It’s tough to find a place large enough in Clairemont on a canyon lot that is for sale. Although the lots are big, the people who have added on are staying put. Also, the canyon lots go up for sale so rarely, you are kind of forced to buy the lot regardless of the house that is on it.

It likely is cheaper to buy it pre-built (which means don’t expect to get a return on the investment) as brian says, but adding-on may be the only way. The alternative is wait a long time for the right place, then lose it to a higher bidder.

The big builder here is K-Co. They did our first remodel project. I consider them honest and fair. They are not the cheapest – above average cost but not over-priced. I think all things considered, they are a good option if you don’t have “do it yourself” tendencies like I do. Consider having your builder leave the walls ready to paint and ready for flooring and do that yourself.

Add-ons are not too painful in Clairemont, as long as you have the builder deal w/ the permits and such.

Adding on without plumbing is significantly less expensive than adding anything with plumbing, too. Throwing on a game room or bedroom is cheap. Adding master bedroom w/ bath or changing the kitchen is CHA-CHING.

If you want to wait about 3 years, you can buy my place …