All Forum Posts by: Karen Margrave

Quote from @Andy Rousch:

Thanks all! I would prefer one on a foundation but my town won't allow an ADU that has a bathroom and/or sleeping area to prevent the use of a ADU for habitability. Only sheds. I can however park a RV, Camper, etc. in the driveway so a Tiny home on wheels might be the best bet in my town

 The whole purpose of ADUs aka "granny flats" is to create additional living space. Definitely call your local city council or leaders and make the case that many people have parents that are elderly; that need to be close by so that adult children can be their caregivers, etc. There could probably be a case made for elder discrimination if affordable housing is in short supply in your area. 

 In addition, ADUs permitted on permanent foundations increase property values, and thus tax base. It's a win/win. 

Quote from @Taylor Williams:

Quote from @Karen Margrave:

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. 

Karen - Do you recommend going through a GC to use their engineer or does it make sense to directly connect with an engineer myself? Ideally, I'd like to have an engineers opinion without putting any money down. I'm not sure if it's standard practice, but it would be nice to get a quote from a GC that already incorporates and engineers opinion.

We've done very little as far as remodeling, most of our projects were new construction. However; if you're capable of running the job yourself, you could save some money. A structural engineer might also do plans to submit for permits. Once you're permitted it's basically using the plans and getting subs to submit bids. Make sure they are licensed, and have bonds, etc. Check references. But if you're uncomfortable doing that, ask the engineer if they have any GCs they work with that are priced reasonably and reputable.

When we were in so cal I did a page on my website and uploaded the plans in PDF format. I did a tab for Subcontractors, and after talking with them, if they were interested in bidding, I had them go to the website and pull the pages they needed to do their bid. In all honesty, I did it because many of the subs lived further inland, and it was the most efficient way to get plans to them. 

Quote from @Eric Yu:

Quote from @Karen Margrave:

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. 

 Which market are you referring to, Karen? Redding or Bend Oregon? This market is definitely brutal; low supply + high interest rates is kind of a worst case scenario for buyers. Prices are staying super high & now payments are off the charts too. 

I was referring to Redding, CA, but I think Bend, OR is pretty much in the same situation. We have a very strange set of circumstances in Redding. We had major fires which pushed a lot of people into rentals. A lot of the fire victims sold their lots rather than rebuild as they were empty nesters. Then there's a Christian ministry school that draws about 3000 students, but have no dorm space, so it's a huge cottage industry renting room space, and getting far higher ROI than typical rentals. Then we had a huge influx of Covid refugees from the bay area. Add to that all the natural beauty around, and investors have bought up a lot of the homes for Airbnb. So locals are struggling to find housing. Rents are outrageous for our area, not in comparison to your area!

In Bend, there's a huge demand too. So many people relocating to smaller cities, and there too, lots of Airbnb investors, and recreation. 

With costs what they are, I don't see new construction happening in a big way anytime soon.

How are you doing up there? 

Quote from @Aaron Breckenridge:

Quote from @Jeff Copeland:

I was just thinking the same thing! Why take the time to ask ChatGPT and then cut and paste its answer to a question you have nothing to add to yourself?

I guess to up your post count? Not fair: All 1800+ of mine were done the old fashioned way!

 Not to hijack this thread, but ChatGPT/AI generated content is not allowed here on the forums. Please report it to the moderators and we will deal with it. Also know that we’re going to be in an arms race against the AIs for at least a couple years.

How do you know it was written by ChatGPT? and what difference does it make if it answers the question? Curious. 

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. 

Quote from @Pavan Sandhu:

Hello Karen, yes, I am. We have 3-5 size models. see PanelTekadu.com

 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? 

Quote from @Dave Meyers:

Quote from @Karen Margrave:

Quote from @Pavan Sandhu:

Hello Karen, yes, I am. We have 3-5 size models. see PanelTekadu.com

 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. 

Karen, Do you remember the episode number?

Episode number? 

Quote from @Pavan Sandhu:

Hello Karen, yes, I am. We have 3-5 size models. see PanelTekadu.com

 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.