Saturday, August 29, 2015

THE NEW GOLD RUSH!

The content of this post is not fiber related....so read on or not...obviously it's up to you....

The main reason for my current San Francisco Grandma trip was to help our son's family as they begin to vacate their 100 year old house in preparation for a whole house remodel.  With all the tech companies in this area.....the city (where all the young folks want to live) is experiencing another gold rush.  The lack of housing, combined with big tech salaries has turned properties into precious commodities.

The city's rules and regulations in regard to building of any sort are extreme (and might I add ridiculous).  Historic homes, even if they are almost uninhabitable, can not be razed.  Instead you'll see houses taken down to the framework, surrounded by scaffolding, and tented to help protect the environment from the debris.

Here are two examples of homes within a block of our son's house.  In his case, the architecture and permitting process has taken 3 long years and when actually underway, it will take a minimum of 12 months before it's completed.  This endeavor is definitely not for the faint of heart.....and with a 3 year old, another due in a month, a new job for DIL, and a major promotion for our son, I'm truly in awe!



7 comments:

margaret said...

there is a certain beauty abot the oold properties but I certainly would not want to renovate one, must work out as if not more expensive as building from scratch and I am sure the end result will be wonderful, hopefully you will share the transformation in 12 months time.

Nancy said...

Lots going on for sure! And if they're being told at least 12 months... well, you know how that goes. The tenting solution is an interesting one. And clearly a project at one address is a project for the whole street. Wow- lots of challenges. I watch House Hunters often, and the real estate in CA is pricey without a doubt.

Tu-Na Quilts said...

I watch various building and remodeling shows on HGTV and am always amazed at how much the remodeling costs or buying other properties for that matter. I love old architecture. Here they tend to tear down and rebuild rather than renovate and remodel. We have very few properties around that are even close to a hundred years old. Keep us posted on their progress as I find it fascinating.

The Idaho Beauty said...

I'd heard some stories about housing in SF and challenges to remodelings, especially concerning parking. But I had no idea the permit process was so grueling. One must really love where one lives to be willing to live elsewhere for a year while remodeling. Well - I guess they don't have to worry about the place losing value...

And to be doing this as a baby is on the way - well, what is they say about youth? ;-)

Robbie said...

Actually, the mere thought exhausts me!! Good luck to your son and his family and thanks goodness for MIL's/mom's/grandma's!

Kristen Mendes said...

I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award! Check out more here: http://athoughtineverythread.com/2015/09/02/the-liebster-award-who-me-2/

Lara B. said...

A gold rush indeed. It must have all sorts of ramifications for the people and the city.
That type of renovation is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Mary, I wish your son and his family lots of luck and very happy results!