New year brings exciting, new remodeling ideas

With the current condition of the economy, people are being cautious with their dollars and investing their monies in a way that will make a sound return.

Being that remodeling and room additions are more cost-effective than moving to a new residence for many homeowners, it is projected that these improvement projects will be popular in 2009.

“I feel that this may be one of the best times to add on a room addition or remodel a home,” said Robert Sheppard, founder of Sheppard Development. “Although material costs have not come down noticeably, labor is more readily available and this helps when completing a project.”

Having been in the construction industry since the 1970s, Sheppard has seen his share of a slow-moving economy.

“I have experienced a number of these downturns, but things have always come back stronger than ever,” he said.

According to Sheppard, kitchens and bathrooms will remain popular upgrades in 2009. These are a good investment for a couple of solid reasons: it adds immediate value to a home and offers instantaneous beauty once the job is completed.

“There are new products on the market for kitchens and bathrooms and this is always exciting when working with a customer to see what direction appeals to them,” said Sheppard.

In addition to granite countertops, Sheppard said buyers have their pick of many other surfaces, such as Silestone, soapstone, Hanex, Himax and much more.

“And tile has so many choices and directions you can go with in being creative that it is still a viable choice,” assured Sheppard.

Other accessories in a wide range of choices – like cabinet hardware, faucets and towel bars – are destined to enhance the charm of the overall project.

Living in lovely Southern California also affords the year-round opportunity for al fresco dining, fun and relaxation, which makes outdoor living space renovations ideal.

“Fallbrook, with all its hills, offers beautiful scenic vistas from many of the backyards and outdoor living space creates beauty to the property and adds instant value,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard Development can adeptly perform outdoor renovations that include fireplaces, fire pits, built-in barbecues, covered patios, retaining walls, stamped concrete and flagstone. Sheppard can make a homeowner’s dream come to fruition.

A third-generation contractor, Sheppard’s sterling integrity and work ethic have kept his company in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and California State Contractors License Board.

Besides room additions, remodels and custom homes, this full-service company offers assistance with design concept, plans and permit process expedition.

In regard to room additions, Sheppard’s ability to blend the new space to the existing structure is impeccable.

“When it is complete, the addition looks like it has always been part of the house,” said Sheppard.

With an artistic education earned in college, Sheppard’s talents in construction branch out to superb insight when it comes to colors and textures.

“Quite a few customers I come into contact with need some extra help as to what direction they want to go with in color, texture and floor covering ideas,” he said.

While many would be paying an interior designer for assistance for this, Sheppard’s aptitude in this area is part of his résumé.

“My goal is to satisfy my clients to the best of my abilities,” he said. “I am a person who cares about the product that I turn out and I am very involved in the process.”

Delighted that nearly 90 percent of his work is based in Fallbrook, Sheppard is capable of visiting job sites on a daily basis and is always available to his clients.

Utilizing as many Fallbrook-based companies as possible when purchasing materials for projects is also a priority for this contractor. The Friendly Village is home to Sheppard and keeping business local is important to him.

“Fallbrook is a great community and my wife Carole and I really enjoy living here,” he said.

Sheppard can be reached at his office at (760) 451-1877 or by cell at (760) 207-1677. He also welcomes e-mails to [email protected].

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