The good news is that you, as homeowner, will do just fine if you don’t want to learn any construction jargon. Homes have been built and remodeled for years when the homeowner didn’t know the difference between a rafter tail and a grade beam. If your builder needs to explain to you why it will be difficult to add an extra window after your drawings have been approved (because the wall in question is a “shear wall”, or because your “Title 24” compliance will be thrown off) he can take an extra fifteen seconds to explain what it all means, [...]

Builders. They do nothing less than create the built environment in which humanity conducts its affairs. They’ve done so since ancient times. Today you can visit Roman structures that are still standing after two thousand years and marvel at the skill of the builders. Now, can you just find a good local one to come and do your remodel project? As a homeowner seeking to remodel, you are going to allow a builder to come in and destroy your home (your most special place in the world!) and then give them lots of money to put it back together different [...]