedroom. Whether you are updating an old home or your family is expanding, there are...
2 min read
Homeowners have a vision to make a house their home. Whether it’s a bathroom or kitchen, deciding to remodel any portion of your home is an exciting...
1 min read
One of the biggest trends around the world is environmental consciousness. The reach is beginning to go beyond the type of food one consumes or the...
1 min read
For contractors, spring and summer and the busiest seasons. While it is very important that you choose the right contractor, it’s also important that...
1 min read
Home construction practices have changed substantially over the last few decades mostly due to from the advances of technology. You can see it in the...
1 min read
Regulations regarding building permits for a bathroom remodel vary from state to state. Here in Southern California however, pulling permits is...
1 min read
One of the most frustrating things about meeting with clients for the first time is that more often than not, they have absolutely no idea what they...
3 min read
When an HOA or Landlord is considering a paint job, it’s best not to skimp on the paint! The largest cost as a percentage of the job is labor. Most...
1 min read
Here’s a news flash! For those of you that may not be aware, the South Bay has a ton of dry rot damage. Perhaps it is because of the damp evenings...
3 min read
What paint is best for Costal Environment’s?
2 min read
When you make the decision to remodel any aspect of your home, it is a joyous yet nervous time. On one hand, you will have the bathroom or kitchen of...
2 min read
Bay Cities Construction of the South Bay Receives Best Of Houzz 2015 Award
1 min read
The hard truth about home remodeling is that you will probably never recoup the money you spend because of constant industry changes.
1 min read
Wood decks are the most susceptible to elements. As a result wood decks will suffer from dry rot and UV damage. Here are a few tips on how to prevent...
1 min read
Adding Value to your Home: The Do's and Don'ts There is no doubt that making improvements to your home can increase the value for resale. Before you...
4 min read
When I go into a meeting, the first question everyone wants to know is “how much is it going to cost to remodel my kitchen?” Explaining this, is one...
1 min read
Home remodeling is a messy business. You have to remind yourselves that general contractors have to take your home apart before we can put it back...
1 min read
1. Recycled Glass Countertops What is recycled glass: It is colorful recycled glass mixed into a cement, concrete, or resin base. Recycled glass...
1 min read
During a bathroom remodel, the goal is to achieve functionality. The key is to approach the project with
1 min read
A kitchen backsplash is what pulls your kitchen together. Because it doesn’t go on until the very end, this gives you time to choose just the right...
1 min read
Home renovations are higher than they have been in years. Whether you are flipper or a home owner who eventually plans to sell, it is important that...
2 min read
It is widely known that the home remodel industry is rife with unsavory characters. The common slick pushy sales man who wears way too much cologne....
2 min read
Design Goal: Turn a dated 1950’s Kitchen into and entertainment center piece
2 min read
As a residential construction company, we were of course intrigued when Adam Corolla teamed up with Spike TV for Catch a Contractor. It’s about the...
1 min read
The construction industry has a notorious reputation of harboring unsavory characters. Many people would prefer to deal with a ‘used car salesman’...
1 min read
Glass tile is a unique tile and a popular choice amongst designers because it makes everything
1 min read
Home remodeling is on the rise. More homeowners are spending time and money making major changes to their homes. With that being said, those...
2 min read
The vast digital information space known as the internet contains countless articles providing overviews on quality home repair. They offer...
1 min read
A fresh coat of paint can bring a whole new life to a room. And we all know that choosing the right color is what really pulls the room together. If...
1 min read
We all lag a little when it comes to the home maintenance in our home. We would like to be on top of it but truth be told, it just feels like it’s so...
1 min read
If you are thinking of bringing change to your home, the best place to start is with a bathroom remodel. There are a decadent array of bathroom...
2 min read
Kitchen counter tops is one of the most important material in your home, so it makes perfect sense why it’s so common for homeowners to spend hours...
1 min read
It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of every home. If you would like to have a home with great sense of flow and color coordination then...
1 min read
When putting together your master bedroom you want to maximize comfort and natural light. Waking up on Sunday mornings and opening all the curtains...
1 min read
When making renovations to your home including a new paint job, you want to pick the perfect color. A few things to keep in mind during the process...
2 min read
Your home is an investment, so protect your investment. It is important to spot small problems in your home before they become a serious problem and...
2 min read
Replacing a door knob is not very hard. It’s one of the easiest home improvement projects anyone can do. Before we get started on a step by step...
2 min read
The most common question asked is “how much should I budget for a kitchen remodel?” Well to answer everyone’s question, it depends on what your plans...
2 min read
Part 3 of 3 is on selecting and applying the perfect finish to your floors.
1 min read
In part 2 of 3, we discuss what you need how to sand your hardwood floors. Sanding a Strip or Plank Floor: Tools: Drum sander, edger, nail set, putty...
1 min read
Deciding on a paint color for your kitchen is an important decision. The kitchen is the center of the home with the most activity. Paint colors...
3 min read
Squeaky hardwood floors have a several causes: joists that are undersize or that have become weakened by rot or termites, dried out joists that have...
2 min read
More people than ever are making a living working from home. According to the most recent census:
3 min read
It’s important to understand the appropriate use of tiles, style, and on your budget.
1 min read
The never ending dilemma for everyone is “not enough room.” Kitchen cabinet trends today include awesome storage and organization solutions to keep...
