Today I would like to let you know about an awesome resource for hazardous waste disposal. See the picture below? I come across this all the time when buying houses, but I'm sure you may have some of this lying around your house or garage too. As I'm sure you know, old paint, old TV's, used batteries and the like cannot go into our trash cans. So how do you dispose of these items? Los Angeles has a SAFE Center where you can dispose of almost any residential hazardous waste material, including … [Read more...] about Resource for Hazardous Items

Take a look at our beautifully remodeled farmhouse in the heart of Sunland. Set on a spacious half-acre horse property in nearby Shadow Hills, this one-of-a-kind home blends rustic charm with modern upgrades, creating the perfect setting for relaxed country living just minutes from the city. Some of you may recognize the property from the peacock photos featured in a previous newsletter. Yes — this is that home. From the open outdoor spaces and mature landscaping to the peaceful atmosphere and … [Read more...] about Beautifully Remodeled Farmhouse in Sunland, California!

Managing several complex construction projects at once can be demanding, and I’ve learned that stepping away every so often is key to staying focused and maintaining perspective. From time to time, I’ll take a weekend to recharge in Santa Ynez—and it makes a real difference. A short reset like that helps me come back to work refreshed and ready to tackle the next phase of each project. This past weekend was a perfect example. I spent some time in the area, met a few impressive Clydesdale horses, … [Read more...] about Wine down weekend – and next mixer event!

We toured a triplex in Los Angeles this week, and one detail immediately stood out—the electrical panels. Two of the units are still running on 2-fuse panels. Yes, really. It got us thinking… just how old are these? The building itself dates back to 1941, so there’s a real possibility these panels could be original—or at least not far removed from that era. Either way, it’s a clear sign that upgrades are overdue. It’s hard to imagine running a modern household on a 2-fuse panel. Beyond basic … [Read more...] about A Triplex Time Capsule: Electrical Panels from Another Era

We’ve been pouring a lot of concrete lately across our construction sites—everything from ADU walkways and new driveways to patio steps and outdoor sitting areas. One thing is certain: concrete isn’t cheap these days. But in many cases, quality hardscaping is essential to make a home feel complete. Beyond the cost, the process itself is actually pretty fascinating to watch. It starts with the crew carefully framing out the space and installing a rebar grid to reinforce the structure. Then comes … [Read more...] about Concrete Work in Full Swing (and an Unexpected Guest)

Envisioning the Potential of a Fixer-Upper Buying a fixer-upper is as much about imagination as it is about renovation. When we purchase a property that needs work, one of the first steps is being able to look past the current condition and envision what the home can become. Seeing Beyond the Current Condition Some homes make this process relatively simple. With straightforward architecture, it’s often easy to decide on an exterior color scheme and start planning improvements that bring the home … [Read more...] about Color rendering for historic craftsman home

Building ADUs in Southern California In addition to purchasing hoarded houses, we also build a large number of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Often called “back homes” or “granny suites,” ADUs became widely permitted throughout Los Angeles and Orange County starting in 2017. Since then, they have become an important solution for adding much-needed housing in Southern California neighborhoods. Our specialty is stick-built construction—homes built on-site, piece by piece, primarily using lumber. … [Read more...] about Creating outdoor space for ADUs

What We Found Inside a Recently Purchased Los Angeles Home Every home has a story, and sometimes those stories are hidden beneath years of accumulated belongings. Recently, we purchased a home in Los Angeles that was filled with items left behind by the previous occupants. Situations like this are more common than many people realize, especially in homes affected by severe clutter or hoarding. Discovering the Treasures While clearing out the property, we came across a number of interesting … [Read more...] about Narrow pathways and finding treasures in a Hoarded House

We closed on our latest purchase yesterday, and it’s a perfect example of the types of properties we typically buy here in Los Angeles — single-family homes filled to the brim with contents inside. Every property is different, and you truly never know what you’re going to find when you walk through the door. From everyday household items to unexpected collectibles, each home tells its own story. If you're curious about some of the unique musical items we’ve uncovered in past purchases, … [Read more...] about Musical Treasures In Our New Los Angeles Hoarder House