All Forum Posts by: Karen Margrave

As someone else mentioned, you need to give the specifics of why you were told no. More than likely, it's because of zoning. If it is due to zoning, then you need to find out what it would take to have zoning changed. Often the costs and time involved aren't worth it. If you can't build more detached structures, is it possible to add on to the current structure? 

When you go in to talk with them, tell them you own that piece of property, and know there's a huge demand for units, and it can be a win/win for everyone, but that you want to be able to find out what it is they need from you in order to approve more units. If they think you have respect for their positions, and not trying to push your way around, you'll get their cooperation 

In a healthy market we hae 1500-2000 listings at any given time. Right now, we have 297, and many are major fixers and over priced. What is your local market like? Where? Even before the rate increases our market was tight, but now, it's insane. 

As has been mentioned you will need to talk to a structural engineer to determine what needs to be done to support a 2nd story, and once done, have a draftsperson draw up plans. Though check with your local building and planning dept, as some require architects to sign off on plans. Also check with permits, some areas are so desperate for housing they are waiving permit and building fees. 

 Those look interesting. However; how do you run plumbing and electrical when there's no wall cavities to speak of? Do you have any photos of any installed that have plumbing and electrical?  There's a company building 3D Printed homes in our area, the first in CA I think, and that's one of the obstacles they had to overcome, as the walls are concrete. 

Are you doing sales for them? 

 That's great. What is the process of panelized construction, if it's not giving away your secrets. Several years ago there were some people on BP that manufactured panelized small homes, and shipped them. 

With the costs of construction (materials, labor, and supply chain) rising daily, and the need for housing at a crisis point in CA, ADUs are the obvious choice. I have for many years written on this, but so far have never built any ADUs! 

There are manufactured ADUS offered, panelized (where they are built off site and components hauled to the site for installation, and of course stick built. On panelized, do  you build yourself offsite, or purchase from another party, and if so, who? 

Do you have any real life experience with any of these? Please give specifics. 

I want to find the most cost efficient designs, with functional floor plans, in 1 and 2 bedroom units. 

PLEASE INCLUDE PHOTOS, floor plans, etc.  if you have them! 

Nobody can give you an answer to that question without real information. Have you had any type of inspections? (home, pest, systems, roof, etc.)  When you say it needs a lot of work, what specifically does that mean?  Do you have photos? Is it sound structurually? Is it just outdated and needing cosmetic refresh or major remodel? 

As a contractor that has done a lot of new construction over the years, on the one remodel we did do, I will say that there were things that came up, that were not visible to the eye until we ripped out sheetrock, etc. and ended up being expensive to fix. It was ok, as we had extra money in the budget, but we didn't get to do some of what we wanted due to that.  For someone that isn't a contractor, it can be far worse.

As to the time involved, it depends on how experienced you are, what the work is, and if you have to sub things out (then it's based on the subs schedules)  

More information is needed, but it sounds like your best bet is to go talk to an attorney and see what you need to cancel the contract and get your money back. We developed a 48 lot subdivision some years back. As part of the permitting process, we designed 5 different floor plans, and assigned them to various lots in the subdivision. The plans were all pre approved, therefore, as lots were sold, we just had to pay the fees and begin construction. 

If the lender has already advanced $35,000 on the build, what is the lender planning on doing for the repayment? They may be able to lien the property and get back the money from the builder. You might want to file a complaint against the builder, and the BBB if there is one in your area. Definitely go see an attorney. Do not move forward with that builder, he's proven he's unreliable and not trustworthy.