The 42nd annual Art & Wine Festival is moving to Civic Park. Fun for the entire family, the annual kick-off to the Summer festival draws 40,000 + attendees from all over the Bay Area. Festival goers fill the park to enjoy arts and crafts and commercial vendor booths, festival foods, a wide range of wines, a craft beer garden, continuous live music, children’s activities, and more in a beautiful park setting.
Sat., June 7
Pride Day at Bedford Gallery
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts
Storytime with author Kara Navolio
10:30 – 11:15 am
Celebrate love, joy, and self-expression with a fun-filled story time for all ages!
Join author Kara Navolio for a special reading of her illustrated children’s book, Everybody Can Dance, followed by a lively dance party in the gallery!
Storytime is free but pre-registration is encouraged. www.bedfordgallery.org
Pride In Every Hue Workshop
An inclusive community workshop! 11:30 – 1 pm
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride with color and creativity in this vibrant watercolor workshop! Use Washi tape to design an abstract framework and learn techniques for blending and mixing hues. No experience needed, just bring your pride and paint something uniquely you!
Get your tickets early, space is limited! All youth must be accompanied by an adult, and tickets are required for all participants. Tickets: $15 per participant, age inclusive.
Wed., June 11
Locust Street Festival
@Locust Street between Civic Dr. and Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Experience Downtown Walnut Creek’s most popular street festival. Locust Street Festival is an evening of art, beer/wine, food, activities, live music, and shopping from artisan vendors at this beloved street festival. Grab a bite and support a small business by ordering from one of many Walnut Creek restaurants that are within walking distance. Connect with the community and explore all of what Downtown Walnut Creek has to offer. Kid and pet friendly. Repeats July 16 and Aug. 6
Cost: Free Time: 5:30-9pm
Sat., June 21
Public Art Walking Tour
@Lesher Center for the Arts Plaza is the beginning point Bedford Gallery offers one hour docentled walking tours of Walnut Creek’s wonderful downtown public art collection every third Saturday, April through November. Our Docents are trained by public art specialists and offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. Cost: $5 cash for adults, free for those under 18 Time:10-11am
Through June 22
Limitless: Celebrating Artists with Disabilities
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts
Recognizing the indelible contributions of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities working in the visual arts, this exhibition challenges conventional narratives and broadens our understanding of creativity, innovation, and expression. Since Creative Growth’s opening in 1974 and the subsequent launch of NIAD in 1982 and Creativity
Explored in 1983, these institutions have been at the forefront of creating visibility for artists with disabilities in the Bay Area. We are honored to present 65 artists— with practices at these organizations—in a comprehensive survey that includes media from ceramics and textiles to figurative and abstract painting and drawing.
Sun., June 29
Opera in the Park @ Civic Park
Experience the magic of opera outside the theatre with Opera in the Park! Not the usual variety concert, this season Festival Opera presents Leoncavallo’s classic opera Pagliacci in beautiful Civic Park, Walnut Creek, bringing world-class voices, a vibrant festival atmosphere, and unforgettable performances packed with drama and passion. Featuring a stellar cast, this FREE, family-friendly event is the perfect way to discover—or rediscover— the thrill of live opera. Pack a picnic, bring your loved ones, and let the music transport you!
Cost: Free Time: 4pm
Every Monday Free Yoga Class
@1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 26
Behavioral Fitness Presents- Another Living Better through Community offering - Yoga is for all of us. A beautiful way to start the week- come join our peaceful, mindful yoga on Monday mornings. This generous gift is sponsored by our local non-profit: Providing Easier Access to Care Everywhere: PEACE (501 (c)3). Much more than physical fitness it includes social, emotional, and environmental wellness too. Meet your neighbors and invite a friend. All levels will find their place in this gentle and inspiring time in our new space. Space is limited so please text or call to rsvp (925) 818-8062.
