Homeowner guides
Plain-language answers to the questions that come up before a project starts, with the official sources linked so you can check them yourself.
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How to hire a licensed contractor in California
When a license is required, how to check it, bids and references, what the contract must include, the down payment limit and your right to cancel.
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ADUs on the Central Coast: the rules in plain language
Sizes, setbacks, height, parking, the 60-day permit rule, impact fees, renting and selling, and the Coastal Zone, with local planning links.