When a contractor comes to a homeowner with ideas for cost savings, it’s tempting to say yes as soon as the word “savings” comes up. But it’s worth pausing before agreeing. Sometimes those savings aren’t fully passed along, and the contractor may be keeping a...
Starting construction with an unlicensed contractor or proper permits is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. We’ve been called to many job sites where work was already underway—only to be shut down by the local building department due to missing permits....
We are often asked whether a new house will be earthquake‑proof. It’s an understandable question. Homeowners want reassurance that their investment and their family will be safe. But the honest answer is no, your house is not earthquake proof. Modern building codes are not intended...
Change orders involve work that was not part of the original contract. Unless the additional work was specifically requested by the owner, a change order typically arises because the contractor failed to account for required work they should have anticipated, or because the plans provided...
Relying on a contractor for all building inspections isn’t a good idea. While contractors play an important role during construction, understanding the different types of inspections—and who should perform them—is crucial. 1. Building InspectorThe first type of inspection is performed by the building inspector from the...
Type-V sheet is often misunderstood. In most cases, this advice is incorrect. Compliance with the building code typically requires a complete structural engineering design. While Chapter 23 of the California Building Code allows certain single‑story buildings to be designed using prescriptive provisions, the applicability of...
While cutting costs on a soil report may seem appealing at the outset of a project, all soil reports are not the same and often leads to increased expenses during the construction phase. Inexpensive or overly generic reports typically rely on conservative, code-minimum values that...