Cost: Free Time: 9-10am
Every Saturday Farmers’ Market
@Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market Time: 9am-1pm
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Designer: Meagan Patry
Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar
Advertising
Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Any
Dear Neighbors,
June means summer vacations, backyard barbecues, seeing friends, flip-flops, swim teams, and maybe some graduations to celebrate. Enjoy the beginning of summer. Congratulations to all the graduates and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads.
Northgate Living Magazine is your neighborhood magazine, and in this issue you’ll meet your neighbors, The Cherys, a family who is embracing all the good things here in Northgate. There are also lots of interesting articles from your neighbors and updates from Northgate High School sports.
Northgate Living Magazine is devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. Please nominate a neighbor for our cover, share a story, event or news.
Kara Navolio
Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991
If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.
Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign
Bill Adams and Melissa Brunson welcome you to your car’s service and repair shop. Diablo Auto Specialists is one of the most respected shops in the East Bay since its inception over 25 years ago by Tim Stussy. Bill and Melissa bring years of experience in the independent service and repair business and own additional stores in Castro Valley and Albany.
THE ART OF
Attention:
journey stress-free and exciting. Trusted throughout the community, we’re proud to be your friend in the remodeling business. Let’s bring your dream home to life.
With over 30 years of experience, Perfect Star Heating, Cooling and Electrical is proud to be a truly locally owned and operated family business serving Alameda & Contra Costa County. We specialize in Furnace/Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ductless Mini-Split installation, along with repair and maintenance for Central HVAC systems. Our services also include Ductwork, Indoor Air Quality solutions, and now Electrical Repair & Installation, as well as Solar Installation.
By Jo Peek Expert Contributor
925-272-8246
jpeek@bestversionmedia.com
In today’s competitive market, local businesses must capture attention quickly—whether in a print magazine or a digital ad.
A well-designed ad stands out visually and uses compelling language to persuade potential customers to take action. Here’s how to craft ads that engage and convert.
▶ DESIGN FOR IMPACT
First impressions matter. Your ad should be visually appealing and easy to read. Follow these key design principles:
▷ Use Strong Visuals: High-quality images, cohesive colors, and clean layouts immediately draw attention.
▷ Maintain Clarity: A simple, well-organized ad is more effective than one overloaded with text or images.
▷ Prioritize Readability: Choose fonts that are easy to read and ensure contrast between the text and background.
▶ CRAFT HEADLINES THAT HOOK
Your headline is the first thing people read, so make it count. A strong headline should:
▷ Be Clear and Concise: Avoid vague statements. Tell your audience what problem your business solves for them.
▷ Evoke Emotion: Grab and keep your audience’s attention with keywords that spark curiosity or excitement.
▷ Emphasize the Advantage: Demonstrate the value of your offer by highlighting key benefits. What separates you from your competitors?
▶ WRITE COMPELLING AD COPY
Once you’ve captured attention, your message should drive action. Keep these points in mind as you draft your ad copy:
▷ Focus on the Customer: Speak directly to the audience’s needs. Instead of “We Offer Quality Repairs,” say, “Fast, Affordable Repairs When You Need Them Most.”
▷ Keep It Short: Stick to the essential details. The best ads communicate value and action in just a few words.
▷ Leverage Social Proof: Consider using customer testimonials and success stories to boost local credibility for your brand.
By combining strong visuals with persuasive copy, your local business can create ads that stand out and drive real results in the community. A well-crafted ad captures attention, builds trust, and encourages action, helping your business connect with the right audience. With the right approach, your advertising efforts can turn viewers into loyal customers and elevate your brand’s presence in the market.
Jo Peek
925-272-8246
jpeek@bestversionmedia.com
Chery Family: Embracing the Good Life
By
How does a girl from Fort Worth, Texas meet and marry a boy from the Champagne region of France? The short answer is Match.com, but the long answer is a story filled with adventure, embracing new opportunities, and a match that was meant to be.
