Stamped Concrete: What We Love About It!

Since it came into style a few years ago, stamped concrete has enjoyed great success and lots of positive feedback from clients and contractors alike. We work with stamped concrete a lot and we love it too. And the same reasons we love this paving technique are the same reasons why you might want to install the same in your driveway, poolside, patio, or other part of our outdoors.

Quick & easy to install

Stamped concrete is easy to install. The process is straightforward and not complicated at all. Once the ground has been prepared and stabilized, the concrete is simply poured into place. It is then stamped into the agreed design before being left to cure and harden. As you can see, chances of things going wrong are quite minimal here. Not only can the ground be installed within a relatively short amount of time, the process also doesn’t require fitting of pieces bit by bit as is the case with pavers.

Ideal for kids use

It is important to evaluate just how friendly your choice of paving is to your entire family. Stamped concrete provides a safe and gentle surface for kids to play on. Unlike asphalt or paving blocks which are rough and textured, stamped concrete has a smooth and even surface. Your kids can play on this surface without incurring any breaks or cuts on their skin easily. Even for textured finishes you can have smooth pebbles added onto the surface and still enjoy a smooth finish that is safe for kids’ use.

Easy to clean

When it comes to maintenance, stamped concrete and even plain concrete surfaces are quite easy to work with. They do not stain as easily as pavers, tiles or natural stone and they are easier to wipe or brush compared to asphalt. In most cases simply spraying the surface with a high pressure washer will do the trick. Whether you have kids or like to entertain outside, cleaning up after won’t be that much of a chore.

Numerous designs to choose from

One of the most attractive perks of stamped concrete is the design versatility it offers. The finished surface can be stamped into almost any design. Most interestingly, you can get designs that resemble bricks, pavers, timber, tiles, natural stone, brick, cobblestones, and more. This way you can enjoy the affordability and easy maintenance of concrete while adding the aesthetics of timber, brick or any other material.

Versatile use

The versatility of stamped concrete goes far beyond design. It also stretches to use. Grounds covered in stamped concrete can be used for a lot of uses, either exclusively or all together. These applications include parking cars, as outdoor eating areas, patio grounds, kids’ playing grounds, driveways, cleaning areas, DIY workshops, etc.

Love stamped concrete just like us? Request a quote from Creative Design & Build to see just how affordable it can get. We also provide other hardscaping options such as laying pavers and fire pit installation and more.

Important Factors To Consider Before Carrying Out A Garage ADU

A garage ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a great way to add a functional space into your home by converting your already existing garage space into something else. If carried out well, a garage ADU can expand the total livable square feet in your home, improve the value of your property, and add to the aesthetics of your home, among many other perks. However, it is not advisable to jump straight into a garage ADU. It’s important that you first weigh these important considerations first.

Your need for a garage space

When you carry out a garage ADU, you essentially get rid of your garage. It ceases to exist and converts into some other space. For that reason, it is important that you carefully consider your need for garage space. After the ADU is completed you won’t be able to reclaim your garage space back. If you plan to buy a car or sell the property in the future you might want to weigh how your ADU will affect that process.

Local building permits

Every local government has strict codes that govern construction and development. And this applies to ADUs as well. It may be illegal, you may need to carry out an inspection first, or you may even need to pay a fee. Your county or state could be an exception if you’re lucky but it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Check with your local building inspector and see what the law says about building your ADU. Your building contractor can also shine some light on this if they have carried out similar work in the area.

Budgetary requirements

Though small, a simple garage ADU could end up gobbling up quite some money before it’s completed. It is important that you tally up the costs diligently. Consult your contractor before you decide to start knocking down walls. Expenses such as insulation, roofing, electrical wiring, and flooring could push the total expenditure further up than you thought.

Construction disruptions to your ordinary life

Another factor that you should consider is how a garage ADU will cause disruptions to your ordinary life at home. For starters, if you have cars or good already under storage inside the garage you will need to clear them out. Then there’s the noise from the construction, the construction waste that will follow, and the possible knocking down of adjacent walls. Be sure that you’re ready for these disruptions and plan for them in advance so that you’re well prepared when the job starts.

Your remaining outdoor space

Last but not least, it’s also important to consider your outdoor space. Before you add another dwelling space to your home, ask yourself whether you’re okay with encroaching onto your remaining outdoor space any further. If you have a very small outdoor space, your garage ADU could take up a small portion of it thereby making it even smaller. However, if you have a huge front lawn then you won’t be as affected.

Creative Design & Build Inc. can help you plan your garage ADU in consideration of all these factors and more. We can also help you with your kitchen remodeling San Diego or bathroom remodeling San Diego project.

Hardscaping: 8 Must-Have Centerpieces for Your Outdoors

A lot of focus is usually given to the kitchen, bathroom, and other intimate spaces of the indoors. However, the outdoors too deserve just as much attention. Although most people spend much of their time indoors hence the status quo, you will realize that if you create beautiful spaces outdoors, you too will spend more time outside. Below we have compiled a list of 8 great centerpieces that can make your outdoors the perfect spot to relax in your home.

  1. Patio/pergola/gazebo

Every home needs a small outdoor nook where you can just lay back and enjoy the outdoor feel of sunlight and fresh air. Patios are a great way to make this happen while creating that alluring indoor-outdoor ambience. You could also change this up a bit and have your contractor build a pergola or a gazebo as well. All of these serve the same purpose and are fairly alike in design.

  1. A deck

A deck is a very simple (yet significant) addition for your home. It adds to the beauty of your outdoors while increasing the total livable space available to you. Whether on the front porch or the backyard, a deck will increase your home’s value while providing a great platform to host parties, relax, or have meals with your family.

  1. Swimming pool

Everyone loves a swimming pool. And out here in California, a swimming pool is a great way to cool off on sunny afternoons. A swimming pool is also a great recreational pastime for kids. And on the flipside, it’s the perfect spot to host weekend parties for your friends.

  1. Outdoor jacuzzi

if your outdoors is too small to fit a swimming pool you can still enjoy some fun time in the water by installing a jacuzzi. Small units designed for two people are great for just you and your partner to share romantic nights in. But if you want something bigger, you can install larger units that can accommodate up to 12 people easily. These are great for large families or casual get-togethers with friends.

  1. A fire pit

You can never go wrong with a fire pit. It’s adds warmth, character, and a pinch of romance to your outdoors. You can have one on the patio, deck or by the pool. Not only are they low maintenance, they are also quite affordable to have installed.

  1. Water fountain

If you enjoy eccentric tastes then a water fountain would be a good addition for you. You can have one installed on your deck, in the back garden, or by the pool. Some standalone fountains are quite affordable and don’t even need any installation whatsoever!

  1. A bar

Love hosting great parties at your residence? If you do then installing a bar out back would be the perfect way to take things to the next level and impress your neighbors. It’s also quite convenient when hosting guests because they can grab drinks without having to pop in and out of the kitchen.

  1. Tree house

If you have kids then this one will send them over the moon with excitement. You can have it built as small or large as needed. It’s a small project that can be completed in just a weekend. Not only will your kids love to show it to their buddies, it will get them out of the house more.