Example of a trendy shed design in San Francisco

Cathy Stancil Photography
This is an example of a transitional front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

Example of a trendy home office design in Baltimore

Designed by: Studio Revolution Photography by: Thomas Kuoh
Inspiration for a scandinavian living room remodel in San Francisco with white walls

An under used whirlpool tub and inefficient layout were rectified by removing the tub and outdated glass block shower to create a generous walk-in shower area and dual vanity with built ins for storage. Woods and textured materials add warmth and sophistication to the space.

Home office - eclectic home office idea in Seattle

Q Avenue Photo
Inspiration for a 1950s home office remodel in Nashville

3,800sf, 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath with oversized 4 car garage and over 270sf Loggia; climate controlled wine room and bar, Tech Room, landscaping and pool. Solar, high efficiency HVAC and insulation was used which resulted in huge rebates from utility companies, enhancing the ROI. The challenge with this property was the downslope lot, sewer system was lower than main line at the street thus requiring a special pump system. Retaining walls to create a flat usable back yard. ESI Builders is a subsidiary of EnergyWise Solutions, Inc. and was formed by Allan, Bob and Dave to fulfill an important need for quality home builders and remodeling services in the Sacramento region. With a strong and growing referral base, we decided to provide a convenient one-stop option for our clients and focus on combining our key services: quality custom homes and remodels, turnkey client partnering and communication, and energy efficient and environmentally sustainable measures in all we do. Through energy efficient appliances and fixtures, solar power, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, enhanced insulation and sealing, and other construction elements – we go beyond simple code compliance and give you immediate savings and greater sustainability for your new or remodeled home. All of the design work and construction tasks for our clients are done by or supervised by our highly trained, professional staff. This not only saves you money, it provides a peace of mind that all of the details are taken care of and the job is being done right – to Perfection. Our service does not stop after we clean up and drive off. We continue to provide support for any warranty issues that arise and give you administrative support as needed in order to assure you obtain any energy-related tax incentives or rebates. This ‘One call does it all’ philosophy assures that your experience in remodeling or upgrading your home is an enjoyable one. ESI Builders was formed by professionals with varying backgrounds and a common interest to provide you, our clients, with options to live more comfortably, save money, and enjoy quality homes for many years to come. As our company continues to grow and evolve, the expertise has been quickly growing to include several job foreman, tradesmen, and support staff. In response to our growth, we will continue to hire well-qualified staff and we will remain committed to maintaining a level of quality, attention to detail, and pursuit of perfection.

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

The WATER element was added with the swirling pattern of the stone panel placed over the desk. Four recessed light fixtures installed within the built-in desk area not only to highlight the stone pattern with a graze of light, but to functionally illuminate the work area.