1 min read
With summer around the corner, it is time to start thinking about outdoor space. Decks are a wonderful way to give your home an outdoor living space....
1 min read
The separate shower and bath have become extremely popular. If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom anytime soon, consider a walk-in shower...
1 min read
If you’re contemplating a kitchen remodel, you may want to examine your existing space and consider a floor plan that will complement your home and...
1 min read
Homeowners usually only recognize worn flooring, aged countertops, and old cabinets as a sign that their kitchen is outdated. The appearance of your...
1 min read
I was at the tile shop last week placing my third and largest order in February. One of the young salesmen at the counter looked at the invoice,...
1 min read
Remodeling your home can be quite nerve racking during the process, but the end result is always exciting. To ease the process of home remodeling,...
1 min read
If you want to remodel your bathroom but don’t have the funds to do it, here are a few ideas give your bathroom a new and contemporary look without...
1 min read
The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is warm inviting space for family and friends to gather, which is why this is the area that people choose to...
1 min read
These details are not the most money saving, but for those whose bathroom is your sanctuary, it will be worth every penny. Turn a good master...
1 min read
In the past ten years or so people have been pushing eco friendly and energy efficient trends. This year we will be experiencing the biggest...
2 min read
Deciding on cabinets can be one of the most tedious tasks when remodeling your kitchen. We will break down the three key components to assembling...
2 min read
Is your kitchen in need of new cabinets? Making the decision of what brand and style of cabinets can be difficult. We will discuss the difference...
1 min read
As a premier residential construction contractor in Redondo Beach we provide general construction services that range from new home construction to...
Bay Cities Construction is a premier new home construction company in South Bay, CA. We understand what it takes to make our clients happy; honest...
1 min read
Are you interested in kitchen cabinets refacing, but are unsure about the process? Want to know if your kitchen would benefit more from a refacing or...
1 min read
We all know that IKEA kitchen cabinets are very popular but the self service business model leaves many consumer asking "how much will IKEA kitchen...
Welcome home owners and do it yourselfers! This section of our website is dedicated to educating the public about routine home repair.
1 min read
We understand that your house is your home. If you’re planning a remodel instead of building from scratch or buying a new one, it’s probably because...
1 min read
We have been scoping out the bathroom remodel trends for 2012. Next year will be all about going green, spa like bathrooms, chandeliers, and art....
2 min read
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Tile? Tile can be used anywhere in a home because it is durable, beautiful, and water resistant. With so many options...
1 min read
Well dedicated blog subscribers....I am finished with the Limestone bathroom remodel in Hermosa Beach, CA. Looking back from when we started this...
1 min read
Are you bored with travertine in showers? I am...it seems that over the last 5 years travertine has been the dominate tile installed in bathrooms. I...
1 min read
This year I have taken on the interest of working wood with traditional hand tools. Yes, hammer, chisel and wood plane. My friends in the...
2 min read
This bathroom represents the story of America. We are bombarded with marketing material on a daily basis from all sorts of entities trying to sell us...
1 min read
Assessing your kitchen for the right storage solutions will make your life much easier.
1 min read
Lighting is basically the most important element in any room, especially in the bathroom. Bathroom lighting distinguishes how you’re applying your...
1 min read
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Of course it’s great to have a beautiful kitchen, but there is no point to it unless it is functional. Most of...
1 min read
We have designed these questions to help get your mind thinking creatively about how you utilize your existing kitchen and how you would like to use...
1 min read
Things to consider while deciding the layour of your home: Building a house requires thoughtful planning, especially when laying out floor plans. The...
1 min read
Granite vs. Quartz The discussion of which countertop is better, granite or quartz is an arduous one. Granite has been around for a long time. It’s...
1 min read
The cost for water damage restoration can be pretty expensive, but it is not something that you would want to put off. The more you wait, the more...
1 min read
Cottage kitchen styles in Hermosa Beach, CA can be anything from farmhouse, to French or English provincial. If you want your kitchen to evoke that...
1 min read
Bathroom cabinetries are known as vanities. People don’t make as big a deal about it as the kitchen cabinets but they are very important. Bathroom...
1 min read
Crown molding is a decorative trim that lines the ceiling and the wall. During the renaissance era, crown molding was used to cover imperfections...
1 min read
Building an addition to your home can actually be pretty expensive. Home remodeling contractors generally charge $80-$130 per square foot to provide...
4 min read
Different Budgets for Different Kitchens The first question everyone wants to know is “how much will it cost to remodel my kitchen?” Explaining this...
2 min read
One area that soon to be homeowners usually disregard when shopping for a home is the yearly cost that it will take to maintain it.
3 min read
We all know how overwhelming a bathroom remodeling project can be. We understand that there a million options to choose from. To make it easier on...
1 min read
How Do I Choose the Right Tile for My Bathroom? It's obvious that shower walls are the largest surface in a bathroom, so it's no wonder that the...
2 min read
Despite the development of less expensive synthetics, wood flooring remains more popular today as it was in the past. Hardwood floors are sometimes...
1 min read
This Los Angeles bathroom remodel was done with love for a very special person! When Mrs. Laster first called me to price out her bathroom she was...
2 min read
When you are remodeling your bathroom, or adding a bathroom to your home, installing a separate shower stall may just be the way to go! Separate...
1 min read
The exterior of a house receives the most abuse. Abuse from elements and little critters. Knowing what to look for can save you thousands on home...
