All Forum Posts by: Calvin Kwan

Hi All,

The last step of my rental renovation is to landscape my backyard.  I want to create something that is maintenance free and durable.  There's a patch of dirt (~15'x20') in the backyard that needs to be addressed. I've been exploring the idea of brick pavers, slab concrete, or even just rubber mulch.  I'm leaning towards brick pavers or concrete, since the space wouldn't be very usable if I just mulched over it.  

What do you guys think?  What would be the most economical option?  Are brick pavers something I even want to tackle myself?  I like the durability of pavers, but it might be the more expensive option.

Thanks,

Calvin

I have a duplex in North Oakland near Temescal.  

Hey @DG A..  Curious to know if you are planning on building a new 3rd unit, or subdividing one you currently own?

I'm also getting over 1% on my North Oakland rental.  I purchased it in Dec 2016.  My only caveat is that these types of properties require work.  It's not something you can just buy and expect 1% returns without putting in a lot of effort.  My property required an OMI and renovations.  After everything, it was completely worth it.  

Hey Daniel, hope you’re doing well!  I went back and forth with the city about granting variances for lack of lot size. They were pretty firm with my situation. Have you called them?  It sounds like you need a pretty significant reason for a variance, otherwise they won’t issue you one. 

I got the Quartz at East Star in SF.  Price was about $219.  I decided to pay more for this as it looks like concrete - it doesn't have those sparkly bits.

If you want grey quartz with the sparkly bits, you can go to KW in Oakland for $149 per slab.

Just realized that I never uploaded the final design and build out this kitchen.  I shopped all around the bay area for the best price/value.  The counter top is quartz and all the cabinets are real wood/ soft close functionality.  

Thanks for all the feedback and design help!

Calvin

Before:.

After:

No problem.  I took some pics. The white quartz is even cheaper at $129 per slab...

KWW has standard sized Quartz slabs for about $149.  Best deal I know of in the area.  Check them out.  Selection is not the greatest, but it'll be fine as a rental.  They're on Frederick St.  Not sure the other locations have the same deal.

Thanks for posting!  Looking forward to attending.