Checklists · Before the free site walk
Site walk prep
What to have ready before the free site walk, so the visit produces a real answer instead of a second visit.
Paperwork to find
- Your property's APN (on the tax bill) and the lot dimensions from the deed or a survey, if you have one
- Any prior permits or drawings for the house, garage or additions (city records or the previous owner)
- Your most recent PG&E bill, so we can read the service size and account
- HOA CC&Rs if you are in an HOA (state law limits what they can block, but we need to know)
- Title report or a note of any recorded easements (utility, access, drainage)
Things to know about the property
- Where the sewer lateral leaves the house, or whether you are on septic
- Where the electrical panel is and its amperage (it is printed on the main breaker)
- Where the water meter is and the size of the supply line if known
- Any trees over 12 inches in trunk diameter near the build area (many cities protect them)
- The narrowest point of the side yard you would bring equipment through
Decisions to think about
- Who the unit is for: a tenant, family, or an office — it changes the layout
- Detached, garage conversion, JADU, or prefab, if you already have a lean
- A rough budget range and how you expect to pay for it (HELOC, cash-out, construction loan, cash)
- Whether you want separate utility meters (simpler for a tenant, more cost up front)
- When you would want to start, and whether anyone lives in the garage or space today