Another key change is making sure your contractor actually sticks to completion deadlines...why, because of how extremely tedious permit inspectors are getting in some cities, which can slow progress in and of itself.

Before making any decision, I would get a customized property evaluation by a local Realtor to determine the value of the property on both sides of the spectrum; sale OR rental. 

Understand the local permitting requirements, keep eyes on your property to avoid squatters, and make sure you have a great vacant insurance policy while you're renovating.

Also if this property is on septic that also can throw a wrench into the ability to call a space "a bedroom" as septic systems are sized and permitted based on the bedrooms.

(We're from California as well) Everything has been extremely smooth so far and their staff has been excellent with their customer service. 

For our ADU (garage conversion), I am handling the design/engineering and then selecting a final contractor once its permitted and ready to go. 

Financial Freedom Network I laughed at -- after reading the agreement, no comparable value for that monthly price -- 3 or so years ago, if value has changed now, my time-based disclaimer is as aforementioned -- and Legrand would do well to disconnect FFN from his name, as I believe FFN is now out-sourced, whatever.I empathize with you , Joe and the other responders, but when I read Legrand’s, and most of the other guru’s, contracts prior to trying a teaser product, it clearly stated in the agreement that if customer did not want the upgrade service for which the teaser/free product, free video, whatever, was being given away, then customer must cancel within the stated period of time, which almost always range from 30 to 90 days [60 days is becoming more common, as more folks forget to cancel]So long as terms to cancel are clearly stated prior to contracting, I don’t find it unethical, -- and real estate gurus have merely adapted a teaser or rebate marketing technique used in most every industry -- recently even Chrysler cars [try our minivan for 60 days!

It's now been 7 years since our fire and cookie-cutter neighborhoods are about 90% rebuilt, custom home neighborhoods are about 75% rebuilt, and luxury homes about 50% rebuilt. 

Dealing with the City for permitting.

Many of them now have very restrictive permitting requirements.However, I have a real soft spot to Edisto Beach.