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

The Pros and Cons of Fix and Flip Real Estate Investment Last week, we covered The Pros and Cons of Buy and Hold Real Estate Investment for rental property investors. This week, we want to talk about the other most common type of real estate investment: “fix and flip.” The Appeal of House Flipping We all love the house flipping shows on HGTV and other reality channels. They’re great and they make the prospect of buying, renovating and flipping homes for big profits seem super sexy and fun. However, any experienced real estate investor will tell you it’s not quite as easy as they make it look. There’s a lot of work that goes into a successful fix and flip investment. The basic premise of a fix and flip investment is pretty simple. You buy a property, usually one that needs some work and is available at a great price. You renovate the property, making the necessary repairs and upgrades to maximize its resale value. Then, you sell the property on the open market for the highest possible price. You get in and out as quickly as possible. Full-time flippers will move from property to property or will have multiple properties being worked on at the same time. Rather than the “buy and hold” strategy where you keep the house while earning rental income and equity over time, you are looking for the quick sale to earn your profits. If you are going to explore house flipping—whether as a full-time career or just a side hustle—you will want to know exactly what you are getting into. That is why we are going to cover the pros and cons of fix and flip real estate investment in this article. The Pros of Fix and Flip Here are some of the pros of fix and flip investing: Faster Return on Investment—The biggest appeal of fix and flip investing is that it gives you a quicker return on investment. Buy and hold will take you longer to see your ROI. House flipping allows you to see your full profit (hopefully) as soon as the house sells. The average house flip for an experienced investor is around six months. It may take longer for a first-timer who is just learning how to do certain things. Fairly Safe Investment—As long as you do all your projections and calculations carefully and avoid any major problems along the way, house flipping is a relatively safe investment strategy compared to something as turbulent as the stock market. Real estate markets are generally predictable and the short time frame of a flip helps you avoid losses if the property happens to depreciate over a longer period of time. Exciting—There is a reason why there are so many reality shows based around flipping and none based on buy and hold investing. It’s an exciting process to buy a home, gut it and completely renovate it. Then, you get the ultimate reward of selling it and collecting the profits—as long as you do things right. The Cons of Fix and Flip Here are some of the cons of fix and flip investing: Upfront Expenses—A house flip will require a lot of upfront expenses. We’re not only talking about financing the house itself, but all the renovation costs and other expenses involved in the flip. You are laying out all that money at the beginning and only seeing your returns when the property sells. This can create cash flow issues and stress if you fall being schedule or go above your initial budget. Taxes—House flips will usually create dramatic swings in income year over year, and that can increase your tax bill. You have to pace things correctly to take advantage of specific capital gains tax rules. Capital gains taxes are higher on any property owned less than a year, so you have to find that balance of how long you own any specific investment properties and how long it takes to complete the renovation and sale. Before you get too deep into fix and flip investing, you will want to talk with your tax advisor to make sure you have the right plan in place. Surprises—All real estate investment is susceptible to surprises. You don’t always know what lies behind the walls until you start the renovation process. You cannot plan for everything as a real estate investor, but you have to be prepared for anything. It is a good idea to add some wiggle room in your budget and overestimate your renovation expenses/timeline to cover any surprises that may come up. These are some of the biggest pros and cons of fix and flip real estate investment. Of course, there are other things you need to know as an investor, so be sure and do your homework in order to get the most out of your investment portfolio. Both fix and flip and buy and hold strategies can be highly lucrative if you do things right. There are no wrong answers, but there are wrong ways of doing things if you truly want to be successful in this field. If you are looking for great investment properties to fix and flip, join the exclusive PropertyLark home buyers’ network. If you qualify, you’ll have access to our exclusive off-market deals and analytics tools that will help you identify the best investments and get the highest possible ROI. Fill out the contact form and questionnaire on the PropertyLark buyer’s site to apply!

