Ask Baily
Homeowner questions, straight answers.
The questions you'd type into ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google — answered directly, with citations to the regulator or primary source. Written by Netanel Presman (licensed general contractor, CSLB #1105249) for permit, LA regulatory, and contractor-craft questions; by AskBaily Editorial for everything else. No marketing fluff. If AskBaily doesn't know something, the answer says so.
Permits
11 questions- Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?Cosmetic refresh (paint, cabinets in place, same-location fixtures) usually does not need a permit.
- Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Los Angeles?In the City of Los Angeles, a bathroom remodel requires a building permit from LADBS any time you move plumbing fixtures, add electrical...
- What permits do I need in San Francisco?San Francisco requires a building permit from SF DBI for structural work, additions, most kitchen or bath remodels, electrical work, plum...
- How do Chicago tuckpointing permits work?Chicago requires a building permit for any tuckpointing, masonry repair, or facade work over 5 feet above grade or on a building over 80...
- How much does a permit cost in Los Angeles?LADBS permits scale with declared construction valuation.
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?Yes, every US state that enforces the International Plumbing Code or Uniform Plumbing Code requires a permit to replace a water heater, e...
- Do I need a permit to replace windows?Most US jurisdictions require a permit for window replacement, even a like-for-like swap.
- How long does LADBS plan check take?LADBS plan check in 2026 averages 4-8 weeks for the first correction cycle on a simple residential remodel, 8-16 weeks on an ADU, and 12-...
- How do I get a permit in San Diego?San Diego building permits are issued by the City's Development Services Department via the OpenDSD online portal.
- How do permits work in Austin, Texas?Austin residential permits are issued by the Development Services Department via the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) online portal.
- What is a certificate of occupancy?A certificate of occupancy (CO or C of O) is a document issued by the local building department certifying that a structure complies with...
ADUs
7 questions- How much does an ADU cost?Detached ADUs in California typically run $275,000-$500,000 turnkey as of 2026 (300-800 sqft, including design, permits, utilities, finish).
- Do ADUs increase property value?Most appraisers add 60-100% of the ADU's construction cost to the property's appraised value in markets with strong rental demand.
- Can I rent out my ADU on Airbnb?It depends on the city.
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Los Angeles?Yes, every ADU in Los Angeles requires a building permit from LADBS plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
- What is the cost per square foot to build an ADU?Detached ADU cost per square foot in 2026 runs roughly $400-$650/sqft in California coastal metros, $300-$500/sqft in inland California a...
- What is the difference between an addition and an ADU?An addition expands your primary residence as one contiguous home.
- What is Dallas ADU policy?Dallas allows Accessory Dwelling Units as a permitted use in single-family residential zones with specific standards: maximum 750 sqft, d...
Costs
8 questions- What is the cheapest way to remodel a kitchen?Paint cabinets, swap hardware, replace countertops, and re-tile the backsplash while leaving all plumbing and electrical in place.
- How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?A cosmetic bathroom refresh runs $10,000-$20,000 in 2026.
- What is the cost of a kitchen remodel in San Francisco?San Francisco kitchen remodels run $75,000-$150,000 for a mid-scope refresh and $150,000-$350,000 for a full gut with custom cabinetry.
- What is the cost of a bathroom remodel in Miami?Miami bathroom remodels run $15,000-$30,000 for cosmetic refresh, $30,000-$65,000 for mid-scope with shower relocation, and $60,000-$110,...
- How much does it cost to add a second story to a house?A second-story addition typically runs $300-$500/sqft for the new floor in most US metros, or $500-$800/sqft in coastal California and th...
- How much does it cost to finish a basement?Finishing a basement typically runs $30-$75/sqft in most US metros, or $75-$130/sqft for high-end finishes with a legal bedroom (egress w...
- How much does a garage conversion cost in Los Angeles?An LA garage-to-ADU conversion typically runs $120,000-$220,000 in 2026, depending on size (250-500 sqft), finish level, and whether util...
- How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in New York City?NYC kitchen remodels run $40,000-$90,000 for cosmetic, $90,000-$180,000 for mid-scope, and $175,000-$400,000+ for full gut in a co-op or...
Regulatory
26 questions- What is Title 24 compliance?Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations is the state's Building Energy Efficiency Standards, enforced by the California En...
- What is SB 9 in California?California Senate Bill 9 (2021, effective January 1, 2022) allows a homeowner to split a single-family residential lot into two parcels a...
- What is AB 1033 ADU sale?California Assembly Bill 1033 (2023, effective January 1, 2024) allows cities to opt in to permitting the separate sale of an ADU as a co...
- What is the HPOZ process in Los Angeles?An HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone) is a Los Angeles zoning overlay that adds design review to any exterior work on a property w...
