Renology Editorial Team

Mike Reynolds

Outdoor & Structural Editor

Mike covers the structural and outdoor side of Renology — additions, ADUs, decks, roofing, fireplaces, and driveways. He spends most of his time on Pacific Northwest and Southern California job sites, tracking how lot constraints, permit windows, and regional code variations actually shift project costs. His pieces tend to lead with the timeline questions homeowners forget to ask until week six.

Areas of Coverage

ADU & garage conversions
Decks & pergolas
Roofing & siding
Outdoor living
Fireplaces
Driveways

Magazine articles by Mike

How a Roof Replacement in San Diego Actually Goes: A Week-by-Week Timeline (2026)

A full roof replacement in San Diego takes 3-6 weeks from contract to final sign-off. Learn the week-by-week process, from permits and tear-off to what can delay your project.

Why Atherton's ADU Boom Looks Different From the Rest of the Bay Area

Why an ADU inside the Town of Atherton is not a California streamlined ADU project with a higher zip code, and what to look for in a builder who has actually been through three rounds of Architectural Review Board.

Why Weston Foundations Crack: The Glacial Geology Boston Builders Ignore

Why a foundation repair inside Weston, Massachusetts is a glacial-ledge problem, not a Boston-metro foundation problem, and what to look for in a contractor who has actually done depth-to-ledge soundings.

The Cherry Hills Basement: Why Denver's Wealthiest Suburb Builds Down, Not Out

Why a basement finish inside the Village's 1-acre lots is not a Denver basement finish with a higher zip code, and what to look for in a contractor who has actually opened up the wall on one.

The Brentwood Roof: How Tennessee Insurers Now Drive Replacement Timing

Why a Brentwood, TN roof replacement is no longer a contractor decision. How Tennessee carriers, hail-belt math, and ACV-only policies now drive the timing.

$How Do People Actually Afford Big Renovations? (Real Homeowner Math)$

How Do People Actually Afford Big Renovations? (Real Homeowner Math)

Wondering how people really afford major home renovations? We break down the real numbers, from financing options like HELOCs to the hidden costs that can derail your budget.

How a ADU Build in Los Angeles Actually Goes: A Week-by-Week Timeline (2026)

A pragmatic, week-by-week timeline for a Los Angeles ADU build in 2026. From design and permits to final inspection, here's how long it really takes and what can go wrong.

How a Bathroom Remodel in Denver Actually Goes: A Week-by-Week Timeline (2026)

A full bathroom remodel in Denver takes 8-12 weeks of construction, plus 4-6 weeks for permits. We walk through the week-by-week process, from demo day surprises in Wash Park to final inspection.

How a Kitchen Remodel in Portland Actually Goes: A Week-by-Week Timeline (2026)

A realistic week-by-week timeline for a Portland kitchen remodel, from design and permits to final inspection. Learn the four phases, major delay risks, and what a 2026 kitchen portland project actually costs.

The ADU Build That Pays for Itself in 7 Years (And the One That Never Does)

In this episode, we break down the real ADU cost, explaining which projects pay for themselves in seven years and which ones never pencil out. Learn the hidden costs and key questions to ask your contractor.

How a Outdoor Kitchen in Seattle Actually Goes: A Week-by-Week Timeline (2026)

A realistic timeline for a custom outdoor kitchen in Seattle is 12 to 20 weeks. We break down the four phases, from SDCI permits to final inspection.

How a Pool Installation in San Francisco Actually Goes: A Week-by-Week Timeline (2026)

A realistic week-by-week timeline for a San Francisco pool installation, from permits to plaster. Expect 16-24 weeks, with soil conditions and seismic engineering being the biggest variables.

Cost guides Mike contributes to

Renology cost guides for Mike's coverage areas across California and the Pacific Northwest.

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