Love’s Labor Costs: “Just Give Me the Number”

by Dylan Bertet | Oct 22, 2026 | Love’s Labor Costs

Love’s Labor Costs: load-bearing advice for your love-hate relationship with your home.Dear Dylan,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...

Love’s Labor Costs: “Waiting by the Mailbox”

by Dylan Bertet | Oct 20, 2026 | Love’s Labor Costs

Love’s Labor Costs: load-bearing advice for your love-hate relationship with your home.Dear Dylan,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...

Love’s Labor Costs: “Should We Just Move?”

by Dylan Bertet | Oct 13, 2026 | Love’s Labor Costs

Love’s Labor Costs: load-bearing advice for your love-hate relationship with your home.Dear Dylan,My husband spends every night on Zillow looking at bigger houses. I say we add on. Who’s right? (Please say me.)Signed, Zillow Widow in San JoseDear...

Love’s Labor Costs: “The Tax Man Cometh”

by Dylan Bertet | Oct 6, 2026 | Love’s Labor Costs

Love’s Labor Costs: load-bearing advice for your love-hate relationship with your home.Dear Dylan,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...