All Forum Posts by: Grace Simpson

Thanks to (most) all of you for the responses! Thought I'd give an update.

I was second-guessing myself so I continued to visit additional projects/referrals and uncovered some dirt on the negative reviewer -- an investor who had since partnered with the sub and stood to gain! (who btw, would have handled the entire project, not just a few trades) Such a small community -- everyone knows each other and even about my friend's project 20 miles across the bay. (same architect)

I dug into the weeds for allowances on all FF&E, which was like pulling teeth but I wasn't going to let it go and it made a difference in comparing bids. I'm very happy with my choice, they are doing some additional scope at no cost b/c we're friendly (it's in writing), and the framing inspection is scheduled for this week!

As I mentioned, all (6 total) builders were good people and from trusted referrals. I wouldn't work with anyone who was disrespectful or treated me as if I know nothing about my own project.

Thank you, again, for the advice.

This is my first project that I'm doing on my own - 425sf addition + upgrading existing house. Permits are at the final stage and I need to decide on a contractor. I've checked references and visited their work on other homes but am still agonizing over this decision.

My choices (all were referrals and all are very nice people):
1. Expensive GC who I have confidence in but I'd rather not spend the extra $ unless it's highly advisable.
2. Less expensive (smaller) GC with mixed references. I'm not thrilled with work I've seen but I think that is b/c the homeowners chose cheap materials.
3. A very experienced sub with good-looking work. In this case, it would make sense for me to get the permit as an owner-builder and I'd save $, but I'm inexperienced. 

I have a close friend who has been advising me but has been out of the country for a few weeks. Advice appreciated!

Thanks for the reply @Thai Chau.

I need a boundary survey to be provided to the city. The architectural drawings have already been submitted. 

Hi, I haven't been on the site in a while -- hope this forum is still active?

The planning dept has pushed back a very small project I'm doing and requiring a land surveyor. We didn't think it should be necessary, but...

Any recommendations for someone reasonably priced? Thanks in advance for any replies.

Hi Julie, for long term rentals, go with smaller units. You can charge more per square foot for a studio or jr. 1bd than a 2/1. 

Ouch! This hurts to hear. The law is unlikely to change in your favor. To get back to your question, I would figure out exactly how much she is entitled to in order to move out and then weigh your options with real numbers. I do not think she will ever move without compensation so waiting her out will not do you any good. 

You mentioned selling it to her for 70% under market — is that what you really meant? If so, why is that even an option?  I assume you would have a nice gain on a market rate sale. Perhaps you can negotiate a deal with her and give her part of the profit if she moves out first. 

Sorry you had to become an accidental landlord in this city. 

Hi Kevin, I have rented in Oakland and SF using the short-term section on CL. I did not want to put the listings on AirBnB. I claimed the income on my taxes but paid no additional taxes. Hope that helps. 

@Amit M. Thanks for the reply. It is a first world problem. ;) Supposedly, rent is higher with a biz but I need to verify this somehow. At the moment, all 12 units are residential, most owner-occupied. The few tenants all break community rules, and I heard one stopped paying rent (~$4,500) months ago. There is no rent control, but with tenant rights as they are in SF, I was thinking a biz would be safer and keep the place in better condition. I have not had any problems personally, but hear of so many nightmare tenants...

It's definitely live/work. 

There was an ordinance passed in 1988 that was a huge deal and changed the landscape of SoMa.