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

Selling your home can be stressful, particularly if you’re short on time. Many homeowners in Springfield, OH find themselves in situations when the traditional real estate process is too slow, too expensive, or too uncertain. Repairs, showings, agent commissions, buyer financing delays and inspection issues can make a simple sale a long and frustrating experience. That’s why more homeowners are looking for a faster and easier way to sell. If you need a quick home sale in Springfield, OH, Sell House Now Columbus offers a practical solution for people who want to sell their house fast for cash without the usual problems of listing on the market.
A Quicker Way to Sell Your Springfield, OH Home
The old way of selling takes weeks or months. First, you may need to clean, repair and stage the home. Then you have to wait for buyers, schedule showings, negotiate offers and hope the buyer’s loan gets approved. Even after you’ve accepted an offer, the deal can still fall apart due to inspection results, appraisal problems, or financing issues. This process may not be ideal for homeowners who need speed and certainty. Sell House Now Columbus offers cash for homes in Springfield and the surrounding Ohio areas so homeowners can avoid these delays. Don't have to wait for the perfect buyer; you can work directly with a local cash home buyer who understands your situation and can close on your timeline.
Why Homeowners Prefer to Sell Their Homes for Cash
There are a number of reasons why someone might need to sell fast. Some homeowners are going through foreclosure, divorce, relocation, inherited property, problem tenants, expensive repairs or just a house they don’t want to sit vacant. Other people don’t want to spend money fixing up a property before they sell it; A cash sale can be helpful because it eliminates many common roadblocks. You don't have to wait for bank financing. You do not need to prep your home for open houses. You don’t have to keep paying for repairs, utilities, taxes or maintenance while your home is sitting on the market. Sell House Now Columbus allows homeowners to sell their house as-is. This means that you don’t have to repair the roof, update the kitchen, repaint the walls, replace the flooring or clean out every room before closing. The company buys homes as they are, saving time and money.
Sell Your House As-Is Springfield, OH
One of the biggest advantages to working with a cash buyer is the ability to sell as-is. Many houses need work, and that work can cost a lot of money. A typical buyer may seek repair credits, price reductions, or major upgrades before closing. Sometimes lenders won’t finance a home with serious issues in its condition. Selling as-is provides a simpler path for homeowners. You can still ask for a cash offer whether the property has old plumbing, roof damage, outdated rooms, foundation concerns, fire damage, water damage, or years of deferred maintenance. This is particularly helpful for homeowners who have inherited a property or own a house they no longer live in. Rather than sinking thousands of dollars into a property you don’t want to hold on to, you can sell it directly and move on.
No Listing or Agent Commissions Hassles
When you list a house with a real estate agent, commissions and fees can eat into the amount you take home. You’ll also have to pay for repairs, cleaning, staging, photography, inspections, and closing costs. These costs can add up quickly. Selling it for cash makes the math easier. Sell House Now, Columbus lets homeowners bypass the traditional listing process. No open houses, no weekend showings, no need to keep the place spotless for buyers. Skip the uncertainty of waiting for offers and the stress of strangers walking through your home. Privacy is another important advantage for many sellers. A direct sale might be more discreet than putting a house on the open market.
How It Works
Sell House Now, Columbus makes it easy. First you talk about your house. Next the company reviews the property and puts together a fair cash offer. If the offer sounds good to you, you can choose a completion date to suit your needs. This simple process is helpful for home owners that need to make decisions quickly. There is no pressure of a traditional sale and you don’t have to accept an offer. The goal is to provide you a clear choice to determine what works best for you.
When a Quick Sale is Beneficial
Often a quick home sale in Springfield, OH can come in handy. If you are behind on your mortgage, selling quickly can help you avoid more financial stress. If you’re relocating for work, you probably won’t have months to wait for a buyer. If you are going through a divorce, a quick sale can help both parties move on. A direct cash sale can also be a win for landlords. If you’re tired of working around the tenants, the late rent, the damage, and the constant maintenance calls, selling the property may be a better option than continuing to manage it. Another popular reason people search for cash buyers is inherited homes. Many inherited properties require repairs, have multiple decision-makers or come with emotional stress. A fast cash sale can make the process easier and help families close on the property faster.
Go ahead confidently
Selling a home doesn’t have to be hard. If you want to avoid uncertainty, repairs, commissions and delays, working with a local cash home buyer is a smart move. Selling a House Is Easy With Sell House Now Columbus for homeowners Springfield, OH who want a faster, easier way to sell.
If your house is vacant, old, damaged, rented, inherited or you just don’t need it anymore, you can ask for a fair cash offer and choose the closing timeline that best suits you. Sell House Now Columbus is a convenient solution for homeowners who want speed, convenience, and peace of mind. Selling your house fast in Springfield, OH can be a great way to save time, avoid stress, and move on without the headache of the traditional real estate market.