- What is NYC Local Law 97?NYC Local Law 97 (part of the Climate Mobilization Act, 2019) caps annual greenhouse gas emissions from buildings over 25,000 sqft starti...
- What is NYC Loft Law?The NYC Loft Law (1982, amended 2019) legalizes residential occupancy of former commercial or manufacturing spaces converted to housing w...
- What is Miami HVHZ?HVHZ stands for High-Velocity Hurricane Zone — the area of Miami-Dade and Broward counties subject to the strictest windborne-debris and...
- How much does Title 24 compliance cost?Title 24 compliance documentation (CF-1R forms from a California Certified Energy Analyst) costs $500-$2,500 per project depending on scope.
- What is a conditional use permit?A conditional use permit (CUP) is a zoning approval that allows a specific land use that is not permitted by right in that zone but may b...
- What is a zoning variance?A zoning variance is a discretionary approval that allows a specific property to deviate from a zoning regulation (setback, height, lot c...
- Can I build an ADU in a historic district?Yes, you can build an ADU in most historic districts, but design review applies.
- What is a coastal commission permit?A California Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is required for any development within the Coastal Zone, which extends roughly 1,000 yards...
- How do HOA rules affect home remodeling?HOA architectural review committees (ARCs) must approve exterior changes — siding, roofing, windows, paint, landscaping, fences, addition...
- What is the Miami 21 code?Miami 21 is the City of Miami's form-based zoning code, adopted in 2010 and named for the 21st century.
- What is the Denver zoning code?The Denver Zoning Code (DZC), adopted in 2010, divides the city into districts starting with a prefix (U-Urban, E-Urban Edge, S-Suburban,...
- What is the Seattle Shoreline Management Act?The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) is Washington state law (RCW 90.58) that requires any development within 200 feet of marine and major...
- What is the Chicago building code?The Chicago Construction Code is the city's own comprehensive building code, revised in 2019-2022 to integrate the International Building...
- What is the Atlanta R-3 zoning?Atlanta R-3 is a single-family residential zoning district under the Atlanta Zoning Ordinance.
- What is the Boston Zoning Code Article 80?Boston Zoning Code Article 80 governs development review for projects over 50,000 sqft (Large Project Review) and projects over 20,000 sq...
- What is the Philadelphia zoning code?The Philadelphia Zoning Code (Title 14), comprehensively revised in 2012, uses a form-based approach organized into Residential (RSA, RSD...
- What is the Nashville Specific Plan overlay?Nashville's Specific Plan (SP) overlay is a custom zoning overlay negotiated between a developer and the Metro Council for a specific site.
- What is the Phoenix zoning ordinance?The Phoenix Zoning Ordinance (Title 6 of the Phoenix City Code) divides the city into districts including R1-18, R1-14, R1-10, R1-8, R1-6...
- What is the Portland Residential Infill Project?The Portland Residential Infill Project (RIP) is a 2020 zoning reform that legalized duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes on most single-f...
- What is the Vancouver RS-1 zoning?Vancouver's RS-1 (One-Family Dwelling District) is the most common single-family residential zone in Vancouver, BC.
- What is the Toronto garden suite bylaw?Toronto's garden suite bylaw, passed 2022, legalizes detached secondary dwelling units in the rear yards of most residential lots in Toro...
- What is prevailing wage in California?California prevailing wage is the hourly pay rate set by the Department of Industrial Relations for workers on public works projects.
Licensing
14 questions- How do I know if my contractor is licensed?Ask for the license number, then look it up on the state licensing board's website directly.
- What is the Arizona ROC license?The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) is the Arizona state agency that licenses all contractors.
- How do I verify a contractor license in California?Go to CSLB.ca.gov, use the License Lookup tool, and enter either the license number or business name.
- How do I check a contractor's bond?Every state licensing board that requires contractor bonds publishes the bond amount, bond company, and bond status in the license lookup.
- What is a CSLB license?A CSLB license is a license issued by the California Contractors State License Board, which regulates all California contractors.
- What is Oregon CCB?The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) is the state agency that licenses all Oregon contractors.
- What is Washington L&I?Washington L&I (Department of Labor and Industries) administers Washington state's contractor registration, workers' compensation, and wo...
- What insurance does a general contractor need?A residential general contractor should carry general liability insurance ($1M-$2M per occurrence typical), workers' compensation (requir...
- What is general liability insurance?General liability insurance (CGL) covers bodily injury and property damage claims arising from a contractor's operations.
- What is workers' compensation insurance?Workers' compensation insurance pays medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.
- What is a surety bond?A surety bond is a three-party financial guarantee in which a bonding company (surety) promises to pay a claimant if the principal (contr...
