Some of the most challenging things about the remodeling business are the misconceptions people often have about construction and remodeling. The following is a list of some of the most common I hear, in no particular order:

I don’t need a permit: If the City says you need a permit, you should get one. I’d be the first to agree that the permit process is an expensive hassle, but I also agree with the City that building permits are one more way of making sure things are done right. The building inspector is another pair of trained, experienced and impartial eyes checking the major components of the project. Wouldn’t you feel better about the internal structure of your home (the parts you can’t see) if you knew someone like that had inspected it?

I can do whatever I want to my own house: Not exactly. You still have to abide by the codes and regulations for your specific address. These include how close to your property line your home can be, how many living units there can be, how much of your property the house covers, and sometimes environmental restrictions because of hillsides or endangered species. (Yes, endangered species in Clairemont!)

I can save money by using an unlicensed contractor: Okay, we are talking about your home here, which is probably your family’s biggest investment. Are you really going to let someone tear it up who isn’t even committed to being a professional? Would you fly on a plane with a pilot that had no license if the ticket was cheaper?

The biggest construction company is the best: Choosing a contractor based on how many big ads they have would be foolish, but that’s what plenty of people do. Just because a company has an ad on your favorite TV show doesn’t mean they are the best for you and your project. Every company, no matter how big or small, does some things better than others.

This project will add a lot of value to the house: Chances are it will, but don’t count on getting every dollar you invest in remodeling back when you sell the house. Remodeled kitchens and baths are probably the projects that offer the best return on investment. Some projects are justified best by the enjoyment you have while you live there.

I can live in the house while you add a second story: Well you can, but you’re not going to enjoy it. I always recommend planning on staying elsewhere for a few months if you are considering adding a second story. Yes, it can add to the cost of the project, but it’s worth it to avoid living crammed into a small part of a home without a roof.

The lowest price is best deal: I understand why people think this. Remodeling is a “big ticket” item, so a low bid is going to be very attractive. Just remember, the price may be low for a reason-it may not include everything you want, it might be substandard materials, it could even be fraud. That isn’t to say every low bid has something wrong with it; but if you get three bids and two are similar and one is way low…you’ve got to ask yourself why.

I used to work construction and that’s not the way we did it: Sorry, but working on a framing crew for a summer during college doesn’t make you qualified to supervise my men. Keep in mind these guys have been making a living doing this work, and they are professionals. If you really think something’s wrong with what is being done, you should be talking to the superintendent, or the owner of the construction company. If you still aren’t satisfied, bring the Building Inspector into it or the Contractor’s License Board.

My room addition will be cheaper because you can use my existing patio slab for the foundation: There is a great difference between a concrete slab that is built to support the weight of people walking around on it and a slab constructed to support the weight of walls and a roof and everything that goes into a room. The patio slab is going to have to come out and a proper foundation poured before we can build your room addition.

These are just some of the “myths” I’ve run across over the years. If you have heard something about remodeling that you think might be a “myth”, feel free to give me a call or send and e mail and I’ll give you my thoughts on it.

Tags: city building permits, Clairemont custom home builders, Licensed contractor San Diego, San Diego remodeling