Putting up a sign in the yard and waiting for the right buyer to come along isn't always the easiest way to sell a house. The traditional process of selling your home can be slow, expensive and frustrating for many Springfield, OH homeowners. You may have to fix the house up, clean it out, show it, negotiate with buyers, wait for inspections, and hope the buyer's financing doesn't fall through. That can be a lot to manage, especially if you need to move quickly or work with a property that is no longer working for your situation. That’s why many homeowners now look for a faster option. If you want to sell your house fast for cash in Springfield, OH, then working with a local cash home buyer like Sell House Now Columbus can be a practical solution. The company works with homeowners in Columbus, Springfield and other parts of Ohio, providing a direct cash-buying process that helps sellers avoid repairs, agent commissions, closing delays and unnecessary stress. They buy houses as-is, and offer a simple selling process and possibly help with closing costs, according to the company’s website. Why Springfield, OH Homeowners Choose to Sell for Cash Every homeowner has their own reason for desiring a quick sale. Some are relocating for jobs and don’t have months to wait for a buyer.” Others may have inherited a property they don’t want to keep up. Some houses need a lot of work and the owner may not have the time, money or energy to do it all before listing. There are also situations of divorce, concerns about foreclosure, bad tenants, unpaid taxes, or simply a desire to move on without the hassle of a traditional sale. It makes sense to do a cash sale because it takes away a lot of the common roadblocks. Rather than waiting for mortgage approvals, appraisals, repair requests and lengthy negotiations, homeowners can receive a direct offer from a buyer who is ready, willing and able to purchase the property. At Sell House Now Columbus, sellers can request a fair cash offer and pick a closing timeline that suits them. The firm says homeowners can sell without agents, fees, repairs or cleaning, which can be a huge relief for anyone going through a stressful property situation. Selling as is No repairs or cleaning One of the biggest advantages of selling to a cash home buyer is the fact that you can sell the property as-is. This is good news because you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on fixing the roof, replacing flooring, repainting walls, updating the kitchen, repairing plumbing or improving kerb appeal to attract buyers. Buyers expect the home to look clean, updated and move-in ready in traditional sales. Issues discovered during the inspection can force the seller to lower the price or pay for repairs prior to closing. An as-is cash sale is a different process. The purchaser is taking the property “as is” and is offering based on the current condition. Sell House Now, Columbus, states that sellers are spared the hassle of repairs, daily showings and cleaning. They also say that unwanted items can be left behind and dealt with after purchase. This can save time and money for Springfield homeowners confronted with an older house, damaged property, rental cleanup or inherited home full of belongings. No Real Estate Agent Fees or Hidden Commissions When you sell your home, conventional real estate agents eat up a huge portion of your final proceeds through commission fees. You might have closing costs, staging costs, repair costs, inspection-related costs, photography fees and other costs that eat into what you actually walk away with. After deducting all expenses the final number is much lower than expected for some sellers. A direct cash sale makes the numbers simple. “Sell House Now, Columbus says they don’t charge commissions and their process is designed to help homeowners avoid listing fees and agent-related expenses.” This provides sellers more clarity up front. Instead of guessing what the final payout might be after months of negotiations and deductions, you can review a cash offer and decide if it meets your needs. Faster Closing Timeline for Springfield Homeowners When you need to sell fast, time is of the essence. A traditional home sale can take weeks or even months, depending on market conditions, buyer financing, inspections, appraisals and negotiations. Once you’ve accepted an offer, there is always the risk that the buyer’s loan may be delayed or denied. Delays can add additional pressure to a homeowner who needs cash fast, who needs to stop paying taxes or utilities, or who needs to relocate soon. Cash buyers are often faster than traditional buyers because they don’t rely on bank financing. Sell House Now Columbus says their process offers a competitive cash offer, a simple experience and Sellers can pick their closing day. That flexibility can be helpful if you need to close quickly or if you need extra time to make your next move. You don’t have to follow someone else’s schedule but can choose a plan that works better for your circumstances. Who Can Use Selling For Cash? Is your property stressing you out? Is it costing you money every month? If so then selling your House for cash in Springfield OH may be a good option. It can help homeowners who are behind on payments, tired of being landlords, dealing with code violations, handling probate property, in need of costly repairs, or just ready for a clean break. It can also be a benefit to those who do not live near the property and do not want to travel back and forth to manage repairs, contractors, cleaning and showings. And the best part is you don’t need to have a perfect house. Cash buyers often see the property as an investment and are willing to do repairs after the sale. This makes it easier for sellers who are stuck with a dated, vacant, damaged, or otherwise hard-to-list property. How it works Generally, the process begins with a call to discuss the property in general terms. After reviewing those details, Sell House Now Columbus can assess the home and make a cash offer. If the offer interests you, you can pick a closing date that suits you. You don’t have to accept and the offer can help you explore your options before making a final decision. This approach gives control to homeowners. You don’t have to go through months of listings, open houses, questionable buyers or last-minute repair demands. You can look at the cash offer and see if it solves your problem. Summary If you need to Sell your House fast for cash in Springfield, OH then a direct cash sale might be the easiest path forward. It gives homeowners a way to avoid repairs, agent commissions, delays and stress. Whether you’re looking to sell an inherited property, a damaged home, a rental you no longer want, or a life change that requires a quick sale, Sell House Now Columbus provides a simple option for homeowners that want speed and convenience. Selling a house should be no more difficult than dragging a heavy box up hill. A good cash buyer can make the process a lot lighter, faster and easier to manage. If you are a homeowner in Springfield and want to get a fair cash offer and an easy solution, Sell House Now Columbus can make the next step a lot easier.

