All Forum Posts by: Carlos Alonso

I just bought this interesting gadget to take some video and pictures of the exterior of my rentals but having trouble using it.  Is there someone in the Los Angeles area that can show me how this gadget works? I can buy you lunch or pay you for your time if needed.

Good Morning/Afternoon my Bigger Pockets community.  I have a triplex in Los Angeles and I need your suggestions for a good but not too expensive hard wired cameras that captures images and sound to monitor some suspicious activity. I would appreciate your feedback.

I just recently finished converting my garage into an ADU and it was finally approved on 11/4/2020. Does anyone know how long it takes to get the certificate of occupancy or any tricks to expedite it so I can rent out my unit? I already email the City Inspector and their Supervisor but still haven't heard anything.

Hello everyone, just thought I should give an update on my ADU project from my original post.

The Department of Public Works made me do a CCTV inspection to verify that our house was connected to the main sewer line because I guess it was never certified by the previous owners. The cost for this was $404.80 CCTV permit plus $350 for the plumber to come out to run the camera. Luckily I found a plumber who  is a sewer bonded with the City of Los Angeles so they knew what was needed for this process. I was surprised that not many plumbers are familiar with this process. They were quoting me $250 to come out but did not know the inspector had to be present at the time they run the camera so be careful who you hire. @Tess Sweet @Robert Chuang @Boris Suchkov @John A Murray @Glenn Driver @Nabil Suleiman @Pat Saperstein @Xander Tertychny @Carla Carvalho

Next we had to resubmit our original plans to Building and Safety because they needed some minor corrections. Once they finish reviewing and approving we can go ahead and hire the contractor. I got several bids from different contractors ranging from 59k to 68k for this small ADU project. I would recommend anyone who is looking to build an ADU to get the contractor involved early in the process (during the designing stage) to avoid you having to redo plans and to help you save time/money.

Here is a glimpse of my proposed project @Tess Sweet @Pat Saperstein @Robert Chuang

Hi @Pat Saperstein Sorry for the late reply but I was recovering from this non-Corona flu virus going around. Anyways I'm still currently in the design/architect phase at this time.  Once we get the permits from the City I will be seeking out several bids for the construction cost maybe also from @Robert Chuang =) and will happy to share those quotes.  Based on my research it appears my costs will be a lot lower than yours because I am just doing a straight garage conversion.

Hi Everyone, just wanted to give an update on my ADU situation.

@Carlos Alonso @Boris Suchkov @Robert Chuang @Matt Everling @Nabil Suleiman@Tess Sweet @Nabil Suleiman

In case you forgot I am the duplex owner in the City of Los Angeles who had an empty garage gathering dust that will soon be the future home of a studio ADU. I decided to do a straight garage conversion and not expand the size of it because it will keep my overhead low and all we need is over the counter approval which can allow us to start construction sooner. I got different quotes on the design process ranging from mid 2k to as high as 5k but decided to go with a designer who came highly recommended. Special Thanks to @Nabil Suleiman.  I'm be happy to share my experience as I go through the process to help others out get an idea of the cost. 

Thank you for sharing @Robert Chuang and @Boris Suchkov. 

Does anyone know if any of the new ADU laws going in effect next week will ease the burden for duplex owners in the City of Los Angeles? I have a vacant garage waiting to be converted whenever that day comes.

Thank you for the legislative information @Andy Brohard.

I hope this means I will be able to build one because my vacant garage is not zoned on a single-family (duplex) lot and is non-owner occupied.