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Spring signals home improvement season in Lake Tahoe region

Don Kanare and Sabrina Bellici
Real Estate Feature

With the onset of spring come thoughts of home improvement projects. The winter of 2016-17 was brutal, and a lot of properties will need more clean up and repair work than normal. We had historically high levels of precipitation, and there were a number of damaging snow and wind events.

So, while some properties came through the winter season in relatively good condition, for many places there is a lot of wear and tear to address. And major projects such as roof replacement, deck repairs and remodeling require a lot of thought and planning before you begin work.

There are quite a number of specific rules, regulations and restrictions when it comes to doing improvements on your property at Lake Tahoe whether you own a house or condo. It could be something as obscure as a prohibition against using hardwood or tile flooring if you live in a condo above your neighbors. Or something more common like the need to get a permit when you are replacing your roof, building a 6-foot high fence or doing any one of a number of significant improvements to your property.



Lakeview property owners have to comply with Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) regulations concerning the types of glass permitted when replacing windows. Now, this may seem to be rather bizarre if you have moved here recently from outside the Lake Tahoe basin.

But there are specific rules concerning the types of glass and properties of reflectivity that are permissible when installing windows in your house. Boaters can be blinded by the glare of highly reflective windows. So, houses that can be seen from the lake come under special scrutiny whenever a window replacement project is being undertaken.



This is also the time of year when contractors, handymen, and trades people of all types start to see their calendars fill up. The nice weather makes it much easier to do all types of projects especially those that involve outdoor improvements and repairs. You may not be able to get all of the materials and supplies you need in short order. So, make sure that you allow plenty of time to acquire everything needed for your project well in advance of beginning work.

And if you are ordering items on the internet, inspect every package upon receipt, and immediately notify the shipper of any damage or missing parts so that you can get a replacement without undue difficulty. Using a credit card to make these purchases will provide much easier recourse in the event of a dispute.

It’s exciting to do remodeling and spruce up your property. So take the time to get estimates, acquire samples of different materials, compare prices, and carefully plan each project from start to finish. You’ll save time, money, and aggravation along with getting the finished look you desire, whether it’s a nicely painted exterior or that new kitchen you’ve been saving for.

We are fortunate to have professionals, who live and work locally, performing high-quality services in virtually every trade and craft. Your real estate agent can likely refer you to people they have worked with in the past so you can see their quality and workmanship before engaging their services.

Don Kanare and Sabrina Bellici are the owners of RE/MAX North Lake. Read their blog and find weekly stats on their website at http://www.InsideIncline.com.


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