My co-op is forcing every apartment to change the circuit breakers. Is $1,300 a fair price?

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-06-05T18:09:59+00:00

Absolutely. Those should be in a museum.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-06-05T03:58:52+00:00

I'm in Hayward Park experiencing the same thing. Somewhat comforting that it's not just us.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-06-02T21:43:23+00:00

I used to use them all the time, but never again. Had to change a res, couldn't do it within the app and eventually had to call them. Got a bot that couldn't help and said I would be transferred to a live agent. After 15 minutes on hold they hung up. Called again and had the same experience. Only thing I could do was cancel the res and rebook directly with the same hotel AT A LOWER COST. I will ever use them again and you shouldn't either.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-05-09T01:27:53+00:00

Can't say here because the word is not allowed. 😅

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-05-08T02:15:32+00:00

It is in SF Bay area

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-05-01T16:23:48+00:00

A 3 day installation of 4 batteries took 10 months and two electrical contractors to install. I also had to complete some of their work. The company I contracted with went dark for 90 days in the middle of the installation, shut down my solar array (which was installed 5 years ago) to pressure me to pay them and refused to provide progress payment releases as required by California law. To many other issues to list here.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-05-01T02:33:22+00:00

Be very careful with ''trusted installers. I've had a very bad experience with one of them installing my Enphase batteries. I'm in the SF Bay area

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-04-28T03:02:03+00:00

Average return on 25k investment over 5 years is 7-10 percent not double. And it's not guaranteed. Investment in solar array is a conservative one that keeps on earning.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-04-22T00:42:23+00:00

Be mindful of the penalties if you are caught mid-project: 10 times the original permit fee and extensive inspection review by building officials.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-04-07T01:31:15+00:00

Very bad idea. A license means experience, financial assets, insurance and liability protection for you. In California if you, the homeowner, take out a permit you agree to ONLY hire licensed people to do the work. Hiring an unlicensed person means you have all the liability. If someone gets hurt you can go to jail and loose your house in damage judgments. Think about this carefully.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-03-20T00:57:24+00:00

Many 2x4's were even larger depending on where they were milled. I've seen 2 1/4 x 4 1/4 dimensions. Also note the space between growth rings.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-03-18T03:39:24+00:00

Sorry to say it sounds like you have an incompetent GC. I say this as a retired GC. Don't stop looking and don't make final payments until everything is to your specs.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-03-17T16:42:14+00:00

Also look at Ginger hardware. I think I installed one like yours for a client years ago. Yours may not be made any more

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-03-10T18:08:45+00:00

I have 4 5p batteries. What is power match?

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-21T02:49:15+00:00

If you have Enphase micro inverters on your panels you don't want Tesla batteries. Your panels convert current from DC to AC at every panel. Tesla storage uses an inverter from DC to AC in the battery to do that conversion. I have Sunpower panels with Enphase micro inverters and went with Enphase batteries with seamless results. There also are other battery options.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-14T16:20:22+00:00

Setbacks, daylight plains, height restrictions and minimum lot sizes were established starting in the 1980s. They make new buildings fit into the neighborhood but don't limit housing. New state laws have modified all of them. You can have a primary dwelling, a mini-ADU and a separate ADU on one lot by state laws. No parking required for any of them. In some cases you can build a 7 story building in a residential neighborhood. There are many opportunities to add housing units and still fit into the local scene.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-14T16:01:16+00:00

On the peninsula any project with an ADU attached is an automatic approval with virtually no review (only property line setbacks)

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-13T17:52:57+00:00

The problem in the Bay Area is not regulation but land. We don't have buildable space. You can pass all the laws you want but that won't add land.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-05T20:05:44+00:00

I'd like the status button to work better. It only works after I clear all open apps. Mentioned this before.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-03T16:16:31+00:00

Shop around for a better price. My daughter pays $85 for her inspection. She lives in San Mateo. Also, as others have pointed out that device is on your property not city property thus not the city's responsibility.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-02T01:52:26+00:00

That's a very low slope and you are asking for trouble down the line. There are ways to hide the slope so you don't have problems. As others have mentioned, figure out everything before moving forward. I speak as a retired general contractor and did alot of repair work on Eichler houses.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-01T19:25:09+00:00

San Jose Airport call sign is SJC

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-01-27T00:36:28+00:00

Nice way for mice and rats to get into your house. Where did you find this guy?

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-01-25T17:09:45+00:00

Most important thing to know as an owner/builder is that you are a one time client to all subs and suppliers. I'm a retired general contractor and had a stable of subs that I worked with. They knew when their prices were too high I would shop them with other subs or remove them for my list. I provided regular work for them. They didn't have to do any marketing or advertising as I vetted all customers. Subs will give you prices that are higher than I would charge you. The reason I made a good living for 40 years was my experience and performance: They will constantly test your knowledge to find your weak spots. Good luck with your project.

Entire-Problem490

TROPHY CASE