Running a small restaurant is a high-wire act - delicious plates on one end, razor-thin margins on the other. With food costs averaging 28-35 percent of revenue and labor at 30 percent, every dollar counts. The good news? Targeted tweaks can shave 10-20 percent off your bottom line without sacrificing quality. From smarter sourcing to streamlined waste handling, these strategies empower independents to thrive. One underrated gem: Efficient waste management via roll-off dumpster rentals, which can slash disposal fees by up to 40 percent. Let's break it down. Optimize Inventory: Waste Less, Save More Overstocked pantries are profit killers - U.S. restaurants toss $25 billion in food yearly. Audit weekly. Track sales data to forecast demand, using apps like Toast or MarketMan for real-time insights. Trim your menu to 12-15 core items, focusing on seasonal, high-margin stars like farm-fresh salads over imported proteins. Portion control is key - pre-weighed scoops cut overuse by 15 percent. Repurpose scraps creatively. Veggie peels into stocks, bread ends for croutons. Donate extras to food banks via apps like Too Good To Go, earning tax deductions up to $5,000 annually. These habits reclaim 5-10 percent of food budgets, freeing cash for upgrades. Additionally, consider using citrus rinds for infused oils or desserts, and coffee grounds for compost to support local gardens. Engaging staff in sustainability efforts also builds morale and can be highlighted in marketing materials to attract eco-conscious diners. Trim Energy and Utilities: Go Green for Greenbacks Utilities gobble 4-10 percent of expenses. Swap to LED bulbs and energy-star appliances - upfront costs pay back in 6-12 months via 20-30 percent bill drops. Install low-flow faucets and programmable thermostats; during off-hours, dial down to 55°F to save $200/month on HVAC. Use induction cooktops for precise heat, reducing gas by 15 percent. Train staff on "last out" protocols - unplugging idle equipment. Solar panels? For rooftops under 1,000 sq ft, incentives cover 30 percent installation, yielding ROI in 5 years.  Master Waste Management: Dumpsters as Cost Commanders Trash isn't just garbage - it's a budget black hole, with disposal eating 2-5 percent of revenues. Small spots generate 1-2 tons monthly from food scraps, packaging, and grease. Ditch overflowing bins and irregular hauls for roll-off dumpster rentals. A 10-15 yard unit centralizes waste, handling bulk like fryer oil drums or produce crates without daily pickups. Efficiency Over Headcount Labor's your biggest line item - cross-train staff for multi-roles, like servers prepping during lulls, trimming overtime 10-15 percent. Shift scheduling software optimizes based on reservations, avoiding idle payroll. Negotiate bulk buys with local suppliers for 5-10 percent discounts; loyalty programs from Sysco yield free deliveries. Go digital - QR menus cut printing costs, speed table turnover, and allow menu updates in real time without waste. Loyalty apps boost repeat visits without increasing your advertising budget, making it easier to track customer preferences and send targeted promotions. Consider bundling purchases with other area restaurants to unlock deeper discounts and leverage supplier relationships for exclusive seasonal specials. These strategies can reduce overhead, improve customer retention, and keep operations flexible as trends shift.