Melissa grew up in Fort Worth and moved to San Jose, CA before starting high school at Archbishop Mitty. She earned her B.S. in Business Marketing while working full-time and moved to Foster City to work for a tech startup, managing corporate event sponsorships, user conferences and field marketing. After getting married and having children, she shifted away from event roles to reduce her traveling and focus on field marketing and demand generation. She is now the Vice President of Marketing at Ubiquity Retirement and Savings, a financial institution dedicated to helping small businesses set up customized 401(k) retirement solutions. You might also find her hosting the French table at Walnut Acres’ International Fair, serving up 150 crepes.
JB was born in Troyes, France in the Champagne region, and later his family settled in the southwest of France in Castelnaudary, the worldwide capital of cassoulet. He developed a love of computers at a young age, and his interest grew when his mom bought him and his brother an Amstrad CPC 464 to program (in English) in order to play computer games. After earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in France, he worked in France and London. Later he took a job at Guidewire, which brought him to California. He now works at LinkedIn and is a Senior Staff Software Engineer, focusing on complex projects and technical leadership. JB has a passion for baking, using traditional French methods to make his own baguettes and pizza. He also loves his French soccer teams: PSG (Paris St. Germain) and TFC (Toulouse Football Club).
Melissa’s and JB’s paths crossed in 2013 when they met via Match. com while both of them were working in Foster City. There was an instant connection, and it became another Match success story. Less than a year later JB proposed on Baker Beach in San Francisco. They were married at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon surrounded by family and friends.
Emma, 7, and Olivia, 6, attend Walnut Acres Elementary and enjoy girl scouts (a troop that Melissa leads). They love cookie season the best, both selling and eating! Music is also a big part of their lives. JB loves playing piano and other instruments and helps the girls prepare for their piano lessons. Both girls also attend Liberty Gymnastics and UFC Gym in Concord where they take martial arts classes. “They love training, and both have a mean right hook,” says Melissa.
The Chery’s love Halloween! Melissa is crazy about decorating both inside and outside and has carried on the tradition her mother started of sewing Halloween costumes for the family. They have done family themed costumes like Mario, The Little Mermaid, and Star Wars. They loved ending the night at their street block party, enjoying the candy with their neighbors.
And they love Christmas too! Melissa also decorates big for Christmas. Olivia, who is also obsessed with Christmas, even had her birthday party in September as a Christmas-themed pool party, complete with a snow machine! A favorite family tradition is one Melissa’s parents started, going on the Santa Train in Sacramento with all their grandchildren. It’s a fun tradition filled with ugly sweaters, pajamas, hot chocolate, games and a visit with Santa. Every other year they spend Christmas in France with JB’s family. “There’s something truly magical about the holiday season in Europe,” says Melissa, “The Christmas markets, festive lights, and incredible food make it an unforgettable experience. But with the chilly winter weather, I have to admit, I much prefer visiting France during the summer (which they do each year).”
JB trained at the French conservatory as a child and is very musically inclined. In addition to the piano, he also plays guitar and flute. He was once in a local punk hardcore band and wrote some of his own music. The Cherys love growing their own vegetables and teaching their girls to embrace challenges, give your best effort and don’t be afraid of mistakes. Melissa adds, “We feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community. Northgate has been an amazing place to raise our family, and we’re grateful for the friendships and connections we’ve made. We are looking forward to many more great years together.”
Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by The Chery Family
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
Real Estate Listings in
People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.
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• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a special-needs cat
• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)
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Northgate Athletics Awards
Submitted by Ben Ballard, Northgate Athletic Director
The Northgate High School Athletic Department awarded outstanding athletes with annual awards on Monday, May 12. Congratulations to these athletes!
Eric Griffin Memorial Award
Blayne Ballard
Makenna Choi
Gold block N - 3 different sports for 6 total Varsity years
Sadie Hansell
Giana Papas
Kailee Newberry
Blayne Ballard
Danica Kirkham
Jocelyn Torrey
Robert Sheehy
Danica Heine
700 club - 2 different sports for total of 7 Varsity years
Geetha Chandrasekaran
Makenna Choi
Breanna Christensen
Claire Mohrland
Marcus Manuel
Girls Golf - Fall Team of the Year Boys Volleyball - Spring Team of the Year
Fall team of the year - Girls golf and Girls Cross Country Winter team of the year - Competitive Cheer Spring team of he year - Boys volleyball
Two 1978 Alumni Inducted into Northgate’s Hall of Fame
By Kara Navolio,
As part of Northgate High School’s Athletic Awards night on May 12, two new members were inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame.
