The Mesa House Remodel

A Behind-the-Scenes Story of a Kitchen Remodel ( Before Photos )

The Mesa House Remodel

Amid a plethora of choices for desert kitchen remodeling in today’s information overload age, sometimes opportunity knocks just steps away from home. With an eye on design at The Mesa in South Palm Springs, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the onset of a kitchen’s remarkable transformation.

Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, this private collection of residences complements the natural beauty of its surroundings. Choosing to capture the splendor of the desert’s dramatic terrain, one neighbor’s dream awoke another neighbor’s vision for her own culinary haven, proving that opportunity can knock more than once (and on the same street).

Following six years of serving as a gathering area that slowly evolved into clutter and confusion, it was time to organize and refocus on what originally drew these home owners to their property. Exposed and overcrowded shelving once dampened dark countertops and a disheveled and distracting desk space from the rugged mountains that hugged this unique  property. A complete kitchen remodel was in need.

The Mesa House Remodel - Before
The Mesa House Remodel - Before
The Mesa House Remodel

What’s Your Custom?

Palm Springs Modern Kitchen

Most of us have a certain picture in our minds when we embark on a room or whole house remodel. Upon sharing the priorities for an open and sundrenched kitchen remodel, work began on building the dream. Samples were pulled of white, high-gloss, thermofoil cabinets, while creative ideas (such as a “doggie station”) were enthusiastically relayed to customize this kitchen to the delight of its two- and four-legged residents.  An all-inclusive and value-engineered proposal was quickly prepared, featuring line-item pricing that accommodated this homeowner’s budget, and laying a solid foundation for the exciting transformation that awaited.

Stay tuned for part 2, the reveal of their Palm Springs modern kitchen!

Sneak Peek!

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Kickoff Summer with These Cool Casita Concepts

Man Caves or She Sheds? Kickoff Summer with Game Viewing Concepts

Kickoff the unofficial start to summer with cool ideas for a man cave, modern media room, versatile casita or She Shed. Officially known as ADUs or Accessory Dwelling Units, these freestanding rooms equipped with full kitchens and bathrooms can be an All Pro choice this fall for watching the World Series, college football or NFL games in comfort and style. Think superstar walls of high definition televisions teamed with comfortable armchair QB furniture and portable bars accented with your favorite San Diego Chargers or LA Dodgers memorabilia.

Casita Man Cave She Shed ADU
Man Cave She Shed ADU Casita

But don’t think only men have a game plan for their ultimate game viewing room. Women like to win, too!

Consider this:

  • Of the NFL’s 185 million fans, 45% are women

  • Women comprise 34% of ESPN’s audience

  • One in three fantasy football players is a woman totaling an estimated 17 million

  • Ladies are moving away from DIY home renovation, yet still make the majority of remodeling decisions

Trending She Sheds are equally popular for women who like to cheer their favorite teams with fellow female fans or challenge themselves in yoga or the ultimate test of simply unwinding. Hear these and other creative uses, firsthand, from RBC Construction’s Project Coordinator Ken Bertwell on the Coachella Valley’s sports leader Team 1010 and 102.7 KXPS. Thank you to “She’s a Gamer” host Cristina Walters for the interview.

ADU Reform Means Affordability

Affordability is an added benefit to ADUs, as they don’t require paying extra for the land on which they’re constructed. In fact, California’s recent legislative changes further allow ADUs in both single-family and multi-family zones to address myriad affordable and housing inventory needs throughout the state.

In 2016, California passed statewide ADU reform in SB 1069, later modified in 2017 by SB 229 and AB 494. These laws require cities to:

  • Permit one ADU per single-family home

  • Streamline ADU permitting by using a ministerial rather than discretionary process

  • Set utility fees in proportion to the burden of the ADU and reduce them for ADUs built inside the main house

  • Waive parking requirements for ADUs located within a half-mile radius of a transit stop or within a block of a car-share; for ADUs built inside the existing primary house that don’t involve additions; and for ADUs in historic districts.

  • Otherwise require no more than one parking space per ADU, and allow that space to be tandem

  • Waive requirements for “passageways”—a commonly required ten-foot-wide, open walkway from sidewalk to ADU

  • Allow zero setbacks for existing garages converted ADUs, and five-foot side and rear setbacks for ADUs above garages

  • Cap ADU floor space to 1,200 square feet for detached ADUs (backyard cottages); 1,200 square feet or 50 percent of house size, whichever is less, for an attached ADU that involves an addition to the main house; and no size limit for ADUs built entirely inside existing houses.

Evidence of their practical and creative uses is the fact that California led the nation in ADUs built in the first half of 2018, a result of forward-thinking legislators that have streamlined the construction process. Local leaders in Indio, Palm Desert and La Quinta have amended their respective ADU policies to reflect the state’s, paving the way for further construction by local ADU experts in the Coachella Valley.

