Interested in building my own home...

[Evans, Marv]

Several things have caught my eye in a couple of recent comments, which I can give some local input for a couple at this point. First of all in San Diego County, your plans have to be approved by the County before you can start doing anything (after the grading has been completed & passed inspection), so having your inspector say something has to be changed on your plans just doesn't apply. Here inspectors don't have anything to do with the plans other than inspecting to make sure things are built to code. If the plans department has to review your building plan (for additions or changes) more than their specified number of standard reviews, they start charging $140+/hr. for it. Also, if you use unskilled & licensed day workers, you have to (legally) pay worker's comp when you pay them more than $500 for their time. Things work out OK if things run smoothly, but if there is a problem or injury, you could wind up in deep doo doo. There are a bunch of other things I could comment on but would take up too much space.

[Evans, Marv]

Excuse me. I meant to say "unlicensed" day workers.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

The lot already has a level pad graded. All utilities on site. The home will be completely on the level pad - no piers or suspended construction.

Having looked at the small pictures of the lot, let me say that that's not even close to being ready to build a house on. Lousy utility rough-in also, so I'd be prepared to spend a little money re-doing some of that, just so you don't have a monumental eyesore in the front of your property. You really need soil boring tests before you can decide what sort of foundation and grading you'll need.

JR

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

Several things have caught my eye in a couple of recent comments, which I can give some local input for a couple at this point. First of all in San Diego County, your plans have to be approved by the County before you can start doing anything (after the grading has been completed & passed inspection), so having your inspector say something has to be changed on your plans just doesn't apply. Here inspectors don't have anything to do with the plans other than inspecting to make sure things are built to code. If the plans department has to review your building plan (for additions or changes) more than their specified number of standard reviews, they start charging $140+/hr. for it. Also, if you use unskilled & licensed day workers, you have to (legally) pay worker's comp when you pay them more than $500 for their time. Things work out OK if things run smoothly, but if there is a problem or injury, you could wind up in deep doo doo. There are a bunch of other things I could comment on but would take up too much space.

Marv, that may have been your experience, but mine is different. I have had inspectors override plan check if they see the need. Just because PC missed something doesn't mean it will be built that way. My last job went back to engineering while in progress 3 times due to things that came up or were inaccurate from the beginning.

Also, there is no $500 exemption for day workers. If they get hurt in the first hour, it's your responsibility. If you pay more than 500 to anyone, you must either file a 1099 or take payroll taxes. Maybe that's what you're thinking of.

I know these laws better than most as I've been in court over these same issues and it did not work out well for me. And it was my fault. I've worked alone since going on 20 years now. Like trekkor.