Love’s Labor Costs
Load-bearing advice for your love-hate relationship with your home.
A 90s-style advice column by Dylan Bertet, owner of Build Better Properties and a licensed Bay Area contractor (CSLB #1077286). Real homeowner questions about additions, remodels, permits and budgets, with straight answers. Scroll down to send in your own.
Love’s Labor Costs: “Just Give Me the Number”
We want to add about 700 square feet. Every contractor I call says “it depends.” Depends on WHAT? I just want a price per square foot so I can stop lying awake doing math. — Ballpark Betty in Campbell
Love’s Labor Costs: “Waiting by the Mailbox”
We submitted plans for our addition and the city sent back comments. Then more comments. I’m starting to think the permit office is a myth. How long is this supposed to take? — Still Waiting in Willow Glen
Love’s Labor Costs: “Should We Just Move?”
My husband spends every night on Zillow looking at bigger houses. I say we add on. Who’s right? (Please say me.) — Zillow Widow in San Jose
Love’s Labor Costs: “The Tax Man Cometh”
My neighbor says if we add a bedroom, the county will reassess our whole house and our property tax will triple. Should I just live with three kids in two bedrooms forever? — Prop 13 and Proud in Sunnyvale
Ask Dylan a question
Stuck on a remodel, an addition or a contractor who won’t call back? Write in. Every question is read by Dylan, and we review every one before anything is published. If your question runs in the column, we only use the sign-off you choose, never your real name or email.
Planning a project? Leave your phone number and Dylan will reach out personally, whether or not your question makes the column.