RBC Construction is a third-generation, California home builder and innovative remodeler, providing a complete range of construction services from kitchen/bath remodels to room additions and total home remodels. The company’s commitment to be straightforward and transparent, ensuring that a project is on time and within budget, is what drives its passion for perfection in turning a client’s dreams into reality.

California ADU Reform

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2019-07-29T11:54:10-07:00May 28th, 2019|Categories: Construction & Remodel News|Tags: , , |

Ken Bertwell Discusses Media Rooms

Interested in building a home theater, multi-purpose casita or man cave to watch your favorite sports?

Ken Bertwell, Project Coordinator at RBC Construction and Cristina Walters, radio host of “She’s A Gamer” discuss options and design trends for creating the perfect space. Listen to the interview that aired on 102.7 KXPS.

Ken Bertwell, RBC Construction Sales

Ken Bertwell, Project Coordinator
RBC Construction

(760) 464-9556
Ken.Bertwell@rbcconstruction.com

"She's a Gamer"

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California Casita Requirements | ADU

Guest House or Casita? California Streamlines ADU Requirements

The trending accessory isn’t handbags and briefcases with today’s Baby Boomers. It’s Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs that increase living options for an ever-changing homeowner. Equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom, ADUs [many considered guest houses or casitas] can quickly and affordably accommodate the many facets of dynamic lifestyles. Whether welcoming an elderly parent, choosing to age in place, transitioning a college graduate to independent living, or seeking a reliable source of rental income, ADUs are as versatile as the needs they fulfill. Such attached or detached options can also satisfy lifelong dreams of owning an artist’s studio, a cardio room or that high-tech space for the next life-changing enterprise.

Affordability is an added benefit to ADUs, as they do not require paying extra for the land on which they’re constructed. They can provide private living space for couples, guests, students and seniors, as a full-time living option or weekend stay-and-play choice in Southern California and elsewhere. In fact, California’s recent legislative changes allow ADUs in both single-family and multi-family zones to address myriad affordable and housing inventory needs throughout the state.

ADU Kitchen
California SB1069 SB 229 AB 494

In 2016, California passed statewide ADU reform in SB 1069, later modified in 2017 by SB 229 and AB 494. These laws require cities to:

  • Permit one ADU per single-family home
  • Streamline ADU permitting by using a ministerial rather than discretionary process
  • Set utility fees in proportion to the burden of the ADU and reduce them for ADUs built inside the main house
  • Waive parking requirements for ADUs located within a half-mile radius of a transit stop or within a block of a car-share; for ADUs built inside the existing primary house that don’t involve additions; and for ADUs in historic districts.
  • Otherwise require no more than one parking space per ADU, and allow that space to be tandem
  • Waive requirements for “passageways”—a commonly required ten-foot-wide, open walkway from sidewalk to ADU
  • Allow zero setbacks for existing garages converted ADUs, and five-foot side and rear setbacks for ADUs above garages
  • Cap ADU floor space to 1,200 square feet for detached ADUs (backyard cottages); 1,200 square feet or 50 percent of house size, whichever is less, for an attached ADU that involves an addition to the main house; and no size limit for ADUs built entirely inside existing houses.

Evidence of their practical and creative uses is the fact that California led the nation in ADUs built in the first half of 2018, a result of forward-thinking legislators that have streamlined the construction process. Local leaders in Indio, Palm Desert and La Quinta have amended their respective ADU policies to reflect the state’s, paving the way for further construction by local ADU experts in the Coachella Valley.

This has strong appeal among the nation-leading nine million Baby Boomers in California with the last of this generation turning 65 just 10 short years from now.  ADUs will become increasingly popular and necessary to offer support to the adult children of Boomers, known for their statistically-top position for doing so.

RBC Construction is a third-generation, California home builder and innovative remodeler, providing a complete range of construction services from kitchen/bath remodels to room additions and total home remodels. The company’s commitment to be straightforward and transparent, ensuring that a project is on time and within budget, is what drives its passion for perfection in turning a client’s dreams into reality.

Guest House or Casita? California Streamlines ADU Requirements

ADU Kitchen

The trending accessory isn’t handbags and briefcases with today’s Baby Boomers. It’s Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs that increase living options for an ever-changing homeowner. Equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom, ADUs [many considered guest houses or casitas] can quickly and affordably accommodate the many facets of dynamic lifestyles. Whether welcoming an elderly parent, choosing to age in place, transitioning a college graduate to independent living, or seeking a reliable source of rental income, ADUs are as versatile as the needs they fulfill. Such attached or detached options can also satisfy lifelong dreams of owning an artist’s studio, a cardio room or that high-tech space for the next life-changing enterprise.

Affordability is an added benefit to ADUs, as they do not require paying extra for the land on which they’re constructed. They can provide private living space for couples, guests, students and seniors, as a full-time living option or weekend stay-and-play choice in Southern California and elsewhere. In fact, California’s recent legislative changes allow ADUs in both single-family and multi-family zones to address myriad affordable and housing inventory needs throughout the state.

