Should I build or buy? (NC inland)

[NotCranky]

[quote=UCGal]Russell –
Did you ever build the apartment or granny flat you were talking about a while back? I know you were considering building some income units.

I had to laugh at your descriptions of lazy incompetent architects. Since I’m married to an architect, I can laugh from an insider perspective. (Of course *my* hubster is not incompetent and *never* lazy. LOL)

The permit process is pretty different between the city of San Diego and the county. Having gone through the process with the city – I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy if the project is something they’re not used to (like a room addition.) They put us through the hoops: we were reviewed by not just building services – but had to draw up civil plans, additional structural plans, had to get fire marshal review, almost faced the dreaded canyon review and just missed the steep slope review. We ended up with 3 separate stamped sets of plans: building, civil, retaining walls.

It sounds like you learned to work the system well. I’m sure you pulled out a lot of hair when you were doing it, though.[/quote]

Hi UCGAl,

Who am I to pick on architects anyway?

I bet your unit was a challenge. With 20 rolling acres I had several easy spots to choose from.
I did build the rental. It is a legal rental called a second dwelling unit.It has all separate services. The setting really is great. The tenant has the best views from this lot. You look right down the canyons over MT. Helix catching Point Loma, and on the best days a large expanse of ocean. City lights at night. Great sunsets are most predictable.

Before moving out here I built a small house in Normal Heights, from scratch, and did a few first and a second story additions, plus some combination permits for no square footage added, remodel stuff.

It was on one of the additions in the city that I took over the plan check. That was quite some time ago. I am sure it has gotten worse every year.

[Anonymous]

permabear,
I felt inclined to write you and let you know that I have gone around the whole block on the topic. If you provide your phone number I can call to discuss.

I am a licensed architect and real estate developer. I was looking for a similar purchase for my family and I learned a lot about what is available.

A few things:
1. There are some amazing old mid-century modern dwellings available, but they tend not to be where the best schools are. If the schools are wonderful, they tend to be in the coastal areas and remodels are tricky and expensive.
2. There are great land deals in places like Santaluz for example, but the design restrictions make it difficult but not impossible to build a modern dwelling.
3. The loans are very difficult to come by. You will likely need to increase your down. Either 25+% or at least 50% of the land cost, so it makes it a cash heavy proposal.
4. An extensive remodel might be the way to go, but you need to pick your project carefully.

It could be amazing. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

permabear,
I felt inclined to write you and let you know that I have gone around the whole block on the topic. If you provide your phone number I can call to discuss.

I am a licensed architect and real estate developer. I was looking for a similar purchase for my family and I learned a lot about what is available.

A few things:
1. There are some amazing old mid-century modern dwellings available, but they tend not to be where the best schools are. If the schools are wonderful, they tend to be in the coastal areas and remodels are tricky and expensive.
2. There are great land deals in places like Santaluz for example, but the design restrictions make it difficult but not impossible to build a modern dwelling.
3. The loans are very difficult to come by. You will likely need to increase your down. Either 25+% or at least 50% of the land cost, so it makes it a cash heavy proposal.
4. An extensive remodel might be the way to go, but you need to pick your project carefully.

It could be amazing. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

permabear,
I felt inclined to write you and let you know that I have gone around the whole block on the topic. If you provide your phone number I can call to discuss.

I am a licensed architect and real estate developer. I was looking for a similar purchase for my family and I learned a lot about what is available.

A few things:
1. There are some amazing old mid-century modern dwellings available, but they tend not to be where the best schools are. If the schools are wonderful, they tend to be in the coastal areas and remodels are tricky and expensive.
2. There are great land deals in places like Santaluz for example, but the design restrictions make it difficult but not impossible to build a modern dwelling.
3. The loans are very difficult to come by. You will likely need to increase your down. Either 25+% or at least 50% of the land cost, so it makes it a cash heavy proposal.
4. An extensive remodel might be the way to go, but you need to pick your project carefully.

It could be amazing. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

permabear,
I felt inclined to write you and let you know that I have gone around the whole block on the topic. If you provide your phone number I can call to discuss.

I am a licensed architect and real estate developer. I was looking for a similar purchase for my family and I learned a lot about what is available.

A few things:
1. There are some amazing old mid-century modern dwellings available, but they tend not to be where the best schools are. If the schools are wonderful, they tend to be in the coastal areas and remodels are tricky and expensive.
2. There are great land deals in places like Santaluz for example, but the design restrictions make it difficult but not impossible to build a modern dwelling.
3. The loans are very difficult to come by. You will likely need to increase your down. Either 25+% or at least 50% of the land cost, so it makes it a cash heavy proposal.
4. An extensive remodel might be the way to go, but you need to pick your project carefully.

It could be amazing. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

permabear,
I felt inclined to write you and let you know that I have gone around the whole block on the topic. If you provide your phone number I can call to discuss.

I am a licensed architect and real estate developer. I was looking for a similar purchase for my family and I learned a lot about what is available.

A few things:
1. There are some amazing old mid-century modern dwellings available, but they tend not to be where the best schools are. If the schools are wonderful, they tend to be in the coastal areas and remodels are tricky and expensive.
2. There are great land deals in places like Santaluz for example, but the design restrictions make it difficult but not impossible to build a modern dwelling.
3. The loans are very difficult to come by. You will likely need to increase your down. Either 25+% or at least 50% of the land cost, so it makes it a cash heavy proposal.
4. An extensive remodel might be the way to go, but you need to pick your project carefully.

It could be amazing. Good Luck!

[faterikcartman]

I would think it would take one hell of a lot of DIY to get “The Wedge” built for $450,000.

[faterikcartman]

I would think it would take one hell of a lot of DIY to get “The Wedge” built for $450,000.

[faterikcartman]

I would think it would take one hell of a lot of DIY to get “The Wedge” built for $450,000.

[faterikcartman]

I would think it would take one hell of a lot of DIY to get “The Wedge” built for $450,000.

[faterikcartman]

I would think it would take one hell of a lot of DIY to get “The Wedge” built for $450,000.

[Author]

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