Bay Area homeowners are doing their part to alleviate the housing crisis by investing in accessory dwelling units, aka “granny” flats. A new bill making its way through Washington could help them get federally-backed financing. Palo Alto Weekly has the story.
We’ve all fantasized about building our dream home from the ground up, with every detail tweaked to our taste and endless possibilities for personalization. These lots on the Peninsula could make the perfect playgrounds for your imagination!
Keep reading for our tips to get you started with a pet project…
A Winding Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
Budget & Finance: Set your budget and secure financing for land and construction.
Location & Zoning: Choose the perfect spot and check zoning laws.
Survey & Inspection: Get a land survey and inspect for environmental issues.
65 Madera Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070
Permits & Codes: Obtain necessary permits and understand local building codes.
Utilities: Plan for water, electricity, and other essential services.
Team Up: Hire an architect and builder with Bay Area experience.
2821 Monte Cresta Dr, Belmont, CA 94002
Timeline: Set a realistic schedule and consider a project manager. (The Geek might be available!)
Legal & Insurance: Consult a realtor and real estate attorney and get construction insurance.
Resale Value: Think long-term — and realistically — about the property's value. (The Chic has an eye for the big picture!)
We are here to help you through every step of the process. Contact us to start a conversation!
No matter the size, a crack in the concrete foundation holding up your home is a big deal, and like any household pest, a crack doesn’t come alone. It always has buddies. How can you spot them, and what can you do about them?
If you find vertical cracks, it could mean your home is still settling, but that doesn’t mean you should let it lie. It’s best to hire an inspector to get to the bottom of the issue. Horizontal cracks are a bigger problem and could mean compromised integrity caused by poor construction, excessive moisture, or other stress. Once you spot these cracks, you could already be well on your way to a major repair job.
It’s always smarter — and cheaper — to fix the problem as soon as you find it rather than wait around for it to miraculously fix itself. Getting on top of a small crack now could save you from deeper structural issues and a whole lot of headaches later. But your foundation is a project you shouldn’t necessarily take on yourself. If you need a referral to a good contractor, send us an email!
A lot of Bay Area cities are blaming each other for the housing shortage we’re all experiencing, but the truth is we aren’t building enough new housing anywhere, and we haven’t for a while.
Permits were issued for 119,636 new homes statewide in 2021 – just two thirds of the projected need – and this year it’s expected to be even less, with only a fraction in Santa Clara County. If this comes to pass, it will be the 30th year out of the past 35 that California has failed to meet housing production goals. And even permitted projects face false starts and stall outs due to shortages of labor and materials, as well as ever-present community pushback.
Bottom line: Unless hundreds of thousands of new homes are built this year and for many years thereafter, Bay Area home prices will continue to rise, and this will continue to be a seller’s market.
We know what you’re thinking: Buying a brand new home sounds like a dream. No creaky floors, no skeletons in the closet, and no surprises in the crawlspace. But you can’t judge a book by its cover. Just like old homes, new constructions come with their own set of potential pitfalls. We suggest you have the home professionally inspected before making any commitments.
The most important thing to remember when you’re buying a brand new construction is that you can’t take anything for granted. A builder will recommend their preferred lender, but shop around for multiple quotes to be sure you’re getting the best deal. And watch out for hidden defects, missing necessities, and pricey upgrades and upsells. Here’s more advice to help you through.