Chris Kilpatrick class of 1978, still holds the Northgate record for shot put at 56’ 4 3/4”. He was a conference champion and was part of Northgate’s first Track & Field team to win the DVAL league.
Paul Sorensen, class of 1978, played football and baseball at Northgate and was Northgate’s first football player to get a division 1 scholarship. He was an all-conference player for his junior and senior years and went on to play at Washington State University, where he was an All-American. Sorensen was drafted in the 5th round of the NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. After his football career, he became a broadcaster, most recently at Eastern Washington University doing the color commentary.
To see a list of all the Northgate Hall of Fame Athletes visit the Broncos’ website: www.northgatebroncos.org/halloffame
Eric Griffin Memorial Award Celebrates 50th Year
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Blayne Ballard and Makenna Choi are this year’s Eric Griffin Memorial Award winners. This is Northgate High School’s most prestigious sports award as it recognizes both athletic achievement and the athlete’s character.
In 1975, Eric Griffin died of complications from Chicken Pox during his freshman year at Northgate High School. He played football, basketball, and track and made a huge impact on the school and community. Since then, the Northgate Athletic Department honors Griffin’s life each year by selecting one male and female studentathlete as Eric Griffin Award winners.
To be eligible for the prestigious award, a student-athlete must participate in multiple sports, earn above a 3.0 grade point average, and show excellent effort, sportsmanship, and conduct. Additionally, the student-athlete must be a team leader who makes others better through their example and encouragement.
This year marks the 50th presentation of the award that began in 1976. Two of Eric Griffin’s friends, Lee Orr and Tom Fenner, worked with the father of a classmate, Dan Grove, and the Griffin family to establish this award as a way to remember Eric. For this 50th presentation, Orr and Fenner, along with Eric’s mom and siblings, were present. Orr and Fenner (class of 1978) presented the plaques as Athletic Director Ben Ballard introduced the two awardees. Each award comes with a $300 scholarship. Congratulations to Blayne and Makenna!
Makenna Choi has been a cornerstone of Northgate High School’s athletic programs, showcasing her versatility and leadership in both softball and tennis.
Softball: As a four-year varsity player and team captain, Makenna has demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment. Her career statistics are a testament to her prowess: a batting average of .444, 88 hits, 78 RBIs, and 8 home runs. Notably, she achieved a fielding percentage of .979 and an ERA of 2.93 over 157.2 innings pitched, with 133 strikeouts. Her outstanding performance earned her the Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Pitcher of the Year award and recognition as a Player of the Game.
Tennis: Makenna also excelled on the tennis court, serving as a three-year varsity player. Her agility, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship contributed significantly to the team’s success, further highlighting her athletic versatility.
Academic Achievements:
Beyond her athletic endeavors, Makenna has maintained an impressive academic record, holding a 4.2 GPA. Her commitment to excellence extends to her involvement in extracurricular activities, where she serves as the Co-President of the Northgate Asian Cultural Society and Vice President of the Northgate Tutoring Club.
Blayne Ballard is the epitome of dedication, versatility, and excellence. As a three-sport varsity athlete at Northgate High School, he has left an indelible mark on Northgate’s football, soccer, and baseball programs.
In football, Blayne’s senior year was nothing short of historic. He led the team as the top receiver, breaking three school records, including the longest kick return in Northgate history at 99 yards. With 25 total touchdowns, over 1,000 receiving yards, and a 51-yard field goal. His versatility was on full display in a game against Mt. Diablo, where he scored 39 points through various means, including touchdowns, extra points, and even a two-point conversion pass. His exceptional performance earned him titles such as DAL Offensive MVP, First Team All-Bay Area, and Cal-Hi Sports Northern California MultiPurpose/Special Teams Player of the Week.
