LA Examiner

Tag: san diego

  • San Diego Homeowners Pursue High-Efficiency Home Upgrades

    San Diego Homeowners Pursue High-Efficiency Home Upgrades

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Real estate experts predict that home prices in Escondido and elsewhere in San Diego County will continue rising for a while. With the market in an upswing at the same time that energy prices are rising steeply, more homeowners are seeking out personalized, high-efficiency home upgrades to lower costs and increase home value. Homeowners want modern layouts and added space, and with the population rising, they are pursuing custom ADUs, adding attached residential units, and increasing their homes’ capacity.

    Home remodeling firms are evolving quickly in response, and more homeowners now can find a contractor to design and build as unified design-build services replace outdated contractor models. Whether homeowners plan for a full remodel or a custom addition, these firms combine design and construction in one seamless process.

    The Whole-House Remodel for Today’s Lifestyle

    What is driving the rise in house remodeling in Escondido? Some of it is lifestyle-driven, and some of it is homeowners working to get ahead of the rising local real estate market with whole-house renovations. Homeowners are adding multifunctional kitchens, open living areas, and energy-efficient upgrades, ranging from upgraded windows to water-efficient systems and solar panel installations. 

    A whole-house remodel can be a major undertaking, involving a cohesive transformation of the house from floorplan to finish, but all of these steps increase a home’s livability (especially in San Diego County’s hot, dry climate) and the home’s eventual resale value.

    The Unified Design-Build Process

    Many remodelers in Escondido are turning to firms that offer a unified design-build process. Working with a single team to do both helps simplify decisions for homeowners. The single point of accountability also streamlines the time to completion (because a delay in the first stage doesn’t create issues with the handoff to the second), reduces cost overruns, and prevents the gaps in communication that occur when a homeowner is dealing with multiple contractors. 

    Design-build firms bring architectural vision and construction under one roof, so that the architect has the end build in mind, and the construction team has contact with the architect. This approach makes the whole-house remodel both less expensive and more successful than in the past.

    ADUs: Smart Space for Extended Living or Rental Income

    Local home construction isn’t all whole-house remodeling, however.

    Los Angeles County has been making the news recently for its boom in backyard accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the wake of recent fires. But ADUs are seeing growing popularity here in San Diego County, too. Families with aging parents or long-term guests turn to ADUs to expand their home’s capacity; others turn to ADUs to house tenants and bring in passive income.

    In either case, permitting, designing, and building an ADU requires specialized local knowledge, prompting a rise in local ADU specialist design. ADU specialists do more than just dot the I’s and cross the T’s for compliance; they also work to improve the unit’s function and align it aesthetically with the adjacent house.

    Choosing the Right Partner for Your Remodel or Build

    Whether what you have in mind is a whole-house overhaul or a compact ADU, all the usual advice about vetting your contractors applies. Escondido homeowners should look for firms with extensive local experience and a record of transparent communication with clients. Find out if the firm you are considering has in-house architects, and ask them about past projects with similar goals to your own.

    Finding the right professional team not only eliminates hassle in the short term but also yields long-term benefits. The right match can add value and functionality to your home while preserving your neighborhood’s aesthetics and your property’s curb appeal. A firm that uses smart layouts, eco-conscious materials, and installs efficient home systems can also go a long way toward future-proofing your house. Thoughtful, livable design improves your contentment and quality of life each day in your home.

    Written in partnership with Tom White

  • Cameron Ingle at Marisi Gears Up for the Return of the Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner

    Cameron Ingle at Marisi Gears Up for the Return of the Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner

    Image credit: Unsplash

    One of San Diego’s newest chefs, Cameron Ingle at Marisi in La Jolla, is reportedly bringing back the famous Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner. While it has been over a decade since the last local chef hosted the event, Ingle, who took over the restaurant’s kitchen in August 2023, is preparing to host the five-course, $350 meal this March.

    Born and raised near Detroit, Michigan, Ingle grew up working in his family’s Italian restaurant. He has since gone on to become a culinary advisor to The White Buffalo Land Trust for regenerative agriculture in Lompoc. He is an advocate for sustainable farming as well as an avid hunter and currently lives in Del Mar with his wife.

    Now, on Wednesday, March 20, Ingle is set to prepare the dinner, with all proceeds going to benefit the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation, headquartered in New York, is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering, enhancing, and honoring the culinary heritage of America. Every year, it proudly highlights outstanding restaurants, talented chefs, inspiring food media, and influential leaders who shape the industry, celebrating their contributions and hard work.

    Before he started at Marisi — an Italian restaurant that opened its doors in the summer of 2022 at 1044 Wall St., in the former Whisknladle space — Ingle worked as a sous chef and private dining chef for Michelin two-star chef Dan Barber at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York, for four years. Before working in Tarrytown, Ingle worked for Ori Manashe at Bestia and Bavel in L.A. He also worked for Michelin three-star chef Thomas Keller at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville in the Napa Valley.

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    Speaking on what brought Ingle to San Diego last summer, the chef said “I had another opportunity on the Central Coast that brought me back out here, but it didn’t pan out as I wanted. The Puesto team reached out, and they had a great reputation, plus it’s a beautiful restaurant.” Ingle continued, “A lot of my childhood was doing Sicilian events and growing up in Italian restaurants. This is a return to my roots. I get to cook the food I really enjoy eating on a daily basis, and I like that a lot.”

    Ingle was asked what dishes he was working on and stated, “I’m working on a veal Milanese for spring, and I’m excited about that. I will also launch some new pasta but want to keep that under wraps for now. I’m a huge fan of chicories and bitter greens. One dish I always go back to that my mom makes me on my birthdays is Parmesan broth in escarole soup. That’s something I will incorporate into a dish.”

    Concerning the prestigious event on March 20, Ingle also spoke about the importance of hosting the Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner. He said, “This is the next step for Marisi, to get that level of excellence we’re reaching for.” The chef added, “I’m excited to be working with the James Beard Foundation and everything they are doing for small independent restaurants and lesser-known chefs. I haven’t made it to the next level yet, but I’m phasing really hard to get there. It’s super exciting, and I’m excited for our team and for San Diego.”

    Finally, Ingle spoke and what diners at the James Beard Benefit Dinner can expect to find on their menu. Ingle said, “I don’t know the menu yet, but we chose a springtime date, which is my favorite time of year to cook because it’s a time of rebirth for things like morel mushrooms, ramps, and green garlic. I’ll also try to focus on regenerative agriculture as a huge component and we’ll try to utilize some things from The White Buffalo Land Trust.”