Quality Pays Off: How Smart Material Choices Save You Thousands Later (Part 3)
When it comes to building or fixing up a home, cheap materials often end up costing more later. We see it all the time. A faucet leaks after a year. A floor buckles after two. The savings you thought you made? Gone in repairs, lost rent days, and stress. Contractors...
Spot Red Flags and Green Lights in a Fixer-Upper (Part 2)
Fixer-uppers can hide serious problems beneath the surface. Cracked tile or chipped paint might not seem like much, but what’s underneath can make or break a deal. And if you miss the signs during your walkthrough, you might end up with more than you bargained for....
How to Read a Fixer-Upper Like a Contractor & See the Profit Others Miss (Part 1)
Some homes sit on the market because they look outdated, need repairs, or just feel awkward inside. But to a contractor or a smart investor, that’s not a red flag. That’s a starting point. Many first-time buyers scroll past these properties on Fixer Upper Zillow...
Why Adding Square Footage Often Beats Cosmetic Home Additions
If you’re a homeowner in California, you’ve probably thought about upgrading your space. But here’s the big question: should you invest in cosmetic remodels like a new kitchen or bathroom, or should you build out your home with more square footage? The right answer...
Finding the Right ADU Contractor Near You: What to Look For
Building an ADU is a smart way to add space and value to your property. But with California’s growing ADU market, it’s easy to run into contractors who cut corners or don’t understand local building rules. The right contractor can guide you through permits, zoning,...
Design-Build or Not? What If There’s a More Flexible Way to Design AND Build Your ADU?
When homeowners start planning their ADU, one of the first big decisions they face is: who do I work with first? It’s completely natural to get excited about the design. After all, you’re picturing how you’ll use the space, how the rooms will flow, where the kitchen...
7 Smart ADU Upgrades Actually Worth Investing In (Tips from a Builder Who’s Seen It All)
In our previous blogpost, we talked about the biggest cost drivers when building an ADU and how smart planning can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. But after you’ve cut the right corners and kept your budget in check where it makes sense, there’s one piece of...
What’s Driving ADU Construction Costs Up in California? Plus 6 Insider Tips to Cut Costs Smartly
When most homeowners start thinking about building an ADU, one of the first questions that comes up, and rightfully so, is about cost. And yes, it's true: over the last few years, prices for construction have gone up. Between changes in building codes, material costs,...
California Cities have Adopted AB 1033: Why San Diego May Be Next
When Assembly Bill 1033 (AB 1033) was signed into law, it offered a bold new tool in California’s response to the housing crisis: the option for homeowners to sell Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as separate condominiums, provided their local city or county opted in....
Can You Sell Your ADU in California? Understanding AB 1033 and What Comes Next
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—those small homes tucked into backyards, garages, or converted basements—have long been known as “granny flats” or “rental units” in California. But a new California law, AB 1033, is flipping that narrative. If you’re a homeowner...