On the soccer field, Blayne showcased his agility and strategic thinking as a goalkeeper and striker starting for four years on Varsity. With more than 300 career saves and 8 goals, he earned First Team All-League honors in his junior and senior year.
In baseball, he was a 3 year starter at center field and continued with a remarkable .449 batting average and 19 stolen bases this year, ranking among the top in the North Coast Section both his Jr. and Sr. years.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Blayne has demonstrated commendable academic dedication, maintaining a 3.4 GPA. Blayne’s commitment, leadership, and sportsmanship embody the very spirit of the Eric Griffin Award. He has not only excelled individually but has also uplifted his teammates and represented Northgate High School with honor and integrity.
Gold Block N Awardees
Resident since 1991
Chris Kilpatrick, Lee Orr (presenter), and Paul Sorensen
BELOW: Awardee Makenna Choi with Tom Fenner, Joe Griffin, Lee Orr and Kelly (Griffin) Smith.
ABOVE: Awardee Blayne Ballard with Tom Fenner, Kelly (Griffin) Smith, Joe Griffin and Lee Orr.
An Asian-themed dinner party is more than just a meal
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
Hosting an Asian-themed dinner party is a fantastic way to bring people together for a vibrant, sensory-rich experience. With bold flavors, colorful dishes, and thoughtful decor, you can transport your guests across continents—no passport required. Asia is incredibly diverse—start by narrowing your theme. A Thai street food night, a Japanese izakaya-inspired spread, or a Chinese Lunar New Year feast all offer unique vibes. Choose one to guide your menu and decor for a more authentic, cohesive experience.
Ambience is key. Use lanterns, bamboo placemats, chopsticks, and small bowls for an immersive touch. Soft lighting, inspired table runners, floral plates or vivid red dinnerware, candles can elevate the space. Add fresh flowers like orchids or cherry blossoms for elegance or your assorted red, white, pink and yellow favorite flowers.
The key to planning the menu is creating balanced flavors—sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and umami. Last month, I hosted our gourmet club and chose an Asian theme with a variety of dishes from Burma, Thailand and China. We started with wine and an optional lychee martini to kick off the evening. You could think about having a tea ceremony or sake tasting which can double as a unique activity.
The menu I curated for the evening was a culinary journey through vibrant Asian flavors, starting with an elegant Burmese Egg as the amuse-bouche—a bold and unexpected opener. This was followed by a dim sum tasting, offering guests a playful array of textures and tastes, then a comforting bowl of homemade hot and sour soup, rich with depth and spice.
For the next course, I served minced ginger chicken salad nestled in crisp endive leaves—a fresh, aromatic dish that offered a refreshing contrast before the main course. The star of the evening was coconut curry ramen noodles with roasted chicken, finished with a bright touch of fresh lime, cilantro, and minced scallions.
Dessert was a whimsical and nostalgic twist: a mini-ice cream sundae layered with vanilla ice cream, rich hot fudge, crunchy cornflake crack, and topped with a Chinese almond cookie for a sweet and salty finish.
You might be wondering—what exactly is a Burmese Egg (also known as a Bhejo Egg)? I discovered it while researching unique recipes and was instantly intrigued. A popular Indian street snack with Burmese roots, it’s a hard-boiled egg topped with crispy fried onions, garlic chips, cilantro, red chili flakes, and seasoned with tamarind and lemon juice. I added a personal touch with a light drizzle of hoisin sauce to bring it all together.
A fun tablescape sets the tone for the evening. Earlier in the year, I found a stunning Chinese new year inspired table runner and coordinating appetizer plates from Crate and Barrel which rounded out my dinner party.
Consider playing traditional music in the background or sharing the story behind one of your dishes. If you’re feeling creative, include a fun activity like writing guests’ names in calligraphy or making simple origami.
