Cmo's Blog

House Build - Getting out of the ground This is my story of the trials and tribulations of building a new home from start to finish, acting as a general contractor and doing as much work as possible to minimize costs while still creating a well built house.  I have one rule, do it right, nothing "hokie".  That means time, money and lots of research. Breaking ground 1/25/20 Street work is the first to begin - we need to upsize the conduit for underground electric service from 2" to 3".  Yes, it's expensive and a waste, but that's what the utility (SDG&E) wanted.  Also, we need to move the water service to clear the future driveway.  The water meter box is not allowed in a driveway.  However, the sewer is in the correct spot. Street cuts prior to digging Electrical conduit going in, 4 feet down Getting ready to tap the water main in the street 2/1/20 The Surveyor came out and marked out rough grading locations.   A...

House Build - The Beginning - Planning & Permits ...and acting as your own general contractor This is my story of the trials and tribulations of building a new home from start to finish, acting as a general contractor and doing as much work as possible to minimize costs while still creating a well built house.  I have one rule, do it right, nothing "hokie".  That means time, money and lots of research. Background My wife and I decided we were ready to start looking for a new home here in San Diego.  Unfortunately, existing properties for sale were either over priced, or required a ton of work to get them to what we would want.  One option that we thought about for a long time was to build. We found a property here in town that fit the bill. I am an Engineer with experience building various things.  I've always wanted to build a house, and now I have a chance. Loans Various financing was required, including a land loan and construction loan. T...