- How do I verify a subcontractor's license?Ask for the sub's license number, then look it up directly on the state licensing board's website.
- What is 1099 vs W-2 for contractors?A W-2 employee works under the contractor's direction with taxes withheld and benefits provided.
- How do I register my business as a contractor in California?In California, contractors must pass the CSLB exam, register a business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation), obtain a $25,000 c...
Financing
11 questions- Can I finance a home renovation?Yes.
- What credit score do I need for a home remodel loan?Minimums vary by product: FHA 203(k) accepts 580 with 3.5% down (or 500-579 with 10% down); Fannie Mae HomeStyle typically requires 620+;...
- Are home equity loans better than cash for remodels?It depends on opportunity cost and tax treatment.
- What is a construction loan?A construction loan is short-term financing (typically 6-24 months) that funds a home build or major renovation in stages tied to constru...
- Can I use a HELOC for a home remodel?Yes.
- What is Hearth Financing?Hearth Financing is a home improvement loan platform offering unsecured personal loans of $1,000 to $250,000 specifically for remodeling.
- Should I pay my contractor upfront?Never pay the full contract price upfront.
- What is a fixed-price vs time-and-materials contract?A fixed-price contract sets a single total price for defined scope; the contractor absorbs cost overruns.
- What should be in a home remodel contract?A complete home remodel contract includes: scope of work with specifications, total contract price, draw schedule, start and completion d...
- What is a mechanic's lien release?A mechanic's lien release (or waiver) is a document in which a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier waives their right to file a lien f...
- How do progress payments work in construction?Progress payments (draws) release portions of the contract price as specific construction milestones are completed.
Safety
12 questions- How do I avoid contractor fraud?Verify the license and bond on the state board's site directly, not on a lead platform.
- What is a mechanic's lien?A mechanic's lien is a legal claim a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier can file against your property for unpaid work or materials.
- What should I do if my contractor abandons the project?File a written demand for resumption of work, document the abandonment with photos and timeline, file a complaint with your state contrac...
- How do I file a complaint against a California contractor?File a complaint with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) online at cslb.ca.gov or by mail using Form 6A.
- What is a change order?A change order is a written amendment to a construction contract that adds, removes, or modifies scope, price, or timeline.
- Can I sue my contractor for poor workmanship?Yes.
- What is retainage in construction?Retainage is a percentage of each payment (typically 5-10%) held back from the contractor until substantial completion or final inspection.
- What is construction bond forfeiture?Construction bond forfeiture occurs when a licensed contractor's bond is paid out to compensate homeowners for unfinished work, defective...
- How do I spot a contractor scam?Red flags include door-to-door solicitation after disasters, demand for large upfront payment (over 10% or $1,000 in California), refusal...
- What is a preliminary notice (20-day notice) in California?A California preliminary notice (often called the 20-day notice) is a document that subcontractors, suppliers, and equipment lessors must...
- What if my contractor is working without a license?Stop work, do not pay further, and report to the state licensing board.
- How do I file a CSLB complaint?File online at cslb.ca.gov using the Contractor Complaint form, or mail Form 6A to CSLB Intake, P.O.
General
11 questions- How long does a bathroom remodel take?A cosmetic bathroom refresh typically runs 2-3 weeks of on-site work.
- What is a design-build contractor?A design-build contractor handles both the design phase (architectural drawings, engineering, permits) and the construction phase under o...
- What is the difference between a contractor and an architect?An architect designs the building and produces stamped drawings; a general contractor builds to those drawings.
- How do I bid on a construction job correctly?Proper bidding starts with complete drawings and specifications, a detailed scope of work review, quantity takeoffs of every material and...
- How long does a kitchen remodel take?A cosmetic kitchen remodel typically takes 3-6 weeks on-site with 2-4 weeks of pre-construction.
- How do I choose a contractor?Choose a contractor with: verified active state license, current general liability insurance and workers' comp, 3+ years of references wi...
- What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring?Essential questions: license number and class, current insurance limits, years of experience with this specific project type, recent comp...
- What is the remodel process step-by-step?A typical residential remodel follows: (1) scoping and budget, (2) design and selections, (3) bidding and contractor selection, (4) contr...
- Should I live in my house during a remodel?For kitchen or bathroom-only remodels, most families can live in-home with temporary arrangements.
- What is a punch list in construction?A punch list is a detailed list of small items and minor defects remaining to be completed or corrected before a construction project is...
- How do I get multiple bids from contractors?Get 3-5 qualified bids by: preparing a consistent scope document to send each contractor, selecting candidates verified through state lic...
Don't see your question?
Chat with Baily. 5 minutes, one scoped estimate, real permit flags, real cost range. We route you to one licensed contractor — not seven.