California SB1069 SB 229 AB 494

In 2016, California passed statewide ADU reform in SB 1069, later modified in 2017 by SB 229 and AB 494. These laws require cities to:

  • Permit one ADU per single-family home
  • Streamline ADU permitting by using a ministerial rather than discretionary process
  • Set utility fees in proportion to the burden of the ADU and reduce them for ADUs built inside the main house
  • Waive parking requirements for ADUs located within a half-mile radius of a transit stop or within a block of a car-share; for ADUs built inside the existing primary house that don’t involve additions; and for ADUs in historic districts.
  • Otherwise require no more than one parking space per ADU, and allow that space to be tandem
  • Waive requirements for “passageways”—a commonly required ten-foot-wide, open walkway from sidewalk to ADU
  • Allow zero setbacks for existing garages converted ADUs, and five-foot side and rear setbacks for ADUs above garages
  • Cap ADU floor space to 1,200 square feet for detached ADUs (backyard cottages); 1,200 square feet or 50 percent of house size, whichever is less, for an attached ADU that involves an addition to the main house; and no size limit for ADUs built entirely inside existing houses.

Evidence of their practical and creative uses is the fact that California led the nation in ADUs built in the first half of 2018, a result of forward-thinking legislators that have streamlined the construction process. Local leaders in Indio, Palm Desert and La Quinta have amended their respective ADU policies to reflect the state’s, paving the way for further construction by local ADU experts in the Coachella Valley.

This has strong appeal among the nation-leading nine million Baby Boomers in California with the last of this generation turning 65 just 10 short years from now.  ADUs will become increasingly popular and necessary to offer support to the adult children of Boomers, known for their statistically-top position for doing so.

RBC Construction is a third-generation, California home builder and innovative remodeler, providing a complete range of construction services from kitchen/bath remodels to room additions and total home remodels. The company’s commitment to be straightforward and transparent, ensuring that a project is on time and within budget, is what drives its passion for perfection in turning a client’s dreams into reality.

Meet President/CEO Ron Bierma

Ron Bierma, President/CEO

Ron’s construction career began by pushing a wheelbarrow at age eight. He worked as a laborer in 1995 for his dad, demolishing, cleaning and eventually framing and siding. Upon graduation from high school, Ron worked for a grading company gaining experience on large housing tracts and commercial properties. He learned to operate everything from a small skip loader to a large bulldozer, followed by work at an underground pipeline company installing the main sewer, water, storm drain and underground electrical that supply large housing tracts and commercial buildings.

Ron then turned his attention to the Coachella Valley, where he framed custom homes in BIGHORN, Big Horn Canyons, The Vintage Club, Toscana Country Club and The Reserve Club, ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 sq. ft.  He then advanced to a superintendent for a builder in BIGHORN, where he was project manager for the construction of custom homes and the Bighorn Canyons Steakhouse.

Ron at RBC was amazing. He built our family a beautiful outdoor entertainment pavilion.Ron was able to take our dream and make it reality. His workmanship is top quality. We continue to get compliments daily from friends and neighbors. Ron was always friendly, punctual and maintained communication. We will definitely use him for all our projects.  Thanks RBC for making our dream come true.  – Lisa & Steve Buenting

Soon thereafter, Ron pursued his own license in 2008 with the advantage of gaining the full range of experience from the raw land to move-in; giving him an edge over contractors working a single trade. He is also licensed in Arizona.

Ron believes in providing value to his clients, and stands by his word, ensuring that promises are fulfilled. He takes pride in each project and satisfied client, as they will sustain the longevity of RBC Construction.  The challenge to complete projects that many others forego is also readily accepted by Ron and his team at RBC Construction.

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2020-02-19T02:54:08-07:00May 9th, 2019|Categories: Construction & Remodel News|Tags: , , , |

Demand Remains High for Palm Springs Real Estate

Custom Home Builders and Architects in Palm Springs CAAccording to a recent article in Palm Springs Life, the demand to live in Palm Springs has remained high, as La Quinta struggles with too much housing inventory.

Palm Springs is the largest city by land area in Riverside County, and was first developed in the 1930s. For the past eighty years, the town has been a destination for Holywood’s elite and second home owners throughout the United States.

Although every town in the Valley was affected during the housing crash beginning in 2008, Palm Springs remained a desirable area, but was never really overbuilt. Neighboring La Quinta, no the other hand, may have been slightly overbuilt, as there is currently an over-supply in available homes.

As the economy continues to improve, the Palm Springs lifestyle remains an attractive destination for homeowners and home buyers. For those who already live in the area and who may be looking to remodel or even build new, we invite you to contact RBC Construction to learn more about our custom home building, remodeling, and design build services. As well, if you are looking to relocate or pick up a second or third home in the Palm Springs or Palm Desert area, feel free to call to ask some pressing questions. We look forward to getting to know you!

2020-02-26T17:25:38-07:00June 28th, 2015|Categories: Construction & Remodel News, Housing Market, Palm Springs|