All Forum Posts by: Robert Chuang

@Ronnie S. I have been on the same path before I got my license. Did went into court with a gc who built for me. It is not a pleasant experience, and I am soooo sorry that happened to you. I would gather all your information on the guy like what Nabil mentioned. Find out what exactly are your damages and payment. Gather all the photos, email. Contact an attorney if the amount is significant, but you got to also make sure they got the money to pay you back. If they don't have the money, it would be just a waste of time for you. You will get nothing out of suing him. 

You can go for their contractor bond but it only covers up to $15,000. Make sure you report him to the contractor licensing board as well.

@Bruce P. Hey Bruce, a GC/developer here so I am speaking from experience. The as-build from architectural plans normally would not call out the type of Appliances/countertop/ backsplash/ tile/vanity. Or sometimes, things are missed due to human errors. It is ALWAYS better to leave it out the soft cost items so the "owner supply the material for finishes". Or hire a designer and be as specific and detailed as you can so you have minimal change orders. Items like lumber, insulation, roofing would be categorize as hard costs. Soft cost item would be the tiles, cabinet, appliances, designer items, some finishes...etc.

By law, no more than 10% downpayment should be required. If the GC asks more than that, be very cautious and ask for all the right questions like their license, experience and insurance coverage. Make sure to check out their job site! Furthermore, your GC should have enough money in their account to cover at least 10-20% of the work. And make sure you always ONLY pay per progress, NOT ahead.

@Paul Wolfson It seems like you have not bought the property yet, you should directly go to the city and ask them about it. My guess is they will think you are doing 2 ADUs, at least seems to be that way. And give you a no, only 1 ADU allow.

If you already got the property. This really depends on interpretation by the plan checker. I would actually get the as-built drafted and then add an ADU. Then take it into the city and see if you can do so. Then escalate it into case management, if the code does allow it. 

@Nabil Suleiman Gotta join the party haha 

Hello, @Julien Weinrott Like what Nabil and Will mentioned, I believe your interpretation is base on the rd1.5. which legally gives you 3 units. However, ADU is separate from the allowable base on the zoning code. As long as you are in the residential zone, you are allowed to have ADU or ADUs. Depending on your unit count and formation.

@Mike Akerly Would love to meet as well. Currently working on ADU/JADU in long beach :D

@Nabil Suleiman thanks Nabil 😁! 

So @Johanne P. it’s really hard to tell you definite answer. How ever $/sqft to build on flat starting around $250/sqft and on hillside you will times that by 1.3 or even higher depending on the soil report and slope. Difficulties for access. Road, utilities...etc there are a lot things involved in hillside compare to flat lot. 

Typically flat lot are more expensive to purchase but definitely save you a lot of headache 

@Johanne P. Buying and building in flat lot shouldn't be tough. It is not as difficult building on a hillside. What questions do you have exactly? 

Concurred on all the meetup! Most importantly, you want to surround with people who are already doing it. Your network is very important. I met all the great people on here who contributes to BP all the time. Like Will and Nabil above.

Hello @Cathie Lazarus

I agree above that out of state property can be difficult but if you gear toward your friends/family or friends of friends area. It would be the best (although it's not always true)! Because that way they can help you to step into the right direction. Having a great real estate agent who invests in properties themselves is also very important!

I own a Milwaukee property out of state from LA. Didn't really have much problem until it has gotten burned down haha but it is not like its not solvable. Everything is solvable! 
Robert