An Asian-themed dinner party is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. With thoughtful planning, bold flavors, and cultural touches, you’ll create a night that’s as enriching as it is delicious.
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com) and a board member of Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is food, wine, and entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet)
Renovation Pitfalls:
5 Common Remodeling Mistakes and
How to Avoid Them
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
Embarking on a home remodel is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, refresh your bathroom, or expand with an addition, the process can be filled with challenges. However, many homeowners make mistakes that can cause costly delays, budget overruns, and frustration. To help you navigate the remodeling process smoothly, here are five common pitfalls and how you can avoid them.
1. Underestimating the Budget
One of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the overall cost of a remodel. From materials and labor to permits and unforeseen repairs, the expenses can quickly add up. It’s easy to get excited about the final product, but failing to plan for all costs can lead to “budget shock” once construction begins.
How to Avoid It:
Set a realistic budget at the outset, but don’t forget to factor in a contingency fund of at least 10-15%. Collaborate with your design-build team early in the process to establish a clear investment range, ensuring that all costs, including possible surprises, are considered. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid the stress of unexpected costs that can derail your project.
2.
Skipping the Design Phase
Many homeowners rush to start demolition and construction without fully thinking through the design details. Skipping or shortening the design phase may seem like a time-saver, but it often leads to costly changes or rework later on. Without a comprehensive design, your vision may not align with the actual construction, and that’s when problems arise.
How to Avoid It:
Invest time upfront in the design phase. Work with a design-build team that uses 3D design tools to help you visualize the space before construction begins. With 3D design, you can experiment with layouts, finishes, and materials, reducing uncertainty and anxiety over decisions. Proper planning and visualization help ensure that your project stays true to your original vision without costly surprises.
3. Choosing the Wrong Contractor
Choosing the right contractor is crucial to the success of any remodel. Many homeowners make the mistake of selecting a contractor based on price alone, but the cheapest option can often result in poor craftsmanship, missed deadlines, or unexpected costs. It’s essential to go with a contractor that offers a proven track record of quality work, clear communication, and reliable timelines.
How to Avoid It:
When selecting a contractor, focus on experience and reputation rather than just cost. A design-build firm can offer the benefit of having both design and construction expertise in-house, providing a more seamless process. Always check references, review past projects, and confirm that the contractor is licensed and insured. By choosing the right contractor from the start, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more efficient remodel.
4. Ignoring Permits and Regulations
Some homeowners try to save time or money by skipping the necessary permits or failing to follow local building codes. However, ignoring permits or regulations can lead to fines, construction delays, and even forced removal of work that doesn’t meet code. These issues can also affect the safety and long-term viability of your home.
How to Avoid It:
Always work with a contractor who is familiar with local building codes and regulations. A reputable design-build team will handle permits for you and ensure that your project complies with all applicable laws. By doing things the right way, you’ll avoid costly fines and delays, and your remodel will be safe and up to code.
5. Rushing the Decision-Making Process
Remodeling is a major investment, and rushing through design and material choices can lead to dissatisfaction. You might select finishes, fixtures, or layouts that don’t match your vision or aren’t practical for your lifestyle. When you rush decisions, there’s a greater chance that you’ll regret them later.
How to Avoid It:
Take the time to carefully consider every design decision, from the layout to the materials. Work with a design professional who can help you explore different options and guide you through the process. With a thoughtful approach, you’ll be more likely to make decisions that you’ll love long after the remodel is completed. Don’t rush—give yourself time to make informed, confident choices.
Conclusion: Do It Right the First Time
The key to a successful remodel is planning ahead and making the right decisions from the beginning. By avoiding these common pitfalls—underestimating your budget, skipping the design phase, choosing the wrong contractor, ignoring permits, and rushing decisions—you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable remodeling experience.
Choosing the right team is crucial for a successful project. At Gordon Reese Design Build, we understand how to help homeowners navigate these challenges. With our years of experience, attention to detail, and commitment to price certainty, we make sure every step of your remodel is done right the first time. Contact us today to get started on transforming your home with a team you can trust!
